Steering mudguard system

Abstract

The invention is a steering mudguard system (1) for a front wheel (500) of an agricultural vehicle (900). The steering mudguard system (1) is suitable for steering in unison with the wheel (500) comprising: - a mudguard (2) suitable for shielding the wheel (500); - a frame assembly (3) operatively connected to the mudguard (2); - a base assembly (4) suitable for engaging the front steering axle system (910) of the vehicle; - a connection assembly (5) suitable for connecting the frame assembly (3) and the base assembly (4) comprising a tubular member (6), in a single hollow body, which extends comprising a base end segment (61), engaged with the base assembly (4), an intermediate segment (62) and a frame end segment (63), engaged with the frame assembly (3); Said intermediate segment (62) has a round section. Said base end segment (61) has a polygonal section; and / or said frame end segment (63) has a polygonal section.

Description

" STEERING MUDGUARD SYSTEM"DESCRIPTIONField of Application

[0001] The present invention concerns a steering mudguard system for a front wheel of an agricultural vehicle.

[0002] By "agricultural vehicles" are meant earthmoving machines, but especially tractors and also small tractors.

[0003] In the field of agricultural vehicles, the use is known of mudguard systems for the support of mudguards, which allow the wheels of agricultural vehicles to be shielded and to prevent the dispersion of soil, stones or debris in the surrounding space.

[0004] In the prior art, fixed mudguard system solutions are also known, that is, coupled to a wheel in a position above it, in which the position of the mudguard system is maintained over time regardless of the steering angle of the wheel.

[0005] Also known are embodiments of steering mudguard systems, that is, suitable for moving in a relative position that is a function of the steering angle of the wheel to which they are coupled.

[0006] A typical issue of mudguard systems, and in particular of known steering mudguard systems, is relatedto the modes of supporting the mudguard to the frame, and in particular, to a front steering axle system of the agricultural vehicle. In the state of the art, there are indeed known solutions of mudguard systems of complex implementation, with bulky dimensions and high weight. Solution of the Invention

[0007] There is therefore a strongly felt need to provide a mudguard system capable of overcoming the typical drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a mudguard system capable of effectively adapting to the movements of the wheel, resulting in a simple implementation and possibly with limited dimensions and weight.

[0009] This need is satisfied by a mudguard system as claimed in independent claim 1. The claims dependent thereon describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention, involving further advantageous aspects. Description of the Drawings

[0010] The features and advantages of the mudguard system will nonetheless become evident from the description given below of some preferred embodiments, provided by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:Figure 1 shows an agricultural vehicle comprising asteering mudguard system in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment;Figures 2A and 2B show two front views of the front part of an agricultural vehicle, respectively straight and steered;Figures 3A and 3B show two top views of figures 2A and 2B;Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the mudguard system which is the subject of the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment;Figure 5 shows an axonometric view of the assembled mudguard system which is the subject of the present invention.Detailed Description

[0011] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, reference number 900 overall denotes an agricultural vehicle.

[0012] Preferably, the agricultural vehicle 900 is a tractor.

[0013] Preferably, the agricultural vehicle 900 is a small tractor.

[0014] Reference number 500 denotes a front wheel of said vehicle. Preferably, the wheel 500 is single or is twinned.

[0015] Furthermore, reference number 910 denotes afront steering axle system comprised in the vehicle 900.

[0016] Said wheel 500 is engaged with said front steering axle system 910 and is controlled in steering by it.

[0017] Reference number 1 denotes a steering mudguard system which is the subject of the present invention.

[0018] In accordance with the present invention, the steering mudguard system 1 comprises a mudguard 2, suitable for shielding the wheel 500, included.

[0019] Preferably, therefore, the mudguard 2 is a shield suitable for shielding the material lifted by the wheel 500.

[0020] Preferably, the mudguard 2 has a substantially curvilinear trend.

[0021] Preferably, the mudguard 2 is made of a plastic material, for example is made of polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0022] In accordance with the invention, the steering mudguard system 1 comprises a frame assembly 3, operatively connected to the mudguard 2.

[0023] Preferably, the frame assembly 3 is suitable for supporting and reinforcing the mudguard 2.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame assembly 3 is shaped to replicate the curvilinear shape of the mudguard 2, for example by extending in acurvilinear manner in turn.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame assembly 3 comprises a frame beam 31.

[0026] Preferably, said frame beam 31 is curvilinear and the mudguard 2 rests on said frame beam 31.

[0027] Preferably, said frame beam 31 is made of a metallic material, for example steel, preferably construction steel S235 S335.

[0028] In accordance with the invention, the steering mudguard system 1 comprises a base assembly 4, suitable for engaging the front steering axle system 910 to receive the steering action.

[0029] In particular, the base assembly 4 is mountable to the front steering axle system 910, in particular to its components directly engaged to the wheel 500 in such a way as to steer with them, and with the wheel 500 itself.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the base assembly 4 is positioned in such a way as to rotate correspondingly to the steering axis.

[0031] In accordance with the invention, the steering mudguard system 1 comprises a connection assembly 5 suitable for connecting the frame assembly 3 to the base assembly 4.

[0032] In accordance with the present invention, theconnection assembly 5 comprises a tubular member 6.

[0033] According to the present invention, the tubular member 6 is a single hollow body.

[0034] In accordance with the present invention, the tubular member 6 extends comprising a base end segment 61, engaged with the base assembly 4, an intermediate segment 62 and a frame end segment 63, engaged with the frame assembly 3.

[0035] In accordance with the present invention, the tubular member 6 is a single hollow body.

[0036] In accordance with the present invention, the base end segment 61 has a polygonal section.

[0037] Preferably, the base end segment 61 has a rectangular section.

[0038] Preferably, the base end segment 61 has a square section.

[0039] Preferably, the base end segment 61 has a triangular section.

[0040] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the frame end segment 63 has a polygonal section.

[0041] Preferably, the frame end segment 63 has a rectangular section.

[0042] Preferably, the frame end segment 63 has a square section.

[0043] Preferably, the frame end segment 63 has atriangular section.

[0044] According to the present invention, the intermediate segment 62 has a round section.

[0045] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, also the end segment, which is not of polygonal shape, if present, has a round section like the intermediate segment 62.

[0046] Preferably, the tubular member 6 comprises at least one, preferably two, bending folds 629.

[0047] Preferably, each bending fold 629 defines an angle between 45° and 90°.

[0048] Preferably, said bending folds 629 are comprised in the intermediate segment 62.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the tubular member 6 is made of a metallic material, for example steel, preferably construction steel S235 S335.

[0050] Preferably, the tubular member 6 is an extruded member with round, or circular, section, subsequently machined in the base end segment 61 and / or in the frame end segment 63 to make it of polygonal shape.

[0051] In this manner, the bending folds 629 can be made in the intermediate segment 62.

[0052] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the polygonal shape of the base end segment 61 and / or of the frame end segment 63 is obtained by means of cold plasticdeformation operations.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the tubular member 6, at the base end segment 61, comprises a flat face 612, suitable for engaging the base assembly 4.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the tubular member 6, at the frame end segment 63, comprises a flat face suitable for engaging the frame assembly 3.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the connection assembly 5 comprises a reinforcing section bar 7 suitable for being housed in the tubular member 6 at the base end segment 61.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing section bar 7 has a section complementary to the recess at the base end segment 61.

[0057] That is to say, the reinforcing section bar 7 is suitable for being housed inside the base end segment 61 engaging the outer walls which define its central cavity, in such a way as to prevent possible crushing.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing section bar 7 has a U-shaped profile.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing section bar 7 has an X-shaped profile.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing section bar 7 has a T-shaped profile.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, thereinforcing section bar 7 has a polygonal section preferably square.

[0062] Preferably, the reinforcing section bar 7 is made of a metallic material, for example steel, preferably construction steel S235 S335.

[0063] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the connection assembly 5 comprises a reinforcing section bar suitable for being housed in the tubular member 6 at the frame end segment 63.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the tubular member 6 comprises a plurality of base tubular-member through-holes 611 at the base end segment 61.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, said base tubular-member through-holes 611 have a circular shape.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, said base tubular-member through-holes 611 have a polygonal shape.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, said base tubular-member through-holes 611 have an elongated shape, for example a buttonhole shape.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing section bar 7 comprises a plurality of section bar through-holes 7 '.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, said section bar through-holes 7 ' have a circular shape.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, saidsection bar through-holes 7 ' have a polygonal shape.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, said section bar through-holes 7 ' have an elongated shape, for example a slotted shape.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the connection assembly 5 comprises a base coupling group 8.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the base coupling group 8 is suitable for clamping the base end segment 61 to the base assembly 4.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the base coupling group 8 comprises elongated base elements 81 which cross said base tubular-member through-holes 611.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, said elongated base elements 81 also cross said section bar through-holes 7 '.

[0076] Preferably, said elongated base elements 81 are threaded screws.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the base assembly 4 comprises a vertical surface 41, suitable for engaging the tubular member 6 at the base end segment 61, preferably engaging the flat face 612.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the vertical surface 41 comprises a plurality of surface through-holes 411.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, said surface through-holes 411 have a circular shape.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, saidsurface through-holes 411 have a polygonal shape.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment, said surface through-holes 411 have an elongated shape, for example a slotted shape. Preferably, said surface through-holes 411 have a curvilinear shape.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the tubular member 6 comprises a flange 633, positioned at the frame end segment 63, which extends on an imaginary plane I, substantially orthogonal to the extension direction of the frame end segment 63.

[0083] Preferably, said flange 633 is made of the same material as the tubular member 6.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the tubular member 6 has a plurality of frame tubular-member through-holes 631 at the frame end segment 63.

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment, said frame tubular-member through-holes 631 have a circular shape.

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment, said frame tubular-member through-holes 631 have a polygonal shape.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, said frame tubular-member through-holes 631 have an elongated shape, for example a slotted shape.

[0088] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said frame tubular-member through-holes 631 are made on the flange 633.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the connection assembly 5 comprises a frame coupling group 9.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the frame coupling group 9 is suitable for clamping the frame end segment 63 to the frame assembly 3.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the frame coupling group 9 comprises elongated frame elements 91 which cross said frame tubular-member through-holes 631.

[0092] Preferably, said elongated frame elements 91 are threaded screws.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the frame assembly 3 has a plurality of frame through-holes 311 at the point of engagement with the frame end segment 63.

[0094] According to a preferred embodiment, said frame through-holes 311 have a circular shape.

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment, said frame through-holes 311 have a polygonal shape.

[0096] According to a preferred embodiment, said frame through-holes 311 have an elongated shape, for example a slotted shape.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated base elements 81, in the engagement between the base end segment 61 of the tubular member 6 and the base assembly 4, are inserted inside the plurality of base tubularmember through-holes 611, the plurality of section barthrough-holes 7 ', and the plurality of surface through-holes 411.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the base coupling group 8 comprises base bolt elements 82, suitable for engaging the elongated base elements 81 in the engagement between the base end segment 61 of the tubular member 6 and the base assembly 4.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated frame elements 91, in the engagement between the frame end segment 63 of the tubular member 6 and the frame assembly 3, are inserted inside the plurality of frame tubularmember through-holes 631 and the plurality of frame through-holes 311.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the frame coupling group 9 comprises frame bolt elements 92, suitable for engaging the elongated frame elements 91 in the engagement between the frame end segment 63 of the tubular member 6 and the frame assembly 3.

[0101] Innovatively, the steering mudguard system which is the subject of the present invention fully fulfils the object of the present invention.

[0102] Advantageously, the steering mudguard system of the present invention is light and modular.

[0103] Advantageously, the connection assembly is suitable for effectively and extremely robustly engagingthe base assembly.

[0104] Advantageously, the vertical surface of the base assembly allows a simple and effective engagement between the base assembly and the connection assembly.

[0105] Advantageously, the flat face of the tubular member allows a strong engagement between the tubular member and the base assembly and / or the frame assembly, with a homogeneous distribution of the stresses.

[0106] Advantageously, the polygonal section of the end segment allows a homogeneous distribution of the stresses.

[0107] Advantageously, the reinforcing section bar increases the solidity of the polygonal end segment in a simple and effective manner.

[0108] Advantageously, the base fastening assembly and the frame fastening assembly allow a simple, strong and effective assembly of the mudguard system.

[0109] Advantageously, the tubular member is designable according to requirements, for example the dimensions of the mudguard and / or the spaces present on the vehicle.

[0110] Advantageously, the tubular member is shapeable in a simple and intuitive manner so as to engage the frame assembly and the mudguard in a position corresponding to the centre of gravity. Advantageously,the curvilinear section of the tubular member allows making the bending folds positioned as needed so as to engage the frame assembly in a position that allows minimal imbalances and prevents the generation of stresses inside the frame assembly and the tubular member themselves.

[0111] It is clear that, to the embodiments of the aforementioned mudguard system, a skilled person in the art, in order to meet specific needs, could make changes or replacements of elements with others functionally equivalent.

[0112] Such variants are also included within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims. Furthermore, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented independently of the other variants described.Reference Numbers

[0113] 1 steering mudguard system2 mudguard3 frame assembly31 frame beam311 frame through-holes4 base assembly41 vertical surface411 surface through-holes5 connection assembly6 tubular member61 base end segment611 base tubular-member through-holes 612 flat face62 intermediate segment629 bending folds63 frame end segment633 flange631 frame tubular-member through-holes 7 reinforcing section bar7 ' section bar through-holes8 base coupling group81 elongated base elements82 base bolt elements9 frame coupling group91 elongated frame elements 92 frame bolt elements500 front wheel900 agricultural vehicle910 front steering axle system I imaginary plane

Claims

CLAIMS1. A steering mudguard system (1) for a front wheel (500) of an agricultural vehicle (900), which comprises a front steering axle system (910) suitable for supporting and steering said front wheel (500), wherein the steering mudguard system (1) is suitable for steering in unison with the wheel (500) comprising:- a mudguard (2) suitable for shielding the wheel (500); - a frame assembly (3) operatively connected to the mudguard (2);- a base assembly (4) suitable for engaging the front steering axle system (910) to receive the steering action;- a connection assembly (5) suitable for connecting the frame assembly (3) and the base assembly (4) comprising a tubular member (6), in a single hollow body, which extends comprising a base end segment (61), engaged with the base assembly (4), an intermediate segment (62) and a frame end segment (63), engaged with the frame assembly (3);wherein said intermediate segment (62) has a round section;wherein the base end segment (61) has a polygonal section;and / orwherein the frame end segment (63) has a polygonal section.

2. Steering mudguard system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base end segment (61) comprises a flat face (612) suitable for engaging the base assembly (4) and / or the frame end segment (63) comprises a flat face suitable for engaging the frame assembly (3).

3. Steering mudguard system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection assembly (5) comprises a reinforcing section bar (7), suitable for being housed in the tubular member (6) at the base end segment (61) and / or suitable for being housed in the tubular member (6) at the frame end segment (63).

4. Steering mudguard system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcing section bar (7) has a section complementary to the polygonal section recess present in the base end segment (61) and / or in the frame end segment (63).

5. Steering mudguard system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base end segment (61) comprises a plurality of base tubular-member through-holes (611), wherein the connection assembly (5) comprises a base coupling group (8) suitable for clamping the base end segment (61) to the base assembly (4),comprising elongated base elements (81) which cross said base tubular-member through-holes (611).

6. Steering mudguard system (1) according to claim 5 and any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the reinforcing section bar (7) comprises a plurality of section bar through-holes (7 ' ), wherein said elongated base elements (81) also cross said section bar through-holes (7 ' ).

7. Steering mudguard system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base assembly (4) comprises a vertical surface (41), suitable for engaging the tubular member (6) at the base end segment (61), wherein the vertical surface (41) comprises a plurality of surface through-holes (411).

8. Steering mudguard system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame end segment (63) comprises a plurality of frame tubularmember through-holes (631), wherein the steering mudguard system (1) comprises a frame coupling group (9), suitable for clamping the frame end segment (63) to the frame assembly (3), comprising elongated frame elements (91), which cross said frame tubular-member through-holes (631).

9. Steering mudguard system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the frame assembly (3) has a plurality of frame through-holes (311), positioned in a central regionof the frame assembly (3), at the point of engagement with the frame end segment (63).

10. Steering mudguard system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame end segment (63) comprises a flange (633), which extends on an imaginary plane (I), substantially orthogonal to the extension direction of the frame end segment (63).

11. Steering mudguard system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate segment (62) comprises at least one, preferably at least two, bending folds (629).

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