Motorized hand-pushed vehicle

Abstract

A motorized hand-pushed vehicle which comprises a supporting frame (2) provided, in a lower region, with wheels (3), which can rotate about their respective axes and at least one of which is functionally connected to motor means (4), which are electrically connected to electric power supply means (6); at least one respective suspension (8) is interposed between at least one of the wheels (3) and the supporting frame (2); the suspension (8) comprises safety means (9) which are configured to enable the activation of the motor means (4), if the corresponding wheel (3) is in the condition of resting on the ground, and which are adapted to disable the activation of the motor means (4), in response to the corresponding wheel (3) being lifted off the ground.

Description

[0001] MOTORIZED HAND-PUSHED VEHICLE

[0002] The present invention relates to a motorized hand-pushed vehicle.

[0003] Nowadays hand-pushed vehicles are known, such as for example strollers, prams, gurneys and the like, which are motorized, i.e. which are provided with motor means that are capable of actuating one or more of the wheels of the vehicle, in order to provide assistance to the user with moving the vehicle manually.

[0004] Although conceptually sound, these motorized vehicles exhibit some drawbacks.

[0005] In particular, when the vehicle is lifted off the ground, for example in order to climb steps or crossings or to board public transport, the motor means continue actuating the wheels, which can be a source of surprise or fright, as well as of danger and of fouling, for the user.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to provide a motorized hand- pushed vehicle that is capable of improving the known art in one or more of the above-mentioned aspects.

[0007] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a motorized hand-pushed vehicle that is capable of offering maximum assurances of safety in use, in particular in the event of the vehicle being lifted off the ground, such as during the ascent or descent of steps, crossings and the like.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a motorized hand- pushed vehicle that can provide the user, in all situations of use, with heightened perceptions of reliability and quality of construction, without creating reasons for surprise or fright or being the cause of fouling, in its operation.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized hand-pushed vehicle that is structurally simple to provide and can be obtained using materials and components that are readily available on the market.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention sets out to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that is alternative to any existing solutions.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a motorized hand- pushed vehicle that can be produced at highly competitive costs.

[0012] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a motorized hand-pushed vehicle according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0013] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the motorized hand-pushed vehicle according to the invention, which are illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a motorized hand-pushed vehicle according to the invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a partial view from behind of the vehicle according to the invention;

[0016] Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of a suspension of the vehicle according to the invention which can be applied to a rear wheel;

[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-section taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 3 in a situation in which the wheel of the suspension is lifted off the ground;

[0018] Figure 5 is the cross-section of Figure 4 in the situation in which the wheel of the suspension is resting on the ground, bearing the weight of only the frame of the vehicle;

[0019] Figure 6 is the cross-section of Figure 4 in the situation in which the suspension is loaded with an extra weight in addition to the weight of the frame of the vehicle, with the corresponding wheel resting on the ground;

[0020] Figure 7 is a side view of a suspension of the vehicle according to the invention which can be applied to a front wheel;

[0021] Figure 8 is a front elevation view of the suspension of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the suspension of Figure 7 taken along the line IX-IX of Figure 8, in a situation in which the corresponding wheel is lifted off the ground;

[0022] Figure 10 is a similar view to that of Figure 9, but with the suspension in a situation in which the corresponding wheel is resting on the ground;

[0023] Figure 10a shows a similar situation to that of Figure 10 but in which a spring of the suspension is in the fully compressed condition;

[0024] Figure 11 is a front view of a braking device of the vehicle according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of Figure 11 in the situation in which the braking device is deactivated;

[0026] Figure 13 is a similar view to that of Figure 12 but with the braking device in a situation in which it is activated.

[0027] With reference to the figures, the motorized hand-pushed vehicle according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a supporting frame 2, which is provided, in a lower region, with wheels 3, of which, preferably, at least two are front wheels and at least two are rear wheels.

[0028] In the embodiment illustrated, the vehicle according to the invention is a stroller, but there is no reason why it cannot be a vehicle of a different type, such as a pram, a gurney or the like.

[0029] In particular, the wheels 3 are mounted on the supporting frame 2 so that they can rotate around their respective axes and they are designed to be rested on the ground, in order to allow the movement of the supporting frame 2.

[0030] At least one of the wheels 3 and more preferably at least the two rear wheels 3 are motorized, i.e. they are functionally connected to motor means 4 which make it possible to actuate the motorized wheels 3 to which they are functionally connected, in order to provide the user with an aid in the movement of the supporting frame 2. In particular, the motor means 4 comprise one or more electric motors 5, each one of which is tasked with actuating at least one corresponding motorized wheel 3.

[0031] However, there is no reason why a single electric motor 5 cannot be used for each one of the motorized wheels, optionally making use of interface means, capable of distributing the motion, arranged between the electric motor 5 and the motorized wheels 3.

[0032] More specifically, the motor means 4 are electrically connected to electric power supply means 6, which comprise, conveniently, at least one rechargeable battery 7, supported by the supporting frame 2.

[0033] At least one respective suspension 8 is interposed between at least one of the wheels 3 and the supporting frame 2, and makes it possible to damp, at least partially, the stresses that are transmitted between the corresponding wheel 3 and the supporting frame 2.

[0034] The suspension 8 comprises safety means 9 configured to enable the activation of the motor means 4, if the corresponding wheel 3 is in the condition of resting on the ground, so as to allow its rotary actuation by the motor means 4.

[0035] These safety means 9 are furthermore capable of disabling the activation of the motor means 4, in response to the corresponding wheel 3 being lifted off the ground, so as to interrupt the rotary actuation of the motorized wheels 3, by the motor means 4, if the wheel 3 is indeed lifted off the ground.

[0036] It is possible to have at least one respective suspension 8 between each rear wheel 3 and the supporting frame 2 or between each front wheel 3 and the supporting frame 2, and for at least one of the suspensions 8 to comprise the safety means 9.

[0037] More preferably, a respective suspension 8 is interposed between each one of the wheels 3 and the supporting frame 2, and the suspension 8 of at least one of the wheels 3 comprises the safety means 9. Conveniently, the suspension 8 of each one of the wheels 3 comprises respective safety means 9, so that the actuation of each one of the motorized wheels 3 can be interrupted, when any wheel 3 of the vehicle is lifted off the ground.

[0038] Generally, the safety means 9 comprise sensor means 9a configured to detect the transition of the corresponding wheel 3 between a condition of resting on the ground and a condition of being lifted off the ground, and clearance means 9b associated with the sensor means 9a configured to enable or disable the possibility of activation of the motor means 4, as a function of the signal provided by the sensor means 9a.

[0039] In more detail, the safety means 9 comprise, advantageously, a control device 10, which is functionally connected to the motor means 4, so that the motor means 4 are controlled by the control device 10.

[0040] In particular, the control device 10 is capable of switching from a clearance condition, in which it allows the activation of the motor means 4, so as to enable the actuation of the motorized wheels 3 by the motor means 4, to an interdiction condition, in which it prevents the activation of the motor means 4, i.e. either it switches them off, if they were already switched on, or it prevents them from being switched on, if they were already switched off, so as to allow the interruption of the actuation of the motorized wheels 3 by the motor means 4, and vice versa.

[0041] The control device 10 comprises an actuator 11 which is configured to perform the switching of the control device 10 between the clearance condition and the interdiction condition.

[0042] In particular, the actuator 11 is movable between an activation position, in which the control device 10 is in the clearance condition, and a deactivation position, in which the control device is in the interdiction condition.

[0043] Advantageously, the safety means 9 further comprise at least one actuation body 12, which is, conveniently, associated with the suspension 8 and is configured to interact with the actuator 11 of the control device 10.

[0044] This actuation body 12 is, in turn, configured to be capable of switching between an operative condition, which it assumes when the wheel 3 of the corresponding suspension 8 is in the condition of resting on the ground, independently of the extent of the load bearing down on the suspension 8, and an inoperative condition, which it instead assumes when the wheel 3 of the corresponding suspension 8 is lifted off the ground.

[0045] In particular, in the inoperative condition, the actuation body 12 allows the switching of the actuator 11 to the deactivation position of the control device 10, whereas it, when it is in the inoperative condition, acts on the actuator 11 in order to move the latter to the activation position of the control device 10.

[0046] Advantageously, the actuation body 12 is elastically loaded by elastic means, so that its switching between the operative condition and the inoperative condition can occur by the action of, or in contrast with, such elastic means.

[0047] In more detail, the or each suspension 8 comprises an upper body 13, which is integral with the supporting frame 2, and at least one lower body 14, which supports the corresponding wheel 3 and which is movable, toward or away from, the upper body 13.

[0048] Conveniently, the lower body 14 can rotate, with respect to the upper body 13, about a pivoting axis 14a, substantially parallel to the axis of the corresponding wheel 3.

[0049] Advantageously, the rotational movement of the lower body 14 with respect to the upper body 13, about the pivoting axis 14a, can be delimited by the sliding engagement of a peg 13a, provided on the upper body 13, along a guide slot 14b, defined in the lower body 14.

[0050] At least one main spring 15 for elastic contrast is interposed, as in and of itself known, between the upper body 13 and the lower body 14, and acts to exert a push that tends to keep the upper body 13 and the lower body 14 of the suspension 8 mutually spaced apart.

[0051] Advantageously, the safety means 9 of the suspension 8 compris [e] an auxiliary spring 16 for preloading, which is also configured to exert a push that makes it possible to ensure that the upper body 13 and the lower body 14 are kept mutually spaced apart, in particular when the corresponding wheel 3 is lifted off the ground.

[0052] Conveniently, the auxiliary spring 16 has a greater elastic flexibility than the main spring 15 i.e. it is structured to oppose a lesser elastic force than the main spring 15, in that it has a lower elastic constant than the main spring 15.

[0053] Preferably, the auxiliary spring 16 is arranged substantially coaxially with the main spring 15.

[0054] In more detail, the auxiliary spring 16 conveniently acts between a locator 17a, supported by the upper body 13, and an abutment portion 17b, associated with or, in any case, connectable to the lower body 14.

[0055] Turning now to describe the illustrated embodiments in more detail, it should be noted that the control device 10 can be implemented, advantageously, by a microswitch 18, which is configured to control the electrical connection between the electric power supply means 6 and the motor means 4.

[0056] In particular, the microswitch 18 is switchable between a closed condition, in which the microswitch 18 makes it possible to establish the electrical connection between the electric power supply means 6 and the motor means 4, so as to make activation of the motor means 4 possible, and an open condition, in which it makes it possible to interrupt the electrical connection between the electric power supply means 6 and the motor means 4, so interrupting the possibility of actuating of the motorized wheels 3 by the motor means 4.

[0057] More specifically, the microswitch 18 is provided, as in and of itself known, with its own button 19, which defines, in turn, the above-mentioned actuator 11 and which is adapted to pass between an engaged position, corresponding to the activation position of the actuator 11, in which the microswitch 18 is in the closed condition, and a disengaged position, corresponding to the cited deactivation position of the actuator 11, in which the microswitch 18 is in the open condition.

[0058] Advantageously, the button 19 of the microswitch 18 is elastically pushed toward the disengaged position, in which it conveniently protrudes from the body of the microswitch 18, as is in and of itself known.

[0059] With reference to Figures 3-6, in an embodiment of the suspension 8, which can be applied, in particular, to the rear wheels 3, the auxiliary spring 16 acts, at its opposite end with respect to the end that acts against the locator 17a, on a presser element 20, which is constituted for example by a block, which defines, at one of its ends, the abutment portion 17b.

[0060] In particular, the presser element 20 engages by pushing, at the other end with respect to the auxiliary spring 16, against the lower body 14, so as to ensure that the lower body 14 is always kept pushed away from the upper body 13, irrespectively of the action exerted by the weight force on the lower body 14, which in any case would tend to move the upper body 13 and the lower body 14 away from each other, when the corresponding wheel 3 is lifted off the ground, but this action may be hindered by dust or other causes of friction.

[0061] In this embodiment, the main spring 15 is connected, at one of its ends, to the actuation body 12 and abuts, at the other end, against an abutment region 21, which is integral with the upper body 13.

[0062] In particular, the main spring 15, with its end connected to the actuation body 12, is joined to a locator seat 22, with an annular extension, conveniently defined in the actuation body 12. Optionally, the main spring 15 can be joined by interlocking to the locator seat 22, so that the actuation body 12 is coupled to the main spring 15.

[0063] Also in this case, furthermore, the actuation body 12 has, advantageously, an engagement appendage 23, which protrudes laterally, in a substantially radial direction, with respect to the axis of the main spring 15, conveniently starting from the region where the locator seat 22 is defined.

[0064] In particular, the engagement appendage 23 is designed to engage the actuator 11 of the control device 10 and, more precisely, to act on the button 19 of the microswitch 18, which, in this embodiment, is supported, conveniently, by the lower body 14 and, advantageously, arranged below the actuation body 12 and, more precisely, below the engagement appendage 23, and with the button 19 facing said engagement appendage.

[0065] Advantageously, again with reference to this embodiment, the actuation body 12 has an accommodation portion 24, conveniently substantially cylindrical, which is arranged axially inside the main spring 15 and which defines, internally, along its axis, an accommodation seat 24a for the auxiliary spring 16.

[0066] This accommodation seat 24a is open at an axial end thereof directed toward the lower body 14 and has, at its other axial end, a bottom in which, basically, the locator 17a for the auxiliary spring 16 is defined.

[0067] Conveniently, the accommodation seat 24 is structured so that, when the auxiliary spring 16 is brought to the contracted condition, it can also receive the presser element 20.

[0068] It should be noted that, also in this embodiment, the main spring 15 is arranged around a sleeve 25, which is supported by the upper body 13 and which is provided, at one end, with an annular protrusion 26 which defines the abutment region 21 for the main spring 15.

[0069] This sleeve 25 further accommodates so that it can slide, along its axis, the accommodation portion 24 of the actuation body 12.

[0070] It must be said that the accommodation portion 24 has a set of stop teeth 24b, which protrudes laterally from the outer surface of the accommodation portion 24 and which is designed to abut, as a consequence of the sliding of the accommodation portion 24, relative to the sleeve 25, against an annular stroke limiting shoulder 25 a, defined on the inner surface of the sleeve 25. An upper screw 24c, which is screwed into the accommodation portion 24, at the other end with respect to the accommodation seat 24a, makes it possible, with its head, to keep the set of stop teeth 24b elastically pushed outward, so as to ensure its engagement with the annular stroke limiting shoulder 25a.

[0071] With reference to Figures 7-10, in a second possible embodiment of the suspension 8, which can be applied, in particular, to the front wheels 3 and, more generally, to swiveling wheels 3, the lower body 14 of the suspension 8 supports a rotation pivot 27, with a substantially vertical axis, which, conveniently, extends upward, starting from a lower end thereof, connected to the lower body 14.

[0072] More precisely, in this embodiment, between the upper body 13 and the lower body 14 there is, advantageously, an intermediate body 28.

[0073] In particular, the rotation pivot 27 is mounted on the intermediate body 28, while the lower body 14 is coupled to the intermediate body 28 so that it can rotate about the pivoting axis 14a.

[0074] As illustrated, the rotation pivot 27, with at least one intermediate portion thereof, engages, in turn, in a rotatably idle manner, a rotation seat 29, defined in the upper body 13, in order to allow the rotation of the intermediate body 28 and as a consequence also of the lower body 14, with respect to the upper body 13, about the axis of the rotation pivot 27, so as to render the corresponding wheel 3 a swiveling wheel.

[0075] The rotation pivot 27 is, furthermore, mounted in the rotation seat 29 with the possibility to translate, along its axis, relative to the upper body 13, so as to be able to move toward or away from the upper body 13.

[0076] In this embodiment, the abutment portion 17b of the auxiliary spring 16 is integral with the rotation pivot 27 and the auxiliary spring 16 acts between the abutment portion 17b and an abutment 30, which defines the locator 17a and is integral with the upper body 13, so as to axially push the rotation pivot 27 away from the upper body 13.

[0077] More specifically, a cap or cartridge 31 is mounted on the rotation pivot 27, and has a central portion 31a, integrally joined to the upper end of the rotation pivot 27, and is provided, at its peripheral region, with a cylindrical wall 31b, which is arranged about the rotation pivot 27 and which extends downward.

[0078] Conveniently, the auxiliary spring 16 is mounted around the cylindrical wall 31b of the cap 31 and rests, at one end, against a circular protrusion 32, which basically defines the locator 17a and which protrudes outward, from the lower end of the cylindrical wall 3 lb of the cap 31.

[0079] At the opposite end, the auxiliary spring 16 acts against a resting surface, which provides the abutment 30 and which is defined on a wall 33, integral with the upper body 13, about a through opening 34, which is present in the wall 33 and can be passed through by the central portion 31a of the cap 31.

[0080] Again with reference to this second embodiment, the microswitch 18 is supported by the upper body 13 and is arranged, conveniently, above the rotation pivot 27.

[0081] In particular, the microswitch 18 is, in this case, conveniently located on the other side of the wall 33 with respect to the side on which the rotation pivot 27 is, and is arranged in a position laterally spaced apart with respect to the axis of the rotation pivot 27 and with the button 19 directed downward.

[0082] More specifically, in this embodiment the button 19 of the microswitch 18 can, advantageously, be moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position by way of an actuation lever 35, which is articulated on the body of the microswitch 18 and which is engageable, at its free end, by the actuation body 12, which, in this case, is conveniently provided by the rotation pivot 27 itself. In more detail, the rotation pivot 27, by way of the central portion 31a of the cap 31, is capable of acting on the actuation lever 35 of the microswitch 18, following an axial sliding thereof upward, with respect to the upper body 13, in contrast with the pushing action exerted by the auxiliary spring 16, so as to determine the switching of the button 19 of the microswitch 18 from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

[0083] It must be noted that, conveniently, the central part 31 a of the cap 31 is substantially conical or frustum-shaped, in order to boost the effect of the excursion of the rotation pivot 27 on the movement of the actuation lever 35.

[0084] Again with reference to this second embodiment, it must be noted that the main spring 15 is arranged so as to act between the lower body 13 and the intermediate body 28.

[0085] More specifically, as illustrated, the intermediate body 28 has, advantageously, a cupped portion 28a, inside which the lower end of the rotation pivot 27 is fixed and outside which the main spring 15 is mounted, which, with an end thereof, abuts against an engagement portion defined on the intermediate body 28, about its cupped portion 28a, and, with the other end, against the lower body 14.

[0086] Turning now to Figures 11-13, it must be noted that the motorized hand-pushed vehicle according to the invention is provided with at least one braking device 40 which acts on at least one of the wheels 3, preferably, at least on at least one of the rear wheels 3. More preferably, there is at least one braking device 40 on both of the rear wheels 3.

[0087] Conveniently, the braking device 40 comprises a locking element 41 which is supported by the supporting frame 2 and can be actuated so as to move with respect to said supporting frame, in order to pass from a released position, shown in Figure 12, in which it is spaced apart from the wheel, so as not to interact with it and so allow the rotation of the wheel 3, about its own axis, to a locked position, in which the locking element 41 is brought toward the wheel 3, so as to interfere with it, and prevent its rotation about its own axis.

[0088] Advantageously, a deactivation device 42 of the motorized wheels 3 is arranged on the braking device 40, and makes it possible, following the passing of the locking element 41 from the released position to the locked position, to interrupt actuation of the motorized wheels 3 by the motor means 4.

[0089] In more detail, the locking element 41 comprises a stop pin 41a which can be inserted in engagement seats 41b, defined on the wheel 3, following an axial insertion movement thereof, along a direction that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the axis of the wheel 3.

[0090] Advantageously, the deactivation device 42 comprises a switch 43 which is capable of opening or closing the electrical connection between the electric power supply means 6 and the motor means 4.

[0091] In particular, the switch 43 is provided with actuation means 44, which are configured to control the opening or closing, by the switch 43, of the electrical connection between the electric power supply means 6 and the motor means 4.

[0092] More specifically, these actuation means 44 of the switch 43 are structured so that they can be actuated by the locking element 41.

[0093] Advantageously, as in the embodiment shown, the switch 43 is constituted by a microswitch 45, in particular a lever microswitch, and on the locking element 41 there is an interaction portion, constituted for example by an annular protrusion 46, positioned at an intermediate region of the stop pin 41a that provides the locking element 41.

[0094] The protrusion 46 basically defines an abutment surface that can engage the lever of the microswitch 45, during the movement of the locking element 41 from the released position to the locked position, so as to bring the lever of the microswitch 45 to the position that determines the opening of the electrical connection between the electric power supply means 6 and the motor means 4 and, therefore, the interruption of the actuation of the motorized wheels 3.

[0095] The operation of the vehicle, according to the invention, is the following.

[0096] With reference to the embodiment of Figures 3-6, in a situation, like that shown in Figure 4, in which the wheel 3 is lifted off the ground, the lower body 14 moves away from the upper body 13, as a consequence of its rotation about the pivoting axis 14a, by virtue of its weight, as well as by virtue of the pushing action exerted by the auxiliary spring 16 through the presser element 20, which makes it possible to ensure the lower body 14 moves away from the upper body 13, even if there is dust or friction in general between the upper body 13 and the lower body 14, which could impede the free movement of the lower body 14 with respect to the upper body 13 by gravity alone.

[0097] After the lower body 14 moves away from the upper body 13, the microswitch 18, which is integral with the lower body 14, is moved downwardly away from the engagement appendage 23, with the consequent disengagement of its button 19 from the engagement appendage 23 and the automatic passing of the button 19 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, by virtue of its elastic loading, so as to cause the switching of the microswitch 18 from the closed condition to the open condition and, therefore, the interruption of the electrical connection between the electric power supply means 6 and the motor means 4, which as a consequence are deactivated, so interrupting the actuation of the motorized wheels 3 to rotate.

[0098] When the wheel 3 is rested on the ground, with no load bearing down on the supporting frame 2, the lower body 14 rotates about the pivoting axis 14a and, in contrast with the action of the auxiliary spring 16, approaches the upper body 13, so causing the compression of the auxiliary spring 16, but not of the main spring 15, which, owing to its greater elastic constant than that of the auxiliary spring 16, remains substantially in the extended condition.

[0099] Following the movement of the lower body 14 toward the upper body 13, the microswitch 18 is shifted upward, until the button 19 of the microswitch 18 is brought into abutment against the engagement appendage 23, causing its passing from the disengaged position to the engaged position, as shown in Figure 5.

[0100] As a consequence, the microswitch 18 is switched from the open condition to the closed condition, so as to establish the electrical connection between the electric power supply means 6 and the motor means 4 and therefore allow the possibility of activating the motor means 4.

[0101] When, with the wheel 3 resting on the ground, the supporting frame 2 is loaded, for example with the weight of a child, the lower body 14 remains still, because the wheel 3 is resting on the ground, while the upper body 13, under the push of the load bearing down on the supporting frame 2, tends to move closer to the lower body 14, in contrast with the action exerted by the main spring 15, which, by reaction, is compressed, resulting in the relative sliding between the sleeve 25 and the accommodation portion 24 of the actuation body 12 and keeping the engagement appendage 23 pushed against the button 19 of the microswitch 18, which therefore remains in the engaged position.

[0102] With reference to the embodiment of Figures 7-10, when the wheel 3 is lifted off the ground, the weight of the lower body 14, with the additional aid of the action of the auxiliary spring 16, pushes the rotation pivot 27 downward, which is therefore moved away from the microswitch 18, causing the rotation of the actuation lever 35 in the direction that produces the passing of the button 19 of the microswitch 18 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, as shown in Figure 9.

[0103] As a consequence, the microswitch 18 is switched from the closed condition to the open condition and, therefore, the electrical connection between the electric power supply means 6 and the motor means 4 is interrupted, resulting in the deactivation of the motor means 4 and the consequent interruption of the rotational actuation of the motorized wheels

[0104] 3 by said motor means.

[0105] But when the wheel 3 is resting on the ground, as shown in Figure 10, the auxiliary spring 16 is compressed, so allowing the upward movement of the rotation pivot 27, which, acting on the actuation lever 35, ensures that the button 19 of the microswitch 18 is brought to the engaged position, so as to switch the microswitch 18 to the closed condition, so establishing the electrical connection between the electric power supply means 6 and the motor means 4 and therefore making it possible to activate the motor means

[0106] 4 and to actuate the motorized wheels 3.

[0107] With reference instead to Figures 11-13, when the braking device 40 is actuated, the stop pin 41a is moved axially so as to be inserted in one of the engagement seats 41b, defined on the wheel 3.

[0108] Following the insertion movement of the stop pin 41, the protrusion 46 of the stop pin 41a pulls the lever of the microswitch 45 toward its position that results in the opening of the microswitch 45 and, as a consequence, the interruption of the actuation of the motorized wheels 3 by the motor means 4.

[0109] In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects by providing a motorized hand-pushed vehicle that offers a high level of safety in use, by virtue of the possibility to automatically deactivate the rotation of the motorized wheels, if at least one of the wheels of the vehicle is lifted off the ground, such as when one has to climb steps or crossings.

[0110] Another advantage of the invention is that it facilitates the suspension assembly operations, since it is not required, as in the prior art, to compress the main spring, it being sufficient to compress the auxiliary spring, which is an easier matter than compressing the main spring. The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements. In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0111] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000007792 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A motorized hand-pushed vehicle, comprising a supporting frame (2) provided, in a lower region, with wheels (3), which can rotate about their respective axes and at least one of which is functionally connected to motor means (4), which are electrically connected to electric power supply means (6), at least one respective suspension (8) being interposed between at least one of said wheels (3) and said supporting frame (2), characterized in that said suspension (8) comprises safety means (9) configured to enable the activation of said motor means (4) if the corresponding wheel (3) is in the condition of resting on the ground, said safety means (9) being adapted to disable the activation of said motor means (4), in response to the corresponding wheel (3) being lifted off the ground.

2. The hand-pushed vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said safety means (9) comprise sensor means (9a) configured to detect the transition of the corresponding wheel (3) between a condition of resting on the ground and a condition of being lifted off the ground, and clearance means (9b) associated with said sensor means (9a) configured to enable or disable the possibility of activation of said motor means (4), as a function of the signal provided by said sensor means (9a).

3. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said safety means (9) comprise a control device (10) functionally connected to said motor means (4) and adapted to pass from a clearance condition, in which it allows the activation of said motor means (4), to an interdiction condition, in which it prevents the possibility of activation of said motor means (4), and vice versa, said control device (10) comprising an actuator (11) configured to perform the transition of said control device (10) between said clearance condition and said interdiction condition, said actuator (11) being movable between an activation position, in which said control device (10) is in said clearance condition, and a deactivation position, in which said control device (10) is in saidinterdiction condition, at least one actuation body (12) being associated with said suspension (8) and being configured to interact with said actuator (11) and adapted to pass between an operative condition, assumed with the corresponding wheel (3) in the condition of resting on the ground, in which it acts on said actuator (11) to bring it to said activation position, and an inoperative condition, assumed with the corresponding wheel (3) lifted off the ground, in which it allows said actuator (3) to move to said deactivation position.

4. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said actuation body (12) is elastically loaded by elastic means.

5. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said suspension (8) comprises an upper body (13) which is integral with said supporting frame (2) and at least one lower body (14), which supports the corresponding wheel (3) and can move toward or away from said upper body (13), at least one main spring (15) for elastic contrast being interposed between said upper body (13) and said lower body (14), said safety means (9) comprising an auxiliary spring (16) for preloading, configured to apply a pushing action adapted to keep said upper body (13) and said lower body (14) mutually spaced apart.

6. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said auxiliary spring (16) has greater elastic flexibility than said main spring (15).

7. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said auxiliary spring (16) is arranged substantially coaxially with said main spring (15).

8. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said auxiliary spring (16) acts between a locator (17a), supported by said upper body, and an abutment portion (17b), which is connected, or can be mated, to said lower body (14).

9. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control device (10) comprises a microswitch (18), which is configured to control the electrical connection between said electric power supply means (6) and said motor means (4) and is switchable between a closed condition, in which said microswitch (18) establishes the electrical connection between said electrical power supply means (6) and said motor means (4), and an open condition, in which said microswitch (18) interrupts the electrical connection between said electric power supply means (6) and said motor means (4), said microswitch (18) being provided with a button (19) which defines said actuator (11) and is adapted to switch between an engaged position, which corresponds to said activation position of said actuator (11), in which said microswitch (18) is in said closed condition, and a disengaged position, in which said microswitch (18) is in said open condition.

10. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said auxiliary spring (16) acts, at the opposite end with respect to the end acting against said locator (17a), on a presser element (20), engaging by pushing against said lower body (14).

11. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said main spring (15) acts, at one end thereof, on said actuation body (12) and abuts, at the other end, against an abutment region (21) which is integral with said upper body (13), said actuation body (12) having an engagement appendage (23) which protrudes laterally with respect to the axis of said main spring (15) and is designed to engage said actuator (11).

12. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said actuation body (12) has an accommodation portion (24) which is arranged axially within said main spring (15) and defines an accommodation seat (24a) for said auxiliary spring (16), said locator (17a) being defined on the bottom of saidaccommodation seat.

13. The hand-pushed vehicle, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said main spring (15) is arranged around a sleeve (25) which is integral with said upper body (13) and has, at one end, an annular protrusion (26) which defines said abutment region (21), said sleeve (25) accommodating said accommodation portion (24) of said actuation body (12) so that it can slide along its axis.

14. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said microswitch (18) is supported by said lower body (14).

15. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lower body (14) supports a rotation pivot (27), having a substantially vertical axis, which rotatably engages a rotation seat (29) defined in said upper body (13), in order to enable the rotation of said lower body (14) with respect to said upper body (13) about the axis of said rotation pivot (27), said rotation pivot (27) being mounted in said rotation seat (29) with the ability to translate, along its own axis, relative to said upper body (13), said abutment portion (17b) of said auxiliary spring (16) being integral with said rotation pivot (27), said auxiliary spring (16) acting between said abutment portion (17b) and an abutment (30), which defines said locator (17a), in order to axially push said rotation pivot (27) away from said upper body (13).

16. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said button (19) is movable from said disengaged position to said engaged position by means of an actuation lever (35) which is articulated on the body of said microswitch (18) and is engageable by said actuation body (12).

17. The hand-pushed vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said microswitch (18) is supported by said upper body (13).

18. The hand-pushed vehicle, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rotation pivot (27) defines said actuation body (12).

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