LOGISTICS MODULE WITH SHELVES.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023002685
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-03-22
Smart Images
Figure 00000020_0000 
Figure 00000020_0001 
Figure 00000021_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: LOGISTICS MODULE WITH SHELVES. Technical field
[0001] 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 for transporting goods, in particular a roll-on / roll-off container. The logistics module can therefore be used, for example, to transport goods to stores for restocking. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] Containers, particularly roll-off containers, are commonly used to transport goods to stores for restocking. At a logistics platform, these containers are filled with the goods to be transported. The filled containers are then placed in the cargo area of a transport vehicle, typically a truck. When the truck arrives at a receiving store, the containers containing the goods destined for that store are removed from the truck's cargo area. The containers, still filled with goods, can be temporarily stored in a warehouse at the store. Then, one or more of these containers can be removed from the warehouse and transported to shelves to be restocked with the goods they contain.
[0003] Multiple aspects arise in the use of 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, near the ground, the operator may have to bend over. When goods must be placed at a relatively high height, the operator may have to raise their arms above their shoulders. These body movements are tiring and wear down the body, which can lead to health problems.
[0004] 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 of goods upon departure from the logistics platform. Indeed, transport has a cost, a portion of which can be attributed to each item transported. The more the loading space is filled with goods, the lower the portion of the transport cost attributable to the goods transported will be. Consequently, in order to achieve a high loading space utilization rate, containers are generally composed of... completely filled with goods, or at least almost completely.
[0005] However, even when the containers are completely full, the loading space is not necessarily fully utilized, or even nearly fully utilized. If the containers are significantly shorter than the loading space, a portion of the upper part of the loading space remains empty and unused. In practice, this is generally the case, primarily due to 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 tall relative to an operator's arm reach, the operator would have difficulty completely filling the container. For example, they would have to raise their arms excessively or use a stepladder or similar tool to fill the upper part of the container.
[0006] French patent document FR2899782 addresses the ergonomics of a shelving storage device. This device comprises a parallelepiped frame housing a lower rigid compartment and an upper deformable compartment. Each of these compartments includes at least one shelf. When no products are stored in the compartments, the upper deformable compartment is in a retracted position. As products are gradually loaded into the lower rigid compartment, it slides progressively downwards. The upper deformable compartment then gradually moves into the extended position. Thus, a shelf in the upper deformable compartment becomes accessible. Description of the invention
[0007] There is a need for an improved logistics module enabling the transport of goods in an ergonomic and economical manner.
[0008] One aspect of the invention provides for a logistics module comprising:
[0009] - a frame,
[0010] - an upper shelf coupled in a sliding manner to the frame,
[0011] - a lower shelf coupled in a sliding manner to the frame,
[0012] - a set of stop members defining a lower end-of-stroke position and a upper limit position between which the upper shelf can slide, and defining an upper limit position and a lower limit position between which the lower shelf can slide, the upper limit position of the lower shelf being lower than the lower limit position of the upper shelf,
[0013] - a coupling mechanism adapted to slide the lower shelf downwards and the top shelf upwards when a load is 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.
[0014] To load the logistics module defined above, an operator can begin stacking goods on the upper shelf, which can be positioned at an ergonomic height. The operator can thus load the upper shelf with goods to a still ergonomic height. Then, the operator can begin stacking goods on the lower shelf, which can also be positioned at an ergonomic height. The lower shelf thus bears an increasingly heavy load as it is loaded. At a certain point, the load supported by the lower shelf exceeds the tipping threshold relative to the load supported by the upper shelf. This results in a mechanical tipping movement: the lower shelf slides downwards, and the upper shelf slides upwards.
[0015] 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 might not otherwise have been able to stack them 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 thus 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 for storing goods on the lower shelf. Furthermore, 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.
[0016] To unload the logistics module filled with goods, a reverse process is applied. An operator can begin removing goods stacked on the lower shelf. The goods at the top of this stack can be at an ergonomic height. The lower shelf bears a progressively lighter load as it is unloaded. At a certain point, the load on the lower shelf falls below the tipping point relative to the load on the upper shelf. This results in a mechanical tilting movement opposite to that described above: the lower shelf slides downwards and the upper shelf slides upwards.
[0017] The fact that the lower shelf slides upwards has two consequences. A first consequence is that the goods still present on this shelf are The second consequence is that the goods stacked on the upper shelf are lowered to a height that is also ergonomically convenient for removal. The operator can therefore continue to ergonomically remove all the remaining goods from the logistics module.
[0018] In summary, the logistics module defined above can therefore be efficiently filled with goods to a height only slightly less than that of a loading space, while still allowing for ergonomic loading and unloading. Consequently, the logistics module makes it possible to achieve a high loading rate of the loading space in an ergonomic manner. Furthermore, ergonomic loading and unloading do not require any special tools that would result in additional costs. The logistics module defined above thus enables the ergonomic and economical transport of goods.
[0019] In one embodiment, the lower end position of the upper shelf is located at a height between 1.00 m and 1.50 m.
[0020] In one embodiment, the upper end position of the lower shelf is located at a height between 1.40 m and 0.50 m.
[0021] In one embodiment, the upper end position of the upper shelf is located at a height between 1.50 m and 2.50 m.
[0022] In one embodiment, at least one of the stop members is fixed to the frame.
[0023] In one embodiment, at least one of the stop members comprises a damping device capable of dampening the arrival of one of the following shelves, the upper shelf and the lower shelf, at its lower end-of-travel position.
[0024] In one embodiment, the upper shelf, the lower shelf, and the coupling mechanism 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.
[0025] In one embodiment, the logistics module includes a visual indicator located above the lower end-of-travel position of the upper shelf, the visual indicator indicating a maximum fill level of the upper shelf.
[0026] In one embodiment, the logistics module comprises:
[0027] - an opening face through which the upper shelf can be loaded, and
[0028] - a fall-prevention flap capable of covering at least part of the openable face of the logistics module.
[0029] In one embodiment, the anti-fall flap covers a portion of the opening face between the upper end-of-travel position of the upper shelf and an edge upper part of the opening face.
[0030] In one embodiment, the fall arrest flap includes the visual indicator.
[0031] In one embodiment, the frame includes a pair of guide rails suitable for jointly hold the upper shelf and the lower shelf in a sliding manner.
[0032] 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.
[0033] In one embodiment, the upper shelf has a greater weight than the lower shelf 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.
[0034] In one embodiment, the upper shelf includes a ballast element.
[0035] In one embodiment, the top shelf and the bottom shelf are ra- beatables.
[0036] In one embodiment, the logistics module is in the form of a trolley for transporting goods.
[0037] For illustrative purposes, some embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This description will highlight features that complement those mentioned above, as well as the advantages that these additional features may provide.
[0038] SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a logistics module in the form of a trolley.
[0040] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a basic structure that forms part of the carriage.
[0041] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an upper part of the basic structure after removal of a lintel.
[0042] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a small part of the basic structure near a shelf.
[0043] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the trolley at a first intermediate stage of a loading operation.
[0044] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the trolley in a second intermediate stage of the loading operation.
[0045] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the trolley in a third intermediate stage of the loading operation.
[0046] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the trolley in a final stage of the loading operation.
[0047] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the carriage equipped with a flap fall arrest device covering an upper part of an open face thereof.
[0048] Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative basic structure.
[0049] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENT MODES
[0050] 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 hereafter 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 moving goods to shelves within the store for restocking.
[0051] The trolley 100 can 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 less than that of the loading space of a transport vehicle generally used to transport goods. This allows the loading space to be filled sufficiently close to the optimum, i.e., close to 100%. However, the height of the trolley 100 must also allow it to pass through standard-sized doors of logistics warehouses and stores.
[0052] The trolley 100 comprises a frame 101 and two shelves 102, 103 slidably coupled to the frame 101. Each of the two shelves 102, 103 can thus slide vertically, that is, up and down. Despite their sliding capability, one of the two shelves 102 is always the one furthest from the ground. This shelf will therefore be designated the upper shelf 102. The other shelf 103, which is always the one 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.
[0053] The trolley 100 comprises three vertical walls 105, 106, 107 mounted on a base 108 equipped with casters. One of the three vertical walls 105 is adjacent to the frame 101. This vertical wall 105 will be designated the back 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 panels 106, 107. The two side panels 106, 107 are each coupled to the frame 101 by hinges. The two side panels 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 thus be loaded and unloaded through this open face 109.
[0054] Figure 1 illustrates the trolley 100 in its unfolded state. The trolley 100 can be folded by folding the two shelves 102, 103 against the frame 101 so that they are flush with the bottom wall 105. Then, the two side panels 106, 107 can be folded against the frame 101 so that they are also flush with the bottom 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 be inserted into another similar trolley, also folded, at the base 108.
[0055] In this embodiment, the trolley 100 includes two visual indicators 110, 111. One visual indicator 110 is located on an upright of one of the two side panels 106, defining the open face 109 of the trolley 100. The other visual indicator 111 is located on an upright of the other two side panels 107, also defining the open face 109 of the trolley 100. These visual indicators 110, 111 have a function that will be described later. The visual indicators 110, 111 can each be in the form, for example, of a contrasting colored piece fixed to the upright in question, or applied to it with paint or a marker.
[0056] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the basic structure of the trolley 100 mentioned above. Figure 2 presents a schematic perspective view of the basic structure. In this embodiment, the frame 101 includes a pair of guide rails 201, 202. This pair of guide rails 201, 202 jointly retains the upper shelf 102 and the lower shelf 103 in a sliding manner. One of the guide rails 201 will be designated the left guide rail 201 in the following for ease of reading. The other guide rail 202 will be designated the right guide rail 202.
[0057] In more detail, the upper shelf 102 comprises a support 203 equipped with a pair of glides 204, 205. One of these glides 204 is engaged in the left guide rail 201, the other glide 205 is engaged in the right guide rail 202. A load-bearing platform 206, which forms the main part of the upper shelf 102, is rotatably attached to the support 203 equipped with the pair of glides 204, 205. The preceding remarks also apply to the lower shelf 103, which is of similar construction.
[0058] The coupling mechanism 104 is partially visible in [Fig. 2]. A lintel 207 conceals part of the coupling mechanism 104, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 104 comprises 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 what follows. 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 what follows.
[0059] One end of the left cable 208 is fixed to the upper shelf 102 and, further Specifically, one end of the left cable 208 is attached to the lower shelf 103, specifically to its support 203, which is equipped with the pair of glides 204 and 205. Another end of the left cable 208 is attached to the lower shelf 103, and more precisely, also to its support, which is equipped with the pair of glides. Similarly, one end of the right cable 209 is attached to the upper shelf 102, while another end of the right cable 209 is attached to the lower shelf 103.
[0060] The left cable 208 and the right cable 209 each have a substantially identical length. This length will be referred to hereafter as the cable length. The cable length determines the position of the upper shelf 102 relative to that of the lower shelf 103, and vice versa. Consequently, when the upper shelf 102 is at a certain height above the floor, the lower shelf 103 is at a height above the floor determined 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.
[0061] In this embodiment, the basic structure comprises two stop members 210, 211. One stop member 210 is located furthest from the ground and is situated between the upper shelf 102 and the lower shelf 103. This stop member 210 shall be designated the upper stop member 210. The other stop member 211 is located closest to the ground and is situated below the lower shelf 103. This stop member 211 shall be designated the lower stop member 211. In this embodiment, both stop members 210, 211 each comprise a cross member extending between the guide rails 201, 202.
[0062] The upper stop 210 defines a lower limit switch position for the upper shelf 102. This limit switch position can be located at a height between, for example, 1.00 m and 1.50 m from the floor and, more specifically, between 1.20 m and 1.50 m. To achieve this, the upper stop 210 can be positioned at a similar height from the floor, or slightly below, the limit switch position in question. The upper stop 210 also defines an upper limit switch position for 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 mentioned above. The upper end position of the lower shelf 103 can be located 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.
[0063] The lower stop member 211 defines a lower end-of-travel position for the lower shelf 103. This end-of-travel position can be located close to the ground, slightly above the base 108 of the carriage 100. To achieve this, the upper stop member 210 can be positioned at a height close to the base 108 of the carriage 100 illustrated in [Fig. 1]. An element of the base 108 can also constitute the lower stop member 211. The lower stop member 211 also defines a The upper limit switch position of the top shelf 102. This is also due to the relationship between the position of the top shelf 102 and that of the bottom shelf 103 mentioned above. The upper limit switch position of the top shelf 102 can be located at a height between, for example, 1.50 m and 2.50 m from the floor and, more specifically, between 1.80 m and 2.30 m.
[0064] The upper stop 210 and the lower stop 210 thus 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 lies between the lower limit position and the upper limit position of the upper shelf 102, respectively defined by the upper stop 211 and the lower stop 210. The lower sliding range lies between the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the lower shelf 103, respectively defined by the upper stop 210 and the lower stop 211. In any case, the upper limit position of the lower shelf 103 is lower than the lower limit position of the upper shelf 102.That is to say, the upper sliding range and the lower sliding range do not overlap.
[0065] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an upper part of the basic structure with the lintel 207 shown in Fig. 2 omitted. Fig. 3 presents a schematic perspective view of the upper part of the basic structure. The upper part of the basic structure includes a pair of pulleys 301, 302 which are part of the coupling mechanism 104 shown in Fig. 1. The left cable 208 passes through one of the pulleys 301. This pulley 301 will be referred to hereafter as the left pulley 301. The right cable 209 passes through the other pulley 302, which will be referred to hereafter as the right pulley 302. The left pulley 301 and the right pulley 302 were not visible in [Fig. 2] due to the presence of the lintel 207. These pulleys 301 and 302 can be fixed to the lintel 207, which is located between the guide rails 201 and 202, on their upper portion. Thus, the left pulley 301 and the right pulley 302 each have a height above the ground that is approximately the same.This height will be referred to hereafter as the pulley height.
[0066] 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 mentioned above. Specifically, according to this relationship, the sum of the height of the upper shelf 102 from the floor 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 floor is equal to twice the pulley height minus the cable length minus the height of the shelf. lower shelf 103. Conversely, the height of the lower shelf 103 relative to the floor 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 cable length are parameters that allow for a satisfactory degree of ergonomics. The same applies to the height of the upper stop 210 and that of the lower stop 211.
[0067] The upper shelf 102 is in its lower end-of-travel position when there is no load on the lower shelf 103, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], [Fig. 2], and [Fig. 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 illustrated in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2]. To achieve this, in this embodiment, the upper shelf 102 may have a greater weight than the lower shelf 103. The upper shelf 102 may include a ballast element so that its weight is greater than that of the lower shelf 103.
[0068] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a small portion of the basic 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 includes a damping device 401. In this embodiment, the damping device 401 is in the form of a conical cylindrical part with a rounded head, comprising a flexible material such as rubber or elastomer. As illustrated in Figure 4, a lower edge of the support 203 of the upper shelf 102 can abut against this flexible part.
[0069] Figures 5 to 8 schematically illustrate different stages of a loading operation on 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 begin from the empty trolley 100 shown in [Fig. 1]. The upper shelf 102 is then at its lower end-of-stroke position while the lower shelf 103 is at its upper end-of-stroke position.
[0070] In a first loading step, an operator can begin stacking goods on the upper shelf 102. As mentioned above, the upper shelf 102 is at an ergonomic height. The operator can thus begin stacking the goods on the upper shelf 102 relatively easily. The upper shelf 102 remains at its lower end-of-travel position while the goods are being stacked on it. The operator can continue stacking the goods on the upper shelf 102 until it reaches a height that is still ergonomic. However, the operator can stop stacking the goods on the upper shelf when they reach a level close to the level where the in- visual indicators 110, 111 presented above with reference to [Fig. 1].
[0071] 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 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 begin stacking goods on the lower shelf 103. As mentioned above, the lower shelf 103 is also at an ergonomic height. The operator can thus begin stacking goods on the lower shelf 103 relatively easily.
[0072] 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 103. However, this load is still less than that supported by the upper shelf 102, on which goods have already been stacked. Consequently, the lower shelf 103 is still at its upper limit position, while the upper shelf 102 remains at its lower limit position. From the stage illustrated in Figure 6, the operator can continue stacking goods on the lower shelf 103. The lower shelf 103 thus supports an increasingly heavy load as it is loaded.
[0073] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a third intermediate stage of the loading operation. At this stage, the load on the lower shelf exceeds a tipping threshold relative to the load on 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 is in a higher position relative to its lower end-of-stroke position without having yet reached its upper end-of-stroke position. Conversely, the lower shelf 103 is in a lower position relative to its upper end-of-stroke position without having yet reached its lower end-of-stroke position. The upper shelf 102 and the lower shelf 103 are thus in intermediate positions.
[0074] The fact that the upper shelf 102 slides upwards has two consequences, as illustrated in [Fig. 7]. The first consequence is that the goods on this shelf are raised to a greater height, at which the operator might not otherwise have been able to stack them 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 lowered. change. This freed-up space is thus once 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. Furthermore, since the lower shelf 103 has descended with the goods already on it, a new loading height is available for the operator, which can also be ergonomic.
[0075] In this embodiment, the tipping threshold in question concerning the load supported by the lower shelf 103 relative 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 above, the upper shelf 102 is heavier than the lower shelf 103. The difference in weight means that, in this embodiment, in the absence of a load on the lower shelf 103, the upper shelf 102 is in its lower end-of-travel position and, conversely, the lower shelf 103 is in its upper end-of-travel position.
[0076] 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.
[0077] To unload the trolley 100 filled with goods illustrated in [Fig. 8], a reverse procedure is used. An operator can begin removing goods stacked on the lower shelf 103. The goods at the top of this stack can be at an ergonomic height. The lower shelf 103 bears a progressively lighter load as it is unloaded. At a certain point, the load on the lower shelf 103 falls below a tipping point relative to the load on the upper shelf 102. This results in two effects: the lower shelf 103 slides upwards and the upper shelf 102 slides downwards.
[0078] The fact that the lower shelf 103 slides upwards has two consequences. The first consequence is that the goods still on this shelf are raised to a height that may be more ergonomic for removal. The second consequence is that the goods stacked on the upper shelf 102 are lowered to a height that may also be ergonomic for removal. The operator can therefore continue to ergonomically remove all these remaining goods from the trolley 100.
[0079] In summary, the trolley 100 presented above by way of illustration can therefore be efficiently filled with goods up to a height only slightly in The 100 trolley's footprint is lower than that of a standard cargo area, while still allowing for ergonomic loading and unloading of goods. Therefore, the trolley enables a high loading capacity in an ergonomically designed manner. Furthermore, ergonomic loading and unloading do not require any special tools, thus avoiding additional costs. The trolley described above therefore allows for the ergonomic and economical transport of goods.
[0080] Figure 9 schematically illustrates an enhanced version 900 of the trolley 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 9 presents a schematic perspective view of this enhanced version 900. The enhanced version 900 corresponds to the trolley 100 shown in Figure 1, to which a fall arrest 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 limit 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 limit position, the goods stacked on this shelf are facing the anti-fall flap 901. The anti-fall flap 901 therefore prevents the goods stacked on the upper shelf 102 from falling off the trolley 100.This risk of falling occurs particularly when the trolley 100 is subjected to shocks, for example during the movement of the trolley 100 or during the transport of the trolley 100 in a vehicle.
[0081] Furthermore, the fall arrest flap 901 can serve as a visual indicator, replacing the two visual indicators 110, 111 present on the trolley 100 illustrated in [Fig. 1]. More specifically, a lower edge of the fall arrest flap 901 can be located at the same level as the two visual indicators 110, 111. The same can be true for a pair of lower attachments of the fall arrest flap 901, one of which is connected to the upright of one of the two side rails 106, the other lower attachment being connected to the other side rail 107.
[0082] The anti-fall flap 901 can be permanently attached to the trolley 100. There is no need to manipulate the anti-fall flap 901 to allow loading or unloading. Indeed, the goods on the upper shelf 102 are accessible when it is in its lower end-of-travel position. The trolley 100 can include one or more additional anti-fall flaps in addition to the anti-fall flap 901 illustrated in [Fig. 9]. Such an additional anti-fall flap can cover another part of the open face 109 of the trolley 100 to prevent goods stacked on the lower shelf 103 from falling from the trolley 100.
[0083] Figure 10 schematically illustrates an alternative basic structure that can be substituted for the basic structure presented above and illustrated in Figure 2. The alternative basic structure also includes a frame 1001, an upper shelf 1002, and a lower shelf 1003. In contrast, the alternative basic structure includes an alternative coupling mechanism 1004, different from that of the basic structure described above. The alternative coupling mechanism 1004 comprises articulated connecting rods 1005, 1006, 1007 which form a pantograph-type system. This alternative coupling mechanism 1004 may have a similar, or even identical, operation to that of the coupling mechanism 104 described above.
[0084] In fact, the alternative basic structure illustrated in [Fig. 10] shows that there are various coupling mechanisms that allow for the transmission of motion in opposite directions. Other mechanisms may include, for example, gears, pinions, chains, sprockets, toothed bars, or any combination thereof. A coupling mechanism may also incorporate a differential, in the form, for example, of a rack and pinion mechanism, which results in a certain ratio between the movement of the upper shelf and that of the lower shelf that is not necessarily equal to 1:1. Thus, in such an embodiment, the tipping threshold for the load supported by the lower shelf relative to that supported by the upper shelf may correspond to a ratio quite different from 1:1.For example, the ratio that causes a rocking motion can be 1:2 or 2:1, or any other ratio that is not necessarily expressed by whole numbers.
[0085] The embodiments described above with reference to the drawings are presented by way of illustration. The invention can be implemented in many different ways. To illustrate this, a few alternatives are briefly indicated.
[0086] The invention can be implemented in many types of products and processes related to logistics. By way of illustration, one implementation has been described concerning a trolley. Other implementations may relate to other types of logistics modules. For example, the invention can be implemented in a container, or any other module capable of holding goods, not necessarily equipped with casters. Furthermore, a logistics module according to the invention may comprise several open faces instead of just one, as is the case with the trolley presented by way of illustration above. For example, the invention can be implemented in a roll-off container having four vertical faces, two opposite each other being open and two others, also opposite each other, formed by side rails.In such an embodiment, the frame and the shelf coupling mechanism could be integrated into one of the two side panels or into both side panels with a section in each side panel.
[0087] There are many ways to implement a logistics module according to the invention. In the embodiments presented, the logistics module in the form of a trolley comprises two shelves. In other embodiments, a A logistics module may include more than two shelves. For example, a logistics module may include one or more stationary shelves in addition to a sliding top shelf and a sliding bottom shelf. Referring to the trolley 100 illustrated in [Fig. 1], such a stationary shelf may be added between the top shelf 102 and the bottom shelf 103. This stationary shelf could also act as a stop and thus replace the top stop 210. In another embodiment, a set of bottom shelves could be rigidly linked together and connected by a coupling mechanism to a top shelf according to the principle and modalities already described above. That is to say, referring to the trolley 100 illustrated in [Fig. 1], such a set of shelves could replace the bottom shelf 103, or replace the top shelf 102.
[0088] A logistics module according to the invention may include a spring system, or a system based on other elastically deformable elements, arranged so that the lower shelf slides gradually downwards when the load it supports exceeds the tipping threshold relative to the load on the upper shelf. Conversely, the upper shelf will then gradually slide upwards. Such a system could also provide a gradual tilting movement in the opposite direction.
[0089] A logistics module according to the invention may include one or more elements for adjusting the tipping threshold at which a tilting movement occurs. For example, such an element may act as a brake in a track along which the shelves in question slide. Referring to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], such an element may be in the form of a rubber or elastomer part capable of contacting 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 over one or more defined portions of the upper and lower sliding ranges. These portions may be located 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 tipping threshold.
[0090] As another example, an adjustment member can be in the form of a magnetic element added to, for example, a stop member. The magnetic element can 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 the movement of the shelf affected by this magnetic attraction and thus to adjust one of the tipping thresholds.
[0091] Such organs therefore make it possible to obtain two very distinct switching thresholds. That is to say, the tipping threshold at which a tilting movement in one direction occurs can be significantly different from the tipping threshold at which a tilting movement in the opposite direction occurs. An operator could adjust either tipping threshold by modifying, for example, the position of a component or the force it applies. It may also be possible to define intermediate loading positions for the shelves between their lower and upper limit positions, as defined by the limit switches.
[0092] There are many ways to implement a stop element in a logistics module according to the invention. In the embodiments presented, a stop element is fixed to the frame and, more specifically, in the form of a cross member between the sliding guides. In other embodiments, a stop element may be present in the coupling mechanism. For example, with reference to the pair of cables 208, 209 in the carriage 100 described by way of illustration with reference to the drawings, these cables 208, 209 may each be provided with a pair of stop elements defining the upper sliding range and the lower sliding range. Such a stop element may, for example, constitute a thickening on either cable.
[0093] The preceding remarks show that the embodiments described with reference to the drawings illustrate the invention rather than limiting it. The reference symbols are not limiting. The verb "include" in a claim does not preclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in the claim. The same applies to similar verbs such as "comprising" and "including."
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 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, in which the upper shelf (102), the lower shelf (103), and the coupling mechanism (104) 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.
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, wherein the anti-fall flap (901) comprises the visual indicator.
12. Logistics module according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein 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. A logistics module according to claim 13, wherein the upper shelf (102) has a weight greater than that of the lower shelf (103) such 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, in which 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.