Brake assembly guards and scrapers

Abstract

A brake assembly (70) for a wheel on a vehicle includes: a brake disc (72); a caliper assembly (74) operably coupled to the brake disc (72); a brake line (76) fluidly coupled to the caliper assembly; and a brake shield (80) positioned adjacent to a portion of the caliper assembly (74). The brake shield (80) includes a first arm (88) located on a first side of a portion of the brake disc and a second arm (90) located on a second side of the portion of the brake disc. The brake disc (72) also includes a recess (92) configured to receive a portion of the brake line (76).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a utility vehicle, and more particularly, to a shroud and / or scraper for a brake assembly of a utility vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles capable of traversing off-road environments, such as utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles, often travel on various trails and terrains and through mud and dust. However, mud and dust may accumulate on various portions of the wheels, such as on the wheel rims and near the brakes, such as the brake calipers or brake discs. In addition, as the vehicle travels along the trail, rocks and other debris may break off and become airborne, and the rocks and other debris can contact portions of the wheels and brakes, which may cause damage to the wheel and brake assemblies.

[0003] It is known that wheel scrapers can be used to at least remove mud and dirt that accumulates on tires. However, various wheel scrapers are not configured to prevent the accumulation of mud or to prevent contact with rocks at the rim or brake. Therefore, there is a need for a scraper or guard that is configured to remove mud and dirt from the rim and also prevent mud and rocks from contacting the brake assembly. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a brake assembly for a wheel on a vehicle includes: a brake disc; a caliper assembly operably coupled to the brake disc; and a brake shield positioned adjacent to a portion of the caliper assembly. The brake shield includes a plurality of parallel protrusions extending radially outward relative to the caliper assembly.

[0005] In another embodiment, a brake assembly for a wheel includes a brake disc and a caliper assembly operably coupled to the brake disc. The caliper assembly includes a caliper load-bearing portion and a brake pad portion. The brake assembly also includes a brake line fluidly coupled to the brake disc and configured to move the brake pad portion of the caliper assembly relative to the brake disc. Additionally, the brake assembly includes a brake shroud positioned adjacent to a portion of the caliper assembly and including a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward relative to an outer surface of the brake shroud. At least one of the protrusions is angled relative to a plane of rotation of the wheel.

[0006] In another embodiment, a utility vehicle includes: a plurality of ground engaging members, the plurality of ground engaging members including at least one front ground engaging member and at least one rear ground engaging member; a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members; and a powertrain assembly configured to provide power to at least a portion of the plurality of ground engaging members. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a brake assembly operably coupled to the at least one front ground engaging member and including a brake disc, a caliper assembly, and a brake shield positioned adjacent to a portion of the caliper assembly. The brake shield includes a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward relative to an outer surface of the brake shield.

[0007] In another embodiment, a brake assembly for a wheel includes: a brake disc; a caliper assembly operably coupled to the brake disc; a brake line fluidly coupled to the caliper assembly; and a brake shield positioned adjacent to a portion of the caliper assembly. The brake shield includes a first arm on a first side of a portion of the brake disc and a second arm on a second side of the portion of the brake disc. The brake disc also includes a recess configured to accommodate a portion of the brake line.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, a utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground engaging members, the plurality of ground engaging members including at least one front ground engaging member and at least one rear ground engaging member. Each of the plurality of ground engaging members includes a wheel rim. The utility vehicle also includes a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members, a powertrain assembly configured to provide power to at least a portion of the plurality of ground engaging members, and a brake assembly operably coupled to the at least one front ground engaging member. The brake assembly includes a brake disc, a caliper assembly, a brake line fluidly coupled to the caliper assembly, and a brake shield coupled to the caliper assembly. The brake shield has a scraping surface configured to remove accumulated debris from the brake disc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other features of the present invention and the manner of achieving these features will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood by referring to the following description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a left front perspective view of a utility vehicle of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a right front perspective view of a rear brake assembly of a vehicle;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of the rear brake assembly and rear brake line guard;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A right front perspective view of a front wheel assembly of a vehicle;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a left rear perspective view of a brake assembly of a front wheel assembly;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Exploded view of the brake assembly and brake guard;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A right rear perspective view of a brake guard;

[0017] Figure 8 is along Figure 4 The straight line 8-8 intercepts Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a front wheel assembly;

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A top view of a brake shield;

[0019] Fig.10 is a right front perspective view of an alternative brake assembly including an integrated brake caliper guard and scraper for a front wheel assembly;

[0020] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An exploded view of an alternative brake assembly and brake caliper guard and scraper; and

[0021] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 A front view of an alternative brake assembly and brake caliper guard and scraper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention.

[0023] The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, these embodiments are selected and described so that others skilled in the art can utilize the teachings of these embodiments. Although the present disclosure is primarily directed to utility vehicles, it should be understood that the features disclosed herein can be applied to other types of vehicles, such as other all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and golf carts.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 , shows an illustrative embodiment of a utility vehicle 10 that is configured to traverse a variety of terrains, including mud, rocks, dirt, and other trail or off-road environments. The vehicle 10 includes: a plurality of ground engaging members, including front ground engaging members 12 (e.g., front wheels) and rear ground engaging members 14 (e.g., rear wheels); a powertrain assembly 16; a frame 20; a plurality of body panels 22 coupled to the frame 20; a front suspension assembly 24; a rear suspension assembly 26; and a rear cargo area 28. In one embodiment, one or more of the ground engaging members 12, 14 may be replaced with tracks or non-pneumatic tires, such as may be obtained from Polaris Industries, Inc. located at 2100 Highway 55 in Medina, Minnesota, 55340. Industries, Inc.), or a non-pneumatic tire such as disclosed in any of the following patents: U.S. Patent No. 8,109,308 filed on March 26, 2008 (Agent File No. PLR-09-25369.02P), U.S. Patent No. 8,176,957 filed on July 20, 2009 (Agent File No. PLR-09-25371.01P), U.S. Patent No. 9,108,470 filed on November 17, 2010 (Agent File No.: PLR-09-25375.03P), and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0240272 filed on March 13, 2013 (Agent File No.: PLR-09-25201.02P), the complete disclosures of the above patents are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The vehicle 10 may be referred to as a utility vehicle ("UV"), an all-terrain vehicle ("ATV"), or a side-by-side vehicle ("SxS"), and is configured to travel on a variety of terrains or surfaces. More particularly, the vehicle 10 may be configured for military, industrial, agricultural, or recreational applications.

[0025] Still refer to Figure 1, the vehicle 10 includes an operator area 30 supported by the frame 20, and the vehicle 10 includes at least seats for an operator and a passenger. Illustratively, one embodiment of the vehicle 10 includes an operator seat 32 and a front passenger seat 34. More specifically, the operator seat 32 and the front passenger seat 34 are arranged side by side. The operator seat 32 is illustratively a bucket seat and includes a seat bottom and a seat back. Similarly, the front passenger seat 34 is illustratively a bucket seat and includes a seat bottom and a seat back. Additional details of the vehicle 10 can be disclosed in U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 051,700 (attorney docket number PLR-15-25448.04P) filed on October 11, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a portion of one of the rear wheels 14 is shown. Illustratively, a rear half shaft 36, which may include a CV boot 37, is coupled to the wheel and is configured to rotate with the rear wheel 14 when the vehicle 10 moves. The rear wheel 14 also includes a hub 38, which may be configured to be coupled to a rear brake assembly 40. The rear brake assembly 40 includes at least a brake disc 42, a caliper assembly 44, and a brake line 46 extending between the caliper assembly 44 and a brake master cylinder (not shown). Illustratively, the brake line 46 is fluidly coupled to a port 45 of the caliper assembly 44. In operation, if the operator actuates the rear brake assembly 40, the brake master cylinder causes a brake fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid) to flow through the brake line 46 to the port 45 of the caliper assembly 44 to close a portion of the caliper assembly 44 (e.g., a brake pad) against the brake disc 42.

[0027] Because the vehicle 10 is a utility vehicle, the vehicle 10 may encounter mud, rocks, dust, and debris during operation. However, in order to protect the brake line 46 from the accumulation of mud and dust and / or prevent airborne rocks from contacting the brake line 46, the brake assembly 40 may also include a rear brake line guard 48, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3. The rear brake line shield 48 may define a generally U-shaped configuration such that the brake line 46 is received within a concave portion or downward facing recess 50 of the rear brake line shield 48. Illustratively, the rear brake line shield 48 includes an upper portion or outer portion 52, a first side portion 54, and a second side portion 56, all of which cooperate together to define the U-shape of the rear brake line shield 48. The recess 50 is located intermediate the first side portion 54 and the second side portion 56 and below the upper portion 52, thereby defining a passage for the brake line 46. In this manner, the brake line 46 is shielded on three sides from any mud and dirt at the rear wheel 14. Additionally, if rocks are rolled up or otherwise become airborne during operation of the vehicle 10, the rocks are prevented from contacting the brake line 46 by the rear brake line shield 48. Moreover, because rear brake line guard 48 is at least partially positioned radially outward relative to brake rotor 42 and adjacent to the rim of rear wheel 14 , upper portion 52 may also be configured to scrape or otherwise remove mud or dirt accumulated at the rim of rear wheel 14 .

[0028] The rear brake line shield 48 can be positioned only adjacent to the brake rotor 42, or can extend along the entire brake line 46 between the caliper assembly 44 and the brake master cylinder. In this way, the rear brake line shield 48 both protects the brake line 46 from wear and provides a routing channel for at least a portion of the brake line 46. In one embodiment, the rear brake line shield 48 can include various bends or bends to accommodate the routing of the brake line 46. The rear brake line shield 48 can be constructed of multiple components coupled together, or can be constructed as a single, integral component. In one embodiment, the rear brake line shield 48 is constructed of a molded plastic material. As shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 4 , the rear brake line guard 48 is coupled to a bracket 58 of the rear wheel 14 or the rear suspension assembly 26 by fasteners 59 , illustratively by bolts.

[0029] Reference Figures 4 to 9 , showing a portion of the front wheel 12 and the front suspension assembly 24. Figure 8 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the front wheel 12 is comprised of at least a rim 15 and a tire 18. The front wheel 12 is operably coupled to a front suspension assembly 24 that includes an upper alignment arm 60 and a lower alignment arm 62, both of which are operably coupled to a portion of the front wheel 12, illustratively to a steering knuckle 64. A half shaft 66 is vertically positioned intermediate the upper and lower alignment arms 60, 62, and is configured to rotate with the front wheel 12 when the vehicle 10 moves. Figure 5As shown in , the front wheel 12 also includes a hub 68 coupled to a front brake assembly 70 .

[0030] The front brake assembly 70 includes at least a brake disc 72, a caliper assembly 74, and a brake line 76 extending between the caliper assembly 74 and a brake master cylinder (not shown). Illustratively, the brake line 76 is fluidly coupled to a port 78 of the caliper assembly 74. The caliper assembly 74 is defined by at least a caliper carrying portion or mounting portion 74a and a brake pad portion 74b. In operation, if the operator actuates the front brake assembly 70, the brake master cylinder causes brake fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid) to flow through the brake line 76 to the port 78 of the caliper assembly 74 to move the brake pad portion 74b of the caliper assembly 74 against the brake disc 72.

[0031] Because the vehicle 10 is a utility vehicle, the vehicle 10 may encounter mud, rocks, dust, and debris while operating. However, in order to protect the brake lines 76 from the accumulation of mud and dust and / or to prevent rocks from contacting the brake lines 76, the front brake assembly 70 also includes a front brake shroud 80, which may be constructed of a metal material, such as a die casting of aluminum. The front brake shroud 80 is positioned radially outward from the brake disc 72 and is positioned adjacent to the caliper assembly 74. Illustratively, the front brake shroud 80 is located rearward of the caliper assembly 74, however, the front brake shroud 80 may be positioned in any configuration relative to the caliper assembly 74. In one embodiment, the front brake shroud 80 is removably coupled to the caliper bracket 82 by fasteners 84, illustratively by bolts. The caliper bracket 82 may be part of the wheel 12 , part of the front suspension assembly 24 , or may define a portion of the caliper assembly 74 , however, in the illustrated embodiment, the caliper bracket 82 is separate from the front brake guard 80 .

[0032] The front brake guard 80 includes a lower portion 86 having a first arm 88 and a second arm 90 that cooperate together to define a recess 92. The recess 92 is configured to receive a portion of the brake rotor 72. Illustratively, the lower portion 86 can be positioned around a portion of the brake rotor 72 that is located about the rotational axis R( Figure 5 ), however, the lower portion 86 can be positioned around the brake disc 72 at any position. Figure 8 , although a portion of the brake rotor 72 is received within the recess 92 of the front brake guard 80, the first arm 88 and the second arm 90 of the front brake guard 80 may not contact the brake rotor 72. However, the arms 88, 90 act as rotor scrapers to remove any accumulated mud, dust and / or debris from the brake rotor 72.

[0033] The front brake guard 80 also includes an upper portion 94 that may be integrally formed with the lower portion 86 or may be separate from and coupled to the lower portion 86. A flat surface 98 may define the rearward extent of the front brake guard 80 and extend radially and continuously between the lower portion 86 and the upper portion 94. The upper portion 94 of the front brake guard 80 includes a hole 96 for receiving the fastener 84.

[0034] The upper portion 94 also includes a plurality of projections 100, illustratively including a plurality of fins or blades, that define scraping surfaces and extend radially outward from an outer surface 95 of the upper portion 94. The projections 100 may be constructed of the same material as the front brake guard 80, such as a rigid polymeric material and / or a metallic material, or the projections 100 may be constructed of a different material than the upper portion 94 and / or the lower portion 86 of the front brake guard 80. Illustratively, the front brake guard 80 includes at least three projections 100, however, the front brake guard 80 may include any number of projections 100.

[0035] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The protrusion 100 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis R ( Figure 5 ). The protrusion 100 is also aligned transversely with respect to the rotation axis R ( Figure 5 More specifically, the rear end 102 of each protrusion 100 is positioned laterally outward from the corresponding front end 104, so that each protrusion 100 is angled inward as the protrusion 100 extends forward. As such, the protrusion 100 is not perpendicular to the rotation axis R ( Figure 5 ), but rather at an angle relative to the axis of rotation R and the plane of rotation of the front wheel 12, which includes the vertical axis P ( Figure 8 As disclosed herein, the protrusion 100 is configured to extend from the rim 15 ( Figure 8 ) removes accumulated mud, dust and debris. And, because the protrusion 100 is angled inwardly at the front end 104, any mud, dust and debris removed from the rim 15 is pushed or swept toward the interior of the front wheel 12 to fall from the vehicle 10.

[0036] In operation, as the front wheel 12 rotates, the protrusion 100 and the flat surface 98 work together to remove mud, dust, and debris from the rim 15. More specifically, the flat surface 98 may initially contact any accumulated mud, dust, and debris at the rim 15. Any accumulated mud is then pushed inwardly or outwardly away from the flat surface 98, for example, so that any accumulated mud falls off the front wheel 12. In addition to the flat surface 98, as discussed herein, the protrusion 100 also removes mud, dust, and debris from the rim 15, and because the protrusion 100 is closer to the rim 15 than the flat surface 98, the protrusion 100 helps remove, for example, smaller mud that has accumulated on the rim 15. In this manner, both the flat surface 98 and the projection 100 define scraping surfaces for the front brake shroud 80 to remove accumulated mud, dirt, and debris, which prevents damage to components of the brake assembly 70 , and to the proper operation of the front wheel 12 and the brake assembly 70 .

[0037] Still refer to Figures 4 to 9 The front brake guard 80 has a portion parallel to the rotation axis R ( Figure 5 ), which is configured to conceal the entire caliper assembly 74 (in a rear view), thereby preventing any rocks, dust, or debris that may be in the air from contacting the caliper assembly 74. In addition, the lateral width W1 of the front brake shield 80 is configured to conceal at least a portion of the brake line 76, which also prevents mud and dust from accumulating on the brake line 76 and further prevents rocks from contacting the brake line 76. Illustratively, the brake line 76 is located within a recessed portion or depression 89 of the front brake shield 80. As such, the front brake shield 80 is sized and positioned to prevent rocks, dust, mud, and debris from contacting the caliper assembly 74 and the brake line 76.

[0038] Thus, the front brake guard 80 is configured to serve multiple purposes. First, due to the position of the front brake guard 80 relative to the caliper assembly 74, the front brake guard 80 is configured to prevent rocks or other debris from contacting and potentially damaging the caliper assembly 74. In addition, the lateral width W1 of the front brake guard 80 conceals both the entire width of the caliper assembly 74 and at least a portion of the brake line 76, thereby further preventing mud and dust from accumulating on the brake line 76 and also preventing rocks or debris from contacting and potentially damaging the brake line 76. In addition, the protrusion 100 of the front brake guard 80 is configured to remove or scrape away any accumulated mud, dust or debris along the rim 15 of the front wheel 12. The angled configuration of the protrusion 100 relative to both the rotational plane and the rotational axis R of the front wheel 12 allows any mud, dust or debris at the rim 15 to move inwardly and fall off the vehicle 10.

[0039] Reference Figures 10 to 12, an alternative embodiment front brake assembly is shown at 170 . Figures 10 to 12 The front brake assembly 170 includes a brake disc 72 ( Figure 5 ), alternative caliper assembly 174 and brake line 76 ( Figure 5 ). The caliper assembly 174 includes a caliper body 180 coupled to a caliper carrier or mounting portion 184. The caliper carrier 184 is configured to support a brake pad 194. Illustratively, the caliper body 180 is positioned within a recessed portion 182 of the caliper carrier 184 and the caliper body 180 is coupled to the caliper carrier 184 using fasteners 186, 188. Additionally, a seal or dust cover 190 may be positioned intermediate the caliper body 180 and a portion of the caliper carrier 184 and configured to cover at least a portion of the fasteners 186 and / or the fasteners 188. More specifically, the caliper body 180 may include an integral caliper bracket 212 configured to receive the fasteners 186 when the caliper body 180 is coupled to the caliper carrier 184. In this manner, the caliper body 180 may be configured to support a brake pad 194. Figure 6 In contrast, the front brake guard 80 having a separate caliper bracket 82, Figures 10 to 12 The illustrative embodiment of includes an integrated combination of a caliper bracket 212 and a caliper body 180 .

[0040] The caliper carrier 184 includes a brake shield 210, illustratively a scraper surface, configured to be positioned adjacent to the rim 15 ( Figure 8 ) to remove accumulated mud, dust, and debris from the rim 15. More specifically, the brake shield 210 is coupled to the caliper carrier 184, and illustratively, the brake shield 210 is integrally coupled with the caliper carrier 184 so that the brake shield 210 and the caliper carrier 184 can be defined as a single component, and the brake shield 210 defines a rear portion of the caliper carrier 184. The brake shield 210 extends in the rotational direction of the front wheel 12, and the brake shield 210 also has a width W3 ( Fig.12 ), the width W3 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis R ( Fig. 9 The width W3 of the brake shield 210 is greater than the width of the caliper body 180 , and therefore greater than the width of the brake pad 194 located in the caliper body 180 .

[0041] In operation, as the front wheel 12 rotates, the brake shield 210 causes mud, dust, and debris accumulated on the rim 15 to fall off, and the fallen mud, dust, and debris move inward or outward to fall from the front wheel 12. It should be understood that the brake shield 210 is located upstream of the caliper body 180 and the brake pad 194 in the forward rotation direction of the front wheel 12, so that the mud, dust, and debris are removed from the rim 15 before the rim 15 rotates to the position of the caliper body 180 and the brake pad 194. In this way, the brake shield 210 suppresses dust and mud at the position of the brake pad 194.

[0042] In addition, the caliper carrier 184 includes a structure configured to receive the brake disc 72 ( Figure 4 ) is a portion of a recess or groove 214. The recess 214 is defined by a first arm 216 and a second arm 218. Figure 8 ), the arms 216, 218 do not contact the brake rotor 72, but inhibit dust, mud, and debris from contacting the brake rotor 72 at a location adjacent to the brake pad 194. Additionally, if the brake rotor 172 does include mud or dust thereon, the arms 216, 218 can remove the mud or dust upstream of the brake pad 194 in the forward rotational direction of the front wheel 12 during rotation of the front wheel 12.

[0043] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the caliper body 180 may include a fluid port 192 that is fluidly coupled to the brake line 76 ( Figure 7 ), so that brake fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid) can flow between the caliper assembly 174 and the brake master cylinder (not shown). In this way, the brake fluid in the brake line 76 is configured to operate the caliper assembly 174 to move relative to the brake disc 72 ( Figure 5 )Move brake pad 194( Fig.11 ).

[0044] The caliper body 180 also includes a plurality of ribs 200 extending radially outward from an outer surface 205 of the caliper body 180 and relative to the brake shield 210. The ribs 200 are configured to provide structural support to the caliper body 180. More specifically, the configuration of the ribs 200 increases the structural rigidity and stiffness of the caliper body 180 so that the caliper load bearing portion 180 does not buckle or bend when subjected to cyclic fatigue caused by pressurized brake fluid flowing therein. In this way, due to the configuration of the ribs 200, when pressurized brake fluid flows into the fluid port 192, the caliper body 180 maintains its shape and the caliper body 180 does not bend during the flow of pressurized brake fluid, so less brake fluid may be required for normal operation of the brake assembly 170.

[0045] Illustratively, each rib 200 generally defines a U-shape formed by first arm 202, second arm 204, and outer connecting portion 206. Recess 208 is located intermediate arms 202, 204 and laterally inward from outer connecting portion 206. Each rib 200 is spaced apart from adjacent ribs 200 in a parallel configuration.

[0046] It will be appreciated that both caliper assemblies 74, 174 may include a suspension mounting portion for mounting to at least one component of the front suspension assembly 24. However, the suspension mounting portion of the caliper assembly 74, 174 may be configured to couple with additional components to allow for additional functionality on the vehicle 10 without increasing the number or weight of components. For example, as discussed herein, the suspension mounting portion of the caliper assembly 74, 174 may be coupled to the front brake guard 80, and / or the suspension mounting portion may be coupled to a rotor scraper, one or more routing components for the brake lines, and / or a brush guard to protect a CV guard of a half shaft.

[0047] Although the present invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variation, use or modification of the present invention using the general principles of the present invention. In addition, this application is intended to cover any known or customary practices that deviate from the present disclosure but belong to the field related to the present invention.

Claims

1. A brake assembly for a wheel, comprising: Brake discs; a caliper assembly operably coupled to the brake disc and including a caliper carrier portion and a brake pad portion; a brake line fluidly coupled to the brake rotor and configured to move the brake pad portion of the caliper assembly relative to the brake rotor; as well as A brake shield, characterized in that the brake shield is positioned adjacent to a portion of the caliper assembly, and the brake shield includes a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from an outer surface of the brake shield, and at least one of the protrusions is angled relative to a rotational plane of the wheel, wherein, in a direction of forward rotation of the wheel, an upstream end of each protrusion is positioned outward from a corresponding downstream end of the protrusion.

2. The brake assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one protrusion is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

3. The brake assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one protrusion is angled relative to an axis of rotation of the wheel.

4. The brake assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Each of the protrusions is parallel to each other at the brake cover outer portion.

5. The brake assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The brake line is located within a portion of the brake shroud.

6. A multi-purpose vehicle comprising: a plurality of ground engaging members, the plurality of ground engaging members including at least one front ground engaging member and at least one rear ground engaging member, and each of the plurality of ground engaging members including a rim; a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members; a powertrain assembly configured to provide power to at least a portion of the plurality of ground engaging members; A brake assembly operably coupled to the at least one front ground engaging member and comprising a brake disc, a caliper assembly, a brake line fluidly coupled to the caliper assembly, and a brake shroud coupled to the caliper assembly, wherein the brake shroud has a scraping surface configured to remove accumulated debris from the brake disc and the wheel rim, wherein at least a portion of the scraping surface is positioned radially outward from an outer surface of the brake shroud and the brake disc to remove accumulated debris from the wheel rim, wherein the scraping surface is defined by a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward relative to the caliper assembly.

7. The utility vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: The brake line is located within a portion of the brake shroud.

8. The multi-purpose vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The projection is angled relative to a plane of rotation of the at least one front ground engaging member.

9. The utility vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that: The plurality of protrusions are parallel to one another and are configured to remove accumulation from the rim.

10. A utility vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that The brake guard is located upstream of the caliper assembly in a forward rotational direction of the at least one front ground engaging member.

11. A utility vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterised in that The brake shield is formed integrally with a caliper carrying portion of the caliper assembly.

12. The utility vehicle of any one of claims 6 to 11, further comprising a second brake assembly operably coupled to the at least one rear ground engaging member, and comprising a brake disc, a caliper assembly operably coupled to the brake disc, a brake line fluidly coupled to the caliper assembly, and a brake line shield, wherein: The brake line shield is configured to receive a portion of the brake line adjacent to the brake rotor.

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