Logistics module with shelves

Abstract

The invention relates to a logistics module which comprises an upper shelf (103) and a lower shelf, which are slidably coupled to a frame. A set of stop members (303) defines the sliding ranges of the shelves. A coupling mechanism slides the shelves in the opposite direction: when the load on the lower shelf exceeds a threshold, the upper shelf rises and the lower shelf descends, and vice versa. The upper shelf (103) is foldable. A blocking device (301) blocks the upper shelf from sliding upwards when it is folded. This allows an operator to first ergonomically load the lower shelf. The operator can then deploy the upper shelf, which remains blocked at an ergonomic height to be loaded in turn. The unblocking of the device finally allows the complete tilting movement of the shelves.

Description

LOGISTICS MODULE WITH SHELVES.

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a logistics module with shelves on which objects can be placed. The logistics module can be, for example, a container-type container for transporting goods, particularly 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 the receiving store, the containers containing the goods destined for that store are removed from the truck's cargo area. The containers, still full of goods, may be temporarily stored in the store's warehouse. Later, one or more of these containers may be removed from the warehouse and transported to the shelves to be restocked with their contents.

[0003] Multiple aspects come into play when using containers as described above, including ergonomics and cost-effectiveness. Ergonomics is a key consideration during the loading and unloading of containers. These operations are generally performed manually by individuals, or operators. When goods need to be placed at a relatively low height, for example, near the ground, the operator may have to bend over. When goods need to be placed at a relatively high height, the operator may have to raise their arms above their shoulders. These physical 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 maximize transport efficiency, it is desirable to fill the cargo space as much as possible with 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 goods are in the cargo space, the lower the portion of the transport cost attributable to the goods transported will be. Consequently, to achieve a high load factor, containers are generally filled to capacity, or at least nearly so.

[0005] However, even when 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 reasons. 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 fully 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 FR3146888 describes a logistics module comprising an upper shelf and a lower shelf that are slidably coupled to a frame. A set of limit switches defines a lower limit position and an upper limit position between which the upper shelf can slide. The set of limit switches also defines an upper limit position and a lower limit position between which the lower shelf can slide. The upper limit position of the lower shelf is lower than the lower limit position of the upper shelf. A coupling mechanism slides the lower shelf downward and the upper shelf upward when a load on the lower shelf exceeds a tipping threshold relative to a load on the upper shelf.Conversely, the coupling mechanism slides 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.

[0007] There is a need for an improved logistics module that allows for the transport of goods in an even more ergonomic way.

[0008] One aspect of the invention provides for a logistics module comprising:

[0009] - a frame,

[0010] - a top shelf coupled in a sliding manner to the frame, the top shelf being foldable.

[0011] - a lower shelf that slides into the frame,

[0012] - a set of absolute limit switches defining a lower limit position and an 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 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,

[0014] - a locking device capable of preventing the upper shelf from sliding upwards when the upper shelf is folded down and capable of allowing the upper shelf to be deployed in a horizontal position when it is locked in sliding.

[0015] To load the logistics module described above, an operator can begin stacking goods on the lower shelf, which can be positioned at an ergonomic height. The upper shelf can then be folded down, allowing for even more ergonomic loading of the lower shelf compared to the loading method described in the aforementioned patent document. The shelves can be prevented from sliding towards their opposite end positions while the lower shelf is being loaded.

[0016] When the lower shelf is properly loaded, the operator can extend the upper shelf to a horizontal position, even if it is locked in the sliding position. Once extended, the operator can load the upper shelf, which is still at an ergonomic height. After the upper shelf is properly loaded, the operator can release the aforementioned sliding mechanism. This release allows for a complete mechanical tilting movement: the upper shelf slides upward to its end-of-travel position, and conversely, the lower shelf slides downward to its lower end-of-travel position, as described in the aforementioned patent document. While this document presents a logistics module enabling highly ergonomic loading and unloading, the logistics module defined above allows for even more ergonomic loading and unloading.

[0017] For illustrative purposes, several 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.

[0018] SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] This is a schematic perspective view of a method of implementing a logistics module in the form of a trolley in a ready-to-use state.

[0020] This is a schematic perspective view of a stripped-down version of the cart in its ready-to-use state.

[0021] This is a schematic perspective view of part of the cart near a folded-down upper shelf.

[0022] This is a schematic perspective view of a top shelf support platform with a locking element in a locked position.

[0023] This is a schematic perspective view of the top shelf support platform with the locking element in a release position.

[0024] This is a schematic perspective view of part of the cart in an initial intermediate stage of a loading operation.

[0025] This is a schematic perspective view of the cart in a second intermediate stage of the loading operation.

[0026] This is a schematic perspective view of the trolley in a third intermediate stage of the loading operation.

[0027] This is a schematic perspective view of the cart in a fourth intermediate stage of the loading operation.

[0028] This is a schematic perspective view of part of the trolley in the fourth intermediate stage of the loading operation.

[0029] This is a schematic perspective view of part of the trolley in a fifth intermediate stage of the loading operation.

[0030] This is a schematic perspective view of the cart in a sixth intermediate stage of the loading operation.

[0031] This is a schematic perspective view of part of the trolley in a final stage of the loading operation.

[0032] This is a schematic perspective view of the trolley in an initial intermediate stage of an unloading operation.

[0033] This is a schematic perspective view of part of the trolley in the first intermediate stage of the unloading operation.

[0034] This is a schematic perspective view of part of the trolley in a second intermediate stage of the unloading operation.

[0035] This is a schematic perspective view of the trolley in a third intermediate stage of the unloading operation.

[0036] DESCRIPTION OF SOME METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0037] 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 be referred to hereafter as trolley 100 for ease of reading. 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.

[0038] The 100 trolley 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 100 trolley is preferably only slightly less than that of a typical cargo space in a transport vehicle commonly used for transporting goods. This allows for a cargo space utilization rate close to the optimum, i.e., close to 100%. However, the height of the 100 trolley must also allow it to pass through standard-sized doorways in logistics warehouses and stores.

[0039] The trolley 100 comprises a frame 101 mounted on a base 102 equipped with casters. Two shelves 103, 104 are slidably coupled to the frame 101. Each shelf 103, 104 can thus slide vertically, that is, up and down. Despite their sliding capability, one of the two shelves 103 is always the one furthest from the ground. This shelf will therefore be designated the upper shelf 103. The other shelf 104, which is always the one closest to the ground, will be designated the lower shelf 104. A coupling mechanism 105 mechanically connects the two shelves 103, 104 to each other. This coupling mechanism 105 will be described in more detail later in this description.

[0040] The cart 100 comprises three vertical walls 106, 107, and 108 attached to the frame 101. One of the three vertical walls, 106, is adjacent to the frame 101. This vertical wall 106 will be referred to as the back wall 106 for ease of reading. The other two vertical walls, 107 and 108, cover two lateral sides of the cart 100 and will be jointly referred to as the two side panels 107 and 108. The two side panels 107 and 108 are each coupled to the frame 101 by hinges. The two side panels 107 and 108 are each in the form of a grid. One face of the cart 100, which is opposite the back wall 106, has no wall. This face is therefore open, as illustrated in the figure. The cart 100 can thus be loaded and unloaded through this open face.

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates trolley 100 in a ready-to-use state, meaning trolley 100 is ready to be loaded with goods. In this state, the upper shelf 103 is folded down as shown in Figure 1. Trolley 100 can be folded by also folding the lower shelf 104 against the frame 101 so that both are flush with the bottom wall 105. Then, the two side panels 107 and 108 can be folded down against the frame 101 so that both are also flush with the bottom wall 105. Once folded, trolley 100 can be stored with other similar, also folded, trolleys without taking up too much space. To do this, the folded trolley 100 can be inserted into another similar, also folded, trolley at the base 102.

[0042] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a stripped-down version of the carriage 100 in its ready-to-use state. Figure 2 presents a schematic perspective view of this stripped-down version. In the stripped-down version of the carriage 100, the two side panels 107 and 108 have been omitted. The carriage 100 and its operation will be described below with reference to the stripped-down version for clarity.

[0043] The frame 101 of the trolley includes a pair of guide rails 201, 202. This pair of guide rails 201, 202 jointly retain the upper shelf 103 and the lower shelf 104 in a sliding manner. One of the guide rails 201 will be designated left guide rail 201 in what follows for ease of reading. The other guide rail 202 will be designated right guide rail 202.

[0044] In more detail, the upper shelf 103 includes a support 203 equipped with a pair of roller skates. One of these roller skates is engaged in the left guide rail 201 and will be referred to as the left roller skate hereafter. The other roller skate, which is not visible in the image, is engaged in the right guide rail 202 and will be referred to as the right roller skate hereafter. A load-bearing platform 204, which forms a functional part of the upper shelf 103, is rotatably attached to the support 203 equipped with the pair of roller skates. The preceding remarks also apply to the lower shelf 104, which is of similar construction.

[0045] The coupling mechanism 105 is only partially visible in Figure 1, as in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 105 comprises a pair of cables and a pair of pulleys. One of these cables is located in the left guide rail 201. This cable, which is partially visible in Figure 1, will be referred to as the left cable in what follows. The other cable is located in the right guide rail 202. This other cable, which is not visible in Figure 1, will be referred to as the right cable in what follows. Similarly, one of the pulleys is located in an upper part of the left guide rail 201, and the other pulley is located in an upper part of the right guide rail 202.

[0046] One end of the left cable is attached to the top shelf 103, specifically to its left roller. Another end of the left cable 208 is attached to the bottom shelf 104, specifically to its left roller. Similarly, one end of the right cable is attached to the top shelf 103, while another end of the right cable is attached to the bottom shelf 104.

[0047] The left and right cables are each of approximately the same length. This length will be referred to hereafter as the cable length. The cable length determines the position of the upper shelf 103 relative to that of the lower shelf 104, and vice versa. Consequently, when the upper shelf 103 is at a certain height above the floor, the lower shelf 104 is at a height above the floor determined by this relationship, and vice versa. This relationship between the position of the upper shelf 103 and that of the lower shelf 104 will be discussed in more detail later.

[0048] In this embodiment, the carriage 100 includes a set of absolute limit switches. The absolute limit switches are contained within the guide rails 201 and 202, but are not visible. One pair of absolute limit switches is located furthest from the ground and is situated between the upper shelf 103 and the lower shelf 104. This pair of absolute limit switches will be referred to as the upper pair of absolute limit switches in what follows. Another pair of absolute limit switches is located closest to the ground and is situated below the lower shelf 104. This pair of absolute limit switches will be referred to as the lower pair of absolute limit switches in what follows. Of each pair of absolute limit switches, one is contained within the left guide rail 201, and the other is contained within the right guide rail 202.

[0049] The pair of upper absolute limit switches defines a lower limit position for the upper shelf 103. This limit 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 pair of upper absolute limit switches can be positioned at a similar height from the floor, or slightly below, the limit position in question. The pair of upper absolute limit switches also defines an upper limit position for the lower shelf 104. This is due to the relationship between the position of the upper shelf 103 and that of the lower shelf 104 mentioned above. The upper end position of the lower shelf 104 can 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.

[0050] The pair of lower absolute limit switches defines a lower limit position for the lower shelf 104. This limit position can be located close to the floor, slightly above the base 102 of the carriage 100. To achieve this, the pair of lower absolute limit switches can be positioned at a height close to the base 102 of the carriage 100 shown in the figure. Two elements that are part of the base 102 can also constitute the pair of lower absolute limit switches. The pair of lower absolute limit switches also defines an upper limit position for the upper shelf 103. This is also due to the relationship between the position of the upper shelf 103 and that of the lower shelf 104 mentioned above.The upper end position of the upper shelf 103 can 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.

[0051] The pair of upper absolute limit switches and the pair of lower absolute limit switches thus define two sliding ranges: an upper sliding range for the upper shelf 103 and a lower sliding range for the lower shelf 104. The upper sliding range lies between the lower limit switch position and the upper limit switch position of the upper shelf 103, respectively defined by the pair of upper absolute limit switches and the pair of lower absolute limit switches. The lower sliding range lies between the upper limit switch position and the lower limit switch position of the lower shelf 104, respectively defined by the pair of upper absolute limit switches and the pair of lower absolute limit switches.In any case, the upper end position of the lower shelf 104 is lower than the lower end position of the upper shelf 103. That is to say, the upper sliding range and the lower sliding range do not overlap.

[0052] In the ready-to-use configuration illustrated in 1a and 1a, the upper shelf 103 is in its lower end position when there is no load on the lower shelf 104. Conversely, the lower shelf 104 is in its upper end position when there is no load on the lower shelf 104, as illustrated in 1a and 1a. To achieve this, the upper shelf 103 may have a greater weight than the lower shelf 104. The upper shelf 103 may include a counterweight so that its weight is greater than that of the lower shelf 104.

[0053] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a portion of the trolley near the upper shelf 103, with the trolley still in its ready-to-use state. Figure 2 presents a schematic perspective view of this portion of the trolley with a cutout in the straight guide rail 202 to reveal certain elements. The trolley includes a locking device 301, some elements of which are visible in Figure 301. These visible elements include a bypassable stop 302 positioned near an upper absolute stop 303. In this embodiment, the bypassable stop 302 is in the form of an elongated element projecting from the straight guide rail 202.

[0054] The locking device 301 further includes a locking element 304 that projects from the upper shelf 103. The locking element 304 projects from the upper shelf 103 on one side thereof, which will be designated the right side for ease of reading. In this embodiment, the locking element 304 is in the form of a finger having a rounded surface. This rounded surface can come into contact with the bypassable stop member 302. Symmetrically, the locking device 301 can also include a bypassable stop member in the left guide rail 201. This bypassable stop member is then also positioned near the upper absolute stop member in the left guide rail 201. The locking device 301 then also includes a locking element projecting from the upper shelf 103 on one of its left sides.

[0055] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate in more detail the support platform 204 of the upper shelf 103. Figures 1 and 2 each present a schematic perspective view of the support platform 204 of the upper shelf 103. The support platform 204 includes a controllable mechanism 401, of which the locking element 304 is a part. The controllable mechanism 401, which is part of the locking device 301, is located on one side of the support platform 204, which will be designated the right side for ease of reading. The controllable mechanism 401 allows the locking element 304 to be switched between a locked position and a released position. Figure 1 illustrates the locking element 304 in the locked position as shown in Figure 2. Figure 1 illustrates the locking element 304 in the released position.

[0056] The locking element 304 is in a locked position, as shown in the previous image. In this position, the locking element 304 prevents the upper shelf 103 from sliding upwards, even when the upper shelf 103 is folded down. In the locked position, the locking element 304 comes into contact with the bypass stop 302. This marks the end of the upward sliding movement. In the released position, illustrated in the previous image, the locking element 304 is prevented from contacting the bypass stop. In this position, the locking element 304 is slightly further away from the rear of the upper shelf 103's support platform 204 compared to the locked position. Referring to the previous image, the locking element 304 can thus bypass the bypass stop 302.

[0057] In this embodiment, the controllable mechanism 401 includes an actuated handle 402 that is mechanically connected to the locking element 304. The locking element 304 is in its default locked position and is in its released position when the actuated handle 402 is actuated. In this embodiment, the actuated handle 402 is actuated by pushing it towards the upper shelf 103. The actuated handle 402 is in a rest position, a default position, causing the locking element 304 to be in the locked position. Conversely, when the actuated handle 402 is actuated, causing the locking element 304 to be in the released position. In this embodiment, the actuated handle 402 is mechanically connected to the locking element 304 by means of a connecting rod 403.A return spring 404 located on the connecting rod 403 keeps the locking element 304 in its default locking position, and therefore also keeps the actuable handle 402 in the default rest position.

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate that, symmetrically, the locking device 301 may include an additional controllable mechanism located on the left side of the support plate 204. This additional controllable mechanism can then interact with the bypassable stop in the left guide rail 201 mentioned above. Thus, the upper shelf 103, and more specifically its support plate 204, may include a pair of actuated handles as illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2. For ease of reading, the reference numeral 402 will also be used to designate these actuated handles.

[0059] Referring to the figure, the upper shelf 103 includes a folding mechanism that exerts a moment on the upper shelf 103. This moment holds the upper shelf 103 folded down unless there is a counter-moment greater than the moment exerted by the folding mechanism 305. The moment exerted by the folding mechanism 305 is sufficiently small to prevent the upper shelf 103 from folding down on its own when it is deployed in a horizontal position. In this embodiment, the folding mechanism 305 includes two torsion springs 306 and 307. One of these two torsion springs, 307, has been omitted in Figures 4 and 5 to highlight a support on which the omitted torsion spring 307 is mounted.

[0060] Figures 103 to 104 schematically illustrate different stages of a loading operation for trolley 100. Each of these figures presents a schematic perspective view of trolley 100, or a part thereof, with goods that have been placed inside. The loading operation can begin with the trolley 100 ready for use, which is still empty, as illustrated in figures 103 and 104. The upper shelf 103 is then in its lower end-of-stroke position and folded down, while the lower shelf 104 is in its upper end-of-stroke position and extended horizontally.

[0061] At the start of the loading operation, an operator can begin stacking goods on the lower shelf 104. The lower shelf 104 is at an ergonomic height, allowing the operator to begin stacking goods relatively easily. The fact that the upper shelf 103 is folded down significantly contributes to this ease.

[0062] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first intermediate stage of the loading operation. The weight of the lower shelf 104 and the goods already on it has exceeded a tipping threshold relative to the weight of the upper shelf 103. This has resulted in a mechanical tipping movement: the upper shelf 103 has slid slightly upwards and, conversely, the lower shelf 104 has slid slightly downwards. This initial sliding movement is relatively small. This is because the locking element 304, which is in the locked position, comes against the bypassable stop 302, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0063] The diagram schematically illustrates a second intermediate stage of the loading operation. At this stage, the operator has finished stacking the goods on the lower shelf 104, which will then no longer receive goods during the loading operation in question. Since the locking element 304 is still in the locked position, the upper shelf 103 remains locked in sliding mode, as does the lower shelf 104.

[0064] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a third intermediate stage of the loading operation. At this stage, the operator deploys the upper shelf 103 into a horizontal position. He simply needs to exert a greater torque than that exerted by the folding device 305 mentioned above and illustrated in Figure 1.

[0065] Figures 9 and 10 schematically illustrate a fourth intermediate stage of the loading operation. At this stage, goods have been placed on the upper shelf 103. With the locking element 304 still in the locked position, the upper shelf 103 remains locked in sliding position, as does the lower shelf 104.

[0066] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a fifth intermediate stage of the loading operation. At this stage, the operator actuates the controllable mechanism 401, shown in Figure 1, so that the locking element 304 is in the release position, as required. The operator then pushes the actuated handles 402 towards the upper shelf 103. The upper shelf 103 can then slide to its upper end position thanks to the coupling mechanism 105 shown in Figures 1 and 1. Conversely, the lower shelf 104 can slide to its lower end position. By actuating the actuated handles 402, the operator can guide these sliding movements.

[0067] This illustrates the sixth intermediate stage of the loading operation, this stage being almost final. At this stage, the aforementioned sliding movements have been completed, but the controllable mechanism 401 is still actuated, as illustrated in Figure 1. The actuated handles 402 are still pushed towards the upper shelf 103, as illustrated in Figure 2. Thus, the locking element 304 is still in the release position.

[0068] The diagram schematically illustrates a final stage of the loading operation. At this stage, the operator no longer actuates the controllable mechanism 401, as shown in the diagram. The actuated handles 402 are no longer pushed towards the upper shelf 103. Thus, the locking element 304 is once again in the locked position.

[0069] Figures 103 to 103 schematically illustrate different stages of an unloading operation for trolley 100. Each of these figures presents a schematic perspective view of trolley 100, or a part thereof, with goods that have been placed inside. The loading operation can begin from the trolley 100, which has been loaded, as illustrated in Figure 1. The upper shelf 103 is then at its upper end-of-travel position and folded down, while the lower shelf 104 is at its lower end-of-travel position.

[0070] At the start of the unloading operation, an operator can begin removing goods from the lower shelf 104. A stack of goods is present on the lower shelf 104. The goods at the top of this stack are at an ergonomic height for removal. The operator can therefore begin removing the goods from the lower shelf relatively easily.

[0071] Figures 1 and 1 schematically illustrate a first intermediate stage of an unloading operation. As the goods are removed, the load on the lower shelf 104 drops below a tipping point relative to the load on the upper shelf 103. This results in a mechanical tilting movement: the upper shelf 103 slides slightly downwards and, conversely, the lower shelf 104 slides slightly upwards. This initial sliding movement is relatively small. This is because the locking element 304, which is in the locked position, abuts against a bypass stop 1501. In this embodiment, this bypass stop 1501 is also formed by the elongated protruding element of the straight guide rail 202, mentioned above in connection with the bypass stop 302 illustrated in Figure 1.

[0072] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a second intermediate stage of the unloading operation. At this stage, the operator activates the controllable mechanism 401, shown in Figure 1, so that the locking element 304 is in the release position, as required. The operator then pushes the actuated handles 402 towards the upper shelf 103. The upper shelf 103 can then slide to its lower end position thanks to the coupling mechanism 105 shown in Figures 1 and 1. Conversely, the lower shelf 104 can slide to its upper end position. By actuating the actuated handles 402, the operator can guide these sliding movements.

[0073] The diagram schematically illustrates a third intermediate stage of the unloading operation. This third stage is reached after the two shelves 103 and 104 have slid into position during the second intermediate stage of the unloading operation. The goods remaining in the trolley 100 are then at a more ergonomic height for removal. The operator will therefore generally move to the second intermediate stage of the unloading operation when they have to bend down too far to remove the goods still present on the lower shelf 104. Once this third intermediate stage of the unloading operation is reached, the operator can continue to remove the remaining goods ergonomically until the trolley is empty.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 as an 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 rails or into both side rails with a section in each side rail.

[0076] 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 logistics module may comprise more than two shelves. For example, a logistics module may include one or more stationary shelves in addition to a sliding upper shelf and a sliding lower shelf. Referring to the trolley 100 illustrated in Figure 1, such a stationary shelf may be added between the upper shelf 103 and the lower shelf 104. This stationary shelf could also serve as a stop and thus replace the upper stop 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 described above. That is to say, referring to the trolley 100 illustrated in Figure 1, such a set of shelves could replace the lower shelf 104, or replace the upper shelf 103.

[0077] There are many ways to implement a locking device in a logistics module according to the invention. In the embodiments presented, the locking device interacts with the upper shelf. In other embodiments, the locking device can interact with the lower shelf. One or more bypassable stop elements can then be located near one or more absolute stop elements provided for the lower shelf.

[0078] 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.

[0079] A logistics module according to the invention may include one or more components for adjusting the tipping threshold at which a tilting movement occurs. For example, such a component may act as a brake in a track along which the shelves in question slide. Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, such a component may be in the form of a rubber or elastomer part capable of contacting at least one of the slides 204 or 205 of the upper shelf 103 or those of the lower shelf 104. 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.

[0080] As another example, an adjustment device can be in the form of a magnetic element added to, for example, a stop. The magnetic element can exert a force on one of the shelves through magnetic attraction if the shelf is made of a material sensitive to magnetic attraction. This allows the movement of the shelf affected by this magnetic attraction to be restrained, and thus one of the tipping thresholds to be adjusted.

[0081] Such devices thus allow for two distinct tipping thresholds. That is, 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 device 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.

[0082] 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, referring 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 equipped 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.

[0083] A logistics module according to the invention may include one or more safety devices to prevent potential accidents during its use. An accident may occur when the tipping point is reached during the loading or unloading of the module, causing the shelves to move. 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 a hand, is inside the module and is struck by a moving shelf.

[0084] For example, a safety device might consist of one or more plates mounted against one or more walls in the form of a grid. Such a plate can be transparent so that the interior of the module remains clearly visible through the grid. The plate could be made of acrylic glass, for example. The plate prevents a hand or finger from passing through the grid, thus preventing the hand or finger from entering the module. In this way, the plate prevents the hand or finger from becoming trapped between a grid element and a shelf that might move. The plate can also be mounted on the inside. In this case, the plate prevents any part of the merchandise on a shelf from entering a grid opening. This prevents the shelf from being blocked or the merchandise from being damaged, which could occur when part of the merchandise is caught in a grid opening.

[0085] 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 elements or steps other than those listed in the claim. The same applies to similar verbs such as "comprising" and "include."

Claims

Logistics module (100) comprising: - a frame (101), - an upper shelf (103) slidingly coupled to the frame, the upper shelf being foldable, - a lower shelf (104) slidingly coupled to the frame, - a set of absolute limit switches (303) defining a lower limit position and an 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, - a coupling mechanism (105) 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; - a locking device (301) capable of preventing the upper shelf from sliding upwards when the upper shelf is folded down and capable of allowing the upper shelf to be deployed in a horizontal position when locked in the sliding position. Logistics module according to claim 1, in which: - the set of absolute stop members (303) comprises an absolute stop member acting on the upper shelf (103), and - the locking device (301) comprises: - a bypassable stop member (302) positioned near the absolute stop member so that the upper shelf is blocked in sliding at a position near its lower end-of-travel position, and - a controllable mechanism (401) forming part of the upper shelf, the controllable mechanism comprising a locking element (304) switchable between a locking position and a release position in which respectively the locking element can come into contact with the bypassable stop member and is prevented from being in contact with the bypassable stop member. Logistics module according to claim 1, wherein: - the set of absolute stop members (303) comprises an absolute stop member acting on the lower shelf, and - the locking device (301) comprises: - a bypassable stop member positioned near the absolute stop member so that the upper shelf is blocked in sliding at a position near its lower end-of-travel position, and - a controllable mechanism forming part of the lower shelf, the controllable mechanism comprising a locking element switchable between a locking position and a release position in which respectively the locking element can come into contact with the bypassable stop member and is prevented from being in contact with the bypassable stop member. Logistics module according to one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the locking element (304) comprises a finger having a rounded surface suitable for coming into contact with the bypassable stop member (302). Logistics module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the controllable mechanism (401) includes an actuable handle (402) mechanically connected to the locking element (304) such that the locking element is in its default locking position and is in its release position when the actuable handle is actuated. Logistics module according to claim 5, in which the controllable mechanism (402) includes a connecting rod (403) disposed between the locking element and the actuable handle. Logistics module according to claim 6, wherein the controllable mechanism includes a return spring (404) disposed on the connecting rod (403), the return spring maintaining the locking element in its default locking position. Logistics module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upper shelf (403) includes a folding device (305) capable of exerting a moment on the upper shelf (103) to keep the upper shelf folded down in the absence of a reverse moment greater than the moment exerted by the folding device, the moment exerted by the folding device being sufficiently small to prevent the upper shelf from folding down autonomously when the upper shelf is deployed in a horizontal position. Logistics module according to claim 8, wherein the folding device (305) comprises at least one torsion spring (306, 307). Logistics module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the logistics module (100) is in the form of a trolley for the transport of goods.

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