"A LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A STEERING MUDGUARD GROUP OF A FRONT WHEEL OF AN AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE"

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a steering mudguard group of a front wheel of an agricultural vehicle , for example a tractor or a small tractor .

[0002] In particular, in the following description, the term "agricultural vehicle" refers to those vehicles that are typically suitable for moving and operating on agricultural land; the term "tractor" refers to both agricultural tractors , and, more generally, to large machines , such as earthmoving machines derived from agricultural tractors ; in contrast the term " small tractor" refers to the type of vehicles that are typically of compact dimensions , for example used in the viticulture sector, and therefore suitable for harvesting .

[0003] In the prior art , wheeled agricultural vehicles are known comprising a front axle on which steered front wheels are mounted . On such front wheels , mounted on said steered axle , respective mudguard groups are placed . These wheels are steerable with respect to the direction of travel about a steering axis orthogonal to the direction of travel . In the present discussion, as better detailed below, the mudguard groups are steering, i . e . each mudguard group rotates with the relevant wheel thereof about the steering axis .

[0004] Known agricultural vehicles are equipped with road lights and work lights , both of which are positioned on the vehicle in such a way that they are connected to and controlled by the vehicle ' s control unit and powered through hard-wired connections to the vehicle ' s power unit .

[0005] In order to make the agricultural vehicle easily visible , a lighting device is placed on the steering mudguard group, suitable for being moved in steering, in unison with said steering mudguard group .

[0006] It is therefore particularly complex to connect , and in particular to power, said lighting device .

[0007] There is therefore a strong need to devise a solution for agricultural vehicles wherein the above issues are resolved . In other words , there is a strong need to provide a vehicle for agricultural use , the lighting device of which, mounted on a steering mudguard group, is powered and controlled in such a way that it does not hinder steering actions and is not subj ect to wear and tear or tampering or accidents during such actions .

[0008] The obj ect of the present invention is to provide a lighting device for a steering mudguard group of a front wheel of an agricultural vehicle that solves the aforementioned problems that are typical of the prior art . Speci fically, the obj ect of the present invention is to provide a lighting device able to be powered and controlled in switching on and of f without the use of electrical wires connected to the control unit and power unit of the vehicle for agricultural use .

[0009] This obj ect is achieved by the lighting device claimed in claim 1 , by the steering mudguard group claimed in claim 11 , and by the agricultural vehicle claimed in claim 16 . The claims that are dependent upon these claims describe preferred variant embodiments involving further advantageous aspects .

[0010] The features and advantages of the lighting device , the steering mudguard group and the agricultural vehicle according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description, made by way of non-limiting example according to the appended figures , wherein :

Fig . 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural vehicle which is the subj ect of the present invention;

Fig . 2a and 2b are two top views of a front portion of an agricultural vehicle , comprising a lighting device according to the present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment, comprising a pair of steering mudguard groups in a front configuration and in a steered configuration;

Fig. 3a and 3b are two front views of the front portion of the agricultural vehicle referred to in Fig. 2a and 2b, i.e. respectively comprising steering mudguard groups in a front configuration and in a steered configuration;

Fig. 4a and 4b are two perspective views of a steering mudguard group comprising a lighting device according to the present invention, in a preferred embodiment ;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the steering mudguard group in Fig. 4a and 4b;

Fig. 6a and 6b are two front and bottom views respectively of the steering mudguard group in Fig. 4a and 4b;

- Fig. 7 is a perspective view in separate parts of the steering mudguard group in Fig. 4a and 4b;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section of a portion of the steering mudguard group according to the section plane A- A of Fig. 6a, in a preferred embodiment;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view in separate parts of the lighting device which is the subject of the present invention in a preferred embodiment; Fig . 10 is a perspective view of a main body of the lighting device , in one embodiment ;

Fig . 11 is an enlarged section of a portion of the steering mudguard group according to the section plane C- C of Fig . 5 , in a preferred embodiment ;

Fig . 12a and 12b are two schematic views of the lighting device , according to two respective preferred embodiments ;

Fig . 13a, 13b and 13c are , respectively, three schematic views of the lighting device , in accordance with three di f ferent embodiments .

[0011] With reference to the above drawings , the lighting device which is the subj ect of the present invention is denoted in its entirety with the numeral 1 .

[0012] The lighting device 1 is suitable for being part of a steering mudguard group 100 of a front wheel 500 of an agricultural vehicle 900 . Preferably, the agricultural vehicle 900 is a tractor .

[0013] The agricultural vehicle 900 according to the present invention is intended to be equipped with all typical mechanical and electrical components , which will therefore only be mentioned for simplicity and clarity of presentation, but which are therefore intended to be included in all of the aspects thereof in the present discussion, since they are known to a person skilled in the art .

[0014] Preferably, the agricultural vehicle 900 extends along a longitudinal vehicle axis X-X, along the rectilinear direction of travel , a transverse vehicle axis Y-Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal vehicle axis X-X, and a vertical vehicle axis V-V, perpendicular to the longitudinal vehicle axis X-X and the transverse vehicle axis Y-Y . Preferably, the longitudinal vehicle axis X-X lies upon a centerline plane M of the agricultural vehicle 900 , whereupon, in addition, said vertical vehicle axis V-V also lies .

[0015] Therefore , in the remainder of this description, the term " front" will refer to a frontal position with respect to the vehicle ; the term "outer side" will refer to a lateral position of the vehicle facing the outer environment . Meanwhile , the term " inner side" will refer to a lateral position of the vehicle facing the centerline plane M .

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment , the agricultural vehicle 900 comprises a control unit 950 .

[0017] Preferably, the agricultural vehicle 900 comprises a cabin 920 for a user, for example open or closed . Preferably, said control unit 950 is accommodated within the cabin 920 .

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment , the agricultural vehicle 900 comprises a hood 970 suitable for holding a plurality of vehicle components and systems . Said hood 970 extends longitudinally along the longitudinal vehicle axis X-X, in front of the cabin 920 . [0019] Furthermore , the agricultural vehicle 900 comprises two front wheel groups 510 , each comprising a front wheel 500 , and a steering front axle group 910 extending along the transverse vehicle axis Y-Y and wherein at the ends thereof the two front wheel assemblies 510 are mounted, controllable in steering .

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment , each front wheel group 510 is rotatable about a steering axis W-W substantially parallel to the vertical vehicle axis V-V .

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment , the steering front axle group 910 further comprises two hubs 915 that are suitable for receiving the steering action, and each hub 915 is engaged with a front wheel group 510 .

[0022] This means that the steering front axle group 910 transmits the steering action to each front wheel group 510 by means of the hubs 915 .

[0023] Furthermore , according to the attached figures , a steering mudguard group of the agricultural vehicle 900 comprising the lighting device 1 which is the subj ect of the present invention is indicated in its entirety with

100 . [0024] Preferably, this steering mudguard group 100 is mounted on the front axle group 910 so as to shield the relevant front wheel group 510 steering therewith .

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment , such a steering mudguard group 100 engages with a relevant hub 915 .

[0026] This means that the steering action of the steering front axle group 910 is transmitted to the relevant front wheel group 510 by means of a relevant hub 915 , but at the same time also to the steering mudguard group 100 .

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment , the steering mudguard group 100 comprises a cover 101 which is suitable for shielding the front wheel 500 of the vehicle 900 and which extends longitudinally along a longitudinal mudguard axis P-P .

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment , the steering mudguard group 100 , steering with the front wheel 500 , is configurable in a front configuration and in a steered configuration .

[0029] Preferably, the steering mudguard group 100 , rotating with the front wheel 500 , is rotatable about the steering axis W-W .

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment , in the front configuration, the longitudinal mudguard axis P-P is substantially parallel to the longitudinal vehicle axis

X-X . [0031] According to a preferred embodiment , in the steered configuration, the longitudinal mudguard axis P-P is inclined with respect to the longitudinal vehicle axis X- X by a steering angle a .

[0032] In other words , the steering mudguard group 100 determines a steering angle a, i . e . the angle of rotation around the steering axis W-W starting from the front configuration, wherein the agricultural vehicle 900 has a rectilinear motion parallel to the longitudinal vehicle axis X-X, i . e . , the longitudinal mudguard axis P-P is aligned with the longitudinal vehicle axis X-X .

[0033] Preferably, starting from the front configuration, a steering angle a in a clockwise direction and a steering angle a in a counterclockwise direction are determined .

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment , the steering mudguard assembly 100 is configurable in a plurality of steered configurations , each characteri zed by a steering angle a .

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment , in the front configuration, the steering mudguard group 100 is aligned with the front wheel 500 .

[0036] The term "aligned" refers to the angle of rotation about the steering axis W-W starting from the longitudinal vehicle axis X-X being the same as that determined by the front wheel 500 and the steering mudguard group 100 .

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment , also in the steered configuration, the steering mudguard group 100 is aligned with the front wheel 500 .

[0038] According to a further preferred embodiment , the steering mudguard group 100 is aligned with the front wheel 500 from the front configuration to a steered configuration characteri zed by a predetermined steering angle a, in such a way as to prevent the steering mudguard group 100 from striking the vehicle 900 , preferably at the hood 970 . In other words , from the front configuration to a steered configuration characteri zed by a predetermined steering angle a, the steering mudguard group 100 rotates in unison with the front wheel 500 .

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment , the steering mudguard group 100 and the front wheel 500 define di f ferent angles that are determined by the relevant rotation about the steering axis W-W .

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment , the front wheel 500 , rotating about the steering axis W-W starting from the front configuration, determines an angle equal to or greater than the steering angle a determined by the steering mudguard group 100 . Preferably, it is at most greater by about 10 ° -20 ° . [0041] In other words , with respect to the front configuration, the front wheel 500 rotatable about the steering axis W-W, determining an angle of about 10 ° -20 ° greater than the steering angle a determined by the steering mudguard group 100 .

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment , the steering mudguard group 100 comprises a support group 102 suitable for engaging the steering front axle group 910 of the agricultural vehicle 900 to receive the steering action on the front wheel 500 .

[0043] Furthermore , according to a preferred embodiment , the steering mudguard group 100 comprises a frame group 103 operatively connected to the cover 101 and to the support group 102 , for supporting the cover 101 and transmitting the steering action received from the support group 102 .

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment , the steering mudguard group 100 comprises coupling means 105 for engaging the lighting device 1 with the frame group 103 .

[0045] As mentioned, the subj ect of the present invention is a lighting device 1 for a steering mudguard group 100 of a front wheel 500 of an agricultural vehicle 900 .

[0046] According to the present invention, the lighting device 1 extends along a longitudinal device axis S-S and comprises a main body 2 mountable to the steering mudguard group 100 .

[0047] In addition, the lighting device 1 comprises at least one headlight 5 suitable for proj ecting a light beam .

[0048] In accordance with the present invention, the lighting device 1 comprises a control group 3 , accommodated in the main body 2 and operatively connected to at least one headlight 5 to command it to switch on and of f .

[0049] In accordance with the invention, moreover, the lighting device 1 comprises a battery 4 accommodated in the main body 2 and suitable for powering this control group 3 .

[0050] In accordance with an embodiment , the control group 3 is suitable for communicating remotely with the control unit 950 through wireless technology .

[0051] Preferably, the term "wireless technology" refers to all those technologies for the communication of electronic devices that do not make use of wires . For example , this may be Bluetooth technology or satellite technology .

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment , the control unit 950 switches the front headlight 5 and the outer side headlight 6 , and preferably also the inner side headlight 7 , on and of f . [0053] According to a preferred embodiment , the control unit 950 adj usts the light intensity of the front headlight 5 and the outer side headlight 6 as a function of the steering angle a .

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment , the control group 3 comprises a control unit 30 suitable for controlling said at least one headlight 5 to switch on or of f , and said data transmission and reception means 31 operatively connected to the control unit 30 and suitable for communicating remotely with the control unit 950 by means of a wireless technology .

[0055] According to a further embodiment , however, the control group 3 comprises a control unit 30 suitable for controlling said at least one headlight 5 to switch on or of f .

[0056] In accordance with a preferred embodiment , the control group 3 comprises a vibration sensor 32 which is operatively connected to the control unit 30 and capable of detecting vibrations and of transmitting said information to the control unit 30 in such a way that the control unit 30 is configurable in an active configuration in which it turns on at least one headlight 5 when vibrations are detected .

[0057] This means that this vibration sensor 32 is suitable for detecting the vibrations given by the agricultural vehicle 900 , during ignition and/or in motion, and communicating with the control unit 30 to switch on the at least one headlight 5 .

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment , the main body 2 is delimited externally by a device perimeter 22 . The vibration sensor 32 is placed near said device perimeter 22 so that the range of application is the maximum to achieve optimal vibration detection .

[0059] Furthermore , according to a preferred embodiment , the vibration sensor 32 detects the absence of vibrations and communicates this information to the control unit 30 in such a way that said control unit 30 is configurable into an inactive configuration in which it controls the at least one headlight 5 to be switched of f .

[0060] This means that the vibration sensor 32 is also suitable for detecting the absence of vibrations when the agricultural vehicle 900 is turned of f , and communicating with the control unit 30 to control the at least one headlight 5 to be switched of f .

[0061] In accordance with a preferred embodiment , the lighting device 1 comprises a solar panel 40 , accommodated on the main body 2 and operatively connected to the battery 4 to power it .

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment , the lighting device 1 comprises a front headlight 5 accommodated on the main body 2 .

[0063] In addition, preferably, the lighting device 1 comprises an outer side headlight 6 accommodated on the main body 2 .

[0064] Preferably, the front headlight 5 is suitable for proj ecting a light beam along the longitudinal device axis S-S .

[0065] Preferably, the outer side headlight 6 , on the other hand, is suitable for proj ecting a light beam along a transverse device axis T-T substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal device axis S-S .

[0066] Preferably, the lighting device 1 is mounted on the cover 101 of the steering mudguard group 100 so that the longitudinal device axis S-S is parallel to the longitudinal mudguard axis P-P .

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment , in the front configuration of the steering mudguard group 100 , the front headlight 5 proj ects a light beam along the longitudinal vehicle axis X-X and the outer side headlight 6 proj ects a light beam along the transverse vehicle axis Y-Y . This means that the longitudinal mudguard axis P-P and the longitudinal device axis S-S are aligned with the longitudinal vehicle axis X-X .

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment , in the steered configuration of the steering mudguard group 100 , the front headlight 5 proj ects a light beam angled by the steering angle a with respect to the longitudinal vehicle axis X-X, and the outer side headlight 6 proj ects a light beam angled by said steering angle a with respect to the transverse vehicle axis Y-Y .

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment , the main body 2 is made of a polymer material .

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment , the main body 2 is a single hollow body, open at the bottom, and closed, in a preferably sealing manner, in engagement with the steering mudguard group 100 , preferably with the cover 101 .

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment , the cover 101 comprises an outer edge 110 , and the outer side headlight 6 is arranged near said outer edge 110 in such a way as to substantially render the maximum dimensions of the agricultural vehicle 900 along the transverse vehicle axis Y-Y distinguishable .

[0072] In accordance with a preferred embodiment , the lighting device 1 is mounted on the cover 101 so that the center of gravity G of the lighting device 1 lies on the longitudinal mudguard axis P-P of the cover 101 .

[0073] Preferably, the main body 2 is mountable to the cover 101 and fixable to the frame group 103 by the coupling means 105 of the steering mudguard group 100 , so that the cover 101 is sandwiched between the lighting device 1 and the frame group 103 .

[0074] According to one embodiment , said coupling means 105 comprise a gasket positioned between the main body 2 and the cover 101 suitable for preventing the entry of dirt and/or water into the main body 2 .

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment , the coupling means 105 comprise coupling screws 115 engaging the frame group 103 . Furthermore , through holes 150 are obtained in the cover 101 where the coupling screws 115 are accommodated .

[0076] According to a further embodiment , the main body 2 is made in one piece with the cover 101 , for example by molding .

[0077] In accordance with a preferred embodiment , the lighting device further comprises an internal side headlight 7 , which is also accommodated on the main body 2 .

[0078] Preferably, the inner side headlight 7 proj ects a beam along the transverse device axis T-T in the opposite direction from the beam proj ected by the outer side headlight 6 .

[0079] Preferably, this inner side headlight 7 faces the hood 970 of the agricultural vehicle 900 in such a way as to be operable so as to perform service operations by illuminating the region of the hood 970 in situations where desired as well as necessary lighting is not available .

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the front headlight 5 and the outer side headlight 6, preferably also the inner side headlight 7, are of the LED type.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 1 comprises a single lighting element, preferably of the LED type, accommodated on the main body 2. In such an LED-type lighting element, specific portions are identified that correspond to the front headlight 5, to the outer side headlight 6 and, preferably, also to the inner side headlight 7. In other words, the lighting element is accommodated on the main body 2 and extends in length so as to occupy a front portion and an outer side portion of said main body 2; preferably the lighting element extends in length so as to also occupy an inner side portion.

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the front headlight 5 projects a light beam with a light intensity of between 400 candelas (about 1256 lumens) and 1200 candelas (about 3768 lumens) .

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer side headlight 6 projects a light beam with a maximum light intensity equal to 140 candelas (about 439.6 lumens) , so as to emit a light beam with an intensity that is suitable for allowing simple identi fication of the agricultural vehicle 900 .

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment , the main body 2 comprises a front housing 50 and an outer side housing 60 , wherein each thereof comprises a bottom wall 55 , 65 and is suitable for accommodating, respectively, the front headlight 5 and the outer side headlight 6 . Preferably, in such a bottom wall 55 , 65 , a wall hole 55 ' , 65 ' is made for operatively connecting, preferably by means of electric wires , the control group 3 to the front headlight 5 and the outer side headlight 6 , respectively . In other words , each headlight 5 , 6 is connected to the control group 3 by means of an electric wire passing through said wall holes 55' , 65 ' obtained in the bottom walls 55 , 65 of the housings 50 , 60 of the main body 2 .

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment , the main body 2 comprises an inner side housing 70 comprising a bottom wall 75 , suitable for housing the inner side headlight 7 . Preferably, in such a bottom wall 75 a wall hole 75 ' is made for operatively connecting, preferably by means of electric wires , the control group 3 to the inner side headlight 7 .

[0086] Innovatively, the lighting device which is the subj ect of the present invention fully achieves the proposed obj ect whilst overcoming the drawbacks discussed above in reference to the prior art . Similarly, the steering mudguard group and the agricultural vehicle which are the subj ects of the present invention also fully ful fill the intended obj ect .

[0087] Advantageously, the lighting device is powered through a battery positioned in the main body of the lighting device , and is not connected to the vehicle ' s power unit .

[0088] Advantageously, the lighting device is powered and controlled to be switched on and of f without the use of electrical wires connected to the control unit and power unit of the agricultural vehicle .

[0089] Advantageously, since the lighting device is remotely controlled by the control unit through wireless technology, it is not connected by wires to the control unit . Advantageously, the headlights are operable at the driver' s discretion .

[0090] Advantageously, since the lighting device is controlled through the vibration sensor that detects vehicle vibrations when the vehicle is operated, it is not connected by wires to the control unit . Advantageously, the headlights are operated automatically upon operation of the vehicle . Advantageously, therefore , the driver is free from having to switch on the lighting device , which is suitable for turning on autonomously by detecting the vehicle ' s ignition .

[0091] Advantageously, the synergistic combination of the use of the battery for powering the lighting device , which is accommodated in the main body and which does not require the use of wires connected to the power unit , and the control group, for controlling the lighting device to switch on or of f , which does not require the use of wires connected to the control unit , avoids the presence of wires that may get in the way of steering maneuvers or wires that may be subj ect to breakage or damage during steering maneuvers .

[0092] Advantageously, the solar panel that powers the battery enables the use of green energy to support environmentally sustainable consumption .

[0093] Advantageously, the lighting device is integrable into steering mudguards of existing front wheels by virtue of the extreme ease of assembly of the components thereof . Advantageously, since there is no need to install wires connected to the power unit and/or control unit , there is no need for lighting device installation operations to be carried out in a speciali zed workshop .

[0094] To the embodiments of the lighting device , of the steering mudguard group and of the agricultural vehicle , a person skilled in the art , in order to meet speci fic needs , could make variants or replace elements with functionally equivalent ones . These variants are also contained within the scope of protection as def ined by the following claims . Moreover, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be implemented independently of the other variants described .