FR2860214A1 - Holder for articles such as motor vehicle components comprises base and floor with corner posts and open side, joined together by couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

The holder, inscribed within a rectangular parallelpiped, consists of a base (1) with a vertical post (6) at each corner forming at least one open side (P). The posts are attached to the base by four corner couplings (2) connecting lengthwise (3) and transverse (4) bars surrounding a floor (10) and fitted with hollow tubes (7) covering the corner posts. Spacers (8) between tubes are connected to bars (9) forming the side walls, and couplings on opposite sides of the base are connected by skids (5).

Description

The present invention relates to a container for storage

  items such as motor vehicle parts.

  Such containers are increasingly used in the field of automotive construction, for the storage and transport of automotive spare parts for use on a vehicle assembly line.

  By the term "spare parts" is meant both engine components, body parts such as hoods or bumpers, or interior trim elements such as door panels, edge, etc. These containers have in common to be part of a rectangular parallelepiped, and to understand a floor with, at each of its angles, a vertical post, these posts delimiting two by two, the periphery of the floor, a vertical wall to clear way.

  By the term "clear path" is meant that the vertical space between two posts may be fully open, or partially occupied, in particular by at least one horizontal spar which connects the posts two by two.

  Generally, the floor is designed so that the entire container can be moved by means of a forklift handling truck.

  Corner posts have multiple functions. In the first place, they serve to stiffen the entire container.

  Moreover, they visually materialize the vertical edges of the rectangular parallelepiped in which the container is contained. This is important in the environment of an assembly line where powered lift trucks are to be moved. For the drivers of such machines, the posts immediately give them a visual indication of the bulk of the container.

  In addition, they may possibly serve as supports for stacking an identical container.

  The interior space of the container is used for the storage of 30 spare parts.

  Thus, for example, French patent application No. 01 15054, published under the number 2 832 387, in the name of the present applicant, describes a device for storing and transporting elongate elements with ends folded on the same side, such as bumpers. Said interior space is arranged to support said bumpers.

  Another example of use of such a container is illustrated by the application No. 98 04133 published under the number 2 776 624. We are dealing here with a container whose interior space is equipped with a deformable and flexible structure, which is set up on the rigid elements that make up the container, and which consists of a series of individual storage bins.

  These containers are fully satisfactory, especially since they can be easily adapted to a multitude of uses.

  The operating conditions to which these containers are subjected make them irreparably damaged as and when used.

  Thus, the floors are shocked by the forks of forklifts, poles are skewed after bad maneuvers, etc. The owner of such a container generally accommodates these few damages, as long as they do not compromise its stability and the use for which it is intended.

  On the other hand, this situation is not acceptable since the container must be rented to a third party. Indeed, it would be commercially a mistake to rent damaged equipment to a third party, even if the damage caused does not affect the use of the container.

  The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a container of extremely robust structure and in some elements, more subject than others to damage, can be easily replaced.

  The present invention also aims to achieve the aforementioned objectives while maintaining a "architecture" container as simple as possible.

  This container for the storage of items such as motor vehicle spare parts, which is part of a rectangular parallelepiped, and which comprises a floor with, at each of its corners, a vertical post, these posts delimiting two by two, at the periphery of the floor, a vertical wall with a clear path, is characterized essentially by the fact that it comprises: - four identical assembly nodes connected in pairs by at least one horizontal connecting element, the network constituted by the nodes assembly and the associated connecting elements surrounding said floor, which is integral with said tubes and / or said nodes, each node carrying a vertical pole, - a set of sliding hollow tubes adapted to be fitted on said posts, - a set of spacers interposed between two tubes fitted successively on the same pole, these spacers being connected in pairs by a spar along at least two by vertically opposite.

  The use of identical assembly nodes makes the structure of the container simpler and its manufacture more rational. As corner pieces that carry the vertical posts, they will be particularly robust.

  Moreover, if during the use of the container, the sliding hollow tubes or the spars are damaged, simply disassemble them to replace them, which is economically interesting.

  Moreover, according to other advantageous but non-limiting characteristics: said assembly nodes are molded or mechanically welded parts; each vertical post consists of two distinct parts, namely a lower base secured to the associated node and an upper post attached to the base; it comprises means for mutual immobilization of the lower base and the upper post, for example of the key type; - The assembly nodes are connected in pairs, at least vertically above two facing vertical faces, by a sliding shoe on the ground; - Between the shoe and the connecting element disposed immediately above is interposed at least one pair of separating pieces; - The spacing between said pad and said connecting member, and the arrangement of the separating pieces are chosen so as to allow the introduction of the forks of a forklift; said spacers interposed between two tubes fitted successively on the same pole comprise means for fixing a spar; said fixing means are offset laterally with respect to the spacer; - It comprises an additional set of spacers, these spacers 35 being disposed above the last tube fitted on the same pole, these spacers being connected in pairs by a spar along at least two vertical walls facing.

  Other advantageous and non-limiting features of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows of a preferred embodiment. This description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention, during assembly; Figure 2 is also a perspective view of the container of Figure 1, partially assembled; FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views, according to two different angles of view, of an assembly node which composes the container, and of various elements which connect to it; Figures 5 to 8 are detailed views of the container for illustrating the manner in which the parts constituting a vertical pole of the container are put in place and secured; - Figures 9 to 11 are perspective views of three embodiments of a spacer to be interposed between two tubes fitted successively on the same pole.

  The container according to the invention, as it appears in FIGS. 1 and 2 attached, is in a rectangular parallelepiped.

  It essentially comprises a floor 1 which, seen from above, has a rectangular shape and at each of the corners of this rectangle a vertical pole 6.

  Two of them have been represented in their entirety, while two others are represented only in the form of the piece which constitutes their lower base.

  More specifically, here we are dealing with four identical assembly nodes 2, connected in pairs by at least one horizontal connecting element 3, respectively 4, the network constituted by the assembly nodes and the associated connecting elements surrounding said floor 1, which is integral with these tubes and / or these nodes, each node carrying a vertical pole 6.

  A node 2 is more particularly visible in Figures 3 and 4. It is a metal part, for example steel, which is molded or mechanically welded.

  This piece extends in a generally vertical direction, and consists essentially of a vertical trunk 21 whose base is intended to rest on a flat surface. This base, provided cylindrical and referenced 210 in Figure 4, here has a smaller footprint than the rest of the trunk, so as to allow and facilitate its stacking on a second container of the same type.

  From the lower part of the trunk extends, over an angular zone of about 90, a downward inclined section 20, which is extended by a flat portion 200 forming a support foot. This foot extends at the same level as the base 210 of the trunk 21, so that when the node is resting on a surface, it rests on it by the base 210 and the foot 200.

  The angular zone occupied by the pan 20 and the support foot 200 is directed towards the inside of the container.

  Pan 20 and foot 200 extend vertically and at right angles two wings 23. They are interrupted substantially at half the height of the trunk 21.

  The nodes 2 are connected in pairs by a connecting element which here consists of a hollow cylindrical tube 3, respectively 4.

  More specifically, the two pairs of nodes 2 are each connected by a longitudinal tube 3 which materializes one of the long longitudinal sides of the rectangle in which the floor 1 is contained.

  They are also connected by a tube 4 which materializes one of the small transverse sides of said rectangle.

  These tubes, preferably made of steel, are fixed by any means known to those skilled in the art to the nodes 2 to which they are associated, in particular by welding.

  As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the tubes are supported at their opposite ends on the wings 23 above. The latter contribute to stiffen the tubes 3 and 4, opposing any deformation in the descending vertical direction.

  In the example presented here, we are dealing with a single tube 3 respectively 4, connecting two nodes in two 2. In an embodiment not shown, this number could be different, for example equal to two, in order to stiffen still the whole thus constituted.

  Moreover, the elements 3 and 4 are here cylindrical hollow tubes. According to variants not shown, these elements could be solid tubes, or profiles section adapted to be as little as possible subject to deformation.

  The four nodes 2 as well as the tubes 3 and 4 constitute in a way a network that surrounds the floor 1.

  Referring to Figures 1 to 4, it is found that the nodes 2 are also connected in pairs, along the small transverse sides of the rectangle in which the floor 1 is inscribed, by a sliding pad 5 ground.

  It is a metal piece, flat and rectilinear, which connects to the associated nodes 2 at their support foot 200.

  These pads have the function of increasing the ground support surface of the container, and also to allow their movement over a reduced distance, by sliding of these pads on the ground.

  In the space delimited by the network of nodes 2 and tubes 3 and 4 extends a platform 10, preferably made of metal, for example consisting of a perforated plate, folded to form thick vertical and longitudinal edges.

  The platform is positioned so as to lie horizontally in the continuity of the highest generatrix of tubes 3 and 4.

  It is secured to these tubes, for example by welding. It can also be supported, by any known means, on the aforementioned pads 5.

  Note that between each shoe 5 and the associated tube 4 are arranged two parallelepipedal separation pieces 50, folded sheet.

  These parts are intended to maintain unchanged the value of the spacing between the pad and the tube. However, their main function is to allow the introduction, in the spaces separating them in the horizontal direction, parallel forks of a forklift not shown.

  From the upper planar face 22 of each node 2 extends, in the extension of the trunk 21, the lower base 60 of a vertical pole 6, here consisting of a cylindrical hollow metal tube. It is for example welded to the node 2.

  On this base is moved, from top to bottom, an upper amount 61, consisting of a cylindrical hollow tube. The tube bears on the top of the associated node 2.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8, means 30 are provided for locking the uprights 61 with respect to the bases 60, so as to immobilize them in rotation on themselves.

  Thus, the base 60 is provided with a vertical groove 600, while the upright 61 that it is intended to receive has a vertical slot 610. These groove and light are arranged so that they can be placed facing each other. the other, as shown in Figure 6.

  However, the groove 600 extends over a height greater than the light 610.

  In the groove 600 is engaged, through the light 610, a key 62 whose lower end has a cutaway 620 forming a chamfer 5 introduction.

  The thickness of the key is greater than the depth of the groove 60, so that to reach the locking position of Figure 8, the material of the key pushes locally that of the upright 61, just below the light 610.

  In any case, a protruding end nose 621 locks in translation of the key and allows its extraction, if necessary.

  The fact that the posts 6 are provided in the form of two distinctive pieces is particularly useful. Indeed, during the transport of the container in disassembled form, only the bases 60 project upwards. This limits the size, so it is possible to superimpose several in the same truck.

  However, in an embodiment not shown, the posts may consist of a single piece integral with the node 2 associated.

  Of course, the four posts 6 are strictly the same height.

  On these posts 6 are fitted with sliding hollow tubes 7, of cylindrical shape, the section is adapted, with the game, to that of the poles. Thus, once in place, there is no risk of deflection of the tubes in the horizontal direction.

  The tubes 7 have a length which is equal to a fraction of that of the posts 6. Thus, for example, the posts are designed to successively receive three tubes 7 fitted one after the other.

  Between two tubes 7 successively fitted on the same pole is placed a spacer 8.

  The spacers placed on two different columns are connected two by two, along the long longitudinal walls P of the container, by a spar 9 which here consists of a cylindrical hollow tube. In an embodiment not shown, it could have a rectangular section.

  Figures 9 to 11 illustrate three possible embodiments of spacer.

  That of Figure 9 consists of a body 80 consisting of a cylinder section. Its inner and outer diameters are strictly identical to those of the tubes 7, so as to be positioned exactly in the continuity thereof.

  The body is pierced with a circular opening 81, for the passage 5 of a needle screw not shown, provided to secure the spacer to the associated post 6.

  The body carries at its periphery, in a generally tangential plane, a rectangular plate 82 from which protrudes, in a direction radial to the axis of revolution of the body 80, a massive fastening finger 83.

  This finger has a sinuous contour and is shaped to allow a press fitting of a spar 9 supra.

  Of course, this spar is attached to two opposite spacers 8, before this assembly is put in place on the container.

  The spacer of FIG. 10 has substantially the same structure as that of FIG. 9. It is however different in that the plate 82 extends laterally on one side of the body, so that the finger 83 is offset, for example 40 millimeters with respect to the axis of the body.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the body 80 consists of a "bracelet" whose two opposite free ends 800 and 801 can be brought together by means of a screw, not shown, so as to grip it on the associated post.

  The body 80 is associated with an elongated plate 82 which carries, at regular intervals, three openings 820.

  Against this plate is positioned a finger 83 with axial opening through and substantially square contour whose wall has four slots 840 regularly distributed angularly. These slots divide the finger into four sectors, which can locally deform outwards, by introduction of a frustoconical piece 85.

  The above-mentioned screw is also used for fixing the plate 82 on the body 80 and the finger 83 on the plate 82. Depending on the requirements, one or the other of the openings 820 is used, depending on whether one wants to not to shift the finger 83 relative to the body 80.

  The finger fits the fitting of a spar with a square section. However, by introducing the frustoconical piece, the finger is deformed, so that it lends itself to the fitting of a cylindrical tube.

  The fact of using spacers whose finger 83 is shifted or not relative to the body depends essentially on the use that is made of the container and the function of the spar.

  It can of course be provided spacers 8 with two fingers 83 angularly separated by 90, so as to allow the establishment of two longitudinal members, one of which extends along a transverse wall P of the container.

  In addition, an additional set of spacers may be provided, these spacers being arranged above the last tube fitted on the same pole, these spacers being connected in pairs by a spar along at least two vertical walls. look.

  A function of the spacers 8 and the spar 9 which connects them is to stiffen the structure of the container, helping to maintain the spacing between the posts 6 unchanged.

  Another function is to allow to fix the spar of equipment that is adapted to garnish the interior space of the container and which can stall, immobilize, suspend spare parts. This equipment may for example consist of the deformable and flexible structure that was discussed in the introduction of the present application.

  The elements which constitute the floor of the container according to the invention will preferably be sufficiently robust to withstand the hazards of time and use.

  However, the very structure of this floor is simple, so that any replacement of a subset is facilitated.

  Compared to a traditional container in which the sliding pads 5 are made by folding a corner piece, the structure of the container according to the invention is simplified: we are dealing here with a pad consisting of a flat piece simply reported to the associated assembly nodes.

  In the event that the longitudinal members 9 and / or the tubes 7 are damaged, it is easy to disassemble them to replace them with new equipment.

  Under these conditions, the container according to the invention is adapted to be used a high number of times and is particularly suitable for rental, the replacement of subassemblies to give it, as far as possible, an appearance close to that new or, in any case, recent equipment. io

Claims (10)

CLAIMS,   Container for storing articles such as motor vehicle spare parts, which is part of a rectangular parallelepiped, and which comprises a floor (1) with at each of its angles a vertical post (6), these posts (6) delimiting two by two, at the periphery of the floor (1), a vertical wall (P) with a clear track, characterized in that it comprises: - four identical assembly knots (2) connected two in pairs by at least one horizontal connecting element (3, 4), the network constituted by the assembly nodes (2) and the associated connecting elements (3, 4) surrounding said floor (1), which is integral with said tubes (3,4) and / or said nodes (2), each node (2) carrying a vertical pole (6), - a set of sliding hollow tubes (7) adapted to be fitted on said posts (6), - a set of spacers (8) interposed between two tubes (7) successively fitted on the same pole (6), these spacers (8) being connected in pairs by a spar (9) along at least two vertical walls (P) facing.   2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that said assembly nodes (2) are molded parts or mechanically welded.   3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each vertical post consists of two separate parts, namely a lower base (60) integral with the node (2) associated and an upper amount (61) reported to the base (60).   4. Container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises means for mutual immobilization (62) of the lower base 25 (60) and the upper post (61), for example keyed type.   5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly nodes (2) are connected in pairs, at least vertically above two vertical faces (P), by a pad ( 5) slip to the ground.   6. Container according to claim 5, taken in combination with one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that between the shoe (5) and the connecting element (4) disposed immediately above is interposed at least a pair of separating pieces (50).   7. Container according to claim 5, characterized in that the spacing between said pad (5) and said connecting element (4), as well as the arrangement of the separating pieces (50) are chosen so as to allow the introduction of the forks of a forklift.   8. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said spacers (8) interposed between two tubes (7) successively fitted on the same pole (6) comprise means (83) for fixing a spar ( 9).   9. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that said fastening means (83) are offset laterally with respect to the spacer (8).   10. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an additional set of spacers, these spacers being disposed above the last tube (7) fitted on the same pole (6), these spacers being connected in pairs by a spar along at least two vertical walls facing each other.