Amphibian vehicle

Abstract

To provide an amphibian vehicle capable of efficiently converting rotation energy of a rotor into thrust.SOLUTION: An amphibian vehicle 100 comprises: a support; a rotor supported so as to be rotatable about a first axis X1 with respect to the support; a plurality of blade bodies 7 each supported so as to be rotatable about a second axis X2 with respect to the support; a wheel 2 rotated integrally with the rotor; a vehicle body 1 that supports the support; and an interlock mechanism for interlocking the rotation of the rotor about the first axis X1 with the rotation of each blade body 7 about the second axis X2. The interlock mechanism is configured to set the rotating direction of the rotor about the first axis X1 and the rotating direction of the blade body 7 about the second axis X2 opposite to each other, and the rotational period of the blade body 7 about the second axis X2 N times (N is natural number) as large as that of the rotor about the first axis X1. The blade body 7 is provided with a pressure reception surface which receives a pressure of water. The interlock mechanism is configured to direct the pressure reception surface of the blade body 7 positioned at the lowest point of a rotation locus about the first axis X1 to a rear side T2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to amphibious vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an amphibious vehicle (20) including a propeller shaft (2) to which driving force from an engine is transmitted, an outer gear (9) that rotates integrally with the propeller shaft, a wheel gear (11) that meshes with the outer gear, and a wheel (4) that rotates integrally with the wheel gear. Note that the reference symbols in parentheses in the description of the background art are those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The amphibious vehicle (20) includes an inner gear (10) that rotates integrally with the propeller shaft (2), a driven gear that meshes with the inner gear, a rotating shaft (12) that rotates integrally with the driven gear, a clutch (13) provided on the rotating shaft, a screw (7) connected to the rotating shaft via the clutch, and an attachment pipe (3) formed to cover them. The attachment pipe (3) includes a water supply port (6) that opens in the center of the wheel (4) adjacent to the screw (7), and a jet nozzle (8) that opens toward the rear in the traveling direction of the amphibious vehicle (20) and communicates with the water supply port.

[0004] In the above-mentioned amphibious vehicle (20), the clutch (13) is engaged when traveling underwater, and the propeller (7) is rotated by the driving force from the engine. As the propeller (7) rotates, water taken into the attached pipe (3) from the water inlet (6) is sprayed from the nozzle (8). In this way, the propulsive force is generated for the amphibious vehicle (20) when traveling underwater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-125960 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the amphibious vehicle (20) of Patent Document 1, water is taken into the mounting pipe (3) from the water inlet (6) along the axial direction of the wheel (4) by the screw (7), and the water taken into the mounting pipe (3) is sprayed from the nozzle (8) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel (4). Therefore, the amphibious vehicle (20) of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it cannot efficiently convert the rotational energy of the screw (7) into propulsive force.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an amphibious vehicle that can efficiently convert the rotational energy of a rotating body into propulsive force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In view of the above, the characteristics and configuration of the amphibious vehicle are as follows: A support; a rotor supported by the support so as to be rotatable relative to the support about a first axis; A plurality of blades supported on the rotor so as to be rotatable relative to the rotor about a second axis parallel to the first axis; A wheel that rotates integrally with the rotating body; A vehicle body supporting the support body; a linkage mechanism for linking the rotation of the rotor about the first axis with the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies about the second axis relative to the rotor, The interlocking mechanism is configured such that a rotation direction of the rotor about the first axis and a rotation direction of each of the plurality of blade bodies about the second axis are opposite to each other, and a rotation period of each of the plurality of blade bodies about the second axis is N times (N is a natural number) the rotation period of the rotor about the first axis, Each of the plurality of blades has a pressure-receiving surface that receives water pressure, The interlocking mechanism is configured such that the pressure-receiving surface of the blade body, which is located at the lowest point of the rotation trajectory about the first axis, faces backward in the traveling direction.

[0009] According to this characteristic configuration, the blade revolves together with the rotor, and the blade rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor by the interlocking mechanism, so that the orientation of the pressure-receiving surface of the blade relative to the rotor changes. The interlocking mechanism is configured so that the revolution direction and the rotation direction of the blade are opposite to each other, and the rotation period of the blade is N times (N is a natural number) the revolution period of the blade. The interlocking mechanism is configured so that the pressure-receiving surface of the blade located at the lowest point of the revolution trajectory faces backward in the traveling direction of the amphibious vehicle. This allows the multiple blades to efficiently push water backward. Therefore, the rotational energy of the rotor can be efficiently converted into the propulsive force of the amphibious vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an amphibious vehicle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] Cross-sectional view of Fig. 1 along line II-II [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the revolution phase and the rotation phase of a blade body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An amphibious vehicle 100 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The amphibious vehicle 100 is a vehicle configured to be capable of running both on land and on water. In this embodiment, the amphibious vehicle 100 is a vehicle that runs by being driven by human power operated by a driver. Note that FIG. 1 shows the amphibious vehicle 100 running on water.

[0012] In the following description, the front side of the amphibious vehicle 100 in the direction of travel will be referred to as the "front side T1," and the rear side of the amphibious vehicle 100 in the direction of travel will be referred to as the "rear side T2." Additionally, the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the amphibious vehicle 100 when viewed vertically will be referred to as the "width direction W." One side of the width direction W will be referred to as the "first width side W1," and the other side of the width direction W will be referred to as the "second width side W2."

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the amphibious vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 1, drive wheels 2, and a fluid machine 10.

[0014] In this embodiment, the vehicle body 1 is provided with a seat S on which a driver sits, and a handlebar H which the driver holds.

[0015] In this embodiment, the vehicle body 1 includes a pair of side walls 11. The pair of side walls 11 are formed to extend along the vertical direction. The pair of side walls 11 are disposed on both sides of the seat S in the width direction W.

[0016] The drive wheels 2 are configured to rotate in conjunction with the driver's operation. As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, a pair of drive wheels 2 is provided. One drive wheel 2 is disposed on the first widthwise side W1 relative to the side wall portion 11 on the first widthwise side W1, and the other drive wheel 2 is disposed on the second widthwise side W2 relative to the side wall portion 11 on the second widthwise side W2.

[0017] The fluid machine 10 is configured to convert the rotational energy of the drive wheels 2 into a propulsive force for the amphibious vehicle 100. As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, a pair of fluid machines 10 is provided. One of the fluid machines 10 is disposed between the side wall portion 11 on the first widthwise side W1 and the drive wheels 2 on the first widthwise side W1, and the other fluid machine 10 is disposed between the side wall portion 11 on the second widthwise side W2 and the drive wheels 2 on the second widthwise side W2.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the amphibious vehicle 100 further includes a driven wheel 3 and a transmission mechanism 4.

[0019] The driven wheels 3 are rotatably supported on the vehicle body 1. In this embodiment, the driven wheels 3 are front wheels, and the driving wheels 2 are rear wheels.

[0020] The transmission mechanism 4 is configured to transmit driving force generated by an operation by a driver to the pair of fluid machines 10. In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 4 includes a first sprocket 41, a second sprocket 42, and a chain 43.

[0021] The first sprocket 41 is configured to rotate in conjunction with a pedal P operated by the rider's foot. The second sprocket 42 is configured to rotate following the rotation of the first sprocket 41. The chain 43 is wound around the first sprocket 41 and the second sprocket 42.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid machine 10 includes a support body 5, a rotor 6, a plurality of blade bodies 7, and an interlocking mechanism 8. The support body 5 includes a rotor 6, a rotor member 7, and an interlocking mechanism 8. The rotor 5 includes a support body 5a.

[0023] The support body 5 is supported by the vehicle body 1. In this embodiment, the support body 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the width direction W. The support body 5 is fixed to a side wall portion 11 of the vehicle body 1.

[0024] The rotating body 6 rotates integrally with the drive wheel 2. In other words, the drive wheel 2 corresponds to a "wheel" that rotates integrally with the rotating body 6. The rotating body 6 is supported by the support 5 so as to be rotatable relative to the support 5 about a first axis X1. In this embodiment, the first axis X1 is the axis of the support 5 that is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0025] In the following description, a direction parallel to the first axis X1 is referred to as an "axial direction L." A direction perpendicular to the first axis X1 is referred to as a "radial direction R." In this embodiment, the axial direction L is parallel to the width direction W.

[0026] In this embodiment, the rotor 6 is coaxial with the drive wheel 2 and is disposed at a different position in the axial direction L relative to the drive wheel 2. In this embodiment, the rotor 6 is formed in a disk shape centered on the first axis X1. An accommodation chamber 6a that accommodates at least a part of the interlocking mechanism 8 is formed inside the rotor 6.

[0027] Each of the vanes 7 is supported by the rotor 6 so as to be rotatable relative to the rotor 6 around a second axis X2 parallel to the first axis X1. That is, each of the vanes 7 is supported so as to be rotatable (rotating) around the second axis X2 and rotatable (revolving) around the first axis X1. In this manner, the vanes 7 are arranged in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1 on the outer side of the radial direction R relative to the first axis X1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, four vanes 7 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1 on the outer side of the radial direction R relative to the first axis X1. That is, in this example, adjacent ones of the four vanes 7 are arranged with a phase difference of 90° in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1. The outer edge of the rotation trajectory of the vanes 7 is located inside the outer edge of the drive wheel 2 in the radial direction R.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of vanes 7 includes a pressure-receiving portion 71, a first shaft portion 72, and a second shaft portion 73.

[0029] The pressure receiving portion 71 is disposed between the rotor 6 and the drive wheel 2 in the axial direction L. The pressure receiving portion 71 is formed in a flat or curved plate shape. It is preferable that the pressure receiving portion 71 is formed in a point-symmetric shape (for example, an I-shaped or S-shaped cross section perpendicular to the second axis X2). In the illustrated example, the pressure receiving portion 71 is formed in a flat plate shape (an I-shaped cross section perpendicular to the second axis X2). When the cross section of the pressure receiving portion 71 perpendicular to the second axis X2 is S-shaped, the resistance on the outer periphery side becomes higher than the resistance on the inner periphery side during rotation of the blade body 7, which is preferable in that the efficiency of converting the rotational energy of the blade body 7 into the propulsive force of the amphibious vehicle 100 can be increased.

[0030] The first shaft portion 72 and the second shaft portion 73 are configured to support the pressure receiving portion 71. Each of the first shaft portion 72 and the second shaft portion 73 is formed to extend along the axial direction L. The first shaft portion 72 is supported by the rotating body 6. The second shaft portion 73 is supported by the driving wheel 2. In this embodiment, the first shaft portion 72 is supported rotatably with respect to the rotating body 6. And, the second shaft portion 73 is supported rotatably with respect to the driving wheel 2. Also, in this embodiment, the first shaft portion 72 and the second shaft portion 73 are integrally formed as a shaft member having the second axis X2 as an axis, and are connected to rotate integrally with the pressure receiving portion 71.

[0031] The interlocking mechanism 8 is configured to interlock the rotation of the rotor 6 about the first axis X1 with the rotation of each of the multiple vane bodies 7 about the second axis X2 relative to the rotor 6. Here, "the rotation of the rotor 6 about the first axis X1 and the rotation of each of the multiple vane bodies 7 about the second axis X2 relative to the rotor 6 are interlocked" refers to maintaining a constant relationship between the revolution period and the rotation period of each of the multiple vane bodies 7.

[0032] In this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 8 includes a reaction element 81, a plurality of rotation elements 82, and a plurality of connecting elements 83.

[0033] The reaction element 81 is supported by the support 5 in a state in which its relative rotation with respect to the support 5 is restricted. In this embodiment, the reaction element 81 includes a first gear 811. The first gear 811 is disposed on a first axis X1. The first gear 811 is fixed to the support 5.

[0034] Each of the multiple rotating elements 82 is configured to rotate integrally with the corresponding blade body 7. In this embodiment, each of the multiple rotating elements 82 includes a second gear 821. Each of the multiple second gears 821 is disposed on the second axis X2. In this embodiment, each of the multiple second gears 821 is connected to the first shaft portion 72 of the corresponding blade body 7 so as to rotate integrally with the first shaft portion 72. In this embodiment, the diameter of each of the multiple second gears 821 is set to be twice the diameter of the first gear 811.

[0035] Each of the multiple connecting elements 83 is configured to drive-connect the corresponding rotating element 82 and the reaction element 81. Here, in this application, "driving connection" refers to a state in which two rotating elements are connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force, and includes a state in which the two rotating elements are connected so as to rotate integrally, or a state in which the two rotating elements are connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force via one or more transmission members. Such transmission members include various members that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed, such as a shaft, a gear mechanism, a belt, a chain, etc. In addition, the transmission members may also include an engagement device that selectively transmits rotation and driving force, such as a friction engagement device, a meshing engagement device, etc.

[0036] In this embodiment, each of the multiple connecting elements 83 includes a third gear 831. Each of the multiple third gears 831 meshes with both a corresponding one of the multiple second gears 821 and the first gear 811. Each of the multiple third gears 831 is supported rotatably with respect to the rotating body 6.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first gear 811, the second gear 821, and the third gear 831 are accommodated in the accommodation chamber 6a of the rotor 6.

[0038] In this embodiment, the arrangement areas of the first gear 811, the multiple second gears 821, and the multiple third gears 831 overlap with each other in the axial direction L. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the arrangement area of ​​the first gear 811 in the axial direction L overlaps with both the arrangement area of ​​each of the multiple second gears 821 in the axial direction L and the arrangement area of ​​each of the multiple third gears 831 in the axial direction L.

[0039] The interlocking mechanism 8 configured as described above is configured as a double-pinion type planetary gear mechanism without a ring gear, in which the first gear 811 functions as a sun gear, each of the multiple second gears 821 functions as a first pinion gear, and each of the multiple third gears 831 functions as a second pinion gear.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the power transmission mechanism 4 further includes an input shaft 44, a pair of power transmission shafts 45, a pair of one-way clutches 46, a pair of connecting members 47, and a case .

[0041] The input shaft 44 is formed to extend along the width direction W. The input shaft 44 is disposed coaxially with the second sprocket 42. The input shaft 44 is connected to the second sprocket 42 so as to rotate integrally with the second sprocket 42. In this embodiment, the input shaft 44 and the second sprocket 42 are disposed on the first axis X1.

[0042] Each of the pair of transmission shafts 45 is formed to extend along the width direction W. Each of the pair of transmission shafts 45 is arranged coaxially with the driving wheels 2. Each of the pair of transmission shafts 45 is connected to the driving wheels 2 so as to rotate integrally with the driving wheels 2. In this embodiment, the pair of transmission shafts 45 and the pair of driving wheels 2 are arranged on a first axis X1.

[0043] Further, each of the pair of transmission shafts 45 is disposed coaxially with the input shaft 44. One of the pair of transmission shafts 45 is disposed on a first widthwise side W1 with respect to the input shaft 44, and the other is disposed on a second widthwise side W2 with respect to the input shaft 44. Each of the pair of transmission shafts 45 is connected to the input shaft 44 via a one-way clutch 46.

[0044] Each of the pair of one-way clutches 46 restricts relative rotation between the input shaft 44 and the transmission shaft 45 when the amphibious vehicle 100 is in a torque transmission state moving forward. On the other hand, each of the pair of one-way clutches 46 allows relative rotation between the input shaft 44 and the transmission shaft 45 when the amphibious vehicle 100 is in a torque transmission state moving backward.

[0045] Each of the pair of connecting members 47 is a member that connects the rotating body 6 and the driving wheel 2. Each of the pair of connecting members 47 is formed in a tubular shape extending along the first axis X1. Each of the pair of connecting members 47 is disposed on the inside in the radial direction R with respect to the plurality of blade bodies 7. In this embodiment, each of the pair of connecting members 47 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Note that each of the pair of connecting members 47 may be in the shape of a square tube.

[0046] The case 48 includes a first case portion 481 and a pair of second case portions 482 .

[0047] The first case portion 481 accommodates the first sprocket 41, the second sprocket 42, the chain 43, the input shaft 44, parts of the pair of transmission shafts 45, and the pair of one-way clutches 46.

[0048] Each of the pair of second case parts 482 accommodates a part of the transmission shaft 45. Each of the pair of second case parts 482 is fixed to the first case part 481. Furthermore, each of the pair of second case parts 482 is fixed to the side wall part 11 of the vehicle body 1 and the support body 5.

[0049] In this embodiment, the support 5 includes a first support surface 5a and a second support surface 5b.

[0050] The first support surface 5a is a cylindrical "support surface" extending along the first axis X1 on the inner side in the radial direction R with respect to the connecting member 47. In this embodiment, the first support surface 5a is formed so as to face the outer side in the radial direction R.

[0051] The first support surface 5a supports at least one of the rotating body 6, the driving wheel 2, and the connecting member 47. In this embodiment, the first support surface 5a is arranged so as to overlap with the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member 47 when viewed in the radial direction R. A first bearing B1 is provided between the first support surface 5a and the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member 47. That is, in this embodiment, the first support surface 5a supports the connecting member 47 via the first bearing B1. Here, with regard to the arrangement of two elements, "overlapping when viewed in a specific direction" refers to the existence of at least a part of an area where a virtual line parallel to the line of sight intersects with both of the two elements when the virtual line is moved in each direction perpendicular to the virtual line.

[0052] The second support surface 5b is a surface formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis X1. In this embodiment, the second support surface 5b is disposed on the opposite side of the first support surface 5a in the axial direction L across the first gear 811. The second support surface 5b is formed to face outward in the radial direction R. In this embodiment, the second support surface 5b supports the rotor 6 via the second bearing B2.

[0053] In this embodiment, the transmission shaft 45 is disposed so as to extend along the first axis X1 on the inner side in the radial direction R relative to the connecting member 47 and the support body 5.

[0054] 2, in this embodiment, the amphibious vehicle 100 further includes a drive mechanism 9. The drive mechanism 9 is configured to generate a drive force for driving the drive wheels 2. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 9 includes a pair of electric motors 91, a pair of drive gears 92, and a pair of driven gears 93.

[0055] Each of the pair of electric motors 91 is configured to be able to drive the drive gear 92. In this embodiment, each of the pair of electric motors 91 is fixed to the second case portion 482.

[0056] Each of the pair of drive gears 92 meshes with a driven gear 93. Each of the pair of driven gears 93 is connected to the transmission shaft 45 so as to rotate integrally with the transmission shaft 45.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 3, each of the multiple blade bodies 7 has a pressure-receiving surface 7a. The pressure-receiving surface 7a is a surface that receives water pressure when the amphibious vehicle 100 travels on water. In this embodiment, a part of the surface of the pressure-receiving portion 71 functions as the pressure-receiving surface 7a. That is, in this embodiment, the pressure-receiving portion 71 has the pressure-receiving surface 7a. As described above, in this embodiment, the pressure-receiving portion 71 is formed in a flat plate shape, and therefore the pressure-receiving surface 7a is formed in a planar shape.

[0058] The interlocking mechanism 8 is configured so that the pressure-receiving surface 7a of the blade body 7 located at the lowest point of the rotation locus (revolution locus) about the first axis X1 faces the rear side T2. In this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 8 is configured so that the pressure-receiving surface 7a of the blade body 7 located at the lowest point of the revolution locus is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the amphibious vehicle 100.

[0059] The interlocking mechanism 8 is configured so that the direction of rotation of the rotor 6 about the first axis X1, i.e., the orbital direction of each of the plurality of vane bodies 7, and the direction of rotation (the direction of rotation about the second axis X2) of each of the plurality of vane bodies 7 are opposite to each other. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the orbital direction of the vane body 7 is counterclockwise, and the rotation direction of the vane body 7 is clockwise.

[0060] The interlocking mechanism 8 is configured so that the rotation period of each of the plurality of vane bodies 7 about the second axis X2 (the rotation period of the vane bodies 7) is N times (N is a natural number) the rotation period of the rotor 6 about the first axis X1 (the revolution period of the vane bodies 7). As described above, in this embodiment, the diameter of the plurality of second gears 821 is set to twice the diameter of the first gear 811. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation period of the vane body 7 is twice the revolution period of the vane body 7 (N=2).

[0061] Here, an example of the orbital phase and rotation phase of the blade body 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The orbital phase of the blade body 7 is the phase around the first axis X1 of the blade body 7. The rotation phase of the blade body 7 is the phase around the second axis X2 of the blade body 7 relative to the rotor 6. In the following description with reference to Fig. 3, "up", "down", "left" and "right" refer to up, down, left and right on the paper surface of Fig. 3. Also, "up" and "down" correspond to the upper side and lower side in the vertical direction, respectively.

[0062] If the revolution phase and the rotation phase of the blade body 7 located at the top of the revolution trajectory are each 0°, the process in which the blade body 7 rotates once around the second axis X2, that is, the process in which the rotation phase of the blade body 7 changes from 0° to 360°, is as follows. In this example, the rotation phase is based on the direction along the surface of the pressure-receiving portion 71.

[0063] When the blade body 7 is located at the leftmost position on the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 90°), the rotation phase is 45°. When the blade body 7 is located at the bottommost position on the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 180°), the rotation phase is 90°. When the blade body 7 is located at the rightmost position on the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 270°), the rotation phase is 135°. When the blade body 7 is again located at the topmost position on the revolution locus, that is, when the blade body 7 has made one revolution around the first axis X1 (when the revolution phase is 360°), the rotation phase is 180°.

[0064] Furthermore, when the blade body 7 is located at the leftmost position on the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 450°), the rotation phase is 225°. When the blade body 7 is located at the bottommost position on the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 540°), the rotation phase is 270°. When the blade body 7 is located at the rightmost position on the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 630°), the rotation phase is 315°. When the blade body 7 is again located at the topmost position on the revolution locus, that is, when the blade body 7 has made two revolutions around the first axis X1 (when the revolution phase is 720°), the rotation phase is 360°.

[0065] In this embodiment, the surface of the pressure receiving portion 71 that functions as the pressure receiving surface 7a changes depending on the rotation state of the vane body 7. In the above example, when the vane body 7 is located at the lowest position on the revolution trajectory, if the revolution phase is 180°, one of the pair of surfaces in the pressure receiving portion 71 functions as the pressure receiving surface 7a, and if the revolution phase is 540°, the other of the pair of surfaces in the pressure receiving portion 71 functions as the pressure receiving surface 7a.

[0066] As described above, the amphibious vehicle 100 has the following features: A support 5; a rotor 6 supported by the support 5 so as to be rotatable relative to the support 5 about a first axis X1; A plurality of vanes 7 supported by the rotor 6 so as to be rotatable relative to the rotor 6 about a second axis X2 parallel to the first axis X1; A driving wheel 2 that rotates integrally with the rotating body 6; A vehicle body 1 supporting a support body 5; a linkage mechanism 8 linking the rotation of the rotor 6 about the first axis X1 with the rotation of each of the plurality of blades 7 about a second axis X2 relative to the rotor 6, The interlocking mechanism 8 is configured such that the rotation direction of the rotor 6 about the first axis X1 and the rotation direction of each of the plurality of vane bodies 7 about the second axis X2 are opposite to each other, and the rotation period of each of the plurality of vane bodies 7 about the second axis X2 is N times (N is a natural number) the rotation period of the rotor 6 about the first axis X1, Each of the plurality of blades 7 has a pressure-receiving surface 7a that receives water pressure, The interlocking mechanism 8 is configured so that the pressure receiving surface 7a of the vane body 7 located at the lowest point of the rotation trajectory about the first axis X1 faces the rear side T2 in the traveling direction.

[0067] According to this configuration, the blade body 7 revolves together with the rotor 6, and the blade body 7 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 6 by the interlocking mechanism 8, so that the orientation of the pressure-receiving surface 7a of the blade body 7 relative to the rotor 6 changes. The interlocking mechanism 8 is configured so that the revolution direction and the rotation direction of the blade body 7 are opposite to each other, and the rotation period of the blade body 7 is N times (N is a natural number) the revolution period of the blade body 7. The interlocking mechanism 8 is configured so that the pressure-receiving surface 7a of the blade body 7 located at the lowest point of the revolution trajectory faces the rear side in the traveling direction of the amphibious vehicle 100. This allows the multiple blade bodies 7 to efficiently push water backward. Therefore, the rotational energy of the rotor 6 can be efficiently converted into the propulsive force of the amphibious vehicle 100.

[0068] As described above, in this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 8 comprises a reaction element 81 supported on the support 5 with its relative rotation with respect to the support 5 restricted, a rotating element 82 that rotates integrally with each of the multiple blade bodies 7, and a connecting element 83 that drivingly connects each of the multiple rotating elements 82 to the reaction element 81.

[0069] This configuration makes it possible to appropriately configure the interlocking mechanism 8. Also, the relationship between the rotation period of the blade body 7 about the second axis X2 and the rotation period of the rotor 6 about the first axis X1 can be easily set.

[0070] In this embodiment, the reaction element 81 includes a first gear 811 disposed on the first axis X1. Each of the multiple rotating elements 82 includes a second gear 821 disposed on a second axis X2, Each of the multiple connecting elements 83 includes a third gear 831 that meshes with both a corresponding one of the multiple second gears 821 and the first gear 811, The arrangement areas of the first gear 811, the plurality of second gears 821, and the plurality of third gears 831 in the axial direction L overlap each other.

[0071] This configuration allows proper power transmission between the multiple rotating elements 82 and the reaction element 81. Therefore, the rotation of the rotor 6 about the first axis X1 and the rotation of each of the multiple blade bodies 7 about the second axis X2 relative to the rotor 6 can be properly linked. Furthermore, with this configuration, the arrangement areas of the first gear 811, the multiple second gears 821, and the multiple third gears 831 in the axial direction L overlap each other. This makes it easy to keep the dimension of the interlocking mechanism 8 in the axial direction L small. This makes it easy to reduce the size of the interlocking mechanism 8 in the width direction W of the amphibious vehicle 100, making it easy to reduce the water resistance experienced by the amphibious vehicle 100.

[0072] In this embodiment, the rotor 6 is formed in a disk shape centered on the first axis X1. A housing chamber 6a is formed inside the rotor 6 to house at least a part of the interlocking mechanism 8. The drive wheels 2 are coaxial with the rotor 6 and are disposed at different positions in the axial direction L relative to the rotor 6. Each of the plurality of vane bodies 7 includes a pressure receiving portion 71 having a pressure receiving surface 7a, and a first shaft portion 72 and a second shaft portion 73 supporting the pressure receiving portion 71. The pressure receiving portion 71 is disposed between the rotor 6 and the drive wheel 2 in the axial direction L. The first shaft portion 72 is supported by the rotor 6. The second shaft portion 73 is supported by the drive wheel 2 .

[0073] According to this configuration, the pressure-receiving portion 71 of each of the plurality of vanes 7 can be supported on both sides in the axial direction L by the rotating body 6 and the driving wheel 2. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the supporting strength of the plurality of vanes 7. Furthermore, with this configuration, since the pressure receiving portion 71 is disposed between the rotating body 6 and the drive wheels 2 in the axial direction L, the flow of water can be rectified by the rotating body 6 and the drive wheels 2 and acted upon the pressure receiving portion 71. This increases the efficiency with which the rotational energy of the rotating body 6 is converted into the propulsive force of the amphibious vehicle 100.

[0074] In this embodiment, the amphibious vehicle 100 is A transmission shaft 45 that rotates integrally with the drive wheel 2; A connecting member 47 that connects the rotating body 6 and the drive wheel 2 is further provided. The connecting member 47 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis X1 on the inner side of the plurality of blades 7 in the radial direction R, The support body 5 includes a first support surface 5a as a cylindrical support surface extending along the first axis X1 on the inner side in the radial direction R with respect to the connecting member 47, At least one of the rotating body 6, the drive wheel 2, and the connecting member 47 is supported by the first support surface 5a, The transmission shaft 45 is disposed so as to extend along the first axis X1 on the inner side in the radial direction R relative to the connecting member 47 and the support body 5.

[0075] According to this configuration, it is possible to connect the rotor 6 and the drive wheel 2 by the connecting member 47 while avoiding interference of the connecting member 47 with the plurality of blade bodies 7. Moreover, with this configuration, the transmission shaft 45 and the drive wheels 2 can be appropriately connected, and the support body 5 can appropriately support the rotating body 6 and the drive wheels 2. Moreover, according to this configuration, the drive wheel 2, the support body 5, the rotating body 6, and the transmission shaft 45 can be easily arranged in a relatively small space.

[0076] Other embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the support 5 is fixed to the side wall portion 11 of the vehicle body 1 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the support 5 may be formed integrally with the vehicle body 1, or the support 5 may be configured as a part of the suspension.

[0077] (2) In the above embodiment, the drive wheel 2 and the rotating body 6 are connected to each other via the connecting member 47. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the drive wheel 2 and the rotating body 6 may be formed integrally.

[0078] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the pressure-receiving surface 7a of the blade body 7 located at the lowest point of the revolution locus is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the amphibious vehicle 100, in other words, the intersection angle between the pressure-receiving surface 7a of the blade body 7 located at the lowest point of the revolution locus and the traveling direction of the amphibious vehicle 100 is 90°. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the intersection angle may be preferably within a range of 90±45°, and more preferably within a range of 90±20°.

[0079] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the interlocking mechanism 8 includes a planetary gear mechanism. However, the interlocking mechanism 8 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured, for example, using a sprocket and a chain, or using a pulley and a belt.

[0080] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the fluid machine 10 is disposed between the side wall portion 11 and the drive wheels 2, that is, a configuration in which the fluid machine 10 is disposed inside the drive wheels 2 in the width direction W. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the fluid machine 10 may be disposed outside the drive wheels 2 in the width direction W.

[0081] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the first shaft portion 72 is rotatably supported with respect to the rotating body 6, the second shaft portion 73 is rotatably supported with respect to the driving wheel 2, and the pressure receiving portion 71 is connected to rotate integrally with the first shaft portion 72 and the second shaft portion 73. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration may be used in which the first shaft portion 72 is connected to rotate integrally with the rotating body 6, the second shaft portion 73 is connected to rotate integrally with the driving wheel 2, and the pressure receiving portion 71 is supported rotatably with respect to the first shaft portion 72 and the second shaft portion 73. In this configuration, the second gear 821 is rotatably supported with respect to the first shaft portion 72 so as to rotate integrally with the pressure receiving portion 71.

[0082] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the power transmission shaft 45 is disposed to extend along the first axis X1 on the inner side in the radial direction R relative to the connecting member 47 and the support body 5. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured in such a way that the power transmission shaft 45 is not positioned on the inner side in the radial direction R relative to the connecting member 47, such as a configuration in which the connecting member 47 is not provided.

[0083] (8) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] The technology disclosed herein can be used in amphibious vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100: amphibious vehicle, 1: vehicle body, 2: driving wheel (wheel), 45: transmission shaft, 47: connecting member, 5: support body, 5a: first support surface (support surface), 6: rotating body, 6a: storage chamber, 7: blade body, 7a: pressure receiving surface, 71: pressure receiving part, 72: first shaft part, 73: second shaft part, 8: interlocking mechanism, 81: reaction element, 811: first gear, 82: rotating element, 821: second gear, 83: connecting element, 831: third gear, X1: first shaft center, X2: second shaft center, L: axial direction, R: radial direction, T1: front side, T2: rear side

Claims

1. A support; a rotor supported by the support so as to be rotatable relative to the support about a first axis; a plurality of blades supported on the rotor so as to be rotatable relative to the rotor about second axes parallel to the first axis; A wheel that rotates integrally with the rotating body; A vehicle body supporting the support body; a linkage mechanism linking the rotation of the rotor about the first axis and the rotation of each of the plurality of blades about the second axis relative to the rotor, the interlocking mechanism is configured such that a rotation direction of the rotor about the first axis and a rotation direction of each of the plurality of vane bodies about the second axis are opposite to each other, and a rotation period of each of the plurality of vane bodies about the second axis is N times (N is a natural number) the rotation period of the rotor about the first axis, Each of the plurality of blades has a pressure-receiving surface that receives water pressure, The interlocking mechanism is configured so that the pressure-receiving surface of the blade body, which is located at the lowest point of the rotational trajectory around the first axis, faces rearward in the direction of travel.

2. 2. The amphibious vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking mechanism comprises: a reaction element supported on the support body in a state in which relative rotation with respect to the support body is restricted; a rotating element which rotates integrally with each of the plurality of blade bodies; and a connecting element which drivingly connects each of the plurality of rotating elements to the reaction element.

3. The reaction element includes a first gear arranged on the first axis, Each of the plurality of rotating elements includes a second gear disposed on the second axis; Each of the plurality of connecting elements includes a third gear that meshes with both a corresponding one of the plurality of second gears and the first gear, 3. An amphibious vehicle as described in claim 2, wherein the first gear, the plurality of second gears, and the plurality of third gears are arranged in an axial direction that is parallel to the first axis, and the arrangement areas of the first gear, the plurality of second gears, and the plurality of third gears overlap with each other in the axial direction.

4. The rotor is formed in a disk shape centered on the first axis, a housing chamber for housing at least a part of the interlocking mechanism is formed inside the rotor, A direction parallel to the first axis is defined as an axial direction, The wheels are coaxial with the rotating body and are disposed at different positions in the axial direction relative to the rotating body, Each of the plurality of vanes includes a pressure receiving portion having the pressure receiving surface, and a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion supporting the pressure receiving portion, the pressure receiving portion is disposed between the rotating body and the wheel in the axial direction, The first shaft portion is supported by the rotor, 3. An amphibious vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second axle is supported by the wheel.

5. A transmission shaft that rotates integrally with the wheel; A connecting member that connects the rotating body and the wheel, A direction perpendicular to the first axis is a radial direction, The connecting member is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis on the radially inner side with respect to the plurality of blade bodies, The support body includes a cylindrical support surface extending along the first axis center on the radially inner side with respect to the connecting member, At least one of the rotating body, the wheel, and the connecting member is supported on the support surface, 3. An amphibious vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmission shaft is arranged to extend along the first axis center radially inwardly relative to the connecting member and the support body.

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