Underwater propeller for amphibious vehicle and amphibious vehicle
By employing a duct and fairing structure in the underwater propulsion system of the amphibious vehicle, the problem of water flow obstruction at the bottom of the vehicle body was solved, the propulsion efficiency was improved, the propeller was protected, and more stable underwater propulsion was achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TIANJIN HAOYE TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing amphibious vehicles have underwater propulsion systems that obstruct water flow due to components at the bottom of the vehicle, resulting in low propulsion efficiency. Furthermore, externally mounted propulsion systems are susceptible to damage from collisions with obstacles.
Design an underwater propulsion device for an amphibious vehicle, which adopts a duct and fairing structure. The water inlet is connected to the fairing, the water outlet penetrates the vehicle body shell, the propeller is located inside the fairing, and the water outlet of the duct extends backward to ensure smooth water flow and avoid obstruction by vehicle body parts.
It improves the propulsion efficiency of amphibious vehicles, protects the propeller from damage by obstacles, and extends its service life.
Smart Images
Figure CN224588871U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of underwater propulsion technology, and in particular to an underwater propulsion device for an amphibious vehicle and an amphibious vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] Amphibious vehicles combine the capabilities of both cars and boats, allowing them to travel on land like a car and float on water like a boat. To enable movement on water, amphibious vehicles are equipped with underwater propulsion systems.
[0003] Current mainstream propulsion installation solutions include externally mounted propulsion units and propulsion units embedded under the vehicle body. Externally mounted propulsion units (such as side-mounted propellers or rear-mounted water jets) are directly installed on the outside of the vehicle body, ensuring unobstructed water flow and high propulsion efficiency. However, because they are exposed to the outside of the vehicle body, they are highly susceptible to collisions with obstacles when navigating in shallow waters, reefs, or areas with abundant floating debris. This can lead to propulsion blade deformation, breakage, or damage to the transmission mechanism, affecting reliability.
[0004] The embedded thruster integrates the water inlet and outlet at the bottom of the vehicle body, which can reduce the risk of external collisions and improve overall protection. However, due to the complex structure at the bottom of the vehicle body, components such as the differential, suspension system, and rear bumper can partially obstruct water flow, resulting in poor water intake or water outlet, causing thrust reduction and decreased propulsion efficiency.
[0005] Based on this, this application proposes an underwater propulsion device for amphibious vehicles to solve the aforementioned technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides an underwater propulsion device and an amphibious vehicle, which can reduce the obstruction of water flow by components at the bottom of the vehicle body and improve propulsion efficiency.
[0007] The technical solution provided in this application is described below: The first aspect of this application provides an underwater propulsion device for an amphibious vehicle, comprising: The propeller body, the flow guide duct, and the flow guide cover; the propeller body is used to connect to the bottom of the vehicle body, the flow guide cover is fixed to the propeller body, and the propeller on the propeller body is located inside the flow guide cover; The duct is provided with an inlet and an outlet that are connected to each other. The inlet is connected to the shroud, and the outlet extends rearward and penetrates the vehicle body shell. The driver body is used to drive the water flow to spray out of the vehicle body shell along the duct.
[0008] Optionally, the propeller body is provided with a fairing bracket, the fairing is fitted over the propeller and connected to the fairing bracket.
[0009] Optionally, the end of the flow guide shroud away from the flow guide duct is configured to expand outwards.
[0010] Optionally, the flow guide and the flow guide duct are integrally formed.
[0011] Optionally, a sealing ring is provided between the water inlet and the flow guide shroud.
[0012] Optionally, the water inlet and the water outlet are connected in an arc shape.
[0013] Optionally, the propeller body is connected to the bottom of the vehicle body via a fixed bracket.
[0014] Optionally, the underwater propulsion device for the amphibious vehicle also includes a baffle assembly, which is movably connected to the water outlet or the vehicle body shell. The baffle assembly is used to cover the water outlet and opens when water is sprayed from the water outlet.
[0015] Optionally, the baffle assembly includes a water outlet baffle, a pin, and a torsion spring; one side of the water outlet baffle is connected to the vehicle body shell through the pin, the water outlet baffle can rotate around the pin, the torsion spring is sleeved on the pin, and one end of the torsion spring is clamped on the water outlet baffle edge, and the other end is clamped on the vehicle body shell.
[0016] The second aspect of this application provides an amphibious vehicle, including a vehicle body and an underwater propulsion device as described in any one of the first aspect and its alternatives, wherein the underwater propulsion device is disposed below the rear of the vehicle body, and the number of the underwater propulsion devices is at least one.
[0017] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this application has the following beneficial effects: This application involves placing a deflector on the propeller body, with the propeller on the propeller body located inside the deflector. The inlet end of the deflector channel is connected to the deflector, and the outlet end of the deflector channel extends rearward and penetrates the vehicle body shell. When the propeller body drives the propeller to rotate, the water around the propeller flows along the deflector and the deflector channel, and is ejected from the outlet of the deflector channel. Since the outlet penetrates the vehicle body shell, the ejected water flow is no longer blocked by the components under the vehicle, resulting in smooth water flow and thus improving propulsion efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an underwater propulsion device for an amphibious vehicle according to this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the water outlet baffle and the vehicle body shell in the underwater propulsion device for the amphibious vehicle of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle installed on the amphibious vehicle as described in this application; In the figure, the main body of the propeller is 01, the duct is 02, the fairing is 03, the propeller is 04, the bottom of the vehicle body is 05, the outer shell of the vehicle body is 06, the fairing bracket is 07, the fixed bracket is 08, the water outlet baffle is 09, the pin is 10, the torsion spring is 11, and the vehicle body is 12. Detailed Implementation
[0019] In this application, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "middle", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal" and other terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used to describe the relative positional relationship between the components or parts and do not specifically limit the specific installation orientation of each component or part.
[0020] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0021] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0022] Furthermore, the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., drawn in the accompanying drawings of this application are only used to complement the content disclosed in the specification for those skilled in the art to understand and read, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modification to the structure, change in the proportional relationship, or adjustment of the size, without affecting the effects and purposes that this application can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application.
[0023] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0024] Traditional embedded propulsion systems are prone to water flow obstruction by components at the bottom of the vehicle, resulting in poor water flow and reduced propulsion efficiency. This application proposes an underwater propulsion system and an amphibious vehicle that reduces water flow obstruction by components at the bottom of the vehicle, thereby improving propulsion efficiency. The specific structure is described below: See Figures 1 to 3 The first aspect of this application provides an underwater propulsion device for an amphibious vehicle, comprising: The thruster body 01, the flow guide duct 02, and the flow guide 03; the thruster body 01 is used to connect with the bottom of the vehicle body 05, the flow guide 03 is fixed on the thruster body 01, and the propeller 04 on the thruster body 01 is located inside the flow guide 03. The duct 02 is provided with an inlet and an outlet that are connected to each other. The inlet is connected to the duct cover 03, and the outlet extends backward and penetrates the vehicle body shell 06. The drive unit is used to drive the water flow to spray out of the vehicle body shell 06 along the duct 02.
[0025] The main body of the thruster 01 is connected by specific methods, such as bolt fixing and welding (the specific connection method can be selected according to the vehicle structure and design requirements), to ensure that the main body of the thruster 01 can remain stable during vehicle operation, especially in complex underwater environments, and will not loosen or fall off due to water flow impact or vehicle vibration, thus ensuring the normal operation of the main body of the thruster 01.
[0026] The propeller 04 is installed at the end of the main body 01 of the thruster, and a drive structure is set inside. The drive structure provides power for the rotation of the propeller 04, and drives the propeller 04 to rotate.
[0027] The fairing 03 is fixed to the propeller body 01 and completely encloses the propeller 04 inside it. The fairing 03 can prevent obstacles such as aquatic plants and floating objects from directly contacting the propeller 04, avoiding deformation and breakage of the propeller blades due to collision, thereby protecting the normal operation of the propeller 04 and extending its service life.
[0028] The fairing 03 also serves as a preliminary guide. The fairing 03 can guide the water flow to the propeller 04 in a more orderly manner, reducing turbulence and disturbance, allowing the propeller 04 to operate in a more stable water flow environment, improving water flow utilization efficiency, and thus enhancing the propulsion performance of the propeller.
[0029] The duct 02 has an interconnected inlet and outlet. The inlet is connected to the guide shield 03, and the outlet extends rearward and penetrates the vehicle body shell 06. The guide shield 03, the inlet, and the outlet of the duct 02 form a complete water flow channel, providing a clear path for the water flow. Driven by the propeller 04, the water enters the duct 02 from the inlet, is guided inside the duct, and finally exits the vehicle body shell 06 at high speed from the outlet.
[0030] In one feasible manner, the inner diameter of the outlet end of the guide duct 02 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet end, thereby accelerating the water flow through the guide duct 02.
[0031] The smooth inner wall of the flow guide duct 02 reduces water resistance during flow, allowing water to pass through more smoothly. At the same time, the flow guide duct 02 also prevents the complex structure at the bottom of the vehicle body 05 from obstructing or interfering with the water flow, ensuring that the water can fully utilize its energy and generate powerful thrust.
[0032] In this application, when the amphibious vehicle needs to travel on or in water, the drive unit starts to work, causing the propeller 04 to rotate at high speed. The rotation of the propeller 04 agitates the surrounding water flow, attracting water flow along the guide shroud 03 into the area around the propeller 04. After the water flow is accelerated by the rotation of the propeller 04, it enters from the inlet end of the guide duct 02. Under the guidance inside the guide duct 02, it is ejected at high speed from the outlet end outside the vehicle body shell 06. When the water flow is ejected backward, it generates a forward reaction force, which is used to propel the amphibious vehicle forward.
[0033] In this embodiment, by fitting the flow guide 03 onto the propeller body 01, and with the propeller 04 on the propeller body 01 located inside the flow guide 03, the water inlet of the flow guide duct 02 is connected to the flow guide 03, and the water outlet of the flow guide duct 02 is extended rearward and penetrates the vehicle body shell 06. When the propeller body 01 drives the propeller 04 to rotate, the water around the propeller 04 flows along the flow guide 03 and the flow guide duct 02, and is sprayed out from the water outlet of the flow guide duct 02. Since the water outlet penetrates the vehicle body shell 06, the sprayed water is no longer blocked by the components under the vehicle, and the water outlet is smooth, thereby improving the propulsion efficiency.
[0034] In an optional embodiment, a fairing bracket 07 is provided on the propeller body 01, and the fairing 03 is sleeved on the outside of the propeller 04 and connected to the fairing bracket 07.
[0035] The guide shield bracket 07 is located between the guide shield 03 and the propeller body 01. One end of the guide shield bracket 07 is connected to the inner wall of the guide shield 03, and the other end is connected to the outer wall of the propeller body 01. The guide shield bracket 07 is used to ensure that the guide shield 03 can be stably fixed on the propeller body 01 and will not shake or shift under the impact of water flow.
[0036] The fairing support 07 is located in front of the propeller 04 along the water flow direction, that is, on the water inlet side of the propeller 04, which also serves to block debris in the water. In a specific embodiment, the fairing support 07 consists of at least 3 connecting columns, each of which is connected to the propeller body 01 and the fairing 03 at both ends, and the at least 3 connecting columns are evenly arranged outside the propeller body 01.
[0037] In this optional embodiment, the end of the fairing 03 furthest from the duct 02 is flared outwards. This flared design increases the opening area at that end. When the amphibious vehicle is in motion, more water can be drawn into the fairing 03, providing more water flow to the propeller 04 and increasing the thrust generated by the propeller.
[0038] When water enters the deflector 03 from the surrounding environment, its outward-expanding shape allows the water flow to gradually converge, reducing turbulence and allowing the water to flow more smoothly and orderly towards the propeller 04. This helps improve the working efficiency of the propeller 04, reduces energy loss, and further enhances the performance of the propeller.
[0039] In an optional embodiment, the fairing 03 and the duct 02 are integrally molded. This integral molding enhances the connection strength between the fairing 03 and the duct 02; in this embodiment, the integral molding method includes, but is not limited to, injection molding and casting.
[0040] In a different embodiment from the one-piece molding configuration described above, in another optional embodiment, a sealing ring is provided between the water inlet and the flow guide shroud 03.
[0041] In this embodiment, the inlet end of the guide duct 02 and the guide shield 03 are connected in a detachable manner, such as by threaded connection or bolt connection. At this connection, the inner diameter of the outlet end is the same as the inner diameter of the guide shield 03. A sealing ring is provided at this connection, which can reduce water leakage at the connection between the inlet end and the guide shield 03 and improve the propulsion efficiency of the thruster.
[0042] The sealing ring can be made of materials such as rubber, silicone, or polytetrafluoroethylene.
[0043] In an optional embodiment, the inlet and outlet are connected in an arc shape. In this embodiment, the centerline of the guide duct 02 is a continuous smooth arc extending from the inlet to the outlet, achieving low-loss diversion and transportation of the fluid. Specifically, the outlet bends downward, causing the water to spray out obliquely downward from the rear of the vehicle body shell 06.
[0044] In an optional embodiment, the thruster body 01 is connected to the vehicle body bottom 05 via a fixed bracket 08. The fixed bracket 08 and the thruster body 01 are integral, and the fixed bracket 08 is bolted to the vehicle body bottom 05.
[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the underwater propulsion system for the amphibious vehicle also includes a baffle assembly disposed at the water outlet end, the baffle assembly being used to cover the water outlet end and to open when water is sprayed from the water outlet end.
[0046] A baffle assembly is installed at the water outlet of the guide duct 02. When the amphibious vehicle is traveling on land or stationary and the propeller body 01 is not operating, the baffle assembly covers the water outlet, effectively preventing external debris such as mud, stones, and aquatic plants from entering the propeller 04, thus providing protection. When the propeller 04 rotates, the baffle assembly opens under water pressure, thus guiding the flow.
[0047] In this optional embodiment, the baffle assembly is movably connected to the water outlet or the vehicle body shell 06. In this embodiment, the baffle assembly can be connected to either the water outlet of the guide duct 02 or the vehicle body shell 06, and the specific location can be selected according to actual needs.
[0048] In this optional embodiment, the baffle assembly includes a water outlet baffle 09, a pin 10, and a torsion spring 11; one side of the water outlet baffle 09 is connected to the vehicle body shell 06 via the pin 10, the water outlet baffle 09 can rotate around the pin 10, the torsion spring 11 is sleeved on the pin 10, and one end of the torsion spring 11 is locked on the water outlet baffle edge, and the other end is locked on the vehicle body shell 06.
[0049] In this embodiment, the baffle assembly is movably connected to the vehicle body shell 06.
[0050] The shape of the outlet baffle 09 is the same as the outlet end of the guide duct 02, and the size of the outlet baffle 09 can completely cover the outlet end; the outlet baffle 09 is connected to the vehicle body shell 06 by a pin 10 (the pin 10 passes through the hole on the outlet baffle 09 and the corresponding mounting hole on the vehicle body shell 06, connecting the outlet baffle 09 to the vehicle body shell 06), and the outlet baffle 09 can rotate around the pin 10.
[0051] The torsion spring 11 always keeps the water outlet baffle 09 pulled upwards. When water is sprayed from the outlet, the water flow generates an impact force on the water outlet baffle 09. When this impact force overcomes the torsion of the torsion spring 11, the water outlet baffle 09 rotates around the pin 10, gradually opening the water outlet and allowing the water to flow out smoothly. When the water outlet baffle 09 is open, the torsion spring 11 is stretched. When there is no water flow, the water outlet baffle 09 closes back onto the water outlet under the action of the torsion spring 11.
[0052] In this embodiment, the addition of the outlet baffle 09 allows the remaining water flow that cannot be rectified by the guide culvert 02 to be rectified and guided by the outlet baffle 09, ensuring that the water outlet direction is consistent with the vehicle's forward direction and ensuring the vehicle's driving posture in the water.
[0053] Please continue reading. Figure 3 The second aspect of this application provides an amphibious vehicle, including a body 12 and Figures 1-2 In any of the embodiments, the underwater thruster is disposed below the rear of the vehicle body 12, and the number of underwater thrusters is at least one.
[0054] In this embodiment, the number of underwater thrusters can be set according to the actual requirements of the vehicle body 12 specifications, such as setting 1, 2, 4, etc. The specific number is not limited here, and the actual achievable number shall prevail.
[0055] Figure 3 In the figure, A indicates the installation position of the underwater thruster at the rear of the vehicle body 12. The underwater thruster is fixedly connected to the lower rear of the vehicle body 12 via a fixed bracket 08. The guide channel 02 in the underwater thruster extends rearward and penetrates the vehicle body shell 05. Thus, when the underwater thruster is activated, the water is directly discharged outside the vehicle body shell 06 through the guide channel 02. As a result, the water jet is no longer blocked by the components under the vehicle, the water flow is smooth, and thus the propulsion efficiency is improved.
Claims
1. An underwater propulsion device for an amphibious vehicle, installed on the bottom of the vehicle body (05), characterized in that, include: The propeller body (01), the flow guide duct (02), and the flow guide (03) are used to connect to the bottom of the vehicle body (05), the flow guide (03) is fixed on the propeller body (01), and the propeller (04) on the propeller body (01) is located inside the flow guide (03). The duct (02) is provided with an inlet and an outlet that are connected to each other. The inlet is connected to the shroud (03), and the outlet extends backward and penetrates the vehicle body shell (06). The propeller body (01) is used to drive the water flow to spray out of the vehicle body shell (06) along the duct (02).
2. The underwater thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The propeller body (01) is provided with a fairing bracket (07), and the fairing (03) is sleeved on the propeller (04) and connected to the fairing bracket (07).
3. The underwater thruster according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the flow guide (03) away from the flow guide duct (02) is arranged in an outward expansion manner.
4. The underwater propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The flow guide (03) and the flow guide duct (02) are integrally formed.
5. The underwater propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A sealing ring is provided between the water inlet and the flow guide (03).
6. The underwater propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet are connected in an arc shape.
7. The underwater propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The propeller body (01) is connected to the bottom of the vehicle body (05) by a fixed bracket (08).
8. The underwater propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The underwater thruster also includes a baffle assembly, which is movably connected to the water outlet or the vehicle body shell (06). The baffle assembly is used to cover the water outlet and open when water is sprayed from the water outlet.
9. The underwater thruster according to claim 8, characterized in that, The baffle assembly includes a water outlet baffle (09), a pin (10), and a torsion spring (11). One side of the water outlet baffle (09) is connected to the vehicle body shell (06) through the pin (10). The water outlet baffle (09) can rotate around the pin (10). The torsion spring (11) is sleeved on the pin (10), and one end of the torsion spring (11) is stuck on the water outlet baffle edge, and the other end is stuck on the vehicle body shell (06).
10. An amphibious vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a body (12) and an underwater propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the underwater propulsion device being disposed below the tail of the body (12), and the number of the underwater propulsion devices being at least one.