Patent Application
20230064091
The present invention relates to control mechanism of or for a water jet powered watercraft and a watercraft including such a mechanism.
In many water jet powered watercraft, disadvantages exist with conventional jet unit steering and thrust vectoring. Such watercraft generally utilise mechanical steering with cables/chains or pullies coming off a vectoring nozzle, that are connected to a steering wheel. These steering wheels are often located at a centre console of the watercraft or elsewhere that is fairly far forward of the stern of the watercraft. For larger watercraft where there is room to run the cables and chains, this type of control mechanism is not too intruding on the watercrafts open space. Larger watercraft may use hydraulic control mechanisms, the weight of which are insignificant to the size of the watercraft. But cables or chains, pullies and hydraulics are not suitable for small watercraft as such may take up space which compromises the usable payload space on the watercraft and add height to the watercraft. In addition, cables or chains may be exposed to people in the watercraft and such could be a cause of injury.
As mentioned, sometimes hydraulic steering controls are used instead of cables, chains or pullies. But such are more complex, also take up space and add weight that could be significant on a smaller watercraft. Hydraulic controls can be expensive to maintain and are not cheap to install.
Most watercraft are generally powered by fossil fuel powered engines that may be located inside the vessel. Where the watercraft is a waterjet powered watercraft the engine tends to be positioned forward of the stern of the jet unit. It is so positioned as the engine is usually directly coupled to the jet unit to avoid drive chain connections that would otherwise also consume space. Hence fossil fuel powered jet powered watercraft usually have a configuration that are not payload space efficient.
It is therefor an object of the present invention to provide a tiller control mechanism of or for a watercraft that addresses the above mentioned disadvantages and/or that will at least provide the public with a useful choice.
It may also be an object of the present invention to provide a tiller control mechanism of or for a watercraft that is less than 5 m in length that addresses the above mentioned disadvantages and/or that will at least provide the public with a useful choice.
In a first aspect the present invention may be said to be a watercraft comprising:
a hull,
a jet propulsion unit comprising a water jet outlet nozzle at the stern of the hull,
a control mechanism mounted relative to the hull to steer the watercraft when being propelled by the propulsion unit, the control mechanism comprising a thrust vectoring member such as a thrust vectoring control nozzle external of the hull adjacent the water jet outlet nozzle and having an inlet to receive water from the water jet outlet nozzle and a passage to an outlet of the thrust vectoring nozzle, the thrust vectoring nozzle able to re-direct the water jet leaving the hull controlled by a tiller stock secured to and projecting upwardly from the thrust vectoring nozzle and a tiller coupled (directly or indirectly) to the tiller stock to allow a person to manually move the tiller for controlling the operational direction of the thrust vectoring nozzle to control the direction of the water jet leaving the watercraft.
Preferably the control mechanism is gudgeon and pintle mounted to the hull.
Preferably the water jet outlet nozzle is located at or near the bottom of the hull at the stern of the hull and the tiller stock projects upwardly from the thrust vectoring nozzle.
Preferably the water jet outlet nozzle is located at or near the bottom of the hull at the stern and the tiller stock projects vertically upwardly from the thrust vectoring nozzle.
Preferably the tiller stock and thrust vectoring nozzle are pivotally mounted to the water jet outlet nozzle and the hull.
Preferably the stern of the hull is or comprises a transom and the control mechanism is mounted to the transom.
Preferably the tiller stock is elongate and the elongate direction of the tiller stock lies in the vertical centreline plane of the watercraft.
Preferably the tiller stock projects to above the transom of the hull and the tiller extends from the tiller stock and over the transom of the hull towards the bow of the hull.
Preferably the tiller is indirectly coupled to the tiller stock in a manner to create a mechanical advantage between the tiller and the tiller stock.
Preferably the tiller is indirectly coupled to the tiller stock in a lever armed manner to the tiller stock where the tiller to tiller stock, wherein the mechanical advantage ratio is less than 1.
Preferably the control mechanism comprising a water jet deflector external of the hull adjacent the water jet outlet nozzle, the water jet deflector shaped and configured and mounted for movement (preferably rotational) relative to the hull and the water jet outlet nozzle between (a) an operative condition presented in the water jet flow path exiting the water jet nozzle to deflect the water jet sufficiently to be able to cause the watercraft to travel through water in a reverse direction, and (b) an inoperative condition where it is not in the water jet flow path.
Preferably the control mechanism also comprises a water jet deflector acting as a reverse bucket able to be caused to move in and out of the water jet flow path.
Preferably the water jet deflector is positioned substantially astern of the thrust vectoring nozzle when in its operative condition.
Preferably the water jet deflector is positioned substantially above the thrust vectoring nozzle when in its inoperative condition.
Preferably the water jet deflector, when in its operative condition, deflects the water jet astern of the thrust vectoring nozzle.
Preferably the water jet deflector is mounted relative to the hull of the vessel for hinged movement between the operative and in-operative conditions.
Preferably the hinged movement is about an axis of rotation that is horizontal and perpendicular to the centreline of the hull.
Preferably the water jet deflector is controlled for hinged movement by a reverse stock, co-axially mounted the tiller stock, coupled to the water jet deflector.
Preferably the water jet deflector is controlled for hinged movement by a reverse stock, co-axially mounted the tiller stock, coupled to the water jet deflector, the reverse stock able to rotate independently of the tiller stock and relative to the hull to cause the water jet deflector to move between its operative and inoperative conditions.
Preferably the reverse stock is coupled to the water jet deflector by a coupling mechanism of or comprising a 4-bar-chain configuration.
Preferably the coupling mechanism is configured and adapted to cause the rotation rotational movement of the reverse stock to be converted to hinged movement of the water jet deflector.
Preferably the reverse stock is rotatably mounted to the hull.
Preferably the reverse stock is gudgeon and pintle mounted to the hull.
Preferably the reverse stock projects upwardly from the coupling.
Preferably the stern of the hull is or comprises a transom and wherein the reverse stock and the tiller stock as a stock assembly are mounted to the transom in a manner rotational relative to the hull.
Preferably the reverse stock is elongate and the elongate direction of the reverse stock lies in the vertical centreline plane of the watercraft.
Preferably the reverse stock, at its end opposite the coupling, is coupled to an actuator to cause the reverse stock to rotate.
Preferably the reverse stock is coupled to an actuator to cause the reverse stock to rotate.
Preferably the actuator is a handle manually operable by a user of the watercraft.
Preferably the actuator is a handle manually operable by a user of the watercraft and presented above the transom of the hull.
Preferably the actuator is a handle manually operable by a user of the watercraft and presented above the transom of the hull adjacent the tiller.
Preferably the handle is mounted for rotation relative to the hull parallel the axis of rotation of the reverse stock.
Preferably the handle is mounted for rotation relative to the hull parallel and offset the axis of rotation of the reverse stock.
Preferably the handle is mounted for rotation relative to the hull parallel and offset the axis of rotation of the tiller.
Preferably the handle is mounted to the hull by a mounting bracket that is secured to the hull.
Preferably the tiller is mounted to the hull by a mounting bracket that is secured directly or indirectly to the hull.
Preferably the tiller is mounted to the hull by the mounting bracket.
Preferably the mounting bracket pivotally supports at least one of the tiller stock and the reverse stock relative to the hull.
Preferably the mounting bracket is located at the top of the transom.
Preferably the mounting bracket defines a housing for the linkage mechanism between the tiller and the tiller stock and the linkage mechanism between the handle and the reverse stock.
Preferably the mounting bracket includes a bearing supporting region to provide for bearing supported rotation of tiller stock and reverse stock at the support bracket.
Preferably the mounting bracket supports the tiller and the handle at opposed sides of the centreline of the hull.
Preferably the reverse stock, at its end opposite the coupling, is coupled to an actuator to cause the reverse stock to rotate about an axis along its elongate direction.
Preferably the handle is indirectly coupled to the reverse stock in a manner to create a mechanical advantage between the handle and the reverse stock.
Preferably the handle is indirectly coupled to the reverse stock in a lever armed manner providing a mechanical advantage ratio less than 1 from the handle to the reverse stock.
Preferably the handle is indirectly coupled to the reverse stock in a lever armed manner providing a mechanical advantage ratio greater than 1 from the handle to the reverse stock.
Preferably the control mechanism is secured to the transom of the hull as a unit.
Preferably the control mechanism includes a base plate by which the water jet deflector is mounted in a manner to be able to rotate in a hinged manner relative to the hull and a transom plate extending upwardly from the base plate and by which the jet vectoring nozzle and the tiller stock and reverse stock is mounted for rotation relative to the hull.
Preferably the mounting bracket is mounted to the transom mount such as a transom plate.
Preferably the base such as a base plate is hinged to the transom plate in a manner so that the angle between them can be varied and can set.
Preferably the base plate is hinged to the transom plate in a manner so that the angle between them can be varied and can set yet the disposition of the tiller stock and the reverse stock and the water jet deflector and the jet vectoring nozzle remains the same.
Preferably the jet propulsion unit includes a shaft driven impeller coupled to an electric motor.
Preferably the tiller includes a controller to control the electric motor.
In a second aspect the present invention may be said to be a watercraft comprising:
a hull, a jet propulsion unit having a water jet outlet nozzle at the stern of the hull, a control mechanism mounted to said hull to steer the watercraft when being propelled in a forward direction by the propulsion unit, the control mechanism comprising a thrust vectoring control member such as a thrust vectoring control nozzle rotationally mounted relative to the hull having an inlet to receive the water jet and a passage to an outlet of the thrust vectoring nozzle to redirect the water jet, a tiller stock rotatable relative the hull and directly or indirectly coupled to and projecting upwardly from the thrust vectoring nozzle, a tiller coupled to the tiller stock to allow a person to manually move the tiller for controlling the rotational position of the tiller stock and hence the thrust vectoring nozzle relative the hull thereby controlling the direction of forward movement of the watercraft.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a watercraft comprising:
a hull,
a jet propulsion unit having a water jet outlet nozzle at the stern of the hull,
a thrust vectoring nozzle rotatably mounted relative to the hull and having an inlet to receive a water jet from the water jet outlet nozzle and a passage to an outlet of the thrust vectoring nozzle to redirect the water jet,
a tiller stock projecting upwardly from the thrust vectoring nozzle to control and cause the thrust vectoring nozzle to rotate relative the water jet outlet nozzle,
a tiller extending from the tiller stock to allow a person to manually move the tiller to control the rotational position of the tiller stock and the thrust vectoring nozzle.
Preferably the tiller stock is gudgeon and pintle mounted to the hull.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a propulsion system for a watercraft having hull, the propulsion system comprising a jet propulsion unit to present a waterjet outlet at the stern of the hull and a control mechanism to be mounted to the hull to steer the watercraft when being propelled by the propulsion unit, the control mechanism comprising a thrust vectoring nozzle to be positioned external of the hull adjacent the waterjet outlet and having an inlet to receive water from the water jet outlet nozzle and a passage to an outlet of the thrust vectoring nozzle the outlet able to re-direct the waterjet leaving the hull controlled by a tiller stock in use secured to and projecting upwardly from the thrust vectoring nozzle and a tiller in use coupled to the tiller stock to allow a person to manually move the tiller for controlling the direction of the waterjet leaving the watercraft.
Preferably the jet propulsion unit includes a shaft driven impeller coupled to an electric motor.
Preferably the electric motor is powered by a source of stored electric energy.
Preferably the stored electric energy is at least one electric battery.
Preferably the stored electric energy is at least one electric energy cell.
Preferably the electric motor is powered by a source of electric energy created on the watercraft.
Preferably the jet propulsion unit comprises a ducted impeller drawing water from a downward facing opening through the hull and expelling water via the water jet outlet nozzle in a horizontal direction in use.
Preferably the tiller includes a controller to control the jet propulsion unit.
Preferably the tiller includes a controller to control the electric motor.
Preferably the tiller includes an electric energy monitor.
Preferably the electric energy monitor is able to monitor and display at least one of the current draw, voltage of the battery in real time.
In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a control system or mechanism for a jet powered watercraft having a hull with a water jet outlet nozzle, to mount to the hull to steer the watercraft when being propelled by the propulsion unit, the control mechanism comprising
a thrust vectoring control member such as a thrust vectoring nozzle to locate external of the hull adjacent the waterjet outlet nozzle and having an inlet to receive water from the water jet outlet nozzle and a passage to an outlet of the thrust vectoring nozzle the outlet able to re-direct the waterjet leaving the hull,
a tiller stock coupled to and projecting upwardly from the thrust vectoring nozzle, and
a tiller coupled to the tiller stock to allow a person to manually move the tiller for controlling the direction of the waterjet leaving the watercraft.
Preferably the control mechanism comprising a water jet deflector to locate external of the hull adjacent the water jet outlet nozzle, the water jet deflector shaped and configured for movement (preferably rotational) relative to the hull and the water jet outlet nozzle between (a) an operative condition presented in the water jet flow path exiting the water jet nozzle to deflect the water jet sufficiently to be able to cause the watercraft to travel through water in a reverse direction, and (b) an inoperative condition where it is not in the water jet flow path.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a control system or mechanism for a jet powered watercraft having a hull with a water jet outlet nozzle and comprising a water jet deflector to locate external of the hull adjacent the water jet outlet nozzle, the water jet deflector shaped and configured for movement (preferably rotational) relative to the hull and the water jet outlet nozzle between (a) an operative condition presented in the water jet flow path exiting the water jet nozzle to deflect the water jet sufficiently to be able to cause the watercraft to travel through water in a reverse direction, and (b) an inoperative condition where it is not in the water jet flow path.
Preferably the control system or mechanism also comprising:
a thrust vectoring nozzle to locate external of the hull adjacent the waterjet outlet nozzle and having an inlet to receive water from the water jet outlet nozzle and a passage to an outlet of the thrust vectoring nozzle the outlet able to re-direct the waterjet leaving the hull,
a tiller stock coupled to and projecting upwardly from the thrust vectoring nozzle, and
a tiller coupled to the tiller stock to allow a person to manually move the tiller for controlling the direction of the waterjet leaving the watercraft.
Preferably the water jet deflector is positioned substantially astern of the thrust vectoring nozzle when in its operative condition.
Preferably the water jet deflector is positioned substantially above the thrust vectoring nozzle when in its inoperative condition.
Preferably the water jet deflector, when in its operative condition, deflects the water jet astern of the thrust vectoring nozzle.
Preferably the water jet deflector is mounted relative to the hull of the vessel for hinged movement between the operative and in-operative conditions.
Preferably the hinged movement is about an axis of rotation that is horizontal and perpendicular to the centreline of the hull.
Preferably the water jet deflector is controlled for hinged movement by a reverse stock, co-axially mounted the tiller stock, coupled to the water jet deflector.
Preferably the water jet deflector is controlled for hinged movement by a reverse stock, co-axially mounted the tiller stock, coupled to the water jet deflector, the reverse stock able to rotate independently of the tiller stock and relative to the hull to cause the water jet deflector to move between its operative and inoperative conditions.
Preferably the reverse stock is coupled to the water jet deflector by a coupling mechanism of or comprising a 4-bar-chain configuration.
Preferably the coupling mechanism is configured and adapted to cause the rotation rotational movement of the reverse stock to be converted to hinged movement of the water jet deflector.
Preferably the reverse stock is rotatably mounted to the hull.
Preferably the reverse stock is gudgeon and pintle mounted to the hull.
Preferably the reverse stock projects upwardly from the coupling.
Preferably the stern of the hull is or comprises a transom and wherein the reverse stock and the tiller stock as a stock assembly are mounted to the transom in a manner rotational relative to the hull.
Preferably the reverse stock is elongate and the elongate direction of the reverse stock lies in the vertical centreline plane of the watercraft.
Preferably the reverse stock, at its end opposite the coupling, is coupled to an actuator to cause the reverse stock to rotate.
Preferably the reverse stock is coupled to an actuator to cause the reverse stock to rotate.
Preferably the actuator is a handle manually operable by a user of the watercraft.
Preferably the actuator is a handle manually operable by a user of the watercraft and presented above the transom of the hull.
Preferably the actuator is a handle manually operable by a user of the watercraft and presented above the transom of the hull adjacent the tiller.
Preferably the handle is mounted for rotation relative to the hull parallel the axis of rotation of the reverse stock.
Preferably the handle is mounted for rotation relative to the hull parallel and offset the axis of rotation of the reverse stock.
Preferably the handle is mounted for rotation relative to the hull parallel and offset the axis of rotation of the tiller.
Preferably the handle is mounted to the hull by a mounting bracket that is secured to the hull.
Preferably the tiller is mounted to the hull by a mounting bracket that is secured directly or indirectly to the hull.
Preferably the tiller is mounted to the hull by the mounting bracket.
Preferably the mounting bracket pivotally supports at least one of the tiller stock and the reverse stock relative to the hull.
Preferably the mounting bracket is located at the top of the transom.
Preferably the mounting bracket defines a housing for the linkage mechanism between the tiller and the tiller stock and the linkage mechanism between the handle and the reverse stock.
Preferably the mounting bracket includes a bearing supporting region to provide for bearing supported rotation of tiller stock and reverse stock at the support bracket.
Preferably the mounting bracket supports the tiller and the handle at opposed sides of the centreline of the hull.
Preferably the reverse stock, at its end opposite the coupling, is coupled to an actuator to cause the reverse stock to rotate about an axis along its elongate direction.
Preferably the handle is indirectly coupled to the reverse stock in a manner to create a mechanical advantage between the handle and the reverse stock.
Preferably the handle is indirectly coupled to the reverse stock in a lever armed manner providing a mechanical advantage ratio less than 1 from the handle to the reverse stock.
Preferably the handle is indirectly coupled to the reverse stock in a lever armed manner providing a mechanical advantage ratio greater than 1 from the handle to the reverse stock.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a jet propelled watercraft comprising a water jet unit and a tiller controlled thrust vectoring nozzle.
Preferably the tiller is connected to a tiller stock that extends between and directly connects the tiller with the thrust vectoring nozzle.
Preferably the tiller is mounted to rotate about an axis parallel but offset an axis of rotation about which the thrust vectoring nozzle is mounted for rotation.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a tiller controlled thrust vectoring nozzle for a jet propelled watercraft comprising a water jet unit.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be, as a unit, a tiller controlled thrust vectoring nozzle and a handle controlled jet deflection member for forward direction steering and reversing respectively of and for a jet propelled watercraft comprising a water jet unit.
Preferably the unit is able to be transom mounted to the watercraft.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a watercraft comprising:
a hull,
a jet propulsion unit comprising a water jet outlet nozzle at the stern of the hull,
a control mechanism mounted relative to the hull to steer the watercraft when being propelled by the propulsion unit, the control mechanism comprising a thrust vectoring control member, external of the hull adjacent the water jet outlet nozzle and having a control surface or surfaces to receive water from the water jet outlet nozzle to vector the water jet leaving the hull, controlled by a tiller stock secured to and projecting upwardly from the control member and a tiller coupled to the tiller stock to allow a person to manually move the tiller for controlling the operational direction of the control member.
Preferably the control mechanism is supported by the water jet outlet nozzle.
Preferably the control mechanism is mounted to the water jet outlet nozzle.
Preferably the control mechanism is supported by and mounted to only the water jet outlet nozzle.
Preferably the control mechanism is supported by the hull.
Preferably the control mechanism is engaged to the hull.
Preferably the tiller stock is gudgeon and pintle mounted to the hull.
Preferably the thrust vectoring nozzle is gudgeon and pintle mounted to the hull.
Preferably the tiller stock is mounted to the hull in a pivotal manner.
Preferably the thrust vectoring nozzle is mounted to the hull in a pivotal manner.
Preferably the thrust vectoring nozzle is directly mounted to the water jet outlet nozzle in a pivotal manner.
Preferably the water jet outlet nozzle is fixed relative the hull.
Preferably the tiller stock is pivotally mounted to the stern of the hull at a location distal from the thrust vectoring nozzle.
Preferably at least one of the tiller stock and thrust vectoring nozzle is pivotally mounted to at least one of the water jet outlet nozzle and the hull.
Preferably the tiller stock and thrust vectoring nozzle are pivotally mounted to at least one of the water jet outlet nozzle and the hull.
Preferably the stern of the hull is or comprises a transom and the tiller stock is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis parallel the transom.
Preferably the tiller extends towards the bow of the hull from the tiller stock.
Preferably the tiller is directly engaged to the tiller stock.
Preferably the tiller is indirectly coupled to the tiller stock in a manner to create a mechanical advantage between the tiller and the tiller stock.
Preferably the tiller is indirectly coupled to the tiller stock in a manner to create a mechanical advantage between the tiller and the tiller stock so that the arc of rotation of the tiller causes a greater arc of rotation of the tiller stock.
Preferably the tiller stock projects to above the transom of the hull and the tiller extends over the transom of the hull towards the bow of the hull.
Preferably the tiller is indirectly coupled to the tiller stock in a geared or lever armed manner to the tiller stock.
Preferably the tiller is indirectly coupled to the tiller stock in a lever armed manner to the tiller stock where the tiller to tiller stock mechanical advantage ratio is 1:X where X is greater than 1.
Preferably the electric motor is powered by a source of stored electric energy.
Preferably the stored electric energy is at least one electric battery.
Preferably the stored electric energy is at least one electric energy cell.
Preferably the electric motor is powered by a source of electric energy created on the watercraft.
Preferably the jet propulsion unit comprises a ducted impeller drawing water from a downward facing opening through the hull and expelling water via the water jet outlet nozzle in a horizontal direction in use.
Preferably the tiller includes a controller to control the jet propulsion unit.
Preferably the tiller stock and thrust vectoring nozzle are pivotally mounted to the hull to each rotate about a respective axis that are parallel each other and preferably coaxial each other.
Preferably at least one of the stock assembly, the tiller stock and the reverse stock is gudgeon and pintle mounted to the hull.
Preferably at least one of the stock assembly, the tiller stock and the reverse stock is mounted to the hull in a pivotal manner.
Preferably at least one of the stock assembly, the tiller stock and the reverse stock is pivotally mounted to the stern of the hull at a location distal from the thrust vectoring nozzle.
Preferably at least one of (a) the stock assembly, the tiller stock and the reverse stock and (b) thrust vectoring nozzle is pivotally mounted to at least one of the water jet outlet nozzle and the hull.
Preferably (a) at least one of the stock assembly, the tiller stock and the reverse stock and (b) the thrust vectoring nozzle, are pivotally mounted to at least one of the water jet outlet nozzle and the hull.
Preferably the stern of the hull is or comprises a transom and at least one of the stock assembly, the tiller stock and the reverse stock is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis parallel a flat surface of the transom.
Preferably the tiller includes an electric energy monitor.
Preferably the electric energy monitor is able to monitor and display at least one of the current draw, voltage of the battery in real time.
Preferably the hull carries at least one solar panel to facilitate charging of the electric power source.
Preferably thrust vectoring nozzle is mounted by an axle with the water jet outlet nozzle.
Preferably the thrust vectoring nozzle controls the forward direction of travel of the water craft.
Preferable the water jet deflector causes the watercraft to travel in a reverse direction.
Preferable the thrust vectoring nozzle in concert with the water jet deflector and control the direction of reverse travel of the watercraft.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a control system for a jet propelled watercraft comprising a hull with a transom and water jet unit, the control system comprising, as a transom mountable unit, a tiller controlled thrust vectoring nozzle and an actuator controlled jet deflection member for forward direction steering and reversing respectively of the jet propelled watercraft.
Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.
As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.
The term “comprising” as used in this specification [and claims] means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification [and claims] which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in the same manner.
The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.
This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.)
The invention relates to or is for a watercraft that has a hull 6 and a jet propulsion unit 111 as seen for example in
With reference to the example seen in
The jet propulsion unit 111 is able to draw water via the inlet 112 through the hull and deliver water out of the hull through an opening of the water jet outlet nozzle 5. In a preferred form the water jet outlet nozzle 5 is presented at and secured to the transom 100 of the hull 6 of the watercraft. The water jet outlet nozzle 5 is hence preferably presented at the stern region of the hull 6 and preferably at a lower region of the hull. The water jet outlet nozzle 5 may for example, when the watercraft is in the water, be located under the water level. Alternatively, the water jet outlet nozzle 5 may be located at or slightly above water level.
The water jet outlet nozzle 5 projects the flow of water leaving the jet propulsion unit 111 in a fixed direction via an outlet of the water jet outlet nozzle 5. This water flow path is preferably in a direction parallel to and on the centreline of the watercraft. It projects the flow of water out the stern and away from the watercraft in order to propel the watercraft forward. This flow direction is desirably controlled and able to be varied in order to steer the watercraft when traveling forward. It may also be controlled in order to cause the watercraft to reverse.
A first example of a control mechanism will be described with reference to
Reference will first be made to the first example.
Associated with the hull is a control mechanism 500. It may also be through of an interchangeably describes as control system. The control mechanism is preferably pivotally mounted relative to the hull 6 and preferably at the stern such as to the transom 100 of the hull 6. The axis of rotation of the control mechanism is preferably about axis A as seen in
The control mechanism as seen in
The thrust vectoring nozzle 3 has a stock 1 attached to it that projects upwardly from the thrust vectoring nozzle 3 to a tiller 11. The stock 1 is able to control the rotation of the thrust vectoring nozzle 3 about the axis A and the tiller 11 is able to control the rotation of the stock 1 and hence also the thrust vectoring nozzle about the axis A. The tiller 11 may include a handle 120 at where a person is able to conveniently grasp the tiller 11 for control of movement of the tiller 11. The tiller 11 may be directly coupled to the stock 1 as seen in the first example of the control mechanism as seen in
The tiller 11 may be coupled to a stock in a fixed manner so that its angle to the stock 1 cannot change relative to the stock or it may be coupled to the stock 1 in an articulatable manner so that the tiller 11 can be moved between a use condition that is at or near horizontal connected to the stock and a tilted up condition that is more vertical. The tiller 11 may or may also be uncoupled from the stock 1 and may be removed from the stock 1 for storage purposes or to move it out of the way when desired.
The control mechanism is preferably mounted to the hull using (i) a mounting bracket 2 that is secured to for example the transom 100 and with which the stock is a journaled for rotation about axis A, and (ii) pivot pins 13 and 14 of for example the water jet outlet nozzle 5 by which the stock and/or the thrust vectoring nozzle 3 is pivotally mounted.
Many other forms of mounting of the control mechanism relative to the hull in a pivotal manner will be envisaged by a person skilled in the art. In some forms it is envisaged that the stock is sufficiently supported by the water jet outlet nozzle and does not require a gudgeon and pintle style support.
The thrust vectoring nozzle 3 includes an inlet 200 and an outlet 201. The inlet 200 is presented to be able to receive the jet of water exiting the water jet outlet nozzle 5. The thrust vectoring nozzle 3 includes a passage 202 between the inlet 200 and the outlet 201 of the thrust vectoring nozzle 3. The passage 202 allows for the water from the water jet outlet nozzle 5 to be ducted through the thrust vectoring nozzle 3 and exit the thrust vectoring nozzle 3 through the outlet 201. Because the thrust vectoring nozzle 3 is able to pivot about the axis A, controlled by the tiller, the direction of the water jet leaving the watercraft is able to altered. This allows for a control over the direction of travel of the watercraft to be exercised by the control mechanism that is able to be controlled by the skipper of the watercraft. The thrust vectoring nozzle 3 is hence able to redirect the water jet leaving the hull so that the direction of travel of the watercraft can be altered.
In a preferred form the tiller 11 is directly coupled to the stock 1 as seen in the first example. An alternative and second example will now be described where the tiller may be coupled to the stock in a manner creating a mechanical advantage or a gear ratio between the two. This is for example, seen in
In
In some forms the lever arms may include an array 1410 of 4 mounting positions for example, the lever arm 1311 as shown in
With reference to
The bucket is preferably mounted for rotation about an axis YY. This allows for the bucket to move between an inoperative position as seen in
The third example may be provided as a unit able to be secured to the stern or transom of the hull of a watercraft. As can be seen in
In the third example a stock 2001 is also utilised. The stock comprises of two components namely the tiller stock 2001a and the reverse stock 2001b. The tiller stock 2001a is akin to the stock 1 or 1001 described with reference to the first and second examples and is provided for controlling the direction of the vectoring nozzle 2003 that is mounted for rotation about an axis coaxial to the stock. The vectoring nozzle 2003 may be secured for rotation at its bottom region by an axle 2605 to the baseplate 2603. At an upper region it may be supported by a bracket 2606 that may depend from the transom mounting plate 2602. In a preferred form the tiller stock 2001a is at least partially sleeved by the reverse stock 2001b. The reverse stock and the vectoring stock are hence mounted for rotation, coaxial each other, and relative to the hull of the watercraft. The tiller stock 2001a may be directly connected, at its upper end to a tiller or indirectly coupled to a tiller 2011, in a manner offset and akin to the configuration of the second example.
A mounting bracket 2002 may be used for holding the stocks at their upper end relative to the hull of the vessel and for mounting other components as will herein be described.
As per the second example, the third example as seen in
The reverse stock 2001b is also provided in a manner for it to rotate. Its rotation is coaxial the tiller stock. Its rotation is controlled by a reverse handle 2607 that is mounted to the mounting bracket 2002 using an axle 2608. The handle can be rotated thereby causing the handle lever arm 2609 to rotate. The handle lever arm is connected to a reverse stock lever arm 2610 by a coupling 2611. Hence a rotation of the reverse handle 2607 will cause, by virtue of the connection hereinbefore described, a rotation of the reverse stock.
The reverse handle 2607 preferably has two rotational end positions. A first rotational end position corresponds to the water jet deflector 2600 being in an inoperative condition such as in an up position seen in
A user is hence able to rotate the handle between its end positions to control the position of the water jet deflector and thereby cause a forward travelling watercraft to slow down and to start travelling in reverse once the water jet deflector is in its operative position. Being conveniently provided mounted by the mounting bracket 2, both the tiller 2011 and the reverse handle 2607 are provided in a convenient manner for use by an operator of the watercraft. In a preferred form the reverse handle is manually operable by the user. However it is envisaged that actuation of the reverse stock may also occur by way of an electrical actuator or a hydraulic automatic actuator. Control of such actuators may be from the tiller, such as at a location at or near its free distal end.
The rotation of the reverse stock 2001b is able to be translated to rotation of the water jet deflector about its axis YY via a reverse control linkage mechanism. The reverse control linkage mechanism comprises a reverse stock lever arm 2615 that projects from the reverse stock 2001b as for example seen in
The cam mechanism 2617 may include a 4-bar-chain style connection in order to allow for the rotation of the arm 2615 about the axis of the stock 2001 to translate to rotation of the water jet deflector about its axis YY, that may be substantially perpendicular or in a plane perpendicular to the stock axis.
The reverse stock control swing arm 2615 is preferably connected to an over length pin 2636 that allows for vertical travel relative to a slotted pin 2637 that allows for horizontal travel. With reference to
The lower end of the stock may be supported to or by the transom mounting plate 2602 using the bracket 2606 that, in a journaled or bearing or bush mounted manner, may rotationally support both of the tiller stock and reverse stock at region 2632 as seen in
The third example of the present invention hence provides a means for controlling both the direction of the water jet leaving the watercraft for both steering of the watercraft whilst travelling in a forward direction and for causing the water jet to change direction sufficiently to allow for the watercraft to be reversed. The mechanism for reverse control is conveniently incorporated with a mechanism for the tiller control of the vectoring nozzle. The third example and as herein described with reference to the drawings is able to be configured for convenient retrofitting to the watercraft as a unit. To facilitate this option the angle of the transom mounting plate and the baseplate is able to be varied by virtue of a hinged connection 2647 and an ability for the bracket 2648a and 2648b to adapt to a range of angular positions between the transom mounting plate and the baseplate and be thereby set. A slotted connection region 2649 of the bracket may be used for facilitating such adjustability. This allows for the unit as shown in for example
The length of the stock 2001 may also able to be adjusted for differing transoms of different watercraft. Some watercraft may have a very high transom whereas others may have a low transom or a transom with a cut-out. The length of the stock may be conveniently adjusted by trimming it for setting at an appropriate height so that the distance between the mounting bracket 2002 and the vectoring nozzle 2003 is able to be selected appropriately for the transom to which the unit is to be mounted. In some configurations the stock, on or both of the tiller stock and reverse stock may be telescopic so as to provide another means of adjusting the length of the stock to accommodate different transoms of different watercraft.
The stock, the tiller stock and reverse stock are each of a straight elongate nature and their axis of rotation is about an axis in the elongate direction. They are preferably tubular. The tiller stock is preferably positioned inside the reverse stock and may be rod shaped.
In the preferred form any one of the control mechanisms are able to be retrofitted to a watercraft. Indeed, the jet propulsion unit may also be able to be retrofitted to a watercraft that is traditionally powered by an outboard motor or by manual power such as oars.
With reference to the
The battery 230 is preferably mounted in a secure location to or in the hull 6 of the watercraft. In the preferred form the jet propulsion unit 111 is powered by an electric motor 113 or motors to rotate the impeller 114 and to thereby cause the watercraft, when in the water, to be propelled forward. The electric motor may be directly coupled by way of a shaft to the impeller 114. The axis of rotation the electric motor is preferably coaxial the axis of rotation of the impeller 114.
The watercraft may carry solar panels for the purposes of re-charging the electric battery.
As seen in
The watercraft may also include an electric energy monitor that may display, for example, the current draw and voltage of the battery in real time. Such display may be provided at the region 130 on the tiller which is a convenient location for a user to be able to view battery and/or electric motor performance information.
An alarm may be included that may warn the user of undesirable battery and/or electric motor conditions. The alarm may activate when for example the battery voltage reaches a certain minimum threshold or if the battery or motor temperature exceeds a certain maximum threshold. The alarm may be incorporated into or as part of the control mechanism.
The or another electric controller may also be provided to automatically adjust the operation of the electric motor such as for example when the voltage drops below a certain minimum threshold the controller may reduce motor speed.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 761849 | Feb 2020 | NZ | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2021/051355 | 2/18/2021 | WO |
