Planing boat

Abstract

To compactly construct a planing boat in a horizontal direction.SOLUTION: A planing boat comprises: a propulsion device which is driven by electric power; and a core unit which supports the propulsion device. The core unit includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber located vertically side by side. A battery for storing electric power is arranged at one of the upper chamber and the lower chamber. A control device for controlling the propulsion device is arranged at the other of the upper chamber and the lower chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a planing boat. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrically assisted watercraft (hereinafter also referred to as a planing boat), such as an electric surfboard or paddle boat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2022-552135 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, an electric energy source such as a battery (hereinafter also simply referred to as the battery) and an electronic control means (hereinafter also referred to as the control means) that controls the operation of the motor of the propulsion means are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, which increases the total area occupied by the battery and the control means, and makes the entire planing boat larger in the horizontal direction.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a planing boat that can be configured compactly in the horizontal direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A planing boat according to one aspect of the present invention is a planing boat equipped with an electrically powered propulsion device, and includes a core unit that supports the propulsion device, the core unit having an upper chamber and a lower chamber positioned side by side in the vertical direction, a battery for storing the electricity being disposed in one of the upper chamber and the lower chamber, and a control device for controlling the propulsion device being disposed in the other of the upper chamber and the lower chamber. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The planing boat can be configured compactly in the horizontal direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a planing boat according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the planing boat. [Diagram 3] 4 is a perspective view of a propulsion unit supported by a core unit of the planing boat. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the propulsion unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the core unit as viewed from below. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the core unit. [Figure 7A] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a step of a procedure for attaching a battery and a control device to the core unit. FIG. [Figure 7B] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the next step in the above mounting procedure. [Figure 7C] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the next step in the above mounting procedure. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view of the top surface portion of the core unit as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the core unit as viewed from below. [Figure 10] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the planing boat with the core unit inserted into an opening of the buoyant body. FIG. [Figure 11A] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a position adjustment member of the core unit 1 at a position before being adjusted. FIG. [Figure 11B] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the position adjustment member at a position after the position adjustment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13A] 10 is a plan view showing another example of the shape of the opening of the buoyant body. FIG. [Figure 13B] 10A and 10B are plan views each showing a schematic example of the shape of the opening portion. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are plan views each showing a schematic example of the shape of the opening portion. [Figure 15] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a fixing portion of the battery in the core unit. FIG. [Figure 16] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views each showing a schematic diagram of a process in the middle of placing the battery on the inner lid. [Figure 17] 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the planing boat. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an operation unit. [Figure 19] 2 is a perspective view of the top surface portion of the core unit from above. FIG. [Figure 20] This is an oblique view from above of the top surface of the core unit with the kill switch magnet detached. [Figure 21] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations controlled by the control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [1. Planing Boat Overview] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a planing boat 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the planing boat 100.

[0011] For ease of explanation, directions are defined as follows. The direction in which the planing boat 100 of this embodiment moves straight forward by being driven by the propulsion device 71 (see FIG. 4) is the fore-aft direction, and the direction of gravity is the up-down direction. The direction perpendicular to the fore-aft and up-down directions is the left-right direction. In each drawing, the fore-aft direction is indicated as direction A, the left-right direction as direction B, and the up-down direction as direction C. In this embodiment, the direction from the start point of the arrow in direction A toward the end point is indicated as the front, and the positional relationships in the fore-aft and left-right directions are indicated. Note that the direction from the start point of the arrow in direction A toward the end point can also be considered as the rear. In this case, the positional relationships in the fore-aft and left-right directions are opposite to those described in this embodiment.

[0012] The planing boat 100 has a core unit 1, a propulsion unit 70, and a buoyant body 80. Inside the core unit 1, a battery BT (see FIG. 6) and a control device CT (see FIG. 6) are arranged, which will be described in detail later.

[0013] The propulsion unit 70 is supported by a bottom 1M of the core unit 1. The bottom 1M is located below a lower chamber 3 (see FIG. 6) described below. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the propulsion unit 70. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the propulsion unit 70. The propulsion unit 70 has a propulsion device 71 and a protective cover 72. The propulsion device 71 has a motor (not shown) driven by electricity, and a propeller 71a that is driven to rotate by the motor. Such a propulsion device 71 is also called a thruster.

[0014] The protective cover 72 is a frame member that surrounds the propulsion device 71. The protective cover 72 is provided to protect the propulsion device 71. In this embodiment, the protective cover 72 has a plurality of arms 72a. The arms 72a extend radially when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis RA of the propeller 71a to cover the propeller 71a. The protective cover 72 may be formed, for example, in a mesh shape. In other words, the protective cover 72 may have any shape that has gaps that allow water flow toward the propeller 71a. The protective cover 72 is formed, for example, of stainless steel from the viewpoint of rust resistance and strength, but may be formed of other metal materials or resin materials. The propulsion device 71 and the protective cover 72 are supported by the bottom 1M of the core unit 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the core unit 1 as viewed from below. Two propulsion units 70 are provided side by side in the left-right direction on the bottom 1M of the core unit 1. By independently driving the propulsion devices 71 of each propulsion unit 70, the planing boat 100 can be made to move forward, backward, turn right, turn left, turn right on the spot (rotate right), or turn left on the spot (rotate left). The drive of the propulsion devices 71 is controlled by the control device CT based on the operation of an operation unit 90 (see FIG. 18), which will be described later, serving as a remote control. The operation unit 90 and the control device CT are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

[0016] Thus, the planing boat 100 of this embodiment includes the electrically powered propulsion device 71 and the core unit 1 that supports the propulsion device 71.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the buoyant body 80 is a floating ring with a substantially circular outer shape, and is filled with air. An opening 81 is formed in the center of the buoyant body 80, penetrating in the vertical direction. The core unit 1 is inserted and fitted into the opening 81. That is, the planing boat 100 includes the buoyant body 80 having the opening 81 into which the core unit 1 is inserted. The buoyant body 80 is also provided with an air inlet 82 for injecting air into the inside, and a handle portion 83 for a user to hold during navigation or transportation. In the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, six handle portions 83 are provided in the circumferential direction of the buoyant body 80 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, but the number is not particularly limited.

[0018] When using the planing boat 100, as shown in Fig. 2, the core unit 1 is inserted from above into the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80 and fitted to float the planing boat 100 on the water. Then, a user stands on top of the core unit 1 while holding the operating part 90 in their hands and operates the operating part 90. The propulsion device 71 of the core unit 1 is then driven by power from the battery BT. This causes the planing boat 100 to sail on the water.

[0019] On the other hand, when the core unit 1 is stored by itself, the core unit 1 is pulled upward from the buoyancy body 80. When replacing the battery BT, the hook 1b arranged on the top surface 1a of the core unit 1 is held by hand, and the top surface 1a is rotated around the rotation shaft 1c. This allows the internal battery BT to be removed and a new battery BT to be installed. A kill switch 1d is provided on the top surface 1a, the details of which will be described later.

[0020] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the propulsion device 71 of the propulsion unit 70 is protected by a protective cover 72. For this reason, when, for example, the core unit 1 is to be pulled up from the buoyant body 80, when the core unit 1 is to be stored separately, or when the core unit 1 is fitted to the buoyant body 80 and stored as the planing boat 100, the protective cover 72 can be brought into contact with the ground for work or storage. Therefore, unlike when the propulsion device 71 is exposed, care needs not to be taken when handling the core unit 1 or the planing boat 100 so that the propulsion device 71 does not come into contact with the ground. This makes it easier to handle the core unit 1 or the planing boat 100 during work or storage.

[0021] [2. Details of the core unit] (2-1. About the upper and lower chambers) 6 is a cross-sectional view of the core unit 1. The core unit 1 has an upper chamber 2 and a lower chamber 3. The lower chamber 3 is located below the upper chamber 2.

[0022] The upper chamber 2 is a storage section that stores a battery BT. The battery BT stores power for driving the propulsion device 71 (see FIG. 4). The upper chamber 2 has an inner lid 21. The inner lid 21 is a partition member that separates the interior of the upper chamber 2 and the lower chamber 3 into upper and lower sections. The inner lid 21 is positioned relative to the bottom surface portion 2a of the upper chamber 2 and fixed by bolts or the like. Here, the bottom surface portion 2a of the upper chamber 2 refers to a portion that protrudes in the front-rear and left-right directions (hereinafter also referred to as the horizontal direction) from the upper end of the second side wall 3b, which is the side wall of the lower chamber 3, and is formed in a frame shape when viewed from below (see FIG. 5). The lower end of the first side wall 2b, which is the side wall of the upper chamber 2, is connected to the outer periphery portion 2a1 of the bottom surface portion 2a. The battery BT is disposed on the upper surface 21a of the inner lid 21. The outer edge portion of the inner lid 21 is bent upward and contacts the first side wall 2b.

[0023] The upper wall of the upper chamber 2 is composed of a top surface portion 1a. The top surface portion 1a rotates between an open state and a closed state around a rotation shaft portion 1c located along the A direction as a central axis. That is, the upper chamber 2 has a top surface portion 1a that can be opened and closed. The rotation shaft portion 1c is supported by a frame body 1e that surrounds the outer periphery of the top surface portion 1a. The frame body 1e is a flat plate that extends flush with the top surface portion 1a and is supported from below by a frame body support portion 2c. The upper end of the first side wall 2b of the upper chamber 2 is connected to the frame body support portion 2c. In addition, a frame-shaped seal member 11 (see FIG. 8) is provided on the back surface of the top surface portion 1a. The seal member 11 ensures the sealing of the upper chamber 2 and reduces the intrusion of water (or seawater) into the upper chamber 2 and the lower chamber 3 from the outside.

[0024] The lower chamber 3 is a storage section that houses the control device CT. The lower chamber 3 is formed by a bottom plate portion 3a that extends in the horizontal direction, a second side wall 3b, and an inner lid 21. The lower end of the second side wall 3b is connected to an outer periphery 3a1 of the bottom plate portion 3a. The upper end of the second side wall 3b is connected to an inner periphery 2a2 of the bottom surface portion 2a of the upper chamber 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower chamber 3 is located inside the outer shape (first side wall 2b) of the upper chamber 2 when viewed from below.

[0025] The control device CT controls the propulsion device 71 in response to the operation of the operation unit 90. The control device CT has a control unit configured with a central processing unit (CPU; Central Processing Unit). The control device CT also has a storage unit that stores an operating program for the control unit, and further has a communication interface for wireless communication with the operation unit 90 as necessary. The communication interface includes an antenna, a modulation circuit, a demodulation circuit, etc.

[0026] The housing CT1 of the control device CT is fixed to the lower surface of the inner lid 21 by bolts or the like and disposed in the lower chamber 3. The lower surface of the inner lid 21 constitutes the upper surface 3c of the lower chamber 3. Therefore, it can be said that the control device CT is attached to the upper surface 3c of the lower chamber 3.

[0027] 7A to 7C show the procedure for mounting the battery BT and the control device CT to the core unit 1. First, as shown in Fig. 7A, the top surface 1a of the core unit 1 is rotated to open, and the inner lid 21 to which the control device CT is attached is aligned and fixed to the bottom surface 2a of the upper chamber 2 from above with the control device CT facing downward. As a result, the control device CT is accommodated in the lower chamber 3 in a state separated from the bottom plate portion 3a.

[0028] Next, as shown in Fig. 7B, the battery BT is inserted from above into the upper chamber 2 and fixed to the upper surface 21a of the inner lid 21. Details of the method of fixing the battery BT will be described later. Finally, as shown in Fig. 7C, the top surface portion 1a is rotated and closed, so that the battery BT is housed in the upper chamber 2.

[0029] In the core unit 1, the battery BT, the control device CT, and the propulsion device 71 are connected to each other via cables (not shown) and connectors. This allows power to be supplied from the battery BT to the propulsion device 71. In addition, the control device CT can output a control signal to the propulsion device 71 in response to the operation of the operation unit 90 to drive the propulsion device 71.

[0030] The arrangement of the battery BT and the control device CT may be reversed. That is, the upper chamber 2 may house the control device CT instead of the battery BT. The lower chamber 3 may house the battery BT instead of the control device CT.

[0031] As described above, the core unit 1 of this embodiment has the upper chamber 2 and the lower chamber 3 positioned next to each other in the vertical direction. A battery BT for storing electric power is disposed in one of the upper chamber 2 and the lower chamber 3. A control device CT for controlling the propulsion device 71 is disposed in the other of the upper chamber 2 and the lower chamber 3.

[0032] In the core unit 1, when a room (e.g., upper room 2) in which the battery BT is disposed and a room (e.g., lower room 3) in which the control device CT is disposed are arranged vertically side by side, the battery BT and the control device CT can be arranged stacked vertically. This makes it possible to reduce the total area occupied by the battery BT and the control device CT when viewed from above, compared to a configuration in which the rooms are arranged horizontally side by side. This allows the core unit 1, and thus the planing boat 100, to be arranged compactly in the horizontal direction.

[0033] In particular, since the battery BT is a device that requires operations such as charging or replacement, if such a device is placed in the upper chamber 2, workers can easily access the battery BT from above. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving work efficiency and convenience, it is desirable to place the battery BT in the upper chamber 2. Furthermore, even if water infiltrates into the core unit 1 from above, the water is unlikely to reach the lower chamber 3 because the lower chamber 3 is located below the upper chamber 2. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving the protective effect of the control device CT against water infiltrating from above, it is desirable to place the control device CT in the lower chamber 3.

[0034] Furthermore, if the control device CT is located at the top in the lower chamber 3, even if water that has entered from above accumulates in the lower chamber 3, the risk of the water accumulated in the lower chamber 3 coming into contact with the control device CT is reduced. Therefore, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the protective effect of the control device CT against water that has entered, it is desirable to attach the control device CT to the upper surface 3c of the lower chamber 3 as in this embodiment.

[0035] For example, if the battery BT is disposed in the lower chamber 3, the battery BT can be cooled by the water around the core unit 1 (water in contact with the bottom plate portion 3a and the second side wall 3b of the lower chamber 3). This improves the cooling efficiency of the battery BT and extends the life of the battery BT (the battery BT lasts longer when it is cooled). Therefore, when prioritizing the cooling of the battery BT, the battery BT may be disposed in the lower chamber 3 and the control device CT may be disposed in the upper chamber 2. In this case, a hatch that is opened and closed for replacing the battery BT may be provided in the lower chamber 3 (for example, the bottom plate portion 3a or the second side wall 3b). Furthermore, when the control device CT is disposed in the upper chamber 2, it is desirable to attach the control device CT to the upper surface of the upper chamber 2, that is, the back surface of the top surface portion 1a, from the viewpoint of enhancing the protective effect of the control device CT against water in the unlikely event that water infiltrates from above and accumulates in the upper chamber 2.

[0036] (2-2. Reinforcement structure of the top surface) 8 is a perspective view of the top surface portion 1a as viewed from below. The top surface portion 1a has a reinforcing portion 12 on its back surface. The back surface of the top surface portion 1a refers to the surface of the top surface portion 1a facing the upper chamber 2. The reinforcing portion 12 is a structure in which unit structures 12a protruding downward from the back surface are connected along the back surface.

[0037] In particular, the structure has a honeycomb structure. Here, the honeycomb structure refers to a structure in which (regular) hexagonal unit structures 12a are connected along the back surface of the top surface portion 1a. The shape of the unit structures 12a is not limited to the above-mentioned hexagon, and may be other polygonal shapes such as a rectangle (quadrangle), or may be a shape having curves such as a circle or an ellipse.

[0038] When the reinforcing portion 12, which is made up of a plurality of unit structures 12a connected together, is provided on the back surface of the top surface portion 1a, unevenness is formed on the back surface of the top surface portion 1a. Therefore, the strength (rigidity) of the top surface portion 1a is ensured even if the entire top surface portion 1a is not formed to be thick with a uniform thickness. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the entire top surface portion 1a is formed to be thick with a uniform thickness to ensure the strength of the top surface portion 1a, it is easier to reduce the amount of material (e.g., resin material) constituting the top surface portion 1a and reduce the weight of the top surface portion 1a. In this respect, the configuration in which the reinforcing portion 12 is provided on the back surface of the top surface portion 1a is effective. In particular, from the viewpoint of reliably achieving both weight reduction and reinforcement of the top surface portion 1a, it is desirable for the structure of the reinforcing portion 12 to have a honeycomb structure.

[0039] (2-3. About ribs) Fig. 9 is another perspective view of the core unit 1 as viewed from below. As shown in the figure, the core unit 1 has ribs 23 extending in the up-down direction on the side surface 22. Here, the side surface 22 refers to the outer surface of the first side wall 2b constituting the upper chamber 2. The ribs 23 are plate-like members formed to protrude in the front-rear or left-right direction from the side surface 22, and are formed integrally with the first side wall 2b. A plurality of ribs 23 are formed on the side surface 22, and are provided at intervals in the front-rear or left-right direction.

[0040] In the rib 23, an edge 23a on the opposite side to the side surface 22 has a shape that curves in a direction away from the side surface 22 as it goes from below to above. In this case, for example, when the core unit 1 is manufactured by resin molding using a mold, the presence of the rib 23 makes it easier to remove the molded product (core unit 1) from the mold. Therefore, distortion of the molded product when it is removed from the mold is also reduced.

[0041] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the planing boat 100 with the core unit 1 inserted into the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80. As shown in the figure, the edge 23a of the rib 23 has a shape that curves along the shape of the inner surface 80a of the buoyant body 80 that faces the core unit 1 when it is inserted into the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80. The inner surface 80a is the surface that forms the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80.

[0042] 10, if the edge 23a of the rib 23 is curved to bulge outward, the edge 23a can be brought into line contact or surface contact (rather than point contact) with the inner surface 80a. Therefore, from the viewpoint of keeping the core unit 1 stable relative to the buoyant body 80 when the core unit 1 is inserted into the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80, it is desirable that the edge 23a of the rib 23 be curved to follow the shape of the inner surface 80a of the buoyant body 80.

[0043] (2-4. Propulsion device pitch and position) As shown in Fig. 10, the core unit 1 supports two propulsion units 70 (including propulsion devices 71) on the bottom 1M. The two propulsion devices 71 are positioned side by side in the left-right direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RA of the propeller 71a (see Fig. 4) of each propulsion device 71.

[0044] Here, if the lateral pitch of the two propulsion devices 71 (the distance between the rotation axes RA) is X (cm) and the outer diameter of the buoyant body 80 is Y (cm), when the ratio (Y / X) of the outer diameter Y to the pitch X is small, the pitch X is wide relative to the outer diameter Y, so that the planing boat 100 can be easily turned (rotated) on the spot (it becomes easier to rotate) even if the propulsive forces of the two propulsion devices 71 in the opposite directions are weak. Conversely, when Y / X is large, the pitch X is narrow relative to the outer diameter Y of the buoyant body 80. In this case, when the two propulsion devices 71 generate propulsive forces in the same direction, the planing boat 100 can move more straightly.

[0045] Therefore, it is desirable to set the upper and lower limits of Y / X appropriately from the viewpoint of achieving a good balance between the effect of making the planing boat 100 easier to turn on the spot and the effect of increasing straightness. In other words, it is desirable for the planing boat 100 of this embodiment to satisfy the following conditional formula (1). 2.67≦Y / X≦4.55 (1) For example, when Y=150 cm, if X is set in the range of 33 to 56 cm, the above conditional expression is satisfied and the above two effects are obtained in a well-balanced manner.

[0046] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, when the core unit 1 is inserted into the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80, the propulsion device 71 is located below the bottom surface 80b of the buoyant body 80. If the propulsion device 71 is located above the bottom surface 80b of the buoyant body 80, the water current generated by driving the propulsion device 71 may hit the lower part of the buoyant body 80, hindering propulsion. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving propulsion efficiency, it is desirable for the propulsion device 71 to be located below the bottom surface 80b of the buoyant body 80, as in this embodiment.

[0047] (2-5. Difference in surface level between the core unit and the buoyancy body) As shown in FIG. 10, when the core unit 1 is inserted into the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80, the step between the top surface 1a of the core unit 1 and the upper surface 80c of the buoyant body 80 is d (cm), and the step d is within a predetermined range. For example, the step d is 1 cm or less. Note that the upper surface 80c of the buoyant body 80 refers to the upper surface of the decorative member P when a decorative member P such as a decorative panel is attached to the upper part of the buoyant body 80, and refers to the upper surface of the buoyant body 80 itself when there is no decorative member P. The buoyant body 80 is configured so that the upper surface 80c and the bottom surface 80b are positioned approximately parallel to each other.

[0048] For example, even when a user rides astride the core unit 1 and the buoyant body 80 (for example, when riding while lying on his / her back or stomach), if the step d is small, the user can ride comfortably without feeling any discomfort due to the step d. When such comfort is important, it is desirable that the step d be within a predetermined range. A more desirable form is one in which the step d is zero, that is, the top surface 1a of the core unit 1 and the upper surface 80c of the buoyant body 80 are positioned flush with each other (positioned on the same plane).

[0049] (2-6. Position adjustment parts) 5 and 9, the core unit 1 has a position adjustment member 24. The position adjustment member 24 is supported so as to be position adjustable in a direction to contact or move away from the buoyant body 80 when the core unit 1 is inserted into the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80.

[0050] 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of the position adjustment member 24, with Fig. 11A showing the position of the position adjustment member 24 before adjustment and Fig. 11B showing the position of the position adjustment member 24 after adjustment. The position adjustment member 24 is made of a flat plate and has an elongated hole 24a extending in one direction (for example, the front-to-rear direction). A bolt 24b is inserted into the elongated hole 24a from below. By tightening the bolt 24b, the position adjustment member 24 is fixed from below to the bottom portion 2a of the upper chamber 2 via a spacer 24c.

[0051] For example, from the state shown in FIG. 11A, the bolt 24b is loosened, the position adjustment member 24 is slid along the long hole 24a toward the contact side with the buoyant body 80, and the bolt 24b is tightened, and the position adjustment member 24 is fixed in the position shown in FIG. 11B.

[0052] By adjusting the position of the position adjustment member 24 and contacting the position adjustment member 24 with the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80, the core unit 1 can be held at a predetermined position in the vertical direction relative to the buoyant body 80. In particular, by contacting the position adjustment member 24 with the opening 81 below the vertical center, the position adjustment member 24 acts as a retainer, and the core unit 1 is prevented from slipping out upward from the opening 81. As a result, vertical positional deviation between the core unit 1 and the buoyant body 80 during use is reduced, and the occurrence of an incident such as fingers being caught in a positional deviation is also reduced. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ensuring safety during use, it is desirable for the core unit 1 to have the above-mentioned position adjustment member 24.

[0053] In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the position adjustment member 24 is supported in a position-adjustable manner on the bottom surface portion 2a of the upper chamber 2 that protrudes horizontally from the lower chamber 3, and is supported at two points on opposite sides via the lower chamber 3. In this case, by sliding the position adjustment members 24 supported at the two points in a direction in which they come into contact with the buoyant body 80, the core unit 1 can be held without being off-centered relative to the buoyant body 80. This makes it easy to position the user riding on the core unit 1 at the center of the buoyant body 80. Therefore, in terms of enabling the user to use the planing boat 100 in a well-balanced manner, it is desirable for the position adjustment member 24 to be supported at the two points.

[0054] (2-7. Shape of the opening of the buoyancy body) Fig. 12 is a plan view of a buoyant body 80. As shown in the figure, an opening 81 of the buoyant body 80 has an oval shape in a plan view. In the example of Fig. 12, the oval shape is an elliptical shape (a so-called long hole). An elliptical shape refers to a shape obtained by equally dividing a circle into two semicircles and connecting the two ends of one semicircle with the two ends of the other semicircle by two straight lines that are parallel to each other.

[0055] If the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80 is oval shaped, the risk of the core unit 1 rotating in the circumferential direction (the direction of rotation about the vertical axis) relative to the buoyant body 80 being out of phase with the buoyant body 80 is reduced, even when the core unit 1 is fitted into the opening 81 and the planing boat 100 is turned on the spot. If a phase shift occurs, the positions of the air inlet 82 and the handle portion 83 provided on the buoyant body 80 will shift from their initial appropriate positions, making it impossible to use the buoyant body in the recommended form. Therefore, from the viewpoint of reducing a phase shift of the core unit 1 relative to the buoyant body 80, it is desirable for the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80 to be oval shaped.

[0056] The oval shape is not limited to the elliptical shape. FIGS. 13A and 13B are plan views showing another example of the oval shape. As shown in FIG. 13A, the oval shape may be an egg shape. The egg shape has only one symmetry axis SA that is an axis of line symmetry. As shown in FIG. 13B, the oval shape may be an elliptical shape. The elliptical shape has two symmetry axes (long axis SA1 and short axis SA2). In other words, the oval shape includes an elliptical shape, an egg shape, and an elliptical shape. Even if the oval shape is an egg shape or an elliptical shape, when the core unit 1 is fitted into the opening 81 and the planing boat 100 is turned on the spot, the circumferential phase shift of the core unit 1 with respect to the buoyant body 80 is reduced.

[0057] 14 is a plan view showing another example of the shape of the opening 81 of the buoyant body 80. As shown in the figure, the opening 81 may have a shape that does not have an axis of symmetry, that is, a shape that is rotationally asymmetric in plan view. Even in this case, when the core unit 1 is fitted into the opening 81 and the planing boat 100 is turned on the spot, the circumferential phase shift of the core unit 1 with respect to the buoyant body 80 is reduced.

[0058] (2-8. How to secure the battery) 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a fixing portion of the battery BT in the core unit 1. A discharge portion Q is provided on the side of the battery BT. The discharge portion Q extends horizontally from the side of the battery BT. Meanwhile, the core unit 1 has a pressing portion 25. The pressing portion 25 presses the discharge portion Q of the battery BT downward when the battery BT is placed in the upper chamber 2 or the lower chamber 3.

[0059] The pressing portion 25 has an elastic body 25a and a fixing member 25b that fixes the elastic body 25a to the inner lid 21. The fixing member 25b is, for example, a screw. The elastic body 25a is, for example, a leaf spring, and is fixed and supported by the fixing member 25b to the bottom (inner lid 21 in this embodiment) of the upper chamber 2 or the lower chamber 3 in which the battery BT is placed. The elastic body 25a has a protrusion 25a1 that can come into contact with the discharge portion Q of the battery BT.

[0060] 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a process in the middle of placing the battery BT on the inner lid 21. Here, the case where the battery BT is placed in the upper chamber 2 will be described as an example, but the same can be considered when the battery BT is placed in the lower chamber 3.

[0061] When the battery BT is moved downward toward the inner lid 21, the discharge portion Q of the battery BT comes into contact with the convex portion 25a1 of the elastic body 25a. When the battery BT is further moved downward, the elastic body 25a is elastically deformed, and the discharge portion Q moves downward as if pushing aside the convex portion 25a1, and passes over the convex portion 25a1 downward. When the battery BT is placed on the inner lid 21, the elastic deformation of the elastic body 25a is released and returns to the original state, and the convex portion 25a1 presses the discharge portion Q downward as shown in FIG. 15. On the other hand, when the battery BT is moved upward to remove it, the process is reversed from the above, and the discharge portion Q passes over the convex portion 25a1 upward while the elastic body 25a is elastically deformed. This allows the battery BT to be removed from the upper chamber 2.

[0062] As in this embodiment, the battery BT is fixed and held on the inner lid 21 by the pressing portion 25 pressing the discharge portion Q of the battery BT. As a result, the battery BT will not move even if, for example, the core unit 1 or the planing boat 100 is leaned against it. Also, for example, if the upper surface of the battery BT is pressed directly to fix the position of the battery BT, a pressure load is applied directly to the battery BT, which may damage the battery BT. Therefore, from the viewpoint of holding the battery BT and avoiding damage to the battery BT, it is desirable for the core unit 1 to have the pressing portion 25 that presses the discharge portion Q of the battery BT, as in this embodiment.

[0063] Furthermore, the elastic body 25a has a protrusion 25a1 that presses the discharge portion Q of the battery BT from above when the battery BT is placed in the upper chamber 2 (or lower chamber 3). The elastic body 25a is elastically deformed by contact between the protrusion 25a1 and the discharge portion Q as the discharge portion Q moves in the up and down direction. From the viewpoint of moving the battery BT downward to press the discharge portion Q with the protrusion 25a1, or moving the battery BT upward to release the pressing by the protrusion 25a1 and enable removal of the battery BT, it is desirable that the elastic body 25a has the protrusion 25a1 and is elastically deformed as described above.

[0064] (2-9. Control of propulsion device based on kill switch) <About the control panel and kill switch> Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the planing boat 100 of this embodiment. In addition to the above-mentioned battery BT, control device CT, and propulsion device 71, the planing boat 100 further includes an operation unit 90 and a kill switch 1d. Note that in Fig. 17, wiring for supplying power is shown by solid lines, and wiring for transmitting various signals is shown by dashed lines.

[0065] The operation unit 90 is connected to the control device CT so as to be able to communicate with it. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the operation unit 90. The operation unit 90 is, for example, a remote control equipped with an operation lever 91. In the example of FIG. 18, the operation unit 90 is configured to be connected to the core unit 1 via a wire W, but may be able to communicate wirelessly. When a user holds the operation unit 90 and operates the operation lever 91 in any of the directions forward / backward, left / right, and diagonally, the operation unit 90 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the operation lever 91 to the control device CT. FIG. 18 illustrates a case where the operation lever 91 is in a neutral position (neutral position) in which the operation lever 91 is not tilted in any of the directions forward / backward, left / right, and diagonally. Normally, the operation lever 91 is in the neutral position shown in FIG. 18 when it is not operated by the user.

[0066] The kill switch 1d is a switch that cuts off the supply of power from the battery BT to the propulsion device 71 in an emergency. The kill switch 1d has a magnet M, a first terminal T1, and a second terminal T2. The magnet M has an internal metallic conductive part that conducts electricity, and controls the conduction and disconnection of electricity between the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2.

[0067] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the top surface 1a of the core unit 1 from above. As described above, the kill switch 1d is provided on the top surface 1a of the core unit. In a normal use state in which a user boards the planing boat 100, the magnet M is attached to the base BA (see FIG. 20) by magnetic force. As a result, the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 are energized via the magnet M, and power is supplied from the battery BT to the propulsion device 71. Therefore, the control device CT can drive the propulsion device 71 based on an operation signal output from the operation unit 90, thereby sailing the planing boat 100.

[0068] One end of a leash cord LC is connected to a position near the kill switch 1d on the top surface 1a of the core unit 1. The other end of the leash cord LC is fastened to, for example, the foot of a user riding on the planing boat 100. As a result, even if the user falls into the water from the planing boat 100, the user's foot is connected to the planing boat 100 via the leash cord LC, so that the planing boat 100 will not drift alone and will not be lost. The magnet M is connected to the leash cord LC via a connection cord CN.

[0069] FIG. 20 is a perspective view from above of the top surface 1a of the core unit 1 with the magnet M of the kill switch 1d detached. When a user falls into water from the planing boat 100, the user pulls the leash cord LC and the connection cord CN at the same time. This causes the magnet M connected to the connection cord CN to come off the base BA, exposing the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2. That is, the current flow between the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 via the magnet M is released. This cuts off the supply of power from the battery BT to the propulsion device 71. This stops the planing boat 100 from traveling alone.

[0070] <Safety measures after the kill switch is restored> After the power supply to the propulsion device 71 is cut off by the kill switch 1d, the power supply is resumed when the magnet M is attached to the base BA again. In this case, if the propulsion device 71 is immediately driven by operating the control lever 91, the planing boat 100 may suddenly start moving as soon as the power supply is resumed. For example, if a user who has fallen into the water or who has reboarded the planing boat 100 holds the control lever 91 of the operation unit 90 tilted forward (forward movement command state) and attaches the magnet M to the base BA, the planing boat 100 will suddenly move forward. Such movement of the planing boat 100 may be dangerous for the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device CT performs the following control.

[0071] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation under the control of the control device CT. When the magnet M of the kill switch 1d is removed from the base BA and the supply of power from the battery BT to the propulsion device 71 is cut off (S1), and then the magnet M is attached to the base BA and the supply of power from the battery BT to the propulsion device 71 is resumed (S2), the control device CT judges whether the operation lever 91 is in the neutral position based on the operation signal from the operation unit 90 (S3). If it is judged in S3 that the operation lever 91 is in the neutral position, the control device CT drives the propulsion device 71 based on the subsequent operation of the operation lever 91 (operation signal from the operation unit 90) (S4). On the other hand, if it is judged in S3 that the operation lever 91 is not in the neutral position, the control device CT waits until the operation lever 91 is in the neutral position, and after it is in the neutral position, the control device CT moves to S4 and drives the propulsion device 71.

[0072] In this way, when the power supply is resumed after being cut off by the kill switch 1d, the control device CT recognizes that the control lever 91 is in neutral, and then drives the propulsion device 71 based on the operation signal from the operation unit 90. With this type of control, if the control lever 91 is not in neutral after the power supply is resumed, the propulsion device 71 will not be driven, thereby preventing the planing boat 100 from suddenly starting to move as soon as the power supply is resumed, and ensuring safety.

[0073] [7. Notes] The planing boat 100 described in this embodiment can also be expressed as a planing boat described in the following supplementary notes.

[0074] The planing boat referred to in Appendix (1) is A planing boat equipped with an electrically powered propulsion device, A core unit supporting the propulsion device, The core unit has an upper chamber and a lower chamber positioned next to each other in the vertical direction, a battery for storing the power is disposed in one of the upper chamber and the lower chamber; A control device for controlling the propulsion device is disposed in the other of the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

[0075] The planing boat of appendix (2) is a planing boat according to appendix (1), The battery is disposed in the upper chamber, The control device is disposed in the lower chamber.

[0076] A planing boat according to appendix (3) is a planing boat according to appendix (1) or (2), The control device is attached to an upper surface of one of the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

[0077] A planing boat according to appendix (4) is a planing boat according to any one of appendices (1) to (3), The upper chamber has an openable and closable top surface, The top surface portion has a reinforcing portion on a back surface thereof, The reinforcing portion is a structure in which unit structures protruding downward from the rear surface are connected along the rear surface.

[0078] The planing boat of appendix (5) is a planing boat according to appendix (4), The structure has a honeycomb structure in which the hexagonal unit structures are connected along the back surface.

[0079] A planing boat according to appendix (6) is a planing boat according to any one of appendices (1) to (5), The core unit has a rib extending in a vertical direction on a side surface, The edge of the rib opposite the side surface has a shape that curves in a direction away from the side surface as it extends from below to above.

[0080] The planing boat of appendix (7) is a planing boat according to appendix (6), The core unit further includes a buoyant body having an opening into which the core unit is inserted. The edge of the rib has a shape that is curved to follow the shape of the inner surface of the buoyant body that faces the core unit when the core unit is inserted into the opening of the buoyant body.

[0081] The planing boat of appendix (8) is a planing boat according to appendix (7), The core unit supports two of the propulsion devices at a bottom portion, The two propulsion units are positioned side by side in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the propeller of each propulsion unit, When the pitch of the two propulsion devices is X (cm) and the outer diameter of the buoyant body is Y (cm), 2.67≦Y / X≦4.55 Satisfy.

[0082] The planing boat of appendix (9) is a planing boat according to appendix (7) or (8), The propulsion device is located below the bottom surface of the buoyant body.

[0083] The planing boat of appendix (10) is a planing boat according to any one of appendices (7) to (9), The core unit further has a position adjustment member that is supported so that its position can be adjusted in a direction to contact or move away from the buoyant body when inserted into the opening of the buoyant body.

[0084] The planing boat of appendix (11) is a planing boat according to appendix (10), When viewed from below, the lower chamber is located inside the outer shape of the upper chamber, The position adjustment member is supported in a position adjustable manner on a bottom surface of the upper chamber protruding from the lower chamber, and is supported at two locations on opposite sides of the lower chamber.

[0085] The planing boat of appendix (12) is a planing boat according to any one of appendices (7) to (11), The opening of the buoyant body has an oval shape in a plan view.

[0086] A planing boat according to claim (13) is a planing boat according to any one of claims (7) to (12), When the core unit is inserted into the opening of the buoyant body, the step between the top surface of the core unit and the upper surface of the buoyant body is within a predetermined range.

[0087] The planing boat of appendix (14) is the planing boat of appendix (13), The top surface of the core unit and the upper surface of the buoyant body are positioned flush with each other.

[0088] A planing boat according to claim (15) is a planing boat according to any one of claims (1) to (14), The vehicle further includes a frame member supported by the core unit and surrounding the propulsion device.

[0089] A planing boat according to claim (16) is a planing boat according to any one of claims (1) to (15), A protrusion is provided on a side surface of the battery, The core unit has a pressing portion that presses the protruding portion of the battery when the battery is placed in the upper chamber or the lower chamber.

[0090] The planing boat of appendix (17) is a planing boat according to appendix (16), the pressing portion has an elastic body supported on a bottom surface of the upper chamber or the lower chamber in which the battery is placed, The elastic body has a convex portion that presses the protrusion of the battery from above when the battery is placed in the upper or lower chamber, and the convex portion elastically deforms while coming into contact with the protrusion as the protrusion moves upward or downward.

[0091] A planing boat according to claim (18) is a planing boat according to any one of claims (1) to (17), an operation unit that is communicably connected to the control device and outputs an operation signal in response to an operation of an operating lever; A kill switch that cuts off the supply of power from the battery to the propulsion device in an emergency, When the power supply is resumed after the kill switch has cut off the power supply, the control device recognizes that the operating lever is in a neutral position and then drives the propulsion device based on the operating signal.

[0092] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and the invention can be expanded or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0093] The present invention can be used, for example, in a planing boat that can accommodate a user and travels on water. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Core Unit 1M bottom 1a Top section 1d Kill Switch 2. Upper Room 2a Bottom part 3 Lower chamber 3c Upper surface of the lower chamber 12 Reinforcement 12a Unit Structure 21a Top (bottom) 22 Side 23 Ribs 23a Edge 24 Position adjustment member 25 Holding part 25a Elastic body 25a1 Convex 71 Propulsion device 72 Protective cover (frame member) 80 Buoyancy body 80a Inner surface 80b bottom 80c top 81 Opening 90 Operation section 91 Operating lever 100 Planing Boat BT Battery CT control device Q Discharge section RA Rotational Axis X Pitch Y outer diameter d Step

Claims

1. A planing boat equipped with an electrically powered propulsion device, A core unit supporting the propulsion device, The core unit has an upper chamber and a lower chamber positioned next to each other in the vertical direction, a battery for storing the power is disposed in one of the upper chamber and the lower chamber; A planing boat, wherein a control device for controlling the propulsion device is disposed in the other of the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

2. The battery is disposed in the upper chamber, The planing boat according to claim 1 , wherein the control device is disposed in the lower compartment.

3. The planing boat according to claim 1 , wherein the control device is attached to an upper surface of one of the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

4. The upper chamber has an openable and closable top surface, The top surface portion has a reinforcing portion on a back surface thereof, 2. The personal watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing portion is a structure formed by connecting unit structures that protrude downward from the rear surface along the rear surface.

5. 5. The planing boat according to claim 4, wherein the structural body has a honeycomb structure in which the hexagonal unit structures are connected along the back surface.

6. The core unit has a rib extending in a vertical direction on a side surface, 2. The planing boat according to claim 1, wherein the edge of the rib opposite the side surface has a shape that curves in a direction away from the side surface as it extends from below to above.

7. The core unit further includes a buoyant body having an opening into which the core unit is inserted.

7. The personal watercraft according to claim 6, wherein the edge of the rib has a shape that is curved to conform to the shape of an inner surface of the buoyant body that faces the core unit when the core unit is inserted into the opening of the buoyant body.

8. The core unit supports two of the propulsion devices at a bottom portion, The two propulsion units are positioned side by side in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the propeller of each propulsion unit, When the pitch of the two propulsion devices is X (cm) and the outer diameter of the buoyant body is Y (cm), 2.67≦Y / X≦4.55 8. The planing boat according to claim 7, which satisfies the following:

9. The personal watercraft according to claim 7 , wherein the propulsion device is positioned below a bottom surface of the buoyant body.

10. 8. The personal watercraft according to claim 7, wherein the core unit further includes a position adjustment member that is supported so that its position can be adjusted in a direction in which it comes into contact with or moves away from the buoyant body when the core unit is inserted into the opening of the buoyant body.

11. When viewed from below, the lower chamber is located inside the outer shape of the upper chamber, 11. The personal watercraft according to claim 10, wherein the position adjustment member is supported in a position adjustable manner on a bottom surface of the upper chamber that protrudes from the lower chamber, and is supported at two locations on opposite sides of the lower chamber.

12. The planing boat according to claim 7 , wherein the opening of the buoyant body has an oval shape in a plan view.

13. 8. The planing boat according to claim 7, wherein when the core unit is inserted into the opening of the buoyant body, a step between a top surface of the core unit and an upper surface of the buoyant body is within a predetermined range.

14. The personal watercraft according to claim 13 , wherein the top surface of the core unit and the upper surface of the buoyant body are flush with each other.

15. The planing boat according to claim 1 , further comprising a frame member supported by the core unit and surrounding the propulsion device.

16. A protrusion is provided on a side surface of the battery, 2. The planing boat according to claim 1, wherein the core unit has a pressing portion that presses down the protruding portion of the battery when the battery is disposed in the upper chamber or the lower chamber.

17. the pressing portion has an elastic body supported on a bottom surface of the upper chamber or the lower chamber in which the battery is placed, 17. The personal watercraft according to claim 16, wherein the elastic body has a protrusion that presses against the protrusion of the battery from above when the battery is disposed in the upper chamber or the lower chamber, and is elastically deformed by contact between the protrusion and the protrusion as the protrusion moves up and down.

18. an operation unit that is communicably connected to the control device and outputs an operation signal in response to an operation of an operating lever; A kill switch that cuts off the supply of power from the battery to the propulsion device in an emergency, 18. A personal watercraft according to claim 1, wherein when the power supply is resumed after the kill switch has cut off the power supply, the control device recognizes that the operating lever is in a neutral position and then drives the propulsion device based on the operating signal.

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