SHELVING MODULE AND SHELVING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE SHELVING MODULES

Abstract

A shelf module (2), preferably made of plastic, with a, in particular rectangular, base (4); and at least two opposing, preferably hinged or foldable, side walls (6), wherein the side walls (6) each have a first side wall section (10), in particular close to the base, and a second side wall section (12), in particular remote from the base. According to the invention, the first side wall section (10) and the second side wall section (12) are designed to complement one another, so that when the shelf module (2) is placed on an identical or compatible second shelf module (18), the second side wall section (12) of the second shelf module (18) can be plugged together with the first side wall section (10) of the shelf module (2) or inserted into it, in particular to the extent that the second side wall section (12) of the second shelf module (18) projects beyond the base (4) of the shelf module (2).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shelf module or a stackable plastic container or tray according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a shelf system comprising a plurality of such shelf modules. State of the art

[0002] Modular stackable shelving is a well-known method for displaying goods. The modular design allows for various combinations of individual modules, thus creating different shelving systems with varying heights. By dismantling the shelves, the dimensions of the shelving can be reduced for storage or transport purposes, but unfortunately, this also reduces the stability of the stacked shelving modules.

[0003] There are also shelves with folding frames or side panels. These require hinged or plug-in systems with locking systems between the side panels and the shelf. These are complex and reduce not only the stability and sturdiness of the individual modules themselves, but also the shelf as a whole.

[0004] Shelving units are also known where the distance between the shelves and / or the height of the shelf can be adjusted. These units feature height-adjustable side walls. Such a side wall requires a complex and costly telescopic mechanism with numerous individual parts, which also makes handling such systems quite complex during assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism results in insufficient stability of the side wall, especially if the side walls are designed to be foldable. To avoid obstructing the visibility of the goods, a slim design of the side walls is also desired. This requires a narrow telescopic mechanism, which limits the buckling strength of the side wall.

[0005] A modular shelf with height-adjustable side walls for displaying goods is known, for example, from WO 2018 / 109655 A1. WO 2018 / 109655 A1 discloses a foldable display shelf with hinged and extendable side walls. The side walls are hingedly connected to the top of a first shelf and slidably attached to the underside of a second shelf. The side walls themselves are telescopic.

[0006] Conventional modular shelves with folding and / or height-adjustable side walls are therefore complex and have low stability. Summary of Revelation

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present disclosure to overcome or at least mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a stackable shelf module which has both high stability and low complexity.

[0008] This object is achieved by a shelf module having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a shelving module with a base, in particular a rectangular base, and at least two opposing, preferably hinged or foldable, side walls, wherein the side walls each have a first side wall section, in particular close to the base, and a second side wall section, in particular remote from the base. The first side wall section and the second side wall section are designed to complement one another, so that when the shelving module is placed on a structurally identical or compatible second shelving module, the second side wall section of the second shelving module can be plugged together with the first side wall section of the shelving module or inserted into it, in particular to the extent that the second side wall section of the second shelving module projects beyond the base of the shelving module.

[0010] The shelf module can preferably be made of plastic and be a stackable plastic shelf module.

[0011] The shelf module preferably has a substantially rectangular base. The side walls preferably each have a first or female side wall section and a second or male side wall section. The first or female side wall section is in particular close to the base or, in the case of hinged or foldable side walls, close to the hinges, and the second or male side wall section is in particular remote from the base or, in the case of hinged or foldable side walls, remote from the hinges. The first side wall section preferably has at least one recess which is or are adapted to the external dimensions of the second side wall section. The external dimensions relate in particular to the width and / or height and / or thickness of the second side wall section.When the shelf module is placed on a second shelf module of the same or a compatible design, the second side wall section of the second shelf module can be inserted into the at least one recess of the first side wall section of the shelf module. The insertion can be complete, in particular, and in particular to such an extent that the second side wall section of the second shelf module projects beyond the base of the shelf module.

[0012] According to the invention, each side wall has a first side wall section, which serves to positively couple the shelving module to a shelving module stacked underneath, and a second side wall section, which serves to positively couple the shelving module to a shelving module stacked above. As the corresponding side wall sections of the stacked shelving modules dip into or interlock with each other, the side wall sections of the shelving modules overlap in the vertical or stacking direction. This allows for a direct force-fit connection between the side walls of two shelving modules. This also increases the stability of a connection between several shelving modules.Because the stacked shelving modules do not use conventional stacking geometries such as stacking edges, which generally have very shallow depths and only prevent the stacked modules from sliding sideways, but rather interlock and overlap, the strength of the stack, particularly the torsional rigidity of the coupled shelving modules, can be significantly increased. The interlocking and overlapping of the side walls essentially traps the side walls, preventing the otherwise foldable side walls from accidentally folding inward. This also counteracts any buckling or bulging of the side walls.

[0013] The modular design offers flexibility in terms of shelving size and allows for the replacement of individual modules. Furthermore, the number of necessary components involved in the force flow is reduced. This eliminates the need for the hinge or plug-in system between the off-floor side wall and the floor of a second shelving module, as well as the locking system of the hinge system between the near-floor side wall and the floor.

[0014] This means that the second side wall section of the second shelving module can be accommodated by the geometry of the first side wall section of the identical first shelving module. The second side wall section can only be inserted into the first side wall section until the two side wall sections contact each other in the insertion direction. This means that the first side wall section represents a boundary and / or support for the second side wall section of the identical shelving module. This allows for the spacing of two identical shelving modules or their bases in the insertion direction, thus enabling their use as a shelf.

[0015] The degree of overlap between two modules (degree of overlap in height direction) can be in a range from 10% to 50%, preferably between 15% and 45%.

[0016] Advantageous further developments of the present disclosure are the subject of subclaims.

[0017] Preferably, the side walls are each arranged at or on an edge of the base. The base can have recesses. These can each correspond to the external dimensions, in particular the width and / or height and / or thickness, of the second side wall sections. This means that the cross-section of the recess in the base can correspond to the cross-section of the second side wall section. The recesses in the base can be aligned with the second side wall sections and / or the recesses in the first side wall sections, in particular when the side walls are unfolded.

[0018] This allows the second side wall sections of the second shelving module to extend through the recesses in the floor into the recesses of the first side wall sections of the first shelving module and are thus fixed in the floor orthogonal to the direction of insertion. As a side wall section of the shelving module not only engages with a side wall section of the shelving module stacked above it, but also extends or is inserted through a recess in its floor, the side wall is also captured in the floor of the shelving module stacked above it, further increasing the torsional rigidity of the side wall or shelf as a whole. This allows transverse forces to be transferred between the side walls of the second shelving module and the floor of the first shelving module. In addition, the additional support surface can increase the length of a contact surface between the shelving modules.This extends the lever arm for transferring bending and / or tipping moments between several shelf modules.

[0019] According to an optional aspect of the disclosure, the floor and / or the side walls have locking or latching elements. These can be formed on the side walls on the first side wall section, on the second side wall section, or on both side wall sections. Using the locking or latching elements, two identical or compatible shelving modules can be locked together without tools when stacked on top of one another.

[0020] Preferably, locking can be achieved at different locking positions and thus at different distances between the shelf modules. This allows the division of a shelf made up of the shelf modules according to the invention to be varied and adapted to the product to be presented. Likewise, the overall height of the shelf made up of a specific number of shelf modules can be varied. The locking positions allow the degree of overlap between two modules on top of one another to be adjusted and varied in multiple stages, preferably at equal distances, within a range of 10% to 50%, preferably 15% to 45%.

[0021] It is further advantageous that the locking or latching elements are spring-loaded into a locking position, meaning that the locking or latching elements automatically assume the locking position upon passing the locking position, i.e., latch into place. The locking or latching elements can be unlocked from the locking position with the aid of an unlocking mechanism. The second side wall sections can have insertion bevels on the side remote from the floor in order to displace the locking or latching elements in the floor or the first side wall sections into an unlocking position upon insertion of the second side wall sections and to automatically lock them in a first latching stage.

[0022] A bottom surface may have insertion bevels to displace latching or locking elements formed in the first and / or second side wall sections.

[0023] In this context, the "bottom floor" refers to the side of the shelf module's floor that rests on the ground when the shelf module is in place. The "top floor" refers to the side of the floor on which goods can rest.

[0024] The locking or locking elements can preferably be designed asymmetrically, wherein a side of the locking or locking element facing in a direction of the underside of the floor can have a bevel. This facilitates disassembly of the shelf or increasing the distance between the floors of two shelf modules by reducing the deflection of the locking or locking element necessary for unlocking. The bevel is not formed, or is formed only to a lesser extent, on the side of the locking or locking element facing in a direction of the top side of the floor. Due to a weight force, the load on a side of the locking or locking element facing in a direction of the underside of the floor is greater than that on the opposite side. This is taken into account by an asymmetry of the locking or locking elements.

[0025] This means that locking in the first locking position is possible without activating the release mechanism due to the insertion bevels. For further insertion of the side walls, i.e., for a smaller distance between the shelves of two shelving modules, a full activation of the release mechanism is required to move the locking or locking elements out of the locked position. For disassembling the shelf or increasing the distance between two shelves, a lesser activation of the release mechanism may be sufficient due to the bevels of the locking or locking element.

[0026] According to a further optional aspect of the disclosure, the shelf module (in addition to the side walls) has at least one supporting wall, which is provided on a third side of the floor, e.g., on the rear of the shelf. This can, in particular, be provided centrally and can be hinged to the floor in a foldable manner or can be coupled thereto. The supporting wall has a first or female supporting wall section, in particular close to the floor or, in the case of a hinged or foldable supporting wall, close to the joint, and a second or male supporting wall section, in particular remote from the floor or, in the case of a hinged or foldable supporting wall, remote from the joint. The first supporting wall section has a recess which is adapted to the external dimensions, in particular width and / or height and / or thickness, of the second supporting wall section.As a result, when the shelving module is placed on top of a second shelving module of the same or a compatible design, the second support wall section of the second shelving module can engage the recess of the first support wall section of the shelving module. This can occur completely, and in particular to such an extent that the second support wall section of the second shelving module projects beyond the floor of the shelving module. This means that the concept of the support wall is similar to that of each of the side walls. The support wall can, in particular partially, form a rear wall which can prevent goods from slipping over the edge of the rear. The support wall can also provide additional guidance for the floor and reduce its deflection. This is particularly helpful when the floor is subject to heavy loads.

[0027] Preferably, the support wall is adapted to the side walls in such a way that they have a stop when the floors of two shelving modules are at the same distance. This means that the two support wall sections can contact each other in the insertion direction when the two side wall sections also contact each other in the insertion direction. The contact between the two support wall sections can also be adapted to a locking mechanism for the side walls, in particular the lowest locking position.

[0028] According to a further optional aspect of the disclosure, a recess can be provided on the underside of the shelf module for storing the support wall completely or flush with the floor, into which recess the support wall can be folded or pushed.

[0029] This means that when the support wall is not in use, it can be stowed away to save space and does not hinder the stacking of modules with folded-in side walls, nor does it complicate the assembly of the individual shelf modules into a shelf where the support walls are not necessary.

[0030] According to a further optional aspect, the second side wall section has two lateral frame elements and a wall surface section. These can form a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The lateral frame elements can each have inwardly open locking recesses at different heights for receiving the locking or locking elements. These can preferably be evenly spaced. This means that the locking or locking elements can be non-positively connected to the frame elements, which can divert the load, in particular the weight force, in a vertical direction. The wall surface section can serve as a connecting and stabilizing element between the frame elements.

[0031] Preferably, an upper edge of the first and / or second side wall section or at least the wall surface section is arc-shaped, in particular circular-arc-shaped.

[0032] According to a further optional aspect of the disclosure, the recess in the base is substantially U-shaped. This means that the second side wall section with a substantially U-shaped cross-section according to the previous aspect can extend into the uniform recess. The locking or locking elements can protrude outwards on both sides into the two legs of the U-shaped recess in a resiliently prestressed manner. This means that the locking or locking elements lie, at least partially, in a section in the base between the legs of the recess and, when locked, lead to a frictional connection with the section. This means that the locking or locking elements move away from one another to lock. By actuating a connecting element of the locking or locking elements, these can be brought together inwards into an unlocking position. This means that the locking or locking elements move towards one another to unlock.In this case, several locking or locking elements can be unlocked with a central actuation of the connecting element. The connecting element connects several locking or locking elements, in particular two opposite ones on one side, i.e., a recess.

[0033] The side walls are preferably connected to the floor in such a way that they can be folded inwards and parallel to the floor, one above the other. This means that when folded in, the side walls are parallel to the floor and rest on the floor or on the side wall. If the side walls are higher than half the width of the floor, this can be made possible by means of joint axes of the two side walls that are at different distances from the floor. Joint axes that are at different distances from the floor can be implemented using a joint whose joint strip is mounted so that it can be displaced in the vertical direction. The joint sections on the floor can serve as stacking geometries and fit positively into a corresponding recess on the underside of a shelving module stacked above them. This means that for storage or transport purposes, the shelving modules can be dismantled, the side walls folded together, and the shelving modules stacked on top of one another.The form-fitting insertion of the stacking geometries into the recess on the underside of the floor prevents the stacked shelf modules from slipping and thus enables safe transport or storage.

[0034] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a shelving system according to a further independent claim with at least two shelving modules of one of the above aspects.

[0035] According to a further optional aspect of the disclosure, the shelving system further comprises a trolley or dolly. The trolley or dolly can have a base and a plurality of rollers on the underside of the base. The base of the trolley and the base of the shelving modules can be coordinated with one another such that the stack of shelving modules can be placed on the trolley in a non-slip or form-fitting manner. For this purpose, the base of the trolley and the base of the shelving modules can, in particular, have coordinated stacking geometries. With the aid of the trolley or dolly, the shelving system can be transported and positioned more easily. The non-slip or form-fitting placement on the trolley enables safe handling, especially when pushing or pulling the shelving system. Short description of the characters

[0036] Fig. 1 shows an isometric representation of a shelf module according to the disclosure; Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of two shelf modules according to the disclosure, positioned to allow immersion; Fig. 3a shows a side view of two shelf modules locked together according to the disclosure; Fig. 3b shows a sectional view of two shelf modules locked together according to the disclosure with a section line and a projection direction from Fig. 3a ; Fig. 4 shows an isometric view of a modified embodiment of the shelf module according to the disclosure with a folded-out support wall; Fig. 5 shows an isometric view of a bottom view of a modified embodiment of the shelf module according to the disclosure with a folded-in support wall; Fig. 6 shows an isometric view of the modified embodiment of the shelf module according to the disclosure with the folded-in support wall; Fig. 7 shows an isometric view of the shelf module according to the disclosure with folded side walls; Fig. 8 shows an isometric view of a stack of the shelf modules according to the disclosure; Fig. 9 shows an isometric view of a modified embodiment of a shelving system according to the disclosure on a trolley; Fig. 10 Fig. 11 shows an isometric view of a modified embodiment of the disclosed shelving system on a trolley with a small distance between shelves; and Fig. 11 shows an isometric view of the modified embodiment of the disclosed shelving system on a trolley with a large distance between shelves; Detailed description of the characters

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a shelf module 2 according to the disclosure. The shelf module 2 has a substantially rectangular base 4 with two long sides and two short sides. On the opposite short sides, two side walls 6 are pivotally connected to the base 4 on a base top surface 8. The side walls 6 can be moved from an upright or unfolded position, as shown in the Fig. 1 shown, fold inwards and over each other (see Fig. 7 ).

[0038] The side walls 6 have a first side wall section 10 and a second side wall section 12. The first side wall section 10 is arch-shaped, open in the center, and hinged to the floor 4 via two lateral frame elements 14.

[0039] The second side wall section 12, which directly adjoins the first side wall section 10 and is located directly above the first side wall section 10 in the height direction Z (in the unfolded position), is also curved, but closed in the middle and narrower in the width or depth direction Y of the shelf module 2 than the first side wall section 10. The second side wall section 12 has a (outwardly open) U-shaped cross-section with a thin-walled wall surface section that is laterally enclosed by two thicker frame elements 15. The frame elements 14 of the first side wall section 10 and the frame elements 15 of the second side wall section 12 are connected to one another via angled connecting frame elements.

[0040] A recess 16 is formed centrally in the first side wall section 10. This recess is provided and designed to accommodate the second side wall section 12 of a second (identical or compatible) shelf module 18. For this purpose, a length of the recess 16, i.e., the dimension in the depth direction Y of the shelf module 2, corresponds to the width of the second side wall section 12. Likewise, a width of the recess 16, i.e., the dimension in the width direction X of the shelf module 2, corresponds to the thickness of the second side wall section 12. A height of the recess 16 results from a height of the second side wall section 12 and a distance of the first side wall section 10 from a floor underside 24.

[0041] Near an edge 26, a U-shaped recess 28 (open to the outside) is formed in the base 4, below each of the side walls 6. This recess corresponds to the dimensions of the second side wall section 12 in the depth direction Y and width direction X, so that the second side wall section 12 of the second (identical or compatible) shelf module 18 can be inserted and inserted through the recess 28 from below.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows the shelf module 2 and the second shelf module 18, which are structurally identical, stacked on top of each other, specifically in a state prior to stacking. The shelf module 2 is positioned above the second shelf module 18 such that the recesses 28 in the base 4 and the recesses 16 in the side walls 6 of the shelf module 2 are aligned with the second side wall sections 12 of the second shelf module 18.

[0043] When the shelf module 2 is placed on the second shelf module 18, the second side wall sections 12 of the second shelf module 18 can thus first pass through the respective recess 28 in the base 4 and immediately thereafter into the respective recesses 16 of the first side wall sections 10 of the real module 2. The second side wall section 12 of the second shelf module 18 is surrounded on three sides, i.e., top, left, and right, by the first side wall section 10 of the shelf module 2. The second side wall section 12 of the second shelf module 18 is also at least partially surrounded on four sides, i.e., in the depth direction Y and width direction X, by the recess 28 in the base 4 of the shelf module 2.

[0044] In the immersed state, the lateral outer surfaces (27) of the second side wall section (12) at least partially contact the lateral inner surfaces (29) of the first side wall section (10).

[0045] Fig. 3a shows a side view of the shelf module 2, which is placed on the second shelf module 18, so that the two second side wall sections 12 of the second shelf module 18 are immersed in the floor 4 and in the first side wall sections 10 of the shelf module 2.

[0046] Fig. 3b shows a sectional view of the shelf module 2 and the second shelf module 18 locked to it with a section and a projection direction from Fig. 3a The identical shelf modules 2, 18 each have two locking or latching elements 30 in the base 4 below each side wall 6. In the sectional view, these are formed within the U-shaped recess 28. The locking or latching elements 30 are provided and designed to move outwards and inwards, i.e., in the depth direction Y.

[0047] The frame elements 15 of the second side wall section 12 have a plurality of inward-facing openings, evenly spaced in the height direction Z, which serve as locking steps 32. This allows the locking or locking elements 30 to each slide into a locking step 32 and lock the shelf modules 2, 18 together. The locking or locking elements 30 lock into the respective locking step 32 at the same height, i.e. the same distance from the floor 4. The locking or locking elements 30 are in a locking position 34. In this position, the locking or locking elements 30 protrude at least partially into the recess 28 in the floor 4. The locking or locking elements 30 can be moved from the locking position 34 into an unlocking position 38 using an unlocking mechanism 36.For this purpose, the opposing locking or locking elements 30 located below a side wall 6 are connected by means of the unlocking mechanism 36. The locking or locking elements 30 assume the locking position 34 in a resilient manner. This can be achieved by means of the unlocking mechanism 36 or connecting element 64, which is designed to move the opposing locking or locking elements 30 away from each other below a side wall 6.

[0048] Bevels 40 are formed on the upper side of the locking or latching elements 30. Insertion bevels 42 are formed on an upper side of the side wall 6, i.e., at an end of the second side wall section 12 remote from the floor. Two insertion bevels 42 are formed per side wall 6, which are located opposite one another at the same height. The insertion bevels 42 are provided and designed to move the locking or latching elements 30 from the locking position 34 to an unlocking position 38 as they slide past them.

[0049] Fig. 4 shows a modified embodiment of the shelf module 2 with a support wall 44 on a long side of the base 4. This is formed centrally between the two side walls 6. The base 4 has a recess 46 in which the support wall 44 partially rests on the base 4. The support wall 44 forms a first support wall section 48 and a second support wall section 50. The first support wall section 48 extends from the base underside 24 and is fixed to the recess 46 on the base 4. The second support wall section 50 follows the first support wall section 48 in the height direction Z. A recess 52 is formed centrally in the first support wall section 48. This recess is provided and designed to receive the second support wall section 50 of the second shelf module 18. For this purpose, a length of the recess 52, ie the dimension in the width direction X of the shelf module 2, corresponds to the width of the second support wall section 50. Likewise, a width of the recess 52, iethe dimension in the depth direction Y of the shelf module 2, the thickness of the second support wall section 50. A height of the recess 52 results from a height of the second support wall section 50. The recess 46 corresponds in the depth direction Y and width direction X to the dimensions of the first support wall section 48. A length in the height direction Z of the second support wall section 50 corresponds to the length of the second side wall section 12.

[0050] Fig. 5 shows an isometric bottom view of a modified embodiment of the shelf module 2. The support wall 44 is hingedly connected to the base 4. The support wall 44 lies in a recess 54 of the base 4 on the base underside 24. The recess 54 adjoins the recess 46. The support wall 44 and the base 4 are flush. The support wall 44 is rotated approximately 270 degrees relative to a support position about an axis in the width direction X. Recesses 56 are formed in the base 4 at the corners of the base underside 24. These recesses are located below the first side wall sections 10 in the height direction Z.

[0051] The bottom view in Fig. 5 further shows the recess 28 in the base 4, into which the second side wall section 12, in particular the lateral frame elements 15 with the wall surface section arranged therebetween, of the second shelf module 18 can be inserted. The recess 28 has a U-shaped cross-section corresponding to the second side wall section 12. The two legs correspond to the dimensions of the frame elements 15 in the depth direction Y and the width direction X.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows the modified embodiment of the shelf module 2 with folded support wall 44 in the recess 54 of the base 4.

[0053] Fig. 7 shows the shelf module 2 with folded-in side walls 6. One side wall 6 lies parallel to the upper floor surface 8 on the floor 4. The second side wall 6 lies parallel to the upper floor surface 8 on the side wall 6. Articulated sections 66 are formed at the corners of the upper floor surface 8. The side walls are articulated to the floor 4 via the articulated sections 66. A locking lug 68 or another locking device is formed in the articulated section 66 to fix the unfolded state of the side wall 6. This stabilizes the side wall 6 and prevents the side wall 6 from being lifted in its unfolded state. The articulated section 66 is provided and formed as a stacking geometry 70, which, when stacked on top of one another in the folded state, engages into corresponding recesses 56 on the underside 24 of the floor (cf. Fig. 5 ).

[0054] Fig. 8 shows several stacked shelf modules 2 with folded side walls 6.

[0055] Fig. 9 shows a shelving system 72 according to the invention consisting of two shelving modules 2 with a trolley 74. The shelving modules 2 are locked together, and the lower shelving module 2 rests on the trolley 74. The trolley has four rollers 76 on the underside 24 of the base. A stacking geometry 78 is formed on its upper side. The stacking geometry is matched to the underside 24 of the shelving module 2 and enables the shelving module 2 or the shelving system 72 to be safely placed on the trolley 74.

[0056] Fig. 10 shows the shelving system 72 consisting of six shelving modules 2 locked together on a trolley 74. The shelving modules 2 are each locked in the low locking position 32.

[0057] Fig. 11 shows the shelving system 72 from Fig. 10 , whereby the shelf modules 2 are each locked in the highest locking position 32.

[0058] As can be seen from the Fig. 10As can be seen in Figures 1 and 11, the top shelf module 2 is folded. Thus, the shelf module according to the invention can also function as a shelf ceiling or upper shelf end when folded.

Claims

1. Shelf module (2), preferably made of plastic, comprising: a, in particular rectangular, base (4); and at least two opposing, preferably hinged or foldable, side walls (6), wherein the side walls (6) each have a first side wall section (10), in particular close to the base, and a second side wall section (12), in particular remote from the base, characterized in that the first side wall section (10) and the second side wall section (12) are designed to be complementary to one another, so that when the shelf module (2) is placed on an identical or compatible second shelf module (18), the second side wall section (12) of the second shelf module (18) can be plugged together with the first side wall section (10) of the shelf module (2) or can be inserted into it, in particular to the extent that the second side wall section (12) of the second shelf module (18) projects beyond the base (4) of the shelf module (2).

2. Shelf module (2) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe first side wall section (10) has at least one recess (16) which is adapted to the external dimensions, in particular width and / or height and / or thickness, of the second side wall section (12), so that when the shelf module (2) is placed on the second shelf module (18), the second side wall section (12) of the second shelf module (18) can dip, in particular completely, into the at least one recess (16) of the first side wall section (10) of the shelf module (2).

3. Shelf module (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe side walls (6) are each arranged at or on an edge (26) of the base (4), and the base (4) has recesses (28) which each correspond to the external dimensions, in particular width and / or height and / or thickness, of the second side wall sections (12) and, in particular in the unfolded state, are aligned with the second side wall sections (12) and / or the recesses (16) in the first side wall sections (10), so that the second side wall sections (12) of the second shelf module (18) can be plugged together with the first side wall sections (10) of the shelf module (2) through the recesses (28) in the base (4) or can be inserted into them.

4. Shelf module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe floor (4) and / or the first side wall sections (10) and / or the second side wall sections (12) have latching or locking elements (30) in order to lock two identical or compatible shelf modules (2) together in the stacked state, preferably at different distances from one another and in different latching steps (32) without the use of tools.

5. Shelf module (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the latching or locking elements (30) are resiliently pre-tensioned into a locking position (34) and can be unlocked by means of an unlocking mechanism (36), and the second side wall sections (12) have insertion bevels (42) on the side remote from the base in order to displace the latching or locking elements (30) in the base (4) or the first side wall sections (10) into an unlocking position (38) when the second side wall sections (12) are inserted and to lock them automatically in a first latching stage (32).

6. Shelf module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further characterized by: at least one supporting wall (44) which is provided on a third side, in particular centrally, of the base (4) and is hinged thereto or can be coupled thereto, wherein the supporting wall (44) has a first supporting wall section (48), in particular close to the base, and a second supporting wall section (50), in particular remote from the base, the first supporting wall section (48) has a recess (52) which is adapted to the external dimensions, in particular width and / or height and / or thickness, of the second supporting wall section (50), so that when the shelf module is placed on an identical or compatible second shelf module (18), the second supporting wall section (50) of the second shelf module (18) can dip, in particular completely, into the recess (52) of the first supporting wall section (48) of the shelf module (2), in particular to such an extent that the second supporting wall section (50) of the second shelf module (18) touches the base (4) of the Shelf module (2) is projected above.

7. Shelf module (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that a recess (54) is provided on the underside of the floor (24) for completely or flush with the floor stowing the supporting wall (44), into which the supporting wall (44) can be folded or pushed.

8. Shelf module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second side wall section (12) has two lateral frame elements (15) and a wall surface section which form a substantially U-shaped cross-section, wherein the lateral frame elements (15) each have inwardly open locking recesses (62) at different heights, preferably evenly spaced, for receiving the locking or locking elements (30).

9. Shelf module (2) according to claim 8, characterized in thatthe recess (28) in the base (4) is substantially U-shaped and the locking or locking elements (30) are resiliently prestressed and project outwards on both sides into the two legs of the U-shaped recess (28) and can be brought together inwards into an unlocking position (38) by actuating a connecting element (64) of the locking or locking elements (30).

10. Shelf module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the side walls (6) are hingedly connected to the base (4) in such a way that the side walls (6) can be folded inwards and parallel to the base, one above the other, and base-side hinge sections (66) serve as stacking geometries (70) and engage positively in a corresponding recess (56) on the base underside (24) of a shelf module (2) stacked above it.

11. Shelving system (72) comprising: at least two shelving modules (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Shelving system (72) according to claim 11, further comprising a trolley (74) or dolly, with a floor (4) and a plurality of rollers (76) on a floor underside (24), wherein the floor of the trolley (74) and the floor (4) of the shelf modules (2) are coordinated with one another, in particular have coordinated stacking geometries (78), so that the shelf module stack can be placed on the trolley (74) in a non-slip or form-fitting manner.