Shield for a vehicle

Abstract

A shield 40 for protecting a vehicle suspension component from impact damage comprises a protective structure 50 configured to be mounted to the suspension component (20,fig.5). The suspension compone

Description

22 07 £5 TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a shield for a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a shield for protecting 5 a suspension component of a vehicle, to an apparatus, to an assembly, and to a vehicle. BACKGROUND Vehicles intended for off-road use typically have capacity for a raised suspension to provide increased clearance with respect to obstacles. It is known to provide some additional protection to the underbody of a 10 vehicle such as by fitting a tray to the static chassis of the vehicle. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 15 Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a shield for protecting a suspension component of a vehicle, an apparatus, an assembly, and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a shield for protecting a suspension component of a vehicle from impact damage comprising: a protective structure configured to be mountable to the suspension component, the protective structure comprising at least a forward portion configured to provide protection on a forward side of the suspension component, wherein the forward portion of the protective structure has an upper face and a forward-facing inclined outer surface which is inclined relative to the upper face, wherein the protective structure is configured to transfer a portion of an impact force applied to the inclined outer surface towards the upper face. An advantage of the shield is that at least part of an impact 25 force is transferred towards the upper face. This can move the suspension component upwards and helps the suspension to ride over obstacles. This helps to reduce damage to the suspension component. The shield comprises a first interface on the upper face of the forward portion of the protective structure. 30 Optionally, the first interface extends longitudinally along the protective structure. This has an advantage of distributing part of the impact force along the suspension component. Optionally, the first interface is a mounting interface comprising apertures for receiving fixings or fastenings for mounting the shield to the suspension component. 35 Optionally, the shield comprises a second interface on a rearward face of the forward portion of the protective structure, wherein the protective structure is configured to transfer a portion of an impact force applied to the inclined surface to the second interface. This has an advantage of distributing part of an impact force to a different part of the suspension component. Another advantage is helping to brace the protective structure 40 against deformation. Optionally, the first interface and the second interface are orthogonal. 22 07 £5 Optionally, the second interface extends longitudinally along the protective structure. This has an advantage of distributing force along the suspension component. 5 An exterior surface of the protective structure extends forwardly of the first interface. This allows the shield to begin to move the suspension upwards, via impact with an obstacle, as early as possible. The exterior surface of the protective structure may extend forwardly of the suspension component when the shield is mounted to the suspension component. This allows the shield to begin to move the suspension upwards before the 10 suspension component is positioned over the obstacle. Optionally, the protective structure comprises a lower portion configured to provide protection on a lower side of the suspension component. 15 Optionally, the protective structure comprises a rearward portion configured to provide protection on a rearward side of the suspension component. Optionally, the shield comprises a third interface on an upper face of the rearward portion of the protective structure. This has an advantage of distributing part of the impact force to a different part of the suspension component. Optionally, the third interface extends longitudinally along the protective structure. Optionally, the third interface is a mounting interface comprising apertures for receiving fixings or fastenings 25 for mounting the shield to the suspension component. Optionally, the shield comprises a fourth interface on a forward facing side of the rearward portion of the protective structure. In use, this has an advantage of pressing against the rearward side of the suspension component, and can help to prevent the shield from being prised off the suspension component by high impact 30 forces. Optionally, the fourth interface extends longitudinally along the protective structure. Optionally, the third interface and the fourth interface are orthogonal. 35 Optionally, the exterior surface of the protective structure extends continuously between the forward portion and the rearward portion. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising: the shield of the 40 previous aspect; and an aerodynamic member; wherein the aerodynamic member is positioned, or is 22 07 £5 configured to be mountable, below the shield. The aerodynamic shield provides a more aerodynamic profile around the suspension component and helps to reduce aerodynamic drag. Optionally, protective structure comprises apertures for receiving fixings or fastenings for mounting the 5 aerodynamic member to the shield. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly comprising: a suspension component of a vehicle; and the shield of any previous aspect, wherein the shield is mounted to the suspension component. 10 According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the shield of any previous aspect. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a shield for protecting a suspension 15 component of a vehicle from impact damage comprising: a protective structure configured to be mountable to the suspension component, the protective structure comprising at least a forward portion configured to provide protection on a forward side of the suspension component. This helps to reduce damage to the suspension component. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or 25 file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 30 One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an example of a vehicle on which a shield according to embodiments of the invention may be implemented; 35 Figure 2 shows part of a suspension system of the vehicle; Figure 3 shows a shield fitted to a lower link of a suspension system; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the shield demounted from the vehicle; Figure 5 shows, in side section, a combination of a lower link of a suspension system and a shield; Figures 6 and 7 show the same views of the combination of Figure 5, in use, as the vehicle on which it 40 is fitted impacts and passes over an obstacle; Figure 8 shows the combination of Figure 5 with an aerodynamic member. 22 07.25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a vehicle 10 on which a shield according to embodiments of the invention may be implemented. The vehicle 10 may be a passenger vehicle or an automobile. The vehicle 10 may be intended for at least some off-road use, such as a sports utility vehicle (SUV). The vehicle 10 comprises a chassis or frame which supports components of the vehicle. Wheels 14 are mounted to the chassis by a suspension system. The suspension system allows the wheels 14 to move relative to the chassis. Figure 2 shows a component 20 of the suspension system. Component 20 may be called a lower link. Other names for this component are a lower arm or a lower control arm. The lower link 20 may form part of an un-sprung axle. The un-sprung axle is an axle which mechanically links the frame to a wheel hub, but without a spring or dampener acting on the axle. It will be understood that the suspension system comprises other components. A first end 21 of the lower link 20 is pivotally connected to a mount 18 on the chassis. A second end of the lower link 20 is connected to the wheel hub 16. The second end of the lower link 20 may be pivotally connected to the wheel hub 16. In the example of Figure 2 the lower link 20 extends below the general outline of the vehicle body 12. There is a minimum ground clearance 22 between the lower link 20 and a surface. In many driving situations, such as when driving on paved roads, the clearance 22 is adequate to prevent damage to the suspension system. However, in some driving situations, such as when driving on unpaved roads or off-road, the lower link 20 may be vulnerable to impact damage. For example, when driving on an uneven surface an obstacle may impact the lower link 20. The position of the lower link 20 is determined by the type of driving situations that the vehicle is used for. A vehicle which is intended for on-road use generally requires a suspension system which is closer to the ground to provide a required level of dynamic performance. This reduces the ground clearance and increases the risk of impact damage. Figure 3 shows a vehicle with a shield 40 fitted to the lower link 20. The shield 40 provides protection to the lower link 20 from impact damage. The shield 40 is mountable to the lower link 20 and is movable with the lower link 20. In this example, the shield 40 extends along a portion of the lower link 20 which is positioned nearest to the ground, and which is most vulnerable to impact damage. While the shield is described in combination with the lower link 20 of a suspension system, it will be understood that the shield 40 can be mounted to a different component of the suspension system. Other possible suspension components where the shield may be used include other front or rear lower arms, such as: tension arms; lateral arms or A-arms. Generally, these are components of the suspension system which are most likely to strike an obstacle on the ground. Figure 4 shows the shield 40 by itself, that is not mounted on the vehicle, and Figure 5 shows a side sectional view of the shield 40 mounted to the lower link 20 of the suspension system. To aid clarity of this description, an x-axis, y-axis and z-axis are shown. The x-axis is oriented fore / aft with respect to the vehicle (positive x-4 axis direction is towards the rear); the y-axis is oriented transversely with respect to the vehicle (left / right) and the z-axis is oriented vertically. The terms “front”, “back”, “upper” and “lower” are defined relative to the normal direction of travel in the x-axis. In use, the shield 40 is fitted transversely across the vehicle, with a major (longitudinal) axis of the shield 40 oriented perpendicularly to the x-axis of the vehicle and substantially parallel 5 the y-axis. In this example, the lower link 20 has a generally D-shaped tubular cross-section comprising an upper wall 24, a front wall 25, a lower wall 26 and a rear wall 27. The lower link 20 also comprises a pair of planar flanges 28, 29 which extend each side of the central D-shaped section. Flange 28 extends on a forward side of the lower link 20, and a flange 29 extends on a rearward side of the lower link 20. The shield 40 is mountable to the planar flanges 28, 29 via fixings or fastenings at positions 66. 10 The shield 40 comprises a protective structure 50 which extends around the lower link 20 on three sides. A forward portion 51 of the protective structure 50 is configured to provide protection on a forward side of the lower link 20. A lower portion 52 of the protective structure 50 is configured to provide protection on a lower side of the lower link 20. A rearward portion 53 of the protective structure 50 is configured to provide protection 15 on a rearward side of the lower link 20. The forward portion 51 of the protective structure 50 has an upper face 55 and a forward-facing inclined outer surface 54 which is inclined relative to the upper face 56. The protective structure 50 is configured to transfer a portion of an impact force applied to the inclined outer surface 54 towards the upper face 56. The inclined surface 54 is on the forward-facing side of the lower link, as this is the side which is usually expected to receive an impact force. The inclined surface 54 may be inclined at an angle of around 45 degrees to a plane of the upper face 55. Other angles are possible. Impact angles are optimised to transfer an x-axis force on the shield to a vertical (z-axis) force which will help the suspension component to ride over an obstacle. Indeed, depending on the precise suspension component, it may in any event be intended to deflect in a vertical direction with respect the vehicle body in normal use. 25 In this example the upper face 55 of the protective structure 50 comprises a planar surface 56 which will be called a first interface. The first interface 56 extends longitudinally along the protective structure 50. The first interface 56 serves to distribute an applied force (received via the inclined face 54) to the flange 28 of the lower link. The first interface 56 also serves as a mounting interface. The first interface 56 comprises apertures 67 for receiving fixings or fastenings. In use, the shield 40 is mounted to the lower link 20, and fixings or fastenings 30 are passed through an aligned pair of apertures in the first interface 56 and flange 28 and secured. The forward portion 51 of the protective structure 50 comprises internal structures 57, 58 which convey an applied force from the inclined surface 54 to the first interface 56. The internal structures comprise: a first rib 57 between the inclined surface 54 and the first interface 56; and a second rib 58 between the inclined surface 35 54 and the first interface 56. The first rib 57 is connected to the inclined surface 54 at, or near, a forwardmost end of the inclined surface 54. The second rib 58 is connected to the inclined surface 54 part-way along the inclined surface 54, such as a midpoint. Other internal structures are possible. The internal structures help to brace the protective structure (to a limited extent) against deformation when an impact force is applied to the inclined surface 54. 40 22 07 £5 22 07 £5 The forward portion 51 of the protective structure 50 comprises a second interface 59 on a rearward face of the forward portion 51 of the protective structure. The second interface 59 extends longitudinally along the protective structure. The second interface 59 has a planar surface which extends substantially parallel to the forward wall 25 of the lower link 20. In the example shown in Figure 4 the height of the second interface 59 in 5 the z-axis direction is fairly short (e.g. around 20% of the total height of the protective structure) but the height can be a greater value. An increase in the height of the second interface 59 increases the area over which the force is distributed and can reduce stress. In profile, the second interface 59 resembles a foot, and it serves to press against the forward wall 25 of the 10 lower link 20 at high levels of applied force. The second interface 59 is connected to the inclined surface 54 part-way along the inclined surface 54, such as a midpoint. The protective structure is configured to transfer a portion of an impact force applied to the inclined surface 54 to the second interface 59. In the example shown in Figure 5 the first interface 56 and the second interface 59 are orthogonal. 15 The rearward portion 53 of the upper face 55 of the protective structure 50 comprises a planar surface 60 which will be called a third interface. The third interface 60 extends longitudinally along the protective structure. The third interface 60 serves as a mounting interface to the flange 29. The third interface 60 also comprises apertures 67 for receiving fixings or fastenings. In use, the third interface 60 serves to maintain a connection between the rearward portion of the protective structure and the lower link 20. In use, the shield 40 is mounted to the lower link 20, and fixings or fastenings are passed through an aligned pair of apertures in the second interface 60 and flange 29 and secured. The rearward portion 53 of the protective structure 50 comprises a fourth interface 62 on a forward-facing face. The fourth interface 62 is a region of the protective structure on its forward-facing side which can make contact 25 with the rear wall 27 of the lower link 20. The fourth interface 62 extends longitudinally along the protective structure. The fourth interface 62 has a similar shape as the rearward surface of the lower link 20. When initially mounted to the lower link, there is a clearance between the protective structure 50 and the lower link 20. After a high applied force, the fourth interface region of the protective structure is moved towards the lower link 20 and contacts (or “grips”) the rear wall 27 of the lower link 20. This serves to transfer force to the lower 30 link 20, and helps to prevent the protective structure from being prised off the lower link when a high force is applied to the inclined surface 54. The lower portion 52 of the protective structure 50 has a similar shape as the lower surface of the lower link 20. The lower portion 52 of the protective structure connects to the forward portion 51 and the rearward portion 35 53, forming a continuous outer surface. In some regions of the shield, the lower portion of the protective structure may be removed. Referring again to Figure 3, the lower portion 52 of the protective structure 50 is omitted at the first end 21 of the lower link 20. This can provide better ground clearance between the shield and a surface. 40 Figures 6 and 7 show an example of the shield in use, as a vehicle passes over an obstacle 70. The vehicle is driven in a forward direction 71. As described above, when the shield 40 is first mounted to the lower link 22 07 £5 20, the shield may only make contact with the lower link 20 via interfaces 56,60. This can allow some tolerance to the manufacture of the shield and the lower link. Alternatively, when the shield 40 is first mounted to the lower link 20, the shield may make contact with the lower link 20 at other points. Figure 6 shows the shield 40 first making contact with an obstacle 70. An impact force 72 is applied to the inclined surface 54 of the 5 protective structure. The impact force is transferred to the protective structure. The impact force 72 has a component force 73 in the positive z-direction (i.e. upwards) and a component force 74 in the positive x direction (i.e. to the rear). Impact force 72 is transferred by the protective structure 50 to the interfaces 56, 60 and to the flanges of the lower link 20. This applies a force 76 to the lower link 20 in the positive z-direction (i.e. upwards). This causes the lower link 20 to move upwards. The protective structure 50 may be distorted 10 to some extent by the impact force. This brings parts of the protective structure 50 nearer to, or in contact with, the walls of the lower link 20. Figure 7 shows the shield and obstacle at a later time. The lower link 20 and the shield 40 have “ridden” over the obstacle 70. The upwards force 73 applied to the lower link 20 has caused the suspension to displace in 15 the positive z-direction (i.e. upwards), and potentially only against the weight of the unsprung axle, and without having to have lifted the entire weight of the vehicle. The protective structure 50 has been distorted in some regions shown within the dashed boxes. The protective structure 50 has distorted to bring the second interface 59 into contact with the front wall 25 of the lower link 20. The protective structure 50 has distorted to bring the fourth interface 62 into contact with the rear wall 27 of the lower link 20. The protective structure has distorted to bring the lower portion 52 into contact with the lower wall 26 of the lower link 20. As explained above, when the fourth interface region 62 of the protective structure contacts (or “grips”) the rear wall 27 of the lower link 20, it helps to prevent the protective structure from being prised off the lower link. When the forward portion of the protective structure 50 hits the obstacle 70, this can cause the protective structure to pivot in a clockwise direction about the obstacle. A combination of the protective structure mounting (via interface 60) and contact 25 to the rear wall of the lower link (via interface 62) helps to keep the protective structure 50 in position, and resist the pivoting movement. In Figure 7 it can be seen that the lower portion 52 of the protective structure provides a shield between the lower link 20 and the obstacle 70 as the shield slides over the obstacle 70. If the obstacle causes any damage, the damage will first occur to the protective structure. 30 Figure 8 shows a combination of the lower link 20 of the suspension system with the shield 40 and also an aerodynamic member 80. The aerodynamic member 80 comprises a deflector which serves, in use, to deflect airflow around the shield 40. The aerodynamic member 80 is mountable to the underside of the shield 40. The aerodynamic member 80 has a plurality of mounts 82 for mounting aerodynamic member 80 to the shield 40. Each of the mounts 82 has a tubular shape with an internal passage (shown in dashed form) and an 35 aperture at the top of the mount to receive a fixing. The lower side of the shield 40 has a plurality of apertures which align with the position of the mounts 82 and may include bosses (visible in Figure 4) on its upper side to receive fastening screws or bolts passing through the mounts 82. In use, an impact force is transferred from the aerodynamic member 80 to the protective structure of the shield. The aerodynamic member 80 may be treated as a sacrificial component (i.e. designed to deform) during an impact event. 40 22 07 £5 The shield 40 may be manufactured as an extrusion. Alternatively, the shield may be manufactured by a different manufacturing process such as casting. The shield 40 may be manufactured from aluminium, or from another metal. 5 It will be understood that Figures 3 to 8 show one example of the shield. Some other examples will now be described. The interfaces 56, 60 between the shield 40 and the lower link 20 may be provided as a plurality of isolated mounts, rather than as a continuous longitudinally extending surface. The shield 40 has an inclined surface 54 on a forward portion 51 of the protective structure 50. It is possible 10 to provide an inclined surface on the rearward portion 53 of the protective structure 50. The inclined surface on the rearward portion 53 of the protective structure 50 could be the same as that on the forward portion 51, or different to it. For example, the inclined surface on the rearward portion 53 of the protective structure could extend for a shorter distance in the x-axis direction and / or have a different angle relative to the x-axis. The inclined surface on the rearward portion 53 of the protective structure can provide some impact protection 15 when the vehicle is driven backwards. The shield 40 provides protection on forward, lower and rearward sides of the lower link 20. Other examples of the shield 40 may only provide protection on one or two of these sides of the lower link 20. For example, the shield 40 may only have the forward portion 51 shown in Figure 5, and lack the lower portion 52 and rearward portion 53. Alternatively, the shield 40 may only have the forward portion 51 and the lower portion 52 shown in Figure 5, and lack the rearward portion 53. The shield 40 shown in Figures 3 to 8 is mountable to flanges 28, 29 of the lower link 20 of the suspension system. Other forms of lower link or suspension components may lack the flanges 28, 29. For a lower link (or 25 other suspension component) which lacks the flanges, the shield 40 may be mountable to the front wall 25 of the lower link 20 and / or to the rear wall 27 of the lower link 20. In this example, an upwards (z-axis direction) component of an impact force applied to the inclined surface 54 of the protective structure is transferred to the front wall 25 of the lower link, and causes the lower link 20 to move upwards. In this example, the second interface 59 may comprise apertures for receiving fixings or fastenings. In use, the shield 40 is mounted to 30 the lower link (or other suspension component) via fixings or fastenings which are passed through an aligned pair of apertures in the second interface 59 and the lower link. Other ways of securing the shield to the lower link are possible. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without 35 departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A shield for protecting a suspension component of a vehicle from impact damage comprising:a protective structure configured to be mountable to the suspension component, the protective structure comprising at least a forward portion configured to provide protection on a forward side of the suspension component,a first interface on the upper face of the forward portion of the protective structure,wherein the forward portion of the protective structure has an upper face and a forward-facing inclined outer surface which is inclined relative to the upper face, wherein the protective structure is configured to transfer a portion of an impact force applied to the inclined outer surface towards the upper face, andwherein an exterior surface of the protective structure extends forwardly of the first interface.

2. The shield of claim 1 wherein the first interface extends longitudinally along the protective structure.

3. The shield of any one of the preceding claims comprising a second interface on a rearward face ofthe forward portion of the protective structure, wherein the protective structure is configured to transfer a portion of an impact force applied to the inclined surface to the second interface.

4. The shield of claim 3 wherein the second interface extends longitudinally along the protective structure.

5. The shield of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective structure comprises a lower portion configured to provide protection on a lower side of the suspension component.

6. The shield of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective structure comprises a rearwardportion configured to provide protection on a rearward side of the suspension component.7 The shield of claim 6 comprising a third interface on an upper face of the rearward portion of the protective structure.

8. The shield of claim 7 wherein the third interface extends longitudinally along the protective structure.

9. The shield of any one of claims 6 to 8 comprising a fourth interface on a forward facing side of therearward portion of the protective structure.

10. The shield of claim 9 wherein the fourth interface extends longitudinally along the protective structure.

11. Apparatus comprising:the shield of any one of the preceding claims; andan aerodynamic member;wherein the aerodynamic member is positioned, or is configured to be mountable, below the shield.

912. An assembly comprising:a suspension component of a vehicle; andthe shield of any one of claims 1 to 10 or the apparatus of claim 11, wherein the shield is mounted 5 to the suspension component.

13. A vehicle comprising the shield of any one of claims 1 to 10, the apparatus of claim 11, or the assembly of claim 12.1022 07 25

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