On-water play equipment

Abstract

To provide on-water play equipment to catch the real fun of paddling so as to solve the problem in which the propulsion unit used in a traditional canoe, a SUP (a stand-up paddle), and so on has no coordination between paddle operations and the propulsion unit, and simply propels.SOLUTION: On-water play equipment calculates the paddling motion information and operation state of a paddling from the movements in the 6-axis movement of the paddle detected by a dynamic state detection unit attached to the paddle, and wirelessly transmits the data to a propulsion force control unit, thereby driving an electric propulsion unit connected to a paddle boat and so on according to the momentum and direction of the paddling.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water play equipment using a paddle.

Background Art

[0002] Among the play equipment in marine resorts that have become popular in recent years, there are paddle boards (Stand Up Paddle or SUP) and kayaks where one stands on a board floating on the water surface and propels it by paddling, and they have been spreading as sports equipment. In addition, a surfboard with an electric propulsion unit (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2) and a surfboard equipped with an exchangeable electric propulsion unit module (Patent Document 3) have also been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In play equipment such as paddle boards and kayaks, the influence of wind and waves is great. For beginners and those with inferior physical strength, it is very difficult to move against the wind. Also, accidents such as being washed out to sea due to deteriorating weather during use occur frequently. When taking a break due to fatigue, that time is being washed away downwind. As a result, there are limitations on the usability and the degree of proficiency of those who can safely play depending on the natural environment. For this reason, surfboards, paddle boards, and kayaks with electric propulsion units are being sold. However, even in such cases, there is a problem that there is no cooperation between the paddle and the electric propulsion unit, and the fun of paddling cannot be enjoyed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the water play equipment of the present invention is composed of a dynamic situation detection unit mounted on a paddle, a propulsion force control unit mounted on a paddle board and configured to control the propulsion force of an electric propulsion unit based on data sent from the dynamic situation detection unit, and the electric propulsion unit.

[0006] With the above configuration, the paddling of a user on a paddle board or a kayak is detected, and the electric propulsion unit is used to assist so as to enhance the thrust generated by paddling. When paddling slowly, propulsion assistance with low power is provided, and when paddling vigorously, strong propulsion assistance is provided. Since the thrust assistance stops when paddling stops, safety is ensured. In addition, when using a single paddle to paddle alternately left and right, it will inevitably meander if not used to the operation. However, when two motors of the electric propulsion unit are installed on the left and right of the paddle board, meandering can be reduced by properly controlling the outputs of the two motors.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] With the above configuration, even in an environment with strong winds and waves, the user of the paddle board can obtain thrust corresponding to paddling, so that the pleasure of paddling can be obtained.

[0008] Also, when two motors of the electric propulsion unit are mounted on the bottom surface of the water play equipment on the left and right, the meandering caused by paddling can be corrected. Therefore, even beginners can easily propel straight forward, and the pleasure of paddling can be obtained.

[0009] Furthermore, by wirelessly sending the decrease in the battery voltage of the electric propulsion unit from the electric propulsion unit to the dynamic situation detection unit mounted on the paddle, the power consumption state can be grasped by light or sound during paddling.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention. The water play equipment according to the present invention is composed of a dynamic situation detection unit attached to the shaft of the paddle, a propulsion force control unit attached to the water play equipment, and an electric propulsion unit. Hereinafter, the water play equipment will be described as a paddle board, but the present invention is widely applicable to water play equipment using a paddle, such as a kayak.

[0012] Figure 2 is an image view of the dynamic situation detection unit mounted on the paddle shaft. The dynamic situation detection unit is provided with a power switch, an operation button, and a status display unit.

[0013] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of the dynamic situation detection unit. The dynamic situation detection unit is composed of a power switch, an operation button, a status display unit (e.g., a multi-color LED), a 6-axis inertial sensor, a microcontroller, a wireless communication unit, a wireless power receiver, a charging control device, a battery (e.g., a small lithium polymer battery), and an acoustic notification unit (a buzzer or a speaker). These are housed in a sealed container to ensure waterproofness.

[0014] Figure 4 is a wireless inductive power transmission device for charging the battery of the sealed dynamic situation detection unit of the present invention, and the battery is charged by wireless power transmission.

[0015] Figure 5 is an external appearance image view from the obliquely rear surface of the paddle board of the present invention. Figure 6 is an external appearance image view from the obliquely rear back surface of the paddle board of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7 is a configuration diagram of the propulsion force control unit and the electric propulsion unit of Example 1 of the present invention equipped with an electric propulsion unit. It is composed of a main power switch, a status display unit (e.g., a multi-color LED), an operation button, a wireless communication unit, a microcontroller, a motor controller, and a battery. One electric propulsion unit (motor) is mounted on the center line of the paddle board to provide thrust according to paddling.

[0017] Figure 8 is a configuration diagram of the propulsion force control unit and the electric propulsion unit of Example 2 of the present invention equipped with an electric propulsion unit composed of two motors. The two motors are mounted on the left and right with respect to the traveling direction, and by detecting the user's paddling and providing left and right independent thrust assistance, it is possible to reduce the serpentine movement caused by paddling. If necessary, by simultaneously providing thrust assistance to the left and right electric propulsion units, the same thrust assistance as in Example 1 is also possible.

[0018] Figure 9 is an external view image of the electric propulsion unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The electric propulsion unit consisting of a propulsion force control unit and one motor is fixed on the center line of the paddle board with a single belt. Also, Figure 10 is an external view image of the electric propulsion unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The electric propulsion unit consisting of a propulsion force control unit and two motors is fixed on the center line of the paddle board with a single belt.

[0019] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the thrust vector estimated from paddling and the thrust generated by the electric propulsion unit. Also, Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the snake correction function during paddling. When paddling, torque is generated around the user, and a component of thrust in the direction opposite to the paddle is generated on the board. If the user is skilled, this can be reduced by the way of loading the paddle board, and the paddle board can be oriented in the original propulsion direction. However, if the user is unskilled, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 12, thrust is generated in a direction deviated from the original propulsion direction every time the paddle is paddled, resulting in snake movement. On the other hand, when two motors are provided as shown in the right diagram, the outputs of the two motors can be adjusted so that thrust is generated in the original propulsion direction while canceling the component of thrust in the direction opposite to the paddle. Therefore, even if the user is unskilled, the paddle board can be propelled without snake movement.

Embodiment

[0020] When the user turns on the main power switch of the propulsion force control unit, the Bluetooth wireless communication unit of the propulsion force control unit can receive the wireless signal from the dynamic status detection unit. In addition, if necessary, by continuously pressing the operation button of the propulsion force control unit, it is possible to propel the paddle board by turning the electric propulsion unit even without receiving the signal from the dynamic status detection unit. To prevent the electric propulsion unit from rotating due to the user's misoperation, the time for the user to continuously press the operation button is set to 3 seconds or more to ensure safety.

[0021] When the user holds the paddle horizontally and presses the main power switch of the dynamic status detection unit attached to the paddle, the 6-axis inertial sensor is initialized, and then wireless communication is established with the propulsion force control unit attached to the paddle board.

[0022] Once wireless communication is established, the motion information of the paddle (such as inclination, three-dimensional rotation information, three-dimensional moving direction, three-dimensional moving speed, three-dimensional moving acceleration, etc.) measured by the six-axis inertial sensor of the dynamic situation detection unit, and further the status of the push button switch of the dynamic situation detection unit are encoded and then sequentially transmitted to the propulsion control unit.

[0023] The inclination of the paddle measured by the six-axis inertial sensor in the dynamic situation detection unit is also presented to the user by the display unit (multi-color LED) of the dynamic situation detection unit.

[0024] On the paddle board, paddling is performed with the paddle upright. When the paddle changes from the horizontal state to the upright state, the color of the multi-color LED of the dynamic situation detection unit changes, indicating a state where thrust assistance is possible. The user presses the push button switch attached to the dynamic situation detection unit once to activate the thrust assistance function corresponding to the paddling. When the thrust assistance function is activated, the color of the multi-color LED of the dynamic situation detection unit changes, enabling the user to recognize the activation of the assistance function.

[0025] After the thrust assistance function is activated, when paddling the paddle board, the motion information of the paddle is encoded and sent wirelessly from the dynamic situation detection unit to the propulsion control unit.

[0026] The propulsion control unit decodes the data of the paddle motion information received by wireless communication. First, as shown in FIG. 11, it estimates the vector of the thrust by the paddle as a reaction force from the direction and strength of the force generated by paddling the paddle, and further extracts the traveling direction component of the paddle board. The direction and strength of the force are estimated from the three-dimensional moving direction of the paddle and the time derivative of the moving acceleration or moving speed output by the six-axis inertial sensor, assuming the standard quality force of the paddle. The magnitude of the thrust to be generated in the electric propulsion unit is determined in proportion to the magnitude of the vector of this traveling direction component, and the rotation control of the motor is performed. For example, a proportional relationship is defined so that the maximum rotational speed is reached when a user with standard physical strength paddles the paddle to the limit. Generating a thrust proportional to the thrust generated by paddling in this way is because if the electric propulsion unit is simply turned on / off to provide a constant propulsion force when the paddle is operated, the thrust will be mechanical and unnatural, making it difficult for the user to enjoy paddling. FIG. 11 shows the instant at time t, and it is desirable to perform such thrust estimation by paddling and thrust control of the electric propulsion unit at intervals of about 0.1 seconds, or even shorter if possible. When the user of the paddle board stops paddling, the propulsion control unit stops the electric propulsion unit.

[0027] When the paddle is placed on the paddle board by the user of the paddle board during a break or the like, or when the paddle is held in a horizontal state, such a thrust assist function is invalidated. When re-enabling, the operation is performed in the same manner as above from the paddle stand operation.

[0028] When the battery voltage of the propulsion control unit mounted on the paddle board during use drops, a signal of the voltage drop is sent from the propulsion control unit to the dynamic situation detection unit mounted on the paddle by Bluetooth wireless communication, and the situation can be conveyed to the user by changing the color of the multi-color LED of the paddle.

[0029] In addition, although the dynamic situation detection unit attached to the paddle is sealed to ensure waterproofness, if water ingress is recognized inside for some reason, the state is displayed by the multi-color LED attached to the dynamic situation detection unit.

Example

[0030] The basic structure is the same as that of Example 1. However, in Example 2, the motors of the electric propulsion unit are mounted on the left and right facing the forward direction. Therefore, by controlling the left and right motors independently, it is possible to correct the direction in which the board moves.

[0031] The paddle board moves forward by rowing a single paddle alternately left and right. However, when rowing alternately left and right, it may snake. In Example 2, snake movement is suppressed by controlling two motors according to the movement information of the paddle.

[0032] Specifically, as shown in the right figure of Fig. 12, the propulsion force control unit generates a thrust that cancels out the torque generated by paddling on the motor on the side opposite to the paddle, and at the same time, similar to Example 1, generates 1 / 2 of the thrust proportional to the component of the thrust by the paddle in the forward direction of the paddle board on each of the left and right motors. In the case of Fig. 12, the left motor generates, in addition to the thrust that cancels out the torque, 1 / 2 of the thrust proportional to the component of the thrust by the paddle in the forward direction of the paddle board, and the right motor generates only 1 / 2 of the thrust proportional to the component of the thrust by the paddle in the forward direction of the paddle board. As a result, even if the user is not skilled, snake movement is suppressed, and since the thrust assistance function is exhibited in the same way as in Example 1, the user can enjoy paddling.

Explanation of Signs

[0033] 100 Dynamic situation detection unit 101 Waterproof and airtight case 102 Mounting belt 103 Power switch 104 Status display device (multicolor LED) 105 Push button switch 106 Lithium polymer battery 107 Charge control device 108 Wireless power receiving device 109 Microprocessor 110 6-axis inertial sensor 111 Wireless communication device 112 Acoustic notification unit 200 Dynamic condition detection unit battery charger 201 AC adapter 202 Power switch 203 Wireless power transmission unit 204 Status display device 300 Propulsion control unit 301 Paddle board 302 Main power switch 303 Push button switch 304 Status display device LED 305 Motor connector 1 306 Motor connector 2 307 Removable battery pack 308 Fixed band 309 Motor driver (ESC) 1 310 Motor driver (ESC) 2 311 Microprocessor 312 Wireless communication section 400 Electric propulsion section 401 Propulsion device 1 402 Propulsion device 2 403 Motor base

Claims

1. An aquatic toy composed of a dynamic situation detection unit mounted on a paddle, a dynamic situation detection unit that detects and transmits the movement information of paddling, a propulsion force control unit that receives the movement information of paddling, and an electric propulsion device, wherein the propulsion force control unit controls the propulsion force of the electric propulsion device according to the movement information of paddling. The aquatic toy is characterized by this.

2. The dynamic situation detection unit incorporates a 6-axis inertial sensor and transmits movement information including at least the moving direction, moving speed, or moving acceleration of the paddle due to paddling to the propulsion force control unit. The aquatic toy according to Claim 1.

3. The propulsion force control unit estimates the thrust in the propulsion direction of the aquatic toy generated by paddling from the received movement information of paddling, and causes the electric propulsion device to generate a thrust proportional to the estimated thrust. The aquatic toy according to Claims 1 and 2.

4. The electric propulsion device has at least two motors on the left and right of the bottom surface of the aquatic toy. The propulsion force control unit estimates the torque due to the thrust generated by paddling from the received movement information of paddling, and causes the electric propulsion device to generate a thrust that cancels out the torque. The aquatic toy according to Claims 1 to 3.

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