GB2609255A

GB2609255A - A roll cage and a vehicle comprising a roll cage

Info

Publication number: GB2609255A
Application number: GB2110781.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Siddall Jeremy
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-27
Filing date: 2021-07-27
Publication date: 2023-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 2041-07-27
Also published as: GB202110781D0; GB2609255B; WO2023006824A2; WO2023006824A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roll cage 200 for a vehicle (1, figure1), comprising: a front dash bar 202, a first member 204, a second member 206; wherein the first member and the second member are mounted at one end to the front dash bar, and are mountable at another end to a floor of the vehicle, wherein each of the first and second members comprise at least a first portion 210, 212 which is inclined downwardly and rearwardly relative to the front dash bar, wherein at least one of the first member and the second member are connected to gear selector apparatus mounting means for mounting a gear selector apparatus (400, figure 4) on at least one of the first portions of the first member and the second member. The roll cage may also comprise a steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224 with a curved section 226, which in use curves behind a steering wheel, and a straight section 228. Left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles may be provided for by mounting the curved section to either the left or the right.

Description

A ROLL CAGE AND A VEHICLE COMPRISING A ROLL CAGE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a roll cage and a vehicle comprising a roll cage. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to a roll cage and a vehicle comprising a roll cage in motorsport.

BACKGROUND

In vehicles made or adapted for motorsport, the standard fixtures and fittings for user controls including a gear selector, an infotainment system, and items located close to the steering wheel such as a speedometer, are not provided to save weight.

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

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a roll cage and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a roll cage for a vehicle, comprising: a front dash bar, a first member, a second member; wherein the first member and the second member are mounted at one end to the front dash bar, and are mountable at another end to a floor of the vehicle, wherein each of the first member and the second member comprise at least a first portion which is inclined downwardly and rearwardly relative to the front dash bar, wherein at least one of the first member and the second member are connected to gear selector apparatus mounting means for mounting a gear selector apparatus on at least one of the first portions of the first member and the second member.

This provides the advantage the gear selector apparatus can be brought rearwards compared to if it was mounted on a surface of the vehicle. This makes it easier for the driver to access the gear selector without having to move their arm forwards significantly, which is particularly important in motorsport, where the driver may be strapped in using a harness and so cannot move forwards easily in their seat. Therefore this improves the positioning of driving controls for a driver.

Optionally, each of the first member and the second member may comprise a second portion which is inclined upwardly and rearwardly relative to the front dash bar.

Optionally, each of the first member and second member comprise a transition portion, wherein each transition portion transitions from being inclined upwards relative to the front dash bar to being inclined downwards relative to the front dash bar, wherein the transition portion of the first member connects the first portion and the second portion of the first member, wherein the transition portion of the second member connects the first portion and the second portion of the second member.

This provides the advantage that an infotainment display can be placed in a desired location over the top of the first member and the second member whilst still being able to mount the first member and the second member to the front dash bar 202. The angle of the first member and second member allows a single floor mounting means, which can join the first member and the second member, to be mounted on the transmission tunnel of the vehicle, which is part of the floor of the vehicle.

Optionally, the roll cage may comprise the gear selector apparatus, mounted to the inclined first portions of the first member and the second member.

Optionally, the gear selector apparatus may comprise an actuator for controlling an electronic switch, wherein the electronic switch is configured to cause a change in the transmission mode of the vehicle.

Optionally, the gear selector apparatus mounting means may comprise one or more brackets.

Optionally, the gear selector mounting means may comprise a third member connected at a first end to the first member and at a second end to the second member, wherein at least one of the one or more brackets is provided on the third member.

Optionally, the first member is connected to a first longitudinal hoop of the roll cage by a first connecting member, and the second member is connected to a second longitudinal hoop of the roll cage by a second connecting member.

Optionally the first member and the second member are joined by a single floor mounting means for mounting to the floor of the vehicle.

Optionally, the roll cage may comprise a steering wheel and dashboard mounting member, comprising a curved section which curves around the back of a steering wheel of the vehicle when the roll cage is installed within the vehicle, and a straight portion for mounting one or more dashboard apparatus, wherein the straight portion extends transversely over the top of the first member and the second member.

Optionally, the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member is configured to be changed between a left-hand drive configuration and a right-hand drive configuration by mounting the curved section in either the left-hand drive position or the right-hand drive position.

This provides the advantage that the same member can be used for different types of vehicle and/or required driving configuration and can be easily interchanged between being mounted in a left-hand drive vehicle and a right-hand drive vehicle whilst also enabling the mounting of different vehicle accessories.

Optionally, the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member is mounted to the first member and second member.

Optionally, the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member is mounted at a first end to a first auxiliary pillar member and is mounted at a second end to a second auxiliary pillar member.

Optionally, one or more accessory mounting means are provided on the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member.

Optionally, a vehicle infotainment screen is mounted on one of the accessory mounting means Optionally, a shelf is mountable on the straight portion of the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member.

Optionally, the roll cage may comprise a steering wheel mount, wherein the curved section of the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member is mounted to the steering column mount.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the roll cage of any preceding paragraph.

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 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

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 depicts an example vehicle; FIG. 2 depicts part of an example roll cage for a vehicle; FIG. 3 depicts an example roll cage for a vehicle; FIG. 4 depicts part of an example roll cage for a vehicle; FIG. 5 depicts part of an example roll cage for a vehicle; and FIG. 6 depicts part of an example roll cage for a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle 1 in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the vehicle 1 is a passenger vehicle, also referred to as a passenger car or as an automobile. In other examples, embodiments of the invention can be implemented for other applications, such as commercial vehicles.

FIG 1 is a front perspective view and illustrates a longitudinal x-axis between the front and rear of the vehicle 1 representing a centreline, an orthogonal lateral y-axis between left and right lateral sides of the vehicle 1, and a vertical z-axis. A forward direction typically faced by a driver's seat is in the positive x-direction; rearward is -x. A rightward direction as seen from the driver's seat is in the positive y-direction; leftward is -y. An upward direction as seen from the driver's seat is in the positive z-direction; a downward direction as seen from the driver's seat is in the negative z-direction.

The vehicle 1 can comprise any appropriate torque source for delivering tractive torque to vehicle wheels. For example, the vehicle 1 can comprise an electric traction motor. Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle 1 can comprise an internal combustion engine. The vehicle 1 may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, an internal combustion engine vehicle, or similar.

A roll cage 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying FIG. 2.

With reference to FIG. 2, which depicts part of the example roll cage 200, the roll cage 200 comprises a front dash bar 202, a first member 204, a second member 206. The first member 204 and the second member 206 are mounted at one end to the front dash bar 202 and are mountable at another end to a floor of the vehicle 1. In this example the first member 204 and the second member 206 are mountable to the floor of the vehicle 1 with single floor mounting means 208, which comprises a single bracket that joins the first member 204 and the second member 206. Each of the first member 204 and the second member 206 comprise at least a first portion 210, 212 which is inclined downwardly and rearwardly relative to the front dash bar 202. As stated above, the downward direction is in the negative z-direction, and the rearward direction is in the negative x-direction.

The front dash bar 202 is provided at the front of the roll cage 200, so that it is situated at the front of the vehicle 1, i.e. in the positive x-direction as seen from the driver's seat, when the roll cage 200 is installed within the vehicle 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a steering column mount 214 is provided in the vicinity of the front dash bar 202, also in the positive x-direction as seen from the driver's seat.

At least one of the first member 204 and the second member 206 are connected to gear selector apparatus mounting means for mounting a gear selector apparatus on at least one of the inclined first portions 210, 212 of the first member 204 and the second member 206.

Each of the first member 204 and the second member 206 comprise a second portion 216, 218 which is inclined upwardly and rearwardly relative to the front dash bar 202.

Each of the first member 204 and the second member 206 comprise a transition portion 220, 222. Each transition portion 220, 222 transitions from being inclined upwards relative to the front dash bar 202 to being inclined downwards relative to the front dash bar 202. The transition portion 220 of the first member 204 connects the first portion 210 and the second portion 216 of the first member 204. The transition portion 222 of the second member 206 connects the first portion 212 and the second portion 218 of the second member 206. By providing the first member 204 and the second member 206 with transition portions 220, 222, this can enable an infotainment display to be placed in a desired location over the top of the first member 204 and the second member 206 whilst still being able to mount the first member 204 and the second member 206 to the front dash bar 202. The angle of the first member 204 and second member 206 allows the single floor mounting means 208 to be mounted on the transmission tunnel of the vehicle 1, which is part of the floor of the vehicle 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the roll cage 200 additionally comprises a steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224. The steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224 comprises a curved section 226 and a straight portion 228. The curved portion 226 curves around the back of a steering wheel of the vehicle 1 when the steering wheel is mounted on the steering column mount 214. The straight portion 228 enables mounting of one or more dashboard apparatus. The straight portion 228 extends transversely over the top of the first member 204 and the second member 206.

The steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224 can be changed between a left-hand drive configuration and a right-hand drive configuration by mounting the curved section 226 in either the left-hand drive position or the right-hand drive position of the roll cage 200. The steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224 is mounted at a first end to a first auxiliary pillar member 230 and is mounted at a second end to a second auxiliary pillar member 232. By providing the steering wheel and dashboard mounting 224 member which is interchangeable between a left-hand drive configuration and a right-hand drive configuration, this enables the same member to be used for different types of vehicle and/or required driving configuration and can be easily interchanged between being mounted in a left-hand drive vehicle and a right-hand drive vehicle whilst also enabling the mounting of different vehicle accessories.

The steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224 is mounted to the first member 204 and the second member 206. The steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224 is mounted to the steering column mount 214.

FIG. 3 illustrates the example roll cage 200 for installation in a vehicle 1. As depicted in FIG. 3, the first member 204 is connected to a first longitudinal hoop 302 of the roll cage 200 by a first connecting member 304 and the second member 206 is connected to a second longitudinal hoop 306 of the roll cage 200 by a second connecting member 308.

The roll cage 200, in this example, is dimensioned according to a body of a vehicle 1. For example, the roll cage 200 can be dimensioned to facilitate installation within a cabin of the vehicle 1, substantially spanning this space.

In some examples the roll cage 200 is configured to mount to vehicle 1 at multiple locations. For example, the roll cage 200 can comprise sets of front feet 322L,R, mid feet 312L,R, and rear feet 362L, R, which are, in some examples, respectively positioned to enable fastening at the vehicle's A-pillar, B-pillar, and C-pillar. The feet provide suitable mating surfaces. Other mounting locations can be provided on the roll cage 200.

As depicted in FIG. 3, a rear hoop 310 can extend between the mid feet 312L, 312R.

On a leftward lateral side of the roll cage 200, the first longitudinal hoop 302 can extend between a front foot 322L and the rear hoop 310.

Door bars 350L-1, 350L-2 can provide bracing in the space between the first longitudinal hoop 302 and the rear hoop 310.

A junction between the first longitudinal hoop 302 and the rear hoop 310 is formed further from the mid foot 312L than junctions between the door bars 350L-1, 350L-2 and the rear hoop 310.

In some examples, there are three rear stays on the leftward lateral side.

An upper one of three rear stays on the leftward lateral side, hereinafter referenced as the left upper rear stay 360L, extends between the rear hoop 310 and a rear foot 362L. In some examples the left upper rear stay 360L forms a junction with rear hoop 310 opposing the junction formed between the first longitudinal hoop 302 and the rear hoop 310 to provide a three-way intersection 314L in the roll cage's frame.

A middle one of the three rear stays on the leftward lateral side, hereinafter referenced as the left mid rear stay 370L, extends between the rear hoop 310 and the left upper rear stay 360L, forming a junction with the left upper rear stay 360L just above the rear foot 362L. In some examples the left mid rear stay 370L forms a juncfion with rear hoop 310 opposing the junction formed between one of the door bars 350L-1 and the rear hoop 310 to provide a three-way intersection 316L in the roll cage's frame.

A lower one of the three rear stays on the leftward lateral side, hereinafter referenced as the left lower rear stay 380L, extends between the rear hoop 310 and the left upper rear stay 360L, forming a junction with the left upper rear stay 360L just above the rear foot 362L and just below the junction between the left upper and left mid rear stays 360L, 370L. In some examples the left lower rear stay 380L forms a junction with rear hoop 310 opposing the junction formed between another of the door bars 350L-2 and the rear hoop 310 to provide a three-way intersection 318L in the roll cage's frame.

On a rightward lateral side of the roll cage 200, a second longitudinal hoop 306 can extend between a front foot 322R and the rear hoop 310.

Door bars 350R-1, 350R-2 can provide bracing in the space between the second longitudinal hoop 306 and the rear hoop 310.

A junction between the second longitudinal hoop 306 and the rear hoop 310 is formed further from the mid foot 312R than junctions between the door bars 350R-1, 350R-2 and the rear hoop 310.

In some examples, there are three rear stays on the rightward lateral side.

An upper one of three rear stays on the rightward lateral side, hereinafter referenced as the right upper rear stay 360R, extends between the rear hoop 310 and a rear foot 362R. In some examples the right upper rear stay 360R forms a junction with rear hoop 310 opposing the junction formed between the second longitudinal hoop 306 and the rear hoop 310 to provide a three-way intersection (obscured in the FIGS) in the roll cage's frame.

A middle one of the three rear stays on the rightward lateral side, hereinafter referenced as the right mid rear stay 370R, extends between the rear hoop 310 and the right upper rear stay 360R, forming a junction with the right upper rear stay 360R just above the rear foot 362R. In some examples the right mid rear stay 370R forms a junction with rear hoop 310 opposing the junction formed between one of the door bars 350R-1 and the rear hoop 310 to provide a three-way intersection 316R in the roll cage's frame.

A lower one of the three rear stays on the rightward lateral side, hereinafter referenced as the right lower rear stay 380R, extends between the rear hoop 310 and the right upper rear stay 360R, forming a junction with the right upper rear stay 360R just above the rear foot 362R and just below the junction between the right upper and right mid rear stays 360R, 370R. In some examples the right lower rear stay 380R forms a junction with rear hoop 310 opposing the junction formed between another of the door bars 350R-2 and the rear hoop 310 to provide a three-way intersection 318R in the roll cage's frame.

The front dash bar 202 and a roof bar 340 can extend between the first and second longitudinal hoops 302, 306.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict the gear selector apparatus 400 which can be mounted to the inclined first portions 210, 212 of the first member 204 and the second member 206.

In this example, the gear selector apparatus mounting means comprises a third member 402 connected at a first end to the first member 204 and at a second end to the second member 206. The mounting means also comprises brackets 404, 406, 408, 410. In this example, brackets 404, 406 are provided on the third member 402. The gear selector apparatus mounting means is for mounting a gear selector apparatus 400 on at least one of the inclined first portions 210, 212 of the first member 204 and the second member 206.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the gear selector apparatus 400 comprises four corresponding brackets three of which are shown as 412, 414, 416 which correspondingly mate with the brackets 404, 406, 408, 410. The gear selector apparatus 400 can be mounted by attaching fastening means between the corresponding mating pairs of brackets.

An actuator for controlling an electronic switch can be provided on the surface 500. The electronic switch can be provided in the gear selector apparatus 500, and is configured to cause a change in the transmission mode of the vehicle 1. For example, the actuator can comprise a gear selector, which is connected to the electronic switch. The electronic switch sends a signal which can be used by the vehicle 1 to cause a change in the transmission mode, for example a change from a drive mode to a park mode, or to a reverse mode, or to a neutral mode. In other examples there may be more or less transmission modes. In some examples, the actuator and the electronic switch can enable a manual change of gears of a transmission.

By providing a gear selector apparatus 400 on the inclined portions 210, 212 of the first member 204 and the second member 206, this enables the gear selector apparatus 400 to be brought rearwards compared to if it was mounted on a surface of the vehicle 1. This makes it easier for the driver to access the gear selector without having to move their arm forwards significantly, which is particularly important in motorsport, where the driver may be strapped in using a harness and so cannot move forwards easily in their seat.

FIG. 5 also depicts mounting parts 510, 520 for mounting the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224 on the first member 204 and the second member 206.

FIG. 6 illustrates the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224. FIG. 6 illustrates accessory mounting means 602, 604, 606. Accessory mounting means 602, 604 are provided on the curved portion 226 and accessories relating to vehicle sensors such as a speedometer or other devices providing information to the driver can be mounted on these. The accessory mounting means 606 is a bracket and is provided on the straight portion 228. This is be used for mounting an infotainment screen in this example. A shelf can be mounted on the straight portion 228 of the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224 next to the location of the mounting means 606 either by an additional mounting means provided on the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224 not shown or by mounting means provided on the shelf.

FIG. 6 also depicts a first end 608 and a second end 610 of the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224, which are used to mount to the first auxiliary pillar member 230 and the second auxiliary pillar member 232.

The steering wheel and dashboard mounting member 224 therefore provide a modular system for mounting vehicle accessories which enables different steering wheel and dashboard layouts to be installed.

Throughout the examples, reference has been made to different members. It is to be understood that these members could be made of a single item or could be composed of multiple parts that form the member.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A roll cage for a vehicle, comprising: a front dash bar, a first member, a second member; wherein the first member and the second member are mounted at one end to the front dash bar, and are mountable at another end to a floor of the vehicle, wherein each of the first member and the second member comprise at least a first portion which is inclined downwardly and rearwardly relative to the front dash bar, wherein at least one of the first member and the second member are connected to gear selector apparatus mounting means for mounting a gear selector apparatus on at least one of the first portions of the first member and the second member.
2. A roll cage as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first member and the second member comprise a second portion which is inclined upwardly and rearwardly relative to the front dash bar.
3. A roll cage as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the first member and second member comprise a transition portion, wherein each transition portion transitions from being inclined upwards relative to the front dash bar to being inclined downwards relative to the front dash bar, wherein the transition portion of the first member connects the first portion and the second portion of the first member, wherein the transition portion of the second member connects the first portion and the second portion of the second member.
4. A roll cage as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the roll cage comprises the gear selector apparatus, mounted to the inclined first portions of the first member and the second member.
5. A roll cage as claimed in claim 4, wherein the gear selector apparatus comprises an actuator for controlling an electronic switch, wherein the electronic switch is configured to cause a change in the transmission mode of the vehicle.
6. A roll cage as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gear selector apparatus mounting means comprise one or more brackets.
7. A roll cage as claimed in claim 6, wherein the gear selector mounting means comprises a third member connected at a first end to the first member and at a second end to the second member, wherein at least one of the one or more brackets is provided on the third member.
8. A roll cage as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first member is connected to a first longitudinal hoop of the roll cage by a first connecting member, and wherein the second member is connected to a second longitudinal hoop of the roll cage by a second connecting member.
9. A roll cage as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first member and the second member are joined by a single floor mounting means for mounting to the floor of the vehicle.
10. A roll cage as claimed in any preceding claim, additionally comprising a steering wheel and dashboard mounting member, comprising a curved section which curves around the back of a steering wheel of the vehicle when the roll cage is installed within the vehicle, and a straight portion for mounting one or more dashboard apparatus, wherein the straight portion extends transversely over the top of the first member and the second member.
11. A roll cage as claimed in claim 10, wherein the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member is configured to be changed between a left-hand drive configuration and a right-hand drive configuration by mounting the curved section in either the left-hand drive position or the right-hand drive position.
12. A roll cage as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member is mounted to the first member and second member.
13. A roll cage as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member is mounted at a first end to a first auxiliary pillar member, and is mounted at a second end to a second auxiliary pillar member.
14. A roll cage as claimed in any of claims 10 to 13, wherein one or more accessory mounting means are provided on the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member.
15. A roll cage as claimed in claim 14, wherein a vehicle infotainment screen is mounted on one of the accessory mounting means.
16. A roll cage as claimed in claim 1401 15, wherein a shelf is mountable on the straight portion of the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member.
17. A roll cage as claimed in any of claims 10 to 16, wherein the roll cage comprises a steering wheel mount, wherein the curved section of the steering wheel and dashboard mounting member is mounted to the steering column mount.
18. A vehicle comprising the roll cage of any preceding claim.