Station trolleys, especially visit and / or care trolleys

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a station trolley, in particular in the configuration as a visiting and / or nursing trolley for hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities, with a cabinet section having a storage space accessible from the front for holding utensils, and with a monitor arranged on the cabinet section which is supported by a column, wherein the cabinet section has a cabinet body providing the storage space and a desk supported by the cabinet body.

[0002] A station wagon of the aforementioned type, i.e., of the generic type, is known from DE 20 2012 101 860 U1. Alternatives are known from US2005 / 062238, US2015 / 227127, US2009 / 309466, US2002 / 013640 or US2012 / 323362.

[0003] According to the station trolley previously disclosed in DE 20 2012 101 860 U1, the cabinet body of the cabinet section not only has a storage compartment for utensils, but also a cable compartment. The cable compartment is located behind the storage compartment in the loading direction and is separated from it by a partition. The cable compartment serves to accommodate cables, in particular those leading to the monitor supported by the column. The column is designed like a tube and provides a cavity for cable routing.

[0004] To ensure the monitor-supporting column is securely mounted to the cabinet, the end of the column furthest from the monitor extends into the cabinet body, specifically into the cable management compartment provided by the cabinet. The cabinet body is closed at the rear by a curved back panel, so that the end of the column protruding into the cable management compartment is neither accessible nor visible to the user. The column is therefore mounted on the inside of the cabinet body.

[0005] The cabinet body provides two guide rails running vertically in the cable compartment, on which the column is arranged, with the guide rails accommodating the column between them.

[0006] Although the station trolley known from DE 20 2012 101 860 U1 has proven itself in everyday practical use, it is not without disadvantages. The limited maneuverability is perceived as a drawback, resulting from the fact that the rear wall of the cabinet section, designed to cover the column held by the cabinet body including the guide rails supporting the column, is curved outwards with respect to the storage space of the cabinet body.

[0007] Therefore, starting from the aforementioned state of the art, the Task the invention to further develop a station trolley of the generic type in such a way that, due to its design, simplified handling by the user is made possible.

[0008] To SolutionTo address this problem, the invention proposes a station trolley of the type mentioned above, which is characterized in that the column has a connecting device on the cabinet side, under the intermediate arrangement of which the column is arranged on the outside of the cabinet body at the desk.

[0009] According to the invention, a connecting device is used to arrange the column supporting the monitor on the cabinet section, by means of which the column is positioned with its end furthest from the monitor outside the cabinet body, i.e., on the outside of it. The column therefore does not protrude into the interior space provided by the cabinet body and is thus not positioned on its inside.

[0010] The column is arranged on the cabinet section via an intermediate connecting device, with two alternatives provided according to the invention. The column can be arranged either on the cabinet body or on the desk via the intermediate connecting device. In both cases, the column does not project into the interior space provided by the cabinet body, as already described above.

[0011] Advantageously, the design according to the invention eliminates the need for the bulky configuration of the prior art, in which the cabinet body has two vertically extending guide rails between which the end of the column furthest from the monitor is arranged. The cable compartment provided for the column according to the prior art is also no longer necessary, since any cables can be routed directly from the storage space of the cabinet body through the column to the monitor.

[0012] The station trolley according to the invention is thus less bulky while maintaining the same storage capacity, which simplifies handling for the user, particularly when maneuvering. Furthermore, the station trolley according to the invention requires less floor space, which is particularly advantageous when not in use, as the required parking area is minimized.

[0013] Furthermore, the design according to the invention allows for simplified handling because the station trolley can be securely positioned against a building wall with its rear side. Unlike the prior art, it lacks a curved rear wall, which would prevent such secure contact with a wall. Unlike the prior art design, the design according to the invention allows for a crash barrier to be positioned parallel to the wall at the rear of the station trolley. Such a crash barrier is not possible with the prior art design.

[0014] The alternative according to the invention, in which the column is arranged on the cabinet side with an intermediate connecting device on the console, is preferred. This is because it results in a particularly simple construction, which enables simplified and therefore cost-effective manufacturing and is also easier to assemble and disassemble, especially in the event of repairs. In particular, the accessibility of the connecting device is improved when it is arranged on the console.

[0015] According to a further feature of the invention, the column and the connecting device are formed in one piece or almost in one piece. The one-piece or almost in one-piece design of the column and connecting device particularly facilitates simplified final assembly. The column and the connecting device are thus pre-assembled as a single component, enabling the column to be easily positioned on the cabinet section as intended. This is achieved by attaching the column, with the connecting device interposed, to the outside of the cabinet body, either on the cabinet body itself or on the desk. Such an arrangement is accomplished by screwing the components together.

[0016] According to the invention, the column is designed like a tube open at one end and has a recess formed in one of the column walls on the connection side. Cables from the cabinet section can be routed through this recess into the column and up to the monitor it supports. It is particularly preferred to use an all-in-one monitor, i.e., a monitor whose housing also contains a computer unit, a battery-backed power supply, and an energy management system. In this case, only a single cable connection to the monitor is required for any peripheral devices, such as a keyboard and / or mouse. However, such peripheral devices can also communicate wirelessly with the computer unit housed in the monitor casing, eliminating the need for any cables.

[0017] According to the invention, the connecting device has a flange plate with a recess into which the column, with its end section furthest from the monitor, is inserted. The flange plate can be designed as a simple flat material. The recess provided for receiving the end section of the column furthest from the monitor is preferably designed as a bore, in particular as a slotted bore, which simplifies the insertion of the end section of the column into the recess. In the fully assembled state, the column is at least partially surrounded by the edge defining the recess of the flange plate, so that a connection between the flange plate and the column can take place in this contact area, for example by welding and / or bonding.

[0018] The flange plate allows for the area-wide introduction of load-bearing forces and moments occurring in the intended use, thus avoiding excessive peak loads and ensuring that the flange plate does not tear or detach from the console.

[0019] According to a further feature of the invention, the desk has a recess on the cabinet side that corresponds to the flange plate. The flange plate is inserted into this recess in the final assembly state, preferably resulting in a flush finish between the flange plate and the rear panel of the desk facing the cabinet. Furthermore, the recess serves as an assembly aid, advantageously ensuring the correct positioning of the connecting device and the associated column.

[0020] According to a further feature of the invention, the connecting device is screwed to the console. For this purpose, the flange plate has bores through which the connecting screws are guided in the fully assembled state. Screwing the connecting device and the console together is particularly preferred for ease of disassembly in case of repair. It also allows for easy replacement of the console. Disassembly of the console occurs not only during repairs but also for hygienic reasons. The design according to the invention thus makes it possible to easily replace a console both when needed and as part of standardized maintenance, particularly for hygienic reasons. This possibility of replacement is not available in prior art designs because these typically use permanent connections, especially welded connections.The design according to the invention is therefore advantageously distinguished from the prior art by its sustainability. This is because it is not necessary to replace the entire station trolley, either for repairs or for hygiene reasons. Instead, the cabinet section can be reused and, if required, equipped with a new control panel.

[0021] According to a further feature of the invention, a cover plate is provided that covers the recess on the cabinet side. This provides a visually appealing finish and also ensures that dirt cannot unintentionally penetrate the hollow column.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the connecting device does not have a flange plate of the type described above, but rather two mutually perpendicular contact surfaces. This design of the connecting device is preferred when the column, via the connecting device, is not attached to the console but to the cabinet body. In the final assembly state, the contact surfaces of the connecting device rest against corresponding mating surfaces of the cabinet body, thus ensuring a permanently secure and stable attachment of the monitor-supporting column to the cabinet. Since the contact surfaces are perpendicular to each other, torsional and bending stresses in all directions can be absorbed and transferred into the cabinet body.

[0023] According to a further feature of the invention, the cabinet body has a frame with a base on which a flat back panel is arranged.

[0024] The flat rear panel is advantageously achievable because, as previously described, it eliminates the need for additional space beyond the storage area to accommodate the end of the column furthest from the monitor. Using the connection device provided according to the invention, the column is positioned on the outside of the cabinet body, either on the cabinet body or on the desk, so that instead of the cable compartment provided in the prior art, a free space is created vertically below the connection device. Unlike the prior art, this design allows the rear panel to be flat, as an external cover for this free space is unnecessary. The flat rear panel is attached directly to the frame of the cabinet body, resulting in simple construction and assembly.

[0025] According to a further feature of the invention, the frame is provided with a stiffening strut on the connecting device side. The stiffening strut of the frame additionally ensures a permanently secure and stable design of the cabinet section as a whole, which supports a positionally secure arrangement of the column on the cabinet section. Furthermore, the torsional rigidity of the frame is increased, so that any transverse loads can also be better absorbed.

[0026] According to a further feature of the invention, the connecting device, according to the alternative embodiment, bears its contact surfaces against the stiffening strut on one side and against a frame member on the other. This ensures the permanently secure and stable arrangement of the connecting device on the cabinet body as described above.

[0027] According to a further feature of the invention, the connecting device is screwed to the stiffening strut and the beam. This ensures simple assembly while simultaneously allowing for easy disassembly, particularly in the event of repairs.

[0028] According to a further feature of the invention, it is also provided that the connecting device is screwed to the frame via the interposed back panel. This design measure further simplifies assembly. Alternatively, the back panel can be equipped with a recess for the connecting device.

[0029] According to a further feature of the invention, it is further proposed that the stiffening strut provides an opening. If necessary, cabling extending into the column can be routed through this opening. For this purpose, according to a further feature of the invention, the opening provided by the stiffening strut interacts with the column-side recess. This results in an overall compact and space-saving design. Any cable can be routed from the storage space through the opening provided by the stiffening strut and directly through the column-side recess into the column. This ensures a short cable run.

[0030] According to the alternative invention, it is preferably further provided that the console covers the connecting device from above. This effectively conceals the connecting device beneath the console, making it invisible to the user from above. This ensures a visually appealing appearance. Furthermore, this design results in the connecting device being positioned, at least partially, between the frame on the cabinet side and the console on the other, which is advantageous for stability.

[0031] According to a further feature of the invention, the console has an opening on the connection device side for the passage of the column. When the connection device is arranged on the cabinet body, the console therefore does not assume any load-bearing or supporting function with respect to the column. The connection device provided according to the invention serves solely to arrange the column on the cabinet body, with the console covering the top of the cabinet body and providing a corresponding opening for the passage of the column.

[0032] According to the preferred embodiment, the connecting device is arranged directly on the desk, in which case it assumes a load-bearing and supporting function. Forces and / or moments introduced into the desk via the connecting device are transferred to the frame of the cabinet body, since the desk is connected to it, preferably by screws.

[0033] With regard to the embodiment according to the invention, final assembly proceeds in a simple manner as follows. In a first assembly step, the rear panel provided for this purpose is attached to the frame of the cabinet body to cover the rear of the cabinet body. According to the preferred embodiment, the column is then attached to the lectern using the connecting device according to the invention. The lectern, together with the column and the monitor it supports, can then be attached to the frame of the cabinet body. According to the alternative embodiment, in a second assembly step, the column is first positioned on the cabinet body using the connecting device designed for this purpose. The lectern is then mounted, being placed on top of the cabinet body, with the already mounted column being inserted through the opening provided by the lectern.In the final assembly step, the monitor is then attached to the free end of the column.

[0034] According to a further feature of the invention, the connecting device includes a closing element that covers the end opening of the column on the cabinet side. This closing element can be designed in the form of a cap and serves to cover the open end of the column. This prevents unimpeded access to any cables housed within the column.

[0035] According to a further feature of the invention, the rear panel has an access panel. This access panel provides access to the storage space of the cabinet body located directly below the desk. In the case of any peripheral devices housed within the cabinet body, this facilitates easier access to any cables leading to these devices.

[0036] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective front view of a station wagon according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective rear view of the station wagon according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 in schematic detail view a section of the station car according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 in a schematic detail view the section according to Fig. 3 with the cover removed; Fig. 5 in schematic top view from below the console of the station car after Fig. 1 Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective front view of a station wagon according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 shows a schematic side view of the station wagon according to Fig. 6 ; Fig. 8 in schematic perspective rear view of the station wagon Fig. 6; Fig. 9 in schematic detail view a section of the station car according to Fig. 8 ; Fig. 10 shows a further detailed view of the station wagon after Fig. 8 ; Fig. 11 in schematic perspective view a frame of the station trolley according to the invention and Fig. 12 in schematic perspective view partial view of a column including a connecting device according to the second embodiment.

[0037] The Figures 1 to 5 The figures show a station trolley 1 according to the invention in a first embodiment in different views. The figures show a station trolley 1 according to the invention in a second embodiment. Figures 6 to 12 , each also shown in different views. The two embodiments differ in particular with regard to a connecting device 18, which will be described in more detail below.

[0038] The station trolley 1 according to the invention has a cabinet section 2 in a manner known per se. This cabinet section 2 in turn has a cabinet body 41 and a console 8 supported by the cabinet body 41. A monitor 3 is also provided, which is arranged on the cabinet section 2 by means of a column 4.

[0039] The cabinet body 41 of the cabinet section 2 provides storage space for utensils. According to the illustrated embodiments, drawers 5 are provided for holding such utensils, arranged one above the other in the vertical direction 10.

[0040] The cabinet body 41 has a total of four support struts 6 extending in the vertical direction 10, each equipped with a support roller 7 to allow the cabinet section 2 to be moved. Opposite the support rollers 7, the console 8, supported by the support struts 6, is provided, which closes the cabinet body 41 at the top.

[0041] The cabinet body 41 further comprises side walls 9 and a rear wall 17, as can be seen with regard to the first embodiment from Fig. 2 and regarding the second embodiment from Fig. 8 results. This allows the Figures 2 and 8 It can also be seen that the rear wall 17, unlike the prior art according to DE 20 2012 101 860 U1, is not curved but flat.

[0042] For improved maneuverability, the cabinet body 41 also has 9 handles attached to the side walls.

[0043] To protect the cabinet body 41 from potential collisions, a crash barrier 12 is provided, designed as a surrounding frame element. In contrast to the prior art, the rear section of the crash barrier 12 is not curved but straight. This allows the station trolley 1 to be brought into linear contact with a room wall in a parked position. This enables a positionally stable parked position, which is not possible with the prior art design according to DE 20 2012 101 860 U1.

[0044] As can be seen in particular from a review of the Figures 2 On the one hand and 7 or 8 on the other hand, the monitor 3 is arranged at the end of the column 4, the connection area between column 4 and monitor 3 being covered by a cuff 13, which is particularly advantageous for hygienic reasons.

[0045] According to the invention, the column 4 has a connecting device 18 on the cabinet side, by means of which the column 4 is arranged either on the cabinet body 41 or on the console 8 on the outside of the cabinet body 41. The arrangement of the connecting device 18 on the console is shown in the exemplary embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 5 , whereas the embodiment according to the Figures 6 to 12 The arrangement of the connecting device on the cabinet body 41 is shown. The arrangement of the connecting device 18 on the desk 8 is shown according to the Figures 1 to 5 preferred.

[0046] As can be seen from a synthesis, in particular the Figures 4 and 5 The connecting device 18 has a flange plate 42. This flange plate 42 is equipped with a recess 43 into which the column with its monitor-remote end section 44 is inserted. For the purpose of a virtually one-piece construction, the column 4 and the flange plate 42 are welded together.

[0047] The desk 8 has a recess 45 on the cabinet side, corresponding to the flange plate 42. The flange plate 42 is inserted into this recess 45 in its final assembly state. The flange plate 42 is connected to the desk 8 by means of screws 48.

[0048] As in particular the presentation according Fig. 4 As can be seen, the flange plate 42 is flush with the underside of the desk 8 facing the cabinet body. A cover plate 46 serves to conceal the connecting device 18 in the final assembled state, as shown in Fig. 3 This can be seen. The aperture 46 is screwed to the console 8 by means of screws 47.

[0049] According to both the first and second embodiments, the desk 8 preferably has a support plate 49 made of a wood-based material and a cover 50 made of plastic bonded to it. The cover 50 receives the support plate 49 in the manner of a hood open on one side.

[0050] In everyday practical use, the cover 50 of the console 8 is frequently subject to wear and / or soiling. The design according to the invention simplifies console replacement, since disassembly only requires loosening the screws 48 by means of which the flange plate 42 is attached to the console 8.

[0051] The alternative embodiment according to the invention is described in the Figures 6 to 12 shown. A connecting device 18 is then used, preferably as shown in Fig. 12The connecting device 18 is arranged on the outside of the cabinet body 41, as can be seen, for example, in the detailed illustration according to... Fig. 10 results.

[0052] The cabinet body 41 of cabinet section 2 has a frame 24, as shown in Fig. 11 This frame 24 has two frames 25, each with an upper beam 27 extending in the vertical direction 10. The beams 27 are connected to each other by means of two intermediate struts 26. Support struts 30 are also provided to connect the two beams 27; the desk 8 rests on these struts when fully assembled.

[0053] The frames 25 also have side rails 28, each equipped with grooves 29. In the fully assembled state, the following components are inserted into these grooves 29: Fig. 11 to lie on the support struts 6 of the cabinet body 41, which are not shown in detail.

[0054] The frame 24 has an additional brace, namely the stiffening brace 31. This is arranged on the corresponding rail 27 of the rear frame 25 on one side and on the support struts 30 on the other. This stiffening provides, as will be described in more detail below, a permanently secure and stable arrangement of the column 4 on the cabinet body 41.

[0055] As from Fig. 11 Furthermore, it can be seen that the stiffening strut 31 has an opening 32 placed centrally in the illustrated embodiment.

[0056] The connecting device 18 serves to arrange the column 4 on the cabinet body 41, as is particularly evident in Fig. 12 is shown.

[0057] The connecting device 18 in turn has a flat material 34. This provides a first mounting surface 35.

[0058] Furthermore, two flat parts 37 are provided, which are welded to the flat material 34. The underside of the flat parts 37 facing the flat material 34 provides a second contact surface, namely the contact surface 38.

[0059] Triangular side elements 40 are provided for additional stiffening of the connecting device 18 and for an additional connection of the flat material 34 with the flat parts 37. These are welded to both the flat material 34 and the flat parts 37.

[0060] In the fully assembled state, the connecting device 18 is preferably screwed to the frame 24 of the cabinet body 41, for which purpose both the flat material 34 and the flat parts 37 have corresponding bores 36 and 39 respectively.

[0061] As can be seen from Fig. 12 Furthermore, it turns out that column 4 has a recess 33 which is formed in the lateral surface of column 4.

[0062] The fully assembled state of the connecting device 18 is shown in particular in the illustration according to Fig. 10 As this figure shows, the connecting device 18 is arranged on the outside of the cabinet body 41. The contact surfaces 35 and 38 provided by the connecting device 18 rest against corresponding mating surfaces of the frame 24. The connecting device 18 is covered from above by the panel 8, which projects beyond the rear panel 17, so that it is not visible to a user from above. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting device 18 is arranged on the frame 24 with the rear panel 17 interposed; that is, the rear panel 17 is located between the associated beam 27 of the frame 25 and the flat material 34 of the connecting device 18.

[0063] Fig. 10The figure further shows that the rear wall 17 is equipped with an access opening 16 through which any cables 22 housed in the storage space of the cabinet body 41 are accessible. Such cables 22 can extend to the monitor 3, for which purpose the cables 22 are to be routed through the opening 32 of the stiffening strut 31 and the recess 33 of the column 4. The embodiment already described above can also be accessed via such an access opening 16. Figures 1 to 5 possess, as depicted in the figures.

[0064] Fig. 9 Finally, it can be seen that in the fully assembled state, both the inspection opening 16 is covered by a flap 15 and the connecting device 18 by a locking element 19. Screws 20 and 21 are provided for attaching the locking element 19 to the connecting device 18 and for attaching the flap 15 to the rear wall 17, respectively.

[0065] How in particular the presentation according to the Figure 7 and 8 As can be seen, the aforementioned construction offers the particular advantage that a flat rear wall 17 is used instead of a curved rear wall. This creates a free space 14 in the vertical direction 10 below the column 4, so that the station trolley 1 according to the invention, in contrast to the prior art, is less bulky and, with the same storage capacity, has smaller geometric dimensions in the loading direction of the storage space. This results in improved maneuverability and minimizes the parking space required when not in use. Reference sign

[0066] 1 Station trolley 2 Cabinet section 3 Monitor 4 Column 5 Drawer 6 Support strut 7 Support roller 8 Desk 9 Side panel 10 Height direction 11 Handle 12 Impact protection 13 Sleeve 14 Clearance 15 Flap 16 Inspection opening 17 Back panel 18 Connecting device 19 Locking element 20 Screw 21 Screw 22 Cable 23 Screw 24 Frame 25 Frame 26 Strut 27 Beam 28 Beam 29 Groove 30 Support strut 31 Stiffening strut 32 Opening 33 Recess 34 Flat material 35 Mounting surface 36 Bore 37 Flat part 38 Mounting surface 39 Bore 40 Side element 41 Cabinet body 42 Flange plate 43 Recess 44 End section 45 Recess 46 Cover plate 47 Screw 48 Screw 49 Carrier plate 50 Cover

Claims

1. Medical trolley, in particular ward trolley and / or care trolley for hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities, the medical trolley comprising a cabinet part (2) having a front-accessible storage space for storing utensils, and comprising a monitor (3) disposed on the cabinet part (2), which monitor (3) is supported by a column (4), wherein the cabinet part (2) has a cabinet body (41) providing the storage space, and a desk (8) supported by the cabinet body (41), wherein the column (4) has a connection device (18) on the side of the cabinet body, under the interposition of which the column (14) is arranged on the desk (8) on the outer side of the cabinet body (41), characterized in that the column (4) is designed in the manner of an open tube and has a connection device-side recess (33) formed in the a column wall and in that the connection device (18) comprises a flange plate (42) having a recess (43), in which recess (43) the column (4) is inserted with its end portion (44) remote from the monitor, wherein the desk (8) has a recess (45) formed corresponding to the flange plate (42) on the side of the cabinet body, in which recess the flange plate (42) is inserted so that a flush closure between the flange plate (42) and the desk rear wall facing the cabinet body (41) is obtained, and wherein the flange plate (42) is screwed to the desk (8).

2. Medical trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the column (4) and the connection device (18) are formed in one piece or quasi in one piece.

3. Medical trolley according to claim 1, characterized by a fascia board (46) covering the recess (45) on the cabinet body side.

4. Medical trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cabinet body (41) includes a rack (24) with a frame (25), on which frame (25) a planar rear wall (17) is arranged.

5. Medical trolley according to claim 4, characterized in that the rack (24) has a reinforcement strut (31) on the connection device side.

6. Medical trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the desk (8) has a supporting plate (49) made of a wood material and a cover (50) made of plastic bonded therewith, wherein the cover (50) receives the supporting plate (49) in the manner of a hood which is open on one side.