Logistics module with shelves

Abstract

In a logistics module, an upper shelf (102) and a lower shelf (103) are slidably coupled to a frame (101). A set of stop members (210, 211) defines a lower end-of-travel position and an upper end-of-travel position between which the upper shelf (102) can slide. The set of stop members (210, 211) also defines an upper end-of-travel position and a lower end-of-travel position between which the lower shelf (103) can slide. The upper end-of-travel position of the lower shelf (103) is lower than the lower end-of-travel position of the upper shelf (102). A coupling mechanism (104) causes the lower shelf (103) to slide downward and the upper shelf (102) to slide upward when a load supported by the lower shelf (103) exceeds a tipping threshold with respect to a load supported by the upper shelf (102). Conversely, the coupling mechanism (104) causes the lower shelf (103) to slide upward and the upper shelf (102) to slide downward when the load supported by the lower shelf (103) drops below a tipping threshold with respect to the load supported by the upper shelf (102).

Description

[0001] LOGISTICS MODULE WITH SHELVES.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] One aspect of the invention relates to a logistics module with shelves on which objects can be placed. The logistics module may be, for example, a container type for transporting goods, in particular a "roll" type container. The logistics module can therefore be used, for example, to transport goods to stores in order to supply them.

[0004] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] Containers, particularly roll-on / roll-off containers, are commonly used to transport goods to stores for supply. In a logistics platform, these containers are filled with goods to be transported. Then, the containers filled with goods are placed in a loading area of ​​a transport vehicle, typically a truck. When the truck arrives at a destination store, the containers containing the goods intended for that store are removed from the truck's loading area. Containers still filled with goods may be temporarily stored in a warehouse at the store. Then, one or more of these containers may be removed from the warehouse premises to be transported to shelves to be filled with the goods they contain.

[0006] There are multiple aspects to using containers as described above, including ergonomics and economy. The ergonomic aspect arises during the loading and unloading of containers. These operations are generally carried out manually by individuals, operators. When goods must be placed at a relatively low height, for example, close to the ground, the operator may be required to bend over. When goods must be placed at a relatively high height, the operator may be required to raise their arms above their shoulders. These body movements are tiring and wear out the body, which can lead to medical problems.

[0007] The economic aspect is particularly relevant when transporting goods by truck or other vehicle. To ensure that transport is as economical as possible, it is desirable that the loading space be as full as possible with goods upon departure from the logistics platform. Indeed, transport has a cost, a portion of which can be attributed to each transported good. The more the loading space is filled with goods, the lower the portion of the transport cost for the transported goods will be. Therefore, in order to achieve a high loading space fill rate, containers are generally completely filled with goods, or at least almost completely.

[0008] However, even if all containers are completely full, the loading space is not necessarily fully utilized, or even almost fully utilized. If the containers are significantly lower than the loading space, an upper portion of the loading space remains empty and unutilized. In practice, this is generally the case, mainly because of the following. The height of a truck's loading space is typically between 2.20 m and 2.50 m. In contrast, the height of roll-on / roll-off containers is typically around 1.80 m for ergonomic reasons. Indeed, if the container is too high compared to the operator's arm reach, the operator would have difficulty filling the container completely. For example, they would have to raise their arms excessively or resort to a stepladder or similar tool to fill an upper portion of the container.

[0009] Patent document FR2899782 addresses the ergonomic aspect of a shelving storage device. This device comprises a parallelepiped frame that houses a lower rigid box and an upper deformable box. Each of these boxes includes at least one shelf. In the absence of any product stored in the boxes, the upper deformable box is in the retracted position. When products are gradually loaded into the lower rigid box, the latter gradually slides downwards. The upper deformable box then gradually moves into the deployed position. Thus, a shelf of the upper deformable box then becomes accessible.

[0010] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] There is a need for an improved logistics module that enables the transport of goods in an ergonomic and economical manner.

[0012] One aspect of the invention provides a logistics module comprising: a frame, an upper shelf slidably coupled to the frame, a lower shelf slidably coupled to the frame, a set of stop members defining a lower end-of-travel position and an upper end-of-travel position between which the upper shelf can slide, and defining an upper end-of-travel position and a lower end-of-travel position between which the lower shelf can slide, the upper end-of-travel position of the lower shelf being lower than the lower end-of-travel position of the upper shelf, a coupling mechanism capable of sliding the lower shelf downwards and the upper shelf upwards when a load supported by the lower shelf exceeds a tipping threshold relative to a load supported by the upper shelf and, conversely,capable of sliding the lower shelf upwards and the upper shelf downwards when the load supported by the lower shelf falls below a tipping threshold relative to the load supported by the upper shelf.,

[0013] In order to load the logistics module defined above, an operator can start stacking goods on the upper shelf, which can be at an ergonomic height. The operator can then load the upper shelf with goods up to a height that is still ergonomic. Then, the operator can start stacking goods on the lower shelf, which can also be at an ergonomic height. The lower shelf thus supports an increasingly heavier load as it is loaded. At a given moment, the load supported by the lower shelf exceeds the tipping threshold compared to the load supported by the upper shelf. This results in a mechanical tipping movement: the lower shelf slides downwards, the upper shelf slides upwards.

[0014] The fact that the upper shelf slides upwards has two consequences. The first consequence is that the goods on this shelf are raised to a greater height at which the operator would not necessarily have been able to stack the goods ergonomically. The second consequence is that space is freed up in the logistics module at the ergonomic height where the upper shelf was located when it was loaded. This freed up space is then once again available for loading goods into the logistics module. The fact that the lower shelf slides downwards has a similar consequence: more space is available to store goods on the lower shelf. In addition, since the lower shelf has descended with the goods already on it, a new loading height is available for the operator, which can also be ergonomic.To unload the logistics module filled with goods, a reverse pattern applies. An operator can start removing goods stacked on the lower shelf. The goods at the top of this stack can be at an ergonomic height. The lower shelf supports a progressively lighter load as it is unloaded. At a certain point, the load supported by the lower shelf drops below the tipping threshold compared to the load supported by the upper shelf. This results in a mechanical tilting movement opposite to that mentioned above: the lower shelf slides down and the upper shelf slides up.

[0015] The fact that the lower shelf slides upwards has two consequences. The first consequence is that the goods still present on this shelf are raised to a height that can be more ergonomic for retrieving them. The second consequence is that the goods stacked on the upper shelf are lowered to a height that can also be ergonomic for retrieving them. The operator can therefore continue to ergonomically retrieve all these goods still remaining in the logistics module.

[0016] In summary, the logistics module defined above can therefore be efficiently filled with goods up to a height only slightly lower than that of a loading space, while still allowing ergonomic loading and unloading of the goods. Therefore, the logistics module allows a high loading rate of the loading space to be achieved in an ergonomic manner. Furthermore, ergonomic loading and unloading does not require special tools that cause additional costs. The logistics module defined above thus allows the transport of goods in an ergonomic and economical manner.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lower end position of the upper shelf is at a height between 1.00 m and 1.50 m.

[0018] In one embodiment, the upper end position of the lower shelf is at a height between 1.40 m and 0.50 m.

[0019] In one embodiment, the upper end position of the upper shelf is at a height between 1.50 m and 2.50 m.

[0020] In one embodiment, at least one of the stop members is fixed to the frame. In one embodiment, at least one of the stop members comprises a damping device capable of damping an arrival of one of the following shelves, the upper shelf and the lower shelf, at its lower end-of-travel position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the upper shelf, the lower shelf, and the coupling mechanism are arranged such that the upper shelf is in its lower end position and the lower shelf is in its upper end position when there is no load on the lower shelf.

[0022] In one embodiment, the logistics module includes a visual indicator located above the lower end position of the upper shelf, the visual indicator indicating a maximum fill level of the upper shelf.

[0023] In one embodiment, the logistics module comprises: an openable face through which the upper shelf can be loaded, and a fall protection flap capable of covering at least a portion of the openable face of the logistics module.

[0024] In one embodiment, the fall arrester covers a portion of the openable face between the upper end position of the upper shelf and an upper edge of the openable face.

[0025] In one embodiment, the fall arrester includes the visual indicator.

[0026] In one embodiment, the frame includes a pair of guide rails adapted to jointly hold the upper shelf and the lower shelf in a sliding manner.

[0027] In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a link between the upper shelf and the lower shelf and a pulley through which the link passes.

[0028] In one embodiment, the upper shelf has a greater weight than the lower shelf such that the upper shelf is in its lower end position and the lower shelf is in its upper end position when there is no load on the lower shelf.

[0029] In one embodiment, the upper shelf includes a weighting member.

[0030] In one embodiment, the upper shelf and the lower shelf are foldable. In one embodiment, the logistics module is in the form of a trolley for transporting goods.

[0031] For the purpose of illustration, some embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This description will show features additional to those mentioned in the foregoing, as well as advantages that these additional features can provide.

[0032] SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a logistics module in the form of a trolley.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a basic structure that forms part of the trolley.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an upper portion of the base structure after removal of a lintel.

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a small portion of the basic structure near a shelf.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the carriage at a first intermediate stage of a loading operation.

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the carriage in a second intermediate stage of the loading operation.

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the carriage in a third intermediate stage of the loading operation.

[0040] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the carriage in a final stage of the loading operation.

[0041] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the trolley provided with a fall arrester covering an upper part of an open face thereof.

[0042] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative basic structure.

[0043] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a logistics module 100 in the form of a trolley. Figure 1 presents a schematic perspective view of this embodiment 100 which will hereinafter be referred to as the trolley 100 for ease of reading. The trolley 100 is particularly suitable for transporting goods, for example, from a logistics platform to a store, as well as for transporting the goods to shelves within the store in order to fill them.

[0045] The trolley 100 may have the following dimensions: a width between 60 cm and 80 cm, a depth also between 60 cm and 80 cm, and a height between 200 cm and 250 cm. The height of the trolley 100 is preferably only slightly lower than that of a loading space of a transport vehicle generally used for transporting goods. This makes it possible to achieve a loading space filling rate sufficiently close to the optimum, i.e. close to 100%. However, the height of the trolley 100 must also allow it to pass through doors of standard dimensions of logistics warehouses and stores.

[0046] The trolley 100 comprises a frame 101 and two shelves 102, 103 slidably coupled to the frame 101. The two shelves 102, 103 can thus each slide vertically, that is, up and down. Notwithstanding their ability to slide, one of the two shelves 102 is always the furthest from the ground. This shelf will therefore be designated the upper shelf 102. The other shelf 103, which is always the closest to the ground, will be designated the lower shelf 103. A coupling mechanism 104 mechanically connects the two shelves 102, 103 to each other. This coupling mechanism 104 will be described in more detail later in this description. The frame 101, the two shelves 102, 103 and the coupling mechanism 104 together constitute a basic structure which will also be described in more detail later.

[0047] The trolley 100 comprises three vertical walls 105, 106, 107 mounted on a base 108 provided with casters. One of the three vertical walls 105 adjoins the frame 101. This vertical wall 105 will be designated the bottom wall 105 for ease of reading. The other two vertical walls 106, 107 cover two lateral sides of the trolley 100 and will be jointly designated the two side walls 106, 107. The two side walls 106, 107 are each coupled to the frame 101 by hinges. The two side walls 106, 107 are each in the form of a grid. One face 109 of the trolley 100 has no wall; this face 109 is therefore open. The trolley 100 can therefore be loaded and unloaded through this open face 109.

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates the trolley 100 in an extended state. The trolley 100 can be folded by folding the two shelves 102, 103 against the frame 101 so that both are flush with the back wall 105. Then, the two side walls 106, 107 can be folded against the frame 101 so that both are also flush with the back wall 105. Once folded, the trolley 100 can be stored with other similar trolleys, also folded, without taking up too much space. To do this, the folded trolley 100 can engage with another similar trolley, also folded, at the base 108.

[0049] The trolley 100 comprises two visual indicators 110, 111 in this embodiment. One visual indicator 110 is located on an upright of one of the two side panels 106, delimiting the open face 109 of the trolley 100. The other visual indicator 111 is located on an upright of the other of the two side panels 107 also delimiting the open face 109 of the trolley 100. These visual indicators 110, 111 have a function which will be described later. The visual indicators 110, 111 may each be in the form of, for example, a piece of contrasting color fixed to the upright in question, or applied thereto with paint or a marker.

[0050] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the basic structure of the trolley 100 mentioned in the above. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the basic structure. In this embodiment, the frame 101 comprises a pair of guide rails 201, 202. This pair of guide rails 201, 202 jointly holds the upper shelf 102 and the lower shelf 103 in a sliding manner. One of the guide rails 201 will be referred to as the left guide rail 201 in the following for ease of reading. The other guide rail 202 will be referred to as the right guide rail 202.

[0051] In more detail, the upper shelf 102 comprises a support 203 provided with a pair of pads 204, 205. One of these pads 204 is engaged in the left guide rail 201, the other pad 205 is engaged in the right guide rail 202. A carrier plate 206, which forms the main part of the upper shelf 102, is rotatably attached to the support 203 provided with the pair of pads 204, 205. The preceding remarks also apply to the lower shelf 103, which is of similar construction.

[0052] The coupling mechanism 104 is partially visible in Figure 2. A header 207 hides a portion of the coupling mechanism 104 which will be described later. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 104 includes a pair of cables 208, 209. One of these cables 208 is located near the left guide rail 201. This cable will be referred to as the left cable 208 in the following. The other cable 209 is located near the right guide rail 202. This other cable will be referred to as the right cable 209 in the following.

[0053] One end of the left cable 208 is fixed to the upper shelf 102 and, more precisely, to the support 203 thereof provided with the pair of pads 204, 205. Another end of the left cable 208 is fixed to the lower shelf 103 and, more precisely, also to the support thereof provided with the pair of pads. Similarly, one end of the right cable 209 is fixed to the upper shelf 102, while another end of the right cable 209 is fixed to the lower shelf 103.

[0054] The left cable 208 and the right cable 209 each have a length that is substantially identical. This length will hereinafter be referred to as the cable length. The cable length determines a position of the upper shelf 102 relative to that of the lower shelf 103, and vice versa. Therefore, when the upper shelf 102 is at a height from the ground, the lower shelf 103 is at a height from the ground that is fixed by this relationship, and vice versa. This relationship between the position of the upper shelf 102 and that of the lower shelf 103 will be discussed in more detail later.

[0055] In this embodiment, the base structure comprises two stop members 210, 211. One stop member 210 is located furthest from the ground and is located between the upper shelf 102 and the lower shelf 103. This stop member 210 will be referred to as the upper stop member 210. The other stop member 211 is located closest to the ground and is located below the lower shelf 103. This stop member 211 will be referred to as the lower stop member 211. In this embodiment, the two stop members 210, 211 each comprise a cross member extending between the guide rails 201, 202.

[0056] The upper stop member 210 defines a lower end-of-travel position of the upper shelf 102. This end-of-travel position may be at a height between, for example, 1.00 m and 1.50 m from the ground and, more specifically, between 1.20 m and 1.50 m. To achieve this, the upper stop member 210 may be positioned at a height from the ground similar to, or slightly below, the end-of-travel position in question. The upper stop member 210 also defines an upper end-of-travel position of the lower shelf 103. This is due to the relationship between the position of the upper shelf 102 and that of the lower shelf 103 discussed above. The upper end position of the lower shelf 103 may be at a height between, for example, 1.40 m and 0.50 m from the ground and, more specifically, between 1.20 m and 0.70 m.

[0057] The lower stop member 211 defines a lower end-of-travel position of the lower shelf 103. This end-of-travel position may be located near the ground, slightly above the base 108 of the carriage 100. To achieve this, the upper stop member 210 may be positioned at a height near the base 108 of the carriage 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. An element of the base 108 may also constitute the lower stop member 211. The lower stop member 211 also defines an upper end-of-travel position of the upper shelf 102. This is also due to the relationship between the position of the upper shelf 102 and that of the lower shelf 103 discussed above. The upper end position of the upper shelf 102 may be at a height between, for example, 1.50 m and 2.50 m from the ground and, more specifically, between 1.80 m and 2.30 m.

[0058] The upper stop member 210 and the lower stop member 210 therefore define two sliding ranges: an upper sliding range for the upper shelf 102 and a lower sliding range for the lower shelf 103. The upper sliding range is located between the lower end-of-travel position and the upper end-of-travel position of the upper shelf 102, respectively defined by the upper stop member 211 and the lower stop member

[0059] 210. The lower sliding range is between the upper end position and the lower end position of the lower shelf 103 respectively defined by the upper stop member 210 and the lower stop member.

[0060] 211. In any event, the upper end position of the lower shelf 103 is lower than the lower end position of the upper shelf 102. That is, the upper sliding range and the lower sliding range do not overlap.

[0061] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an upper portion of the base structure in which the lintel 207 indicated in Figure 2 has been omitted. Figure 3 presents a schematic perspective view of the upper portion of the base structure. The upper part of the base structure comprises a pair of pulleys 301, 302 which are part of the coupling mechanism 104 shown in Figure 1. The left cable 208 passes through one of the pulleys 301. This pulley 301 will be referred to hereinafter as the left pulley 301. The right cable 209 passes through the other pulley 302 which will be referred to hereinafter as the right pulley 302. The left pulley 301 and the right pulley 302 were not visible in Figure 2 due to the presence of the lintel 207. These pulleys 301, 302 can be fixed to the lintel 207 which is located between the guide rails 201, 202 on an upper part thereof.Thus, the left pulley 301 and the right pulley 302 each have a height above the ground which is substantially identical. This height will hereinafter be referred to as the pulley height.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pulley height and the cable length determine the relationship between the position of the upper shelf 102 and that of the lower shelf 103 discussed in the foregoing. Specifically, according to this relationship, the sum of the height of the upper shelf 102 from the ground and that of the lower shelf 103 is equal to twice the pulley height minus the cable length. Therefore, the height of the upper shelf 102 from the ground is equal to twice the pulley height minus the cable length minus the height of the lower shelf 103. Conversely, the height of the lower shelf 103 from the ground is equal to twice the pulley height minus the cable length minus the height of the upper shelf 102. Thus, in this embodiment, the pulley height and the cable length are parameters that allow a satisfactory degree of ergonomics to be achieved.The same applies to the height of the upper stop member 210 and that of the lower stop member 211.

[0063] The upper shelf 102 is in its lower end-of-travel position when there is no load on the lower shelf 103, as shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3. Conversely, the lower shelf 103 is in its upper end-of-travel position when there is no load on the lower shelf 103, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. To achieve this, in this embodiment, the upper shelf 102 may have a weight greater than that of the lower shelf 103. The upper shelf 102 may include a ballast member so that its weight is greater than that of the lower shelf 103.

[0064] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a small portion of the base structure near the upper shelf 203. Figure 4 presents a schematic perspective view of this portion. The upper stop member 210 is partially visible in Figure 4 enlarged compared to Figures 1 to 3. The upper stop member 210 comprises a damping device 401. In this embodiment, the damping device 401 is in the form of a conical cylindrical piece with a rounded head comprising flexible material such as rubber or elastomer. As illustrated in Figure 4, a lower edge of the support 203 of the upper shelf 102 may abut against this flexible piece.

[0065] Figures 5 to 8 schematically illustrate different stages of a loading operation of the trolley 100. Each of these figures presents a schematic perspective view of the trolley 100 with goods that have been placed in the trolley 100. The loading operation can start from the empty trolley 100 illustrated in Figure 1. The upper shelf 102 is then at its lower end-of-travel position while the lower shelf 103 is at its upper end-of-travel position. In a first loading step, an operator can start stacking goods on the upper shelf 102. As indicated in the above, the upper shelf 102 is located at an ergonomic height. The operator can thus relatively easily start stacking the goods on the upper shelf

[0066] 102. The upper shelf 102 remains at its lower end position while the goods are stacked thereon. The operator may continue to stack the goods on the upper shelf 102 to a height that is still ergonomic. However, the operator may stop stacking the goods on the upper shelf when they reach a level close to the level where the visual indicators 110, 111 shown in the foregoing with reference to FIG. 1 are located.

[0067] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a first intermediate stage of the loading operation. At this stage, the operator has finished stacking the goods on the upper shelf 102 which will then no longer receive any goods during the loading operation in question. The upper shelf 102 is still at its lower end-of-travel position at this stage. Conversely, the lower shelf 103 is at its upper end-of-travel position. The operator can now start stacking goods on the lower shelf 103. As indicated in the above, the lower shelf 103 is also at an ergonomic height. The operator can thus relatively easily start stacking the goods on the lower shelf 103.

[0068] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a second intermediate stage of the loading operation. At this stage, some goods have been placed on the lower shelf 103. These goods constitute a load supported by the lower shelf

[0069] 103. However, this load is still less than that supported by the upper shelf 102 on which goods have already been stacked. Therefore, the lower shelf 103 is still at its upper end-of-travel position, while the upper shelf 102 still remains at its lower end-of-travel position. From the stage illustrated in Figure 6, the operator can continue to stack goods on the lower shelf 103. The lower shelf 103 thus supports an increasingly heavier load as it is loaded.

[0070] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a third intermediate stage of the loading operation. At this stage, the load supported by the lower shelf exceeds a tipping threshold relative to the load supported by the upper shelf. This results in a mechanical tipping movement: the upper shelf 102 slides upwards and the lower shelf 103 slides downwards. At the stage illustrated in Figure 7, the upper shelf 102 has a higher position relative to its lower end-of-travel position without having yet reached its upper end-of-travel position.

[0071] Conversely, the lower shelf 103 has a lower position relative to its upper end-of-travel position without having yet reached its lower end-of-travel position. The upper shelf 102 and the lower shelf 103 are thus in intermediate positions.

[0072] The fact that the upper shelf 102 slides upwards has two consequences as illustrated in Figure 7. A first consequence is that the goods present on this shelf are raised to a greater height at which the operator would not necessarily have been able to stack the goods ergonomically. The second consequence is that space is freed up in the logistics module at the ergonomic height where the upper shelf 102 was located when it was changed. This freed up space is thus again available for loading goods into the logistics module. The fact that the lower shelf 103 slides downwards has a similar consequence: more space is available for storing goods on the lower shelf 103. In addition, since the lower shelf 103 has descended with the goods already present on it, a new loading height is presented to the operator which can also be ergonomic.

[0073] In this embodiment, the tipping threshold in question concerning the load supported by the lower shelf 103 compared to that supported by the upper shelf 102 corresponds substantially to a ratio slightly greater than 1:1 due to a difference in weight between the upper shelf 102 and the lower shelf 103. As mentioned in the above, the upper shelf 102 is heavier than the lower shelf 103. The difference in weight means, in this embodiment, that in the absence of a load on the lower shelf 103, the upper shelf 102 is at its lower end-of-travel position and, conversely, the lower shelf 103 is in its upper end-of-travel position.

[0074] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a final stage of the loading operation. At this stage, the operator has finished stacking the goods on the lower shelf 103. The trolley 100 is thus almost completely filled with goods as illustrated in Figure 8. The upper shelf 102 is then at its upper end-of-travel position. Conversely, the lower shelf 103 is at its lower end-of-travel position. In order to unload the trolley 100 filled with goods illustrated in Figure 8, a reverse pattern applies. An operator can begin removing goods stacked on the lower shelf 103. The goods that are at the top of this stack can be at an ergonomic height. The lower shelf 103 supports a progressively lighter load as it is unloaded.At some point, the load supported by the lower shelf 103 drops below a tipping threshold relative to the load supported by the upper shelf 102. This results in two effects: the lower shelf 103 slides upwards and the upper shelf 102 slides downwards.

[0075] The fact that the lower shelf 103 slides upwards has two consequences. A first consequence is that the goods still present on this shelf are raised to a height which may be more ergonomic for removing them. The second consequence is that the goods stacked on the upper shelf 102 are lowered to a height which may also be ergonomic for removing them. The operator can therefore continue to ergonomically remove all these goods still remaining in the trolley 100.

[0076] In summary, the trolley 100 presented in the foregoing by way of illustration can therefore be efficiently filled with goods up to a height only slightly lower than that of a loading space, while still allowing ergonomic loading and unloading of the goods. Therefore, the trolley 100 makes it possible to achieve a high loading rate of the loading space in an ergonomic manner. Furthermore, ergonomic loading and unloading does not require special tools resulting in additional costs. The trolley 100 defined in the foregoing thus enables the transport of goods in an ergonomic and economical manner.

[0077] Figure 9 schematically illustrates a completed version 900 of the trolley 100 illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 9 presents a schematic perspective view of this completed version 900. The completed version 900 corresponds to the trolley 100 illustrated in Figure 1 to which an anti-fall flap 901 has been added. In this embodiment, the anti-fall flap 901 covers an upper portion of the open face 109 of the trolley 100. More specifically, this upper portion is located substantially between the upper end-of-travel position of the upper shelf 102 and an upper edge of the open face 109. Thus, when the upper shelf 102 is at its upper end-of-travel position, the goods stacked on this shelf are facing the anti-fall flap 901. The anti-fall flap 901 thus makes it possible to prevent the goods stacked on the upper shelf 102 from falling from the trolley 100.This risk of falling occurs in particular when the trolley 100 is subjected to jolts, for example when the trolley 100 is moved or when the trolley 100 is transported in a vehicle.

[0078] Furthermore, the anti-fall flap 901 may constitute a visual indicator which replaces the two visual indicators 110, 111 present on the carriage 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. More specifically, a lower edge of the anti-fall flap 901 may be located at the same level as the two visual indicators 110, 111. The same may apply to a pair of lower attachments of the anti-fall flap 901, one of which is connected to the upright of one of the two side panels 106, the other lower attachment being connected to the other side panel 107.

[0079] The anti-fall flap 901 may be permanently attached to the trolley 100. There is no need to manipulate the anti-fall flap 901 in order to allow loading or unloading. Indeed, the goods present on the upper shelf 102 are accessible when the latter is in its lower end-of-travel position. The trolley 100 may comprise one or more other anti-fall flaps in addition to the anti-fall flap 901 illustrated in FIG. 9. Such an additional anti-fall flap may cover another part of the open face 109 of the trolley 100 in order to prevent goods stacked on the lower shelf 103 from falling from the trolley 100.

[0080] Figure 10 schematically illustrates an alternative base structure that can replace the base structure presented in the foregoing and illustrated in Figure 2. The alternative base structure also comprises a frame 1001, an upper shelf 1002 and a lower shelf 1003. On the other hand, the alternative base structure comprises an alternative coupling mechanism 1004, different from that of the base structure presented in the foregoing. The alternative coupling mechanism 1004 comprises articulated links 1005, 1006, 1007 which form a pantograph-type system. This alternative coupling mechanism 1004 can have a similar, or even identical, operation to that of the coupling mechanism 104 presented in the foregoing.

[0081] In fact, the alternative basic structure illustrated in Figure 10 shows that there are different coupling mechanisms allowing reverse motion transmission. Other mechanisms may include, for example, gears, sprockets, chains, sprocket wheels, toothed bars, or any combination thereof. A coupling mechanism may also incorporate a differential, in the form of, for example, a rack-and-pinion mechanism, which causes there to be a certain ratio between a movement of the upper shelf and that of the lower shelf which is not necessarily equal to one (1:1). Thus, in such an embodiment, the tipping threshold regarding the load carried by the lower shelf relative to that carried by the upper shelf may correspond to a ratio quite different from 1:1.For example, the ratio that causes a rocking motion may be 1:2 or 2:1, or any other ratio that is not necessarily expressed in whole numbers.

[0082] The embodiments described in the foregoing with reference to the drawings are presented for the purpose of illustration. The invention can be implemented in many different ways. In order to illustrate this, some alternatives are briefly indicated.

[0083] The invention can be implemented in many types of products and methods relating to logistics. By way of illustration, one implementation has been described which concerns a trolley. Other implementations may concern other types of logistics modules. For example, the invention can be implemented in a container, or any other module capable of accommodating goods, not necessarily being equipped with casters. Furthermore, a logistics module in accordance with the invention can comprise several open faces instead of just one, as is the case with the trolley presented by way of illustration in the foregoing. For example, the invention can be implemented in a "roll" type container having four vertical faces, two of which are opposite each other and are open, and two others, also opposite each other, are formed by side walls.In such an embodiment, the frame and the coupling mechanism of the shelves could be integrated into one of the two sides or into both sides with a section in each side.

[0084] There are many ways to implement a logistics module according to the invention. In the embodiments shown, the logistics module in the form of a cart comprises two shelves. In other embodiments, a logistics module may comprise more than two shelves. For example, a logistics module may comprise one or more stationary shelves in addition to a sliding upper shelf and a sliding lower shelf. Referring to the cart 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, such a stationary shelf may be added between the upper shelf 102 and the lower shelf 103. This stationary shelf could, moreover, constitute a stop member and thus replace the upper stop member 210.In another embodiment, a set of lower shelves could be rigidly linked together and connected by a coupling mechanism to an upper shelf according to the principle and modalities already explained previously. That is to say, referring to the trolley 100 illustrated in Figure 1, such a set of shelves could replace the lower shelf 103, or replace the upper shelf 102.

[0085] A logistics module according to the invention may comprise a spring system, or one based on other elastically deformable members, arranged so that the lower shelf gradually slides downwards when the load supported by it has exceeded the tipping threshold relative to the load supported by the upper shelf. Conversely, the upper shelf will then gradually slide upwards. Such a system could also ensure a gradual tipping movement in the opposite direction.

[0086] A logistics module according to the invention may comprise one or more members for adjusting the tilting threshold at which a tilting movement occurs. For example, such a member may act as a brake in a track in which the shelves in question slide. Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, such a member may be in the form of a rubber or elastomer part, capable of coming into contact with at least one of the pads 204 or 205 of the upper shelf 102 or those of the lower shelf 103. This contact may occur on one or more defined portions of the upper sliding range and the lower sliding range. These portions may be near the end-of-travel positions. This makes it possible to brake a tilting movement over all or part of the sliding range in question and also to adjust the tilting threshold.

[0087] As another example, an adjustment member may be in the form of a magnetic element added to, for example, a stop member. The magnetic element may exert a force on one of the shelves by magnetic attraction if the shelf is made of a material sensitive to magnetic attraction. This makes it possible to restrain a movement of the shelf affected by this magnetic attraction and therefore to be able to adjust one of the tilting thresholds.

[0088] Such devices therefore make it possible to obtain two distinct tipping thresholds. That is, the tipping threshold at which a tipping movement in one direction occurs may be significantly different from the tipping threshold at which a tipping movement in the opposite direction occurs. An operator could adjust one or the other tipping threshold by modifying, for example, the position of a device or a force exerted by it. It may also be possible to define intermediate loading positions for the shelves between their lower and upper end-of-travel positions defined by the stop devices.

[0089] There are many ways to implement a stop member in a logistics module according to the invention. In the embodiments shown, a stop member is attached to the frame and, more specifically, in the form of a cross member between the sliding guides. In other embodiments, a stop member may be present in the coupling mechanism. For example, referring to the pair of cables 208, 209 in the trolley 100 described for illustrative purposes with reference to the drawings, these cables 208, 209 may each be provided with a pair of stop members defining the upper sliding range and the lower sliding range. Such a stop member may, for example, constitute a thickening on one or the other cable.

[0090] A logistics module according to the invention may include one or more safety devices to prevent possible accidents that may occur during its use. An accident may occur when the tipping threshold is reached during loading or unloading of the module, causing movement of the shelves. In particular, an accident may occur if at that moment a part of the body of an operator or another person, such as their head or one of their hands, is in the module and is struck by a moving shelf.

[0091] In a first example, a safety device comprises one or more plates mounted against one or more walls in the form of a grid. Such a plate may be transparent so that the interior of the module remains clearly visible through the grid. The plate may be, for example, made of acrylic glass. The plate prevents the passage of a hand or finger through the grid and thus prevents the hand or finger from being inside the module. Thus, the plate avoids the risk of the hand or finger being trapped between an element of the grid and a shelf that may move. The plate may be mounted on the inside. The plate then prevents part of a product on a shelf from entering a mesh of the grid. This prevents a movement of the shelf from being blocked or the product from being damaged, which could occur when part of it is located in a mesh of the grid.

[0092] In a second example, a safety device comprises a safety stop member and an actuable mechanism for bypassing the safety stop member. The safety stop member may be arranged so that a shelf set in motion after exceeding the tipping threshold can only perform a limited movement, for example of a few centimeters or a few tens of centimeters. This limited movement reduces the risk of an accident and, in addition, warns an operator that the tipping threshold has been reached and exceeded. The operator can then actuate the actuable mechanism to bypass the safety stop member. The shelf can then start moving again to reach its end-of-travel position. The operator could accompany this movement safely by the actuable mechanism.

[0093] In one embodiment of the second example of the safety device, the stop member may be an elongated element projecting from a guide rail such as, for example, the left guide rail 201 or the right guide rail 202 of the logistics module 100 described in the foregoing by way of illustration with reference to the drawings. The mechanism operable to bypass this safety stop member may comprise a removable finger mounted on a shelf. This removable finger may have a default safety position and a movement release position. In the default safety position, the removable finger may come into contact with the safety stop member. The removable finger then blocks the shelf, preventing it from continuing its movement after a short initial movement following the exceeding of the tilting threshold.By actuating the actuable mechanism, the removable finger is released so that it is no longer in blocking contact with the safety stop member. The removable finger then reaches the movement release position allowing the shelf to continue its movement to reach its end-of-travel position. The actuable mechanism may comprise, for example, a handle mounted on the shelf and a connecting rod disposed between the handle and the removable finger.

[0094] The foregoing remarks show that the embodiments described with reference to the drawings illustrate the invention rather than limit it. The reference signs have no limiting character. The verb "to comprise" in a claim does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those listed in the claim. The same applies to similar verbs such as "to comprise" and "to include".

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Logistics module (100) comprising: a frame (101), an upper shelf (102) slidably coupled to the frame, a lower shelf (103) slidably coupled to the frame, a set of stop members (210, 211) defining a lower end-of-travel position and an upper end-of-travel position between which the upper shelf can slide, and defining an upper end-of-travel position and a lower end-of-travel position between which the lower shelf can slide, the upper end-of-travel position of the lower shelf being lower than the lower end-of-travel position of the upper shelf, a coupling mechanism (104) capable of sliding the lower shelf downwards and the upper shelf upwards when a load supported by the lower shelf exceeds a tilting threshold relative to a load supported by the upper shelf and, vice versa,capable of sliding the lower shelf upwards and the upper shelf downwards when the load supported by the lower shelf falls below a tipping threshold relative to the load supported by the upper shelf., 2. Logistics module according to claim 1, wherein the lower end position of the upper shelf (102) is located at a height between 1.00 m and 1.50 m.

3. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the upper end-of-travel position of the lower shelf (103) is located at a height between 1.40 m and 0.50 m.

4. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the upper end position of the upper shelf (102) is located at a height between 1.50 m and 2.50 m. 5 Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which at least one of the stop members (210, 211) is fixed to the frame (101).

6. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 5, in at least one of the stop members (210, 210) comprises a damping device (401) capable of damping an arrival of one of the following shelves, the upper shelf (102) and the lower shelf, at its lower end-of-travel position (103).

7. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper shelf (102), the lower shelf (103), and the coupling mechanism (104) are arranged so that the upper shelf is in its lower end-of-travel position and the lower shelf is in its upper end-of-travel position in the absence of a load on the lower shelf.

8. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a visual indicator (110, 111) located above the lower end position of the upper shelf (102), the visual indicator indicating a maximum filling level of the upper shelf.

9. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: an openable face (109) through which the upper shelf (102) can be loaded, and an anti-fall flap (901) capable of covering at least part of the openable face of the logistics module.

10. Logistics module according to claim 9, in which the anti-fall flap (901) covers a portion of the openable face (109) between the upper end-of-travel position of the upper shelf (102) and an upper edge of the openable face.

11. Logistics module according to claim 8 and one of claims 9 and 10, in which the anti-fall flap (901) comprises the visual indicator.

12. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the frame (101) comprises a pair of guide rails (201, 202) capable of jointly retaining the upper shelf (102) and the lower shelf (103) in a sliding manner.

13. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the coupling mechanism (104) comprises a link (208, 209) between the upper shelf (102) and the lower shelf (103) and a pulley (301, 302) through which the link passes.

14. Logistics module according to claim 13, wherein the upper shelf (102) has a weight greater than that of the lower shelf (103) so that the upper shelf is in its lower end-of-travel position and the lower shelf is in its upper end-of-travel position in the absence of a load on the lower shelf.

15. Logistics module according to claim 14, wherein the upper shelf (102) comprises a ballast member.

16. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 15, in which the upper shelf (102) and the lower shelf (103) are foldable.

17. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 16, in which the logistics module (100) is in the form of a trolley for transporting goods.

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