STRUCTURAL COMPONENT OF A MODULAR SYSTEM AND ASSEMBLY UNIT FOR USE IN STORAGE OR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

A structural component is provided for use in storage systems, bundling systems, transportation systems, or structural installations. The structural component is plate-shaped or shell-shaped and includes at least three sides, where at least two sides are provided with a coupling unit for structurally connecting the structural component to a further component. The coupling unit includes at least one first locking element and at least one correspondingly designed second locking element. For connecting the structural component to the further component, the first and the second locking element are displaceable relative to one another from a release position into a first locking position upon moving the first locking element or the second locking element in a first locking direction and are displaceable relative to one another from the release position into a second locking position upon moving the first locking element or the second locking element in a second locking direction.

Claims

1. A structural component, wherein: the structural component is plate-shaped or shell-shaped and comprises at least three sides, wherein at least two sides are provided with a coupling unit for structurally connecting the structural component to a further component, wherein the coupling unit comprises at least one first locking element and at least one correspondingly designed second locking element; and for connecting the structural component to the further component, the first locking element and the second locking element are displaceable relative to one another from a release position into a first locking position upon moving the first locking element or the second locking element in a first locking direction and are displaceable relative to one another from the release position into a second locking position upon moving the first locking element or the second locking element in a second locking direction.

2. The structural component according to claim 1, wherein the structural component comprises four sides, each of which comprises one coupling unit, and wherein the structural component has a width or a length in a range of 10 cm to 40 cm.

3. The structural component according to claim 1, wherein the first locking element or the second locking element is integrally formed at the sides.

4. The structural component according to claim 3, wherein the first locking element or the second locking element is arranged point-symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically.

5. The structural component according to claim 1, wherein the coupling unit is configured to provide a rotatory degree of freedom around a pivot axis being parallel to a width direction of the coupling unit in a coupled state in which the coupling unit is engaged with a structurally identical further coupling unit of the further component.

6. The structural component according to claim 5, wherein in the coupled state, the structural component and the further component are pivotable relative to one another about the pivot axis by at least 210?.

7. The structural component according to claim 1, wherein each one of the first locking position and the second locking position constitutes an end position.

8. The structural component according to claim 1, wherein the coupling unit is designed to be connectable to a structurally identical coupling unit of the further component in a form-fitting manner, wherein in a coupled state in which the coupling unit is engaged with the further coupling unit, displacing the first and the second locking element relative to one another causes displacement of further locking elements of the further coupling unit relative to one another.

9. The structural component according to claim 1, wherein the second locking element adjoins a first receiving space at a first side and a second receiving space of the coupling unit at an opposite side, wherein the first locking element at least partially protrudes into the first receiving space in the first locking position and at least partially protrudes into the second receiving space in the second locking position, and wherein the first locking element is arranged adjacent to or spaced apart from the first and the second receiving space in the release position.

10. The structural component according to claim 1, wherein the coupling unit comprises an actuation mechanism configured to transfer an actuation of a control element into an actuation of the at least one first locking element or the at least one second locking element of the coupling unit.

11. The structural component according to claim 10, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a resistance unit configured to set a minimal actuation force of the actuation element in dependence on a relative position between the first and the second locking element.

12. The structural component according to claim 11, wherein the resistance unit is configured such that, in a state in which the first and the second locking element are arranged relative to one another in at least one of the first locking position, the second locking position, or the release position, the minimal actuation force of the control element is greater compared to a state in which the first and the second locking element are arranged relative to one another in at least one of a position between the first locking position and the release position or a position between the second locking position and the release position.

13. The structural component according to claim 1, wherein the sides and the first and the second locking element of the structural component are made of a same material.

14. The structural component according to claim 13, wherein the sides and the first and the second locking element of the structural component are made of plastic.

15. An assembly unit, comprising at least two interconnected structural components according to 1.

16. The assembly unit according to claim 15, comprising at least five structurally coupled structural components which constitute a container.

17. An assembly unit, comprising: a first and a second plate-shaped or shell-shaped structural component, each of which has at least three sides, wherein at least two sides are provided with correspondingly designed coupling elements, wherein coupling elements of a first side of the first structural component are engaged with correspondingly designed coupling elements of a second side of the second structural component; and a coupling rod which is correspondingly designed to the coupling elements and which releasably couples the coupling elements of the first side to the coupling elements of the second side in a form-fitting manner, wherein the coupling rod comprises a first connecting element at a first end portion and a correspondingly designed second connecting element at an opposing second end portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] The present disclosure will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when being considered in connection with the accompanying schematic drawings in which:

[0075] FIG. 1 is a top view of a structural component of a modular system according to an embodiment;

[0076] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a longitudinal section of the structural component shown in FIG. 1;

[0077] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a longitudinal section of a coupling unit of the structural component;

[0078] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a longitudinal section of the coupling unit of the structural component in a release position;

[0079] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a longitudinal section of the coupling unit in a first locking position;

[0080] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling unit in a second locking position;

[0081] FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 are enlarged views of a control element of the coupling unit in different positions;

[0082] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembly unit according to an embodiment comprising two structural components in an engaged state;

[0083] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a longitudinal section of the assembly unit shown in FIG. 10;

[0084] FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14 are enlarged views of a longitudinal section of coupled coupling units of the assembly unit in different states;

[0085] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a side of the structural component;

[0086] FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are perspective views of a further assembly unit in different states;

[0087] FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20 are perspective views of a further assembly unit in different states;

[0088] FIG. 21 depicts different components of a modular system;

[0089] FIG. 22, FIG. 23, and FIG. 24 are perspective views of a further assembly unit in different states;

[0090] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a further assembly unit;

[0091] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a further assembly unit in a disassembled state;

[0092] FIG. 27a, FIG. 27b, FIG. 27c, FIG. 27d, FIG. 27e, and FIG. 27f are perspective views of a further assembly unit in different states;

[0093] FIG. 28 is an exploded view of a further assembly unit;

[0094] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the assembly unit shown in FIG. 27;

[0095] FIG. 30 a perspective view of a further assembly unit;

[0096] FIG. 31, FIG. 32, FIG. 33, FIG. 34, and FIG. 35 are perspective views of a further assembly unit;

[0097] FIG. 36 depicts enlarged views of a coupling rod; and

[0098] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a further assembly unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] In the following, the present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the Figures, like elements are denoted by identical reference numerals and repeated description thereof may be omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

[0100] FIG. 1 depicts a structural component 10 according to some embodiments. The structural component 10 constitutes a component of a modular system. The structural component 10 is intended to be structurally connected to structurally identical or other components of the modular system to form assembly units to be used in storage systems or bundling systems or transportation systems or structural installations. Such assembly units may form receiving means for goods and may be provided, for example, in the form of a container or a transport box.

[0101] In the shown configuration, the structural component 10 is plate-shaped. In some embodiments, the structural component 10 may be shell-shaped. The structural component 10 includes four sides 12, wherein an angle included between two adjacent sides is 90?. The structural component 10 has a length and width of 40 cm and a thickness of 1.6 cm.

[0102] Each side 12 is provided with a coupling unit 14. In the shown configuration, the different sides 12 and different coupling units 14 of the structural component 10 are structurally identical, i.e. are identical in construction. The sides 12 form a frame which encloses and thus laterally delimits an inner section 16 of the structural component 10. In the shown configuration, the inner section 16 is integrally connected to the frame formed by the sides 12. In some embodiments, the inner section 16 is provided in the form of a plate-like structure provided with regular recesses, in particular a grid-like structure. In some embodiments, the inner section 16 is provided with a further recess forming a handle 18. In some embodiments, the inner section may be detachably and interchangeably received in and connected to the frame. In some embodiments, the inner section may be made of a transparent material and/or be designed in the form of a solid plate.

[0103] In the shown configuration, the structural component 10 is made of a single material. In other words, all elements of the structural component 10 are made of the same material, more specifically of a plastic material, in particular polypropylene. In addition to elements shown in the configuration depicted in FIG. 1, the structural component 10 may comprise further elements that may be made of the same or a different material.

[0104] The structural component 10 is configured to be coupled to other components via its sides 12, in particular to structurally identical further structural components. For enabling such structural coupling, i.e. for structurally connecting the structural component to a further component, the coupling units 14 are provided. In other words, the coupling units 14 are configured for structurally connecting, in particular form-fittingly connecting, the structural component 10 to further components, in particular to a further structural component of the modular system.

[0105] For better visualization of the coupling units 14, a longitudinal section of the structural component 10 is shown in FIG. 2, in which a lower plate half 19 is depicted and a mirror-symmetrical upper plate half is omitted. The structural and functional configuration of the coupling units 14 is described in the following exemplary with reference to one single coupling unit 14 which applies correspondingly to the other coupling units 14 of the structural component 10. Thus, the features described hereinafter in this context apply likewise to and are to be considered as disclosed for to the other coupling units 14.

[0106] As depicted in FIG. 3, the coupling unit 14 comprises a plurality of first locking elements 20 and a plurality of correspondingly designed second locking elements 22 in corresponding numbers. In the shown embodiment, the coupling unit 14 comprises six first locking elements 20 and six second locking elements 22. In some embodiments, the coupling unit 14 may comprise more or less than six first and second locking elements 20, 22, for example just one first and just one second locking element 20, 22. The first and the second locking elements 20, 22 are made of the same material as the other elements of the structural component 10, in particular as the side 12.

[0107] The first locking elements 20 are provided in the form of a cylindrical pin or bolt whose longitudinal axis extends parallel to a width direction X of the side 12 and the coupling unit 14. The second locking elements 22 are formed by projections protruding from the side 12 in a front end direction Y. In some embodiments, each second locking element 22 is provided with a through hole which is correspondingly designed to the first locking elements 20. The through holes extend along the width direction X of the coupling unit 14 and serve as receiving seats or spaces for the first locking elements 22.

[0108] The first locking elements 20 are displaceable relative to the second locking elements 22, in particular translationally movable along the width direction X of the coupling unit 14. In other words, the first locking elements 20 are slidably mounted, in particular translationally supported, within the structural component 10. The second locking elements 22 are integrally formed at the side 12 and accordingly are not displaceable relative thereto. The first locking elements 20 are displaceable relative to the second locking elements 22 into different positions. More specifically, the first locking elements 20 are movable relative to the second locking elements 22 between a first locking position, a release position and a second locking position.

[0109] In the shown configuration, the coupling units 14 and correspondingly their components are provided such that they are arranged point-symmetrically, as can be gathered from FIG. 2. Specifically, the coupling units 14 are provided such that their elements are movable into a point-symmetrical position relative to one another. More specifically, the second locking elements 22 are arranged point-symmetrically and the first locking elements 20 are displaceable in a point-symmetrical position. In some embodiments, the coupling units 14 may be arranged mirror-symmetrically, for example along a plane parallel to the thickness direction of the structural component 10 and in particular along a diagonal of the structural component 10.

[0110] FIG. 4 shows the coupling unit 14 in a state in which its first locking elements 20 are arranged in the release position. In this state, each one of the first locking elements 20 is received within an associated second locking element 22.

[0111] For providing a form-fit connection between the structural component 10 and the further component, the first locking elements 20 are displaceable relative to the second locking elements 22 from the release position into the first locking position by actuating, in particular by moving, the first locking elements 20 relative to the second locking elements 22 in a first locking direction L1, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 4. In other words, by moving the first locking elements 20 from their release position along the first locking direction L1, they are moved into their first locking position. The first locking position forms an end position of the first locking elements 20. FIG. 5 depicts a state in which the first locking elements 20 are arranged in the first locking position.

[0112] In some embodiments, for providing the form-fit connection, the first locking elements 20 are displaceable relative to the second locking elements 22 from the release position into the second locking position by actuating, in particular by moving, the first locking elements 20 relative to the second locking elements 22 in a second locking direction L2, as indicated by a further arrow in FIG. 4. In other words, by moving the first locking elements 20 from their release position into the second locking direction L2, they are moved into their second locking position. The second locking position forms another end position of the first locking elements 20, in particular an opposed end position. FIG. 6 depicts a state in which the first locking elements 20 are arranged in the second locking position.

[0113] In the shown configuration, the first locking direction L1 and the second locking direction L2 point in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the first locking direction L1 and the second locking direction L2 are arranged parallel to the width direction X. In some embodiments, the first locking direction L1 and the second locking direction L2 are arranged perpendicular to the front end direction Y and to a thickness direction Z of the coupling unit 14.

[0114] As can be gathered from FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the coupling unit 14 comprises a plurality of recesses in the form of receiving spaces 24 which are arranged adjacent to the second locking elements 22. More specifically, along the width direction X of the coupling unit 14, each second locking elements 22 is arranged adjacent to a first receiving space 24 on one side and to a second receiving space 24 on an opposite side. As shown in FIG. 4, in the release position, each first locking element 20 is arranged adjacent to or spaced apart from those receiving spaces 24, which adjoin the second locking element 22 accommodating the first locking element 20. As shown in FIG. 5, in the first locking position, each first locking element 20 protrudes partly into the first receiving spaces 24. In the second locking position, as shown in FIG. 6, each first locking element 20 protrudes partly into the second receiving spaces 24.

[0115] As can be gathered from FIG. 3, the coupling unit 14 further comprises an actuation mechanism 26 configured to translate an actuation of a control element 28 into an actuation of the first locking elements 20 relative to the second locking elements 22. Specifically, the actuation mechanism 26 is configured to translate a translational movement of the control element 28 in a direction along the width direction X of the coupling unit 14 into a translational movement of the first locking elements 20 relative to the second locking elements 22 along the width direction X of the coupling unit 14.

[0116] The actuation mechanism 26 comprises a bar 30 which is movably mounted along the width direction X of the coupling unit 14. The first locking elements 20 are fixedly connected to the bar 30 at different positions via coupling pins 32. The control element 28 comprises two hollow cylindrical projections protruding from opposite sides of the bar 30 along the thickness direction Z. The two hollow cylindrical projection are guided in a respective recess 34 on opposite faces of the side 12, as shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9. By this arrangement, the hollow cylindrical projections are exposed so as to be accessible for an installer. The hollow cylindrical projections are designed such that the control element 28 can be operated manually by an installer and/or serves as a mechanical interface for a tool, for example a screwdriver.

[0117] The control element 28 may be moved gradually between three positions. More specifically, the control element 28 may be moved between two end positions and an intermediate position. In a first end position, as shown in FIG. 7, the hollow cylindrical projections of the control element 28 abut against an end portion of the recess 34 and the first locking elements 20 are arranged in the first locking position. In a second end position, as shown in FIG. 8, the hollow cylindrical projections of the control element 28 abut against an opposite end portion of the recess 34 and the first locking elements 20 are arranged in the second locking position. In the intermediate position, as shown in FIG. 9, the hollow cylindrical projections of the control element 28 are arranged between the first and the second end positions and the first locking elements 20 are positioned in the release position.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the actuation mechanism 26 further comprises a resistance unit 36 configured to set a minimum actuation force of the control element 28. In doing so, unintentional actuation, for example induced by weight force acting on the actuation mechanism 26, may be prevented. Specifically, the resistance unit 36 is configured to set a minimum actuation force of the control element 28 depending on a position of the first locking elements 20 relative to the second locking elements 22. By this configuration, a gradual actuation of the control element 28 may be provided. For doing so, the resistance unit 36 comprises a guide pin 38 and a spring element 40 abutting thereon. The guide pin 38 is fixedly connected to a sidewall of the side 12, and the spring element 40 is fixedly connected to the bar 30. In the shown configuration, the spring element 40 pushes against the guide pin 38 and is elastically deformed when the control element 28 is actuated. Further, when actuating the control element 28, the guide pin 38 and the spring element 40 are moved relative to one another. Accordingly, by this configuration, the control element 28 is subjected to forces, in particular resilient and frictional forces. For allowing gradual or stepwise actuation, the spring element 40 is provided with predefined notches, in particular three notches spaced apart from each other. Each one of the notches is associated to one of the following positions of the first locking elements 20: the first locking position, the second locking position and the release position. Positioning the guide pin 38 in a notch of the spring element 40 causes that, in this state, a mechanical resistance required when actuating the control element and accordingly the minimum actuation force are increased. In other words, in a state of the actuation mechanism 26 in which the guide pin 38 is arranged in a notch of the spring element 40, a higher actuation force is required to actuate the control element 28 compared to a state of the actuation mechanism 26 in which the guide pin 38 is not arranged between notches.

[0119] By this configuration, the resistance unit 36 is designed such that, in a state in which the first locking elements 20 are disposed relative to the second locking elements 22 in any one of the first locking position, the second locking position and the release position, the minimum actuation force of the control element 28 is greater compared to states in which the first locking elements 20 are disposed relative to the second locking elements 22 between the first locking position and the release position or between the second locking position and the release position.

[0120] In some embodiments, the coupling unit 14 or the structural component 10 may comprise a blocking mechanism or blocking unit configured to block displacement of the first locking elements 20 relative to the second locking elements 22. For doing so, the blocking unit may fix a position of the control element 28. For example, the blocking unit may be provided in the form of a closure cap that is form-fittingly connectable to the recess 34 and the hollow cylindrical projection disposed therein to fix the hollow cylindrical projection and thus the control element 28 relative to the recess 34. In some embodiments, the blocking unit may be configured to create a releasable form-fit or force-fit connection with the bar 30 so as to fix the first locking elements 20 relative to the second locking elements 22. The blocking unit may further comprise a lock device to prevent unauthorized or unintended actuating of the control element 28. For example, the lock device may be configured to allow an actuation of the blocking unit using a mechanical or electronic key, whereas an actuating without a key is locked.

[0121] As set forth above, the structural component 10 is intended to be structurally coupled to component of the modular system which may have an identical or different design. In the following, with reference to FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14, a method for coupling the structural component 10 to a further structural component 10 of an identical design in a form-fitting manner. Hereinafter, reference signs provided with an apostrophe refer to elements of the further structural component 10.

[0122] At first, the structural component 10 and the further structural component 10 are provided. The coupling units 14, 14, which are to be coupled to one another, are each set in the release position, i.e. the first locking elements 20, 20 of the coupling unit 14 and the further coupling unit 14 are arranged in the release position. Thereafter, the coupling units 14, 14 to be coupled are positioned into the engagement state, as shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12. In the engagement state, the second locking elements 22, 22 of one coupling unit 14, 14 are respectively arranged in the receiving spaces 24, 24 of the other coupling unit 14, 14, and vice versa, as can be gathered from FIG. 12.

[0123] Starting from the engagement state, the coupling units 14, 14 to be coupled may each be brought into the locking state by adjusting the locking elements 20, 22, 20, 22 to either the first or the second locking position. The coupling units 14, 14 are designed such that, by displacing the locking elements 20, 22 of the coupling unit 14 relative to each other into their first or second locking position, the locking elements 20, 22 of the further coupling unit 14 are caused to be displaced relative to one another into their second or first locking position. In other words, in the engagement state of the coupling unit 14 and the further coupling unit 14, displacing the position of the first and the second locking elements 20, 22 of the coupling unit 14 relative to one another causes the further locking elements 20, 22 of the further coupling unit 14 to be displaced relative to one another. This is achieved by having the first locking elements 20 of the coupling unit 14 pressing against the further first locking elements 20 of the further coupling unit 14. Thus, upon displacing the control element 28, the coupling unit 14, i.e. its locking elements 20, 22, are brought into the first locking position and the further coupling unit 14, i.e. its locking elements 20, 22, are brought into the second locking position, as shown in FIG. 13, or vice versa, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0124] Each one of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 shows the locked state of the structural component 10 and the further structural component 10. The coupling units 14, 14 are designed such that, in the locked state, a rotational degree of freedom between the components is released about an axis S, also referred to as a pivot axis, which is arranged parallel to the width direction X of the coupling units 14, 14. In other words, in the locked state, the structural component 10 and the further structural component 10 are pivotable relative to each other about an axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first locking elements 20, 20. In some embodiments, the coupling units 14, 14 are designed such that, in the locked state, the additional rotational degrees of freedom, i.e. about an axis parallel to the front end direction Y and the thickness direction Z of the coupling units 14, 14, are locked. In the locked state, the translational degrees of freedom along the width direction X, front end direction Y and thickness direction Z of the coupling units 14, 14 are further locked. In other words, in the locked state, the coupling units 14, 14 form a joint unit that, in particular, forms a radial bearing about an axis parallel to the width direction X and an axial bearing along this axis. In the locked state, the structural component 10 and the further structural component 10 are pivotable about the pivot axis S by 240? relative to each other. In other words, in order to pivot the structural component 10 from a first pivot end position to a second pivot end position relative to the further structural component 10, the structural component 10 may be pivoted by 240? about the pivot axis S relative to the further structural component 10. For enabling such pivot movements, the coupling units 14, 14 may be designed as shown in FIG. 15.

[0125] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the side 12 facing a second locking element 22. In the shown configuration, point P1 and point P2 indicate points of contact at which a further structural component 10 coupled to the structural component 10 rests, in particular with its second locking element 22, in the first pivot end position and the second pivot end position. In order to enable a desired maximum pivoting angle between two structural components 10, 10 engaged in the locked state, the structural arrangements of the contact points P1, P2 and the pivot axis S relative to each may be relevant. A distance between the pivot axis S and a line connecting the contact points P1 and P2 is referred to herein as s and is 10 mm in the shown configuration. In FIG. 15, an auxiliary line H, i.e. an imaginary line, is drawn which runs normal to the line connecting the contact points P1 and P2 and crosses the swivel axis S. A distance between the auxiliary line H and the contact points is referred to herein as p and is 8 mm in the shown configuration. In other words, a quotient of p by s is 0.8 in the shown configuration. In some embodiments of the structural component, the quotient may have a value of substantially 0.7 or 0.8 or 0.9 or 1 or a value between 0.6 and 1.2.

[0126] FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 show an assembly unit 42a provided in the form of a box or crate, which in particular is intended for use in storage systems or bundling systems or transportation systems or structural installations. The assembly unit 42a comprises six structurally identical structural components 10, which are form-fittingly connected to one another via their sides 12, in particular via their coupling units 14. As such, the interlocked coupling units 14 are in the locked state. Accordingly, the structural components 10 forming the side walls of the box are interlocked at their side 12 facing the bottom with the structural component 10 forming the bottom. In some embodiments, the lateral sides 12, i.e. facing in a circumferential direction, of the structural components 10 forming the side walls are interlocked with the structural components 10 adjacent thereto. A structural component 10 forming the lid of the box is interlocked only at one side 12 with one of the structural components 10 forming a side wall. By this configuration, the box is provided with a hinged lid, as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 16. To lock the lid in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 17, a further coupling unit 14 of the structural component forming the lid may be locked to one further structural component 10 forming a side wall. From the position shown in FIG. 17, the lid is pivotable by 210? to attain a pivot end position in which the lid is opened.

[0127] FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20 show a further assembly unit 42b in the form of a box or crate. In this embodiment, each one of the lid, the bottom and the side walls is formed by four structural components 10 connected together in a plane. In the state shown in FIG. 18, all coupling units 14 are in the locked state. FIG. 19 shows the assembly unit 42b in a further state in which the locked state of individual coupling units 14 is selectively released to provide a hinged lid 44 and a hinged side panel door 46 formed by two structural components 10. In addition, individual structural components 10 may be selectively decoupled from the assembly unit 42b, as shown in FIG. 20. Accordingly, the proposed configuration allows that the interior of the assembly unit 42b is accessible via different openings. Each of the structural components 10 employed in the assembly unit 42b can thus be selectively opened and closed, either individually or together with other components.

[0128] FIG. 21 shows different interconnectable components of the modular system. The modular system comprises a plurality of plate-shaped structural components 10a-10e, which differ with regard to their length and/or width. The first structural component designated by reference sign 10a corresponds to the above-described structural component 10. The different structural components 10a-10e have the same thickness. A second structural component 10b has a width which is half the width of the first structural component 10a. Accordingly, the second structural component 10b comprises two sides 12 with six first and the second locking elements 20, 22 and two shorter sides 48 with three or two first and three or two second locking elements 20, 22. One side 12 of the first structural component 10a may be coupled and locked to two second structural components 10b arranged side by side. A third structural component 10c has a width and a length which are half the width and length of the first structural component 10a. Accordingly, the third structural component 10c comprises four shorter sides 48 each having two or three first and two or three second locking elements 20, 22.

[0129] A fourth structural component 10d has a width which is smaller than the width of the second structural component 10b, in particular a width smaller by at least the thickness of the structural components 10a-10e. By this configuration, it is enabled that one side 12 of the first structural component 10a can be coupled and locked to two fourth structural components 10d which are arranged next to one another in a plane, wherein the two fourth structural components 10d are not interconnected via their longer sides 12. A fifth structural component 10e has a width and a length which are smaller than the width and length of the third structural component 10c, specifically a width and length smaller by at least the thickness of the structural components 10a-10e.

[0130] Based on the shown modular system, a large number of different assemblies or objects can be built using the five different structural components 10a-e.

[0131] FIG. 22 shows a further assembly unit 42c in the form of a box or crate built by the different components of the modular system, in particular built by employing the first, fourth and fifth structural components 10a, 10d and 10e. The assembly unit 42 is received on a euro pallet 50 such that it is flush therewith. By this configuration, an installer may easily open individual sections of the crate, as shown in FIG. 23, to provide easy access to goods received therein. The assembly unit 42c may thus be provided in the manner of a shelf with lockable compartments or openings. After their intended use, the structural components 10a-10e can be easily disassembled and stored on the euro pallet 50. FIG. 24 exemplarily shows a plurality of structural components 10 which are stored in a disassembled state on the euro pallet 50. In order to prevent slippage in this stacked state, the structural components 10a-10e may be provided on their faces with coupling elements corresponding to each other, so that in the stacked state two structural components lying on top of each other are form-fittingly connected via these coupling elements, specifically along the longitudinal direction and along the width direction.

[0132] In some embodiments, the modular system allows to easily create boxes or crates adapted to the shape of goods to be transported. This is exemplary shown in FIG. 25 which depicts a further assembly unit 42d built up from the structural components 10a-10e.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 21, the modular system further comprises a first folding connector 52 and a second folding connector 54. The folding connectors 52, 54 are configured to pivotably couple coupling units 14 of different or identical structural components 10a-10e such that they can be pivoted by 360? or substantially 360? relative to one another. The second hinge connector 54 is half as long as the first hinge connector 52.

[0134] The folding connectors 52, 54 comprise a first row of further locking elements 56 and a second row of further locking elements 56 arranged offset from the first row. The further locking elements 56 are formed by projections, each of which is provided with a through hole designed correspondingly to the first locking elements 20. As such, the further locking elements 56 are designed similar to the second locking elements 22.

[0135] The first row of further locking elements 56 is configured to be form-fittingly connected to a coupling unit 14 of any first structural component of the modular system. The second row of locking elements 56 is configured to be form-fittingly connected to a coupling unit 14 of any second structural component of the modular system, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 26. The folding connectors 52, 54 are configured such that, in a coupled state in which a structural component 10a-10e is in the engagement state with the hinge connector 52, 54, the first locking elements 20 of the coupling unit 14 of the structural component can be form-fittingly coupled to the further locking elements 56 of the folding connectors 52, 54 by moving the first locking elements 20 into one of their locking position.

[0136] The folding connectors 52, 54 enable the provision of foldable boxes or crates. An example of such an assembly unit 42e in the form of a foldable crate is shown in FIG. 27a, FIG. 27b, FIG. 27c, FIG. 27d, FIG. 27e, and FIG. 27f, in which different states of the foldable crate are shown for transferring the crate from an assembled state, as shown in FIG. 27a, to a folded state, as shown in FIG. 27f. For providing such a crate, the structural components 10b forming the side walls of the crate are each connected to the structural component 10a forming the bottom of the crate by means of a folding connector 52 arranged between the coupling units 14 of the coupled sides 12.

[0137] The modular system comprises further connectors 58 by means of which two structural components may be structurally coupled to one another via their inner portions 16. In this way, boxes formed by the structural components 10a-10e can be connected to one another, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

[0138] FIG. 28 shows an exploded view of a further assembly unit 42e formed by a plurality of interconnected containers. FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of the same assembly unit 42e. In the assembly unit 42e, the individual containers are each structurally coupled by four connectors 58 to an underlying container and by two connectors 58 to a laterally adjacent container. The connectors 58 include two hollow cylindrical plugs or connectors projecting on opposite sides from a central disc. The hollow cylindrical plugs are configured to be form-fittingly and/or force-fittingly coupled to recesses of the inner portions 16 of the structural components 10a-10e.

[0139] The modular system further comprises a first and a second strut 60, 62, the second strut 62 being half as long as the first strut 60. The struts 60, 62 are intended to be arranged between and to be connected to two inner portions 16 of opposing structural components 10a-10e. For doing so, the connectors 58 may be used. Specifically, the ends of the struts 60, 62 can be received in a recess provided in the plugs of the connector 58. In some embodiments, further connectors 64 of the modular system may be used which allow the struts 60, 62 to be fastened centrally between two recesses of the inner portion 16 of the structural component 10a-10e. The further connectors 64 have an elongated bridge on which a hollow cylindrical plug is arranged centrally on one side and on the opposite side two further hollow cylindrical plugs are arranged in the region of the end portions of the bridge. The struts 60, 62 may be intended to increase the mechanical stability of an assembly unit and/or to subdivide an accommodation space of an assembly unit, as shown in FIG. 30.

[0140] FIG. 31, FIG. 32, FIG. 33, FIG. 34, FIG. 35, and FIG. 36 show a further assembly unit 66a which, accordingly, is intended for use in storage systems or bundling systems or transport systems or structural installations. FIG. 31, FIG. 32, FIG. 33, FIG. 34, and FIG. 35 depict the assembly unit 66a in different states to illustrate the structural configuration of the assembly unit 66a.

[0141] The further assembly unit 66a comprises a plurality of plate-shaped or shell-shaped further structural components 68, each having four further sides 70. Each side 70 is provided with correspondingly designed coupling elements 72. The coupling elements 72 of a first further aside 70 of a first further structural component 68 are in engagement with the correspondingly designed coupling elements 72 of a second further side 70 of a second further structural component 68, as shown in FIG. 31. The coupling elements 72 may be designed correspondingly or similar to the second coupling elements 22 of the above-described structural component 10. Compared to the above-described structural component 10, the further structural component 68 is not equipped with first coupling elements 20 and an actuation mechanism 26. Thus, the further structural component 68 is provided without movable components. The coupling elements 72 are integrally provided at the further sides 70.

[0142] In some embodiments, the further assembly unit 66a comprises coupling rods 74 which are designed correspondingly to the coupling elements 72 and which are configured to form-fittingly connect the coupling elements 72 of two engaged further structural components 68. For doing so, a coupling rod 74 is guided through mutually aligned recesses, specifically cylindrical recesses, in the coupling elements 72, as indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 31. The recesses in the coupling elements 72 have a shape which is correspondingly designed to the shape of the coupling rod 74. The length of the coupling rod 74 corresponds substantially to a width of the further side 70 of the further structural component 68. The coupling rod 74 is made of the same material as the further structural components 68. Two coupled further structural components 68 are pivotable relative to each other by 240? about a pivot axis extending along the longitudinal axis of the coupling rod 74.

[0143] FIG. 32 shows a state in which three further structural components 68 are provided. In this state, the interconnected further structural components 68 form a container. The three further structural components 68 form side walls of the container and are engaged, at their bottom sides 70, with the further structural component 68 forming a bottom. In some embodiments, at their lateral sides 70, the further structural components 68 forming side walls are engaged with those further structural components 68 which form adjacent side walls. In order to form-fittingly connect the three further structural components 68, three further coupling rods 74 are inserted into the engaged coupling elements 72 of the different further structural components 68, as indicated by arrows B in FIG. 32. By doing so, a form-fit connection to the further structural component 68 forming the bottom is achieved. In order to further connect the further structural components 68 forming the side walls in a form-fitting manner, four further coupling rods 74 are inserted into the engaged coupling elements 72, as indicated by arrows C in FIG. 33.

[0144] The container is further provided with a lid formed by a further structural component 68, as shown in FIG. 34. The lid is pivotable between a closed position shown in FIG. 34 and an open position shown in FIG. 35. The further structural component 68 forming the lid is form-fittingly connected at one side 70 via its coupling elements 72 to coupling elements 72 of a further structural component 68 forming a side wall by means of a further coupling rod 74 inserted therebetween, as shown by an arrow D in FIG. 34.

[0145] The coupling rod 74 comprises a first coupling element 76 at a first end portion and a correspondingly designed second coupling element 78 at a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, as shown in FIG. 36.

[0146] In the shown configuration, the first coupling element 76 is provided in the form of a threaded rod and the second coupling element 78 is provided in the form of a threaded bore corresponding thereto. By this configuration, a plurality of coupling rods 74 can be screwed together. In the area of the first and the second connecting element 76, 78, the coupling rod 74 may have a cross-sectional profile with a non-circular outer contour. For example, the outer contour of the cross-sectional profile may be provided in the form of a polygon, such as a quadrangle or hexagon.

[0147] The first and the second coupling element 76, 78 of the coupling rod 74 enable that a plurality of further structural components 68 arranged in a plane can be coupled together and released from each other with reduced effort, as shown in FIG. 37. In the further assembly unit 66b shown in FIG. 37, a bottom, two side walls and a lid are each formed by three further structural components 68 coupled in a plane. Here, the bottom, the two side walls and the lid are form-fittingly connected by means of three coupling rods 74 connected via their coupling elements 76, 78.

[0148] It will be obvious for a person skilled in the art that these embodiments and items only depict examples of a plurality of possibilities. Hence, the embodiments shown here should not be understood to form a limitation of these features and configurations. Any possible combination and configuration of the described features can be chosen according to the scope of the disclosure.