Watercraft propulsion system and operating method
First Claim
1. A watercraft propulsion system comprising an engine and an electric motor that are both configured to selectively drive a propeller, the system comprising a user instruction device and a controller, the user instruction device configured so that a user can select a first or second forward operating mode and an output power within the selected operating mode, the controller adapted to receive a signal from the instruction device indicative of the desired operating mode and output power and to control the engine and electric motor accordingly, wherein the controller is configured to employ the electric motor to drive the propeller when the first forward operating mode is selected, and the controller is configured to employ the engine to drive the propeller when the second forward operating mode is selected.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A watercraft propulsion system has a control lever for giving instructions regarding operating mode and output power from a source of driving force. A controller sets a propeller driving mode according to instructions given from the control lever. In an embodiment, an electric motor and an engine are included in the propulsion system, and the controller simultaneously controls both the engine and motor based on inputs from the control lever and sensed conditions.
31 Citations
20 Claims
- 1. A watercraft propulsion system comprising an engine and an electric motor that are both configured to selectively drive a propeller, the system comprising a user instruction device and a controller, the user instruction device configured so that a user can select a first or second forward operating mode and an output power within the selected operating mode, the controller adapted to receive a signal from the instruction device indicative of the desired operating mode and output power and to control the engine and electric motor accordingly, wherein the controller is configured to employ the electric motor to drive the propeller when the first forward operating mode is selected, and the controller is configured to employ the engine to drive the propeller when the second forward operating mode is selected.
- 13. A watercraft propulsion system comprising an engine and an electric motor that are both configured to selectively drive a propeller, the system comprising a user instruction device, a drive source switch, and a controller, the user instruction device configured so that a user can select a first or second forward operating mode and an output power within the selected operating mode, the controller adapted to receive a signal from the instruction device indicative of the desired operating mode and output power and to control the engine and electric motor accordingly, wherein when the drive source switch is in a first position the controller is configured to employ the electric motor to drive the propeller when the first forward operating mode is selected and to employ the engine to drive the propeller when the second forward operating mode is selected, and wherein when the drive source switch is in a second position the controller is configured to employ the engine to drive the propeller when either the first or second forward operating mode is selected.
- 16. A method for operating a watercraft propulsion system comprising an engine and an electric motor that are both configured to selectively drive a propeller and which are controlled by a controller, the method comprising receiving a user instruction selecting one of at least a first and second forward operating mode and selecting an output power in the selected operating mode, and if the first forward operating mode is selected, sensing a battery charge level and, if the sensed battery charge level is above a threshold level, driving the propeller with the electric motor, and if the second forward operating mode is selected, driving the propeller with the engine.
Specification