Support profile beam for a tool cart system

Abstract

The invention relates to a support profile beam (2) for a tool trolley system (1) for height-adjustable attachment of system components (4) to the tool trolley system (1), wherein the support profile beam (2) has a maximum spatial extent along a longitudinal axis and can be attached to a chassis (3) movable via rollers (5) to form a tool trolley system (1) with a vertically oriented longitudinal axis (L), the support profile beam (2) comprising: - a number of grooves (N) running parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the support profile beam (2) for adjustable mounting of system components (4), - a shaft (K) inside the support profile beam (2), which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), - a door (6) whose door leaf is pivotably arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) and which, when closed, forms a side wall of the shaft (K), - on the door side at least one closing groove (S) running parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the support profile beam (2) with two side surfaces, at least one of which has an undercut (H), wherein the door (6) has a closing bead (W) which is designed such that, in the closed state of the door (6), it engages in a form-fitting manner in the undercut (H) of the closing groove (S). The invention also relates to a support profile beam system and a tool trolley system.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a support profile beam for an equipment trolley system, a support profile beam system and an equipment trolley system.

[0002] Equipment trolley systems are well-known and versatile. They are typically designed so that various system components, such as equipment holders, drawers, shelves, handles, etc., are attached to them, or at least can be attached to them. They often comprise a number of vertically extending support profiles attached to a chassis that moves on rollers. The system components can then be attached to the number of support profiles, usually at variable or height-adjustable heights.

[0003] Such equipment cart systems are often used in the medical field because they can be used for a variety of applications. For example, they can be used to store medical devices and also hold medical supplies needed for examinations. However, their use is not limited to medical fields; there are also potential applications in many technical areas or in office settings.

[0004] An equipment cart system often carries electrically operated equipment such as monitors, medical devices, or technical measuring instruments. In many equipment cart systems, the power cables, as well as any measuring or control cables, often hang from the outside.

[0005] This is a serious problem because people can get caught on these cables and there is a risk that they could injure themselves or damage cables or equipment.

[0006] An example of an equipment trolley is described in utility model G 94 06 149 U1. This trolley features cable ducts in the support profiles, through which power cables, as well as measurement or control cables, can be routed to the chassis close to the floor. Such a cable duct can be designed to be sealable with a rubber sealing lip, which covers and protects the cables in the cable duct.

[0007] However, the problem still remains that even large quantities of cables must be safely routed within the equipment trolley system without exiting a cable duct. Furthermore, this solution does not allow for a lockable cable duct, and the sealing lip area is difficult to clean, which can pose a problem for some applications with high hygiene requirements.

[0008] The object of the invention was to provide a support profile beam for an equipment trolley system and an equipment trolley system which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and enable safe cable routing and, in particular, a high degree of hygiene.

[0009] This task is solved by a support profile beam and a tool trolley system according to the claims.

[0010] A support profile beam according to the invention for an equipment trolley system is used for the height-adjustable attachment of system components, such as equipment holders, drawers, shelves, handles, etc. to the equipment trolley system. The support profile beam has a greatest spatial extent along a longitudinal axis, i.e. it is an elongated body, and can be attached to a chassis that is movable via rollers to form an equipment trolley system with a vertically aligned longitudinal axis. The equipment trolley system therefore comprises the support profile beam, which is arranged vertically on the chassis. For installation, the support beam is fastened on or in the chassis so that it is vertically stable. For example, it is plugged onto the chassis or inserted partially into the chassis.

[0011] The support profile beam includes the following components: - a number of grooves running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support profile beam for adjustable attachment of system components, - a shaft inside the support profile beam, which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis, - a door whose leaf is arranged to pivot parallel to the longitudinal axis and which, when closed, forms part of the side wall of the shaft (and, when opened, clears the shaft). - on the door side, at least one locking groove running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support profile beam with two side surfaces, of which at least one (of the side surfaces) has an undercut, wherein the door has a locking bead which is designed such that it engages positively in the undercut of the locking groove when the door is closed.

[0012] A groove running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support profile beam serves for the adjustable attachment of system components. Such grooves are known in the art and are typically found on the beams of equipment trolley systems.

[0013] The shaft inside the support profile beam serves to accommodate elements, e.g., for routing cables along the longitudinal axis, i.e., essentially between the chassis and a device on or in a system component in an assembled equipment trolley system (i.e., when system components are attached to the grooves). This shaft preferably runs along one side of the support profile beam (when it is in its intended vertical orientation) and is preferably large enough to accommodate a power strip for power plugs. Two or more such shafts can also run inside the support profile beam.

[0014] The shaft extends to the side of the support profile beam. Part of the shaft wall is not formed by the (rigid) material of the support profile beam, but by the door. When closed, the door essentially forms part of the side wall of the support profile beam. The door thus closes the shaft. When multiple shafts are used, it is preferable for each shaft to have its own door.

[0015] It is preferred that the support profile beam has a symmetrical shape when viewed from one of its end faces, wherein preferably one of the side walls is formed by the door, which therefore preferably corresponds in mirror image to a part of the opposite wall of the support profile beam.

[0016] The door leaf is arranged so that it can pivot parallel to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, if you look at the end wall of the support profile beam (e.g., from above onto a vertically aligned support profile beam), you are also looking directly at the pivot axis around which the door pivots. The pivot axis is preferably located in the rear part of the support profile beam, and the door runs along the side of the support profile beam, preferably extending all the way to the front. Thus, the door leaf (including the locking bead and, if applicable, a locking lip) preferably corresponds to an entire side wall of the support profile beam.

[0017] The pivoting of the door can be achieved by means of a hinged suspension. Preferably, however, the support profile beam comprises a pivot groove whose cross-section is formed by a pivot wall in the shape of a circular arc segment and an opposite end wall. The pivot wall is formed on the side of the pivot groove facing the door, and the end wall is formed on the side facing away from it. The door is shaped on its pivot side so that the pivot wall can engage in a guide groove in a form-fitting manner but can be moved in the pivot direction, and slipping out is prevented by the end wall.

[0018] On the door side, i.e., on the side of the support profile beam where the door is located, the support profile beam has a locking groove running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support profile beam. This locking groove is positioned opposite the pivot axis with respect to the door opening, so that the side of the door that is not pivotally connected to the support profile beam can be locked using the locking groove.

[0019] This locking groove has at least two side surfaces (but can also have a base surface), of which at least one of the side surfaces has an undercut. The side surfaces are therefore designed in such a way that the cross-section of the locking groove becomes smaller towards the front. This can be realized, for example, by a projection directed towards the center of the locking groove. The locking groove can have an undercut on only one side surface or on both. Preferably, the side surfaces, and in particular also the base surface, of the locking groove run parallel to one another. In a correct vertical arrangement of the support profile spar, the side surfaces, and in particular also the base surface, of the locking groove are preferably aligned vertically.

[0020] The door has a locking bead, which can be formed by the door leaf itself (in one piece), or which is connected to the door leaf. The locking bead can also be connected to the door leaf via a (particularly elastic) locking lip, on which the locking bead is formed or to which the locking bead is connected. For example, the door leaf can be made of a rigid material (e.g. aluminum) and the locking bead can be made of an elastic strip of material, e.g. rubber or silicone, and connected to the door leaf (particularly by means of the preferably elastic locking lip). It is important here that the locking bead is designed such that it engages positively in the undercut of the locking groove when the door is closed.

[0021] A support profile rail system according to the invention for an equipment trolley system comprises a support profile rail according to the invention, the door of which preferably has an elastic locking lip. In addition, the support profile rail system comprises a cable routing eyelet with a central hole for the passage of a cable. With this cable routing eyelet, cables can be easily guided out of the shaft of the support profile rail. An elastic design of the door leaf or at least of a locking lip is very advantageous for this purpose. On its underside, the cable routing eyelet is designed to engage positively in the locking groove and its undercut. It preferably has a locking bead on its underside, as described above and below. The top of the cable routing eyelet is shaped such that it forms a smooth transition from the locking groove, through the hole, and back to the locking groove.A locking lip would thus be lifted from the locking groove by the cable guide eyelet and guided back to the locking groove via the hole. Preferably, the top of the cable guide eyelet comprises a continuous groove, which is shaped in particular like the locking groove. A locking bead can then engage there as if it were in the locking groove. The cable guide eyelet can also represent a separate invention independent of the support profile rail system. Its purpose is the safe and hygienic routing of cables from a support profile rail according to the invention. It is particularly advantageous when the front part of the door is elastically shaped, in particular by means of a locking lip.

[0022] An equipment trolley system according to the invention comprises a chassis movable via rollers and a support profile beam according to the invention or a support profile beam system according to the invention. The support profile beam is vertically attached to the chassis and designed for the height-adjustable attachment of system components. System components are not absolutely necessary, but it is advantageous if at least one system component is attached. Therefore, the equipment trolley system preferably additionally comprises a number of system components attached to the support profile beam, in particular at least one system component from the group consisting of equipment holders, drawers, storage areas, handles, equipotential bonding pins, electrical star points, and baskets.

[0023] The equipment trolley system preferably comprises a socket which is arranged in the shaft of the support profile beam such that, when the door is closed, the space between the socket and the door is dimensioned such that there is room for a plug which is properly plugged into the socket. The shaft is preferably also dimensioned such that a plug which is properly plugged into the socket would hit the door when pulled out before the electrical contact with the socket is broken. This can provide advantageous protection against accidental unplugging. Preferably, the distance between the closed door and the socket is dimensioned such that proper unplugging protection is provided. Particularly preferably, the distance between the closed door and the socket (without a plugged-in plug) is a maximum of 5 cm, preferably a maximum of 4 cm, in particular a maximum of 3 cm.To allow space for an inserted plug, the distance between the closed door and the socket (without the plug inserted) is at least 1.5 cm, particularly preferably at least 2 cm.

[0024] Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0025] According to a preferred carrier profile beam, the locking groove, and preferably also its undercut, extends over the effective length of the carrier profile beam. The "effective length" is the length at which the door can be opened. If, for example, the carrier profile beam is inserted into a chassis with a predetermined length, the effective length is the total length of the carrier profile beam except for the part that can be installed in the chassis as intended.

[0026] According to a preferred support profile beam, the door, and in particular its locking bead, extends over the effective length of the support profile beam. The door can be formed from a single door leaf (and optionally locking lip) that runs over the entire effective length or from two or more door leaves (and optionally locking lips) that together make up the effective length. However, the leaf of the door with the locking bead is preferably formed in one piece (i.e. the locking bead is a shaped part of the door leaf). Alternatively, the locking bead is connected to the door (e.g., glued to the door leaf or inserted into a groove in the door leaf). However, the door can also be formed as a solid door body with an attached flexible locking lip to which the locking bead is formed or attached. This embodiment is particularly preferred because an elastic locking lip facilitates the implementation of cables.

[0027] According to a preferred support profile beam, the shaft preferably runs continuously through the entire length of the support profile beam (through the effective length, but also preferably through the entire length if cables can be routed out from the bottom of the chassis). The shaft is preferably a cable shaft and / or serves for cable management. When the support profile beam is positioned vertically, the shaft is preferably positioned on one side of the beam. However, shafts can also run along both sides of the beam.

[0028] According to a preferred support profile beam, the locking bead, preferably also a locking lip, is made of an elastic plastic material, in particular rubber or silicone. A locking lip can be formed with the locking bead as a single piece. It is preferred that the door leaf has a groove on the side facing away from the pivot axis, and the end of the locking lip facing away from the locking bead is shaped such that it fits snugly into this groove.

[0029] According to a preferred support profile beam, the shaft is shaped to accommodate a socket for inserting cable plugs. In this case, the door preferably has a flexible locking lip and a rigid door leaf, which is shaped such that, when the door is closed, it spans at least half of the shaft, preferably at least two-thirds. The door leaf should be dimensioned such that, when closed, it extends over more than half of the socket (orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the support profile beam), so that the plugs cannot be pulled through the locking lip by lateral engagement.

[0030] According to a preferred support profile beam, the undercut of the locking groove faces the door. Alternatively, the locking groove preferably has an undercut on each of its side surfaces. The locking bead is preferably as long as the locking groove. The locking bead is preferably shaped such that it engages positively with each undercut of the locking groove.

[0031] An undercut is preferably formed by a square, round, or rounded bead on the edge of the relevant side surface. This, of course, refers to the edge facing away from the bottom of the locking groove.

[0032] A preferred support profile beam comprises a locking mechanism by which the door can be locked. The locking mechanism is preferably designed to lock and unlock the door mechanically or motor-driven, and to unlock it by means of a physical key, by entering a character sequence, or by receiving a signal sequence.

[0033] According to a preferred support profile beam, the support profile beam is made of plastic or metal, in particular of light metal. The door, at least its door leaf, is preferably made of the same material as the support profile beam. As already mentioned above, it is preferred that the locking bead and, if applicable, a locking lip be elastically formed, i.e., not from the material of the support profile beam, which should have a certain degree of stability.

[0034] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in the accompanying figures. In the various figures, identical components are provided with identical reference numerals. They show: Fig. 1 an example of an equipment trolley system according to the invention, Fig. 2 an example of a carrier profile beam according to the invention, Fig. 3 a cross-section of a carrier profile beam according to Fig. 2 with closed door, Fig. 4 a cross-section of a carrier profile beam according to Fig. 2 with open door, Fig. 5 a cable guide eyelet for a support profile spar system according to the invention.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows an example of an equipment trolley system 1 according to the invention. This comprises a chassis 3 movable via rollers 5 and a support profile beam 2, as is shown in more detail in the following figures, for example. The support profile beam 2 is fastened vertically to the chassis 3. At the top, it carries a system component 4 in the form of a tray. This is permanently attached here, but can be adjusted in height by loosening screws or another locking device. Further system components 4 can be equipment holders, drawers, handles, potential equalization pins, electrical star points or baskets. A locking mechanism 8 is indicated on the support profile beam, the door 6 of which can be locked.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows an example of a carrier profile beam 2 according to the invention for a trolley system 1, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1. It should also be noted that Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, which shows a cross section through this beam profile.

[0037] The support profile beam 2 comprises a plurality of grooves N running parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the support profile beam 2 for the adjustable attachment of system components 4. These grooves are arranged both on its outer side and in a shaft K inside the support profile beam 2, which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis L. This shaft K is designed here as a cable shaft K, which is large enough to accommodate a socket inside it.

[0038] The shaft can be opened and closed laterally by a door 6. The door leaf of this door is arranged so that it can pivot parallel to the longitudinal axis L and, when closed, forms a side wall of the shaft K. To pivot the door 6, the support profile member comprises a pivot groove SN, the cross-section of which is formed by a pivot wall SW in the shape of a circular arc segment and an opposite end wall A. The pivot wall SW is formed on the side of the pivot groove SN facing the door and the end wall A on the side facing away from it. The door 6 is shaped on its pivot side in such a way that the pivot wall SW can engage in a guide groove F in a form-fitting manner but can be moved in the pivoting direction, and slipping out is prevented by the end wall A.

[0039] On the door side, there is a locking groove S running parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the support profile beam 2 with two side surfaces, both of which have an undercut H. For closing, the door 6 comprises an elastic locking lip 7 and a locking bead formed in the locking lip, which is designed such that it engages positively in the undercut H of the locking groove S when the door 6 is closed. In an enlarged part, the closing of the locking bead W by insertion into the locking groove S is indicated.

[0040] In order for the door to close the shaft K everywhere, the locking groove S with its undercuts H as well as the door 6 with the locking lip 7 and the locking bead run over the effective length of the support profile beam 2, i.e. the part of the total length of the support profile beam that does not engage with the chassis.

[0041] Fig.5 shows a cable routing eyelet for a support profile spar system according to the invention. Shown here is a section of a support profile spar 2 with its locking groove 2, in which a cable routing eyelet 9 with a central hole for passing through a cable is arranged. The cable routing eyelet 9 is designed on its underside to engage positively in the locking groove S and its undercut H. Its upper side is shaped such that the cable routing eyelet forms a smooth transition from the locking groove S via the hole and back to the locking groove S. In addition, the upper side also includes a continuous groove shaped like the locking groove S. List of reference symbols 1 equipment trolley system 2 support profile beams 3 Chassis 4 System components 5 rolls 6 Door 7 Locking lip 8 Locking mechanism 9 Cable routing eyelet A final wall F guide groove K Shaft / cable duct L Longitudinal axis N groove S locking groove SN swivel groove SW swivel wall W locking bead

Claims

[1] Support profile beam (2) for a trolley system (1) for the height-adjustable fastening of system components (4) to the trolley system (1), wherein the support profile beam (2) has a largest spatial extent along a longitudinal axis and can be attached to a chassis (3) movable via rollers (5) to form a trolley system (1) with a vertically aligned longitudinal axis (L), the support profile beam (2) comprising: - a number of grooves (N) running parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the support profile beam (2) for the adjustable attachment of system components (4), - a shaft (K) inside the support profile beam (2) which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), - a door (6), the door leaf of which is arranged to pivot parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) and which, when closed, represents a side wall of the shaft (K), - on the door side, at least one locking groove (S) running parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the support profile spar (2) with two side surfaces, at least one of which has an undercut (H), wherein the door (6) has a locking bead (W) which is designed such that it engages positively in the undercut (H) of the locking groove (S) when the door (6) is in the closed state. [2] Support profile spar according to claim 1, wherein the locking groove (S) and preferably also its undercut (H) and / or the door (6), and in particular also its locking bead (W), extends over the effective length of the support profile spar (2), preferably wherein the leaf of the door (6) is formed integrally with the locking bead (W), the locking bead (W) is an elastic element which is connected to the door (6) or the door (6) is formed as a fixed door body with a flexible locking lip (7) attached thereto, to which the locking bead (W) is formed or fastened. [3] Support profile beam according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (K) preferably runs continuously through the entire length of the support profile beam (2) and is in particular a cable shaft (K) and / or serves for cable management, preferably wherein the shaft (K) is positioned on one of the sides of the support profile beam (2) when positioned vertically. [4] Support profile spar according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing bead (W), preferably also a closing lip (7), is made of an elastic plastic material, in particular of rubber or silicone. [5] Support profile beam according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (K) is shaped so that a socket for plugging in cable plugs can be arranged there, preferably wherein the door (6) has a flexible closing lip (7) and a rigid door leaf which is shaped so that it spans at least half of the shaft (K) when the door (6) is closed, preferably at least 2 / 3. [6] Support profile spar according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the undercut (H) of the locking groove (S) of the door (6) faces or the locking groove (S) has an undercut (H) on each of its two side surfaces, wherein the locking bead (W) is preferably as long as the locking groove (S) and is shaped such that it engages in a form-fitting manner in each undercut (H) of the locking groove (S). [7] Support profile beam according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a locking mechanism (8) by means of which the door (6) can be locked, wherein the locking mechanism (8) is designed to lock and unlock the door (6) mechanically or by motor and to unlock by means of a physical key or by input of a character sequence or by receiving a signal sequence. [8] Support profile spar system for an equipment trolley system (1), comprising a support profile spar (2) according to one of the preceding claims and additionally a cable guide eyelet with a central hole for the passage of a cable, which is designed on its underside to engage positively in the locking groove (S) and its undercut (H) and whose upper side is shaped such that the cable guide eyelet forms a smooth transition from the locking groove (S) via the hole back to the locking groove (S), preferably wherein the upper side comprises a continuous groove which is shaped in particular like the locking groove (S). [9] Equipment trolley system (1) comprising a chassis (3) movable via rollers (5) and a support profile beam (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7 or a support profile beam system according to claim 8, which is fastened vertically to the chassis (3) and is designed for the height-adjustable fastening of system components (4), and preferably additionally a number of system components (4) attached to the support profile beam (2), in particular at least one system component (4) from the group of equipment holders, drawers, storage surfaces, handle bars, potential equalization pins, electrical star points and baskets. [10] Equipment trolley system according to claim 9, comprising a socket which is arranged in the shaft (K) of the support profile beam (2) so that when the door (6) is closed, the space between the socket and the door (6) is dimensioned such that there is space for plugs which are plugged into the socket as intended and is preferably additionally dimensioned such that a plug which is plugged into the socket as intended would hit the door (6) when pulled out before the electrical contact with the socket is broken.

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