AU2010100832B4 - A rollover protection structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A roll over protection structure 10 for mounting to a vehicle 40 including a support structure 20 for mounting to the vehicle 40 and a roof structure 30 connected to the support structure, the roof structure for 5 positioning over a roof of the vehicle; wherein a top contact face 31 of the roof structure 30 is angled downwardly in a forward direction.

Description

P/00/012 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: "A ROLLOVER PROTECTION STRUCTURE" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 1 TITLE "A ROLLOVER PROTECTION STRUCTURE" FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a roll over protection structure and in 5 particular to a roll over protection structure for utility vehicles and the like. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Modern vehicles are designed to withstand a certain level of damage to safeguard occupants of the vehicle in the event of a rollover accident. However a roof of a vehicle remains the weakest part of the vehicle as most 10 of the structure beneath the roof is glass. In addition, roll over accidents are more prevalent in four wheel drive vehicles and utility vehicles (also known as pickup trucks) as the centre of gravity is much higher than in cars. Furthermore, many four wheel drive vehicles and utility vehicles are used on mine sites and off-road in other environments where the probability of a roll 15 over accident is higher than on public roads. Many four wheel drive vehicles and utility vehicles are commonly fitted with after market roll over protection structures (ROPS). Some ROPS are fitted internally to the vehicle and some are fitted externally. The ROPS are generally made from a high strength tubular steel structure. However when 20 fitted internally, the structure severely impacts an internal space of the vehicle and also interferes with safety equipment such as air bags. Furthermore, in the case of an accident, occupants of the vehicle may hit the steel structure, injuring the occupants.

2 Externally fitted ROPS are typically fitted adjacent to the A, B, C and or D pillars to provide extra strength. However externally fitted ROPS can interfere with the opening of doors and with crumple zones of the vehicle. In order to overcome these problems ROPS have been developed known as a 5 HALO. The HALO is a horizontal planar structure that extends over the driver's cab, predominantly for use on utility vehicles. However a problem with the HALO is that the horizontal planar structure is positioned 200mm or more above a roofline of the vehicle. Thus the HALO tends to dig in or plough into the ground in the event of a rollover, localizing forces in the 10 vehicle and potentially causing more damage to the vehicle and more harm to the occupants. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to overcome or alleviate one or more of the above disadvantages and/or to provide the consumer with a useful or 15 commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a roll over protection structure (ROPS) for mounting to a vehicle including: 20 a support structure for mounting to the vehicle; and a roof structure connected to the support structure, the roof structure for positioning over a roof of the vehicle; wherein a top contact face of the roof structure is angled downwardly in a forward direction.

3 Preferably, the top contact face is angled down at an angle of between 5 and 40 degrees to a horizontal plane. Even more preferably, the top contact face is angled down at an angle of between 10 and 30 degrees. Most preferably, the top contact face is angled down at an angle of 13 5 degrees to the horizontal plane. Preferably, the roof structure is continuous with the support structure. Suitably, the roof structure extends away from the support structure towards a front of the vehicle. Preferably, the roof structure further includes a bottom face connected 10 to the top contact face at a front of the ROPS. Preferably, an angle formed between the top contact face and the bottom face at the front of the ROPS is between 5 and 40 degrees. Even more preferably, the angle between the top contact face and the bottom face is between 10 and 30 degrees. Most preferably, the angle between the top contact face and the bottom face is 13 15 degrees. Preferably, the support structure includes a main hoop. Each end of the main hoop may connect to a respective hoop bracket for connecting the ROPS to the chassis of the vehicle. Preferably, the main hoop includes: 20 a first arcuate member for positioning adjacent a side of the vehicle; and a second arcuate member for positioning adjacent an opposite side of the vehicle to the first arcuate member.

4 Preferably, the support structure includes reinforcing members. Preferably, the reinforcing members include vertical members, horizontal members and struts connected to the main hoop to provide extra strength and rigidity. 5 Preferably, the support structure includes at least one stay connected between the main hoop and a respective stay bracket, the stay brackets for connecting the at least one stay to the chassis of the vehicle. Preferably, a top of each stay adjacent the roof structure is rounded. Suitably, a respective stay is continuous with a respective angled member of the roof structure. 10 Preferably, the bottom face includes a second hoop connected to opposing sides adjacent a top of the main hoop. Preferably, the second hoop extends perpendicularly to the main hoop towards a front of the vehicle. Preferably, the angled members extend between the main hoop and the second hoop. Suitably, the bottom face includes longitudinal members and 15 roof struts connected between the second hoop and the support structure. Optionally, gussets are connected on each side of the roof structure between a respective angled member and a respective longitudinal member. Gussets may also be connected on each side of the support structure between a respective vertical member and a respective stay. 20 In another form, the invention resides in a roll over protection structure (ROPS) for mounting to a vehicle including: a support structure for mounting to the vehicle, the support structure including a main hoop, the main hoop including : 5 a first arcuate member for positioning adjacent a side of the vehicle; and a second arcuate member for positioning adjacent an opposite side of the vehicle to the first arcuate member. 5 In yet another form the invention resides in a roll over protection structure (ROPS) for mounting to a vehicle including: a support structure for mounting to the vehicle; and a roof structure connected to the support structure, the roof structure for positioning over a roof of the vehicle; the support structure including: 10 a main hoop; a plurality of hoop brackets, each hoop bracket connected to a respective end of the main hoop; at least one stay connected to a top of the main hoop; at least one stay bracket connected at an opposite end of the at least 15 one stay to the main hoop; and at least one vertical member connected between a respective hoop bracket; the roof structure including: a top contact face; and 20 a bottom face, the bottom face including: a second hoop connected at each end adjacent a top of the main hoop and the second hoop connected at a front of the ROPS to the top contact face; wherein 6 the top contact face of the roof structure is angled downwardly in a forward direction at an angle of 13 degrees to a horizontal plane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person 5 skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG 1 shows a top front perspective view of a roll over protection structure (ROPS) according to an embodiment of the present invention; 10 FIG 2 shows a top rear perspective view of the ROPS of FIG 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG 3 shows a front view of the ROPS of FIG 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG 4 shows a rear view of the ROPS of FIG 1 according to an 15 embodiment of the present invention; FIG 5 shows a side view of the ROPS of FIG 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG 6 shows a side view of the ROPS of FIGS 1-5 mounted to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 20 FIG 7 shows a front view of the ROPS of FIGS 1-5 mounted to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS 1 to 5 show a roll over protection structure (ROPS) 10 and FIGS 6 and 7 show the ROPS 10 of FIGS 1-5 mounted to a utility vehicle 40 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ROPS 10 includes a support structure 20 connected to a roof structure 30. The ROPS 10 is mounted to the vehicle 40, such that a front 10 A of the ROPS is orientated towards a front of the vehicle 40 and a back 10B of the ROPS is orientated 5 towards a rear of the vehicle 40. Referring to FIGS 1 and 2, the ROPS 10 is constructed from lengths of metal tube, such as steel, and welded together. However a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the ROPS 10 may also be constructed using other materials such as sheet metal or mesh. It should be also noted that the 10 metal tube may be of any applicable cross-section. Furthermore, the ROPS 10 may be constructed using a combination of the metal tubes, mesh and sheet metal or other high strength non-metallic materials. The support structure 20 includes a main hoop 21, brackets 22, reinforcing members and stays 26 creating a truss configuration. The main 15 hoop 21 is continuous and is bent to the required shape. Each end of the main hoop 21 is connected to a respective hoop bracket 22A, 22B for connecting the ROPS to a chassis of the vehicle 40. Referring to FIGS 3 and 4, the main hoop 21 includes a first arcuate member 21A opposite a second arcuate member 21 B. The arcuate members 20 21A, 21B are connected at a top of the main hoop 21 by a connecting member 21K. Each arcuate member 21A, 21 B includes a series of straight hoop sections. Each straight hoop section is connected to an adjacent straight hoop section by a respective shoulder 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F, 21G, 21H. 211, 21J. The shoulders 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F, 21G, 21H. 211, 21J give 8 the effect of an arc. Although each arcuate member 21A, 21B is shown to have four shoulders, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that each arcuate member 21A, 21B may include any number of shoulders. Additionally, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the arcuate 5 members 21A, 21 B may be a smooth curve or an arc extending between a respective hoop bracket 22A, 22B and the connecting member 21K. The reinforcing members include vertical members 23, horizontal members 24, struts 25, and longitudinal members 27. The vertical members 23A, 23B extend upwardly between a respective hoop bracket 22A, 22B and 10 a top of the main hoop 21. A first horizontal member 24A extends horizontally between the hoop brackets 22A, 22B. A second horizontal member 24B extends horizontally between the vertical members 23 adjacent an opposite end of the vertical members 23 to the hoop brackets 22A, 22B. The struts 25A, 25B, 25C, 25E connect diagonally between junctions 15 of the vertical members 23A, 23B and the horizontal members 24A, 24B to provide extra strength to the support structure 20. Furthermore, horizontal members 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F connect between the main hoop 21 and a respective vertical member 23. The stays 26A, 26B connect between a respective stay bracket 22C, 20 22D and the main hoop 21. A top of the stays 26A, 26B is rounded to reduce the likelihood of the rear 1 OB of the ROPS 10 from digging in or ploughing into the ground in the event of a rollover accident. Longitudinal members 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, struts 25E, 25F and horizontal member 28 add rigidity to the stays 26A, 26B. Longitudinal 9 members 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D connect between a respective stay 26A, 26B and a respective vertical member 23A, 23B. The horizontal member 28 is connected between stays 26A, 26B and adjacent a top of the stays 26A, 26B, adjacent the roof structure 30. Struts 25E, 25F, connect horizontally 5 and diagonally between a respective stay 26A, 26B and the main hoop 21, adjacent the horizontal member 28 and the roof structure 30. The roof structure 30 is connected to a top of the support structure 20, the roof structure 30 including a top contact face and a bottom face. The top contact face is formed from angled members 31A, 31B made 10 of tubular metal. However it should be appreciated that the top contact face may be formed from other materials such as sheet metal or mesh. Furthermore, although the angled members 31A, 31B are shown as being straight, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the angled members may also be curved or may include bends. 15 The bottom face is constructed from longitudinal members 32A, 32B, roof struts 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D and a second hoop 34, to add strength and rigidity to the roof structure 30. The longitudinal members 32A, 32B, the roof struts 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D and the second hoop 34 lie in a substantially horizontal plane. 20 Referring to FIG 5, the top contact face and the bottom face are connected together at the front 1 0A of the ROPS 10 to form an angle A of 13 degrees. In other words, the top contact face of the roof structure 30 is angled downwardly in a forward direction at an angle B of 13 degrees to a horizontal plane P. However a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the 10 angle may be varied depending on how far the roof structure 30 extends over the cab of the vehicle 40 and a height the main hoop 21 extends over the cab. Typically, the angle A formed between the top contact face and the bottom face ranges between 5 degrees and 40 degrees. Thus the top 5 contact face is angled downwardly in a forward direction at an angle B of between 5 and 40 degrees to the horizontal plane P. The angle A need not correspond to the angle B and the lower face need not be horizontal. A respective angled member 31A, 31 B is welded to each side of a top of the main hoop 21 and to an end of a respective stay 26A, 26B. 10 Alternatively, a respective angled member 31A, 31B is continuous with a respective stay 26A, 26B and welded to the top of the main hoop 21. The second hoop 34 is bent to the required shape or alternatively, the second hoop 34 may be constructed from a series of welded tubular sections. Ends of the second hoop 34 are welded to opposite sides of the 15 main hoop adjacent the top of the main hoop 21. The second hoop 34 is also connected to each angled member 31A, 31B at the front 10A of the ROPS 10. The longitudinal members 32A, 32B are connected between the second hoop 34 and the vertical members 23A, 23B. Furthermore, the roof 20 struts 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D are connected diagonally between the second hoop 34 and the vertical members 22. The support structure 20 and the roof structure 30 are further strengthened by adding gussets 36A, 36B, 28A, 28B. Gussets 36A, 36B are connected between a respective longitudinal member 32A, 32B and a 11 respective angled member 31A, 31B. In addition gussets 29A, 29B are connected between a respective vertical member 23A, 23B and a respective stay 26A, 26B. Referring to FIGS 6 and 7, in use, the ROPS 10 is connected to a 5 chassis of the vehicle 40 with the brackets 22. Brackets 22A, 22C connect to the chassis on one side of the vehicle and brackets 22B, 22D are connected to the chassis on an opposite side of the vehicle using suitable bolts. The support structure 20 extends upwardly behind a cab of the vehicle and the top contact face of the roof structure 30 is angled downwardly in a forward 10 direction towards the front 10A of the ROPS 10 and the vehicle 40. Furthermore, as shown in FIG 7, each arcuate member 21A, 21B is positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle 40. Each arcuate member 21A, 21B define a generally arcuate shape and is positioned adjacent to a side of the vehicle 40. In the event of a vehicle rollover, the arcuate members 21A, 15 21 B allow the vehicle 40 to continue to roll so that the vehicle 40 settles back on its wheels. Advantages of the present invention inlcude: 1. The ROPS 10 is less likely to dig in or plough into the ground due to the angled roof structure 30 and the provision of rounded stays 26A, 20 26B which allows the roof structure 30 to be mounted closer to the roof of the vehicle. 2. That the ROPS 10 is less likely to transfer roll-over forces to the vehicle and occupants due to the general arcuate shape of the first and second arcuate members 21A, 21B of the main hoop 21.

12 3. That the ROPS 10 has increased lateral and vertical strength due to the "truss" configuration of the support structure 20. Additionally, a ROPS 10 constructed in this manner, distributes a load more evenly and transfers the load directly to the vehicle's chassis. The 5 "truss" configuration eliminates the need for the traditional long, angled, rear stays which limit the functionality of the vehicle body. It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications made be made to the embodiment(s) described without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 10

Claims (5)

1. A roll over protection structure (ROPS) for mounting to a vehicle including: a support structure for operatively connecting the ROPS to a chassis 5 of the vehicle; and a roof structure connected to the support structure, the roof structure for positioning over a roof of the vehicle; wherein a top contact face of the roof structure is angled downwardly in a forward direction. 10

2. The roll over protection structure of claim 1 wherein the top contact face is angled down at an angle of between 5 and 40 degrees to a horizontal plane. 15

3. The roll over protection structure of claim 1 wherein the top contact face is angled down at an angle of approximately 13 degrees to a horizontal plane.

4. A roll over protection structure (ROPS) for mounting to a vehicle 20 including: a support structure for mounting to the vehicle, the support structure including a main hoop, the main hoop including: a first arcuate member for positioning adjacent a side of the vehicle; and 14 a second arcuate member for positioning adjacent an opposite side of the vehicle to the first arcuate member.

5. A roll over protection structure as substantially hereinbefore described 5 and with reference to the figures.