DE29605267U1 - Actuating system for the locking device of at least one roller rotatably and / or pivotably mounted on movable devices in the area of components - Google Patents

Description

Actuating system for the locking device of at least one Area of components rotatable and/or pivotable roller

on mobile equipment

The innovation relates to an actuation system for the locking device of at least one roller mounted in a rotatable and/or pivotable manner in the area of components on movable devices, such as furniture, medical devices, commercial kitchen equipment, pallets, garbage containers or the like, with at least one actuation element that generates a braking force, at least one braking element assigned to the roller wheel and provided in the area of the components, and at least one Bowden cable extending between the components that accommodate the roller wheel and the actuation element.

The German utility model 9303335 shows a central wheel lock for several castors, in which a brake rod, which is guided upwards through the opening of a ball ring inside a frame foot, actuates the brake arm of the castor and its ball ring. The central actuation of all brakes is achieved by means of a rotary movement of a disc and the resulting linear movement of the rods and associated wedges in a guide.

The German utility model 9303336 relates to a central wheel lock for several swivel castors, in which a pull rod actuates a brake pin via a lever, which is guided downwards through the opening in the middle of a ball race and actuates the brake arm of the actual roller and its ball race. The central actuation of all brakes is accomplished with the help of a rotary movement of the cable drum, the wire ropes and the compensating spring.

The disadvantage of the utility models mentioned is that a large number of components are required to generate and transmit the braking force, whereby the direction of movement and the flow of force must also be redirected several times in a corresponding manner.

DE-OS 3521794 relates to a roller with a base component on which at least one wheel is rotatably mounted and interacts with a braking mechanism. The roller is characterized by a support device, relative to which the base component is rotatably mounted about a substantially vertical axis located at a distance from the wheel axis, wherein the braking mechanism

mechanism for braking the rotation of the wheel has an actuating element, which includes an actuating element that moves upwards to exert a braking effect on the wheel. The actuating element can be moved upwards against a pre-tensioning spring and has a head part at its upper end, to which a pull cable is attached within a housing attached to the support device. The direction of movement of the brake actuating element enables the brake to be actuated from a location remote from the roller, in particular by means of a Bowden cable connection. Nothing further is stated in this publication about the type of actuating element or its functional structure. However, it must also be noted here that in addition to the Bowden cable, other force-transmitting or force-deflecting components are required to apply the braking force, which requires a relatively complicated structure of the roller.

The aim of the innovation is, based on DE-OS 3521794, to design an actuation system for the locking device of at least one roller mounted in the area of components so that it can rotate and/or pivot on movable devices, which on the one hand is inexpensive and simple to construct, can function as a central locking device if required, and on the other hand can bring about a simplified transmission of force from the actuating element to the roller.

This objective is achieved in accordance with the innovation in that the pull wire of the Bowden cable extends directly or indirectly, i.e. without further reversal of its direction of movement and its power flow, between the braking element and the actuating element or components interacting with it.

The term direct extension means that the traction wire extends between the brake lever and the actuating element (when braking only one roller) or between the brake lever and a traction force distributor of any kind.

The term indirect extension means that the pull wire does not engage directly with the brake lever, but rather that, for example, a pull rod or similar engages with the brake lever and the pull wire is attached to the free end of the pull rod. Here, too, there is no reversal of the direction of movement or the flow of force.

Advantageous further developments of the subject matter of the innovation can be found in the subclaims.

The innovation is preferably applicable to movable equipment such as furniture, medical equipment, commercial kitchen equipment, pallets, garbage containers, school furniture, transport equipment, projector bases or the like. The construction effort is simple compared to the state of the art, since a direct power transmission from the actuating element or intermediate traction amplifiers and the braking element, preferably designed as a lever, can be realized.

In a manner analogous to the state of the art, the brake lever can be used to neutralize, on the one hand, the rotational movement of the roller and, on the other hand, the pivoting movement of the components that hold it with one and the same braking element, namely the brake lever, when the Bowden cable is actuated.

Rollers of movable devices of the type mentioned above are usually mounted so that they can rotate around a horizontal axis in the area of a roller housing. The roller housing itself is designed to be pivotable around a vertical axis, for example via ball bearings, whereby a tube- or bolt-shaped extension is usually provided above the roller housing, which can be brought into operative connection with the receiving part of the movable device, for example a hospital bed. A brake lever is usually provided above the roller and is connected to the roller housing so that it can be tilted around an axis. The cable surrounding the pull wire of the Bowden cable is attached to a stationary part of the tube or bolt, while the free end of the pull wire is guided directly into the area of the tiltable brake lever and is preferably detachably attached there.

The actuating system according to the innovation is, on the one hand, suitable for braking the rotation and/or swivel movement of individual rollers or roller housings, whereby it is also within the scope of the innovation to centrally brake several rollers or roller housings in the area of the movable element with regard to their rotation or swivel movement.

1If braking of several rollers or even central braking of all rollers of the movable device is desired, a so-called traction force distributor can be provided either in the area of the actuating element,

or this traction force distributor can be positioned between the actuating element and the brake lever at a predetermined point in the area of the movable device. The corresponding number of Bowden cables then lead from this traction force distributor to the rollers intended for braking.

The actuation system is simple in its construction and therefore inexpensive to manufacture, especially since, in contrast to the state of the art, there is no longer any redirection of the direction of movement and the flow of force when the braking force is applied. The actuation element or the traction force distributor can be connected to the movable device in a fixed, movable or not fixed way at all. For example, when using a rotary handle as an actuation element, it is sufficient that it is provided in an associated receiving pocket in the area of the movable device. By attaching the Bowden cable so that it can move lengthways, the pulling path and thus the braking force and the braking stroke can be adjusted by changing the path of the internal pulling wire relative to the cable. In particular for movable devices that can be used in medical areas, such as operating rooms, it can be absolutely necessary that a current can be diverted from the movable unit to the floor of the operating room. Movable devices used to date also contain such current-conducting elements, but these are used when roller holders made of non-conductive material, such as plastic or the like, are used. To remedy this, it is proposed that at least one tab, in particular made of metal, be provided between the brake lever and the roller housing, which preferably extends between the axis of the brake lever and the axis of the roller housing. Since the rollers are already designed to conduct electricity, in particular in the areas of the wheels mentioned, current is now conducted to the roller, which is made of conductive material, via the Bowden cable or a connecting pull rod, the brake lever, the tab and the roller housing.

A device for the direct or indirect application of a braking force for at least two rollers on a movable device, which interacts with components of the roller via at least two Bowden cables, is characterized by a traction force distributor provided in the area of the device or a separate, spaced-apart traction force distributor, from which the Bowden cables can be guided in the area of the rollers, in particular in the area of the brake lever, without diverting their direction of movement and their force flow.

Advantageous further developments of the new device can be found in the associated sub-claims.

The subject of the innovation is illustrated using an example and is described as follows.

Fig. 1 Basic representation of the new operating system

mes for braking several wheels with central traction distributor in the area of the actuating element.

Fig. 2 Basic representation of the new operating system

mes with a traction force distributor provided outside the central operating element.

Fig. 3 + 4 Representation of the traction distributor according to Fig. 2 in actuated and non-actuated function.

Fig. 5 - 7 Alternative designs of an actuating element in connection with a traction force distributor.

Fig. 8 Alternative braking device of a rotating and pivoting wheel.

Fig. 1 shows the innovative actuating system 1 for the locking device 2 of wheels 3 provided in the area of rotating and pivoting rollers 3 ¹ for a movable device (not shown in more detail), such as a hospital bed. The actuating system 1 contains an actuating element 4, a brake lever 6 provided above the wheel 3 and tiltable about an axis 5, and a Bowden cable 7. In a known manner, the Bowden cable 7 consists of a pull wire 8 and a cable 9 surrounding it. The wheel 3 is mounted so that it can rotate about a horizontal axis 11 in the area of a roller housing 10 which is approximately U-shaped in cross section. The brake lever 6 is provided so that it can tilt about the horizontal axis 5 within the roller housing 10. The roller housing 10 interacts via a double-row ball bearing 12 with a tubular fastening pin 13 which is surrounded by a spacer sleeve 14. The spacer sleeve 14 serves as a receiving element for the leg 15 of the hospital bed mentioned, which is only indicated. To prevent rotation between the leg 15 and the receiving element 14, a connecting element 16 in the form of a screw is attached to the designated

Placed beneath the bearing 12 is a functional element in the form of a toothed bearing shell 17, via which the pivoting movement of the roller housing 10 about its vertical axis 10' can be neutralized. The actuation takes place via the brake lever 6.

The actuating element 4 contains two housing parts 18, 19, of which the housing part 19 is approximately pot-shaped and contains a lower base plate 20. A pull plate 21 and an eccentric disk 22 are also provided within the lower housing part 19. The upper housing part 18 is designed in the manner of a rotary handle, with a cam-shaped projection 23 provided in its lower area. The individual housing parts 18, 19 are connected via a screw 24, the head part 25 of which engages below the pulling plate 21 and which interacts with a nut 26 in the upper area of the rotary handle 18. As already explained, the Bowden cable 7 consists of a pull wire 8 and a cable 9 which surrounds it. On the roller side, the cable 9 is connected to the fastening pin 13 via a sleeve 27 by screwing, while the free end of the pull wire 8 is provided in a slotted area 28 of the brake lever 6 so that it can be removed. The pull wire 8 extends through the tubular area 29 of the fastening pin 13. On the side of the actuating element 4, the cable is connected to the base plate 20 via a further adjustable sleeve 29, while the pull wire 8 is hooked into a recess provided for this purpose in the area of the pull plate 21, which cannot be seen further. In this example, the lower housing part 19 is designed in such a way that it serves as a pull force distributor for several locking devices 2, preferably for all the rollers of the hospital bed (not shown in more detail). All of the Bowden cables 7 required for this are located in the area of the base plate 20 and the pull plate 21. The same applies analogously to the fastening of the Bowden cable 7 to the associated fastening pins 13 and the brake levers 6. The actuating element 4 is shown in the braking position on the one hand (right illustration) and on the other hand in the relaxed position (left illustration). In the relaxed state, there is a defined gap A between the tension plate 21 and the eccentric disk 22, whereby the braking force to be achieved can be adjusted variably by tightening the screw 24 more or less strongly, but is the same for all Bowden cables 7. By adjusting the sleeve 29, the braking force of each individual roller 3' can be adjusted individually. By turning the upper housing part 18 relative to the lower part 19, the cam-shaped projection 23 on the eccentric disk 22 is moved upwards in the sense of a lifting movement, whereby the gap A approaches zero and the maximum

male braking effect occurs when the tension plate 21 rests on the eccentric disk 22.

Fig. 2 shows an alternative design of the new actuation system 30, whereby the rollers and roller housings (not shown here) are designed in a similar way to Fig. 1. This system can be used, for example, for a commercial kitchen appliance (also not shown). Again, several Bowden cables 31 can be seen, the free end areas of which are attached to the roller side in a similar way to Fig. 1. Between an actuation element (in this example designed as a brake handle 32) and the brake levers of the associated rollers (not shown in any more detail) extends a separate traction force distributor 33 which can be attached to a central position in the area of the commercial kitchen appliance and which is described in more detail in Figs. 3 and 4. It can also be seen here that the cable 34 of the Bowden cable 31 is attached to the base plate 35 of the approximately pot-shaped tractive force distributor 33 via a sleeve 36, while the traction wire 37 is attached in the lower area of an adjustment element 38 that is movable relative to the base plate 35. Between the traction distributor 33 and the brake handle 32 extends another Bowden cable 39, which is analogous to the Bowden cables

31 consists of a cable 40 and a traction wire 41. Here too, the cable ends are fastened by sleeves on the one hand to an upper plate 42 of the traction force distributor 33, and on the other hand to a fastening element 43 of the brake handle 32 via sleeves 44. The ends of the traction wire 41 engage on the one hand in an eyelet 45 in the area of the adjustment element 38 and on the other hand in a fastening area 46 of the brake handle 32. By operating the brake lever

32 the braking force can be transferred to the brake levers (not shown).

Fig. 3 and 4 show the traction distributor 33 in the positions roller freely rotating (Fig. 3) and roller or roller housing braked (Fig. 4). The following components, already discussed in Fig. 2, can be seen: the base plate 35 of the traction distributor 33, the upper plate 42, the movable adjustment element 38, the Bowden cables 31 and the Bowden cable 39. The adjustment element 38, which receives the traction wire 41 of the Bowden cable 39 via an eyelet 45, is guided in the area of a nose-shaped projection 47 in the area of the base plate 35. The cable 40 of the Bowden cable 39 is guided in the sleeve 44 and connected to the upper plate 42. Analogously, the Bowden cables 31 are hooked into corresponding receiving openings 48 in the area of the adjustment element 38 in the area of their pull wire 37, while the associated cables 34 are fastened to the base plate 35 in the area of the sleeves 36.

By operating the brake lever, which is not further visible in these figures, the adjustment element 38 is now moved upwards in the direction of the arrow along the nose-shaped projection 47 by means of the pull wire 41, whereby the gap A is established and the change in the length of the pull wire 37 now generates the braking force, by means of which the roller is braked with respect to its rotary movement on the one hand and the roller housing with respect to its pivoting movement on the other.

Figures 5 to 7 show another alternative actuating element 49, whereby the Bowden cables 50 are attached to the roller in a similar way to Figure 1. The actuating element 49 is cylindrical and contains a base plate 51 to which the cables 52 of the Bowden cables 50 are attached. The ends of the pull wires 53 are attached to an approximately pot-shaped adjusting element 54 in a similar way to Figures 2 to 4. The base plate 51 is provided with a projection 55 that extends into the free space of the adjusting element 54. A spring 57, centered by the projection 55, extends between the base plate 51 and the base 56 of the adjusting element 54.

Fig. 5 shows the position in which both the rotational movement of the rollers 3 and the pivoting movement of the roller housing 10 relative to the fastening pin 13 are cancelled. A handle 59 which can be pivoted about an axis 58 and which is provided with a rounded area 60 on the side of the adjusting element 54 in the position shown in Fig. 5 can now fulfil various functions: The spring 57 is shown in its essentially tensioned position so that there is no gap between the base plate 51 and the adjusting element 54, whereby neither the wheels 3 can be rotated nor the roller housing 10 can be pivoted (stationary state).

Fig. 6 shows the position in which only the pivoting movement of the roller housing 10 relative to the fastening pin 13 is interrupted, but the wheels 3 are again able to rotate. The handle 59, which has a first flattened area 61, is in a lower position in which the flattened area 61 comes to rest on the base 56 of the adjusting element 54. The spring 57 is relaxed slightly so that a gap A is created and the braking force for the wheels 3 is removed. A pivoting movement of the rollers 3' is not yet possible in this handle position.

Fig. 7 shows the position in which the wheels 3 are now freely movable and the roller housing 10 can again be pivoted relative to the

Fastening pin 13 is provided. In this position, the handle 59 rests with a flattened area 62 on the base 56 of the adjustment element 54. This now causes an essentially complete relaxation of the spring 57 while simultaneously forming the maximum gap A.

Fig. 8 shows an alternative roller 3', which also interacts with a roller housing 10, whereby the wheel 3 can be rotated about the axis 11 as before and the roller housing 10 can be pivoted relative to the fastening pin 13. Furthermore, the brake lever 6 already mentioned is provided above the wheel 3 and can be tilted about the axis 5. In contrast to the actuation systems described above, the brake lever 6 interacts in the area of its free end 63 with the end 64 of a so-called pull rod 65, which extends through the continuous recess 29 in the area of the fastening pin 13. The pull wire 66 of the Bowden cable 67 now engages the end of the pull rod 65 facing away from the brake lever 6, which then in turn leads to a traction force distributor (not shown in more detail) or to an actuation element (also not shown). This alternative operation of the brake lever 6 is also covered by the scope of protection, since here too there is no reversal of the direction of movement or the flow of force. In certain medical areas (e.g. operating theatres) it is often necessary for hospital or operating beds to be equipped with current-conducting elements. Known current-conducting systems are only effective if a current can be established between a preferably current-conducting castor and the bed frame. This is usually necessary if the castor is equipped with a swivel bracket made of plastic or similar non-conductive material or if the bearing is connected in some way to the preferably conductive wheel. Regardless of whether the Bowden cable is connected directly to the brake lever 6 or indirectly via the pull rod 65 on the brake lever 6, the conductivity from the bed to the wheel 3 is established by a likewise conductive tab 68, preferably made of metal, which is connected on the one hand to the axis 5 of the brake lever and on the other hand to the axis 11 of the roller housing 10.

Claims (28)

Protection claims 1. Actuating system for the locking device (2) of at least one roller (3') mounted in the area of components (10) so as to be rotatable and/or pivotable on movable devices, such as furniture, medical devices, commercial kitchen equipment, pallets, garbage containers or the like, with at least one actuating element (4,32,59) generating a braking force, at least one braking element (6) assigned to the roller ( ³¹ ) and provided in the area of the components (10), and at least one Bowden cable (7,31) extending between the components (10) receiving the roller wheel (3) and the actuating element (4,32,59), characterized in that the pull wire (8,37) of the Bowden cable (7,31) extends indirectly or directly, ie without further reversal or conversion of its direction of movement and its force flow, between the braking element (6) and the actuating element (4) or components interacting with it. (19,33,54). 2. Actuating system according to claim 1, wherein the roller wheel (3) is mounted in the area of a roller housing (10) so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis (11), which in turn is provided so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis (10') directly or indirectly opposite an approximately tubular receiving part (15) of the movable device, and the braking element (6) is mounted in the area of the roller housing (10) so as to be tiltable about an axis (5) and interacts with functional elements (17) which neutralize a pivoting movement of the roller housing (10), characterized in that the cable (9,34) surrounding the pull wire (8,37) is fastened on the tube side and the free end of the pull wire (8) is guided through the tubular area (29) into the area of the brake element (6) designed as a lever and is connected there to it, in particular in a detachable manner. 3. Actuating system according to claim 2, characterized in that above the roller housing (10) a receiving area for the receiving part (15) is provided, which is formed from an outer sleeve (14) and an inner tubular fastening pin (13), wherein the free end of the Bowden cable (9) in the upper area of the fastening pin (13) and the free end of the pull wire (8) through the tubular area (29) of the fastening pin (13) to the brake lever (6) and is connected to it there. 4. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating element (4) contains housing parts (18, 19), that the cable end of the Bowden cable (7) is attached to one of these housing parts (19), that the pull wire end is held on a pull plate (21) actuable from the other housing part (18) in the area of this housing part (19), and that the braking force can be directly transmitted from the actuating element (4) to the brake lever (6) by relative movement of the housing parts (18, 19) in the sense of a lifting movement. 5. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the relative movement takes place by rotating one (18) relative to the other housing part (19), the lifting movement being able to be brought about by guiding a cam (23) relative to an inclined plane (22). 6. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that one housing part (19) is pot-shaped, the base plate (20) of which serves to fasten the free cable end, that the pull plate (21) receiving the pull wire ends is provided within the pot (19), that a disk (22) forming the inclined plane is arranged above the pull plate (21), that a further housing part (18) designed as a rotary handle is arranged above the first housing part (19), and that a connecting element designed in particular as a screw (24) extends between the pull plate (21) and the rotary handle (18). 7. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the actuating element (4) is provided in the region of its housing part (19), forming a central tensile force distributor, for receiving several Bowden cables (7, 31). 8. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a central traction force distributor (33) for receiving several Bowden cables ( ³¹ ) leading to rollers (31), which has at least a separate pulling element (39) is operatively connected to a central actuating element (32). 9. Actuating system according to claim 8, characterized in that the tractive force distributor (33) contains an approximately pot-shaped housing, to the base plate (35) of which the free cable ends are fastened, that an adjusting element (38) is provided within the pot, which is movable relative to the latter and receives the pull wire ends in its area facing the base plate (35), and that the free pull wire end of the pull element (39) is connected to the adjusting element (38) outside the base plate (35). 10. Actuating system according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the adjusting element (38) is hollow-cylindrical and that in order to guide it relative to the base plate (35), the latter is provided with a nose-shaped projection (47) extending into the cavity of the adjusting element (38). 11. Actuating system according to claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the pulling element (39) is formed by a Bowden cable. 12. Actuating system according to claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the Bowden cable (39) extends between components (42) of the traction force distributor (33) and an actuating element (32) designed as a central brake handle. 13. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating element (59) interacts with a tensile force distributor (49) in such a way that a spring (57) which can be loaded and unloaded on the one hand causes a constant neutralization of the rotary and swivel movement of the roller (3') and of the roller housing (10) and on the other hand this neutralization can be at least partially canceled by actuating the spring (57) in a way which is unloading or loading. 14. Actuating system according to claim 13, characterized in that the tractive force distributor (49) includes a housing within which an approximately pot-like adjusting element (54) is arranged, the spring (57) extending between the base plate (51) of the housing and the base (56) of the adjusting element (54), and that above the base (56) a A handle (59) is provided which interacts with the housing and has geometrically differently shaped areas (60, 61, 62) and which changes the force of the spring (57) by pivoting about an axis (58). 15. Actuating system according to claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the handle (59) includes first (61) and second flats (62) for applying different spring forces and is further provided with a rounded area (60). 16. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the actuating element (4, 32) is provided to be firmly or loosely connected to the movable device, regardless of a specific position in the region of the movable device. 17. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that by longitudinally movable attachment of the cable (9,34,40) a, in particular individual, adjustment of the pulling path and thus of the braking force and the braking stroke can be brought about by changing the path of the pulling wire (8,37,41) relative to the cable surrounding it (9,34,40). 18. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the actuating element (4,32) acts via the tractive force distributor (19,33) on all rollers (3') or the brake levers (6) and functional elements (17) operatively connected to them. 19. Actuating system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the braking force is applied indirectly, a pull rod (65) is provided between the brake lever (6) and the free end of the Bowden cable (67), which is connected at one end to the brake lever (6) and at the other end to the free end of the pull wire (66). 20. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least one tab (68), in particular made of metal, is provided between the brake lever (6) and the roller housing (10). 21. Actuating system according to claim 20, characterized in that the tab (68) extends between the axis (5) of the brake lever (6) and the axis (11) of the roller housing (10). 22. Actuating system according to one or more of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that a current can be discharged via the movable device, the actuating element, the Bowden cable (67) or the pull rod (65), the brake lever (6), the tab (68) and the wheel (3) made of electrically conductive material. 23. Device for the direct or indirect application of a braking force for at least two rollers (3') on a movable device, such as furniture, medical equipment, commercial kitchen equipment, pallets, garbage containers or the like, which interact with components of the roller ( ³¹ ) via at least two Bowden cables (7,50), characterized by a traction force distributor (19,33,54) provided in the area of the device or a separate one spaced therefrom, from which the Bowden cables (7,50) can be guided into the area of the rollers (3'), in particular into the area of the brake lever (6), without diverting their direction of movement and their force flow. 24. Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the traction force distributor (19, 33, 54) contains stationary (20, 35, 51) and relatively movable components (21, 38, 54), the traction wires of the Bowden cables (7, 50) being attached to the movable part (21, 38, 54) and the cables surrounding them being attached to the stationary part (20, 35, 51), and that the braking force can be generated by relative movement of the movable component with respect to the stationary component. 25. Device according to claims 23 and 24, characterized in that the relative movement takes place by guiding the movable component (21, 38, 54) along an inclined plane. 26. Device according to claims 23 to 25, characterized in that a rotary handle (18) is provided above the traction force distributor (19), which includes a cam (23) facing the inclined plane. 27. Device according to claims 23 and 24, characterized in that the traction force distributor (51) has a spring (57) which generates the braking force which extends between the stationary (51) and the movable component (54), wherein the force of the spring (57) can be changed by means of a lever (59) having cam-like projections (60, 61, 62). 28. Device according to claim 27, characterized in that the spring (57) is provided centered between the movable component (54) and the stationary component (51).