GB2551683A - A retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian - Google Patents
A retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2551683A GB2551683A GB1507845.4A GB201507845A GB2551683A GB 2551683 A GB2551683 A GB 2551683A GB 201507845 A GB201507845 A GB 201507845A GB 2551683 A GB2551683 A GB 2551683A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- track drive
- wheel
- assembly
- retractable
- retractable wheel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60F—VEHICLES FOR USE BOTH ON RAIL AND ON ROAD; AMPHIBIOUS OR LIKE VEHICLES; CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES
- B60F3/00—Amphibious vehicles, i.e. vehicles capable of travelling both on land and on water; Land vehicles capable of travelling under water
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60F—VEHICLES FOR USE BOTH ON RAIL AND ON ROAD; AMPHIBIOUS OR LIKE VEHICLES; CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES
- B60F3/00—Amphibious vehicles, i.e. vehicles capable of travelling both on land and on water; Land vehicles capable of travelling under water
- B60F3/003—Parts or details of the vehicle structure; vehicle arrangements not otherwise provided for
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G3/00—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel
- B60G3/02—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with a single pivoted arm
- B60G3/12—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with a single pivoted arm the arm being essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
- B60G3/14—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with a single pivoted arm the arm being essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle the arm being rigid
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G3/00—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel
- B60G3/18—Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with two or more pivoted arms, e.g. parallelogram
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60F—VEHICLES FOR USE BOTH ON RAIL AND ON ROAD; AMPHIBIOUS OR LIKE VEHICLES; CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES
- B60F2301/00—Retractable wheels
- B60F2301/04—Retractable wheels pivotally
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
- B60G2204/12—Mounting of springs or dampers
- B60G2204/127—Mounting of springs or dampers with the mounting of springs or dampers moving so that the direction of the related force vector can be changed, thus contributing to a variation of the loading of the wheel
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/40—Auxiliary suspension parts; Adjustment of suspensions
- B60G2204/47—Means for retracting the suspension
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
- B60G2300/28—Amphibious vehicles
Abstract
A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly 10 for an amphibian comprises an actuator 70, a retraction linkage assembly 90, 92, 80, 82 and 84 movable between a protracted position and a retracted position, a suspension assembly 20, 30, 40 and 60 at least partially connected to the retraction linkage assembly and movable between a protracted position and a retracted position, and at least one wheel and/or track drive 100. When the retraction linkage assembly and the suspension assembly are protracted then the retraction linkage and/or suspension assembly supports and/or holds the at least one wheel and /or track drive in a ground engaging position for use on land. At least one component of the retraction linkage assembly is arranged so as to be spaced from the suspension assembly. An amphibian comprising one or more of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assemblies is also disclosed.
Description
(54) Title of the Invention: A retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian Abstract Title: A retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian (57) A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly 10 for an amphibian comprises an actuator 70, a retraction linkage assembly 90, 92, 80, 82 and 84 movable between a protracted position and a retracted position, a suspension assembly 20, 30, 40 and 60 at least partially connected to the retraction linkage assembly and movable between a protracted position and a retracted position, and at least one wheel and/or track drive 100. When the retraction linkage assembly and the suspension assembly are protracted then the retraction linkage and/or suspension assembly supports and/or holds the at least one wheel and /or track drive in a ground engaging position for use on land. At least one component of the retraction linkage assembly is arranged so as to be spaced from the suspension assembly. An amphibian comprising one or more of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assemblies is also disclosed.
At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.
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A RETRACTABLE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR AN AMPHIBIAN
The present invention relates to a retractable wheel assembly particularly suitable for use in an amphibian capable of travel on land and water. More particularly, the retractable wheel assembly is suitable for use in a high speed amphibian which is capable of planing on water and high speed travel on land (on or off-road, in two or four wheel drive). Whilst a wheel is referred to, track drives or individual track drives (i.e. to replace a single wheel) may be used as an alternative or in combination with wheels. The present invention also relates to an amphibian comprising such a retractable wheel assembly.
Retractable wheel assemblies for use in amphibians are known in the art. These retractable wheel assemblies are typically used to lift wheels to reduce drag when operating the amphibian on water. Many of these known wheel retraction systems are complicated and/or provide poor suspension when the vehicle is used on land. For example, US5755173 describes the use for each wheel of a transversely-extending single arm which swings upwardly around a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This results in compromised suspension on land, as there is too much camber change on bump and on rebound. WO02/16152 describes a trailing arm suspension. This gives zero camber change to the wheel when one side of the car loads up during cornering. This provides for poor road holding when on land. US3755838 also describes a trailing arm suspension. This again provides poor road holding on land.
More recently, however, the applicant has developed retractable wheel assemblies for use in a new class of high speed amphibians having at least one retractable wheel and which are capable of planing on water. The retractable wheel assemblies include retractable suspension assemblies and provide for improved suspension and thus road handling when the amphibian is operated on land.
The remains, however, a need to improve on these prior art retractable wheel assemblies by providing for increased wheel retraction in marine mode, yet improve upon the ground clearance in land mode to provide more flexibility and utility in terms of the off-road capability for use of a high speed amphibian on land. The need to retract and protract wheel assemblies reliably in a manner that can deal with extremes of normal and shock loading with off-road use, particularly in a large and/or heavily loaded amphibian, presents significant problems in terms of suspension performance, ground clearance, packaging, weight distribution and also in terms of how the resulting power transmission pathways and steering can be realised and effected.
The present invention provides a retractable wheel assembly which addresses these conflicting requirements, and does so without compromising suspension performance, ground clearance, packaging, weight distribution and is still able to realise the power transmission pathways and steering functions necessary.
Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly for an amphibian comprising:
an actuator;
a retraction linkage assembly movable between a protracted position and a retracted position;
a suspension assembly at least partially connected to the retraction linkage assembly and movable between a protracted position and a retracted position; and at least one wheel and/or track drive, wherein:
when the retraction linkage assembly and the suspension assembly are protracted then the retraction linkage and/or suspension assembly supports and/or holds the at least one wheel and/or track drive in a ground engaging position for use on land; and at least one component of the retraction linkage assembly is arranged so as to be spaced from the suspension assembly.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides an amphibian comprising one or more of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assemblies.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly for an amphibian substantially as set forth and described herein with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides an amphibian comprising one or more of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assemblies substantially as set forth and described herein with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings .
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic rear elevation view of a port front retractable wheel assembly according to the present invention in a protracted position (certain components omitted for clarity) ;
Figure 2 is a schematic front elevation view of the retractable wheel assembly of Figure 1 in a retracted position (certain components omitted for clarity);
Figure 3 is an enlarged detail view of the retractable wheel assembly of Figure 1 (certain components omitted for clarity);
Figure 4 is a schematic rear perspective view of port and starboard front retractable wheel assemblies in a protracted position (certain components omitted for clarity);
Figure 5 is an enlarged detail view of a retraction linkage of the port and starboard front retractable wheel assemblies of Figure 4 (certain components omitted for clarity);
Figure 6 is an enlarged detail view of a suspension assembly of the port front retractable wheel assembly of Figure 4 (certain components omitted for clarity);
Figure 7 is a schematic rear perspective view of port and starboard rear retractable wheel assemblies in a protracted position (certain components omitted for clarity);
Figure 8 is an enlarged detail view of a retraction linkage of the port and starboard rear retractable wheel assemblies of Figure 7 (certain components omitted for clarity);
Figure 9 is an enlarged detail view of a suspension assembly of the port rear retractable wheel assembly of Figure 7 (certain components omitted for clarity);
Figures 10a, 10b and 10c are schematic side, rear and rear perspective views respectively of the retractable wheel assembly of Figure 1 in a protracted position (certain components omitted for clarity) ;
Figures lOd, lOe and lOf are schematic side, rear and rear perspective views respectively of the retractable wheel assembly of Figure 1 in a partially protracted/retracted position (certain components omitted for clarity) ;
Figures lOg, lOh and lOi are schematic side, rear and rear perspective views respectively of the retractable wheel assembly of Figure 1 in a retracted position (certain components omitted for clarity);
Figures 11a, lib and lie are schematic side, rear and rear perspective views respectively of the port rear retractable wheel assembly of Figure 7 in a protracted position (certain components omitted for clarity) ;
Figures lid, lie and Ilf are schematic side, rear and rear perspective views respectively of the port rear retractable wheel assembly of Figure 7 in a partially protracted/retracted position (certain components omitted for clarity);
Figures llg, llh and Hi are schematic side, rear and rear perspective views respectively of the port rear retractable wheel assembly of Figure 7 in a retracted position (certain components omitted for clarity) ;
Figure 12 is a schematic cross section view of a steering rack extension bar assembly for use with the retractable wheel assembly according to the present invention; and
Figures 13a, 13b and 13c are a schematic perspective and cross section views of a rotatable steering joint assembly for use with the retractable wheel assembly according to the present invention .
Referring to the Figures, there is shown a retractable wheel assembly 10 for use in an amphibian. The retractable wheel assembly 10 can be used for a steerable wheel 100, as shown in the Figures 1 to 6 and 10a to lOi embodiment for front wheels, or for a non-steerable wheel, as shown in the Figures 7 to 9 and 11a to Hi embodiment for rear wheels. Further, the retractable wheel assembly 10 can be used for a driven wheel or non-driven wheel, and is shown in the Figures in the context of driven (or selectively driveable) wheels. The amphibian (not shown) includes a prime mover (not shown) for providing power where required to drive one or more of the wheels (or track drive(s)) supported on each retractable wheel assembly 10 on land. The prime mover may also provide power to drive a marine propulsion unit for propelling the amphibian on water. The wheel 100 is rotatably connected to a suspension upright 20 (sometimes termed a hub carrier or, when steerable, a knuckle) via a wheel hub 50.
A suspension assembly is provided by way of a suspension upright 20, suspension control arms 30, 40 and a spring damper suspension strut 60. The suspension strut 60 may take any suitable alternative form, such as a hyrdropneumatic strut, a gas spring strut or an air spring strut, for example. The suspension upright 20 has a first upper end 24 pivotably connected to the outboard end of an upper control arm 40 via a pivot P8, and a second lower end 22 distal from the first upper end 24 and provided with the wheel hub 50 for receiving a wheel. Between the first upper end 24 and the second lower end 22, the suspension upright 20 is pivotably connected to the outboard end of a lower control arm 30 via a pivot P9. As shown in the Figures 1 to 6 and 10a to lOi embodiment for the front wheels, the suspension upright 20 is steerable (a knuckle) about the upper and lower control arms 40, 30, and this connection is realised by way of oversized ball joints which serve as pivots P8, P9 therebetween which have been machined to a waisted shape to provide the necessary degree of articulation required both for steering and retraction. As shown in the Figures 7 to 9 and 11a to iii embodiment for the rear wheels, the suspension upright 20 is not steerable, and the pivot P8, P9 connection with the upper and lower control arms 40, 30 is realised by way of a combination of polyurethane bushes and radial spherical plain bearings which provide the necessary degree of articulation required for retraction. The upper and lower control arms 40, 30 can take any suitable form, and for example may preferably take the form of wishbone shaped arms (bifurcated) with the apex of each arm connected to the suspension upright 20 via the respective pivots P8, P9. The inboard ends of the bifurcated upper control arm 40 are pivotably connected to the amphibian (not shown) via pivots FP7, FP17, and the inboard ends of the lower control arms 30 are pivotably connected to the amphibian (not shown) via a pivots FP3, FP13. Pivots FP3, FP7, FP13, FP17 comprise polyurethane bushes. The upper control arm 40 is shorter than the lower control arm 30. Pivots FP7, FP17 and FP3, FP13 are fixedly located in position on the amphibian, save for rotation about their pivot axis (i.e. are free to pivot, but not free to undergo any translational movement). A retraction linkage is provided and comprises a top mounting 90, a central mounting 92, a hydraulic actuator 70, a retraction arm 80, a lever 82 and a cranked (angled) lever 84, the retraction linkage being used to effect controlled retraction and protraction of the suspension assembly of the retractable wheel assembly 10. The non actuating end 72 of the hydraulic actuator 70 is pivotably connected to the amphibian (not shown) via a fixed pivot FP2 of the top mounting 90, while the actuating rod end 74 of the hydraulic actuator 60 is pivotably connected with the respective second ends of the lever 82 and the cranked lever 84 via a pivot P4 (or spaced therefrom in the rear embodiment). Fixed pivot FP2 is fixedly located in position on the amphibian, save for rotation about its pivot axis. A first end of lever 82 is fixedly located in position on the amphibian via a fixed pivot FP1 of the central mounting 92, save for rotation about its pivot axis, while the second end of lever 82 is capable of translation and of rotation about the pivot axis of pivot P4. Similarly, the second end of cranked lever 84 is capable of translation and of rotation about the pivot axis of pivot P4. A first end of cranked lever 84 is connected to a lower end of the retraction arm 80 via a pivot P5 and is capable of translation and of rotation about the pivot axis of pivot P5. An upper end of retraction arm 80 is pivotably connected to the amphibian (not shown) via a fixed pivot FP2 of the top mounting 90 (or spaced therefrom in the rear embodiment), while the lower end of retraction arm 80 is additionally pivotably connected with the upper end of the spring damper suspension strut 60 via a pivot P6. The spring damper suspension strut 60 comprises a lower end connected to the lower control arm 30 via a pivot P10. The upper and lower control arms 40, 30, the suspension upright 20 and the spring damper suspension strut 60 may, if preferred, together form a double wishbone suspension unit. Of course, double wishbone suspension units are well known in road only going vehicles and provide good levels of road holding ability. The ride handling characteristics of this layout are well known, and so can be adapted or tuned to the specific requirements of the amphibian, in order to provide a comfortable ride and/or good cornering capabilities, and/or good off road capability.
The retraction linkage arrangement enables the retractable wheel assembly 10 to rigidly support the suspension assembly in a protracted position to allow the suspension assembly to function when the amphibian is operated on land. The retraction linkage assembly of the retractable wheel assembly 10 is further operable to retract the suspension assembly along with the wheel when the amphibian is operated on water, such that the wheel can retract by at least 75 degrees, but more preferably by at least 90 degrees .
All of the pivots FP1, FP2, FP3, P4, P5, P6, FP7, P8, P9, P10, FP13 and FP17 allow for relative rotational movement of the attached members, generally in substantially the same plane or parallel planes. Further, the pivots FP1, FP2, FP3, P4, P5, P6, FP7, P8, P9, P10, FP13 and FP17 rotate about axes each generally or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the amphibian at least. This arrangement provides for wheel retraction about a longitudinal axis of the amphibian, and for steering of the suspension upright 20 (knuckle) for the front wheels.
A wheel 100, when attached to the wheel hub 50, is therefore secured to the amphibian via the retractable wheel
- 8 assembly 10 at multiple points FP1, FP2, FP3, FP13, FP7, FP13, FP17, at least some of which are spaced with respect to another along the longitudinal axis of the amphibian. The resulting wheel retraction assembly is therefore configured to withstand the forces experienced by the wheel even in off-road conditions when operated on land.
Operation of the retractable wheel assembly 10 will now be described.
When the amphibian is operated in a land mode (including entry into and egress from the water), the wheel retraction assembly 10 is in a fully protracted position as shown in Figures 1, 3, 10a to 10c (front) and 11a to lie (rear), in which the wheel 100 is in contact with a road or other ground surface. The hydraulic actuator 70 is extended and may be locked in position, hydraulically or mechanically or both, so that the wheel retraction assembly 10 remains in an 'overcentre' position. Indeed, in the protracted position shown in Figure 3, there are two overcentre positions realised, a primary lock out overcentre OCP and a secondary lock out overcentre OCS. The primary lock out overcentre OCP is illustrated by respective centre lines Cl and C2 of the retraction arm 80 and the spring damper suspension strut 60, these centre lines Cl and C2 being angled at 9 degrees to one another in the primary lock out overcentre OCP position. The secondary lock out overcentre OCS is illustrated by respective centre lines C3 and C4 of the lever 82 and cranked lever 84, these centre lines C3 and C4 being angled at 3 degrees to one another in the secondary lock out overcentre OCS position. A bar or other such member (not shown) may be provided to act as a mechanical end stop to limit the travel of the primary and/or secondary overcentre actions. In the overcentre position, loads experienced by and transferred from the wheel 100 mounted on the wheel hub 50 are transmitted via the suspension upright 20 through pivot P9 and on through the lower control arm 30 via pivot P10 to the lower end of the spring damper suspension strut 60. The spring damper suspension strut 60 is constrained at its upper end by pivot P6 located in the primary lock out overcentre OCP position, thereby resisting axial movement by virtue of the mechanical lock provided by the retract arm 80 which is held in place by fixed pivot FP2 and the remaining components of the retraction linkage assembly (inlcuding, optionally, hydraulically locked hydraulic actuator 70 achieved by shutting of inlet/outlet valves 76, 78 to prevent hydraulic fluid flow in a known manner, but any suitable form of lock may be employed (e.g. mechanical, electromechanical, pin, magnetic, etc.)). The primary and secondary lock out overcentre OCP, OCS positions do not require, on a relative basis, a large force to be maintained if such a force is applied in a direction urging the arrangment more overcentre or preventing it moving less overcentre. Therefore, a spring-loaded gate feature, detent, pin, magnetic or electro-magnetic lock or other similar device can be employed in place of, or in addition to, a hydraulic or other positive locking mechanism. The hydraulic actuator 70 can easily overcome this force when the retractable wheel assembly 10 is either protracted into, or retracted from, its land engaging position. However, in the event the actuator cannot function to maintain this force (e.g. if hydraulic pressure were lost), the detent mechanism (or other equivalent feature(s) employed) can maintain sufficient force to allow continued operation on land. The non actuating end 72 of the hydraulic actuator 70 is fixed in position (but pivotable) by virtue of its connection to the amphibian (not shown) via pivot FP2, while the actuating rod end 74 of the hydraulic actuator 70 is pivotably connected (and can move in terms of axial extension and retraction) to the seondary overcentre postion OCS of lever 82 and cranked lever 84 via pivot P4. As such, all bump and rebound is transmitted to and attenuated by the spring damper suspension strut 60. The received forces act along the longitudinal axis of the spring damper suspension strut 60, which at its upper end is biased towards and on the overcentre side, acting to urge the retractable wheel assembly further overcentre and not in a direction which seeks to force a retraction of the wheel retraction assembly. As the amphibian is driven, the suspension assembly acts in a known manner. In bump travel, the wheel retraction assembly 10 remains locked in place in an overcentre condition OCP and OCP, providing fixed inboard pivot points FP3, FP13, FP7, FP17 for the double wishbone suspension unit. The wheel 100 will be urged upwardly by the bump in the road or ground surface. Upper control arm 40 and lower control arms 30 will rotate upwardly about fixed inboard pivot points FP3, FP13, FP7, FP17. Upper control arm 40 is shorter than lower control arms 30, so that the upward movement of the wheel results in a small camber change of the wheel towards an inboard side of the amphibian, and this aids road/ground holding. The spring damper suspension strut 60 is partially compressed during part bump travel, and resists the upward movement of the wheel to keep the wheel 100 in contact with the road/ground.
It will be appreciated, therefore, that during bump travel the retractable action of the retractable wheel assembly 10 is locked stationary, and the function of the suspension assembly is not compromised or affected by the ability of the retractable wheel assembly 10 to retract the wheel 100 in marine mode.
Referring next to Figures 10a to Hi in particular, the retraction of a front and a rear wheel (not shown) will be described. The components shown in Figures 10a to lli are identical to, and arranged in the same manner as, those shown in Figures 1 to 9, and so reference numerals have been omitted to aid clarity. The retraction is actuated by contraction of the hydraulic actuator 70 along the arrow R indicated in Figures 10b and lib by supplying pressurised hydraulic fluid to inlet/outlet port 78 and allowing hydraulic fluid to escape from inlet/outlet port 76. Since the hydraulic actuator 70 is securely attached to the amphibian by the fixed pivot FP2, the retraction urges pivot P4 generally towards fixed pivot FP2. The pivot P4 provided on the respective second ends of the lever 82 and cranked lever 84 is therefore rotated upwardly as can be seen in Figures lOe and He. Lever arm 82 thus rotates clockwise around its fixed pivot FP1 fixedly located in position on the amphibian. Cranked lever arm 84 thus rotates counter-clockwise around its pivot P6 with the retract arm 80, as does retract arm 80 which is in turn pivotally connected to the upper end of the spring damper suspension strut 60 via the pivot P6 and to the fixed pivot FP2 fixedly located in position on the amphibian. The upper end of the spring damper suspension strut 60 is pulled laterally inboard around an arc as indicated by the arrow I in Figures lOe and lie, passing through the primary overcentre position OCP, before continuing inboard and downwards, pulling via the lower end of the spring damper suspension strut 60 connected to the lower control arm 30 via the pivot P10. Lower control arm 30 is rotated clockwise around fixed pivot points FP3, FP13, and in turn, via the pivot P9, lifts suspension upright 20 whose motion is dictated also by the upper pivot P8 at the outboard end of upper control arm 40. Upper control arm 40 rotates clockwise around fixed pivot FP7, FP17 in an arc as indicated by the arrow U in Figures lOe and lie. The clockwise rotation of the upper control arm 40 and lower control arm 30 carries the suspension upright 20 and wheel upwardly. Initially, the movement of the wheel is substantially as if it is rotated around pivot P9.
Note, prior to retraction (in droop mode in the water), the spring damper suspension strut 60 tends to expand as the weight of the amphibian is taken off the wheel. The expansion of the spring damper suspension strut 60 is limited by a rebound stop (not shown) and reaches a maximum. The longer length of the lower control arm 30 relative to the upper control arm 40, coupled with the relatively long length of the suspension upright 20, provides for long vertical travel of the retractable wheel assembly on retraction, allowing the wheel to be retracted above the waterline of the amphibian, even when a deep V-hull is employed and is cornering. The amphibian is able to plane on water without drag caused by the wheel. Figures lOg to lOi (front) and llg to Hi (rear) correspond and show the retractable wheel assembly in the fully retracted position for use of the amphibian on water.
For protraction of the wheel, the protraction process is actuated by extension of the hydraulic actuator 70 by supplying pressurised hydraulic fluid to inlet/outlet port 76 and allowing hydraulic fluid to escape from inlet/outlet port 78. The retraction process described above is essentially operated in reverse, and finishes with the upper end of the spring damper suspension strut 60 being pushed laterally outboard around an arc, opposite to that indicated by the arrow I in Figures lOe and lie, and passing through a centre to the primary overcentre position OCP where the wheel retraction assembly is locked as described above.
The retractable wheel assembly provides substantial lifting capability. It may, therefore, in certain circumstances (e.g. if the amphibian is beached or runs aground) be possible for the wheels to be protracted to lift the amphibian upwards. Since the rotational axis of the wheels is close to parallel to the ground during the final stages of deployment, the amount of tyre scrub in such a deployment is kept low.
Figure 12 is a schematic cross section view of a steering rack extension bar assembly 200 for use with the retractable wheel assembly 10 according to the present invention. It provides for a modular extension (see item S in Figure 3) to a steering rack which would otherwise, if itself extended, add additional loading and cause structural, geomtric, packaging and sealing problems. The steering rack extension bar assembly 200 comprises a seal connection 210 to the stering rack, a threaded stud 220 for conencting to the steering rack, a seal and bearing housing 230, a linear bearing 240, a shaft seal 250, and o-ring seal 260 to seal against the hull of the amphibian, a steering rack extension bar 270, a tie rod 280 and ball joint clevis ASM (not shown).
Figures 13a, 13b and 13c are a schematic perspective and cross section views of a rotatable steering joint assembly 300 for use with the retractable wheel assembly 10 according to the present invention. The steering joint (see item J in Figure 3) needs to provide for high degrees of articulation during retraction and a large steering angle when protracted. A ball joint (not shown) is attached via a pin 310 to a clevis 320 which can rotate in a set of bearings 330 in the suspension upright 20 (knuckle), providing for the high degree of articulation during retraction and the large steering angle when protracted.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. In addition, all of the features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Accordingly, while different embodiments of the present invention have been described above, any one or more or all of the features described, illustrated and/or claimed in the appended claims may be used in isolation or in various combinations in any embodiment. As such, any one or more feature may be removed, substituted and/or added to any of the feature combinations described, illustrated and/or claimed. For the avoidance of doubt, any one or more of the features of any embodiment may be combined and/or used separately in a different embodiment with any other feature or features from any of the embodiments.
Whereas the present invention has been described in relation to what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed arrangements but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent constructions included within the scope of the appended claims.
For example, hydraulic actuator 70 may take any suitable form of actuator, electric, pneumatic and/or hydraulic and/or hybrid thereof. Similarly, the spring damper suspension strut may take any suitable form, such as torsion bar and damper system, hydropneumatic units and/or gas or air springs and/or hybrid thereof. Whilst wheels have been described throughout any any as the land propulsion means, track drives or individual track drives (i.e. to replace a single wheel) may be used as an alternative or in combination with wheels.
Claims (33)
1. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly for an amphibian comprising:
an actuator;
a retraction linkage assembly movable between a protracted position and a retracted position;
a suspension assembly at least partially connected to the retraction linkage assembly and movable between a protracted position and a retracted position; and at least one wheel and/or track drive, wherein:
when the retraction linkage assembly and the suspension assembly are protracted then the retraction linkage and/or suspension assembly supports and/or holds the at least one wheel and/or track drive in a ground engaging position for use on land; and at least one component of the retraction linkage assembly is arranged so as to be spaced from the suspension assembly.
2. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retraction linkage assembly and/or the suspension assembly comprises the actuator.
3. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:
when the retraction linkage assembly and the suspension assembly are retracted then the retraction linkage assembly and suspension assembly supports and/or holds the at least one wheel and/or track drive in a non ground engaging position for use on water .
4. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one component or part or portion thereof that passes through a centre positon to an overcentre position on protraction to prevent forces received in use via the at least one wheel and/or track drive from acting to retract the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
4. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the retraction linkage assembly comprises at least one component or part or portion thereof that passes through a centre positon to an overcentre position on protraction to prevent forces received in use via the at least one wheel and/or track drive from acting to retract the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
5. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the suspension assembly comprises at least one component or part or portion thereof that passes through a centre positon to an overcentre position on protraction to prevent forces received in use via the at least one wheel and/or track drive from acting to retract the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
6. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising at least two components or parts or portions thereof that pass through a centre positon to an overcentre position on protraction to prevent forces received in use via the at least one wheel and/or track drive from acting to retract the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
7. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the suspension assembly comprises a spring damper strut, a torsion bar and damper, a hydropneumatic unit and/or a gas or air spring and/or any hybrid thereof.
8. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the actuator is a hydraulic, electric and/or pneumatic actuator and/or any hybrid thereof .
9. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the retraction linkage assembly comprises a retract arm, a lever and a cranked lever.
10. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the suspension assembly comprises an upper control arm, a lower control arm and a suspension upright.
11. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the upper control arm and lower control arm are wishbones.
12. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising locking, holding and/or urging means to lock, hold and/or urge the retraction linkage and/or the suspension assembly in the one or more overcentre positions after protraction.
13. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wheel and/or track drive is retractable and protractable about an axis or axes each generally or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel and/or track drive of the retractable wheel or track drive assembly.
14. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wheel and/or track drive is steerable.
15. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein steering to the at least one wheel and/or track drive remains coupled in both the protracted and retracted positions of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
16. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wheel and/or track drive is driven or selectively driveable.
17. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein drive to the at least one wheel and/or track drive is provided by at least one drive shaft.
18. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein the at least one drive shaft to the at least one wheel and/or track drive remains coupled in both the protracted and retracted positions of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
19. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is located above the lower control arm in the protracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
20. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is located inboard of the lower control arm in both the protracted and retracted positions of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
21. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational axis of at least one wheel and/or track drive is rotated through an angle of at least 45 degrees in the retracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
22. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational axis of at least one wheel and/or track drive is rotated through an angle of at least 60 degrees in the retracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
23. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational axis of at least one wheel and/or track drive is rotated through an angle of at least 70 degrees in the retracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
24. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational axis of at least one wheel and/or track drive is rotated through an angle of at least 80 degrees in the retracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
25. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational axis of at least one wheel and/or track drive is rotated through an angle of at least 90 degrees in the retracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
26. An amphibian comprising one or more of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assemblies as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
27. An amphibian as claimed in claim 26, wherein one or more of the at least one wheel and/or track drive may be retracted above the water line for use on water, and at least a portion of the one or more at least one wheel and/or track drive is protracted below the lowermost part of the hull for use on land.
28. An amphibian as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein one or more of the at least one wheel and/or track drive may be retracted above the lowermost part of the hull for use on water, and at least a portion of the one or more at least one wheel and/or track drive is protracted below the lowermost part of the hull for use on land.
29. An amphibian as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the at least one wheel and/or track drive is retractable and protractable about an axis or axes each generally or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the amphibian.
30. An amphibian as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the amphibian further comprises a prime mover and a marine propulsion means and when operated in the marine mode the marine propulsion means can power the amphibian to a speed where sufficient hydrodynamic lift is achieved for the vehicle to plane .
5 31. An amphibian as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein when the amphibian is operated in the land mode it can be driven in any available driven wheel configuration, including one, two, three, four or more wheel drive or track drive.
10 32. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly for an amphibian substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
33. An amphibian comprising one or more of the retractable
15 wheel and/or track drive assemblies substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings .
Amendment to Claims have been filed as follows
08 09 17
1. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly for an amphibian comprising:
5 an actuator;
a retraction linkage assembly movable between a protracted position and a retracted position;
a suspension assembly at least partially connected to the retraction linkage assembly and movable between a protracted
10 position and a retracted position; and at least one steerable wheel and/or track drive, wherein: when the retraction linkage assembly and the suspension assembly are protracted then the retraction linkage assembly and/or suspension assembly supports and/or holds the at least one
15 wheel and/or track drive in a ground engaging position for use on land; and at least one component of the retraction linkage assembly is arranged so as to be spaced from the suspension assembly.
20 2. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retraction linkage assembly and/or the suspension assembly comprises the actuator.
3. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed
25 in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:
when the retraction linkage assembly and the suspension assembly are retracted then the retraction linkage assembly and suspension assembly supports and/or holds the at least one wheel and/or track drive in a non ground engaging position for use of
30 an amphibian on water.
4. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one component or part or portion thereof that passes through a centre
35 positon to an overcentre position on protraction to prevent forces received in use via the at least one wheel and/or track drive from acting to retract the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
08 09 17
5. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the retraction linkage assembly comprises at least one component or part or portion
5 thereof that passes through a centre positon to an overcentre position on protraction to prevent forces received in use via the at least one wheel and/or track drive from acting to retract the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
10 6. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the suspension assembly comprises at least one component or part or portion thereof that passes through a centre positon to an overcentre position on protraction to prevent forces received in use via the
15 at least one wheel and/or track drive from acting to retract the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
7. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising at least two
20 components or parts or portions thereof that pass through a centre positon to an overcentre position on protraction to prevent forces received in use via the at least one wheel and/or track drive from acting to retract the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
8. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the suspension assembly comprises a spring damper strut, a torsion bar and damper, a hydropneumatic unit and/or a gas or air spring and/or
30 any hybrid thereof.
9. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the actuator is a hydraulic, electric and/or pneumatic actuator and/or any hybrid
35 thereof.
10. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the retraction linkage
08 09 17 assembly comprises a retract arm, a lever and a cranked lever.
11. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the suspension
5 assembly comprises an upper control arm, a lower control arm and a suspension upright.
12. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the upper control arm and lower control arm
10 are wishbones.
13. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 12 further comprising locking, holding and/or urging means to lock, hold and/or urge the retraction
15 linkage and/or the suspension assembly in the one or more overcentre positions after protraction.
14. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one
20 wheel and/or track drive is retractable and protractable about an axis or axes each generally or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel and/or track drive of the retractable wheel or track drive assembly.
25 15. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein steering to the at least one wheel and/or track drive remains coupled in both the protracted and retracted positions of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
16. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wheel and/or track drive is driven or selectively driveable.
35 17. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein drive to the at least one wheel and/or track drive is provided by at least one drive shaft.
08 09 17
18. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in claim 17 wherein the at least one drive shaft to the at least one wheel and/or track drive remains coupled in both the protracted and retracted positions of the retractable wheel
5 and/or track drive assembly.
19. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the actuator is located above the lower control arm in the protracted position of the
10 retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
20. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is located inboard of the lower control arm in both the protracted
15 and retracted positions of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
21. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational axis
20 of at least one wheel and/or track drive is rotated through an angle of at least 45 degrees from the protracted position to the retracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
25 22. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational axis of at least one wheel and/or track drive is rotated through an angle of at least 60 degrees from the protracted position to the retracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive
30 assembly.
23. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational axis of at least one wheel and/or track drive is rotated through an
35 angle of at least 70 degrees from the protracted position to the retracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational axis of at least one wheel and/or track drive is rotated through an angle of at least 80 degrees from the protracted position to the 5 retracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
08 09 17
25. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational axis
10 of at least one wheel and/or track drive is rotated through an angle of at least 90 degrees from the protracted position to the retracted position of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly.
15 26. An amphibian comprising one or more of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assemblies as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
27. An amphibian as claimed in claim 26, wherein one or more of 20 the at least one wheel and/or track drive can be retracted above a water line for use on water, and at least a portion of the one or more at least one wheel and/or track drive is protracted below the lowermost part of a hull for use on land.
25 28. An amphibian as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein one or more of the at least one wheel and/or track drive can be retracted above the lowermost part of a hull for use on water, and at least a portion of the one or more at least one wheel and/or track drive is protracted below the lowermost part of the
30 hull for use on land.
29. An amphibian as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the at least one wheel and/or track drive is retractable and protractable about an axis or axes each generally or
35 substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the amphibian.
30. An amphibian as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the amphibian further comprises a prime mover and a
08 09 17 marine propulsion means and when operated in the marine mode the marine propulsion means can power the amphibian to a speed where sufficient hydrodynamic lift is achieved for the vehicle to plane .
31. An amphibian as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein when the amphibian is operated in a land mode it can be driven in any available driven wheel configuration, including one, two, three, four or more wheel drive or track drive.
32. A retractable wheel and/or track drive assembly for an amphibian substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
15
33. An amphibian comprising one or more of the retractable wheel and/or track drive assemblies substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings .
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: Claims searched:
GB1507845.4 1 to 33
Priority Applications (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1507845.4A GB2551683B (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2015-05-07 | A retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian |
| EP16721914.6A EP3292006A1 (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2016-05-09 | A retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian |
| PCT/GB2016/051323 WO2016178035A1 (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2016-05-09 | A retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian |
| CN201680039306.5A CN107709055A (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2016-05-09 | Retractible wheel assembly for duck |
| US15/572,068 US10967691B2 (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2016-05-09 | Retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian |
| US16/936,010 US11766908B2 (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2020-07-22 | Retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1507845.4A GB2551683B (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2015-05-07 | A retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201507845D0 GB201507845D0 (en) | 2015-06-17 |
| GB2551683A true GB2551683A (en) | 2018-01-03 |
| GB2551683B GB2551683B (en) | 2019-01-30 |
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ID=53489285
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1507845.4A Active GB2551683B (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2015-05-07 | A retractable wheel assembly for an amphibian |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US10967691B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP3292006A1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN107709055A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2551683B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2016178035A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109664699A (en) * | 2018-12-27 | 2019-04-23 | 江南大学 | A kind of light-duty amphibious all-terrain vehicle waterborne run at high speed |
| CN110329014B (en) * | 2019-04-19 | 2022-08-05 | 武汉理工大学 | Electric control detachable wheel winding and unwinding device and control method |
| CN114655296B (en) * | 2022-02-28 | 2023-03-10 | 哈尔滨工业大学 | Composite driving snowfield roaming robot |
| CN114454736A (en) * | 2022-03-08 | 2022-05-10 | 始途科技(杭州)有限公司 | Mobile platform and mobile charging robot |
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| CN203496594U (en) * | 2013-06-22 | 2014-03-26 | 刘正山 | Amphibious all-terrain vehicle |
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| GB0020679D0 (en) * | 2000-08-23 | 2000-10-11 | Covelink Marine Ltd | Suspension system |
| GB0029298D0 (en) * | 2000-12-01 | 2001-01-17 | Gibbs Int Tech Ltd | Suspension arrangement |
| CN2458184Y (en) * | 2001-01-15 | 2001-11-07 | 张潜 | Amphibious automobile |
| GB2400082B (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2005-02-16 | Gibbs Tech Ltd | Amphibious vehicle suspension |
| GB0423463D0 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2004-11-24 | Gibbs Tech Ltd | Amphibious vehicle suspension |
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2015
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-
2016
- 2016-05-09 US US15/572,068 patent/US10967691B2/en active Active
- 2016-05-09 WO PCT/GB2016/051323 patent/WO2016178035A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-05-09 CN CN201680039306.5A patent/CN107709055A/en active Pending
- 2016-05-09 EP EP16721914.6A patent/EP3292006A1/en active Pending
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2020
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| GB2134052A (en) * | 1983-01-29 | 1984-08-08 | Goeppner Kaiserslautern Eisen | Wheel suspension |
| GB2404171A (en) * | 2003-07-25 | 2005-01-26 | Gibbs Tech Ltd | Amphibious vehicle with disconnectable retractable suspension |
| CN203496594U (en) * | 2013-06-22 | 2014-03-26 | 刘正山 | Amphibious all-terrain vehicle |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20180141398A1 (en) | 2018-05-24 |
| US10967691B2 (en) | 2021-04-06 |
| US11766908B2 (en) | 2023-09-26 |
| WO2016178035A1 (en) | 2016-11-10 |
| EP3292006A1 (en) | 2018-03-14 |
| GB2551683B (en) | 2019-01-30 |
| GB201507845D0 (en) | 2015-06-17 |
| CN107709055A (en) | 2018-02-16 |
| US20200353783A1 (en) | 2020-11-12 |
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