Jet-propelled boat, jet-propelled boat control system, and method for maintaining a docked state of a jet-propelled boat.

Abstract

The present invention provides a jet-powered boat, a jet-powered boat control system, and a method for maintaining the docked state of a jet-powered boat, which enable the boat operator to maintain the docked state of the boat at a pier even when the boat operator is located away from the hull. [Solution] This jet-propelled boat 100 includes a control unit 40 that performs docking maintenance control, which controls the water flow direction adjustment unit 30 so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained in a state that presses the hull 10 against the pier 201 when a docking maintenance operation is performed to maintain the hull 10 docked against the pier 201, while also controlling the water flow generation unit 20 to maintain the state in which a jet water flow is generated from the water flow generation unit 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a jet-propelled boat, a jet-propelled boat control system, and a method for maintaining the landing state of a jet-propelled boat.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a jet-propelled boat that uses a jet water flow as the propulsion force of the hull is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a jet-propelled boat that uses a jet water flow as the propulsion force of the hull. When an operation for landing the hull on a pier is performed by an operator located at a position away from the hull, the jet-propelled boat described in Patent Document 1 is configured to perform landing assistance control to control the magnitude and direction of the jet water flow so as to move the hull to the pier and land it. That is, the jet-propelled boat described in Patent Document 1 is configured to be able to move the hull to the pier and land the hull on the pier even when the operator is located at a position away from the hull.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, a jet-propelled boat as described in Patent Document 1 has difficulty staying in place after landing the hull on a pier due to the influence of weather and tides. Therefore, even when the operator is located at a position away from the hull, a configuration that can maintain the state of the hull after landing it on the pier is desired.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a jet-powered boat, a jet-powered boat control system, and a method for maintaining the docked state of a jet-powered boat, which can maintain the docked state of the boat at a pier even when the operator is located away from the hull. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a jet-propelled boat according to the first aspect of this invention comprises a hull, a jet propulsion unit including a water flow generating unit that generates a jet of water that becomes the propulsion force of the hull, and a water flow direction adjustment unit that can adjust the direction of the jet of water generated from the water flow generating unit, and a control unit that performs docking state maintenance control, which controls the water flow generating unit to maintain the state in which a jet of water is generated from the water flow generating unit, while controlling the water flow direction adjustment unit so that the direction of the jet of water generated from the water flow generating unit is maintained in a direction that presses the hull against the pier when a docking state maintenance operation is performed to maintain the hull in a docked state.

[0008] The jet-propelled boat according to the first aspect of this invention includes a control unit that performs docking maintenance control, which controls the water flow direction adjustment unit to maintain the state in which a jet stream is generated from the water flow generation unit, while controlling the water flow direction adjustment unit so that the direction of the jet stream generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained in a direction that pushes the hull against the pier, when a docking maintenance operation is performed to maintain the hull in a docked state. As a result, when a docking maintenance operation is performed, docking maintenance control is performed and the state in which the direction of the jet stream is adjusted to push the hull against the pier is automatically maintained.

[0009] In the jet-propelled boat according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the water flow direction adjustment unit includes a deflector that can rotate in the left-right direction of the hull to change the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit to the left or right of the hull's centerline, and the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector in docking state maintenance control so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained to the left or right of the hull's centerline in the left-right direction. With this configuration, during docking state maintenance control, it is easy to maintain a state in which the direction of the jet water flow is adjusted to press the hull against the pier. Note that when pressing the hull against the pier, frictional resistance is generated between the hull and the pier, so even if the direction of the jet water flow is not exactly in the direction that moves the hull in the left-right direction, it is possible to maintain the state in which the hull is pressed against the pier.

[0010] In this case, preferably, the water flow direction adjustment unit further includes a reverse bucket that is rotatable in the vertical direction of the hull to change the ratio of the rear component of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit, which is directed towards the rear of the hull to advance the hull, and the front component, which is directed towards the front of the hull to reverse the hull. The control unit controls the orientation of the reverse bucket so that, in docking state maintenance control, the rear component and the front component of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit cancel each other out. With this configuration, it is easy to maintain a state in which no thrust force is generated in the longitudinal direction of the hull during docking state maintenance control. This makes it possible to suppress the hull from moving along the longitudinal direction of the hull from its initial position during docking state maintenance control.

[0011] In a configuration where the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained to the left or right of the hull's left-right centerline during docking state maintenance control, preferably, when a docking state release operation is performed to release the docking state maintenance control while docking state maintenance control is in operation, the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained to be aligned with the hull's left-right centerline. With this configuration, by performing a docking state release operation, the state in which the direction of the jet water flow is adjusted so as not to press the hull against the pier can be automatically maintained. In other words, docking state maintenance control can be easily released by performing a docking state release operation.

[0012] In a configuration in which the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained to the left or right of the hull's lateral centerline during docking state maintenance control, the control unit preferably controls the orientation of the deflector so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained to the leftmost or rightmost position within the adjustable range relative to the hull's lateral centerline during docking state maintenance control. With this configuration, the longitudinal component of the jet water flow of the hull can be maintained at a relatively small level during docking state maintenance control. This makes it possible to suppress the hull from moving along the longitudinal direction of the hull from its initial position during docking state maintenance control.

[0013] In the jet-propelled boat according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the water flow generation unit includes a power unit as a power source for generating a jet of water, and the control unit controls the power unit so that the rotational speed of the power unit is kept below a predetermined rotational speed during docking state maintenance control. With this configuration, the jet of water generated from the water flow generation unit can be kept at a relatively small level during docking state maintenance control. As a result, the component of the jet of water in the longitudinal direction of the hull of the directionally adjusted jet of water can be kept at a relatively small level during docking state maintenance control. As a result, it is possible to suppress the hull from moving along the longitudinal direction of the hull from its initial position during docking state maintenance control.

[0014] In this case, preferably, the power unit is an engine, and the control unit controls the engine so that it is kept in an idling state during docking state maintenance control. With this configuration, it is easy to realize a configuration that can maintain a relatively small jet stream generated from the water flow generation unit during docking state maintenance control.

[0015] In the jet-propelled boat according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the boat further comprises a communication unit that communicates with a remote control device capable of remotely controlling the hull, and an operating unit capable of operating the hull. The control unit performs docking maintenance control when it receives a signal from the remote control device via the communication unit indicating that a docking maintenance operation has been received, or when a docking maintenance operation is performed on the operating unit. With this configuration, if the operator is not on board the hull, the operator can perform a docking maintenance operation on the remote control device, thereby causing the control unit to perform docking maintenance control. Also, if the operator is on board the hull, the operator can perform a docking maintenance operation on the remote control device or the operating unit, thereby causing the control unit to perform docking maintenance control.

[0016] In a configuration where the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained to the left or right of the centerline in the left-right direction of the hull during docking state maintenance control, it is preferable that the control unit further includes a deflector actuator for changing the orientation of the deflector, and in docking state maintenance control, the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector by the deflector actuator so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained to the left or right of the centerline in the left-right direction of the hull. With this configuration, the orientation of the deflector during docking state maintenance control can be easily and automatically controlled by the deflector actuator.

[0017] In this case, preferably, the deflector actuator further includes a deflector operating unit that receives an operation to rotate the deflector, and the deflector actuator includes an electric motor, a transmission gear that transmits the driving force of the electric motor and the deflector operating unit, a deflector-side cable with one end and the other end connected to the transmission gear and the deflector, respectively, which pushes and pulls the deflector to rotate the deflector, and an operating unit-side cable with one end and the other end connected to the transmission gear and the deflector operating unit, respectively, which pushes and pulls the deflector to rotate the deflector. With this configuration, the orientation of the deflector can be controlled automatically via the electric motor, transmission gear and deflector-side cable, and the orientation of the deflector can also be controlled manually via the deflector operating unit, operating unit-side cable, transmission gear and deflector-side cable. This makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the orientation of the deflector can be controlled both manually and automatically by simply adding an electric motor and a transmission gear to a configuration in which the orientation of the deflector can be controlled manually, which is common in jet-powered boats.

[0018] In the jet-propelled boat according to the first phase described above, preferably, the control unit is configured not to perform docking state maintenance control even when a docking state maintenance operation is performed if the speed of the hull is greater than a predetermined speed. This configuration prevents docking state maintenance control from being performed when the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is relatively large. Since it is relatively difficult to perform docking state maintenance control when the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is relatively large, it is preferable to perform docking state maintenance control when the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is relatively small.

[0019] In a configuration in which the control unit controls the orientation of the reverse bucket so that the rear and front components of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit cancel each other out during docking state maintenance control, the control unit preferably controls the orientation of the reverse bucket so that the rear and front components of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit are different, so that if the ship moves along the longitudinal direction of the ship from the initial position during docking state maintenance control, the ship returns to the initial position during docking state maintenance control. With this configuration, even if the ship moves along the longitudinal direction of the ship from the initial position during docking state maintenance control, the ship can be returned to the initial position during docking state maintenance control.

[0020] In this case, preferably, the control unit releases the docking state maintenance control if the hull moves more than a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the hull from the initial position during docking state maintenance control. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the relatively large distance along the longitudinal direction of the hull when returning the hull to the initial position during docking state maintenance control. This makes it possible to suppress the progression of wear on the hull caused by the hull moving while being pressed against the pier when returning the hull to the initial position during docking state maintenance control.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, a jet propulsion boat control system according to the second aspect of this invention comprises a jet propulsion boat and a remote control device capable of remotely controlling the jet propulsion boat, wherein the jet propulsion boat includes a jet propulsion unit that includes a hull and a water flow generating unit that generates a jet of water that becomes the propulsion force of the hull, and a water flow direction adjustment unit that can adjust the direction of the jet of water generated from the water flow generating unit, and a control unit that performs docking state maintenance control, which controls the water flow generating unit to maintain the state in which a jet of water is generated from the water flow generating unit, while controlling the water flow direction adjustment unit so that the direction of the jet of water generated from the water flow generating unit is maintained in a state that presses the hull against the pier when a docking state maintenance operation is performed to maintain the hull in a docked state.

[0022] In the second aspect of the jet propulsion boat control system of this invention, as described above, the jet propulsion boat includes a control unit that performs docking maintenance control, which controls the water flow direction adjustment unit so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained in a state that pushes the hull against the pier when a docking maintenance operation is performed to maintain the hull in a docking state. As a result, similar to the jet propulsion boat in the first aspect, docking maintenance control is performed by performing a docking maintenance operation, and the state in which the direction of the jet water flow is adjusted to push the hull against the pier can be automatically maintained. As a result, similar to the jet propulsion boat in the first aspect, even when the operator is located away from the hull, the hull can be docked at the pier and the hull can be maintained in a docked state.

[0023] In the jet-propelled boat control system according to the second aspect, preferably, the water flow direction adjustment unit includes a deflector that is rotatable in the left-right direction of the hull so as to change the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit to the left or right with respect to the center line of the hull. When a shore landing state maintenance operation is performed, the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector so that, in the shore landing state maintenance control, the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained on the left or right with respect to the center line in the left-right direction of the hull. With this configuration, similar to the jet-propelled boat according to the first aspect, during the shore landing state maintenance control, it is possible to easily maintain the state in which the direction of the jet water flow is adjusted in the direction of pressing the hull against the pier.

[0024] In this case, preferably, the water flow direction adjustment unit further includes a reverse bucket that is rotatable in the vertical direction of the hull so as to change the ratio between the rearward component of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit that travels toward the rear side of the hull to move the hull forward and the forward component that travels toward the front side of the hull to move the hull backward. When a shore landing state maintenance operation is performed, the control unit controls the orientation of the reverse bucket so that, in the shore landing state maintenance control, the rearward component and the forward component of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit cancel each other out. With this configuration, similar to the jet-propelled boat according to the first aspect, during the shore landing state maintenance control, it is possible to easily maintain the state in which no propulsive force is generated in the front-rear direction of the hull. As a result, similar to the jet-propelled boat according to the first aspect, during the shore landing state maintenance control, it is possible to suppress the hull from moving along the front-rear direction of the hull from the initial position during the shore landing state maintenance control.

[0025] In the jet propulsion boat control system according to the second aspect described above, preferably, the jet propulsion boat further comprises a communication unit that communicates with a remote control device and an operation unit that receives docking state maintenance operations, and the control unit performs docking state maintenance control when it receives a signal from the remote control device via the communication unit indicating that a docking state maintenance operation has been received, or when a docking state maintenance operation is performed on the operation unit. With this configuration, similar to the jet propulsion boat according to the first aspect described above, if the operator is not on board the hull, the operator can perform a docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device, thereby causing the control unit to perform docking state maintenance control. Also, if the operator is on board the hull, the operator can perform a docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device or the operation unit, thereby causing the control unit to perform docking state maintenance control.

[0026] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the third aspect of the present invention provides a method for maintaining a docked state of a jet-powered boat, comprising the steps of: performing a docked state maintenance operation to maintain the hull of the jet-powered boat in a docked state on a pier; and, when the docked state maintenance operation is performed, performing a docked state maintenance control to maintain the state in which the jet water flow is generated while controlling the direction of the jet water flow so that it is maintained in a direction that presses the hull against the pier.

[0027] The method for maintaining the landing state of a jet-propelled boat according to the third aspect of the present invention is, as described above, when the landing state maintenance operation is performed, while controlling so that the direction of the jet water flow is maintained in a state where it presses the hull against the pier, a step of performing landing state maintenance control for controlling to maintain the state in which the jet water flow is generated is provided. Thereby, similar to the jet-propelled boat according to the first aspect and the jet-propelled boat control system according to the second aspect, by performing the landing state maintenance operation, the landing state maintenance control is performed, and the direction of the jet water flow is adjusted to the direction in which it presses the hull against the pier. The state can be automatically maintained. As a result, similar to the jet-propelled boat according to the first aspect and the jet-propelled boat control system according to the second aspect, even when the operator is at a position away from the hull, after landing the hull on the pier, the state of landing the hull on the pier can be maintained.

[0028] In the method for maintaining the landing state of a jet-propelled boat according to the third aspect, preferably, at the shore, a step of unloading the hull from a trailer for transporting the hull, and a step of operating a remote control device to move the hull unloaded from the trailer to the pier and land it on the pier are further provided. The step of performing the landing state maintenance operation includes a step of performing a landing state maintenance operation on the remote control device so that the landing state maintenance control is performed on the hull unloaded from the trailer, moved to the pier, and landed on the pier. With this configuration, the operator unloads the hull from the trailer at the shore, operates the remote control device to move the hull to the pier and land it on the pier, and then, while the operator moves from the shore to the hull, the state of landing the hull on the pier can be maintained.

[0029] In the third aspect of the method for maintaining the docked state of a jet-propelled boat, preferably the method further comprises the steps of: operating the hull's control unit to move the hull from offshore to the pier and dock it at the pier; operating a remote control device to move the hull from the pier to the shore; and lifting the hull onto a trailer for transport at the shore, wherein the step of performing the docked state maintenance operation includes performing a docked state maintenance operation on the remote control device or control unit so that docked state maintenance control is performed on the hull after it has been moved from offshore to the pier and docked at the pier. With this configuration, the operator can maintain the docked state of the hull at the pier while moving the hull from the pier to the shore, after moving the hull from offshore to the pier and docking it, and before operating the remote control device to move the hull from the pier to the shore in order to lift the hull onto a trailer at the shore. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a jet-powered boat, a jet-powered boat control system, and a method for maintaining the docked state of a jet-powered boat, which can maintain the docked state of the boat at a pier even when the operator is located away from the hull. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a jet-propelled boat control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a jet-powered boat according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing a jet-powered boat according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a state where the deflector is not rotated to the right or left of the center of the hull. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the deflector of a jet-powered boat according to one embodiment of the present invention rotated to the right relative to the center of the hull. [Figure 5]This is a plan view showing the deflector of a jet-powered boat according to one embodiment of the present invention rotated to the left relative to the center of the hull. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a reverse bucket for a jet-powered boat according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the reverse bucket of a jet-propelled boat in the forward position according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a side view showing the reverse bucket of a jet-propelled boat according to one embodiment of the present invention in the reverse position. [Figure 9] This is a plan view showing the reverse bucket of a jet-powered boat according to one embodiment of the present invention in the reverse position. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a deflector actuator for a jet-powered boat according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a side view showing the reverse bucket of a jet-propelled boat in the neutral position according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a plan view showing the reverse bucket of a jet-propelled boat in the neutral position according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the hull of a jet-powered boat according to one embodiment of the present invention docked at a pier. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates a method for maintaining a docked state of a jet-powered boat according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Another diagram illustrating how a jet-powered boat maintains a docked position according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The following describes embodiments of the present invention based on the drawings.

[0033] [Jet-propelled boats and jet-propelled boat control systems] Referring to Figures 1 to 13, a jet-propelled boat 100 and a jet-propelled boat control system 101 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0034] (Configuration of a jet propulsion boat control system) As shown in Figure 1, the jet propulsion boat control system 101 comprises a jet propulsion boat 100 and a remote control device 102 capable of remotely controlling the jet propulsion boat 100.

[0035] (Configuration of a jet-powered boat) As shown in Figure 2, the jet-powered boat 100 is a personal watercraft. The jet-powered boat 100 comprises a hull 10, a water flow generating unit 20, a water flow direction adjustment unit 30, a control unit 40, a communication unit 50, and an operating unit 60. In the figure, FWD, BWD, R, L, Z1, and Z2 indicate the front, rear, right, left, up, and down directions of the hull 10, respectively.

[0036] <Water flow generation section> As shown in Figure 2, the water flow generating unit 20 generates a jet of water that provides propulsion to the hull 10. The water flow generating unit 20 is driven by a power unit 21, which is the power source for generating the jet of water. It takes water into a water channel 25 having an opening on the lower surface of the rear of the hull 10, and ejects the taken-in water from a nozzle 24 located at the rear end of the hull 10 to generate a jet of water directed towards the rear of the hull 10. The water flow generating unit 20 includes a power unit 21, a drive shaft 22, an impeller 23, a nozzle 24, and a water channel 25. In the figure, the jet of water is indicated by a thick arrow.

[0037] The power unit 21 is an engine. The engine includes a crankshaft 21a. The engine is configured to obtain a driving force to rotate the crankshaft 21a by burning a mixture of air drawn in through an intake passage (not shown) equipped with a throttle valve (not shown) and fuel in a combustion chamber.

[0038] The drive shaft 22 extends in the longitudinal direction of the hull 10, with its front end connected to the crankshaft 21a and its rear end positioned within the waterway 25. The impeller 23 is fixed near the rear end of the drive shaft 22 and is positioned within the waterway 25. The impeller 23 is configured to rotate together with the drive shaft 22 to generate a water flow within the waterway 25 toward the nozzle 24. The nozzle 24 is located at the downstream end of the waterway 25. The nozzle 24 functions as a water outlet (injector). Water is ejected from the nozzle 24, generating a jet stream toward the rear of the hull 10.

[0039] <Water flow direction adjustment part> As shown in Figure 2, the water flow direction adjustment unit 30 is configured to adjust the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20. The water flow direction adjustment unit 30 includes a deflector 31, a reverse bucket 32, and a deflector actuator 33.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the deflector 31 is configured to rotate in the left-right direction of the hull 10 to change the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 to the left or right with respect to the centerline CL of the hull 10. Specifically, the deflector 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The deflector 31 is attached to the rear end of the nozzle 24. The deflector 31 is configured to rotate in the left-right direction of the hull 10 around an axis that extends in the vertical direction of the hull 10. By rotating the deflector 31 in the left-right direction of the hull 10, it is possible to change the direction of the water (jet water flow) ejected from the nozzle 24 in the left-right direction of the hull 10 at the rear of the hull 10.

[0041] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the reverse bucket 32 ​​is configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction of the hull 10 so as to change the ratio of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 between the rearward component directed toward the rear of the hull 10 to advance the hull 10 and the forward component directed toward the front of the hull 10 to reverse the hull 10. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the reverse bucket 32 ​​is attached to the rear end of the nozzle 24. As shown in Figure 6, the reverse bucket 32 ​​includes a pair of curved surfaces 32a that are curved to guide the jet water flow toward the rearward side to the right and left sides of the hull 10, respectively, and a pair of water flow ejection holes 32b that are connected to the curved surfaces 32a and penetrate the right and left portions of the reverse bucket 32, respectively, to guide the water flow toward the diagonal forward side of the hull 10.

[0042] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the reverse bucket 32 ​​is configured to rotate vertically around an axis extending horizontally along the hull 10. As shown in Figure 7, regardless of the orientation of the deflector 31, if the reverse bucket 32 ​​is rotated to a position where it is not hit by the jet stream at all, or hardly hit at all (forward position), the direction of the jet stream is not changed by the reverse bucket 32, and all or most of the jet stream flows straight backward. In this case, since the resultant force of the jet stream includes a rearward component, it is possible to move the hull 10 forward. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, if the orientation of the deflector 31 is not changed to the left or right with respect to the centerline CL of the hull 10, and the reverse bucket 32 ​​is rotated to a position where all or most of the jet stream hits it (reverse position), the direction of all or most of the jet stream is changed by the reverse bucket 32, and the jet stream flows diagonally forward from each of the pair of water jet outlets 32b in a symmetrical manner. In this case, the combined force of the jet streams consists only of the forward component, making it possible to move the hull 10 in reverse.

[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the deflector actuator 33 is configured to change the orientation of the deflector 31. Specifically, the deflector actuator 33 includes an electric motor 33a, a transmission gear 33b, a deflector-side cable 33c, an operating unit-side cable 33d, and a clutch unit 33e. The transmission gear 33b transmits the driving force from the electric motor 33a and the deflector operating unit 61. The transmission gear 33b includes, for example, a rack and pinion. The deflector-side cable 33c has one end connected to the transmission gear 33b and the deflector 31, respectively, and is configured to push and pull the deflector 31 to rotate it. The operating unit-side cable 33d has one end connected to the transmission gear 33b and the deflector operating unit 61 (described later), respectively, and is configured to push and pull the deflector 31 to rotate it. The clutch unit 33e is provided between the electric motor 33a and the transmission gear 33b, and switches between a state in which the driving force of the electric motor 33a is transmitted to the transmission gear 33b and a state in which it is not transmitted.

[0044] <Department Head> As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 40 includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 40 controls the drive of the power unit 21, the orientation of the deflector 31, the orientation of the reverse bucket 32, and so on.

[0045] <Communications Department> The communication unit 50 is configured to communicate with the remote control device 102. The communication unit 50 communicates wirelessly with the remote control device 102, for example, using Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®.

[0046] <Operation section> The control unit 60 is configured to be able to operate the hull 10. The control unit 60 includes a deflector control unit 61 that receives input for rotating the deflector 31.

[0047] (Configuration of the remote control device) As shown in Figure 14, the remote control device 102 is a smartphone. The remote control device 102 is configured to operate the hull 10, similar to the control unit 60. Specifically, the remote control device 102 has application software installed for operating the jet-powered boat 100.

[0048] (Docking status maintenance control) As shown in Figures 11 to 13, when a docking state maintenance operation is performed to maintain the hull 10 docked at the pier 201, the control unit 40 controls the water flow direction adjustment unit 30 so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained in a direction that pushes the hull 10 against the pier 201, and controls the water flow generation unit 20 to maintain the state in which a jet water flow is generated from the water flow generation unit 20. Figure 12 shows an example in which the left side of the hull 10 is pushed against the pier 201.

[0049] Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, in docking state maintenance control, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the deflector 31 using the deflector actuator 33 so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained to the left or right of the left-right centerline CL of the hull 10. As a result, the jet water flow hitting the reverse bucket 32 ​​flows diagonally forward (to the right in the example shown in Figure 12) from one of the pair of water flow ejection holes 32b (the right one in the example shown in Figure 12). Furthermore, in docking state maintenance control, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the deflector 31 so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained to the leftmost or rightmost position (to the right in the example shown in Figure 12) within the changeable range relative to the left-right centerline CL of the hull 10. Furthermore, when the docking state maintenance control is in operation and a docking state release operation is performed to release the docking state maintenance control, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the deflector 31 so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained to be aligned with the left-right centerline CL of the hull 10. In other words, when the docking state maintenance control is in operation and a docking state release operation is performed to release the docking state maintenance control, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the deflector 31 so that the direction of the jet water flow is maintained to be in a direction that does not press the hull 10 against the pier 201.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, in docking state maintenance control, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the reverse bucket 32 ​​so that the rear and front components of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 cancel each other out. That is, the control unit 40 rotates the reverse bucket 32 ​​to a position (neutral position) that is between the forward and reverse positions and to which a portion of the jet water flow hits. When the deflector 31 is rotated to the left or right (right side in the example shown in Figure 12) relative to the centerline CL of the hull 10, and the reverse bucket 32 ​​is rotated to a position (neutral position) to which a portion of the jet water flow (for example, about half to two-thirds) hits, the reverse bucket 32 ​​changes the direction of a portion of the jet water flow, and a portion of the jet water flow flows diagonally forward (to the right diagonal forward in the example shown in Figure 12) from one of the pair of water flow ejection holes 32b (the right water flow ejection hole 32b in the example shown in Figure 12). Furthermore, the remaining portion of the jet stream is not redirected by the reverse bucket 32, and flows directly to the rear. In this case, the jet stream flowing diagonally forward from one of the pair of water jet outlets 32b (the right water jet outlet 32b in the example shown in Figure 12) includes both a forward and a right component, while the jet stream that flows diagonally backward without being redirected by the reverse bucket 32 ​​includes a rear component. In this case, if the orientation of the reverse bucket 32 ​​is controlled so that the forward and rear components cancel each other out, then most of the resultant force of the jet stream will consist of only one of the right and left components (the right component in the example shown in Figure 12). As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the direction of the jet stream will be such that it pushes the hull 10 against the pier 201. Furthermore, when the hull 10 is pressed against the pier 201, frictional resistance is generated between the hull 10 and the pier 201. Therefore, even if the resultant force of the jet stream includes a component in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to maintain the state in which the hull 10 is pressed against the pier 201.

[0051] In docking state maintenance control, the control unit 40 controls the power unit 21 so that its rotational speed is maintained at a level lower than a predetermined rotational speed. Specifically, in docking state maintenance control, the control unit 40 controls the engine so that the engine is maintained at an idling state.

[0052] The control unit 40 performs docking state maintenance control when it receives a signal from the remote control device 102 via the communication unit 50 indicating that a docking state maintenance operation has been received, or when a docking state maintenance operation is performed on the operation unit 60. In other words, whether the operator 202 is on board the hull 10 or not (when the operator 202 is at a location away from the hull 10), the operator 202 can perform a docking state maintenance operation so that docking state maintenance control is performed.

[0053] The control unit 40 is configured not to perform docking maintenance control even if a docking maintenance operation is performed, if the speed of the hull 10 is greater than a predetermined speed. The predetermined speed is set according to the size, shape, etc., of the jet-propelled boat 100.

[0054] As shown in Figure 13, during docking state maintenance control, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the reverse bucket 32 ​​so that the rear and front components of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 are different, so that if the hull 10 moves along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 from the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control, the hull 10 returns to the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control. The initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control is the position of the hull 10 at the time when docking state maintenance control is started by performing docking state maintenance operations after the hull 10 has docked at the pier 201. In other words, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the reverse bucket 32 ​​so that the resultant force of the jet water flow includes a right-side component or a left-side component (left-side component in the example shown in Figure 13), and the longitudinal component is larger so that the hull 10 can move along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the control unit 40 releases the docking state maintenance control if the hull 10 moves a predetermined distance or more along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 from its initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control. The predetermined distance is set according to the size, shape, etc., of the jet-propelled boat 100.

[0055] [Method for maintaining a docked position for jet-powered boats] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, a method for maintaining the docked state of a jet-propelled boat 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0056] (Method for maintaining the docked state of a jet-powered boat when the operator moves from the shore to the pier where the boat has been docked.) As shown in Figure 14, in step S11, at the shore 203, the operator 202 operates the remote control device 102 to lower the hull 10 from the trailer 204 used for transporting the hull 10.

[0057] In step S12, at the shore 203, the operator 202 operates the remote control device 102 to move the hull 10, which has been lowered from the trailer 204, from the shore 203 to the pier 201 and dock it at the pier 201.

[0058] In step S13, at the shore 203, the operator 202 performs a docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device 102 to maintain the hull 10 in a docked state at the pier 201. That is, at the shore 203, the operator 202 performs a docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device 102 so that docking state maintenance control is performed on the hull 10, which has been launched from the trailer 204, moved to the pier 201, and docked at the pier 201.

[0059] In step S14, the control unit 40 controls the water flow direction adjustment unit 30 so that the direction of the jet water flow is maintained in a state that presses the hull 10 against the pier 201, and controls the water flow generation unit 20 so that the state of generating the jet water flow is maintained. In other words, the control unit 40 performs docking state maintenance control when a docking state maintenance operation is performed. The control unit 40 continues to perform docking state maintenance control while it is performing docking state maintenance control until a docking state release operation is performed to release the docking state maintenance control.

[0060] In step S15, the helmsman 202 moves from the shore to the hull 10.

[0061] In step S16, the operator 202 performs a docking release operation on the remote control device 102 or the control unit 60 to release the docking state maintenance control.

[0062] In step S17, the control unit 40 releases the docking state maintenance control. That is, the control unit 40 releases the docking state maintenance control when a docking state release operation is performed.

[0063] (Method for maintaining the docked position of a jet-powered boat when the operator moves the boat from a pier to the shore.) As shown in Figure 15, in step S21, the operator 202 on board the hull 10 operates the control unit 60 of the hull 10 offshore to move the hull 10 from offshore to the pier 201 and dock it.

[0064] In step S22, the operator 202 of the hull 10 performs a docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device 102 or the control unit 60 to maintain the hull 10 in a docked state at the pier 201. That is, the operator 202 of the hull 10 performs a docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device 102 or the control unit 60 so that docking state maintenance control is performed on the hull 10 after it has been moved from offshore to the pier 201 and docked at the pier 201.

[0065] In step S23, the control unit 40 performs docking state maintenance control by controlling the water flow direction adjustment unit 30 so that the direction of the jet water flow is maintained in a state that presses the hull 10 against the pier 201, and by controlling the water flow generation unit 20 so that the state in which the jet water flow is generated is maintained. In other words, the control unit 40 performs docking state maintenance control when a docking state maintenance operation is performed. The control unit 40 continues to perform docking state maintenance control while it is performing docking state maintenance control until a docking state release operation is performed to release the docking state maintenance control.

[0066] In step S24, the operator 202 moves from the hull 10 to the shore 203.

[0067] In step S25, the operator 202 performs a docking release operation on the remote control device 102 or the control unit 60 to release the docking state maintenance control.

[0068] In step S26, the control unit 40 releases the docking state maintenance control. That is, the control unit 40 releases the docking state maintenance control when a docking state release operation is performed.

[0069] In step S27, at the shore 203, the operator 202 operates the remote control device 102 to move the hull 10 from the pier 201 to the shore 203.

[0070] In step S28, at the shore 203, the operator 202 operates the remote control device 102 to lift the hull 10 onto the trailer 204 for transporting the hull 10.

[0071] [Effects of this embodiment] In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0072] (Effectiveness of jet-propelled boats and jet-propelled boat control systems) In this embodiment, as described above, the jet-propelled boat 100 includes a control unit 40 that performs docking state maintenance control. When a docking state maintenance operation is performed to maintain the hull 10 docked at the pier 201, the control unit 40 controls the water flow direction adjustment unit 30 so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained in a direction that pushes the hull 10 against the pier 201, while simultaneously controlling the water flow generation unit 20 to maintain the state in which a jet water flow is generated from the water flow generation unit 20. As a result, when a docking state maintenance operation is performed, docking state maintenance control is performed, and the state in which the direction of the jet water flow is adjusted to push the hull 10 against the pier 201 is automatically maintained.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the water flow direction adjustment unit 30 includes a deflector 31 that can rotate in the left-right direction of the hull 10 to change the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 to the left or right with respect to the centerline CL of the hull 10.The control unit 40 controls the orientation of the deflector 31 in docking state maintenance control so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained to the left or right with respect to the left-right centerline CL of the hull 10.This makes it easy to maintain a state in which the direction of the jet water flow is adjusted to press the hull 10 against the pier 201 during docking state maintenance control.Note that when pressing the hull 10 against the pier 201, frictional resistance is generated between the hull 10 and the pier 201, so even if the direction of the jet water flow is not exactly in the direction that moves the hull 10 in the left-right direction, it is possible to maintain the state in which the hull 10 is pressed against the pier 201.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the water flow direction adjustment unit 30 includes a reverse bucket 32 ​​that can rotate in the vertical direction of the hull 10 to change the ratio of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 between the rear component that moves towards the rear of the hull 10 to advance the hull 10 and the front component that moves towards the front of the hull 10 to reverse the hull 10.The control unit 40 controls the orientation of the reverse bucket 32 ​​in the docking state maintenance control so that the rear component and the front component of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 cancel each other out.This makes it easy to maintain a state in which no thrust force is generated in the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 during docking state maintenance control.This makes it possible to suppress the hull 10 from moving along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 from its initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, when a docking state release operation is performed to release the docking state maintenance control while the docking state maintenance control is in operation, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the deflector 31 so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained to be aligned with the left-right centerline CL of the hull 10. As a result, by performing the docking state release operation, the state in which the direction of the jet water flow is adjusted so as not to press the hull 10 against the pier 201 can be automatically maintained. In other words, the docking state maintenance control can be easily released by performing the docking state release operation.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the deflector 31 so that, in docking state maintenance control, the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained at the leftmost or rightmost position within a changeable range relative to the left-right centerline CL of the hull 10. This makes it possible to maintain a relatively small component of the jet water flow in the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 during docking state maintenance control. This makes it possible to suppress the movement of the hull 10 along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 from the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the water flow generation unit 20 includes a power unit 21 as a power source for generating a jet of water. The control unit 40 controls the power unit 21 so that its rotational speed is kept below a predetermined rotational speed during docking state maintenance control. This makes it possible to maintain a relatively small jet of water generated from the water flow generation unit 20 during docking state maintenance control. This makes it possible to maintain a relatively small component of the jet of water in the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 during docking state maintenance control. This makes it possible to suppress the movement of the hull 10 along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 from its initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the power unit 21 is an engine. The control unit 40 controls the engine so that it is kept in an idling state during docking state maintenance control. This makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is kept at a relatively small level during docking state maintenance control.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the jet-propelled boat 100 includes a communication unit 50 that communicates with a remote control device 102 capable of remotely controlling the hull 10, and an operation unit 60 capable of operating the hull 10. The control unit 40 performs docking state maintenance control when it receives a signal from the remote control device 102 via the communication unit 50 indicating that a docking state maintenance operation has been received, or when a docking state maintenance operation is performed on the operation unit 60. As a result, if the operator 202 is not on the hull 10, the operator 202 can perform a docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device 102, thereby causing the control unit 40 to perform docking state maintenance control. Also, if the operator 202 is on the hull 10, the operator 202 can perform a docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device 102 or the operation unit 60, thereby causing the control unit 40 to perform docking state maintenance control.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the jet-propelled boat 100 is equipped with a deflector actuator 33 that changes the orientation of the deflector 31. The control unit 40 controls the orientation of the deflector 31 using the deflector actuator 33 in docking state maintenance control so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained to the left or right of the center line CL in the left-right direction of the hull 10. This allows the deflector actuator 33 to easily and automatically control the orientation of the deflector 31 in docking state maintenance control.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the jet-propelled boat 100 is equipped with a deflector operating unit 61 that receives an operation to rotate the deflector 31. The deflector actuator 33 includes an electric motor 33a, a transmission gear 33b that transmits the driving force of the electric motor 33a and the deflector operating unit 61, a deflector-side cable 33c whose one end and the other end are connected to the transmission gear 33b and the deflector 31 respectively, and which pushes and pulls the deflector 31 to rotate the deflector 31, and an operating unit-side cable 33d whose one end and the other end are connected to the transmission gear 33b and the deflector operating unit 61 respectively, and which pushes and pulls the deflector 31 to rotate the deflector 31. As a result, the direction of the deflector 31 can be automatically controlled via the electric motor 33a, transmission gear 33b, and deflector-side cable 33c, and the direction of the deflector 31 can also be manually controlled via the deflector operating unit 61, operating unit-side cable 33d, transmission gear 33b, and deflector-side cable 33c. This makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the direction of the deflector 31 can be controlled both manually and automatically, simply by adding the electric motor 33a and transmission gear 33b to a configuration that is common in jet-propelled boats 100, where the direction of the deflector 31 can be controlled manually.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 40 is configured not to perform docking state maintenance control even when a docking state maintenance operation is performed if the speed of the hull 10 is greater than a predetermined speed. This prevents docking state maintenance control from being performed when the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is relatively large. Note that it is relatively difficult to perform docking state maintenance control when the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is relatively large, so it is preferable to perform docking state maintenance control when the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is relatively small.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, during docking state maintenance control, if the hull 10 moves along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 from the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the reverse bucket 32 ​​so that the rear and front components of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 are different, so that the hull 10 returns to the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control. This makes it possible to return the hull 10 to the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control even if the hull 10 moves along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 from the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 40 releases the docking state maintenance control if the hull 10 moves a predetermined distance or more along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 from the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control. This makes it possible to suppress the relatively large distance along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 when returning the hull 10 to the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control. This makes it possible to suppress the progression of wear on the hull 10 that occurs when the hull 10 moves while being pressed against the pier 201 when returning the hull 10 to the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control.

[0085] (Effectiveness of methods for maintaining the docked state of jet-propelled boats) In this embodiment, as described above, the method for maintaining the docked state of the jet-propelled boat 100 includes the step (S14, S23) of performing docked state maintenance control, which controls the jet water flow so that when a docked state maintenance operation is performed, the direction of the jet water flow is maintained in a direction that pushes the hull 10 against the pier 201, while maintaining the state in which the jet water flow is generated. As a result, similar to the effects of the jet-propelled boat and the jet-propelled boat control system described above, by performing a docked state maintenance operation, docked state maintenance control is performed, and the state in which the direction of the jet water flow is adjusted to push the hull 10 against the pier 201 can be automatically maintained.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the method for maintaining the docked state of the jet-propelled boat 100 includes the steps of: (S11) lowering the hull 10 from the trailer 204 for transporting the hull 10 at the shore 203; and (S12) operating the remote control device 102 to move the hull 10 lowered from the trailer 204 to the pier 201 and dock it at the pier 201. The steps for performing the docked state maintenance operation (S14, S23) include the step of performing a docked state maintenance operation on the remote control device 102 so that docked state maintenance control is performed on the hull 10 that has been lowered from the trailer 204, moved to the pier 201 and docked at the pier 201. This allows the operator 202 to lower the hull 10 from the trailer 204 at the shore 203, and then operate the remote control device 102 to move the hull 10 to the pier 201 and dock it there. After that, the operator 202 can maintain the hull 10 docked at the pier 201 while moving from the shore 203 to the hull 10.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the method for maintaining the docked state of the jet-propelled boat 100 includes the steps of: operating the control unit 60 of the hull 10 to move the hull 10 from offshore to the pier 201 and docking at the pier 201 (S21); operating the remote control device 102 to move the hull 10 from the pier 201 to the shore 203 (S27); and lifting the hull 10 onto a trailer 204 for transporting the hull 10 at the shore 203 (S28). The steps for performing docked state maintenance operations (S14, S23) include the step of performing docked state maintenance operations on the remote control device 102 or the control unit 60 so that docked state maintenance control is performed on the hull 10 after it has been moved from offshore to the pier 201 and docked at the pier 201 (S23). This allows the operator 202 to maintain the hull 10 docked at pier 201 while moving the hull 10 from pier 201 to shore 203, after moving the hull 10 from offshore to pier 201 and docking at pier 201, and before operating the remote control device 102 to move the hull 10 from pier 201 to shore 203 in order to lift the hull 10 onto the trailer 204 at the shore 203.

[0088] [Differentiation] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the reverse bucket 32 ​​so that the rear and front components of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 cancel each other out during docking state maintenance control. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit does not need to control the orientation of the reverse bucket so that the rear and front components of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit cancel each other out during docking state maintenance control. In that case, during docking state maintenance control, the reverse bucket is maintained in a state where the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is not changed (the reverse bucket is in the reverse position), and the direction of the jet water flow is maintained in a direction that pushes the hull against the pier by controlling only the orientation of the deflector.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the deflector 31 so that when a docking release operation is performed to release the docking state maintenance control while the docking state maintenance control is in operation, the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained to be aligned with the left-right centerline CL of the hull 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit does not need to control the orientation of the deflector so that when a docking release operation is performed to release the docking state maintenance control while the docking state maintenance control is in operation, the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained to be aligned with the left-right centerline of the hull. In that case, the control unit may control the water flow generation unit to stop the generation of the jet water flow when a docking release operation is performed to release the docking state maintenance control while the docking state maintenance control is in operation.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the deflector 31 so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 is maintained at the leftmost or rightmost position within a range that can be changed with respect to the left-right centerline CL of the hull 10 in the lateral direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may control the orientation of the deflector so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit is maintained at a position that is neither the leftmost nor the rightmost position within a range that can be changed with respect to the left-right centerline of the hull in the lateral direction in the hull in the lateral direction.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 40 controls the power unit 21 so that the rotation speed of the power unit 21 is maintained at a rate lower than a predetermined rotation speed during docking state maintenance control, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the control unit may control the power unit of the water flow generating unit so that the rotation speed of the power unit of the water flow generating unit is maintained at a rate higher than or equal to a predetermined rotation speed during docking state maintenance control.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the power unit 21 is an engine, and the control unit 40 controls the engine so that it is maintained in an idling state during docking state maintenance control. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the power unit may be an electric motor. In that case, the control unit may control the electric motor so that its rotational speed is maintained at a rotational speed that generates a driving force similar to that of the engine's idling state during docking state maintenance control.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the jet-propelled boat 100 is provided with a communication unit 50 that communicates with a remote control device 102 capable of remotely controlling the hull 10, and an operating unit 60 capable of operating the hull 10, and the control unit 40 performs docking maintenance control when it receives a signal from the remote control device 102 via the communication unit 50 indicating acceptance of a docking maintenance operation, or when a docking maintenance operation is performed on the operating unit 60, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may perform docking maintenance control only in the case of either receiving a signal from the remote control device via the communication unit indicating acceptance of a docking maintenance operation, or when a docking maintenance operation is performed on the operating unit.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the jet-propelled boat 100 is provided with a deflector operating unit 61 that receives an operation to rotate the deflector 31, and the deflector actuator 33 includes an electric motor 33a, a transmission gear 33b that transmits the driving force of the electric motor 33a and the deflector operating unit 61, a deflector-side cable 33c whose one end and the other end are connected to the transmission gear 33b and the deflector 31 respectively, and which pushes and pulls the deflector 31 to rotate the deflector 31, and an operating unit-side cable 33d whose one end and the other end are connected to the transmission gear 33b and the deflector operating unit 61 respectively, and which pushes and pulls the deflector 31 to rotate the deflector 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In this invention, the deflector actuator includes an electric motor, a transmission gear that transmits the driving force of the electric motor but does not transmit the driving force of the deflector operating unit, and a deflector-side cable, one end of which is connected to the transmission gear and the deflector, respectively, and which pushes and pulls the deflector to rotate the deflector. However, it does not need to include an operating unit-side cable, one end of which is connected to the transmission gear and the deflector operating unit, respectively, and which pushes and pulls the deflector to rotate the deflector. In other words, the deflector actuator (a configuration for automatically controlling the direction of the deflector) and a configuration for manually controlling the direction of the deflector may be provided independently of each other.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 40 is configured not to perform docking state maintenance control even when a docking state maintenance operation is performed if the speed of the hull 10 is greater than a predetermined speed, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may be configured to perform docking state maintenance control regardless of the speed of the hull when a docking state maintenance operation is performed.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 40 controls the orientation of the reverse bucket 32 ​​so that the rear and front components of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit 20 are different, so that the hull 10 returns to the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control when the hull 10 moves along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 from the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, even if the hull moves along the longitudinal direction of the hull from the initial position during docking state maintenance control, the control unit does not need to control the orientation of the reverse bucket so that the hull returns to the initial position during docking state maintenance control.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 40 releases the docking state maintenance control when the hull 10 moves a predetermined distance or more along the longitudinal direction of the hull 10 from the initial position P0 during docking state maintenance control. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may control the orientation of the reverse bucket so that the hull returns to the initial position without releasing the docking state maintenance control, regardless of the distance the hull has moved along the longitudinal direction of the hull from the initial position during docking state maintenance control.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the step of performing a docking state maintenance operation (S14, S23) is shown to include a step of performing a docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device 102 so that docking state maintenance control is performed on the hull 10 that has been launched from the trailer 204, moved to the pier 201, and docked at the pier 201 (S14). However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the step of performing a docking state maintenance operation does not have to include a step of performing a docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device so that docking state maintenance control is performed on the hull that has been launched from the trailer, moved to the pier, and docked at the pier. In other words, the method for maintaining the docking state of a jet-powered boat does not have to be used when the operator moves from the shore to the hull that has docked at the pier.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the steps for performing docking maintenance operations (S14, S23) include a step (S23) in which the remote control device 102 or the control unit 60 is operated to perform docking maintenance control for the hull 10 after it has been moved from offshore to the pier 201 and docked at the pier 201. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the steps for performing docking maintenance operations do not necessarily include a step in which the remote control device or the control unit is operated to perform docking maintenance control for the hull after it has been moved from offshore to the pier and docked at the pier. In other words, the method for maintaining the docking state of a jet-powered boat does not necessarily have to be used when the operator moves the hull from docked at the pier to the shore.

[0101] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where the jet-propelled boat 100 is a personal watercraft, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the jet-propelled boat may be a sports boat.

[0102] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows the remote control device 102 as a smartphone, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the remote control device may be a tablet terminal, or a dedicated remote control device for remotely controlling a jet-powered boat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10 hull 20 Water flow generation section 21 Power Unit 30 Water flow direction adjustment part 31 Deflector 32 Reverse Buckets 33 Deflector Actuator 33a Electric motor 33b Transmission gear 33c Deflector-side cable 33d Control panel side cable 40 Control Unit 50 Communications Department 60 Control section 61 Deflector operating section 100 Jet-powered boats 101 Jet Propulsion Boat Control System 102 Remote control device Pier 201 203 Shore 204 Trailer CL (centerline of the ship's hull) P0 (Initial position during hull docking maintenance control)

Claims

1. The hull and, A water flow generating unit that generates a jet of water that becomes the propulsion force for the hull, A water flow direction adjustment unit capable of adjusting the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit, A jet-propelled boat comprising: a control unit that performs docking state maintenance control, which controls the water flow generating unit to maintain the state in which the jet water flow is generated from the water flow generating unit, while controlling the water flow direction adjustment unit so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generating unit is maintained in a state that presses the boat against the pier when a docking state maintenance operation is performed to maintain the hull in a docked state on a pier.

2. The water flow direction adjustment unit includes a deflector that can rotate in the left-right direction of the hull to change the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit to the left or right with respect to the centerline of the hull, The jet-propelled boat according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector in the docking state maintenance control such that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generating unit is maintained to the left or right of the center line in the left-right direction of the hull.

3. The water flow direction adjustment unit further includes a reverse bucket that is rotatable in the vertical direction of the hull to change the ratio of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit between the rearward component directed toward the rear of the hull to advance the hull and the forward component directed toward the front of the hull to reverse the hull. The jet-propelled boat according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the orientation of the reverse bucket in the docking state maintenance control such that the rear component and the front component of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit cancel each other out.

4. The jet-propelled boat according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector so that when a docking release operation is performed to release the docking state maintenance control while the docking state maintenance control is being performed, the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generating unit is maintained to be in a direction along the center line in the left-right direction of the hull.

5. The jet-propelled boat according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector in the docking state maintenance control such that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generating unit is maintained at the leftmost or rightmost position within a range that can be changed with respect to the centerline in the left-right direction of the hull.

6. The water flow generating unit includes a power unit as a power source for generating the jet water flow. The jet-propelled boat according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the power unit so that the rotational speed of the power unit is maintained at a level lower than a predetermined rotational speed in the docking state maintenance control.

7. The aforementioned power unit is an engine, The jet-propelled boat according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the engine so that it is maintained in an idling state during the docking state maintenance control.

8. A communication unit that communicates with a remote control device capable of remotely controlling the hull, The ship's hull is further comprising an operating unit capable of being operated, The jet-powered boat according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs docking maintenance control when it receives a signal from the remote control device via the communication unit indicating that it has received the docking maintenance operation, or when the docking maintenance operation is performed on the control unit.

9. The system further comprises a deflector actuator that changes the orientation of the deflector, The jet-propelled boat according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector using the deflector actuator in the docking state maintenance control so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generating unit is maintained to the left or right of the center line in the left-right direction of the hull.

10. The system further includes a deflector operating unit that receives an operation to rotate the deflector, The deflector actuator is Electric motor and, A transmission gear that transmits the driving force of the electric motor and the deflector operating section, A deflector-side cable, with one end and the other end connected to the transmission gear and the deflector respectively, pushes and pulls the deflector to rotate the deflector, The jet propulsion boat according to claim 9, comprising an operating cable having one end and the other end connected to the transmission gear and the deflector operating section, respectively, for pushing and pulling the deflector to rotate the deflector.

11. The jet-powered boat according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured not to perform the docking state maintenance control even when the docking state maintenance operation is performed if the speed of the hull is greater than a predetermined speed.

12. The jet-propelled boat according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the orientation of the reverse bucket so that, when the hull moves along the longitudinal direction of the hull from the initial position during the docking state maintenance control, the hull returns to the initial position during the docking state maintenance control, by making the rear component and the front component of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generating unit different.

13. The jet-powered boat according to claim 12, wherein the control unit releases the docking state maintenance control if the hull moves a predetermined distance or more along the longitudinal direction of the hull from the initial position during the docking state maintenance control.

14. Jet-powered boats and The jet-propelled boat is equipped with a remote control device that allows for remote operation of the jet-propelled boat, The aforementioned jet-propelled boat, Hull and A water flow generating unit that generates a jet of water that becomes the propulsion force for the hull, A water flow direction adjustment unit capable of adjusting the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit, A jet-propelled boat control system, comprising: a control unit that performs docking state maintenance control, which controls the water flow generating unit to maintain the state in which the jet water flow is generated from the water flow generating unit, while controlling the water flow direction adjustment unit so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generating unit is maintained in a state that presses the boat against the pier when a docking state maintenance operation is performed to maintain the hull in a docked state on a pier.

15. The water flow direction adjustment unit includes a deflector that can rotate in the left-right direction of the hull to change the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit to the left or right with respect to the centerline of the hull, The jet propulsion boat control system according to claim 14, wherein the control unit controls the orientation of the deflector in the docking state maintenance control so that the direction of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generating unit is maintained to the left or right of the center line in the left-right direction of the hull when the docking state maintenance operation is performed.

16. The water flow direction adjustment unit further includes a reverse bucket that is rotatable in the vertical direction of the hull to change the ratio of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit between the rearward component directed toward the rear of the hull to advance the hull and the forward component directed toward the front of the hull to reverse the hull. The jet propulsion boat control system according to claim 15, wherein the control unit controls the orientation of the reverse bucket in the docking state maintenance control so that the rear component and the front component of the jet water flow generated from the water flow generation unit cancel each other out when the docking state maintenance operation is performed.

17. The aforementioned jet-propelled boat, A communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned remote control device, The system further comprises an operating unit that receives the aforementioned docking maintenance operation, The jet propulsion boat control system according to claim 14, wherein the control unit performs docking state maintenance control when it receives a signal from the remote control device via the communication unit indicating that it has received the docking state maintenance operation, or when the docking state maintenance operation is performed on the operation unit.

18. The steps include performing docking maintenance operations to keep the hull of the jet-powered boat docked at the pier, A method for maintaining the docking state of a jet-propelled boat, comprising the step of performing docking state maintenance control, which involves controlling the jet water flow so that when the docking state maintenance operation is performed, the direction of the jet water flow is maintained in a direction that presses the hull against the pier, while maintaining the state in which the jet water flow is generated.

19. The steps include: lowering the hull from the trailer used to transport it at the shore; The system further includes the step of operating a remote control device to move the hull, which has been lowered from the trailer, to the pier and dock at the pier, The method for maintaining the docking state of a jet-powered boat according to claim 18, wherein the step of performing the docking state maintenance operation includes performing the docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device so that the docking state maintenance control is performed on the hull that has been launched from the trailer, moved to the pier, and docked at the pier.

20. The steps include operating the control unit of the hull to move the hull from offshore to the pier and dock it at the pier, The steps include operating a remote control device to move the hull from the pier to the shore, The shore further comprises a step of lifting the hull onto a trailer for transporting the hull, The method for maintaining the docking state of a jet-powered boat according to claim 18, wherein the step of performing the docking state maintenance operation includes the step of performing the docking state maintenance operation on the remote control device or the control unit so that the docking state maintenance control is performed on the hull after it has been moved from offshore to the pier and docked at the pier.

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