An amphibious vehicle

Abstract

An amphibious vehicle comprises a chassis (2, Fig 2); and a wheel apparatus (4, Fig 2) mounted to the chassis. A wheel arch 8 defines a cavity 10 configured to receive and to surround a wheel which is

Description

Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to an amphibious vehicle, and in particular an amphibious multi-seated vehicle with improved performance and less hydrodynamic drag. Background 10 There are a number of amphibious vehicles on the market, however these vehicles have typically not been found to have both optimised on-water and on-land performance. Usually, the amphibious vehicle may have improved on-water performance while demonstrating less than satisfactory on-road performance (or vice-15 versa). There is a need for an amphibious vehicle with optimised on-water and on-land CM performance. There is a need for an amphibious vehicle which is cost effective to be CM produced so as to be capable of being produced in large numbers. There is also a '1““ 20 need for an amphibious vehicle which may be operated by an emergency service, such CO as for example the water rescue services or coastguard. CM There is therefore a need for an amphibious vehicle which is capable of carrying multiple passengers. 25 There is also a need for an amphibious vehicle which is capable of being driven across uneven or muddy terrain. Prior Art 30 UK patent application GB 2 425 511 (Gibbs Tech ltd) discloses a suspension arrangement for an amphibious vehicle with retractable wheels. UK patent application GB 2 401 830 (Gibbs Tech ltd) discloses an amphibious vehicle 35 having a jet drive, driven directly by a petrol engine, is packaged behind a power train. The power train does not charge the batteries. International patent application WO 02 / 087908 (Covelink Marine limited) discloses a vehicle having awheel which is movable between a lower position and a raised position by a wheel retraction and lowering mechanism. UK patent application GB 2 445 552 (Gibbs) discloses a wheel suspension and retraction apparatus for an amphibious vehicle. Korean patent application KR 20160137492 (Daoyachts Co ltd) discloses an 10 amphibious vehicle with improved mobility on land and in water. US patent US 4 958 584 (MPV Inc) discloses an amphibious vehicle with retractable wheels. 15 US patent US 6 808 430 (March) discloses an amphibious vehicle whose wheels may be raised when in water. CM US patent application US 2014 / 0004761 (Neprud) discloses an amphibious vehicle which is in the form of a catamaran or yacht. 20 US patent application US 2014 / 0308859 (Guirec) discloses an amphibious vehicle with retractable wheels. International patent application WO 2016 / 039641 (SARPI) an amphibious vehicle with 25 a wheel assembly. The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices and in particular addresses the problem of water egressing into the amphibious vehicle when afloat. 30 Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided an amphibious vehicle comprising: a chassis; and a wheel apparatus mounted to the chassis comprising: a wheel; a wheel 35 arch defining a cavity configured to receive and to surround a wheel; a hydraulically activated retraction mechanism operable to move the wheel between a first extended position wherein at least a portion of the wheel extends beyond the cavity of the wheel arch and is operable to contact a contact surface, and a second retracted position wherein the wheel is stored entirely within the cavity of the wheel arch; and at least one cover member moveable between a first open position providing access to the 5 cavity of the wheel arch, and a second closed position preventing access to the cavity of the wheel arch; a lock means which is operable to lock the retraction mechanism in its first extended position; a body mounted on the chassis, and wherein in the second closed position the at least one cover member is configured to provide a continuous surface extending smoothly 10 from the adjacent portion of the body, wherein the body has a front end and an opposed rear end, an upper surface and an opposed lower surface; and wherein the body comprises at least one door panel moveable between a first open position providing access to a seating region within the vehicle, and a second closed 15 position wherein the door panel is in contact with the body, and wherein the door panel(s) is moveable between the second closed position and the first open position by rotation about an axis extending between the front and rear end of the body in a CM direction towards the lower surface of the body. CM '1““ 20 The vehicle comprises a body mounted on the chassis. The body may have any O’} suitable shape and profile. For example, the body may have the shape of a car body CM adjoined to a hull of a boat to reduce drag when travelling in water. The body may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as for example fibreglass. In the second closed position, the at least one cover member is configured to provide a 25 continuous surface extending smoothly from the adjacent portion of the body. This ensures smooth travel through the water and prevents ingress of debris and seaweed. The cover member is preferably slidably moveable relative to the chassis. In one embodiment, the cover member is provided in the form of a shutter. A drive means 30 may be provided in some embodiments in order to automatically open and close the shutters. The vehicle preferably further comprises a control system comprising at least one actuator operable to move the wheel between the extended / retracted positions and to 35 move the cover members between the open and closed position. The cover member(s) provides at least one aperture extending therethrough configured to enable water to pass through the aperture(s). The at least one aperture may be provided in a lower region of the cover member(s). 5 The wheel apparatus may further comprise a locking mechanism operable to be moveable between a first locked position wherein the wheel is located and maintained in the first extended position, and a second unlocked position wherein the hydraulically activated retraction mechanism is operable to move the wheel to the second retracted position. The locking mechanism is preferably configured to prevent unintended 10 retraction of the wheel apparatus in the event of a failure in the hydraulic supply or a failure of the pump. The hydraulically activated retraction mechanism preferably comprises at least one runner which extends parallel to an axis of rotation of the wheel, when it is deployed in 15 the first extended position. Additionally, at least one hydraulic ram is slidably connected to the runner and extends between the runner and the wheel. C\J The body comprises a front end and an opposed rear end, an upper surface and an CM opposed lower surface. T” 20 CO The body comprises at least one door panel moveable between a first open position CM providing access to a seating region within the vehicle, and a second closed position wherein the door panel is in contact with the body, and wherein the door panel(s) is moveable between the second closed position and the first open position by rotation 25 about an axis extending between the front and rear end of the body in a direction towards the lower surface of the body. The door panel(s) preferably comprises an outer surface and an opposed inner surface configured in use to be positioned adjacent the seating region, and wherein the inner 30 surface provides a stepped profile. Additional doors seals may be supplied to prevent ingress of water when the vehicle is waterborne. The wheel arch preferably provides a first arc shaped opening providing access to the cavity, and a second transverse opening providing access to the cavity. The first and 35 second openings may extend at an angle, preferably substantially perpendicular, to each other. A first cover member may be in communication with the first opening, and a second cover member may be in communication with the second opening. 5 In the second closed position, the at least one cover member may form a portion of a hull section of the amphibious vehicle, for example complete the hull shape of the vehicle. 10 The cover member(s) comprise at least one aperture to allow water to flow therethrough. Walls extend tightly around the steering so as to restrict or prevent water from entering the vehicle. 15 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an amphibious vehicle comprising: CM a chassis; and a wheel apparatus mounted to the chassis, a wheel arch defining a CM cavity configured to receive and to surround a wheel; associated with a wheel is an '1““ 20 hydraulically activated retraction mechanism operable to move the wheel between a CO first extended position, wherein at least a portion of the wheel extends beyond the CM cavity of the wheel arch and is operable to contact a contact surface, and a second retracted position wherein the wheel is stored entirely within the cavity of the wheel arch; 25 at least one cover member is moveable between a first open position, providing access to the cavity of the wheel arch; and a second closed position, preventing access to the cavity of the wheel arch; a lock means which is operable to lock the retraction mechanism in its first extended position; 30 a body mounted on the chassis, and wherein in the second closed position the at least one cover member is configured to provide a continuous surface extending smoothly from the adjacent portion of the body; wherein the body has a front end and an opposed rear end, an upper surface and an opposed lower surface; and 35 wherein the body comprises at least one door panel moveable between a first open position providing access to a seating region within the vehicle, and a second closed position wherein the door panel is in contact with the body, and wherein the door panel(s) is moveable between the second closed position and the first open position by rotation about an axis extending between the front and rear end of the body in a direction towards the lower surface of the body; and 5 characterised in that a direct current (DC) motor is operable to drive the wheel. Each wheel has its own dedicated DC motor which is controlled Independently of the other DC motors. 10 Optionally a traction control system includes a sensor that receives a signal from each wheel and a comparator that monitors the rotational speed of each wheel relative to another in order to determine if a wheel has lost traction. If so, suitable braking a reduced torque may be applied directly to that wheel vie the respective DC motor. 15 An advantage of this embodiment is that the traction control system assists the vehicle to exit water, where surface may be slippery and so friction between tyres and surfaces xt CM CM is less. This is also the case where the amphibious vehicle is partly supported by being semi-buoyant. 20 Some embodiments include a four-wheel drive system with a controller that receives a signal from a sensor associated with each wheel and a processor that processes the signals. In use the controller is operative to transmit control signals to a direct current (DC) motor which drives a wheel. The control signals being dependent upon signals processed by the processor. 25 A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures 30 Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of a wheel apparatus of the amphibious vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention; 35 Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of the wheel apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of one example of an amphibious vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the wheel is in the first extended position; 5 Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the amphibious vehicle of Figure 3 wherein the wheel is in the first extended position; Figure 5 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of a wheel 10 apparatus of the amphibious vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the cover member is in a closed position; Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the wheel apparatus of the amphibious vehicle of Figure 5 wherein the cover member is in the 15 closed position; Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the amphibious vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the wheel is in the second retracted position; 20 Figure 8 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of the amphibious vehicle of Figure 7 wherein the wheel is in the second retracted position; Figure 9 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of a wheel 25 apparatus of the amphibious vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the cover member is in the open position; Figure 10 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the wheel apparatus of the amphibious vehicle of Figure 9 wherein the cover member is in the 30 open position; Figure 11 shows a schematic illustration of a locking device which is driven by an hydraulic actuator; Figure 12 shows schematic views of the amphibious vehicle of Figure 9 and the location of drive motors, batteries and petrol driven propulsion means, such as a water jet drive; and 5 Figure 13 shows a schematic illustration of a wheel retraction system and illustrates its relationship with a body of the vehicle and the wheel of the vehicle. Detailed Description of Figures 10 With reference to the Figures, the amphibious vehicle 1 comprises a chassis 2 and a wheel apparatus 4 mounted to the chassis 2. The wheel apparatus 4 comprises a wheel 6, a wheel arch 8 defining a cavity 10 configured to receive and to surround a wheel 6; and a hydraulically activated retraction mechanism 12 operable to move the wheel between a first extended position (Figures 3 and 4) wherein at least a portion of 15 the wheel 6 extends beyond the cavity 10 of the wheel arch 8 and is operable to contact a contact surface, and a second retracted position (Figures 7 and 8) wherein the wheel xt CM CM 6 is stored entirely within the cavity 10 of the wheel arch 8. The wheel apparatus 4 further comprises two cover members 14a, 14b, each cover 20 member 14a, 14b being moveable between a first open position (Figures 9 and 10) providing access to the cavity 10 of the wheel arch 8, and a second closed position (Figures 5 and 6) preventing access to the cavity 10 of the wheel arch 8. The amphibious vehicle 1 comprises a body 16 mounted on the chassis 2. The body 25 16 a front end 18, an opposed rear end 20, an upper surface 22 and an opposed lower surface 24 and side portions 26 extending therebetween defining a seating region 28 located therein. A control panel 30 is located adjacent the seating region 28. The upper surface 22 and side portions 26 are shaped to provide an appearance of a car. The front end 18 provides head lights and indicator lights. The rear end 20 provides 30 rear lights and indicator and break lights, as would be visible on a car. When the cover member 14 is in the second closed position (as shown in Figures 5 and 6), the lower surface 24 and lower regions of the side portions 26 are shaped to provide the hull of a boat. It can be seen from Figures 5 and 6 that when in the second 35 closed position the cover members 14a, 14b provide a continuous surface extending smoothly from the adjacent portion of the body 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover members 14a, 14b are slidably moveable relative to the chassis 2 and body 16. It is to be understood that each cover member 14a, 14b may be independently moveable, that slidably moveable, relative to the 5 chassis and / or body. In one embodiment, the cover members 14a, 14b are synchronised and are moveable together relative to the chassis and / or body. The cover members 14 do not seal so as to allow water to drain in and out when the cover members are closed thereby defining a protective compartment against the 10 ingress of debris and seaweed. A plurality of holes or apertures 30 extend through the cover members to enable water to drain in and out. Ideally both cover members open and close simultaneously. The internal wheel arches prevent ingress of water into the vehicle. Furthermore, when the cover members 14 are deployed, each wheel is still exposed to displace water which therefore improving vehicle buoyancy. 15 The wheel apparatus 4 further comprises a locking mechanism 32, shown in detail in Figure 11, that is operable to be moveable between a first locked position wherein the CM wheel 6 is located and maintained in the first extended position, and a second unlocked CM position wherein the hydraulically activated retraction mechanism 12 is operable to "1“ 20 move the wheel 6 to the second retracted position. CO CM The hydraulically activated retraction mechanism 12 comprises at least one runner 34 extending parallel to an axis of rotation of the wheel 6 when in the first extended position, and at least one hydraulic ram 36 slidably connected to the runner 34 and 25 extending between the runner and the wheel. The runner 34 enables the wheel to be retracted from the extended position at an angle to a vertical axis. In use, the amphibious vehicle 1 may be transformed from a car (Figures 3 and 4) to a boat (Figures 7, 8 and 12) when a user (seated within the seating region 28) operates 30 an actuator on the control panel 30. The actuator may release the locking mechanism 32 enabling the hydraulic retracting mechanism 12 to move the wheel 6 from the first extended position to the second retracted position. During movement of the wheel 6, the hydraulic ram moves along parallel runners 34 enabling the wheel to be retracted into the cavity 10 of the wheel arch 8. 35 Once in position, cover members 14a, 14b extend across the cavity 10 and retain the wheel 6 therein. The lower surface 24 of the vehicle 1 now resembles the hull of a boat and is operable for transport across the water. 5 Referring briefly to the lock mechanism 50, that is shown in Figure 11, a locking device 52 is driven by a hydraulic actuator 54 in direction of arrow A to lock and unlocked when hydraulic actuator 54 moves in the direction of arrow B. Stop 56 engages between two block 57 and 59. The lock mechanism 50 engages and disengages by virtue of a hook 60 which hooks over a catch 62. In this manner the lock mechanism 10 50 acts as a failsafe and ensure that, even when there is a catastrophic hydraulic failure a wheel does not simply collapse and give way but is instead retained in a deployed safe to drive state. Operation of the locking device will now be briefly described. As hydraulic ram 54 15 extends (in direction of arrow B) stops 56 and 59 disengage and release arm 58 which in turn swivels as each end rotates around pivots 55A and 55D. As this occurs the hook 60 swivels and its support member rotates about pivots 55B and 55C. This in CM turn causes the hook 60 to extend in direction of arrow A and travels along the surface CM of wedge shaped catch 62. When hydraulic ram 54 reaches the end of its travel the '1““ 20 hook 60 rests on and engages with, by hooking over, catch 62. In the position the CO wheel 80 (shown in Figure 13) is in its retracted state and locked in situ above bottom CM shutter 92. Figure 12 shows schematic side elevational and under plan views of the amphibious 25 vehicle of Figure 9 and the position of key components, such as the location of drive motors 70A and 70B in the hubs 99 (Figure 13) of each wheel which provide direct drive to each wheel 80. A watertight tunnel receives a shaft. Wheels 80 are driven directly by electric motors 70A and 70B. In a 4-wheel drive there are four separate electric motors. 30 As each wheel 80 is driven directly by way of an electric motor 70, there is no need for a drive shaft or any axles for connecting rear wheels. There is likewise no need for any gearbox or a differential gearbox or a clutch or a transmission system. As a consequence, the entire sub-chassis is sealed. This ensures the amphibious vehicle 35 remains watertight. Furthermore, as the additional weight of the gearbox, differential gearbox, clutch and transmission system are not required, and there is a consequential space saving as no fuel tank is needed, (in the electric only embodiment), there is more volume available for storing batteries and / or fuel cells. Referring to Figure 12, fuel cells or batteries 72 supply current to the drive motors 70A 5 and 70B. An alternative propulsion means is a petrol internal combustion engine 74 and a waterjet drive, such as a rim jet 76. An advantage with this arrangement is that the wheels are driven directly from hub mounted electric motors 99. Coupling and steering is via a shaft 83 that is isolated 10 from water in a tunnel 85 or conduit that passes across the vehicle form left to right and connects the two front wheels. Consequently, no seals are required, as the wheels 80 are directly driven. Another advantage is that because a direct current (DC) electric motor is used, no 15 power train, clutch or gearbox is required, thereby saving cost, weight and greatly reducing the complexity of the vehicle. Figure 13 shows a schematic illustration of a wheel retraction system and illustrates its relationship with a body of the vehicle and the wheel of the vehicle. Parallel steel bars 20 88 are connected to a steel frame 86, 90 which supports an axle 84 on which is mounted wheel 80. External portions of the vehicle are shown as wing shutter 94 and bottom shutter 82, 92 which surrounds the retracted wheel 80 and protecting it and ancillary drive and support equipment from contacting debris and detritus, such as seaweed. An optional seal strip 910 may be provided along edges of the shutters to 25 reduce ingress of debris and help to create a smooth exterior surface. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely 30 combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

xt CMCM1. An amphibious vehicle comprising:a chassis; and a wheel apparatus mounted to the chassis comprising: a wheel;5 a wheel arch defining a cavity configured to receive and to surround a wheel;a hydraulically activated retraction mechanism operable to move the wheel between a first extended position, wherein at least a portion of the wheel extends beyond the cavity of the wheel arch and is operable to contact a contact surface, and a second retracted position wherein the wheel is stored entirely within the cavity of the wheel 10 arch;at least one cover member is moveable between a first open position, providing access to the cavity of the wheel arch; and a second closed position, preventing access to the cavity of the wheel arch;a lock means which is operable to lock the retraction mechanism in its first extended 15 position;a body mounted on the chassis, wherein in the second closed position the at least one cover member is configured to provide a continuous surface extending smoothly from the adjacent portion of the body,wherein the body has a front end and an opposed rear end, an upper surface and an 20 opposed lower surface; andwherein the body comprises at least one door panel moveable between a first open position providing access to a seating region within the vehicle, and a second closed position wherein the door panel is in contact with the body, and wherein the door panel(s) is moveable between the second closed position and the first open position 25 by rotation about an axis extending between the front and rear end of the body in adirection towards the lower surface of the body.

2. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein two cover members are provided, and each cover member is slidably moveable relative to the chassis.

303. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in either claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover member(s) have at least one aperture extending therethrough configured to enable water to pass through the aperture(s).35 4. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lock means comprises a locking mechanism operable to be moveable between a first lockedposition wherein the wheel is located and maintained in the first extended position, and a second unlocked position wherein the hydraulically activated retraction mechanism is operable to move the wheel to the second retracted position.5 5. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hydraulically activated retraction mechanism comprises at least one runner extending parallel to an axis of rotation of the wheel when in the first extended position, and at least one hydraulic ram slidably connected to the runner and extending between the runner and the wheel.

106. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body mounted on the chassis comprises fibreglass.

7. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the door panel(s) 15 comprises an outer surface and an opposed inner surface configured in use to be positioned adjacent the seating region, and wherein the inner surface provides a stepped profile.CM8. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wheel arch 20 provides a first arc shaped opening providing access to the cavity, and a second transverse opening providing access to the cavity, wherein the first and second openings extend substantially perpendicular to each other, and wherein the apparatus comprises a first cover member in communication with the first opening, and a second cover member in communication with the second opening.

259. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the second closed position, the at least one cover member forms a portion of a hull section of the amphibious vehicle.30 10. An amphibious vehicle comprising: a chassis; and a wheel apparatus mounted to the chassis, a wheel arch defining a cavity configured to receive and to surround a wheel; associated with a wheel is an hydraulically activated retraction mechanism operable to move the wheel between a first extended position, wherein at least a portion of the wheel extends beyond the cavity of the wheel arch and is operable to35 contact a contact surface, and a second retracted position wherein the wheel is stored entirely within the cavity of the wheel arch;at least one cover member is moveable between a first open position, providing access to the cavity of the wheel arch; and a second closed position, preventing access to the cavity of the wheel arch;a lock means which is operable to lock the retraction mechanism in its first extended 5 position;a body mounted on the chassis, wherein in the second closed position the at least one cover member is configured to provide a continuous surface extending smoothly from the adjacent portion of the body;wherein the body has a front end and an opposed rear end, an upper surface and an 10 opposed lower surface; andwherein the body comprises at least one door panel moveable between a first open position providing access to a seating region within the vehicle, and a second closed position wherein the door panel is in contact with the body, and wherein the door panel(s) is moveable between the second closed position and the first open position 15 by rotation about an axis extending between the front and rear end of the body in a direction towards the lower surface of the body; andcharacterised in that a direct current (DC) motor is operable to drive each wheel.CMCM 11. An amphibious vehicle according to claim 10, wherein a traction control system'1““ 20 includes a sensor that receives a signal from each wheel and a comparator that CO monitors the rotational speed of each wheel relative to another in order to determine ifCM a wheel has lost traction.

12. An amphibious vehicle according to claim 10 or 11, includes a four-wheel drive 25 system with a controller that receives a signal from the sensor associated with each wheel and a processor that processes the signals whereby the controller transmits control signals to a direct current (DC) motor which drives a wheel, the control signals being dependent upon signals processed by the processor.30 13. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein two cover members are provided, and each cover member is slidably moveable relative to the chassis.

14. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the cover 35 member(s) have at least one aperture extending therethrough configured to enable water to pass through the aperture(s).

15. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the lock means comprises a locking mechanism operable to be moveable between a first locked position wherein the wheel is located and maintained in the first extended position, and a second unlocked position wherein the hydraulically activated retraction mechanism 5 is operable to move the wheel to the second retracted position.

16. An amphibious vehicle as claimed in any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the hydraulically activated retraction mechanism comprises at least one runner extending parallel to an axis of rotation of the wheel when in the first extended position, and at 10 least one hydraulic ram slidably connected to the runner and extending between the runner and the wheel.

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