Shelving System

Abstract

A shelving system for a motor vehicle has at least one shelf, which includes a base unit with a base element supported in a base position allocated to the base element on a support element and is mounted on a pivoting axis. The base element can be shifted around the axis out of the base position allocated to it into an access position allocated to the base element, in which the base element is raised by the at least one support element. A further base element is supported in a base position allocated to the further base element on the support element and is mounted on a further pivoting axis arranged on the side of the support element opposite the first pivoting axis. The further base element can be shifted into an access position, in which the further base element is raised by the support element.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A shelving system, having at least one shelf, comprising: at least one base unit, at least one support element, and at least one base element of the at least one support element supported in a base position allocated to the base element on at least one support element and mounted on a first pivoting axis, around which the base element can be shifted out of the base position and into an access position allocated to the base element, in which the base element is raised by the at least one support element, wherein each base unit comprises a further base element, which is supported in a base position allocated to the further base element on the at least one support element and mounted on a further pivoting axis arranged on a side of the at least one support element that is opposite the first pivoting axis and around which the further base element is shiftable out of the base position allocated to it into an access position allocated to the further base element, in which the further base element is raised by the at least one support element.

12. The shelving system according to claim 11, wherein the base unit is formed for receiving a container.

13. The shelving system according to claim 11, wherein the shelf has a plurality of base units.

14. The shelving system according to claim 13, wherein at least one dimension of at least one of the base units is formed differently than a corresponding dimension of the other base units.

15. The shelving system according to claim 11, wherein each of the base elements has an uneven ground edge contour, via which the respective base element is supportable in the allocated base position on the at least one support element.

16. The shelving system according to claim 11, further comprising a return unit by which each of the base elements can be shifted from its respectively allocated access position into its respectively allocated base position.

17. The shelving system according claim 11, further comprising a limiting unit by which a respective pivoting angle between the base position and the access position of the respective base elements can be limited.

18. The shelving system according claim 11, further comprising a drive unit by which each of the base elements can be pivoted from its respectively allocated base position into its respectively allocated access position.

19. The shelving system according to claim 11, further comprising at least one rear wall of each respective base element that has a gripping part.

20. The shelving system according to claim 11, further comprising a securing device by which the base elements can be reversibly blocked in their respectively allocated base position.

21. The shelving system according to claim 12, wherein the shelf has a plurality of base units.

22. The shelving system according to claim 21, wherein at least one dimension of at least one of the base units is formed differently than a corresponding dimension of the other base units.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a shelf of a shelving system, wherein a first base element is arranged in its base position and a second base element is arranged in its access position;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic and perspective view of the shelf with a plurality of base units;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic and perspective view of the shelf, in which a container is respectively received in a base unit;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic and perspective view of an underside of the shelf;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic and perspective view of the shelf, wherein the base elements are arranged in their access position along a longitudinal side of the shelf;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic and perspective view of the shelf, in which a respective side wall of the respective base element has a gripping part;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a securing device in a securing position (FIG. 7a) and in a releasing position (FIG. 7b); and

[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of the securing device in a securing position and in a releasing position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0031] In a schematic and perspective view, FIG. 1 shows a shelf 1 of a shelving system 2, wherein a first base element 3 is arranged in its base position and a second base element 4 is arranged in its access position. The first base element 3 forms a base unit 5 together with the second base element 4. In other words, the base unit 5 comprises the first base element 3 and the second base element 4. The shelf 1 has a support element 6 and a pivoting axis 7 and a further pivoting axis 8. The pivoting axis 7 can be formed by a shaft 9, for example, wherein the further pivoting axis 8 can be formed by a further shaft 10. Here, a central longitudinal axis of the shaft 9 respectively coincides with the pivoting axis 7 and a central longitudinal axis of the further shaft 10 respectively coincides with the further pivoting axis 8. The shaft 9 and the further shaft 10 are formed separately from each other and spaced apart from each other. The support element 6 is arranged between the shaft 9 and the further shaft 10, that is between the pivoting axis 7 and the further pivoting axis 8. In doing so, a central longitudinal axis of the support element 6 is arranged at a distance 11 apart from the pivoting axis 7 and apart from the further pivoting axis 8. Furthermore, the support element 6 runs respectively in parallel to the shaft 9 and the further shaft 10, that is in parallel to the pivoting axis 7 and the further pivoting axis 8. Moreover, the pivoting axis 7, the further pivoting axis 8 and the central longitudinal axis of the support element 6 are on the same plane, for example on the xy plane, as shown in FIG. 1. The support element 6 can be formed as an element shaped like a rope, for example a third shaft 12. An outer peripheral surface of the support element 6 at least partially forms a support surface 13.

[0032] The first base element 3 is rotatably connected to the shaft 9 via tilting elements 14. This means that the first base element 3 is mounted rotatably around the pivoting axis 7 on the first shaft 9. The tilting elements 14 can be formed separately from the first base element 3 and can be connected to it, for example adhered, welded, riveted, screwed, etc., Furthermore, it is possible that the tilting elements 14 are formed integrally with the first base element 3. In particular, the respective tilting element 14 is formed in such a way that its central longitudinal axis coincides with the pivoting axis 7. For example, the respective tilting element 14 can have a sleeve corresponding to the shaft 9, such that the shaft 9 runs through the tilting element 14. The first base element is spaced apart from the pivoting axis 7 by means of the tilting element 14 in such a way that an underside 15 of the first base element 3, which is supported on the support element 6 or its support surface 13, is arranged in parallel to the xy plane. By the first base element 3 being rotatably connected to the shaft 9 by means of two tilting elements 14, which are spaced apart from each other, a first rear wall 16 runs in parallel to a y-direction, that is in parallel to the shaft 9 or parallel to the pivoting axis 7.

[0033] As a result of the respective tilting element 14, a return unit can be formed, for example by the return unit being integrated into the respective tilting element 14. In particular, the respective tilting element 14 can have a spring element (not shown), which is arranged between the base element 3 and the pivoting axis 7. In particular, the spring element, for example formed as a screw spring, coil spring, flat spring, etc., can be connected to the base element 3 and the pivoting axis 7. This means that the spring element is at least substantially released in the base position of the base element 3. The spring element can have a certain pretension in the base position of the base element 3. By tensioning the spring element, the base element 3 can be pivoted from its base position into its access position, in particular manually, for example by the user of the shelving system 2. Since the spring element tensioned in the access position acts between the pivoting axis 7 and the base element 3, by releasing the spring element, in particular by means of releasing the spring element, the base element 3 can be switched back to its base position. This is particularly advantageous since switching the base element 3 back from its access position into its base position thus functions particularly reliably. For a particularly reliable shifting of the base element 3 from its access position into its base position, it is also conceivable that the return unit is alternatively or additionally arranged between the base element 3 and the support element 6 and thus also acts between them.

[0034] In the same way, the second base element 4 is connected to the further shaft 10 and mounted rotatably around the further pivoting axis 8.

[0035] A respective base position and a respective access position is allocated to the base elements 3, 4. In the respective base position, the respective base element 3,4 is supported on the support element 6, in particular on its support surface 13. In other words, an underside 15 of the respective base element 3, 4 is arranged in the respective base position in parallel to the xy plane. It can be seen in FIG. 1 how the first base element 3 is arranged in its base position.

[0036] In the respective access position, the respective base element 3, 4 is raised by the support element 6, in particular by the support surface 13. In other words. an underside 15 of the respective base element 3, 4 is arranged in its respective access position at an angle to the xy plane. It can be seen in FIG. 1 how the second base element 4 is arranged in its access position.

[0037] This means that the respective base element 3, 4 in its base position is in direct, immediate contact with the support element 6, in particular with its support surface 13, whereas the respective base element 3, 4 in its access position is arranged without touching the support element 6, in particular the support surface 13. If one of the base elements 3, 4 is arranged in the respective access position, then a pivoting angle emerges, around which the respective base element 3, 4 is rotated out of its base position around the respective pivoting axis 7, 8 into the access position.

[0038] By the respective base element 3, 4 being able to be shifted out of the respective base position into the respective access position, it is possible for the user of the shelving system 2 to load the base unit 5 with cargo with little effort. A purely vertical movement, that is in a z-direction, in order to raise the cargo above the rear wall is unergonomic and is to be avoided by means of the shelving system 2. Instead, the user of the shelving system 2 can be manoeuvred into the base unit 5 in an extensively more ergonomic movement course. To do so, they have the choice of shifting the first base element 3 or the second base element 4 into the respectively allocated access position. The same applies to removing cargo from the base unit 5. By it being possible for the user of the shelving system 2 to shift the first base element 3 or the second base element 4 into its access position, the shelving system 2 is also particularly variable, since the respective base unit 5 is to be loaded from a side of the first base element 3 or from a side of the second base element 4.

[0039] In a schematic and perspective view, FIG. 2 shows the shelf 1 with a plurality of base units 5. Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that the shaft 9, the further shaft 10 and the support element 6 are held on a lateral holding element formed as a carrier plate 18, for example. In particular, the shaft 9 and further shaft 10 can be connected to the carrier plate 18 in a rotationally fixed manner. This means that the tilting elements 14 are rotatably mounted thereon in relation to the shaft 9 penetrating the respective tilting element 14 or further shaft 10. In one of the base units 5 shown in FIG. 2purely for the purposes of illustrationits first base element 3 and its second base element 4 are each arranged in the respective access position. Further base elements 3, 4 visible in FIG. 2 are each arranged in their base position. In doing so, a receiver space 19 emerges which is bordered by side walls 20 extending vertically, that is in the z-direction, as well as by the rear walls also extending in the z-direction. The side walls 20 and the rear wall 6 can be formed integrally with the respective base element 3, 4. Yet it is also conceivable that the respective side walls 20 are formed integrally together with the corresponding rear wall 16 and are connected to the respective base element 3, 4 and with one another by means of welding, adhering, screwing, etc., for example. Described differently, two side walls 20 arranged in parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other form a rear wall 16 connecting the two side walls 20 together with a base element ground 21, a respective base element 3, 4.

[0040] The shelf 1 of the shelving system 2 can thus have more than one base element 5. In particular, the shelf 1 can have two, three, four, five or n base units 5, wherein n can assume the value of any random integer. This means that the shelf 1 can be scaled with respect to the number of the base units 5.

[0041] In a schematic and perspective view, FIG. 3 shows the shelf 1, in which in each case a container 22 is received in a respective base element 5. This means that the shelving system 2, at least the shelf ground 1 of the shelving system 2, can be set up to receive containers 22, in particular of the same size. In doing so, the shelving system 2 is particularly advantageous for the user since this can shift the first base element 3 or the second base element 5 of the relevant base unit 5 into the respective access position to remove a container 22 from the respective base unit 5. Firstly, as a result, there is a particularly high degree of variability of the shelving system 2 since the user has the possibility to remove the relevant container 22 from the side of the first base element 3 or from the side of the second base element 4 out of the shelf 1 or out of the shelving system 2. Secondly, the relevant container 22 is at an angle in the access position of the first base element 3 or the second base element 4, that is its raising surface, via which the container 22 contacts the base element ground 21 of the first or second base element 3, 4, is arranged at an angle to the xy plane. Thus, it is particularly easily possible for the user of the shelving system 2 to remove the relevant container 22 from the related base element 5 by a purely vertical movement of the container 22 not happening. This is particularly ergonomic for the user of the shelving system 2.

[0042] The respective container 22 can be formed, for example, as a cuboid package, for example a crate, a cardboard box, a bag, a cool bag, etc., As is also shown in FIG. 3, at least one base surface of the container 22 can correspond to a base surface of the receiving space 19. This leads to the container 22 received in the receiving space 19 of the base unit 5 to be positively received in the receiving space 19 of the base unit 5. This is particularly advantageous since, in doing so, the container 22 received in the receiving space 19 is prevented from slipping. Particularly when the shelving system 2 or the shelf 1 is used on a motor vehicle, loading security is thus achieved in a particularly simple manner. Furthermore, it is advantageous that a slipping of a container 22 into a possible adjacent, free base unit 5 is prevented. Display devices possibly used in the motor vehicle, which display to the user, for example, from which of the base units 5 they are to remove a corresponding container 22, then function particularly reliably. In the field of logistics, such a system is known, for example as a pick-by-light (meaning, removed from where the signal lamp is).

[0043] In a schematic and perspective view, FIG. 4 shows the underside 15 of the shelf 1. It can be seen that the base element ground 21 of the first base element 3 extends in opposition to the second base element 4. In doing so, the base element ground 21 of the first base element 3 extends beyond the distance 11 shown in FIG. 1, such that the extension of the base element ground 21 of the first base element 3 in the x-direction is greater than the distance 11. The same applies analogously to the base element ground 21 of the second base element 4. Its base element ground 21 also has an extension in the x-direction which is greater than the distance 11. In other words, the base element grounds 21 each extend into a region of the respectively opposite base element 3, 4. Here, it is provided that a respective ground edge contour 23 of the corresponding base element 3, 4 is respectively formed in such a way that it corresponds to an opposite ground edge contour 23, this means, for example, that the two opposite ground edge contours 23 can engage into one another. In doing so, the base element 3 and the second base element 4 extend under the container 22 via more than half of an alignment of the container 22 in the x-direction, such that a centre of gravity of the container 22 is engaged under by the first base element 3 and the second base element 4 in each case. It is particularly advantageous that the respective ground edge contour 23 is formed at least regionally unevenly. For example, the ground edge contour 23 can respectively have at least one radius. In particular, the ground edge contour 23 can have at least one right-angled kink in its course. In doing so, when shifting one of the base elements 3, 4 with the container 22 arranged thereon, it is prevented that this tilts over in the direction of the other base element 3, 4. Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 4 that the respective base element 3, 4 respectively has at least one strengthening element 25. As presented above, the strengthening element 25 can be, for example, at least one ribbing which is stamped into the respective base element ground 21. A particularly high surface inertia torque is given, in each case, to the respective base element ground 21 and thus the respective base element 3, 4 by means of such a strengthening element 25. In turn, this is expressed in a particularly high bending resistance of the respective base element ground 21 and thus the respective base element 3, 4. This means that a shape stability of the respective base element 3, 4, is ensured.

[0044] In a schematic and perspective view, FIG. 5 shows the shelf 1 of the shelving system 2, wherein its second base elements 4 are respectively arranged in their access position in a longitudinal extension direction 2. A drive unit 25 can be provided, which is mechanically connected to the pivoting axis 7 and/or to the further pivoting axis 8. This means that the drive unit 25 can be connected, for example, to the shaft 9 and/or to the further shaft 10 in such a way that the shaft 9 or the further shaft 10 can be rotated by means of the drive unit 25. This means that at least one base unit 5 of the shelf 1 can be shifted out of its base position into its access position by means of the drive unit 25. It is preferably provided that the first base elements 3 of the shelf 1 can be shifted simultaneously from their respective base position into their respective access position by means of the drive unit 25 and vice versa. Analogously, it is provided that the second base elements 4 of the shelf 1 can be simultaneously shifted out of their respective base position into their respective access position by means of the drive unit 25 and vice versa. To do so, the drive unit 25 can have at least one motor, by means of which the shaft 9 and/or the further shaft 10 can be driven.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the shelf 1, it is provided that in each case a drive unit 25 is allocated to the respective base unit 5, whereby the respective base elements 3, 4 can be shifted separately from one another from the respective base position into the respective access position by means of the respectively allocated drive unit 25 and vice versa. In doing so, an even more ergonomic shelving system 2 is created, since the user of the shelving system 2 does not have to expend any bodily force in order to shift a respective base element 3, 4, between its base position and its access position.

[0046] Furthermore, the shelf 1 of the shelving system 2 can have a bordering unit 26, by means of which the pivoting angle 17 of the respective base elements 3, 4 can be limited. To do so, the bordering unit 26 can be mechanically connected to the pivoting axis 7 and/or to the further pivoting axis 8. In particular, the bordering unit 26 can be connected to the shaft 9 and/or the further shaft 10. Thus, it is possible, for example, to simultaneously set the respective pivoting angle 17 of the individual base elements 3, 4, that is to limit them. Yet it is also conceivable that the limiting unit 26 selectively acts on the base units 5 of the shelf 1. Thus, a respective pivoting angle 17 can be respectively set or limited separately and/or to a different extent. In this context, it can also be provided that each of the base units 5 of the shelf 1 are effectively connected to a respective limiting unit 26.

[0047] The limiting unit 26 can be formed, for example, as an electronic control component of the drive unit 25. Yet it is also conceivable that the limiting unit 26 is designed purely mechanically, that is as a stop, for example, on which the respective base elements 3, 4 abut on reaching the maximum desired pivoting angle.

[0048] The limiting unit 26 is advantageous since an upper edge of the container 22 running in the y-direction could stop a further shelf possibly arranged above the shelf 1 when pivoting a base element 3, 4 loaded with a container 22. By the pivoting angle 17 being able to be limited or set by means of the limiting unit 26, the pivoting angle 17 can be correspondingly limited or set, such that a stop of the upper edge of the container 22 on the further shelf possibly arranged above the shelf 1 is effectively prevented. Furthermore, it can be prevented in such a way that, when pivoting the respective base element 3, 4, a person is clamped in between the upper edge of the container 22 and the further shelf, when they have placed a hand in the region of the upper edge of the container 22, for example, or grip the upper edge.

[0049] In a schematic and perspective view, FIG. 6 shows the shelf 1, in which a respective rear wall 16 of the respective base element 3, 4 has a gripping part 27. The gripping part 27 can be designed to be integral with the rear wall 16. For this purpose, the rear wall 16 can extend further in the z-direction. For example, the rear wall 16 can extend over more than half of the container 22 located in the base unit 5. Preferably, the rear wall 16 can extend in the z-direction over more than two thirds of the container 22 located in the base unit 5. The respective gripping part 27 has a gripping element formed as a gripping opening 28, for example, in its upper region. Furthermore, the container 22 received in the base unit 5 can have a gripping aid element formed, for example, as a gripping hollow 29. Here, the gripping hollow 29 is advantageously arranged at a height corresponding with the gripping opening 28. Thus, it is particularly easily possible for the user of the shelving system 2 to grip the corresponding base element 3, 4 using the gripping element, that is using the gripping opening 28 and using the rear wall 16. In turn, in doing so, it is particularly easy for the user of the shelving system 2 to pivot the corresponding base element 3, 4 out of its base position into its access position. As a result of the gripping element or gripping opening 28 being remote from the respective pivoting axis 7, 8 in the z-direction, the rear wall 16 extended through the gripping part 27 fulfils a lever effect. Depending on the gripping element being further remote from the pivoting axis 7, 8 in the z-direction, the user has to expend less force to pivot the respective base element 3, 4 into its access position.

[0050] In a schematic view, FIG. 7a shows a securing device 30 in a securing position. The base elements 3, 4 of a shelf 1 can be secured in their respective base position by means of the securing device 30. This means that, in each case, a securing device 30 is allocated to the base elements 3, 4 of the shelf 1, that is interacts with them. Since the securing device 30 interacts in the same way in connection with the base elements 3, 4, only the securing device 30 is representatively described below in connection with the first base element 3.

[0051] Thus, FIG. 7a shows the base element ground 21 of the first base element 3. A blocking element 31 is arranged on an underside of the shelf ground 21, that is on the underside 15 of the shelf 1, and is connected to the base element ground 21. In doing so, the blocking element 31 is formed integrally with the base element ground 21. Furthermore, the blocking element 31 can be formed separately to the base element ground 21 and can be directly connected to it, for example by means of welding, adhering, screwing, etc. In other words, this means that the blocking element 31 is fixedly connected to the base element ground 21. Furthermore, the support element 6 is depicted in FIG. 7a, wherein the support element 6 is formed as an angular, strand-like support element 6.

[0052] The blocking element 31 extends into an inside of the support element 6, in particular into a blocking element receiver 32, in which it is locked in the securing position, as shown. This means that, in the securing position of the securing device 30, the first base element 3 is secured in its base position. Expressed differently, the first base element 3 in the securing position of the securing device 30 cannot be pivoted from the base position allocated to the base element 3 into its access position.

[0053] In order to release the blocking element 31 and thus the first base element 3, in order to be able to pivot this from its base position into its access position, the blocking element 31 can be unlocked by the support element 6. In doing so, the support element 6 can be translationally moveable, for example, in the y-direction (perpendicular to the drawing plane). Thus, an unlocking opening 33 can be brought into agreement with the blocking element 31, such that the blocking element 31 is no longer blocked by the securing device 30, but is released by the support element 6. In other words, the securing device 30 can be shifted into the releasing position by a translational shifting of the support element 6, as is shown in FIG. 7b.

[0054] Such a securing device 30 is advantageous since it is thus prevented that the first base element 3 and/or the second base element 4 are unintentionally pivoted out of their respective base positions. In particular, with regards to the loading security, this securing device 30 is particularly advantageous.

[0055] In a schematic view, FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the securing device 30 in a securing position and in a releasing position. In doing so, the support element 6 is formed as a hollow shaft. The support element 6 formed as a hollow shaft has the blocking element receiver 32, which penetrates an outer wall 34 of the support element 6. In the left part of FIG. 8, the first base element 3, which is fixedly connected to the blocking element 31, is held in the securing position by means of the securing device 30. Because of the geometric shape of the blocking element receiver, the blocking element 31 is blocked inside the hollow shaft or inside the support element 6. In other words, the blocking element 31 is locked to the support element 6. As already described, in the securing position of the securing device 30, it is not possible to pivot the first base element 3 out of its base position into its access position.

[0056] In order to be able to unlock the first base element 3 or the blocking element 31 by means of the securing device 30, the support element 6 formed as a hollow shaft can be rotated about its central longitudinal axis 35. In particular, the support element 6 formed as a hollow shaft can be rotated or turned in an unlocking direction 36. By the support element 6 being turned or rotated in the unlocking direction 36, the blocking element receiver 32 is compatible with the blocking element 31, as is depicted in the right part of FIG. 8. In this state, the blocking element 31 is no longer locked to the support element 6, such that the securing device 30 is arranged in its releasing position.

[0057] It is conceivable that the securing device 30 is manually set by means of the user of the shelving system 2 between the securing position and the releasing position. This means that the user can move the support element 6, for example, translationally along its central longitudinal axis and/or rotationally around its central longitudinal axis 35 in order to lock or unlock the blocking element 31 with the support element 6.