Shelf panel with deformation

Abstract

Shelf panel (106) for a crossbeam (104) of a shelf, wherein - the shelf panel (106) has a first leg (300) and a storage level (504) for storing general cargo is formed by the first leg (300), - the shelf panel (106) has a fastening area (200) for fixing the shelf panel (106) to the crossbeam (104), - the material of the first leg (300) at the end (108) of the shelf panel (106) facing the fastening area (200) has a bead (120) and projects beyond the bearing plane (504) due to the bead (120), wherein the bead (120) extends perpendicular to the main extension direction of the shelf panel (106) with a length (502), wherein the bead (120) has a width (600), the length (502) being greater than the width (600).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shelf panel for a crossbeam of a shelf, as well as a shelf with a shelf panel.

[0002] Many types of shelves are known from the prior art. For example, European patent application EP 2 392 230 B1 discloses a shelf with a shelf panel having a U-shaped profile.

[0003] DE 20 2005 014 929 U1 describes a series of point-shaped deformations as product stops in a shelving unit with freely projecting shelves. The product stops are each provided at the free end of a shelf.

[0004] From DE 20 2017 001 168 U1 a shelf shelf with a raised rim is known.

[0005] DE 20 2017 102 673 U1 describes a shelf shelf with reinforced bottom support.

[0006] EP 2 062 502 A1 shows a shelf panel with an upwardly bent tab at its end. EP 3 239 073 A1 reveals a similar design.

[0007] US patent 2017 / 0164740 A1 discloses a shelf panel with cutouts. US patent 6 050 428 A discloses and describes a solid-form shelf panel. DE patent 20 2011 101 479 U1 discloses studs in a shelf panel, and DE patent 90 10 342 U1 discloses studs at the end of a shelf panel.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of creating a shelf panel and a shelf comprising a shelf panel. The objectives of the invention are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] A shelf panel for a crossbeam of a shelf is described, wherein the shelf panel has a first leg and the first leg forms a storage level for storing unit loads, the shelf panel has a fastening area for fixing the shelf panel to the crossbeam, and wherein the material of the first leg has a deformation at the end of the shelf panel facing the fastening area and protrudes beyond the storage level due to the deformation.

[0010] According to the invention, the deformation is a bulge. Providing a bulge could offer several advantages. A first advantage could lie in its ease of manufacture, since, for example, the bulge could be created cost-effectively as a protrusion by applying a die to the back of the first leg. Compared to, for example, an upwardly shaped tab as a deformation, a bulge could further have the advantage of avoiding sharp edges on which goods being stored or retrieved could become caught during the storage or retrieval process, unless the goods are completely lifted over the deformation.

[0011] In the invention, the bulge has a width, with the length being greater than the width. This could have the advantage that the amount of material required to create the bulge can be kept low, while still ensuring a large surface area for "stopping" any container movement.

[0012] For example, the bulge projects above the storage level by a height between 30% and 70% of the bulge's width. This could represent an optimal compromise between, on the one hand, the material weakening resulting from the bulge due to the stretching of the leg material in this deformation area, and, on the other hand, enabling a stop function to prevent the unintentional movement of items supported by the shelf panel against the storage direction.

[0013] Design features could offer the advantage that, due to the deformation extending beyond the storage level, the stored goods could be secured against falling from the shelf panel and thus from the rack in which the shelf panel is used. In the stored state, the goods rest on one or more shelf panels, which typically extend in the direction of the rack's depth. If, for example, the rack is subjected to vibrations, such as those caused by passing transport vehicles, these vibrations could cause the stored goods to move. The deformation prevents the goods from moving in the opposite direction to the rack's depth.

[0014] In one embodiment, the deformation extends perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the shelf panel with a certain length. The main direction of extension of the shelf panel, when installed in the shelf, will correspond, for example, to the direction of the shelf depth.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the ratio of length to width is between 2 and 8, preferably between 3 and 4.

[0016] In one embodiment, the raised section has a V-shaped cross-section. This could have the advantage that it is possible to push items over the raised section with at least some force from both sides (in the main direction of extension of the shelf panel during the loading and unloading process). Even if, for example, the item is not lifted completely over the raised section and comes into contact with it when being moved into or out of the storage space defined by the storage level, the item could, with sufficient force, "climb" the slope of the V-shaped raised section and thus overcome it. As a result of the V-shaped cross-section, the loading and unloading process could be simplified.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first leg has a leg width perpendicular to the main extension direction of the shelf panel, wherein the length of the deformation is at most 80%, preferably at most 60%, of the leg width. This could have the advantage that, on the one hand, sufficient material is provided to form a stop surface for the item to be stopped, while on the other hand, the basic structure of the first leg is not altered. The shelf panel can therefore be manufactured in the usual way, and the deformation can be introduced subsequently without this leading to a significant change in the static properties of the shelf panel. In comparison to, for example, aThe deformation extending across the entire width of the leg could, by limiting the deformation to the aforementioned part of the leg width, even lead to a stiffening of the leg at this point, thus further increasing the overall stability of the shelf panel.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the shelf panel has an extension length in its main extension direction (e.g. storage direction), wherein, starting from the end of the shelf panel facing the fastening area, the material of the first leg exhibits the deformation in the first 30th, preferably in the first 60th of the extension length.

[0019] As mentioned above, with appropriate design, the deformation could not only act as a deformation stop but also increase the stiffness of the shelf panel in that area. If the deformation occurs in the first 30th, preferably the first 60th, of the panel's length, it could be connected to, for example, a shelf's crossbeam in a particularly stable manner. On the one hand, the connection point between the shelf panel and the crossbeam might weaken the shelf panel there, as corresponding recesses must be provided for fasteners, for example. On the other hand, the deformation in this area could compensate for any potential lack of stability with the increased stiffness of the shelf panel.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the shelf panel has a U-profile with two opposing vertical second legs and the horizontal first leg connecting the vertical legs, wherein the vertical second legs of the shelf panel have fastening means at the end of the panel for fixing the shelf panel to the crossbeam, the fastening area being defined by the fastening means.

[0021] In another aspect, the invention relates to a shelf for storing general cargo, with shelf supports, a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam, wherein the crossbeams are opposite each other and run in the longitudinal direction of the shelf and wherein the crossbeams are connected in the transverse direction of the shelf via two spaced-apart shelf panels, as described above.

[0022] It should be noted that the variants described above can be combined in any way, provided that these variants do not mutually exclude each other in combination.

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a shelf with shelf panels and crossbeams, Fig. 2 a shelf panel, Fig. 3. an assembly process of a shelf panel in a crossbeam, Fig. 4 a detailed view of a shelf panel, Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view of a shelf panel, Fig. 6 a longitudinal section view of a shelf panel, Fig. 7 a perspective view of a shelf with containers.

[0024] In the following, similar elements are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0025] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a shelf 100 with crossbeams 104 running in the longitudinal direction 120 of the shelf. The crossbeams are attached to corresponding struts 102 of the shelf 100 by means of known fastening devices or fastening methods.

[0026] The crossbeams 104 are connected to each other via shelf panels 106. Crossbeams 104 that are opposite each other are connected, for example, by several shelf panels 106 arranged perpendicular to them. For this purpose, the ends 108 of the shelf panels are inserted into corresponding recesses 110 in the crossbeams 104.

[0027] The upper surface of the shelf panels 106 forms a storage level for individual items. The shelf panels have upward-pointing deformations 120 at their ends 108, which project above and extend beyond the storage level. These deformations prevent individual items stored on the shelf panels 106 from shifting against the storage direction during movements of the shelf 100, for example due to vibrations, and thus from falling off the shelf.

[0028] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an end 108 of a shelf panel 106, which fits into corresponding recesses 110 of the crossbeam 104, as in Fig. 1 shown, can be used.

[0029] The shelf panel has a U-shape, comprising two opposing vertical legs 302 and a horizontal leg 300 connecting the vertical legs 302. The vertical legs 302 have opposing openings 304 at least at their end 108 of the panel, the openings being completely enclosed by the material of the vertical legs 302. Additionally, the vertical legs 302 are bent inwards at right angles at their end facing away from the horizontal leg, at least in the area of ​​the openings, resulting in the elements of the vertical legs designated by reference numeral 308.

[0030] Additionally, the shelf panel 106 has a recess 312 at its end 108 on the horizontal leg, the recess extending completely to the end of the vertical legs of the panel in the direction of the panel's length. However, in the area of ​​the recess 312, the horizontal leg 300 is not completely recessed, but rather an edge remains, so that in conjunction with the elements 308 in the end area 108 of the shelf panel, a U-shape is formed.

[0031] Furthermore, it is evident in Fig. 2, that the inwardly curved parts 308 of the legs have further recesses 306 in the area of ​​the openings 304. Also evident in Fig. 3 is that at the edge of the recess 312, the horizontal leg is inclined away from the end of the panel in the direction of the area between the vertical legs 302, thereby forming the element 310 of the horizontal leg 300. This basic principle is known from EP 2 392 230 B1, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

[0032] The horizontal leg 300 has a deformation at the end 108 of the shelf panel 106 facing the fastening area 200, for example a bulge 120, or alternatively, for example, an upwardly bent tab. This rises above the bearing plane, which is defined by the remaining area of ​​the horizontal leg 300.

[0033] It should be noted that in the present case a very specific type of fastening area for fixing the shelf panel to a crossbeam is shown. However, the person skilled in the art understands that the provision of deformation 120 is independent of the design of the fastening area shown here. It is possible, for example, that the fastening area could be realized by screw elements and possibly angle profiles required for fixing the shelf panel to the crossbeam.

[0034] The deformation is arranged, for example, at the end 108 of the shelf panel 106 facing the fastening area, such that behind this deformation 120, i.e., extending away from the deformation in the storage direction, there is sufficient space to place the goods to be stored on the shelf panel. The goods could be, for example, cartons, boxes, pallets, or similar items.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of the assembly process of a shelf panel 106 on a crossbeam 104. First, the end 108 of the shelf panel 106 is brought against the crossbeam 104 and its legs 302 are pressed into the recesses 110 of the crossbeam in the direction 122. Due to an inclined edge of the recess 110, the vertical legs 302 are guided as the shelf panel is inserted, causing them to be pressed together like a spring. Because the aforementioned edge of the recess engages in the recess 306, the shelf panel 106 can no longer slip out of the opening 110 in the direction of its extension.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a shelf panel 106 with a leg 300, which forms a storage level for storing individual items. A fastening area 200 serves to attach the shelf panel to a corresponding crossbeam of the rack.

[0037] The fastening area 200 is located at one end 108 of the shelf panel 106. At the end 108 of the shelf panel 106 facing the fastening area 200, the material of the leg 300 exhibits a deformation 120. This deformation 120 corresponds in the example to the Fig. 4. A bulge extending transversely to the main extension direction of the shelf panel. This bulge extends over the storage plane defined by leg 300. Items stored on leg 400 in the area 400, such as a box, are prevented from moving in the direction 402, i.e., against the storage direction, due to the stop formed by the bulge 120, while in contact with, or resting on, the storage surface or level defined by leg 300.

[0038] A dispensing process is therefore only possible smoothly and without resistance if the item is lifted far enough from the storage level to be above the top edge of the bulge 120. If this is not the case, the item could still be pulled diagonally upwards along the transverse wall of the bulge with some effort due to its V-shaped design, causing it to move upwards along the V-shaped sloping wall and thus overcome the bulge.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a shelf panel 106. The bulge 120 has a length 502, which is at most 80%, preferably at most 60%, of the width 501 of the leg 300. The height 500 of the bulge is between 30% and 70% of the height shown in the longitudinal section view of the Fig. 6 visible width 600 of the curvature 120. Both in Fig. 5 as well as in Fig. Figure 6 shows the location of storage level 504, on which general cargo is placed.

[0040] In the longitudinal section view of the Fig. Figure 6 clearly shows the V-shape of the bulge. The bulge is located at the end 108 of the shelf panel 106 facing the fastening area 200. The bulge, with its height 500, extends beyond the level 504, which is formed by the leg 300 for storing individual items.

[0041] Fig.Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a shelf 100 with a shelf support 102 and a crossbeam 104 attached to it. A shelf panel 106 is attached to the crossbeam, e.g., by insertion or screws. The shelf panel 106 has a raised section 120 on its upper surface 300, i.e., the leg that forms a storage level for storing individual items. Items, e.g., a storage container 700, located on the shelf support 120, are prevented by the raised section 120 from sliding in the direction 402, i.e., against the storage direction, and thus potentially falling off the shelf. Reference symbol list 100 shelves 102 Strut 104 Traverse 106 shelf panels 108 End 110 recess 120 Deformation 122 direction 300 area 302 area 304 Opening 306 recess 308 lead 310 inclined leg 312 recess 400 area 402 direction 500 height 501 thigh width 502 Length 504 Storage level 600 width 700 general cargo

Claims

[1] Shelf panel (106) for a crossbeam (104) of a shelf, wherein - the shelf panel (106) has a first leg (300) and a storage level (504) for storing general cargo is formed by the first leg (300), - the shelf panel (106) has a fastening area (200) for fixing the shelf panel (106) to the crossbeam (104), - the material of the first leg (300) at the end (108) of the shelf panel (106) facing the fastening area (200) has a bead (120) and projects beyond the bearing plane (504) due to the bead (120), wherein the bead (120) extends perpendicular to the main extension direction of the shelf panel (106) with a length (502), wherein the bead (120) has a width (600), the length (502) being greater than the width (600). [2] Shelf panel (106) according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of length (502) and width (600) is between 2 and 8. [3] Shelf panel (106) according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of length (502) and width (600) is between 3 and 4. [4] Shelf panel (106) according to claim 1, wherein the groove (120) has a V-shaped cross-section. [5] Shelf panel (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg (300) has a leg width (501) perpendicular to the main extension direction of the shelf panel (106), wherein the length (502) of the extension of the groove (120) is at most 80% of the leg width (501). [6] Shelf panel (106) according to claim 5, wherein the length (502) of the extension of the groove (120) is at most 60% of the leg width (501). [7] Shelf panel (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shelf panel (106) has an extension length in its main extension direction, wherein, starting from the end (108) of the shelf panel (106) facing the fastening area (200), the material of the first leg (300) has the groove (120) in the first 30th of the extension length. [8] Shelf panel (106) according to claim 7, wherein, starting from the end (108) of the shelf panel (106) facing the fastening area (200), the material of the first leg (300) has the groove (120) in the first 60th of the extension length. [9] Shelf panel (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shelf panel (106) has a U-profile with two opposing vertical second legs (302) and the horizontal first leg (300) connecting the vertical legs (302), wherein the vertical legs (302) of the shelf panel (106) have fastening means at the end (108) of the panel for fixing the shelf panel (106) to the crossbeam (104), wherein the fastening area (200) is defined by the fastening means. [10] Shelf panel (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the groove (120) projects above the storage level (504) with a height (500), wherein the height (500) is between 30% and 70% of the width (600). [11] Rack (100) for storing unit loads, comprising rack supports (102), a first crossbeam (104) and a second crossbeam (104), wherein the crossbeams (104) are opposite each other and extend in the longitudinal direction of the rack and wherein the crossbeams (104) are connected in the transverse direction of the rack via two spaced-apart rack panels (106) according to one of the preceding claims.

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