Transport and / or storage module

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport and / or storage module (1) comprising a set of walls delimiting an entrance (8), the set of walls comprising two side walls (3, 4) and a top wall (5) connecting the two side walls (3, 4), the two side walls (3, 4) and the top wall (5) partially delimiting the entrance (8), the transport and / or storage module (1) comprises a movable panel (9) capable of closing the access opening (8), and a hinge device (13) comprising a balancer (14) and a hinge (15) capable of moving the movable panel (9) between an open position and a closed position, characterized in that the balancer (14) and the hinge (15) are arranged along a side (16) of the top wall (5), the side portion (16) helps define the inlet (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of transporting and / or storing goods in motor vehicles, such as commercial vehicles, and more particularly to transport and / or storage modules integrated into such vehicles.

[0002] Commercial vehicles are designed to transport and / or store large quantities of cargo in the most compact way possible. In order to optimize the transport and / or storage according to the type of freight, there are transport and / or storage modules that have a small packing volume but have a practical aspect considering that they can be stacked on the trailer of the vehicle.

[0003] These modules can be opened by means of a rotating opening flap similar to the trunk of a motor vehicle. Thus, the opening flap can be opened or closed, the open position making it possible to place goods in the module or to remove goods from the module, while the closed position makes it possible to secure the goods during transport and / or storage of the goods. Such modules comprise at least one balancer capable of holding the opening flap when it is in its open position. Thus, the balancer needs to exert a sufficient force to keep the opening flap in its open position, but this force must not be too high, making it difficult to close the opening flap.

[0004] It is known to arrange such a balancer so that it bears on a wall delimiting the entrance. Such positioning makes it necessary to adopt grooves along the entrance of the module so that the balancer can bear on the module and establish a connection with the opening flap. However, the presence of these grooves reduces the size of the loading volume of the module and the size of the entrance, and this may prevent some goods from being arranged in the loading volume of the module, but such goods would be able to be arranged in the module without the grooves.

[0005] The present invention improves the loading volume of these modules by providing a transport and / or storage module, which includes a set of walls that define the loading volume and the entrance, the set of walls including at least two side walls and a top wall connecting the two side walls together, the two side walls and the top wall at least partially defining the entrance, the transport and / or storage module including at least one opening flap capable of closing the entrance, and an articulated device including at least one balancer and a hinge, the articulated device capable of moving the opening flap between an open position and a closed position, characterized in that the balancer and the hinge are arranged along a side portion of the top wall, the side portion participating in defining the entrance.

[0006] With this transport and / or storage module, the counterweight and the hinge are arranged completely between the opening flap and the top wall. This configuration avoids the extension of the counterweight as far as one of the side walls, which would involve the formation of a groove, resulting in a reduction in the size of the entrance and a limited loading volume. In addition, the increase in the size of the entrance makes it possible to place bulky cargo, which would not be able to pass through the entrance if the module was equipped with a groove.

[0007] The set of walls preferably forms a cubic or parallelepiped loading volume. This shape not only makes it easier to store or retrieve the goods contained in the transport and / or storage module, but also makes it possible to easily arrange multiple transport and / or storage modules in a single space, for example by stacking these transport and / or storage modules. In addition to the side walls and the top wall, the transport and / or storage module therefore advantageously comprises a bottom wall parallel to or substantially parallel to the top wall, and an end wall facing the entrance. The entrance is preferably vertical, so that the user of the transport and / or storage module can more easily access the loading volume.

[0008] The opening flap is rotated by means of a manual action of a user of the transport and / or storage module. Such an opening flap can be closed on the entrance, for example by a manual push. In its closed position, the opening flap thus closes the entrance and thus keeps the goods in the loading volume. The transport and / or storage module can be equipped with a locking device, such as a key / lock assembly, which prevents it from being opened. In addition, the opening flap is equipped with a handle, which makes it possible to rotate the opening flap into its open position, thereby allowing access to the loading volume.

[0009] The articulation device, in particular the counterweight and the hinge, ensures that the opening flap is rotated between its open position and its closed position. The articulation takes place by pivoting about a rotation axis arranged in the vicinity of the articulation device. The counterweight is configured to meet the criteria associated with this type of opening flap, i.e., when no manual force is applied to the opening flap, the counterweight must exhibit a return force for keeping the opening flap in its open position, but this return force should be moderate so that the manual pressure that needs to be applied to the opening flap in order to close it is as low as possible.

[0010] When the opening flap is moved by manual pressure, the hinge is driven by the opening flap and said hinge in turn drives the counterbalance. When no manual pressure is applied to the opening flap and the opening flap is neither in its open position nor in its closed position, the counterbalance drives the hinge which, for its part, drives the opening flap in order to rotate the opening flap into its open position.

[0011] The hinge device is arranged along the top wall so as to be as close as possible to the inlet, in particular so as to limit the mechanical interference between the top wall and the opening flap.Therefore, the entire hinge device is arranged between the side of the top wall and the opening flap.

[0012] According to one feature of the invention, the articulation device comprises a bracket fixed to the top wall, to which the first end of the equalizer is connected. In other words, the bracket constitutes the fixed part of the articulation device. The bracket corresponds to the part fixed to the top wall, said part being fixed by means of any fastening means. Depending on the movement of the opening flap, the first end of the equalizer is triggered into motion while maintaining the connection with the bracket.

[0013] According to one feature of the invention, the hinge comprises a first part fixed to the top wall and a second part fixed to the opening flap, the first and second parts being connected together by a pivoting link, the second end of the balancer being connected to the second part of the hinge. The first part constitutes the fixed part of the hinge, while the second part constitutes the mobile part. When the opening flap or the balancer is triggered to move, the second part of the hinge pivots around the pivoting link and moves towards or away from the first part depending on the movement of the opening flap. The second end of the balancer is fixed to the second part of the hinge, in other words the mobile part. Therefore, the balancer extends between the bracket and the second part of the hinge.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, the second part of the hinge comprises a lug facing the bracket, to which the second end of the balancer is connected. The lug ensures a better orientation of the second end of the balancer relative to the first end. When the opening flap is triggered to move, the lug is also triggered to move, and the orientation of the lug simplifies the movement of the balancer and prevents potential damage to the balancer due to excessive mechanical tension at an undesirable angle. The orientation of the lug also makes it possible to limit the manual force that needs to be applied to close the opening flap.

[0015] Thus, the second portion is divided into a side surface parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot link of the hinge and a lug extending from this side surface on a plane between 105 and 110 degrees relative to the plane inscribed in this side surface.

[0016] According to one feature of the invention, the balancer is arranged parallel to the top wall when the open flap is in its closed position. Closing of the open flap causes the second portion of the hinge to move towards the first portion and the top wall. This movement also causes the second end of the balancer to move towards the top wall, while the first end is constantly kept near the top wall due to its connection to the bracket. Thus, when the open flap is in its closed position, the two ends of the balancer are substantially at the level of the top wall. Thus, the balancer is parallel or substantially parallel to the top wall.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the articulated device comprises a first balancer, a second balancer, a first hinge, and a second hinge. Having two balancers and two hinges makes it possible to distribute the force applied by the balancers to the opening flap and the force applied by the opening flap to the balancers in the case of manual pressure on the opening flap. The opening flap is thus more stable and the articulated device is mechanically stronger.

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, a bracket is fixed near the center of the side of the top wall, and the first end of the first balancer and the first end of the second balancer are connected to the bracket. Thus, the bracket constitutes the central section of the hinge device, and the balancers extend away from each other from their respective first ends.

[0019] According to one feature of the invention, the first part of the first hinge and the first part of the second hinge are fixed to the sides of the top wall, on either side of the bracket, the second end of the first balancer is connected to the second part of the first hinge, and the second end of the second balancer is connected to the second part of the second hinge. Thus, the articulated device exhibits axial symmetry in a plane perpendicular to the top wall. It is this axial symmetry that participates in balancing the different mechanical forces mentioned above and stabilizes the movement of the opening flap relative to the articulated device.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, at least one end of the balancer comprises a ball joint. The ball joint ensures the freedom of the end of the balancer relative to the part to which it is connected. The ball joint thus prevents any obstruction of the balancer at one or more of its ends, but still allows the movement of the balancer to participate in opening or closing the opening flap.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the ball joint comprises a body at least partially enclosing a ball, the body constituting the end of the balancer, the ball being fixed to a bracket or a hinge. The body has a peripheral shape similar to that of a ball, the diameter of the ball being substantially smaller than the diameter of the body. Thus, the ball can be inserted into the body. Thus, the body can perform a rotational movement around the ball, but is limited in translation by the ball. The ball can be molded onto the bracket and the body can be formed directly on the end of the balancer. Thus, regardless of the fixed position of the bracket or the movement of the hinge, the balancer can adjust its rotational movement relative to the movement of the opening flap.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the counterweight is a cylinder configured to expand when the opening flap is in its open position and to retract when the opening flap is in its closed position. The choice of a cylinder is particularly advantageous because it can have a return mechanism capable of moving the opening flap to its open position or of keeping it in its open position. Thus, when the opening flap is not subjected to any force, the cylinder expands and thus lifts the opening flap. When the opening flap is closed by manual pressure, the cylinder retracts until the opening flap is in its fully closed position, which keeps the cylinder retracted.

[0023] According to one feature of the invention, the side of the top wall defines a recess in which the hinge device is at least partially housed. This recess forms a housing for fitting the hinge device at the top wall without mechanically interfering with the opening flap. The recess is implemented entirely along the side of the top wall.

[0024] According to one feature of the invention, the opening flap comprises a lip configured to interact in a form-fitting manner with a recess in the top wall, the second part of the hinge being fixed to said lip of the opening flap. In other words, the opening flap is L-shaped, the main surface of the L closing the access in the closed position and the transverse surface of the L corresponding to the lip covering the hinge in the closed position so as to protect it. The second part of the hinge is fixed to this lip, thereby making it possible to keep the entire hinge between the top wall and the lip when the opening flap is in its closed position.

[0025] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and from several exemplary embodiments given by way of non-limiting illustration, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0026] [ Figure 1 ] is an overall view of a transport and / or storage module according to the invention,

[0027] [ Figure 2 ] is a detailed view of the articulation device of the transport and / or storage module when the opening flap of the transport and / or storage module is in its open position,

[0028] [ Figure 3 ] is a diagram illustrating the movement of the different parts of the hinge device when the opening flap is rotated from its open position to the closed position,

[0029] [ Figure 4 ] is a detailed view of the articulation device of the transport and / or storage module when the open flap of the transport and / or storage module is in its closed position.

[0030] Figure 1is an overall view of a transport and / or storage module 1 according to the invention. Such a transport and / or storage module 1 can be arranged in a vehicle, for example a commercial vehicle. The transport and / or storage module 1 advantageously has a cubic or parallelepiped shape, so that a plurality of modules of this type can be stacked one above the other in order to optimize the volume space of the vehicle.

[0031] The transport and / or storage module 1 comprises a set of walls defining a loading volume 2 intended to contain cargo inside the module. Since the module has a cubic or parallelepiped shape, the set of walls generally comprises five walls. More particularly, the set of walls comprises a first side wall 3 and a second side wall 4, which are parallel or substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground on which the transport and / or storage module 1 rests. The two side walls 3, 4 are connected together by a top wall 5, which is perpendicular to the side walls 3, 4 and parallel to the ground. Figure 1 The transport and / or storage module 1 further comprises a bottom wall 6 parallel to the top wall 5, and an end wall 7 connecting the above-mentioned set of walls together.

[0032] Each wall of the set of walls, except the end wall 7, participates in forming an entrance 8 of the transport and / or storage module 1. It is through this entrance 8 that the goods to be transported and / or stored in the transport and / or storage module 1 are introduced or removed. This entrance 8 can be closed by means of an opening flap 9 in order to protect the transported and / or stored goods from falling or flying out. The opening flap 9 is opened by means of a handle 10 and closed by pushing the opening flap 9 against the entrance 8. The transport and / or storage module 1 can be equipped with a seal 11 extending around the perimeter of the entrance 8. The seal 11 makes it possible to damp the closing of the opening flap 9 against the entrance 8 and also has a sealing effect. The opening flap 9 also includes a blocking device 12, which keeps the opening flap 9 in the closed position. When the handle 10 is actuated, the blocking device 12 unblocks the opening flap 9. When the opening flap 9 is in the closed position, the opening flap can be optionally locked, for example, by means of a key / lock assembly.

[0033] Thus, the opening flap 9 can be triggered to move so that its position can be changed between the above-mentioned open position and the closed position. To this end, the transport and / or storage module 1 comprises an articulation device 13, which provides a connection with the opening flap 9 and pivots the opening flap between its open position and its closed position. The articulation device 13 comprises at least one balancer 14, which can be, for example, in the form of a cylinder, and a hinge 15 that mechanically interacts with the balancer 14. The articulation device 13 complies with the regulations set for motor vehicles, which means that the balancer 14 exhibits sufficient return force to keep the opening flap 9 in its open position without external assistance. According to these same regulations, the return force cannot be too high, so that anyone can close the opening flap 9 against the entrance 8 without having to use much force.

[0034] The advantage of the transport and / or storage module 1 according to the invention is that the articulation device 13, in particular the balancer 14 and the hinge 15, is arranged specifically at the top wall 5. The articulation device 13 thus specifically establishes a connection between the opening flap 9 and the top wall 5. This avoids arranging the balancer 14 so that it bears against at least one of the side walls 3, 4, which would require the installation of a groove along at least one of the side walls 3, 4. The disadvantage of the groove is that the thickness of at least one of the side walls 3, 4 is increased and the area of ​​the entrance 8 of the transport and / or storage module 1 is thus reduced. The loading volume 2 is then limited, and the entrance 8 can be reduced to a sufficient extent to prevent the placement of large goods in the loading volume 2.

[0035] The configuration of the articulated device 13 according to the invention makes it possible to eliminate the grooves on one and / or the other of the side walls 3, 4 and thus keep the entrance 8 as large as possible in order to maximize the loading volume 2 and make it easier to place goods into the transport and / or storage module 1 and to remove goods from the transport and / or storage module.

[0036] More specifically, at least the counterweight 14 and the hinge 15 are arranged on one side 16 of the top wall 5. The side 16 corresponds to the side of the top wall 5 that participates in delimiting the entrance 8. The arrangement on the side 16 moves the hinge device 13 towards the entrance 8, thereby promoting the mechanical connection between the top wall 5 and the opening flap 9.

[0037] To be able to arrange the hinge 13 at the top wall 5, the side 16 delimits a recess 17 which frees up space for the hinge 13. This recess 17 allows in particular the counterweight 14 and the hinge 15 to be arranged, against which the opening flap 9 rests when it needs to be closed.

[0038] In order to protect the recess 17 and the hinge device 13 arranged in this recess, the opening flap 9 comprises a lip 18 which has a different orientation compared to the main dimension of the opening flap 9. Figure 1 As shown, when the opening flap 9 is in its open position, the lip 18 is substantially perpendicular to the top wall 5, while the opening flap 9 extends mainly in a direction substantially parallel to the top wall 5. Therefore, when the opening flap 9 is closed on the inlet 8, the lip 18 is then positioned beside the hinge 13 and completely covers it. The hinge 13 is then interposed between the side 16 and the lip 18.

[0039] Figure 2 is a detailed depiction of the hinge device 13 when the opening flap 9 is in its open position. Figure 2In the example of FIG. 1 , the articulated device 13 comprises a first balancer 14a and a second balancer 14b in the form of cylinders. These cylinders are unfolded when the opening flap 9 is in its open position. The articulated device 13 also comprises a first hinge 15a and a second hinge 15b, which interact with the first balancer 14a and the second balancer 14b, respectively.

[0040] The articulation device 13 further comprises a bracket 19 fixed to the side portion 16. The bracket 19 may correspond, for example, to a curved portion that is both fixed to the side portion 16 and connected to each of the balancers 14. The bracket 19 constitutes a fixed portion of the articulation device 13 and may be fixed to the side portion 16, for example by being screwed to the side portion.

[0041] Each balancer 14 comprises a first end 20 connected to a bracket 19 and a second end 21 connected to one of the hinges 15 of the articulation device 13. Preferably, the bracket 19 is arranged near the center of the side 16 of the top wall in order to ensure the balance of the articulation device 13 and the most uniform possible movement of the opening flap 9. Each of the balancers 14 extends from a bracket 19 and is on either side of this bracket.

[0042] Two hinges 15 are arranged on either side of the support 19. Each hinge 15 comprises a first part 22, which is fixed to the side 16 and constitutes the fixed part of said hinge 15, and a second part 23, which is fixed to the opening flap 9, more precisely to the lip 18 of the opening flap 9. The first part 22 and the second part 23 are connected together by a pivoting link 24, which allows the second part 23 of the hinge 15 to move relative to the first part 22 of this same hinge 15. Each second end 21 of the balancer 14 is connected to the second part 23 of the hinge 15. In Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , only the first hinge 15 a is referenced, but the second hinge 15 b is structurally identical to the first hinge 15 a and therefore comprises a first part 22 , a second part 23 , and a pivot link 24 connecting the two parts 22 , 23 .

[0043] The second portion 23 of each hinge is divided into a side 25 and a lug 26. The side 25 constitutes the portion fixed to the lip 18 of the opening flap 9 and is parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the pivoting link 24. The lug 26 constitutes the portion to which the second end 21 of the balancer 14 interacting with the hinge 15 in question is connected. In order to make the movement of the articulation device 13 smoother when opening or closing the opening flap 9, the lug 26 is preferably oriented towards the bracket 19. More precisely, the lug 26 extends on a plane between 105 and 110 degrees relative to the plane inscribed in the side 25. This orientation makes it possible to position the link between the lug 26 and the second end 21 of the balancer 14, in the continuation of the main dimension of the balancer 14. Therefore, the balancer is less loaded when the opening flap 19 moves and presents less risk of damage or breakage.

[0044] As mentioned above, Figure 2 The configuration of the hinge device 13 shown in corresponds to the open position of the open flap 9. In addition, it is mentioned that the balancer 14 can be a cylinder. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the invention, the cylinders are in their extended position. This is their return position. In other words, if the opening flap 9 is not in its closed position and is not subjected to any external force, the cylinders tend to extend in order to return to their return position. The extension of the cylinders sets the hinge 15 in motion, which causes the opening flap 9 to move until it reaches its open position.

[0045] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the counterweight 14 and the hinge 15 when the opening flap 9 is triggered to move from its open position to its closed position or vice versa. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the balancer 14 and the second part 23 of the hinge 15 are shown twice, but it is clear that Figure 3 The same counterbalance 14 and the same second part 23 are shown in a first position 27 corresponding to the open position of the open flap and in a second position 28 corresponding to the closed position of the open flap. Figure 3 The flap is not shown opened.

[0046] When the opening flap moves, the second part of the hinge 15 performs a rotational movement 29 centered on the pivoting link 24 in a direction depending on whether the opening flap is opened or closed. Still depending on whether the opening flap is opened or closed, the balancer 14 drives the hinge 15 or is driven by it, while performing a translational movement 30 corresponding to the extension or retraction of the cylinder.

[0047] By way of example, when the opening flap is closed, the starting position of the counterweight 14 and the second portion 23 of the hinge 15 corresponds to the first position 27. Closing of the opening flap causes the counterweight 14 and the hinge 15 to rotate from the first position 27 to the second position 28. Thus, when the opening flap is triggered to move to rotate from its open position to its closed position, the second portion 23 of the hinge 15 follows the movement of the opening flap and pivots around the pivot link 24 with a rotational movement 29 and thus moves towards the first portion 22. At the same time, the counterweight 14 is driven by the second portion 23 of the hinge 15 and simultaneously performs a translational movement 30 by retracting. The rotational movement 29 and the translational movement 30 continue until the second portion 23 and the counterweight 14 reach the second position 28, which corresponds to the position in which the opening flap closes the inlet 8. The second portion 23 of the hinge 15 is then in contact or substantially in contact with the first portion 22, and the cylinder, that is to say the counterweight 14, is fully retracted.

[0048] When the opening flap is rotated from its closed position to its open position, a reverse movement is performed. The starting position is then the second position 28. The counterweight 14 and the hinge 15 are thus moved from the second position 28 to the first position 27. If an external force is applied to the opening flap when it is opened, it is the hinge 15 that drives the counterweight 14. In the absence of an external force applied to the opening flap, it is the counterweight 14 that drives the movement of the hinge 15. The second part 23 of the hinge 15 is pivoted around the pivot link 24 with a rotational movement 29 and moves away from the first part 22. For its part, the cylinder is unfolded with a translational movement 30. These movements continue until the opening flap reaches its open position, as Figure 1 The balancer 14 and the second part 23 of the hinge 15 are then positioned in the first position 27 .

[0049] In order to avoid any significant mechanical stresses between the balancer 14 and the hinge 15 and between the balancer 14 and the bracket 19, each end 20, 21 of the balancer 14 is formed by a spherical or part-spherical body 31. The bracket 19 and the second part 23 of the hinge 15 for their part comprise a ball 32, the diameter of which is substantially smaller than the diameter of the body 31.

[0050] The ball 32 of the bracket 19 and the ball 32 of the second part 23 of the hinge 15 are thus housed in the body 31 forming the first end 20 of the balancer 14 and in the body 31 forming the second end 21 of the balancer 14, respectively. The body 31 at least partially enclosing the ball 32 thus forms a ball joint 33.

[0051] The ball joint 33 allows the body 31 to perform a micro-rotation around the ball 32 and / or allows the ball 32 to perform a micro-rotation inside the body 31. Thus, during the movement of the hinge 15 and the balancer 14, the second portion 23 and the second end 21 have a degree of freedom relative to each other via the ball joint 33, thereby preventing any obstruction at the corresponding connection. The same is true for the first end 20 and the bracket 19. However, there is a mechanical stress between the body 31 and the ball 32 of each ball joint 33, so that the rotational movement 29 and the translational movement 30 can occur during the opening or closing of the opening flap.

[0052] Figure 4 Repeated Figure 2 , that is to say with two counterweights 14a, 14b and with two hinges 15a, 15b, but this time when the opening flap (not shown) is in its closed position.

[0053] The positions of the balancer 14 and the second part 23 of the hinge 15 are as follows: Figure 3 , the second portion 23 of the hinge 15 is beside or even in contact with the first portion 22 to which each second portion 23 is connected, and the ends 20, 21 of the balancer 14 are at the same height or substantially at the same height as one another. In other words, when the opening flap is in its closed position, the balancer 14 is parallel or substantially parallel to the top wall 5 of the transport and / or storage module. For their part, the cylinders are in their retracted position. Figure 4 The configuration of the hinge device 13 shown in is maintained unless the opening flap is reopened.

[0054] Due to the structural characteristics of the hinge device 13 and Figure 2 The structural features are the same as those described in Figure 2 Description of the structural features related to the hinge device 13.

[0055] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described and many modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0056] As has just been described, the invention achieves the objectives set and makes it possible to provide a transport and / or storage module comprising an opening flap and an articulation device configured to remove a groove that reduces the loading volume of the module. Variants not described may be implemented without departing from the context of the invention, provided that, according to the invention, these variants comprise a transport and / or storage module according to the invention.

Claims

1. A transport and / or storage module (1) comprising a set of walls defining a loading volume (2) and an entrance (8), the set of walls comprising at least two side walls (3, 4) and a top wall (5) connecting the two side walls (3, 4), the two side walls (3, 4) and the top wall (5) at least partially defining the entrance (8), the transport and / or storage module (1) comprising at least one opening flap (9) capable of closing the entrance (8), and an articulation device (13) comprising at least one balancer (14) and a hinge (15), the articulation device (13) being capable of moving the opening flap (9) between an open position and a closed position, characterized in that The balancer (14) and the hinge (15) are arranged along a side portion (16) of the top wall (5), said side portion (16) participating in defining the inlet (8).

2. The transport and / or storage module (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The hinge device (13) comprises a bracket (19) fixed to the top wall (5), and the first end (20) of the balancer (14) is connected to the bracket (19).

3. The transport and / or storage module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The hinge (15) comprises a first part (22) fixed to the top wall (5) and a second part (23) fixed to the opening flap (9), the first part (22) and the second part (23) being connected together by a pivot link (24), and the second end (21) of the balancer (14) is connected to the second part (23) of the hinge (15).

4. The transport and / or storage module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The second portion (23) of the hinge (15) comprises a lug (26) facing the bracket (19), to which the second end (21) of the balancer (14) is connected.

5. The transport and / or storage module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The balancer (14) is arranged to be parallel to the top wall (5) when the opening flap (9) is in its closed position.

6. The transport and / or storage module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The hinge device (13) includes a first balancer (14a), a second balancer (14b), a first hinge (15a), and a second hinge (15b).

7. The transport and / or storage module (1) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 2, wherein: The bracket (19) is fixed near the center of the side portion (16) of the top wall (5), and the first end portion (20) of the first balancer (14a) and the first end portion (20) of the second balancer (14b) are connected to the bracket (19).

8. Transport and / or storage module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The first part (22) of the first hinge (15a) and the first part (22) of the second hinge (15b) are fixed on the side part (16) of the top wall (5) and are located on both sides of the bracket (19); the second end (21) of the first balancer (14a) is connected to the second part (23) of the first hinge (15a); and the second end (21) of the second balancer (14b) is connected to the second part (23) of the second hinge (15b).

9. The transport and / or storage module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one end (20, 21) of the balancer (14) includes a ball joint (33).

10. The transport and / or storage module according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 2, wherein: The ball joint (33) comprises a body (31) at least partially surrounding a ball (32), said body (31) constituting an end (20, 21) of the balancer (14), said ball (32) being fixed to the bracket (19) or the hinge (15).

11. The transport and / or storage module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The side portion (16) of the top wall (5) defines a recess (17) in which the hinge device (13) is at least partially housed.

12. The transport and / or storage module (1) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 3, wherein: The opening flap (9) comprises a lip (18) configured to interact in a form-fitting manner with the recess (17) in the top wall (5), the second part (23) of the hinge (15) being fixed to the lip (18) of the opening flap (9).

Images