EP2744369B1 - Container having a coupling system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a container having a coupling system for detachable connection of the container to a support structure, the container comprising a rear wall, a front wall and the rear and front wall laterally connecting side walls and a bottom member and the side walls each comprise an inner and outer wall, wherein the outer wall is formed respectively of a lower outer side wall member and an upper outer side wall member, and the lower outer side wall member is slidably formed with the inner wall opposite to the upper outer side wall member.

In the modern world of work as well as in the leisure sector, there is often the need to have special tools, tools, equipment and utensils sorted available at different locations. This is especially true for tools or medical devices that have always been kept in tool or first aid kits for mobile use. In addition, nowadays more and more utensils for the leisure sector, which should be used both in the user's home as well as in various places, be it in foreign rooms or in the out-door area application, including only examples of collections of digital media, associated players or computer called are. In addition to the fields of crafts, medicine and leisure activities, reference is also made to the field of science, for which the availability of sensitive equipment in the most diverse places is a great need. Frequently such medical and scientific devices are available as modules.

In order to transport the above-mentioned objects, in particular work equipment, utensils and modules, lockable containers are frequently used, which ensure safe storage during transport. Despite the very high security against damage caused by the container wall, however, damage frequently occurs due to the fact that the container itself experiences a high acceleration due to imperfect storage during transport, which leads to the destruction of the contents.

Another problem is the comparatively poor accessibility of the contents of such containers when they are stored in their usual storage location, because such containers can generally only be opened when they are in a position accessible from above, for example outside a shelf, have been spent.

From the WO 2006/131271 A1 a module adapter and a suitcase are known, with which a folding-sliding functionality can be realized or is realized. The flip-push functionality means that a hinge arrangement is provided which allows a displacement of a cover of a container with respect to the container by both folding and moving. Although this module adapter or case is the aforementioned needs for an improved transport container (container / case) taken into account, it has been found that its production is mechanically complex and therefore expensive. In addition, due to the large number of individual mechanical components, a high maintenance effort is required.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a generic container with a coupling system for releasably connecting the container with a support structure, which is inexpensive to produce due to an improved and simplified mechanical design and also ensures the highest possible maintenance freedom.

This object is achieved by a container with a coupling system having the features of patent claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

The invention relates to a container with a coupling system for releasably connecting the container to a support structure, the container comprising a rear wall, a front wall and the rear and front wall laterally connecting side walls and a bottom member and the side walls each comprise an inner and outer wall, wherein the outer wall is formed respectively of a lower outer side wall member and an upper outer side wall member, and the lower outer side wall member is slidably formed with the inner wall opposite to the upper outer side wall member. For this purpose, the coupling system comprises in each case at least one support rail arranged on or inside the side wall with a guide groove for receiving at least one support element arranged on the support structure, wherein the displaceability of the lower outer side element with the inner wall relative to the outer side wall element by at least one actuating device for moving at least one locking element from a locking position with an at least partial contact with at least one locking catch to a freewheeling position without contact with the locking catch and vice versa is adjustable. By this improved and simplified mechanical design of a coupling system for releasably connecting a container with a support structure, in particular for moving a lower outer side wall member with an inner wall disposed thereon against an upper outer side wall element, the coupling system is inexpensive to produce and ensures the highest possible maintenance freedom. In the locking position, a displacement of the lower outer side wall member is reliably prevented with the inner wall disposed thereon relative to the upper outer side wall member. In the freewheeling position without Appendix to said locking catch a free displacement of the lower side wall element relative to the upper side wall element is possible. Thus, the user of the container basically two uses are available. On the one hand, the container via the coupling system with a support structure, for. As a piece of furniture, such as a desk top, a cabinet, a shelf or a mobile furniture structure, releasably connectable. In this state, there is also the possibility that the lower part of the container is pulled out, wherein the upper portion of the container with the upper outer side wall member remains in the support structure. Furthermore, there is the possibility that in the arrangement of the container in the support structure of the lower container part relative to the upper container part is not displaced. The latter state is always given in a container without contact with the support structure, since in this case the locking element is always in the locked position with an at least partial contact with the locking catch. Thus, a safe transport of the container is given. In this case, the container may have a lid pivotally mounted on the upper outer side wall member and in particular be designed as a suitcase and / or drawer.

In further advantageous embodiments of the container according to the invention with the coupling system, the locking element is movably arranged on or within the support rail and inserted into this via a first recess in the guide groove of the support rail. Furthermore, it is possible that the locking catch is formed projecting into a cavity formed by the inner and outer walls of the respective side wall. Such an arrangement on the one hand enables the secure locking of the lower outer side wall element and thus the lower portion of the container relative to the upper outer side wall member or the upper portion of the container and also allows the coupling system to be constructed relatively small overall.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention Container with the coupling system, the support rail is arranged on a guide rail of a guide and slide rail system, wherein a pull-out rail of the guide and extension system is fixed to the support rail opposite side with an outer wall of the side wall facing inner surface of the inner wall of the side wall. The inner wall and the lower outer side wall element are thus arranged on a movable extension rail of the guide and Auszugsschienensystems. This is movable relative to the guide rail of the guide and Auszugsschienensystems, whereby the inner wall and the lower outer side wall member of the container relative to the support rail are displaceable. Such an arrangement allows a structurally less complicated mechanism for safe guidance and safe displacement of said elements to each other.

In further advantageous embodiments of the container according to the invention with the coupling system, the support element consists of a base body and a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein at least one end is wedge-shaped or tapered. Such a configuration of the support element allows easy and safe insertion of the main body of the support element in the guide of the support rail of the coupling system. Furthermore, it is possible that the support element has a recess for receiving at least a part of the locking element. Through the recess ensures that the locking element can be moved in the freewheeling position such that it is no longer applied to the locking catch. As a result, a safe displacement of the lower outer side wall element and the corresponding lower container part relative to the upper outer side wall element or the upper container part is possible.

In further advantageous embodiments of the container according to the invention with the coupling system, the actuating device is rotatably mounted within or on the support rail. In this case, the actuating device with a Actuating lever operatively connected to the return of the locking element from the freewheeling position without contact with the locking catch to the locking position with an at least partial contact with the locking catch. By means of the actuating lever, a problem-free return of the locking element in the locking position is possible. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the actuating device comprises at least one first lever-type actuating arm, which has at one end a projection for engagement in a second recess formed in the guide groove. At the end opposite the projection, the first actuating arm engages in a recess of the locking element movable. In this case, the projection of the first actuating arm is designed such that when passing the projection by the support member, the locking element by means of the projection opposite the end of the first actuating arm by the first recess of the guide groove in the direction of the support element is movable and behind the second end or in the Notch of the support element locked. By this arrangement according to the invention a secure fate of the locking element in the freewheeling position is guaranteed without contact with the four-locking latch. The lower outer side wall element is displaceable in this position of the locking element relative to the upper outer side wall element. Furthermore, it is possible for the first actuating device to comprise a second lever-type actuating arm, which has one end in operative connection with the actuating lever and engages in a movable manner with the opposite end in a further recess of the locking element. With a corresponding actuation of the actuating lever, this can act directly on the end of the second actuating arm and move it to achieve the locking position in the direction of the support member, said end opposite this end of the second actuating arm, the locking element of the guide groove in an at least partially contact with the locking catch emotional. But it is also possible that the actuating lever engages a rotatably mounted lever, wherein the the second actuating arm facing the end of the reversing lever engages the corresponding end of the second actuating arm and this shifts to achieve the locking position in the direction of the support member, said opposite end of the second actuating arm, the locking element in turn from the guide into an at least partially abutment with the locking catch emotional. As a result, a return of the locking element from the freewheeling position is securely ensured in the locked position. It is also possible that the first and second actuating arm are integrally formed and engage with a common end in a recess of the locking element movable. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the first and second actuating arm are arranged and configured in such a way that, when the projection of the first actuating arm is passed over by the support element, a spring tension is created between the first and second actuating arm. In a return of the locking element in the locking position of the projection of the first actuating arm is thereby reliably pushed back into the second recess of the guide groove.

In further advantageous embodiments of the coupling system, the actuating lever is rotatable and / or pivotable. In this case, the actuating lever, for example, on an underside of a row of teeth for engaging in a rotatable gear arranged on or within the side wall. By pivoting the operating lever upwards, a force can be exerted directly on the corresponding end of the second actuating arm. Upon pivoting downwards, the actuating lever exerts a force on the end of the reversing lever facing it, wherein the end of the reversing lever opposite this end in turn is in operative connection with the corresponding end of the second actuating arm and pushes this upward accordingly. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the actuating lever has at least one guide pin for engaging an end of the lever associated with the actuating lever Reversing lever includes. The guide pin is in particular on an upper side of the corresponding end of the reversing lever and can actuate this by a corresponding pivot down. The illustrated mechanical embodiments according to the invention ensure reliable return of the locking element from the freewheeling position into the locking position.

• Figur 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht auf eine Innenfläche einer Innenseite einer Seitenwand eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters mit einem Kopplungssystem in einer Verriegelungsstellung;
• Figur 2 eine schematisch Detaildarstellung des Kopplungssystems gemäß Figur 1;
• Figur 3 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Kopplungssystems gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2;
• Figur 4 eine schematische Seitenansicht auf die Innenfläche der Innenseite der Seitenwand des erfindungsgemäßen Behälters mit dem Kopplungssystem in einer Freilaufstellung;
• Figur 5 eine schematisch Detaildarstellung des Kopplungssystems gemäß Figur 4;
• Figur 6 eine schematisch Schnittdarstellung des Kopplungssystems gemäß den Figuren 4 und 5;
• Figur 7 eine schematische Seitenansicht auf die Innenfläche der Innenseite der Seitenwand des erfindungsgemäßen Behälters mit dem Kopplungssystem bei der Rückführung in die Verriegelungsstellung; und
• Figur 8 eine schematische Detaildarstellung des Kopplungssystems gemäß Figur 7.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail in the exemplary embodiment described below and illustrated in the drawing. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a schematic side view of an inner surface of an inner side of a side wall of a container according to the invention with a coupling system in a locking position;
• FIG. 2 a schematic detail of the coupling system according to FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 3 a schematic sectional view of the coupling system according to the FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
• FIG. 4 a schematic side view of the inner surface of the inside of the side wall of the container according to the invention with the coupling system in a freewheeling position;
• FIG. 5 a schematic detail of the coupling system according to FIG. 4 ;
• FIG. 6 a schematic sectional view of the coupling system according to the FIGS. 4 and 5 ;
• FIG. 7 a schematic side view of the inner surface of the inside of the side wall of the container according to the invention with the coupling system in the return to the locking position; and
• FIG. 8 a schematic detail of the coupling system according to FIG. 7 ,

FIG. 1 shows in a schematic side view of an inner surface 90 of an inner side 20 of a side wall 18 of a container 12 with a container with a coupling system 10 for releasably connecting the container 12 with a support structure 24 (see FIG. 3 ) in a locking position. It can be seen that the container 12 comprises a rear wall 82, a front wall 84 and the rear and front walls 82, 84 laterally connecting side walls 18 and a bottom member 16. In the illustration, as well as in the following figures, only one side wall 18, namely the side wall 18 resting against the right in the direction of the front wall 84, is shown. However, the following statements also apply to the left side wall 18, not shown.

The side walls 18 each comprise an inner and outer wall 22, 36 (see also FIG. 3 ), wherein the outer wall 36 is formed respectively of a lower outer side wall member 86 and an upper outer side wall member 88 (see FIG FIG. 3 ) and the lower outer side wall member 86 is connected to the inner wall 22 and is slidably formed with respect to the upper outer side wall member 88. The container 12 as well as the coupling system 10 may be made of metal, a metal alloy, plastic, carbon fiber, wood or other suitable materials. Also, 10 different materials can be used for most components of the coupling system. In a corresponding - not shown - embodiment of the upper outer side wall member 88, it would also be conceivable that the upper outer side wall member 88 is connected to the inner wall 22 and compared to the lower outer Sidewall element 86 is designed to be displaceable.

The coupling system 10 comprises, for the illustrated embodiment, a support rail 42 arranged within the side wall 18 with a guide groove 48, the guide groove 48 extending parallel to the longitudinal extension of the side wall 18. The guide groove 48 serves to receive one of the support structure 24 (see FIG. 3 The support element 26 consists in the illustrated embodiment of a base body 28 and a first end 30 and a first end 30 opposite the second end 32. In this case, both ends 30, 32 are formed tapering. This shape of the ends 30, 32 on the one hand facilitates the displacement of the support element 26 within the groove 48 and also facilitates the insertion of the support element 26 into the groove 48. Furthermore, it is clear that the support element 26 has a recess 34. The recess 34 serves for temporarily receiving at least part of a locking element 44.

The displaceability of the lower outer side wall member 86 and the associated inner wall 22 and also the associated rear wall 82 relative to the upper outer side wall member 88 is by an actuator 60 for moving the locking member 44 from a locking position with an at least partial contact with at least one locking catch 46th to a freewheeling position without contact with the locking catch 46 (see FIGS. 4 to 6 ) and vice versa. It can be seen that the locking element 44 is arranged movably on or within the support rail 42 and can be inserted into the guide groove 48 via a first recess 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 44 is movably disposed within the support rail 42 and stored (see. Figures 3 and 6 ). Furthermore, it can be seen that the locking catch 46 is formed in a protruding through the inner and outer walls 32, 36 cavity 38 (see also FIG. 3 ). In the Fig. 1 is the coupling system 10 in the locked position, ie with the locking element 44 in abutment with the locking latch 46 shown.

The front wall 84, the side walls 18 and the rear wall 82 form a receiving body 80 of the container 12. A rear cover 114 overlaps the upper region of the rear wall 82. In contrast to the rear wall 82, the rear cover 114 is not displaceable relative to the receiving body 80. Rather, the cover 114 is connected to the upper outer sidewall member 88 (see FIG Fig. 3 ) connected. Furthermore, it can be seen that above the rear wall 82, a rotary joint 112 for a cover 14 (see FIG Fig. 3 ) is arranged. The lid 14 is in Fig. 1 not shown. The receiving body 80 with the front wall 84, the lower outer side wall elements 86 and the rear wall 82 is in turn formed relative to the cover 14, the rear cover 114 and the support rail 42 slidably. In the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, this displacement is not given, however, since the locking element 44 rests against the locking catch 46 and thus prevents displacement of the receiving body 80 of the container 12 relative to the upper regions of the container 12.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the actuating device 60 is rotatably mounted within or on the support rail 42. The actuator 60 is operatively connected to an actuating lever 100 to allow the return of the locking member 44 from the freewheeling position without contact with the locking catch 46 to the locking position with an at least partial contact with the locking catch 46 (see FIGS. 7 and 8th ). For this purpose, the actuating device 60 comprises a first lever-type actuating arm 62 which has at one end a projection 64 for engagement in a second recess 76 formed in the guide groove 48 and which engages with the opposite end in a recess 58 of the locking element 44. Furthermore, the actuating device 60 shown in the exemplary embodiment has a second lever-type actuating arm 68, which has one end 70 in operative connection with the actuating lever 100 and with the opposite end also in the recess 58 of the locking element 44 engages movable. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second actuating arm 62, 68 are integrally formed and engage with their common end via a projection 66 in the recess 58 of the locking element 44 a movable.

The actuating lever 100 engages in the illustrated embodiment of a rotatably mounted about a pivot point 78 lever 72, wherein the second actuating arm 68 facing the end of the reversing lever 72 can engage the end 70 of the second actuating arm 68. But it is also possible that the actuating lever 100 engages directly at the end 70 of the second actuating arm 68. Furthermore, it is clear that the actuating lever 100 is also designed to be rotatable and / or pivotable. In the illustrated embodiment, for this purpose, the actuating lever 100 has on its underside a row of teeth 104 for engagement in a rotatable toothed wheel 106 arranged on or inside the side wall. Thus, the operating lever 100 can be pivoted both downwards, ie in the direction of the bottom element 16, as well as upwards. The actuating lever 100 also has a guide pin 108 for engagement with an operating lever 100 facing the end of the reversing lever 72. The operating lever 100 is also disposed on or within the side wall 18 and guided. At the outwardly, ie outside of the container 12, projecting portion of the actuating lever 100, a handle member 102 may be arranged. The grip element 102 is usually arranged approximately perpendicular to the actuating lever 100 and runs parallel to the longitudinal side of the front wall 84. The grip 102 with the actuating lever 100 can be designed to be retractable in the front wall 84 of the container 12. To lock the handle element 102 within a recess 116 of the front wall 84, a guide mask 110 is milled into the inside of the actuating lever 100. In this guide mask 110 engages a pin of a further actuating element (not shown), which is locked in the retracted position of the handle member 102 in a corresponding projection of the guide mask 110. About the said actuator, the pin is again releasable from the projection, so that the handle member 102 as well as the operating lever 100 can be released again from the latched position.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic detail of the coupling system 10 according to Fig. 1 , It can be seen the interaction between the actuator 60 and the locking member 44 and the locking catch 46th Fig. 2 again shows the locking position of the coupling system 10, wherein a part of the locking element 44 abuts against the locking catch 46, whereby the lower outer side wall member 86 with the inner wall 22 and the rear and front wall 82, 84, which form a total of the receiving body 80, not with respect to upper outer side wall member 88 (not shown) and the support rail 42 is slidable. Furthermore, it can be seen that the projection 64 of the first actuating arm 62 is also chamfered, so that a simple engagement of the also bevelled end 30 of the support member 26 is possible. In addition, the locking element 44 in the illustrated embodiment, a bolt body 54 and a bolt head 56.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the coupling system 10 according to the FIGS. 1 and 2 , It can be seen that the outer side 36 of the side wall 18 is formed in two parts, and consists of the lower outer side wall member 86 and the upper outer side wall member 88. At the upper outer side wall member 88, the lid 14 is arranged hinged. Furthermore, it is clear that the locking catch 46 is formed in the formed by the inner and outer walls 32, 36 cavity 38 protruding.

The support rail 42 is disposed in the illustrated embodiment on a guide rail 98 of a guide and Auszugsschienensystems 40, wherein an outer drawer rail 94 of the guide and Extensible rail system 40 is attached to the support rail 42 opposite side with the outer wall 36 facing inner surface 90 of the inner wall 22. Thus, a displacement of the support rail 42 relative to the inner wall 22 and the entire receiving body 80 is ensured.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the locking element 44 is received and guided in a space 52 formed between the guide rail 98 and the support rail 42. In particular, the bolt body 54 is guided in the space 52, the bolt head 56 protrudes through the first recess 50 in the guide groove 48. Furthermore, one recognizes the leadership of the support member 26 in the guide groove 48 of the support rail 42nd

But it is also possible that the locking element 44 is arranged movable on the outside of the support rail 42.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of the inner surface 90 of the inner side 22 of the side wall 18 of the container 12 with the coupling system 10 in the freewheeling position. It can be seen that the first end 30 of the support element 26 has run over the projection 64 of the first actuating arm 62 and has thus displaced it from the guide groove 48. Due to the leverage effect by the first actuating arm 62, the projection 64 opposite the end of the first actuating arm 62, which engages in the recess 58 of the locking element 44, this displaced in the direction of the support member 26 and locked in the recess 34 of the support member 26. Furthermore Thus, the locking element 44 comes out of engagement with the locking catch 46, so that the lower outer side wall member 86 (not shown) or the entire receiving body 80 of the container 12 now relative to the upper outer side wall member 88 (not shown) or the support rail 42 slidably is. But it is also possible that the locking element 44 is moved by the first recess 50 in the direction of the support member 26 and behind the second end 32 of the support member 26 at a corresponding short Configuration of the support member 26 is locked.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the end 70 of the second lever-like actuating arm 68 of the actuating device 60 comes to rest on the corresponding opposite end of the reversing lever 72. In addition, it becomes clear that the first and second actuating arm 62, 68 are arranged and configured in such a way that, when the projection 64 of the first actuating arm 62 is passed over by the support element 26, a spring tension is produced between the first and second actuating arm 62, 68. Other embodiments for generating a spring tension are conceivable.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic detail of the coupling system 10 according to Fig. 4 , It can be seen the interaction of the first end 30 of the support rail 26 with the projection 64 of the first lever-like actuating arm 62 of the actuator 60. By the displacement of the locking element 44 in the direction of the support member 26 and into the recess 34 of the support member 26, the locking member 44 is out of engagement brought to the locking catch 46. In this freewheeling position, a displacement of the receiving body 80 of the container 12 with respect to the upper container portions with the upper outer side wall member 88, the rear cover 114 and optionally the cover 14 and the support rail 42 is possible. Also clear is the reduction in the distance between the first and second actuating arms 62, 68, whereby the said spring tension is generated. Furthermore, one recognizes the mounting of the second actuating arm 68 or the actuating device 60 as a whole about the pivot point 74.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the coupling system 10 according to the FIGS. 4 and 5 , It can be seen that the coupling system 10 remains in the so-called freewheeling position, that is, the locking element 44 is not applied to the locking catch 46. Thus, the receiving body 80 with the receiving space 20 via the guide and Auszugsschienensystem 40th relative to the upper regions of the container 12, namely in particular the upper outer side wall member 88, the rear cover 114 and optionally the cover 14 and the support rail 42 are moved.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic side view of the inner surface 90 of the inner side 22 of the side wall 18 of the container 12 with the coupling system 10 in the return from the freewheeling position into the locking position. It can be seen that, by pivoting the actuating lever 100 in the direction of the bottom element 16, the guide pin 108 bearing against one end of the reversing lever 72 likewise presses this end in the direction of the bottom element 16. The opposite end of the deflection lever 72 mounted about the pivot point 78 in turn pushes the end 70 of the second actuating arm 68 in the opposite direction, that is, upwards. Due to the lever action and the pivotal mounting of the second actuating arm 68, the projection 66 formed at the end opposite the end 70, which is mounted in the recess 58 of the locking element 44, is pressed in the direction of the floor element 16, ie downwards. This in turn causes the bolt head 56 of the locking element 44 is pulled out of the recess 34 of the support member 26 and the opposite end of the locking member 44 rests against the locking catch 46 again. In this state, on the one hand, the locking position is reached again, that is, the lower outer side wall member 86 and the receiving body 80 of the container 12 can not be compared to the upper regions of the container 12, that is, in particular against the upper outer side wall member 88 and the support rail 42 are moved , Furthermore, it is possible to completely detach the container 12 from the support element 26 or the support structure 24 (not shown). Due to the spring tension between the first and second actuating arm 62, 68, the projection 64 pivots back into the region of the guide groove 48 after the return of the support element 26 through the second recess 76.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic detail of the coupling system 10th according to FIG. 7 , It can be seen once again that the deflection lever 72 presses against the end 70 of the second actuating arm 68, which in turn adjoins the end 70, ie the projection 66 formed there, which is arranged in the recess 58 of the locking element 44, the locking element 44 down, that is, out of the recess 34 of the support member 26 pulls out. The bolt body 54 thereby comes into abutment with the locking catch 46, so that the locking position of the coupling system 10 is reached again.

The in the Figures 3 and 6 schematically illustrated support structure may be a piece of furniture, in particular, the support structure 24 may be formed as a cabinet, desk top, shelf or similar. It is also possible that the support structure 24 is formed in a vehicle or in a mobile furniture structure.

Claims (15)

1. Container having a coupling system for removably connecting the container (12) to a support structure (24), wherein the container (12) comprises a rear wall (82), a front wall (84), and side walls (18) laterally connecting the rear and front walls (82, 84), as well as a bottom element (16), and the side walls (18) each comprise an inner and an outer wall (22, 36), wherein each outer wall (36) is composed of a lower outer side wall element (86) and an upper outer side wall element (88), and the lower outer side wall element (86) is designed such that it can slide with the inner wall (22) relative to the upper outer side wall element (88),
   characterized in that
   each coupling system (10) includes at least one support rail (42) that is arranged on or within the side wall (18) and that has a guide groove (48) for accommodating, in each case, at least one support element (26) arranged on the support structure (24), wherein the sliding of the lower outer side wall element (86) relative to the upper outer side wall element (88) can be controlled through at least one actuating device (60) for moving at least one locking element (44) from a locking position having at least partial contact with at least one locking catch (46) to a free-running position having no contact with the locking catch (46), and vice versa.
2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (44) is arranged on or within the support rail (42) so as to be movable, and can be inserted into the guide groove (48) through a first recess (50) therein.
3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking catch (46) is designed to project into a cavity (38) formed by the inner and outer walls (22, 36).
4. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support rail (42) is arranged on a guide rail (98) of a guide and slide rail system (40), and a slide rail (94) of the guide and slide rail system (40) is attached, at the side opposite the support rail (42), to an inner surface (90) of the inner wall (22) that faces the outer wall (36).
5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (26) consists of a body (28) and a first end (30) and a second end (32) opposite the first end (30), wherein at least one end (30, 32) is wedge-shaped or tapered in design.
6. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (26) has an opening (34) to accommodate at least a part of the locking element (44).
7. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (60) is rotatably supported within or on the support rail (42).
8. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (60) is in operative connection with an actuating lever (100) for returning the locking element (44) from the free-running position having no contact with the locking catch (46) to the locking position having at least partial contact with the locking catch (46).
9. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (60) includes at least one first lever-like actuating arm (62) that has a projection (64) at one end for engaging a second recess (76) formed in the guide groove (48), and the opposite end of which arm movably engages a recess (58) of the locking element (44).
10. Container according to claim 9, characterized in that, when the support element (26) passes over the projection (64), the locking element (44) is movable by means of the first actuating arm (62) through the first recess (50) towards the support element (26), and latches behind the second end (32) or in the opening (34) of the support element (26).
11. Container according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the first actuating device (60) includes at least one second lever-like actuating arm (68), one end (70) of which is in operative connection with the actuating lever (100), and the opposite end of which movably engages a recess of the locking element (44).
12. Container according to claim 11, characterized in that the first and second actuating arms (62, 68) are formed as a single piece, and a common end thereof movably engages the recess (58) of the locking element (44).
13. Container according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the first and second actuating arms (62, 68) are arranged relative to one another and designed such that a spring tension arises between the first and second actuating arms (62, 68) when the support element (26) passes over the projection (64) of the first actuating arm (62).
14. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (12) has a lid (14) that is pivotably supported on the upper outer side wall element (88).
15. Container according to claim 14, characterized in that the container (12) is a case.

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