Jet propulsion unit, maneuvering arrangement, boat, and method for maneuvering a boat

Abstract

A jet propulsion unit (1) for a boat (20) comprises a frame part (2) and a water nozzle (3) for providing an outward water stream to exit from the water nozzle (3) and the jet propulsion unit (1) to provide a thrust affecting a position of the boat (20), when the jet propulsion unit (1) is mounted to the boat (20). The jet propulsion unit (1) further comprises at least one water intake opening (5), at least one pump (7) for pumping water from the water intake opening(s) (5) to the water nozzle (3), and at least one electric motor (8) for driving the pump (7). At least the water nozzle (3), the pump (7) and the electric motor (8) are mounted to the frame part (2) in such a manner that the jet propulsion unit (1) can be mounted to the boat (20) as a module. The water nozzle (3) is provided at a fixed angle in relation to the frame part (2), which fixed angle is such that the water nozzle (3) is provided at a predetermined angle in relation to a longitudinal centre line (24) of the hull (23), when the jet propulsion unit (1) is mounted to the boat (20).

Description

[0001] JET PROPULSION UNIT, MANEUVERING ARRANGEMENT, BOAT, AND METHOD FOR MANEUVERING A BOAT

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure relates to maneuvering boats, and more particularly to a jet propulsion unit, maneuvering arrangement, a boat, and a method for maneuvering a boat.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Many kinds of systems for manoeuvring a boat are known in the art. Boats may, for instance, be propelled by drawing a stream of water through a channel at bottom of the boat and discharging the drawn stream of water from a back of the boat. This kind of structures need to be considered in a design phase of a boat and during manufacturing and cannot be mounted to a boat afterwards. They also typically require valves and a lot of piping. Valves may be prone to failure, complicated and expensive to replace.

[0006] The manoeuvring of a boat in particular conditions, such as at restricted or confined space and on the water having obstacles generally requires a skilled operator. However, there are usually not enough good captains around, especially for smaller recreational boats.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a new method and an apparatus for maneuvering a boat.

[0009] The object of the disclosure is achieved by a method, jet propulsion unit and maneuvering arrangement which are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Some embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0010] The disclosure is based on the idea of providing one or more jet propulsion units for maneuvering a boat, which jet propulsion units are designed to be mounted to the boat as modules, which are structurally independent and can be operated independently from primary engine and other systems of the boat. In some embodiments, for the jet propulsion unit(s) may, however, be connected to an electrical system and communication system of the boat for sharing data and communication network connection or for providing electricity for equipment onboard the boat, for example.

[0011] An advantage of the disclosure is that the jet propulsion unit and / or maneuvering arrangement can be mounted to the boat simply by fastening the jet propulsion unit(s) to a hull of the boat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In the following the disclosure will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a jet propulsion unit for a boat;

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates schematically a jet propulsion unit according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates schematically a maneuvering arrangement according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates schematically a further embodiment of a jet propulsion unit;

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates schematically the jet propulsion unit of Figure 4 as an exploded view;

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates schematically a further embodiment of a jet propulsion unit seen from below;

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates schematically a further embodiment of a jet propulsion unit seen from above;

[0020] Figure 8 illustrates schematically a maneuvering arrangement according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 9 illustrates schematically a method for maneuvering a boat;

[0022] Figure 10 illustrates schematically a coordinate system for a boat; and

[0023] Figure 11 illustrates schematically the maneuvering arrangement and boat of Figure 8 with an electrical system and communication system of the boat.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a jet propulsion unit for a boat, and Figure 2 illustrates schematically a jet propulsion unit according to an embodiment.

[0026] Although Figure 2 illustrates schematically a single jet propulsion unit at a stern of the boat and mounted partly inside the hull of the boat according to an embodiment to illustrate some features of the jet propulsion unit, single jet propulsion units with one pump and one electric motor may also be provided at a bow of the boat, or closer to the bow, and / or mounted entirely outside the hull of the boat, as is explained later in this description.

[0027] A jet propulsion unit 1 for a boat 20 is also called a jet propulsion unit 1 in this description and accompanying claims and drawings. The jet propulsion unit 1 , such as a jet propulsion units of Figures 1 to 8, comprises a frame part 2, a water nozzle 3 for providing an outward water stream to exit from the water nozzle 3 and the jet propulsion unit 1 to provide a thrust affecting a position of the boat 20, when the jet propulsion unit 1 is mounted to the boat 20. Maneuvering a boat by water streams from water nozzles providing a thrust is known per se and is not explained here in more detail. The thrust affecting a position of the boat 20 refers to affecting the orientation, a speed of movement or a direction of movement of the boat 20, or a combination thereof.

[0028] The jet propulsion unit 1 further comprises at least one water intake opening 5, at least one pump 7 for pumping water from the water intake opening(s) 5 to the water nozzle 3, and at least one electric motor 8 for driving the pump 7.

[0029] In the jet propulsion unit 1 , at least the water nozzle 3, the pump 7 and the electric motor 8 are mounted to the frame part 2 in such a manner that the jet propulsion unit 1 can be mounted to the boat 20 as a module. Being able to mount the jet propulsion unit 1 to a boat 20 as a module refers to the jet propulsion unit 1 being operable to maneuver a boat 20 after the jet propulsion unit 1 has been mounted to the boat 20 by mounting the frame part 2, to which at least the water nozzle 3, the pump 7 and the electric motor 8 are mounted to the boat 20. Other connections between the jet propulsion unit 1 and the boat 20 are, thus, possible but not necessary for maneuvering the boat 20 by the jet propulsion unit 1 .

[0030] According to an embodiment, the frame part 2 may comprise fiberglass. According to an embodiment, the frame part 2 may be made mainly of fiberglass. According to another embodiment, the frame part 2 may be comprise other materials instead of or in addition to fiberglass. According to an embodiment, the frame part 2 may consist of multiple structural parts. According to an embodiment, these structural parts may comprise one or more mounting flanges (not shown). According to an embodiment, the mounting flange(s) may comprise metal material, such as steel, for instance stainless steel. According to another embodiment, the mounting flange(s) may comprise some other suitable material durable in wet conditions.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the jet propulsion unit 1 may further comprise energy storing means 6 electrically connected to the at least one electric motor 8 for supplying electric energy for the electric motor 8. In other words, electric energy, or in other words electricity, may be supplied to the electric motor 8 of the jet propulsion unit 1 from the energy storing means 6. The electric motor 8, in turn, drives the at least one pump 7. According to an embodiment, the energy storing means 6 may comprise electric energy storing means, such as one or more batteries. According to an embodiment, the energy storing means 6 may comprise one or more lithium batteries, such as a lithium-titanate (LTO) battery, Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, or a lithium-iron-phosphate battery (LiFePO4). According to an embodiment, the energy storing means 6 may comprise some other suitable battery capable of storing and / or supplying electric energy. According to an embodiment, the energy storing means 6 may comprise a battery with a capacity in the range of 1 to 12 kWh, preferably in the range of 2 to 8 kWh.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the jet propulsion unit 1 may further comprise an electrical connection 9 for connecting the jet propulsion unit 1 to an electrical system 21 of the boat 20. Thereby the jet propulsion unit 1 can be electrically connected to the boat 20 by connecting the electrical system 21 of the boat 20 to the electrical connection 9 of the jet propulsion unit 1 , as illustrated schematically in Figure 11 . According to an embodiment, the electrical connection 9 may be configured to enable supplying electricity from the energy storing means 6 of the jet propulsion unit 1 to the electrical system 21 of the boat 20. This may be beneficial, as it may enable using such equipment onboard the boat 20, which require more power than is originally available on a conventional boat, for example.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the jet propulsion unit 1 may further comprise communication connection(s) 10 for connecting the jet propulsion unit 1 to a control system 30 for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 . More particularly, the control system 30 may be configured or configurable to control electric motor(s) 8 and / or the pump(s) 7 for controlling the water stream(s) from the water nozzle(s) 3. Such control systems 30 may be called Vehicle Control Units (VCU) and are known as such and they may comprise for instance a programmable logic, a processor, a memory, a receiver, a transmitter, wired connections, and / or a combination thereof. The control system 30 may further comprise or be connected to a motor controller 17 of each electric motor 8. All parts of the control system 30 may be provided in the jet propulsion unit 1 , or some of them may be provided on the boat 20 and / or remotely from the jet propulsion unit 1 and the boat 20, for instance as a communication network resource or a cloud-based service.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the communication connection 10 may comprise a physical, in other words wired, connection configured to be connected to a communication system 22 of the boat 20, as illustrated schematically in Figure 11 . The physical communication connection 10 may be configured to share at least one of data and a communication network connection between the jet propulsion unit 1 and the communication system 22 of the boat 20.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the communication connection 10, more particularly the physical communication connection, comprises a connection configured to be connected to a CAN bus of the boat 20. In other words, the jet propulsion unit 1 may comprise a communication connection 10, which connects the jet propulsion unit 1 to a CAN bus of the boat, such as a NMEA 2000.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the communication connection 10 may comprise a wireless connection configured to connect wirelessly with at least one of the communication system 22 of the boat 20 or a control system 30 for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 , such as an external control system 30. The wireless connection may be implemented using any suitable short-range or long-range wireless technology and protocol. The communication system 22 of the boat 20 may comprise or be connected to a control system of the boat. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication connection may comprise for instance a wi-fi connection, a Bluetooth connection, and / or an internet connection.

[0037] The external control system 30 refers to a control system external to the communication system and / or the control system of the boat 20. According to an embodiment, the external control system 30 may comprise a dedicated control system of the jet propulsion unit 1 . According to another embodiment, the external control system 30 may comprise another control system suitable for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 , such as a compatible navigation system. According to an embodiment, the external control system 30 may comprise an application executable on a mobile device and / or a computer. According to an embodiment, such an application may provide a user interface for entering user inputs for the external control system 30 and, thereby, for the jet propulsion unit 1 . According to an embodiment, such an application may be configured to control, in response to the user inputs, the jet propulsion unit 1 , for instance the water stream through each water nozzle 3 by controlling each pump 7 or electric motor 8. According to an embodiment, such an application may be configured to monitor and / or enable monitoring data collected by the jet propulsion unit 1 . According to an embodiment, such an application may be configured to monitor and / or enable monitoring, in addition to or instead of data collected by the jet propulsion unit 1 , data transmitted by the CAN bus of the boat 20, such as measurement data or other data collected from the operation or conditions of the boat 20. According to an embodiment, such an application may be configured to monitor and / or enable monitoring at least one of the following: electricity consumption data, temperature data, position data, magnetic compass data and acceleration data. According to an embodiment, the acceleration data may be provided by an inertial measurement unit (IMU) of the jet propulsion unit 1 or the boat 20. According to an embodiment, the inertial measurement unit may comprise a 3-axis accelerometer, preferably a 6-axis accelerometer, and most preferably a 9-axis accelerometer. A 9-axis accelerometer may also be called a 9DOF (degrees of freedom) accelerometer. According to an embodiment, the inertial measurement unit may comprise another type of a 3-axis, 6-axis or 9-axis inertial measurement unit.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the control system 30 for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 may be configured to provide control outputs to at least one of the at least one pump 7 or the at least one electric motor 8 of the jet propulsion unit 1 . According to an embodiment, the control system 30 for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 may be configured to provide control outputs at least to all pumps 7 or all electric motors 8 of the jet propulsion unit 1 .

[0039] According to an embodiment, the control system 30 for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 may comprise a control device 31 provided at the boat 20. According to an embodiment, the control device 31 may be configured to generate control outputs for controlling at least one of the at least one pump 7 or the at least one electric motor 8 of the jet propulsion unit 1 in response to at least one of an automatic control of the control system 30 and a control command given by an operator of the boat 20. According to an embodiment, the control command given by the operator of the boat 20 may be based on user input provided by the operator.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the control system 30 for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 , such as the external control system, may be operable independently from the communication system 22 of the boat 20. In other words, the control system 30 may be operated to control the jet propulsion unit 1 without connecting the control system 30 to the communication system 22 or any control system of the boat 20 via either a physical connection or a wireless connection. According to such an embodiment, the jet propulsion unit 1 may be operated without sending any data to the communication system or control system of the boat 20 or receiving any data from the communication system or control system of the boat 20.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the communication system 22 of the boat 20 may form a part of the control system 30 for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 . In such embodiments, the control system 30 for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 may be configured to receive data from or send data to the boat 20 via the communication system 22 of the boat 20. In such embodiments, the jet propulsion unit 1 may be configured to be at least partly controlled by communication system 22 or control system of the boat 20 and / or the control system 30 for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 may receive data from the communication system 22 of the boat 20, which data the control system 30 for controlling the jet propulsion unit 1 utilizes for controlling of the jet propulsion unit 1 and / or transmits forward, for instance to the application. According to an embodiment, the frame part 2 may be formed to conform at least partly to the shape of a hull 23 of the boat 20 in a position where the jet propulsion unit 1 is configured to be mounted to in order to form a continuous shape with the hull 23. In other words, at least the part of the frame part 2 configured to be placed against the hull 23 may be formed to conform to the shape of the hull 23. Other parts of the frame part 2 may be configured to continue smoothly from the shape of the hull 23. This way the frame part 2 may be firmly mounted to the hull 23 while not affecting adversely to the operation of the boat 20, or even improving the operation and operability of the boat 20.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the water nozzle 3 may be provided at a fixed angle in relation to the frame part 2. According to an embodiment, the fixed angle is such that the water nozzle 3 is provided at a predetermined angle 4 in relation to a longitudinal centre line 24 of the hull 23, when the jet propulsion unit 1 is mounted to the boat 20. According to an embodiment, all the water nozzles 3 are provided, when the jet propulsion unit(s) 1 are mounted to the boat 20, at a predetermined angle 4 in relation to the longitudinal centre line 24 of the hull 23. According to an embodiment, all the water nozzles 4 are provided, when the jet propulsion unit(s) 1 are mounted to the boat 20, at a same predetermined angle 4 in relation to the longitudinal centre line 24 of the hull 23. According to an embodiment, all the water nozzles 4 are provided, when the jet propulsion unit(s) 1 are mounted to the boat 20, at a same predetermined angle 4 in relation to the longitudinal centre line 24 of the hull 23 in such a manner that all the water nozzles 4 are directed at the predetermined angle 4 towards the longitudinal centre line 24 of the hull 23. According to an embodiment, all the water nozzles 4 are provided, when the jet propulsion unit(s) 1 are mounted to the boat 20, at a same predetermined angle 4 in relation to the longitudinal centre line 24 of the hull 23 in such a manner that all the water nozzles 4 are directed at the predetermined angle 4 facing away from the longitudinal centre line 24 of the hull 23. According to an embodiment, the predetermined angle 4 is in the range of 40 - 50 degrees in relation to the longitudinal centre line 24 of the hull 23.

[0043] According to an embodiment, at least the water intake opening(s) 5 and the water nozzle 3 are configured to be provided below the waterline (not shown) in at least one use position of the jet propulsion unit 1 , when the jet propulsion unit 1 is mounted to the boat 20. In other words, at least the one or more water intake opening(s) 5 and the water nozzle 3, more particularly each water intake opening 5 and each water nozzle 3, are provided under water in at least one use position of the jet propulsion unit 1 , and thus the boat 20, when the jet propulsion unit 1 is mounted to the boat 20. A use position of the jet propulsion unit 1 refers to a position of the jet propulsion unit 1 during normal use, and more particularly in at least one typical situation during normal use of the boat 20, especially a situation where the jet propulsion unit(s) 1 is / are used for maneuvering the boat 20.

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates schematically a further embodiment of a jet propulsion unit seen from below, and Figure 7 illustrates schematically a further embodiment of a jet propulsion unit seen from above.

[0045] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a jet propulsion unit 1 with two electric motors 8, two pumps 7, two water nozzles 3 and so on. The jet propulsion unit 1 of Figures 6 and 7 is mounted mainly inside the hull 23 of the boat 20 at the bow 27 according to an embodiment to illustrate features of a jet propulsion unit 1 . However, according to different embodiments, the jet propulsion unit 1 may comprise one or more electric motors 8 and related pumps 7 and water nozzles 3 and so on provided at the stern 27 and / or at the stern 26 and mounted partly or entirely inside the hull 23 and / or entirely outside the hull 23, as is described in the embodiments of this description and accompanying claims and drawings.

[0046] According to an embodiment, such as the embodiments of Figure 6 and 7, the jet propulsion unit 1 may comprise two water nozzles 3, two water intake openings 5, two pumps 7, two electric motors 8, wherein each pump 7 may be configured to pump water from the respective water intake opening(s) 5 to the respective water nozzle 3, and each electric motor 8 may be configured to drive one of the pumps 7. At least the water nozzles 3, the pumps 7 and the electric motors 8 are mounted to the frame part 2 in such a manner that the jet propulsion unit 1 can be mounted to the boat 20 as a module.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the jet propulsion unit 1 may be formed as a standalone module independent of any primary engine (not shown) of the boat 20. In other words, the jet propulsion unit(s) 1 may not be connected to a primary engine of the boat 20. The primary engine of the boat 20 refers to the main engine used for propelling the boat 20. There are different types of primary engines known. Depending on the embodiment, the primary engine may be installed inboard or outboard. The primary engine may typically comprise an internal combustion engine (ICE). The jet propulsion unit 1 being formed as a standalone module independent of any primary engine of the boat 20 refers to the jet propulsion unit 1 not being driven by the primary engine. This means that the jet propulsion unit 1 is fully operable without energy or power, such as electric, mechanical or pressure medium transmitted energy, supplied by the primary engine.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the primary engine of the boat 20 may comprise an electric motor or another type of an engine or motor. In some embodiments comprising an electric primary engine, the jet propulsion unit 1 may be configured to control at least some variables of the primary engine. According to an embodiment, the jet propulsion unit 1 is configured to control, at least is some use situations, the primary engine of the boat 20 and / or a main propulsion system (not shown) of the boat 20 driven by the primary engine. In such embodiments, the maneuvering arrangement 11 may, thus, further comprise the primary engine and / or the main propulsion system of the boat 20. Similarly, in such embodiments, maneuvering the boat may comprise, in addition to maneuvering the boat 20 by at least one jet propulsion unit 1 , by the primary engine and / or the main propulsion system. According to an embodiment, total thrust to maneuver the boat in the desired direction of movement 18 at a desired velocity is provided by the combination of the water nozzle(s) and the primary propulsion system.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the jet propulsion unit 1 may be configured to be installed entirely outside the boat 20. In other words, the jet propulsion unit 1 may be designed to be installed to the hull 23 of the boat 20 on the outside of the hull 23. In such embodiments, all the parts of the jet propulsion unit 1 may be provided outside the hull 23, when the jet propulsion unit 1 is installed to the boat 20.

[0050] According to an embodiment, at least a part of the jet propulsion unit 1 may be configured to be provided inside the hull 23 of the boat 20. In such embodiments, a part of the frame part 2, an outside part, may be designed to be provided outside the hull 23, and another part of the frame part 2, in inside part, may be designed to be provided inside the hull 23, when the jet propulsion unit 1 is installed to the boat 20. In such embodiments, the jet propulsion unit 1 may be configured to be mounted to the hull 23 of the boat 20 through an opening provided in the hull 23, which opening may comprise an existing opening provided in the hull 23 or an opening provided in the hull 23 specifically for installing the jet propulsion unit 1 .

[0051] According to an embodiment, the at least one water intake opening 5 associated with each pump 7 comprises the water intake opening of the pump 7, which water intake opening 5 of the pump 7 is submersed in water surrounding the boat 20 in at least one use position of the jet propulsion unit 1 , when the jet propulsion unit 1 is mounted to the boat 20. According to another embodiment, the frame part 2 or a portion of the frame part 2 may form a suction box, wherein the water intake of the pump 7 is in direct contact with the inside of the suction box and the one or more water intake openings 5 are provided in such a part of the suction box, which is designed to be submersed in water surrounding the boat 20 in at least one use position of the jet propulsion unit 1 , when the jet propulsion unit 1 is mounted to the boat 20. In such embodiments, the suction box may be configured to be filled with water entering the suction box through the water intake opening(s) 5 in at least one use position of the jet propulsion unit 1 , when the jet propulsion unit 1 is mounted to the boat 20. Whether the water intake of the pump 7 is submersed in the water surrounding the boat 20 or the water in the suction box 16, an advantage of such embodiments is that no piping is needed for the intake of water to the pump 7, which makes the structure of the jet propulsion unit 1 simple. A variant of such an embodiment is shown for instance in Figures 2 and 3, where three water intake openings 5 are provided in the outer edge of each suction box 16. According to an embodiment, the suction box(es) 16 may be selfemptying, wherein the water exits the suction box(es), when the boat 20 takes off in a glide. This may be beneficial, as the water in the suction boxes does not add to the weight of the boat 20 during the glide.

[0052] According to an embodiment, an air line 14 may be connected to the frame part 2, for instance to the suction box 16, for enabling air to escape from the frame part 2 or a part thereof, such as the suction box 16, when the frame part 2 or the part thereof is submersed in water and filled with water.

[0053] Figure 4 illustrates schematically a further embodiment of a jet propulsion unit, and Figure 5 illustrates schematically the jet propulsion unit of Figure 4 as an exploded view.

[0054] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate single jet propulsion units 1 mounted entirely outside the hull 23 of the boat 20 at the stern 26 of the boat to illustrate features of the jet propulsion unit 1 . According to different embodiments, jet propulsion unit(s) 1 may be mounted entirely outside the hull 23 of the boat also at bow 27, or closer to bow 27, of the boat 20, and / or the jet propulsion units 1 may comprise one or more motors 8, pumps 7, water nozzles 3 and so on, as described in this description and accompanying claims and drawings.

[0055] According to an embodiment, such as the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the jet propulsion unit 1 may be configured to be provided in connection with a swim platform 28 of the boat 20. According to an embodiment, the jet propulsion unit 1 may be configured to be installed under the swimming platform 28.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the jet propulsion unit 1 , and more particularly the frame part 2 of the jet propulsion unit 1 , may be designed to receive a trim plate 13 of the boat and / or equipment required for installing and / or operating the trim plate 13. This may be particularly in connection with embodiments, where the jet propulsion unit 1 is configured to be provided in connection with the swimming platform 28 of the boat 20, such as in embodiments, where the jet propulsion unit 1 is designed to be mounted under the swimming platform 28, such as in Figures 4 and 5, as the jet propulsion unit 1 may be installed where the trim plate 13 might otherwise be installed. According to an embodiment such as the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the frame part 2 of the jet propulsion unit 1 may be provided with recess(es) at least for the trim plate(s) 13 and / or trim plate actuator(s) 15.

[0057] Figure 3 illustrates schematically a maneuvering arrangement 11 according to an embodiment, and Figure 8 illustrates schematically a maneuvering arrangement according to another embodiment. Figure 11 illustrates schematically the maneuvering arrangement 11 and boat 20 of Figure 8 with the electrical system 21 and communication 22 system of the boat 20.

[0058] Figure 3 illustrates a maneuvering arrangement 11 with two jet propulsion units 1 mounted partly inside the hull 23 of the boat 20 at the stern 26 according to an embodiment to illustrate features of a maneuvering arrangement 11. However, according to different embodiments, the maneuvering arrangement 11 may comprise one or more jet propulsion units 1 provided at the bow 27 and / or at the stern 26 and mounter partly inside the hull 23 and / or entirely outside the hull 23, as is described in the embodiments of this description and accompanying claims and drawings. Figures 8 and 11 illustrate an embodiment of the maneuvering arrangement 11 to illustrate some features with some parts, such as frame parts 2 and pumps 7, not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0059] According to an aspect, a maneuvering arrangement 11 may comprise a jet propulsion unit 1 according to an embodiment or a combination of embodiments disclosed in this description, the accompanying claims and / or the accompanying drawings.

[0060] According to an embodiment, such as the embodiments of Figures 3 and 8, the maneuvering arrangement 11 comprises two jet propulsion units 1 according to an embodiment or a combination of embodiments disclosed in this description, the accompanying claims and / or the accompanying drawings, wherein the jet propulsion units 1 are configured to be provided at the stern 26 of the boat 20 on opposite sides of the longitudinal centre line 24 of the hull 23 of the boat 20. According to an embodiment, the predetermined angles 4 of the nozzles 3 of the jet propulsion units 1 may be similar, in other words be equal in absolute value, but mirrored in relation to the longitudinal centre line 24.

[0061] According to an embodiment, such as the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, a back end 12 of the frame part 2 of each of the two jet propulsion units 1 may be provided with or configured to receive a trim plate 13 for the boat 20.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the maneuvering arrangement 11 may further comprise either one further jet propulsion unit 1 comprising two water nozzles 3, two water intake openings 5, two pumps 7, two electric motors 8 according to a previously described jet propulsion unit 1 embodiment, or two further jet propulsion units 1 each comprising a water nozzle 3, at least one water intake opening 5, one pumps 7, and one electric motor 8 according to a previously described jet propulsion unit 1 embodiment. The water nozzles 3 of this or these further jet propulsion units 1 may be configured to be provided on opposite sides of the longitudinal centre line 24 of the hull 23 of the boat 20 in relation to each other, closer to the bow 27 of the boat 20 than the other two water nozzles 3 of the other two jet propulsion units 1 , and at predetermined angles 4 similar but mirrored in relation to the longitudinal centre line 24 in relation to each other and mirrored in relation to both a transverse direction 29 of the boat 20 and the longitudinal centre line 24 in relation to the water nozzles 3 of the other two jet propulsion units 1 .

[0063] According to an embodiment, the two or more jet propulsion units 1 of the maneuvering arrangement 11 , and thus the boat 20, may be configured to be controlled by one shared control system 30 and one shared control device 31 . According to an embodiment the control device 31 may comprise at least one of a joystick 32 or a mobile device 33, for instance the application provided and executable on the mobile device 33.

[0064] According to an aspect, a boat 20 may comprise a hull 2 and at least one jet propulsion unit 1 or maneuvering arrangement (11 ) according to an embodiment or a combination of embodiments disclosed in this description, the accompanying claims and / or the accompanying drawings mounted to the hull 2.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the jet propulsion unit(s) 1 may be provided at least for the most part outside the hull 23. According to another embodiment, the jet propulsion unit(s) 1 may be provided at least for the most part inside the hull 23.

[0066] Figure 9 illustrates schematically a method for maneuvering a boat.

[0067] According to an aspect, a method for maneuvering a boat 20, such as the method of Figure 9, may comprise maneuvering 40 the boat 20 by at least one jet propulsion unit 1 or a maneuvering arrangement 11 according to an embodiment or a combination of embodiments disclosed in this description, the accompanying claims and / or the accompanying drawings mounted to the boat 20, such as to the hull 23 of the boat 20.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the method comprises maneuvering 40 the boat 20 by pumping 42 water by the at least one pump 7 of at least one jet propulsion unit 1 driven by the respective electric motor(s) 8 from the water intake opening(s) 5 to the water nozzle 3 for providing an outward water stream to exit from the water nozzle 3 and the jet propulsion unit 1 to provide a thrust affecting a position of the boat 20. Figure 10 illustrates schematically a coordinate system for a boat.

[0069] A coordinate system for a boat 20, such as the coordinate system of Figure 10, may be used for instance as a basis for vector mathematics to calculate thrust required and related control data in the control system 30 for different types of boats 20 and hulls 23, or more specifically for a type of a boat 20 and hull 23 in question in each case.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the method may further comprise determining a centre of buoyancy of the boat 20, determining a desired direction of movement and velocity of the boat 20, controlling by the control system 30 the thrust provided by each water nozzle 3 in such a manner that the resulting total thrust provided by the water nozzle(s) 3 maneuvers the boat in the desired direction of movement at a desired velocity. According to an embodiment, the determined direction of movement of the boat 20 may comprise a linear movement in a horizontal plane, a rotational movement about a vertical axis or a combination thereof.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the desired direction of movement and velocity of the boat 20 may be determined on the basis of a control gesture of the operator of the boat 20 using the control device 31 of the boat 20. The control gesture of the operator of the boat 20 may comprise for instance by a haptic action, such as touching the control device 31 or hovering a finger over the control device 31 , a mechanical action affecting a physical part of the control device 31 , a voice command for the control device 31 , or any other suitable method. According to an embodiment, the desired direction of movement and velocity of the boat 20 may be determined, instead or in addition to the control gesture of the operator of the boat 20, on the basis of an automatic navigation function of the control system 30.

[0072] According to an embodiment, controlling by the control system 30 the thrust provided by each water nozzle 3 in such a manner that the resulting total thrust provided by the water nozzle(s) maneuvers the boat in the desired direction of movement at a desired velocity may comprise controlling, for instance using the respective motor controllers 17, rotational speed of two or more electric motors 8 driving the respective pumps 7 to provide water to respective the water nozzles 3. According to an embodiment, the rotational speed of two or more electric motors 8 driving the respective pumps 7 to provide water to respective the water nozzles 3 to achieve the desired velocity may comprise vector calculations based on the positions of the jet propulsion units 1 , and particularly the positions the water nozzles 3 with respect to the centre of buoyance of the boat 20 indicated by COB in Figure 10, and the predetermined angles 4 of the water nozzles indicated by arrows ABL, ABR, ASR and ASL in Figure 10.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A jet propulsion unit for a boat, characterized in that, the jet propulsion unit comprises a frame part, a water nozzle for providing an outward water stream to exit from the water nozzle and the jet propulsion unit to provide a thrust affecting a position of the boat, when the jet propulsion unit is mounted to the boat, at least one water intake opening, at least one pump for pumping water from the water intake opening(s) to the water nozzle, and at least one electric motor for driving the pump, wherein at least the water nozzle, the pump and the electric motor are mounted to the frame part in such a manner that the jet propulsion unit can be mounted to the boat as a module, wherein the water nozzle is provided at a fixed angle in relation to the frame part, and wherein the fixed angle is such that the water nozzle is provided at a predetermined angle in relation to a longitudinal centre line of the hull, when the jet propulsion unit is mounted to the boat.

2. A jet propulsion unit according to claim 1 , wherein the jet propulsion unit further comprises energy storing means electrically connected to the at least one electric motor for supplying electric energy for the electric motor.

3. A jet propulsion unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the jet propulsion unit further comprises an electrical connection for connecting the jet propulsion unit to the electrical system of the boat, whereby the jet propulsion unit can be electrically connected to the boat by connecting the electrical system of the boat to the electrical connection of the jet propulsion unit.

4. A jet propulsion unit according to claim 3, wherein the electrical connection is configured to enable supplying electricity from the energy storing means of the jet propulsion unit to the electrical system of the boat.

5. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the jet propulsion unit further comprises a communication connection for connecting the jet propulsion unit to a control system for controlling the jet propulsion unit.

6. A jet propulsion unit according to claim 5, wherein the communication connection comprises a physical connection configured to be connected to a communication system of the boat for at least one of sharing data and sharing a communication network connection between the jet propulsion unit and the communication system of the boat.

7. A jet propulsion unit according to claim 6, wherein the communication connection comprises a connection configured to be connected to a CAN bus of the boat.

8. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 5 - 7, wherein the communication connection comprises a wireless connection configured to connect wirelessly with at least one of the communication system of the boat or an external control system for controlling the jet propulsion unit.

9. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 5 - 8, wherein the control system for controlling the jet propulsion unit is configured to provide control outputs to at least one of the at least one pump or the at least one electric motor of the jet propulsion unit.

10. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 5 - 9, wherein the control system for controlling the jet propulsion unit comprises a control device provided at the boat, wherein the control device is configured to generate control outputs for controlling at least one of the at least one pump or the at least one electric motor of the jet propulsion unit in response to at least one of an automatic control of the control system and a control command given by an operator of the boat.

11. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims claim 5 - 10, wherein the control system for controlling the jet propulsion unit is operable independently from the communication system of the boat.

12. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 5 - 11 , wherein the communication system of the boat forms a part of the control system for controlling the jet propulsion unit.

13. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein the frame part is formed to conform at least partly to the shape of a hull of the boat in a position where the jet propulsion unit is configured to be mounted to in order to form a continuous shape with the hull.

14. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the predetermined angle is in the range of 40 - 50 degrees in relation to the longitudinal centre line of the hull.

15. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein at least the water intake opening(s) and the water nozzle are configured to be provided below the waterline in at least one use position of the jet propulsion unit, when the jet propulsion unit is mounted to the boat.

16. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 1 - 15, wherein the jet propulsion unit comprises two water nozzles, two water intake openings, two pumps, two electric motors, wherein each pump is configured to pump water from the respective water intake opening(s) to the respective water nozzle, and each electric motor is configured to drive one of the pumps, wherein at least the water nozzles, the pumps and the electric motors are mounted to the frame part in such a manner that the jet propulsion unit can be mounted to the boat as a module.

17. A jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 1 - 16, wherein the jet propulsion unit is formed as a standalone module independent of any primary engine of the boat.

18. A maneuvering arrangement, characterized in that the maneuvering arrangement comprises a jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 1 - 17.

19. A maneuvering arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the maneuvering arrangement comprises two jet propulsion units according to any one of claims 1 - 15 or 17, wherein the jet propulsion units are configured to be provided at the stern of the boat on opposite sides of the longitudinal centre line of the hull of the boat, and wherein the predetermined angles of the nozzles of the jet propulsion units are similar but mirrored in relation to the longitudinal centre line.

20. A maneuvering arrangement according to claim 19, wherein a back end of the frame part of each of the two jet propulsion units is provided with or configured to receive a trim plate for the boat.

21. A maneuvering arrangement according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the maneuvering arrangement further comprises either one further jet propulsion unit according to claim18 or two further jet propulsion units according to any one of claims 1 - 15 or 17, wherein the water nozzles of this or these further jet propulsion units are configured to be provided on opposite sides of the longitudinal centre line of the hull of the boat in relation to each other, closer to the bow of the boat than the other two water nozzles of the other two jet propulsion units, and at predetermined angles similar but mirrored in relation to the longitudinal centre line in relation to each other and mirrored in relation to both a transverse direction of the boat and the longitudinal centre line in relation to the water nozzles of the other two jet propulsion units.

22. A maneuvering arrangement according to any one of claims 19 - 21 , wherein the two or more jet propulsion units of the boat are configured to be controlled by one shared control system and one shared control device.

23. A maneuvering arrangement according to any one of claims 19 - 22, wherein the control device comprises at least one of a joystick or a mobile device.

24. A boat, wherein the boat comprises a hull and at least one jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 1 - 17 or a maneuvering arrangement according to any one of claims 18 - 23 mounted to the hull.

25. A boat according to claim 24, wherein the jet propulsion unit(s) are provided at least for the most part outside the hull.

26. A boat according to claim 24, wherein the jet propulsion unit(s) are provided at least for the most part inside the hull.

27. A method for maneuvering a boat, wherein the method comprises maneuvering the boat by at least one jet propulsion unit according to any one of claims 1 - 17 or a maneuvering arrangement according to any one of claims 18 -23 mounted to the boat.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein the method comprises maneuvering the boat by pumping water by the at least one pump of at least one jet propulsion unit driven by the respective electric motor(s) from the water intake opening(s) to the water nozzle for providing an outward water stream to exit from the water nozzle and the jet propulsion unit to provide a thrust affecting a position of the boat.

29. A method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the method further comprises determining a centre of buoyancy of the boat, determining a desired direction of movement and velocity of the boat, controlling by the control system the thrust provided by each water nozzle in such a manner that the resulting total thrust provided by the water nozzle(s) maneuvers the boat in the desired direction of movement at a desired velocity.

30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the determined direction of movement of the boat comprises a linear movement in a horizontal plane, a rotational movement about a vertical axis or a combination thereof.31 . A method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the desired direction of movement and velocity of the boat are determined on the basis of a control gesture of the operator of the boat using the control device of the boat.

32. A method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the desired direction of movement and velocity of the boat are determined on the basis of an automatic navigation function of the control system.

33. A method according to any one of claims 29 - 32, wherein controlling by the control system the thrust provided by each water nozzle in such a manner that the resulting total thrust provided by the water nozzle(s) maneuvers the boat in the desired direction of movement at a desired velocity comprises controlling rotational speed of two or more electric motors driving the respective pumps to provide water to respective the water nozzles.

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