Shelf module and shelf system with multiple shelf 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 field

[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 consisting of several such shelf modules. State of the art

[0002] Modular, stackable shelving is commonly used to display goods. The modular design allows for various combinations of individual modules, enabling the creation of different shelving systems with varying heights. Disassembling the shelving reduces its dimensions for storage or transport purposes, but unfortunately, this also compromises the stability of the stacked modules.

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

[0004] Shelving units are also known in which the distance between the shelves and / or the height of the unit can be adjusted. These units feature height-adjustable side panels. Such a side panel requires a complex and expensive telescopic mechanism with many individual parts, which also makes handling such systems during assembly and disassembly quite laborious. Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism results in reduced stability of the side panel, especially if the side panels are hinged. To avoid obstructing the visibility of the merchandise, a slim design for the side panels is desirable. This necessitates a narrow telescopic mechanism, which limits the side panel's resistance to buckling.

[0005] A modular shelving unit with height-adjustable side panels for displaying goods is known, for example, from WO 2018 / 109 655 A1. WO 2018 / 109 655 A1 discloses a foldable display shelf with hinged and extendable side panels. The side panels are hinged to the top of a first shelf and slidably attached to the underside of a second shelf. The side panels themselves are telescopic.

[0006] DE 86 26 210 U1 discloses a stand for consumer goods made of several superimposed section parts, the side walls of which have a lateral recess in an upper half that is aligned with a lower half of the side walls.

[0007] CH 669 507 A5 discloses a stackable display module made of horizontal supports and lateral elements, the lower support surfaces of which have pins and the upper support surfaces of which have corresponding matched holes.

[0008] WO 2018 / 109 655 A1 discloses a foldable display shelf with telescopic side panels connected to intermediate shelves via hinges and sliding guides, and mounted on a trolley. The side panels are foldable, with height adjustment achieved by changing the length of the telescopic side panels.

[0009] Conventional modular shelving systems with folding and / or height-adjustable side panels are therefore complex and have low stability. Summary of Revelation

[0010] The purpose of the present disclosure is therefore to overcome or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a stackable shelf module that has both high stability and low complexity.

[0011] This task is solved by a shelf module having the features of claim 1.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a shelf module with a base, in particular rectangular, and at least two opposing side walls, preferably hinged or foldable, wherein the side walls each have a first side wall section, in particular near the base, and a second side wall section, in particular farther from the base. The first side wall section and the second side wall section are complementary to each other, so that when the shelf module is placed on a structurally identical or compatible second shelf module, the second side wall section of the second shelf module can be plugged together with or inserted into the first side wall section of the shelf module, in particular to the extent that the second side wall section of the second shelf module projects beyond the base of the shelf module.

[0013] The shelf module can preferably be made of plastic and be a stackable plastic shelf module.

[0014] 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 located particularly close to the base or, in the case of hinged or foldable side walls, near the hinge, and the second or male side wall section is located particularly farther from the base or, in the case of hinged or foldable side walls, farther from the hinge. The first side wall section preferably has at least one recess which is / are adapted to the outer dimensions of the second side wall section. The outer dimensions relate in particular to the width and / or height and / or thickness of the second side wall section.When a shelf module is placed on top of an identical or compatible second shelf module, the second side wall section of the second shelf module can be inserted into at least one recess of the first side wall section of the shelf module. This insertion can be complete and, in particular, extend to the point where the second side wall section of the second shelf module protrudes beyond the base of the shelf module.

[0015] According to the invention, each side wall has a first side wall section, which serves for the positive-locking coupling of the shelf module with a shelf module stacked below it, and a second side wall section, which serves for the positive-locking coupling of the shelf module with a shelf module stacked above it. By interlocking or overlapping the corresponding side wall sections of the stacked shelf modules, the side wall sections of the shelf modules overlap in the vertical or stacking direction. This allows for a direct force-fit connection between the side walls of two shelf modules. This also increases the stability of a connection between several shelf modules.Because the stacked shelf modules are not secured using conventional stacking geometries like stacking edges, which typically have very shallow insertion depths and only prevent the stacked modules from sliding sideways, but instead interlock and overlap significantly, the stack's strength, particularly the torsional rigidity of the interconnected shelf modules, can be considerably increased. The interlocking and overlapping of the side walls effectively traps them within each other, preventing the otherwise hinged side walls from accidentally folding inwards. This also counteracts buckling, inward bulging, or warping of the side walls.

[0016] The modular design offers flexibility in terms of shelf size and allows for the replacement of individual modules. Furthermore, it reduces the number of necessary components involved in the force transmission. For example, the hinge or plug-in system between the side panel furthest from the floor and the base of a second shelf module, as well as the locking mechanism of the hinge system between the side panel closest to the floor, can be eliminated.

[0017] This means that the second side wall section of the second shelf module can be accommodated by the geometry of the first side wall section of the identical first shelf module. The insertion of the second side wall section into the first side wall section can only occur until the two side wall sections make contact in the direction of insertion. In other words, the first side wall section forms a boundary and / or support for the second side wall section of the identical shelf module. This allows for spacing between two identical shelf modules, or rather their shelves, in the direction of insertion, thus enabling their use as shelving.

[0018] The degree of overlap between two modules (degree of overlap in the vertical direction) can be in a range of 10% to 50%, preferably between 15% and 45%.

[0019] Advantageous further developments of the present disclosure are the subject of subclaims.

[0020] Preferably, the side walls are each arranged on or at an edge of the base. The base may have recesses. These recesses may correspond to the outer dimensions, in particular width and / or height and / or thickness, of the second side wall sections. That is, the cross-section of the recess in the base may correspond to the cross-section of the second side wall section. The recesses in the base may be aligned with the second side wall sections and / or the recesses in the first side wall sections, particularly when the side walls are unfolded.

[0021] This allows the second side wall sections of the second shelf module to insert through the recesses in the base into the recesses of the first side wall sections of the first shelf module, thus securing them orthogonally to the insertion direction in the base. By not only engaging with a side wall section of the shelf module stacked above, but also inserting or passing through a recess in the base of the stacked shelf module, the side wall is also secured within the base of the stacked shelf module. This further increases the torsional stiffness of the side wall and the shelf as a whole. This allows lateral forces to be transferred between the side walls of the second shelf module and the base of the first shelf module. Furthermore, the additional bearing surface increases the length of the contact area between the shelf modules.This increases the lever arm for transmitting bending and / or tilting moments between multiple shelf modules.

[0022] According to the invention, the base and / or the side walls have locking or latching elements. On the side walls, these elements can be located on the first side wall section, the second side wall section, or both side wall sections. Using these locking or latching elements, two identical or compatible shelf modules can be locked together without tools when stacked on top of each other.

[0023] The modules are locked in place at different intervals, thus allowing for varying distances between them. This enables the compartmentation of a shelf made up of the shelf modules according to the invention to be varied and adapted to the product being presented. Similarly, the overall height of the shelf can be varied based on a specific number of shelf modules. The degree of overlap between two modules stacked on top of each other can be set and varied in multiple stages, preferably at equal intervals, within a range of 10% to 50%, preferably 15% to 45%.

[0024] 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 this position upon passing through it, i.e., they engage in this position. The locking or latching elements can be unlocked from the locked position by means of a release mechanism. The second side wall sections can have insertion ramps on the side furthest from the bottom in order to displace the locking or latching elements in the base or the first side wall sections into an unlocked position when the second side wall sections are inserted, and to lock them automatically in a first detent position.

[0025] A bottom surface may have insertion ramps to displace locking or latching elements formed in the first and / or second side wall sections.

[0026] In this context, the "bottom of the shelf" refers to the side of the shelf module's base that rests on the floor when the module is upright. The "top of the shelf" is the side of the shelf on which goods can rest.

[0027] Preferably, the locking or latching elements can be designed asymmetrically, with one side of the locking or latching element facing towards the underside of the shelf having a chamfer. This facilitates disassembly of the rack or increasing the distance between the shelves of two rack modules by reducing the deflection of the locking or latching element required for unlocking. The chamfer is either absent or only present to a lesser extent on the side of the locking or latching element facing towards the top of the shelf. The load on one side of the locking or latching element facing towards the underside of the shelf is greater than on the opposite side due to weight. This is accommodated by the asymmetry of the locking or latching elements.

[0028] This means that locking into the first detent position can be achieved without actuating the release mechanism due to the insertion ramps. For further insertion of the side panels, i.e., a smaller distance between the shelves of two rack modules, full actuation of the release mechanism is necessary to disengage the detent or locking elements from the locked position. For disassembling the rack or increasing the distance between two shelves, a lesser actuation of the release mechanism may suffice due to the chamfered edges of the detent or locking element.

[0029] According to a further optional aspect of the disclosure, the shelf module (in addition to the side walls) has at least one support wall, which is provided on a third side of the base, e.g., on the rear of the shelf. This support wall can, in particular, be located centrally and be hinged to the base or be connectable to it. The support wall has a first or female support wall section, in particular located near the base or, in the case of a hinged or foldable support wall, near the hinge, and a second or male support wall section, in particular located further away from the base or, in the case of a hinged or foldable support wall, farther from the hinge. The first support wall section has a recess which is adapted to the external dimensions, in particular width and / or height and / or thickness, of the second support wall section.This allows the second support wall section of the second shelf module to fit into the recess of the first support wall section of the first shelf module when the first shelf module is placed on top of an identical or compatible second shelf module. This can be done completely, and in particular to the extent that the second support wall section of the second shelf module extends beyond the base of the shelf module. In other words, the support wall concept is the same as for each of the side walls. The support wall can, in particular partially, form a back wall that prevents goods from sliding over the edge of the rear shelf. The support wall can also provide additional support for the shelf and reduce its deflection. This is especially helpful when the shelf is subjected to heavy loads.

[0030] Preferably, the support wall is aligned with the side walls in such a way that they meet when the shelves of two rack modules are equidistant. This means that the two support wall sections can contact each other in the insertion direction only 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 aligned with a locking mechanism for the side walls, particularly the lowest locking position.

[0031] According to another optional aspect of the disclosure, a recess may be provided on the underside of the shelf module for the complete or flush storage of the support wall, into which the support wall can be folded or slid.

[0032] This means that when not in use, the support wall can be stored in a space-saving manner and thus neither hinders a stacking process of the modules with folded-in side walls, nor does it complicate an assembly process of the individual shelf modules into a shelf where the support walls are not necessary.

[0033] According to a further optional aspect, the second side wall section comprises 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 latching elements. These are preferably evenly spaced. This means that the locking or latching elements can be positively connected to the frame elements, which can then transfer 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.

[0034] Preferably, the 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.

[0035] According to a further optional aspect of the disclosure, the recess in the base is essentially U-shaped. That is, the second side wall section with an essentially U-shaped cross-section, as described in the preceding aspect, can fit into the uniform recess. The locking or latching elements can be spring-loaded and project outwards on both sides into the two legs of the U-shaped recess. This means that the locking or latching elements lie, at least partially, in a section in the base between the legs of the recess and, when locked, create a force-fit with the section. This means that the locking or latching elements move away from each other to lock. By actuating a connecting element of the locking or latching elements, they can be moved together inwards into an unlocking position. This means that the locking or latching elements move towards each other to unlock.In this system, multiple locking or latching elements can be unlocked by a central actuation of the connecting element. The connecting element joins multiple locking or latching elements, in particular two opposite elements on one side, i.e., a recess.

[0036] Preferably, the side walls are hinged to the base in such a way that they can be folded inwards and parallel to the base, overlapping each other. This means that in a folded position, the side walls are parallel to the base and rest on it or on the side wall itself. If the side walls are higher than half the base width, this can be achieved by using hinge axes for the two side walls that are spaced differently from the base. These differently spaced hinge axes can be connected via a joint whose pivot pin is mounted to slide vertically. The hinge sections on the base can serve as stacking elements and engage in a form-fitting manner in corresponding recesses on the underside of a stacked shelf module. This means that for storage or transport purposes, the shelf modules can be disassembled, the side walls folded together, and the shelf modules stacked on top of each other.The form-fitting insertion of the stacking geometries into the recess on the underside of the base prevents the stacked shelf modules from slipping, thus enabling safe transport or storage.

[0037] The object of the present invention is further solved by a shelving system according to a further dependent claim comprising at least two shelving modules of one of the above aspects.

[0038] According to another optional aspect of the disclosure, the racking system further includes a trolley or dolly. The trolley or dolly may have a base and a number of casters on its underside. The base of the trolley and the base of the racking modules may be designed to fit together so that the stack of racking 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 racking modules may have specifically designed stacking geometries. The trolley or dolly makes it easier to transport and position the racking system. The non-slip or form-fitting placement on the trolley ensures safe handling, especially when pushing or pulling the racking system.

[0039] Brief description of the characters Fig. 1 shows an isometric representation of a shelf module according to the revelation; Fig. 2 shows an isometric representation of two revelation-like shelf modules, positioned to allow immersion; Fig. 3a shows a side view of two revelation-compliant shelf modules locked together; Fig. 3b shows a sectional view of two mutually locked, recognizable shelf modules with a section line and a projection direction from Fig. 3a ; Fig. 4 shows an isometric representation of a modified embodiment of the shelf module according to the disclosure with an open support wall; Fig. 5 shows an isometric representation 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 representation of the modified embodiment of the shelf module according to the disclosure with the folded-in support wall; Fig. 7 shows an isometric representation of the shelf module according to the revelation with the side walls folded in; Fig. 8 shows an isometric representation of a stack of the shelf modules according to the revelation; Fig. 9 shows an isometric representation of a modified embodiment of a shelving system according to the disclosure on a trolley; Fig. 10 shows an isometric representation of a modified embodiment of the shelving system according to the disclosure on the trolley with a small distance between shelves; and Fig. 11 shows an isometric representation of the modified embodiment of the shelving system according to the disclosure on the trolley with a large distance between the shelves; Detailed description of the figures

[0040] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a shelf module 2 as revealed. 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 surface 8. The side walls 6 can be moved from an upright or unfolded position, as shown in the Fig. 1 As shown, fold inwards and over each other (see above). Fig. 7 ).

[0041] 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 arched, open in the middle and connected to the floor 4 by two lateral frame elements 14.

[0042] The second side wall section 12, which immediately adjoins the first side wall section 10 and is located directly above the first side wall section 10 in the vertical 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, which is laterally framed 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 each other via angled connecting frame elements.

[0043] A recess 16 is formed centrally in the first side wall section 10. This recess is designed and configured to accommodate the second side wall section 12 of a second (identical or compatible) shelf module 18. The 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, the 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. The height of the recess 16 is determined by the height of the second side wall section 12 and the distance of the first side wall section 10 from a floor surface 24.

[0044] Near an edge 26, a (outwardly open) U-shaped recess 28 is formed in the base 4, below each of the side walls 6. This corresponds in depth direction Y and width direction X to the dimensions of the second side wall section 12, so that the second side wall section 12 of the second (identical or compatible) shelf module 18 can be inserted and pushed through the recess 28 from below.

[0045] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows shelf module 2 and the second shelf module 18, which are identical in construction, stacked one above the other, in their state before stacking. Shelf module 2 is positioned above the second shelf module 18 such that the recesses 28 in the base 4 and the recesses 16 of the side walls 6 of shelf module 2 are aligned with the second side wall sections 12 of the second shelf module 18.

[0046] When shelf module 2 is placed on top of 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 afterwards into the respective recesses 16 of the first side wall sections 10 of the physical module 2. The second side wall section 12 of the second shelf module 18 is thereby surrounded on three sides, i.e., top, left, and right, by the first side wall section 10 of 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 shelf module 2.

[0047] When immersed, the outer lateral surfaces (27) of the second side wall section (12) contact, at least partially, the inner lateral surfaces (29) of the first side wall section (10).

[0048] Fig. 3a shows a side view of shelf module 2, which is placed on top of the second shelf module 18, so that the two second side wall sections 12 of the second shelf module 18 are immersed in the base 4 and in the first side wall sections 10 of shelf module 2.

[0049] Fig. 3b shows a sectional view of shelf module 2 and the second shelf module 18 attached to it, with a section line and a projection direction from Fig. 3a The structurally 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 designed and configured to move both outwards and inwards, i.e., in the depth direction Y.

[0050] The frame elements 15 of the second side wall section 12 have a plurality of inwardly facing openings spaced evenly in the vertical direction Z, which serve as locking steps 32. This allows the locking or latching elements 30 to slide into a locking step 32 and lock the shelf modules 2, 18 together. The locking or latching elements 30 engage with the respective locking step 32 at the same height, i.e., at the same distance from the floor 4. The locking or latching elements 30 are in a locked position 34. In this position, the locking or latching elements 30 project, at least partially, into the recess 28 of the floor 4. The locking or latching elements 30 can be moved from the locked position 34 to an unlocked position 38 by means of a release mechanism 36.For this purpose, the opposing locking or latching elements 30 located below a side wall 6 are connected by means of the release mechanism 36. The locking or latching elements 30 assume the locking position 34 by means of a spring action. This can be achieved by means of the release mechanism 36 or connecting element 64, which is designed to move the opposing locking or latching elements 30 away from each other below a side wall 6.

[0051] Chamfers 40 are formed on the upper surface of the locking or latching elements 30. Lead-in chamfers 42 are formed on the upper surface of the side wall 6, i.e., at the end of the second side wall section 12 furthest from the ground. Two lead-in chamfers 42 are formed on each side wall 6, opposite each other at the same height. The lead-in chamfers 42 are designed and configured to move the locking or latching elements 30 from the locked position 34 to an unlocked position 38 as they slide past them.

[0052] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a modified embodiment of the shelf module 2 with a support wall 44 on one long side of the base 4. This support wall is formed centrally between the two side walls 6. The base 4 has a recess 46 in which the support wall 44 partially rests against the base 4. The support wall 44 comprises a first support wall section 48 and a second support wall section 50. The first support wall section 48 extends from the underside of the base 24 and is fixed to the base 4 at the recess 46. The second support wall section 50 follows the first support wall section 48 in the vertical direction Z. A recess 52 is formed centrally in the first support wall section 48. This recess is designed and configured to receive the second support wall section 50 of the second shelf module 18. A length of the recess 52, i.e., the dimension in the width direction X of the shelf module 2, corresponds to the width of the second retaining wall section 50. Likewise, a width of the recess 52 corresponds to...The dimension in the depth direction Y of the shelf module 2 corresponds to the thickness of the second retaining wall section 50. The height of the recess 52 results from the height of the second retaining wall section 50. The recess 46 corresponds in depth direction Y and width direction X to the dimensions of the first retaining wall section 48. The length in the height direction Z of the second retaining wall section 50 corresponds to the length of the second side wall section 12.

[0053] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows an isometric bottom view of a modified embodiment of the shelf module 2. The support wall 44 is hinged to the base 4. The support wall 44 rests in a recess 54 in the base 4 on the 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 about an axis in the lateral direction X relative to a support position. Recesses 56 are formed in the base 4 at the corners of the underside 24. These are located below the first side wall sections 10 in the vertical direction Z.

[0054] The bottom view in Fig. 5 Figure 1 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 between them, 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 width direction X.

[0055] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows the modified embodiment of the shelf module 2 with the support wall 44 folded into the recess 54 of the base 4.

[0056] Fig. 7 Figure 2 shows the shelf module 2 with its side walls 6 folded in. One side wall 6 rests on the base 4, parallel to the top surface 8. The second side wall 6 rests on the side wall 6, parallel to the top surface 8. Hinged sections 66 are formed at the corners of the top surface 8. The side walls are hinged to the base 4 via the hinged sections 66. A locking lug 68 or other locking mechanism is formed in the hinged section 66 to fix the unfolded state of the side wall 6. This stabilizes the side wall 6 and prevents it from being lifted in its unfolded state. The hinged section 66 is designed and configured as a stacking geometry 70, which, when stacked on top of each other in the folded state, engages in corresponding recesses 56 on the underside 24 of the base (see Figure 70). Fig. 5 ).

[0057] Fig. 8 shows several stacked shelf modules 2 with folded-in side walls 6.

[0058] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows a shelving system 72 according to the invention, consisting of two shelving modules 2 and 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 its underside 24. A stacking geometry 78 is formed on its upper side. The stacking geometry is aligned with the underside 24 of the shelving module 2 and enables the shelving module 2, or the shelving system 72, to be placed securely on the trolley 74.

[0059] Fig. 10 Figure 72 shows the shelving system consisting of six interlocked shelving modules 2 on a trolley 74. The shelving modules 2 are each locked in the low locking position 32.

[0060] Fig. 11 The shelving system shows 72 from Fig. 10 , wherein the shelf modules 2 are each locked in the highest locking position 32.

[0061] As from the Fig. 10 and 11As can be seen, the uppermost shelf module 2 is folded up. Thus, the shelf module according to the invention can also function as a shelf top or upper shelf end when folded up.

Claims

1. Shelf module (2), preferably made of plastics material, having: an in particular rectangular base (4); and at least two mutually opposed, preferably foldable or collapsible side walls (6), wherein the side walls (6) each have a first side wall portion (10) which is in particular close to the base and a second side wall portion (12) which is in particular remote from the base, wherein the first side wall portion (10) and the second wall portion (12) are constructed to complement each other so that, when the shelf module (2) is placed on a structurally identical or compatible second shelf module (18), the second side wall portion (12) of the second shelf module (18) can be assembled together with the first side wall portion (10) of the shelf module (2) or can be inserted therein, in particular to the extent that the second side wall portion (12) of the second shelf module (18) protrudes over the base (4) of the shelf module (2), characterized in that the base (4) and / or the first side wall portions (10) and / or the second side wall portions (12) have fastening or locking elements (30) in order to lock together two structurally identical or compatible shelf modules (2) in the state placed one on top of the other with different spacings from each other and in different locking steps (32) without the use of tools.

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

3. Shelf module (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the side walls (6) are arranged in each case at or on an edge (26) of the base (4), and the base (4) has recesses (28) which correspond in each case to the outer dimensions, in particular width and / or height and / or thickness, of the second side wall portions (12) and, in particular in the folded-open state, are in alignment with the second side wall portions (12) and / or the recesses (16) in the first side wall portions (10) so that the second side wall portions (12) of the second shelf module (18) can be assembled through the recesses (28) in the base (4) with the first side wall portions (10) of the shelf module (2) or can be introduced therein.

4. Shelf module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fastening or locking elements (30) are resiliently pretensioned into a locking position (34) and can be unlocked by means of an unlocking mechanism (36), and the second side wall portions (12) have at the side remote from the base chamfered introduction members (42) in order, when the second side wall portions (12) are introduced, to force the fastening or locking elements (30) in the base (4) or the first side wall portions (10) into an unlocking position (38) and independently to lock them in a first locking step (32).

5. Shelf module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further characterized by: at least one support wall (44) which is provided at a third side, in particular at the center, of the base (4) and is foldably articulated thereto or can be coupled thereto, wherein the support wall (44) has a first support wall portion (48) which is in particular close to the base and a second support wall portion (50) which is in particular remote from the base, the first support wall portion (48) has a recess (52) which is adapted to the outer dimensions, in particular width and / or height and / or thickness, of the second support wall portion (50) so that, when the shelf module is placed on a structurally identical or compatible second shelf module (18), the second support wall portion (50) of the second shelf module (18) can be introduced, in particular completely, into the recess (52) of the first support wall portion (48) of the shelf module (2), in particular to the extent that the second support wall portion (50) of the second shelf module (18) protrudes over the base (4) of the shelf module (2).

6. Shelf module (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that at the lower base side (24) there is provided for storing the support wall (44) completely or flush with the base a recess (54) into which the support wall (44) can be folded or pushed.

7. Shelf module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second side wall portion (12) has two lateral frame elements (15) and a wall surface portion which form a substantially U-shaped cross-section, wherein the lateral frame elements (15) have in each case at different heights, preferably spaced apart from each other in a uniform manner, inwardly open locking recesses (62) for receiving the fastening or locking elements (30).

8. Shelf module (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the recess (28) in the base (4) is constructed in a substantially U-shaped manner and the fastening or locking elements (30) protrude in a resiliently pretensioned manner at both sides outwardly into the two members of the U-shaped recess (28) and by activating a connection element (64) of the fastening or locking elements (30) can be moved together inwards into an unlocking position (38).

9. Shelf module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the side walls (6) are connected to the base (4) in such an articulated manner that the side walls (6) can be folded inwards and parallel with the base one over the other, and base-side articulated portions (66) act as stacking geometries (70) and are introduced in a positive-locking manner in a corresponding recess (56) at the lower base side (24) of a shelf module (2) which is stacked above it.

10. Shelf system (72) having: at least two shelf modules (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Shelf system (72) according to claim 10, further having a trolley (74) or a dolly, having a base (4) and a large number of rollers (76) at a lower base side (24), wherein the base of the trolley (74) and the base (4) of the shelf modules (2) are adapted to each other in such a manner, in particular have stacking geometries (78) which are adapted to each other, so that the shelf module stack can be placed in a slip-resistant or positive-locking manner on the trolley (74).

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