Docking system for transport cart

Abstract

A latching mechanism is provided for securing a wheeled transport cart at a desired location. The latching mechanism includes a striker element operatively connectable to the transport cart and a latching arrangement including a surface and a pivotable latch defining a striker element receipt cavity therebetween. The latch is pivotable between a first position allowing access to the striker element receipt cavity and a second position preventing access to the striker element receipt cavity. A plunger assembly is operatively connected to the latch is movable between an actuated position urging the latch in the first position and a non-actuated position wherein the latch is urged into the second position. An actuator is operative connected to the plunger assembly. The actuator has an activated state wherein the plunger assembly is activated and a deactivated state wherein the plunger assembly is deactivated.

Description

DOCKING SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORT CARTFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to wheeled carts, and in particular, to a latching mechanism for securing a wheeled transport cart at a desired location, such as at a workstation or in docking area, in a factory.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Modern manufacturing processes require that materials, such as parts, be delivered to work or assembly stations and stored there in a manner that facilitates operations at those stations. In the past, such deliveries of parts were often carried out by transporting the parts in pallets, bins or containers carried to the work or assembly stations by fork-lift trucks. For a variety of reasons, including improvements in efficiency and safety, manufacturing facilities are increasingly moving toward so-called “fork-free” operations, in which the delivery of parts by fork-lift trucks has largely been supplanted by wheeled transport carts. These transport carts allow an individual to simply and easily deliver the pallets, bins, and containers of materials to a desired workstation in the factory.

[0003] It can be appreciated that when transporting the pallets, bins, containers or the like to various locales throughout a factory, these pallets, bins, or containers are often be unloaded or removed from the transport cart in order to allow a user access to the desired materials delivered at the workstation. As such, it is highly desirable to locate the transport cart in an area in close proximity to the desired workstation to facilitate the removal of the materials by a user. However, if not tethered in position, the movement of the transport cart during the loading and / or unloading of the materials can cause unexpected safety issues.

[0004] Further, for organizational purposes, docking areas may be provided within a factory to house the transport carts when not in use. It can be understood that if the transport cart is not secured in position within the docking area, the transport cart mayinadvertently exit the docking area and interfere with traffic on the factory floor. Once again, it can be appreciated that the presence of an unattended transport cart on a factory floor may cause unexpected safety issues.

[0005] Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a latching mechanism for securing a wheeled transport cart at a desired location, such as a workstation or docking area, in a factory that is simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0006] In accordance with the present invention, a latching mechanism is provided for securing a wheeled transport cart at a desired location. The latching mechanism including a striker element operatively connected to the transport cart. A latching arrangement includes a surface and a pivotable latch defining a striker element receipt cavity therebetween. The latch is pivotable between a first position allowing access to the striker element receipt cavity and a second position preventing access to the striker element receipt cavity. A plunger assembly is operatively connected to the latch. The plunger assembly is movable between an actuated position wherein the plunger assembly is activated and urges the latch in the first position and a non-actuated position wherein the plunger assembly is deactivated and the latch is urged into the second position. An actuator is operatively connected to the plunger assembly. The actuator has an activated state wherein the plunger assembly is activated and a deactivated state wherein the plunger assembly is deactivated.

[0007] A biasing structure is operatively connected to the latch. The biasing structure urges the latch towards the second position. The actuator includes a switch disposed in the surface of the latching arrangement. The striker element is engageable with the switch with the striker element received in the striker element receipt cavity. The striker element includes a pin and a bearing sleeve extending thereabout. The surface includes a first portion adapted for receiving the striker element thereon with the striker element received in the striker element receipt cavity and a ramp portion extending therefrom. The bearing sleeve engages the ramp portion as the transport cart moves axially towardthe latching arrangement. The ramp portion guides the bearing sleeve toward the surface of the latching arrangement as the transport cart moves axially toward the latching arrangement.

[0008] The striker element may include a U-shaped plate having a base and first and second sidewalls projecting from opposite sides thereof. The pin extends between the first and second sidewalls. The pin and the base of the U-shaped plate define a passageway therebetween. The passageway is configured to receive a hooked end of the latch with the latch in the second position and the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity. The actuator is biased toward the activated state.

[0009] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a latching mechanism is provided for securing a wheeled transport cart at a desired location. The latching mechanism includes a striker element operatively connected to the transport cart. The striker element includes a U-shaped plate having a base and first and second sidewalls projecting from opposite sides thereof. A pin extends between the first and second side walls. A latching arrangement includes a surface and a pivotable latch defining a striker element receipt cavity therebetween. The latch is pivotable between a first position allowing access to the striker element receipt cavity and a second position preventing access to the striker element receipt cavity. A plunger is movable between an actuated position wherein the latch is urged by the plunger to the first position and a retracted position wherein the latch is urged into the second position. An actuator is operatively connected to the plunger assembly for controlled movement of the plunger between the actuated and retracted positions.

[0010] A biasing structure is operatively connected to the latch. The biasing structure urges the latch towards the second position. The actuator includes a switch disposed in the surface of the latching arrangement. The pin is engageable with the switch with the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity. The pin may include a bearing sleeve extending thereabout.

[0011] The surface includes a first portion configured to receive the bearing sleeve thereon with the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity and a ramp portion extending therefrom. The bearing sleeve engages the ramp portion as the transport cart moves axially toward the latching arrangement. The ramp portion is configured to guide the pin toward the striker element receipt cavity as the transport cart moves axially toward the latching arrangement. The pin and the base of the U-shaped plate define a passageway therebetween. The passageway is configured to receive a hooked end of the latch with the latch in the second position and the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity. It is intended for the actuator selectively urges the plunger to the actuated position in response to the activation thereof.

[0012] In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a latching mechanism is provided for securing a wheeled transport cart at a desired location. The latching mechanism includes a striker element operatively connected to the transport cart. The striker element includes a pin. A latching arrangement includes a surface and a pivotable latch defining a striker element receipt cavity therebetween. The latch is pivotable between a first position allowing access to the striker element receipt cavity and a second position preventing access to the striker element receipt cavity. A plunger is movable between an actuated position wherein the latch is urged by the plunger to the first position and a retracted position wherein the latch is urged into the second position. An actuator is operatively connected to the plunger assembly for controlling movement of the plunger between the actuated and retracted positions. A switch is disposed in the surface of the latching mechanism. The pin is engageable with the switch with the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity.

[0013] A biasing structure is operatively connected to the latch. The biasing structure urges the latch towards the second position. The pin includes a bearing sleeve extending thereabout. The surface includes a first portion configured to receive the bearing sleeve thereon with the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity and a ramp portion extending therefrom. The bearing sleeve engages the ramp portion as the transport cartmoves axially toward the latching arrangement. The ramp portion is configured to guide the pin toward the striker element receipt cavity as the transport cart moves axially toward the latching arrangement.

[0014] The striker element includes a U-shaped plate having a base and first and second sidewalls projecting from opposite sides thereof. The pin extends between the first and second sidewalls. The pin and the base of the U-shaped plate define a passageway therebetween. The passageway is configured to receive a hooked end of the latch with the latch in the second position and the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity. The actuator selectively urges the plunger to the actuated position in response to the activation thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed, as well as others which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment.

[0016] In the drawings:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially in section, showing a transport cart interconnected to a docking station utilizing a docking system in accordance with the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 2 is side elevational view, partially in section, showing a striker assembly attached to a latching mechanism mounted to a docking station;

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded, side elevational view, partially in section, showing a striker assembly spaced from the latching mechanism mounted to a docking station;

[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, isometric view, partially in section, showing the striker assembly spaced from the latching mechanism of the docking system of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, isometric view, partially in section, showing the striker assembly spaced from the latching mechanism of the docking system of the present invention; and

[0022] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, side elevational view, partially in section, showing the latching mechanism of the docking system of the present invention mounted to a docking station.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1 , a docking system in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. It is intended for docking system 10 to interconnect a transport cart, e.g. transport cart 12, to a docking station, designated by the reference numeral 14. It can be appreciated that transport cart 12 and docking station 14 may have other configurations, and as such, the description herein of transport cart 12 and docking station 14 is merely exemplary.

[0024] As is conventional, transport cart 12 includes a generally flat support frame 18 defined by first and second generally parallel side frame members interconnected by leading and trailing frame members having configurations as disclosed in Oetlinger, United States Patent No. 9,016,972; and Oetlinger, United States Design Patent Nos. D655,021 and D708.353S, which are incorporated herein by reference. Support frame 18 of transport cart 12 is supported above supporting surface 20 such as a factory floor or the like by a plurality of caster assemblies 22. Each caster assembly 22 includes a mounting plate having a U-shaped bracket 24 depending from lower surface 26 thereof. An axle extends between the legs of U-shaped bracket 24 to rotatably support a corresponding caster wheel 28 thereon. It is contemplated to mount each caster assembly 22 to support frame 18 about the periphery thereof.

[0025] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4-5, docking system 10 includes striker assembly 30 operatively connectable to leading end 32 of support frame 18 of transport cart 12. More specifically, striker assembly 10 includes mounting wall 34 having rail 36 extendingoutwardly from trailing surface 38 thereof in a longitudinal direction. Rail 36 has a perimeter shape that corresponds to the perimeter shape of a slot form in the leading surface of support frame 18. This allows rail 36 to nest into the slot in the leading surface of support frame 18. A plurality of bores, designated by the reference number 40, extend angularly through mounting wall 34 and rail 36 so as to define corresponding openings in lower surface 42 of rail 36.

[0026] In order to attach striker assembly 30 to transport cart 12, nuts are provided. By way of example, the nuts may take the form of the shown in Oetlinger, United States Design Patent No. D704,544, which is incorporated herein by reference. Nuts are receivable in a corresponding cavity in support frame 18 so as to be accessible through the slot in support frame 18. With the nut received in the cavity of the support frame 18, striker assembly 30 is positioned such that rail 36 is received within the slot in support frame 18 and such that each of the plurality of bores 40 are aligned with a corresponding threaded bores through the nut. Bolts are inserted through the plurality of bores 40 extending angularly through mounting wall 34 and rail 36 and are threaded into the plurality of threaded bores in the nut. Tightening the plurality of bolts 40 into the nut provides multi-axial tightening to the joint in a manner that clamps striker assembly 30 and support frame 18 of transport cart 12. More specifically, tightening each bolt draws the nut by advancing the nut along the threads of each bolt. This pulls the nut angularly up and across the cavity in support frame 18 and provides multi-axial tightening of the joint, thereby clamping striker assembly 30 to support frame 18 of transport cart 12.

[0027] First and second, generally parallel, guide walls 50 and 52, respectively, project from opposite sides of mounting wall 34 in a leading direction. First and second guide walls 50 and 52, respectively are generally perpendicular to mounting wall 34. Pin 54 extends along an axis generally parallel to mounting wall 34 and includes a first end 56 supported by first guide wall 50 and a second end 58 supported by second guide wall 52. A tubular bearing sleeve 60 extends between inner surfaces 50a and 52a of first and second guide walls 50 and 52, respectively and about outer peripheral surface 62 of pin54. Outer surface 64 of bearing sleeve 60 is spaced from leading surface 66 of mounting wall 34 so as to define passageway 68 therebetween for receiving terminal end 70 of latch 72, as hereinafter described.

[0028] Docking system 10 further includes latching mechanism 80. It is contemplated for latching mechanism 80 to be operatively connected to support column 82 of docking station 14, FIGS. 1-3. Column 82 projects vertically from and is rigidly connected to supporting surface 20 in any conventional manner, such as by a plurality of bolts 84. A pneumatic plunger assembly, generally designated by the reference numeral 86, is housed in and supported by column 82 such that plunger 88 of plunger assembly 86 projects axially from trailing surface 90 of column 82. Terminal end 92 of plunger 88 is defined by first and second, generally parallel, walls 94 and 96, respectively, projecting axially in a first direction, FIG. 4. First and second walls 94 and 96, include corresponding axially aligned apertures 98 therein, for reasons hereinafter described.

[0029] Plunger assembly 86 has a first, actuated, extended configuration, FIGS. 3 and 6, wherein plunger 88 is urged against the bias of spring 106 in a trailing direction away from trailing surface 90 of column 82 in response to compressed air / gas being injected through an open valve into well 102 of housing 104 and a second, non-actuated, retracted configuration, FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5, wherein the valve is closed and prevents air / gas from being injected through into well 102, thereby allowing spring 106 to urge plunger 88 toward trailing surface 90 of column 82. Pneumatic plunger assembly 86 further includes switch 100 projecting from trailing surface 90 of column 82 to control operation of the valve, and hence, the position of plunger 88, FIGS. 4-5.

[0030] Latching mechanism 80 further includes latch 72. Latch 72 is generally U-shaped and includes a base portion 110 extending along an axis and having a first and second opposite ends 112 and 114, respectively. First leg 118 projects from first end 112 of base portion 110 and has a terminal end 70 that defines a hook which is adapted for receipt in passageway 68 of striker assembly 30. First and second, generally parallel, walls 122 and 124, respectively, extending from second end 114 of base portion 110 at an anglegenerally perpendicular thereto. First and second, generally parallel, walls 112 and 114, respectively, include corresponding axially aligned apertures 126 and (not shown) therein, for reasons hereinafter described. Base portion 110 includes a generally cylindrical, axially extending spring receipt cavity 130 extending between the first and second ends 112 and 114, respectively, thereof. Spring receipt cavity 130 has a first end 132 adjacent to first end 112 of base portion 110, a second end 134 adjacent to second end 114 of base portion 110, and is configured for receiving spring 136 therein.Passageway 138 extends through base portion 110 and communicates with spring receipt cavity 130 at a location adjacent second end 134 thereof. Passageway 138 has a generally elliptical-shaped cross section, for reasons hereinafter described.

[0031] Link 140 interconnects plunger 88 and latch 72. More specifically, link 140 extends along an axis and has first and second opposite ends 142 and 144, respectively. First aperture 146 extends through link 140 adjacent to first end 142 along an axis perpendicular to the axis of link 140. Similarly, a second aperture 148 extends through link 140 adjacent to second end 144 along an axis perpendicular to the axis of link 140.

[0032] First end 142 of link 140 is positioned between first and second walls 94 and 96, respectively, such that first aperture 146 is aligned with apertures 98 through first and second walls 94 and 96, respectively. Pin (not shown) is inserted though first aperture 146 and apertures 98 through first and second walls 94 and 96, respectively, to interconnect first end 142 of link 140 to plunger 88. Similarly, second end 144 of link 140 is positioned between first and second walls 122 and 124, respectively, of latch 72 such that apertures 126 and 128 through first and second walls 122 and 124, respectively, are axially aligned with second aperture 148 through link 140. Pin (not shown) is inserted though second aperture 148 and apertures 126 and 128 through first and second walls 122 and 124, respectively, to pivotably connect second end 144 of link 140 to latch 72.

[0033] Housing 160 extends about the outer periphery of latching mechanism 80. Pin 162 extends though passageway 138 in base portion 110 of latch 72 and has opposite endsslidably supported by housing 160 to facilitate the pivoting of latch 72 on the pin connecting latch 72 to second end 144 of link 140. Housing 160 further includes a generally concave surface 164 defining a pin receipt cavity 166 opening in a direction away from trailing surface 90 of column 82. Land 168 projects from lower terminal edge of concave surface 164 and faces base portion 110 of latch 72. As best seen in FIG. 6, ramp 170 extends in a trailing direction away from land 168 and is adapted for engaging outer surface 64 of bearing sleeve 60 of striker assembly 30.

[0034] In operation, pneumatic plunger assembly 86 is activated such that plunger 88 moves to the actuated, extended position, as heretofore described, FIGS. 3-6. As plunger 88 moves axially in a trailing direction away from trailing surface 90 of column 82, link 140 cause latch 72 to pivot on pin 152 against the bias of spring 136 acting on pin 162, thereby causing latch 72 to move to an open position wherein base portion 110 of latch 72 pivots away from land 164 of housing 160. In order to dock transport cart 12, leading edge of transport cart 12 is brought to position wherein bearing sleeve 60 of striker assembly 30 attached to transport cart 12 engages ramp 170 of housing 160 of latching mechanism 80, FIG. 3. As leading edge of transport cart 12 urged towards trailing surface 90 of column 82, bearing sleeve 60 of striker assembly 30 attached to transport cart 12 travels up ramp 170 of housing 160 of latching mechanism 80, thereby lifting caster assemblies 22 adjacent the leading edge of transport cart 12 off supporting surface 20, FIG. 1.

[0035] As leading edge of transport cart 12 urged towards trailing surface 90 of column 82, bearing sleeve 60 of striker assembly 30 becomes seated in pin receipt cavity 166, thereby causing switch 100 to deactivate pneumatic plunger assembly 86, FIG. 2. With pneumatic plunger assembly 86 deactivated, spring 106 urges plunger 88 toward trailing surface 90 of column 82 and spring 136 acts on pin 162 so as to cause latch 72 to pivot on pin 152. As latch 72 pivots on pin 152, terminal end 70 of first leg 118 of latch 72 is received in passageway 68 of striker assembly 30, thereby capturing bearing sleeve 60, and hence pin 54, of striker assembly 30 between latch 72 and housing 160, FIGS. 1-2.As a result, transport cart 12 is tied to column 82 of docking station 14. To free transport cart 12 from docket station 14, pneumatic plunger assembly 86 may be activated, thereby opening latch 72, as heretofore described, and allowing for transport cart 12 to be mo vied in a trailing direction away from column 82.

[0036] Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A latching mechanism for securing a wheeled transport cart at a desired location, comprising: a striker element operatively connectable to the transport cart; a latching arrangement including a surface and a pivotable latch defining a striker element receipt cavity therebetween, the latch pivotable between a first position allowing access to the striker element receipt cavity and a second position preventing access to the striker element receipt cavity; a plunger assembly operatively connected to the latch, the plunger assembly movable between an actuated position wherein the plunger assembly is activated and urges the latch in the first position and a non-actuated position wherein the plunger assembly is deactivated and the latch is urged into the second position; and an actuator operatively connected to the plunger assembly, the actuator having an activated state wherein the plunger assembly is activated and a deactivated state wherein the plunger assembly is deactivated.

2. The latching mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a biasing structure operatively connected to the latch, the biasing structure urging the latch towards the second position.

3. The latching mechanism of claim 1 wherein the actuator includes a switch disposed in the surface of the latching arrangement, the striker element engageable with the switch with the striker element received in the striker element receipt cavity.

4. The latching mechanism of claim 1 wherein the striker element includes a pin and a bearing sleeve extending thereabout.

5. The latching mechanism of claim 4 wherein the surface includes a first portion adapted for receiving the striker element thereon with the striker element receiving in the striker element receipt cavity and a ramp portion extending therefrom, the bearing sleeve engageable with the ramp portion as the transport cart moves axially toward the latching arrangement.

6. The latching mechanism of claim 5 wherein the ramp portion guides the bearing sleeve toward the surface of the latching arrangement as the transport cart moves axially toward the latching arrangement.

7. The latching mechanism of claim 4 wherein the striker element includes a U- shaped plate having a base and first and second sidewalls projecting from opposite sides thereof, the pin extending between the first and second sidewalls.

8. The latching mechanism of claim 7 wherein the pin and the base of the U- shaped plate define a passageway therebetween, the passageway configured to receive a hooked end of the latch with the latch in the second position and the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity.

9. The latching mechanism of claim 1 wherein the actuator is biased toward the activated state.

10. A latching mechanism for securing a wheeled transport cart at a desired location, comprising: a striker element operatively connectable to the transport cart, the striker element including: a U-shaped plate having a base and first and second sidewalls projecting from opposite sides thereof; and a pin extending between the first and second sidewalls;a latching arrangement including a surface and a pivotable latch defining a striker element receipt cavity therebetween, the latch pivotable between a first position allowing access to the striker element receipt cavity and a second position preventing access to the striker element receipt cavity; a plunger movable between an actuated position wherein the latch is urged by the plunger to the first position and a retracted position wherein the latch is urged into the second position; and an actuator operatively connected to the plunger assembly for controlled movement of the plunger between the actuated and retracted positions.

11. The latching mechanism of claim 10 further comprising a biasing structure operatively connected to the latch, the biasing structure urging the latch towards the second position.

12. The latching mechanism of claim 10 wherein the actuator includes a switch disposed in the surface of the latching arrangement, the pin engageable with the switch with the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity.

13. The latching mechanism of claim 10 wherein the pin includes a bearing sleeve extending thereabout.

14. The latching mechanism of claim 13 wherein the surface includes a first portion configured to receive the bearing sleeve thereon with the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity and a ramp portion extending therefrom, the bearing sleeve engaging the ramp portion as the transport cart moves axially toward the latching arrangement.

15. The latching mechanism of claim 14 wherein the ramp portion is configured to guide the pin toward the striker element receipt cavity as the transport cart movesaxially toward the latching arrangement.

16. The latching mechanism of claim 10 wherein the pin and the base of the ll- shaped plate define a passageway therebetween, the passageway configured to receive a hooked end of the latch with the latch in the second position and the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity.

17. The latching mechanism of claim 10 wherein the actuator selectively urges the plunger to the actuated position in response to the activation thereof.

18. A latching mechanism for securing a wheeled transport cart at a desired location, comprising: a striker element operatively connected to the transport cart, the striker element including a pin; a latching arrangement including a surface and a pivotable latch defining a striker element receipt cavity therebetween, the latch pivotable between a first position allowing access to the striker element receipt cavity and a second position preventing access to the striker element receipt cavity; a plunger movable between an actuated position wherein the latch is urged by the plunger to the first position and a retracted position wherein the latch is urged into the second position; an actuator operatively connected to the plunger assembly for controlling movement of the plunger between the actuated and retracted positions; and a switch disposed in the surface of the latching mechanism, the pin engageable with the switch with the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity.

19. The latching mechanism of claim 10 further comprising a biasing structure operatively connected to the latch, the biasing structure urging the latch towards the second position.

20. The latching mechanism of claim 18 wherein the pin includes a bearing sleeve extending thereabout.

21. The latching mechanism of claim 18 wherein the surface includes a first portion configured to receive the bearing sleeve thereon with the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity and a ramp portion extending therefrom, the bearing sleeve engaging the ramp portion as the transport cart moves axially toward the latching arrangement.

22. The latching mechanism of claim 21 wherein the ramp portion is configured to guide the pin toward the striker element receipt cavity as the transport cart moves axially toward the latching arrangement.

23. The latching mechanism of claim 19 wherein the striker element includes a U- shaped plate having a base and first and second sidewalls projecting from opposite sides thereof, the pin extending between the first and second sidewalls.

24. The latching mechanism of claim 23 wherein the pin and the base of the U- shaped plate define a passageway therebetween, the passageway configured to receive a hooked end of the latch with the latch in the second position and the pin received in the striker element receipt cavity.

25. The latching mechanism of claim 19 wherein the actuator selectively urges the plunger to the actuated position in response to the activation thereof.

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