A steering wheel device and a small vessel equipped with the same steering wheel device.

Abstract

To provide a steering wheel device capable of preventing a steering cable from affecting opening / closing of a hatch.SOLUTION: A steering wheel device 13 comprises: a housing 20; a tube member 21 that moves back and forth about a tilt shaft 55; a steering shaft 22 inserted into the tube member 21; a steering arm 24, etc. When the steering shaft 22 is rotated left or right, the steering arm 24 is rotated to an angle corresponding to the rotation. A connection member 24a is provided in the steering arm 24. The connection member 24a is connected to a first link 26b of a direction changing link member 26 through a relay member 27. The direction changing link member 26 rotates about a shaft 28. A steering cable 25 is connected to a second link 26d of the direction changing link member 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering handle device for small ships such as personal watercraft, and particularly to a steering handle device having a tilt mechanism and a small ship.

Background Art

[0002] A steering handle device used for a personal watercraft (abbreviated as PWC) has a steering shaft that supports a handlebar. For example, a steering arm is provided at the lower end of the steering shaft, and one end of a steering cable is connected to this steering arm. The other end of the steering cable is connected to a water jet nozzle at the rear of the hull. When the handlebar is rotated, the steering arm rotates, so that the steering cable is pushed or pulled, and the direction of the water jet nozzle changes.

[0003] In a steering handle device, a tilt mechanism for changing the tilt angle (tilt angle) of the steering shaft according to the physique and preference of the operator is known. For example, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, a handle device provided with a tilt mechanism has been proposed. The tilt mechanism has a tilt shaft for supporting the steering shaft so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

[0004] The steering shaft of the steering handle device described in Patent Document 1 has an upper shaft portion on the upper side, a lower shaft portion on the lower side, a universal joint, and the like. When changing the tilt angle, only the upper shaft portion is configured to tilt in the front-rear direction around the tilt shaft. A steering arm is attached to the lower end of the lower shaft portion. On the other hand, in the steering handle device described in Patent Document 2, a steering arm is attached to the lower end of the steering shaft that tilts in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the steering arm swings in the vertical direction according to the tilt angle.

[0005] The steering handle device described in Patent Document 3 has a cam member and a cam groove for converting the rotational motion of the steering shaft into the linear motion of the steering cable. The cam groove is formed in a sleeve into which the steering shaft is inserted. When the steering shaft rotates, the cam member rotates. As a result, the sleeve moves in a direction along the axis of the steering shaft, and the steering cable moves in a direction along the axis of the sleeve. Therefore, when the tilt angle of the steering shaft changes, the angle of the sleeve also changes, and consequently, the angle of the steering cable also changes.

[0006] A personal watercraft is known that has a hatch at the front of the hull that can be opened and closed. The hatch rotates vertically around a hinge located at the front of the hull. A space is formed at the front of the hull that is closed by the hatch. When the hatch is moved upward, the space is opened, and luggage and other items can be loaded into and unloaded from the space. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-348888 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4620973 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002 / 0007774 Specification [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The hatch rotates vertically around a hinge located at the front of the hull. Therefore, in the case of a personal watercraft in which the steering handle is mounted on the hatch, when the hatch is moved upward to open it, the steering handle moves upward and also moves forward.

[0009] The steering cable connected to the steering arm is positioned between the steering arm and the operating part of the water injection nozzle. If the steering cable extends rearward from the steering handle device, its presence can hinder the opening of the hatch. For example, in the steering handle devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the steering cable extends behind the steering arm. The steering cable can bend to some extent. However, since a highly rigid rod member is provided at the end of the steering cable, it has an almost straight shape and is practically difficult to bend. For this reason, there is little freedom in the layout of the steering cable near the steering handle device.

[0010] In the steering handle device described in Patent Document 3, the sleeve to which the steering cable is connected moves in the axial direction of the steering shaft. As a result, the steering cable moves in the axial direction of the steering shaft. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the layout of the steering cable is small near the steering handle device, and it is difficult to direct the steering cable in the desired direction. Against this backdrop, there has been a need for a steering handle device in small vessels equipped with a hatch at the front of the hull that offers a greater degree of freedom in the layout of the steering cable and does not affect the opening and closing of the hatch.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a steering handle device that allows the steering cable connected to the steering arm to be positioned so as not to affect the opening and closing of a hatch located at the front of the hull. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A steering handle device according to one embodiment includes a housing fixed to a hatch forming part of the hull, a tubular member inserted into the housing, and a steering shaft inserted into the tubular member. Steering arm The vehicle is equipped with a direction changing member. The tube member is supported in the housing so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction about a tilt axis. The steering shaft is rotatable about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. Steering arm The steering shaft rotates around its axis, and the direction changing member rotates at an angle corresponding to that rotation. The housing or hull is rotatably mounted on an axis and rotated by the steering arm, and includes a first link portion extending from the axis in a first direction to which the steering arm is connected, and a second link portion extending from the axis in a second direction different from the first link portion to which a steering cable is connected and which moves in a direction different from the steering arm.

[0013] An example of the direction changing member is a direction changing link member having the first link portion and the second link portion.

[0014] The steering arm may have a connecting member. This connecting member is preferably located at a position corresponding to the tilt axis when viewed from the side of the housing, when the steering shaft is in the neutral position in the rotational direction. In this embodiment, the steering arm may have a connecting member that connects the connecting member and the first link portion of the direction changing link member to each other. In another embodiment, the steering shaft may include an input bevel gear provided on the steering shaft and rotating in the same direction as the steering shaft in conjunction with the steering shaft, an output bevel gear that meshes with the input bevel gear, a pivot arm provided on the axis of the output bevel gear, and a direction changing member. The direction changing member is rotatably provided on the housing around an axis and includes a first link portion extending from the axis in a first direction to which the pivot arm is connected, and a second link portion extending from the axis in a second direction different from the first link portion to which a steering cable is connected and which moves in a direction different from the pivot arm.

[0015] A small vessel in one embodiment has a hatch located at the front of the hull. This hatch can be opened and closed vertically around a hinge at the front of the hull. The steering handle device may be mounted on the hatch. The steering cable may have a first portion extending from the steering handle device toward the hinge at the front of the hull, a second portion whose direction reverses near the hinge, and a third portion extending from near the hinge toward the rear of the hull. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the steering handle device of the present embodiment, since the steering cable connected to the drive-side rotating body such as the steering arm can be laid out so as to extend rearward of the hull via the front part of the hull, it is possible to avoid the steering cable being affected when opening the hatch at the front part of the hull.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing an example of a small ship, a personal watercraft. [Figure 2] Side view of the personal watercraft shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Plan view schematically showing a personal watercraft equipped with a steering handle device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Side view of the same steering handle device. [Figure 5] Plan view of the same steering handle device. [Figure 6] Front view of the same steering handle device as seen from the front of the hull. [Figure 7] Front view showing the housing and the tube member of the same steering handle device disassembled. [Figure 8] Front view of the steering shaft and the steering arm of the same steering handle device. [Figure 9] Exploded perspective view of the steering arm of the same steering handle device. [Figure 10] Side view showing the steering arm of the same steering handle device, a part of the direction conversion link member, and the relay member. [Figure 11] Side view of a steering handle device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Perspective view showing a part of the steering handle device shown in FIG. 11 in a partial cross-section.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] [First Embodiment] The steering wheel device according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Figure 1 shows a personal watercraft (sometimes called a jet ski) 10 as an example of a small vessel. Figure 2 is a side view of the personal watercraft 10, and Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the personal watercraft 10.

[0019] The personal watercraft 10 comprises a hull 11, an engine 12 mounted on the hull 11, a steering handle device 13 located at the front of the hull 11, and a water jet nozzle 14 located at the rear of the hull 11. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a hatch 15 is provided at the front of the hull 11. The hatch 15 can move vertically around a hinge portion 16 (schematically shown in Figure 3) located near the front end 11a of the hull 11. The steering handle device 13 is mounted on the hatch 15.

[0020] The hatch 15 can be opened by moving it in the direction indicated by the arrow UP in Figure 2. The hull 11 of this embodiment has a so-called open hatch structure. To close the hatch 15, move it in the direction indicated by the arrow DW in Figure 2. When the hatch 15 rotates vertically around the hinge 16, the steering handle device 13 also moves diagonally vertically along with the hatch 15.

[0021] Figure 4 is a side view of the steering handle device 13, and Figure 5 is a top view of the steering handle device 13. In Figures 4 and 5, arrow Y1 indicates the front of the hull 11. In Figure 5, arrow Y2 indicates the rear of the hull 11.

[0022] The steering handle device 13 includes a housing 20 fixed to a hatch 15 that forms part of the hull 11, a tube member 21, a steering shaft 22, a handlebar 23, a steering arm 24 that functions as a drive-side rotating body, a steering cable 25, a direction-changing link member 26, and a relay member 27. An example of the steering cable 25 is a push-pull cable capable of transmitting both pushing and pulling forces.

[0023] The handlebar 23 is attached to the upper part of the steering shaft 22 and can be rotated in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow A in Figure 1. A steering arm 24 is provided at the lower end of the steering shaft 22. One end 27a of the relay member 27 is connected to a connecting member 24a provided on the steering arm 24.

[0024] The direction-changing link member 26 is rotatably attached to the side surface 29 of the housing 20 by a horizontally extending shaft 28. The direction-changing link member 26 has a first link portion 26b including a first end 26a and a second link portion 26d including a second end 26c. The first link portion 26b extends from the shaft 28 in a first direction (diagonally downward in Figure 4) when viewed from the direction facing the side surface 29 of the housing 20. The second end 26c, which functions as a driven rotating part, moves in a direction different from the rotation direction of the steering arm (drive-side rotating body) 24. The second link portion 26d extends in a second direction (diagonally upward in Figure 4) on the opposite side of the shaft 28 from the first link portion 26b. The shaft 28 supporting the direction-changing link member 26 may be provided on the hull (for example, the hatch 15).

[0025] The angle between the first link portion 26b and the second link portion 26d is set according to the direction in which the steering cable 25 extends, etc. Therefore, it goes without saying that the angle between the first link portion 26b and the second link portion 26d is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, etc. The position where the direction-changing link member 26 is provided, and the respective lengths of the first link portion 26b and the second link portion 26d, are also not limited to the above embodiment. The direction-changing link member 26 may also be provided on a hull-side member (for example, a hatch 15) that supports the housing 20.

[0026] The other end 27b of the relay member 27 is connected to the first end 26a of the direction-changing link member 26 via a connecting member 35. One end 25a of the steering cable 25 is connected to the second end 26c of the direction-changing link member 26 via a connecting member 36. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the other end 25b of the steering cable 25 is connected to the operating part 14a of the water injection nozzle 14. When the steering cable 25 moves in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow C in Figure 3, the orientation of the water injection nozzle 14 changes.

[0027] Figure 6 is a front view of the steering handle device 13 as seen from the front of the hull 11. Figure 7 is a front view showing the housing 20 and tube member 21 in an exploded state. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the housing 20 consists of a pair of left and right housing elements 20a and 20b. These housing elements 20a and 20b are joined to each other by connecting members 30 such as bolts. An example of the material for the housing elements 20a and 20b is a metal such as an aluminum alloy, but non-metals such as fiber-reinforced plastic may also be used.

[0028] A space 31 for inserting the tube member 21 is formed inside the housing 20. A flange portion 32 is provided at the bottom of the housing 20. As shown in Figure 4, the housing 20 is positioned outside the mounting surface 33 of the hull 11 and is fixed to the mounting surface 33 by fixing members 34 such as bolts. The mounting surface 33 is at an angle θ1 with respect to the horizontal plane HL.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, a bearing hole 41 is formed in the side wall portion 40 of one housing element 20a. A bearing hole 43 is also formed in the side wall portion 42 of the other housing element 20b. These bearing holes 41 and 43 are circular when viewed from the side of the housing 20 and are formed in positions opposite to each other.

[0030] A tube member 21 is inserted into the space 31 of the housing 20. The tube member 21 is made of synthetic resin or metal. A shaft insertion hole 50 for inserting a steering shaft 22 is formed inside the tube member 21. The shaft insertion hole 50 extends vertically along the entire length of the tube member 21. The cross-section of the shaft insertion hole 50 is circular.

[0031] A pair of shaft portions 51 and 52 are formed at the lower part of the tube member 21. The shaft portions 51 and 52 each protrude horizontally (in the width direction of the hull 11) from both sides of the lower part of the tube member 21. One shaft portion 51 is rotatably inserted into one bearing hole 41. The other shaft portion 52 is rotatably inserted into the other bearing hole 43.

[0032] The bearing holes 41, 43 and the shaft portions 51, 52 constitute a tilt shaft 55 that rotatably supports the tube member 21. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the tilt shaft 55 has a first axis X1 that extends in the width direction of the hull 11 at the lower part of the housing 20. When changing the tilt angle, the tube member 21 rotates in the front-rear direction around the axis X1 of the tilt shaft 55 relative to the housing 20.

[0033] The steering shaft 22 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 50 of the tube member 21. Figure 8 is a front view showing the steering shaft 22 and steering arm 24 in an exploded state. The steering shaft 22 has a second axis X2 (shown in Figure 8) that extends in the longitudinal direction. The steering shaft 22 is rotatably supported about the second axis X2 by the upper support portion 60 (shown in Figure 7) and the lower support portion 61 of the tube member 21.

[0034] The steering shaft 22 is composed of a single rod-shaped member extending in a direction along the second axis X2 and is substantially rigid along its entire length. A handle mounting portion 65 for attaching a handle bar 23 is provided at the top of the steering shaft 22. The steering shaft 22 and the handle bar 23 may be integrated. The handle bar 23, fixed to the handle mounting portion 65, extends in the width direction of the hull 11.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, stopper walls 66 and 67 are provided on the upper part of the tube member 21 to restrict the range of rotation of the handlebar 23. A protrusion 68 is provided on the upper part of the steering shaft 22. When the handlebar 23 rotates clockwise to the allowable angle, the protrusion 68 comes into contact with one of the stopper walls 66. When the handlebar 23 rotates counterclockwise to the allowable angle, the protrusion 68 comes into contact with the other stopper wall 67.

[0036] The tube member 21 and the steering shaft 22 can rotate in the front-rear direction around the axis X1 of the tilt axis 55. In other words, the steering shaft 22 can change its tilt angle in the front-rear direction between the tilt-up position P1 and the tilt-down position P2, with the neutral tilt position N shown in Figure 4 as the boundary. The tilt mechanism is composed of the tube member 21, the tilt axis 55, and the locking mechanism 120, which will be described later.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, an arm mounting portion 70 is formed at the lower end of the steering shaft 22. The steering arm 24 is fixed to the arm mounting portion 70 by fixing members 71 such as bolts. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the steering arm 24 in an exploded state. Figure 10 is a side view showing the steering arm 24, a part of the direction changing link member 26, and the intermediate member 27.

[0038] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the steering arm 24 has boss portions 74 and 75 having holes 72 and 73 for inserting fixing members 71, and an extension portion 76 integral with the boss portion 74. The extension portion 76 includes a first portion 81, a second portion 82, and a third portion 83. The first portion 81 extends from the boss portion 74 outward from the housing 20 in the width direction of the hull 11.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the second portion 82 is H1 higher in height than the first portion 81. However, the heights of the first portion 81 and the second portion 82 may be the same. The third portion 83 extends from the second portion 82 to the rear side of the housing 20. An opening 85 is formed in the lower part of the housing 20 for passing the extension 76 through.

[0040] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, a connecting member 24a is provided on the third portion 83 of the extension 76. The connecting member 24a may be formed integrally with the steering arm 24. One end 27a of the relay member 27 is connected to the connecting member 24a.

[0041] Figure 5 shows the handlebar 23 and steering shaft 22 in the neutral position in the rotational direction. When the steering shaft 22 is in the neutral position in the rotational direction, as shown in Figure 4, the connecting member 24a is positioned in a location corresponding to the tilt axis 55 when viewed from the side of the housing 20.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, when viewed from the front, the connecting member 24a is positioned between imaginary line segments L1 and L2 that extend from the upper and lower surfaces of the tilt axis 55 in the direction along the first axis X1, respectively. Also, as shown in Figure 4, when viewed from the side, the connecting member 24a is positioned in a location corresponding to the tilt axis 55, that is, within the range extended from the tilt axis 55 in the direction along the first axis X1.

[0043] Since the connecting member 24a is positioned in a location corresponding to the tilt axis 55, even when the tube member 21 moves between the tilt-up position P1 and the tilt-down position P2, the amount of movement of the connecting member 24a can be reduced. Therefore, the swinging motion of the intermediate member 27 can be suppressed.

[0044] As shown in Figure 10, one end of the relay member 27 has a socket member 101 connected to the connecting member 24a, a cylindrical slide member 102, and a return spring 103. The socket member 101 has a hole 105 formed therein that engages with the connecting member 24a. The slide member 102 can move relative to the socket member 101 in the direction shown by M1 and the direction shown by M2 in Figure 10. The return spring 103 biases the slide member 102 in the direction shown by M2.

[0045] When the slide member 102 is moved by the fingers in the direction indicated by M1, the slide member 102 moves to the release position, and the hole 105 of the socket member 101 is opened. In this state, the connecting member 24a can be inserted into the hole 105 or removed from the hole 105. When the fingers are released from the slide member 102, the elasticity of the return spring 103 causes the slide member 102 to move in the direction indicated by M2, and the slide member 102 moves to the locked position.

[0046] As shown in Figure 10, the other end of the relay member 27 has a socket member 101a connected to the connecting member 35 of the direction changing link member 26, a cylindrical slide member 102a, and a return spring 103a. The socket member 101a has a hole 105a that engages with the connecting member 35. The slide member 102a can move in the direction indicated by M3 and the direction indicated by M4. The return spring 103a biases the slide member 102a in the direction indicated by M4.

[0047] When the slide member 102a is moved by the fingers in the direction indicated by M3, the slide member 102a moves to the release position, and the hole 105a of the socket member 101a is opened. In this state, the connecting member 36 can be inserted into the hole 105a or removed from the hole 105a. When the fingers are released from the slide member 102a, the elasticity of the return spring 103 causes the slide member 102 to move in the direction indicated by M4, and the slide member 102a moves to the locked position.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the steering cable (push-pull cable) 25 has an outer tube 110 and an inner cable 111 inserted into the outer tube 110. The inner cable 111 can move relative to the outer tube 110 in the longitudinal direction. A rod member 112 is connected to the end of the inner cable 111. A joint member 113, which forms one end 25a of the steering cable 25, is provided at the end of the rod member 112.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, a locking mechanism 120 is provided at the rear of the housing 20. The locking mechanism 120 has a fitting portion 121 for fixing the tube member 21 at a desired tilt angle. The fitting portion 121 has a plurality of recesses 122 arranged along an arc centered on the tilt axis 55.

[0050] A locking member 130 is provided on a holder member 126 that rotates around an axis 125. The locking member 130 can be moved by an operating part 131 to a locked position where it engages with a recess 122 and to an unlocked position where it is separated from the recess 122. The locking member 130 engages with a recess 122 among the multiple recesses 122 at a position corresponding to the tilt angle of the tube member 21.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, an assist spring 141 is provided between the back surface 21a of the tube member 21 and the support member 140 of the housing 20. The assist spring 141 biases the tube member 21 in the direction of the tilt-up position P1 against the weight of the handlebar 23. Therefore, the tilt angle of the tube member 21 can be adjusted with little force.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, when viewed from the side of the housing 20, the tilt axis 55 is formed at a position offset by a distance D1 in the front-rear direction (for example, to the rear) from the axis X2 of the steering shaft 22. That is, when viewed from the side of the housing 20, an offset wall portion 40a with a length corresponding to the distance D1 is formed between the axis X2 of the steering shaft 22 and the tilt axis 55.

[0053] Figure 5 shows the state in which the steering shaft 22 is in the neutral position N1 in the rotational direction and the ship is moving in a straight line. When the steering shaft 22 is in the neutral position N1 in the rotational direction, the connecting member 24a is located at a position offset by a distance D1 to the rear with respect to the rotation center X3 (shown in Figure 5) of the steering shaft 22.

[0054] In this state, when the handlebar 23 is rotated from the neutral position N1 in the direction of arrow A1, the steering arm 24 rotates in the direction of arrow A1 at an angle corresponding to the rotation of the steering shaft 22. At this time, the connecting member 24a moves from the second neutral position N2 in the direction of arrow B1. As a result, the relay member 27 moves in the direction of arrow C1. Then the direction changing link member 26 rotates in the direction of arrow C2 in Figure 4, and the steering cable 25 moves in the pull direction indicated by arrow C3. This changes the orientation of the water injection nozzle 14.

[0055] When the handlebar 23 is rotated from its neutral position N1 in the direction indicated by arrow A2 (shown in Figure 5), the steering arm 24 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A2 at an angle corresponding to the rotation of the steering shaft 22. At this time, the connecting member 24a moves from the second neutral position N2 in the direction indicated by arrow B2. As a result, the relay member 27 moves in the direction indicated by arrow C4. Then, the direction changing link member 26 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow C5 in Figure 4, and the steering cable 25 moves in the push direction indicated by arrow C6. This changes the orientation of the water injection nozzle 14.

[0056] The steering arm 24 rotates forward (in the direction indicated by arrow A1) and backward (in the direction indicated by arrow A2) around the first neutral position N1 shown in Figure 5. In contrast, the connecting member 24a is positioned offset by a distance D1 behind the rotation center X2 of the steering shaft 22. Therefore, the connecting member 24a moves forward (arrow B1) or backward (arrow B2) around the second neutral position N2. This allows the movement of the steering arm 24 to be effectively transmitted to the connecting member 35 of the direction change link member 26 via the relay member 27.

[0057] According to the steering handle device 13 of this embodiment, the rotational motion of the steering arm 24 when the steering shaft 22 rotates can be converted into motion along the longitudinal direction of the hull via the direction conversion link member 26. For this reason, the steering cable 25 connected to the steering arm 24 can be extended in the direction of the hinge portion 16 for the hatch 15 at the front of the hull. The steering cable 25, which reverses direction near the hinge portion 16, is positioned to extend in the direction of the water injection nozzle 14 and is connected to the operating portion 14a of the water injection nozzle 14. That is, the steering cable 25 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, includes a first portion 25c extending from the direction conversion link member 26 in the direction of the hinge portion 16, a second portion 25d which reverses direction near the hinge portion 16, and a third portion 25e which extends from near the hinge portion 16 to the rear of the hull 11.

[0058] When the hatch 15 is opened, the hatch 15 moves diagonally upward around the hinge 16. At this time, the steering handle device 13 also moves diagonally upward. The steering cable 25 connected to the steering arm 24 is positioned to pass near the hinge 16, reverse direction, and head toward the water injection nozzle 14. Therefore, in the open hatch structure hull 11 equipped with an openable and closable hatch 15, the steering cable 25 is prevented from interfering with the opening and closing of the hatch 15.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steering handle device 13, when viewed from the side direction shown in Figure 4, has the connecting member 24a of the steering arm 24 positioned to correspond to the tilt axis 55. Therefore, even if the tube member 21 is moved in the front-rear direction to change the tilt angle, the connecting member 24a of the steering arm 24 does not substantially move. As a result, it is possible to suppress the swinging motion of the relay member 27 even when the tilt angle is changed, and to avoid the direction changing link member 26 being affected by the tilt angle.

[0060] In the steering handle device 13 described above, the steering arm 24 is connected to the first link portion 26b via a relay member 27, and the steering cable 25 is connected to the second link portion 26d. However, conversely, the steering cable 25 may be connected to the first link portion 26b, and the steering arm 24 may be connected to the second link portion 26d via a relay member 27. In that case, the direction of movement of the steering cable 25 (whether it moves in the push direction or the pull direction) will be the opposite of that in the first embodiment. This can be addressed by providing the connection between the other end 25b of the steering cable 25 and the water injection nozzle 14 in a position opposite to that of the first embodiment.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment is described below. Figures 11 and 12 See the explanation below. Figure 11 is a side view of the steering wheel device 13A according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a part of the steering wheel device 13A in partial cross-section. For this steering wheel device 13A (Figures 11 to 12), parts common to the steering wheel device 13 of the first embodiment (Figures 1 to 10) are denoted by the same reference numerals as the steering wheel device 13 of the first embodiment and their descriptions are omitted. The differences are described below.

[0062] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the steering wheel device 13A has a bevel gear mechanism 150 for transmitting the rotation of the steering shaft 22 to the rotating arm 149. The bevel gear mechanism 150 includes an input-side bevel gear 151 provided at the lower end of the steering shaft 22 and an output-side bevel gear 152 that meshes with the input-side bevel gear 151. The input-side bevel gear 151 is an example of a driving-side rotating body. The output-side bevel gear 152 is an example of a direction-changing member. The shaft 153 of the output-side bevel gear 152 is provided on the rotating arm 149. A connecting member 149a is provided on the rotating arm 149.

[0063] A direction-changing link member 26 is provided on the housing 20 or the hull. The direction-changing link member 26 can rotate around an axis 28. A connecting member 149a of a pivot arm 149 is connected to the first link portion 26b of the direction-changing link member 26. A steering cable 25 is connected to the second link portion 26d of the direction-changing link member 26 via a connecting member 36. The steering cable 25 extends from the second link portion 26d toward the front of the hull, i.e., toward the hinge portion of the hatch.

[0064] When the steering shaft 22 rotates around axis X2, the rotation of the steering shaft 22 is transmitted to the rotating arm 149 via the bevel gear mechanism 150. For example, when the steering shaft 22 is rotated clockwise by the handlebar 23, the rotating arm 149 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow R1 in Figures 11 and 12. As a result, the direction changing link member 26 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow R2, and the steering cable 25 moves in the pull direction indicated by arrow C3.

[0065] When the steering shaft 22 is rotated counterclockwise by the handlebar 23, the rotating arm 149 rotates via the bevel gear mechanism 150 in the direction indicated by arrow R3 in Figures 11 and 12. As a result, the direction changing link member 26 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow R4, and the steering cable 25 moves in the push direction indicated by arrow C6.

[0066] [Third Embodiment] In the steering handle device 13A shown in Figure 12, the steering cable 25 may be connected to the connecting member 149a of the rotating arm 149, which is the driven rotating part. In this embodiment, the steering cable 25 moves in a push direction or a pull direction according to the rotation direction of the rotating arm 149, without using the direction changing link member 26 shown in Figure 11. By changing the direction in which the rotating arm 149 is mounted, the direction of movement of the steering cable 25 (whether it moves in a push direction or a pull direction) can also be changed. Furthermore, the movement stroke of the steering cable 25 can be adjusted according to the mounting angle of the rotating arm 149.

[0067] It goes without saying that in implementing the present invention, the specific shapes and configurations of the housing, tube members, steering shaft, steering arm, direction-changing link members, etc. that constitute the steering handle device can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to steering handle devices of small vessels other than personal watercraft. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10...Personal watercraft, 11...Hull, 12...Engine, 13,13A...Steering handle device, 14...Water injection nozzle, 20...Housing, 21...Tube member, 22...Steering shaft, X1...First axis, X2...Second axis, 23...Handlebar, 24...Steering arm, 24a...Connecting member, 25...Steering cable, 25a...One end, 25b...Other end, 26...Direction changing link member, 26a...First end, 26b...First link section, 26c...Second end, 26d...Second link section, 27...Intermediate member, 27a...One end, 27b...Other end, 28...Shaft, 55...Tilt shaft, 150...Bevel gear mechanism.

Claims

1. Housing and A tube member inserted into the housing and capable of rotating in the front-rear direction about a tilt axis relative to the housing, A steering shaft inserted into the aforementioned tube member and rotatable about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction, A steering arm provided on the steering shaft rotates at an angle corresponding to the rotation of the steering shaft around its axis, A direction changing member is provided on the housing or hull so as to be rotatable about an axis, rotated by the steering arm, and having a first link portion extending from the axis in a first direction to which the steering arm is connected, and a second link portion extending from the axis in a second direction different from the first link portion to which a steering cable is connected and which moves in a direction different from the steering arm, A steering handle device characterized by being equipped with the following.

2. In the steering handle device of claim 1, The aforementioned direction changing member, A steering handle device comprising a direction-changing link member having the first link portion and the second link portion.

3. In the steering handle device according to claim 2, The steering arm has a connecting member, The tilt axis has a first axis extending in the width direction of the hull, A steering handle device in which, when the steering shaft is in a neutral position in the rotational direction, the connecting member is positioned within a range that extends the tilt axis in a direction along the first axis.

4. In the steering handle device according to claim 3, A steering handle device having a relay member that connects the connecting member of the steering arm and the first link portion of the direction changing link member to each other.

5. Housing and, A tube member inserted into the housing and capable of rotating in the front-rear direction about a tilt axis relative to the housing, A steering shaft inserted into the aforementioned tube member and rotatable about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction, An input bevel gear provided on the steering shaft and rotating in the same direction as the steering shaft in conjunction with the steering shaft, The output bevel gear meshes with the input bevel gear, A rotating arm provided on the shaft of the output bevel gear, A direction changing member is provided in the housing so as to be rotatable about an axis, having a first link portion extending from the axis in a first direction to which the rotating arm is connected, and a second link portion extending from the axis in a second direction different from the first link portion to which a steering cable is connected and which moves in a direction different from the rotating arm, A steering handle device characterized by being equipped with the following.

6. A small vessel equipped with the steering handle device described in claim 1, It has a hatch that can move vertically around a hinge located at the front of the hull, The steering handle device is mounted on the hatch. The steering cable mentioned above A first portion extending from the steering handle device toward the hinge portion in front of the hull, A second portion in which the direction reverses near the aforementioned hinge, A third portion extending from the vicinity of the hinge to the rear of the hull, A small vessel equipped with [a specific feature / equipment].

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