System module

Abstract

A system module for a storage system with at least one frame unit. The system module includes at least one coupling unit for coupling to at least one additional system module. The coupling can be disengaged by a user. The system module also includes at least one functional unit that can be positioned at least substantially inside a space spanned by the frame unit, The system module also includes at least one positioning unit, which is configured to position the functional unit relative to the frame unit in at least two at least substantially different positions.

Claims

1. A modular storage unit of a storage system, comprising: at least one frame unit that includes an inner side contour that laterally surrounds an internal space and forms an open structure such that the only surface of the at least one frame unit facing toward the internal space is the inner side contour; at least one coupling unit that is disposed on the at least one frame unit and that includes a first coupling element and a second coupling element that corresponds with the first coupling element such that; the first coupling element is configured to engage with a second coupling element of a similarly configured coupling unit of a first further modular storage unit to releasably couple the modular storage unit to the first further modular storage unit, wherein releasing the first coupling element from the second coupling element of the first further modular storage unit completely separates the modular storage unit from the first further modular storage unit; and the second coupling element is configured to engage with a first coupling element of a similarly configured coupling unit of a second further modular storage unit to releasably couple the modular storage unit to the second further modular storage unit, wherein releasing the second coupling element from the first coupling element of the second further modular storage unit completely separates the modular storage unit from the second further modular storage unit; at least one functional unit embodied as an electrical device that, in an operative state, is configured to perform at least one function; and at least one positioning unit configured to mount the at least one functional unit in the at least one frame unit and enable the at least one function unit to move between at least: (i) a first position whereat the electrical device is in a transportation state, and is arranged at least essentially within the interior space, and (ii) a second position whereat the electrical device is in the operative state and is arranged so as to be at least partially outside of the internal space.

2. The modular storage unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the first position, the at least one functional unit at least essentially completely fills the internal space defined by the at least one frame unit.

3. The modular storage unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one positioning unit is connected to the at least one functional unit and to the at least one frame unit.

4. The modular storage unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one positioning unit has at least one pivoting element configured to connect the at least one frame unit and the at least one functional unit to each other.

5. The modular storage unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one frame unit and the at least one functional unit are mounted such that they are pivotable relative to each other about at least one axis.

6. The modular storage unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one functional unit and the at least one frame unit are releasably connected to each other.

7. The modular storage unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first coupling element includes at least one latching element.

8. The modular storage unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first coupling element includes at least one sliding-guide element that enables mounting the modular storage unit in a rack of the storage system.

9. A storage system comprising: a plurality of modular storage units, each modular storage unit including: at least one frame unit that includes an inner side contour that laterally surrounds an internal space and forms an open structure such that the only surface of the at least one frame unit facing toward the internal space is the inner side contour; at least one coupling unit that is disposed on the at least one frame unit and that includes a first coupling element and a second coupling element that corresponds with the first coupling element such that; the first coupling element is configured to engage with a second coupling element of a similarly configured coupling unit of another one of the plurality of modular storage units to releasably couple the modular storage unit to the other modular storage unit, wherein releasing the first coupling element from the second coupling element of the other modular storage unit completely separates the modular storage unit from the other modular storage unit; and the second coupling element is configured to engage with a first coupling element of a similarly configured coupling unit of a further one of the plurality of modular storage units to releasably couple the modular storage unit to the further modular storage unit, wherein releasing the second coupling element from the first coupling element of the further modular storage unit completely separates the modular storage unit from the further modular storage unit; at least one functional unit embodied as an electrical device that, in an operative state, is configured to perform at least one function; and at least one positioning unit configured to mount the at least one functional unit in the at least one frame unit and enable the at least one function unit to move between at least: (i) a first position whereat the electrical device is in a transportation state, and is arranged at least essentially within the interior space, and (ii) a second position whereat the electrical device is in the operative state and is arranged so as to be at least partially outside of the interior space.

10. The modular storage unit of claim 9, wherein the electrical device is a lighting device or a radio.

11. The storage system of claim 9, wherein, in the first position, the at least one functional unit of each modular storage unit at least essentially completely fills the internal space defined by the at least one frame unit of the modular storage unit.

12. The storage system of claim 9, wherein the at least one positioning unit of each modular storage unit is connected to the at least one functional unit and to the at least one frame unit of the modular storage unit.

13. The storage system of claim 9, wherein the at least one positioning unit of each modular storage unit has at least one pivoting element configured to connect the at least one frame unit and the at least one functional unit to of the modular storage unit each other.

14. The storage system of claim 13, wherein the at least one frame unit and the at least one functional unit of each modular storage unit are mounted such that they are pivotable relative to each other about at least one axis.

15. The storage system of claim 9, wherein the at least one functional unit and the at least one frame unit of each modular storage unit are releasably connected to each other.

16. The storage system of claim 9, wherein the first coupling element includes at least one of: at least one latching element; and at least one sliding-guide element that enables mounting the modular storage unit in a rack of the storage system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a system module having a frame unit and having a functional unit in a first position, and

(2) FIG. 2 shows the system module having the frame unit and the functional unit in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(3) FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a system module according to the disclosure, the system module belonging to a storage system having a frame unit 10 and having a functional unit 16. The functional unit 16 comprises a piece of electrical equipment 32. The piece of electrical equipment 32 is formed by a lamp. The piece of electrical equipment 32 comprises a lighting means 34. The functional unit 16 has a mechanical and/or electrical interface 36. The interface 36 is compatible with a storage-battery pack (not illustrated) in particular of a hand-held power tool, with an electric plug or with some other element which appears to be expedient to a person skilled in the art. In addition, the functional unit 16 has an operating element 38, which serves for actuating the piece of electrical equipment 32.

(4) In addition, the functional unit 16 comprises a handle 40. The handle 40 is arranged on a side of the functional unit 16 which, in an installed state, is arranged perpendicularly to side walls 42, 44 of the frame unit 10. The handle 40 is provided for the purpose of carrying the functional unit 16 or the system module horizontally. The handle 40 is mounted in a pivotable manner. For horizontal carrying purposes, the handle 40 is pivoted out of a space 18 defined by the frame unit 10. In a pivoted-out state, the handle 40 is fixed in a releasable manner in a pivoting direction by the user.

(5) The frame unit 10 encloses the functional unit 16 on four sides. On these sides, the frame unit 10 has the side walls 42, 44. The side walls 42, 44 are formed from a plastics material. Two further sides of the frame unit 10 which have the largest surface-area extent, are designed to be open. It is also conceivable, however, as an alternative or in addition, for a cover and/or a base to be provided on these sides. The side walls 42, 44 define the space 18. In the installed state illustrated, the functional unit 16 is arranged entirely within the defined space 18.

(6) The frame unit 10 has a handle 46. The handle 46 is provided for the purpose of carrying the frame unit 10 or the system module horizontally. The handle 46 is mounted in a pivotable manner on one side wall 42 of the four side walls 42, 44. As an alternative, the handle 46 could be formed in one piece with the frame unit 10 or with the side wall 42. The frame unit 10 is provided such that it can be set down on the side directed away from the handle 46. This side wall 42 is coated, in a manner which is not illustrated specifically here, in an impact-reducing and non-slip manner, in particular with a rubber material.

(7) It is also the case that the frame unit 10 of the two side walls 44, which have the smallest surface area extent, comprises in each case one coupling unit 12. The coupling units 12 are configured to be at least essentially identical and in mirror-inverted arrangement in relation to one another. The coupling unit 12 is provided in each case for coupling to at least part of at least one further system module 14, for example a tool case or a further frame structure. The coupling unit 12 is configured in each case at least partially in one piece with the frame unit 10. The coupling by the one coupling unit 12 in each case is configured such that it can be released by a user. Each coupling unit 12 comprises a plurality of coupling elements. Each coupling unit 12 comprises two latching elements 26, 28, wherein the first latching element 26 is configured such that it can be deflected elastically and the second latching element 28 is designed to correspond to the first latching element 26. The first latching element 26 is designed as a latching hook 48. The latching hook 48 can be deflected resiliently. The latching hook 48 is mounted in a resilient manner. The second latching element 28 is designed as a recess 50. The first latching element 26 of the first system module, in a latched-in state, engages in the second latching element 28 of the second system module and thus establishes a releasable, force-fitting connection between the at least two system modules. In addition, the coupling unit 12 has a respective operating element 52.

(8) FIG. 1 uses dashed lines to illustrate, schematically, the further system module 14, which is coupled to the system module according to the disclosure. The latching elements 26 of the coupling unit 12 for the system module, the latching elements 26 being designed as latching hooks 48, engage here in latching elements 28′ of a coupling unit 12′ of the further system module 14, the latching elements 28′ being formed by recesses 50′. The coupling is designed such that a user can release it without using any tools. For this purpose, the user can move the latching elements 26 inwards by virtue of pushing the operating element 52 for the purpose of releasing the coupling, as a result of which the latching elements 26, which are designed as latching hooks 48, unlatch from the latching elements 28′ of the coupling unit 12′ of the further system module 14, the latching elements 28′ being designed as recesses 50′.

(9) The system module and the further system module 14 are coupled to form a stack. In a coupled state of operation, four edges 54 of the system module run at least essentially along the same straight lines as four edges 54′ of the further system module 14. An outer plane defined perpendicularly to the side walls 42, 44 of the frame unit 10 of the system module lies flush against an outer plane of the further system module 14. The system module and the further system module 14 here form at least part of the storage apparatus. The storage apparatus can be extended as desired by further system modules which are of any desired configuration, but correspond.

(10) In addition, the coupling unit 12 has a respective sliding-guide element 30. The sliding-guide element 30 is designed as a guide groove 56. The guide groove 56 is provided to correspond with a corresponding sliding-guide element (not illustrated) of an element of the storage system. The corresponding element of the storage system may be formed here by a system rack. The guide groove 56 terminates in a stop 58, which limits a push-in path during a linear sliding movement of the system module along the corresponding sliding-guide element. The sliding-guide element 30 is made in one piece in the side wall 44 of the frame unit 10.

(11) FIG. 1 shows the system module in a transportation state, which defines a first position. In the transportation state shown, a plane in which the functional unit 16 has its largest surface-area extent and a plane which extends perpendicularly to the side walls 42, 44 of the frame unit 10 are arranged parallel to one another.

(12) In the transportation state, the functional unit 16 is arranged entirely within the space 18 defined by the frame unit 10 and at least essentially completely fills this space.

(13) FIG. 2 shows the system module with the functional unit 16 arranged in a second position, which is different to the transportation state, relative to the frame unit 10. For this purpose, the system module has a respective positioning unit 20 on two opposite side walls 44 of the frame unit 10. The positioning units 20 are fastened on the same side walls 44 of the frame unit 10 on which the respective coupling unit 12 is also arranged. In alternative exemplary embodiments, it is possible for the positioning units 20 to be fastened on the side walls 42 of the frame unit 10, these side walls 42 then having, in particular, no coupling unit.

(14) The positioning unit 20 comprises a pivoting element 22. The pivoting element 22 is mounted on the frame unit 10 at a first end, as seen in the longitudinal direction, such that it can be rotated about an axis 24. At a second end of the pivoting element 22, said end being directed away from the first end, the pivoting element 22 is connected to the functional unit via a linear guide. For this purpose, in an installed state, a stub (not illustrated) of the pivoting element 22 engages in a slot-like aperture 60 of the positioning unit 20 and is guided therein. By means of the pivoting element 22, the positioning unit 20 connects the functional unit 16 and the frame unit 10 to one another in particular in a releasable manner.

(15) In an installed state, there is a friction fit between the stub of the pivoting element 22 and the slot-like aperture 60 of the functional unit 16, and therefore the functional unit 16, in the absence of the action of an external force, for example applied by a user, maintains the current position, i.e. can be set in position, relative to the frame unit 10. If a user applies a force to the functional unit 16 and/or frame unit 10, then it is possible to eliminate the friction fit and to change a position of the functional unit 16 relative to the frame unit 10. The friction fit between the stub of the pivoting element 22 and the slot-like aperture 60 of the functional unit 16 makes it possible to achieve stepless positioning of the functional unit 16 relative to the frame unit 10. As an alternative, or in addition, it is also conceivable to provide a plurality of latching steps for positioning the functional unit 16 relative to the frame unit 10.

(16) If a user applies, to the functional unit 16 and/or frame unit 10, force which has at least one component perpendicular to the axis 24, it is possible for the position of the functional unit 16 relative to the frame unit 10 to be adjusted in the manner which the user deems to be expedient or practical for the use in question. The functional unit 16 here is pivoted relative to the frame unit 10 about the axis 24. The stub of the pivoting element 22 slides, at the same time, in the slot-like aperture 60. It is thus possible, for example, for the piece of electrical equipment 32 formed by the lamp to be directed precisely, by the user, at the user's workstation. It is likewise conceivable to provide an operating element (not illustrated) by means of which a user can release and/or change the respective position of the functional unit 16 relative to the frame unit 10.