WO1989009735A1

WO1989009735A1 - Closure device for an in particular evacuable cylindrical housing

Info

Publication number: WO1989009735A1
Application number: PCT/AT1989/000032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franz Konrad; Günther Pakanecz; Manfred Lederer
Original assignee: C.A. Greiner & Söhne Gesellschaft M.B.H.
Priority date: 1988-04-15
Filing date: 1989-04-04
Publication date: 1989-10-19
Also published as: CA1322185C; JPH03505320A; EP0419490B1; EP0419490A1; DE8915637U1; RU2062737C1; DE58906179D1; ATE97085T1; AU626849B2; HK30497A; AU3412589A; JP2823914B2; AU3305089A

Abstract

A closure device (1) for a front side (2) of an in particular evacuable cylindrical housing (3) comprises a cap (5) surrounding said front side of said housing with a front wall (10) in which a borehole (8) is arranged. A sealing device (6) is arranged between the borehole (8) and an internal cavity (42) of the cylindrical housing (3). The cap (5) is connected to the sealing device (6) and/or the cylindrical housing (3) by means of a coupling device (13, 28).

Description

Locking device for a particularly evacuable cylindrical housing

The invention relates to a closure device for an end face of a particularly evacuable cylindrical housing with a cap comprising the end face of the cylindrical housing, with an end wall in which a bore is arranged and with a sealing device arranged between the bore and an interior of the cylindrical housing.

A closure device for a cylindrical housing, in particular a blood sample tube, is already known - according to AT-PS 379 069 of the same applicant - which is formed by a cap comprising an open end face of the cylindrical housing. A bore is arranged in the cap and a sealing device is provided between it and an interior of the cylindrical housing. Protruding projections are provided in the bore or in a tubular extension adjoining this and are covered by the sealing device via the surface of the cap. Depending on the adhesive force between the sealing device and the cylindrical housing, it was not always possible to ensure that the closure device was opened without any medication or body fluids contained therein escaping.

In addition, there are a multitude of locking devices for cylindrical housings, in particular for storing medication or Body fluids have become known in which one- or multi-part caps with sealing devices have been used. It is known, for example, to close the open end faces of the cylindrical housing with plug-like sealing devices which are in turn fastened in these enveloping caps, for example in accordance with FIG

US Pat. Nos. 4,465,200 and 4,205,754 and 4,089,432, EP-PS 129029 and EP-OS 257498. A disadvantage of these closure devices is that very high forces in some cases have to be applied in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical housing in order to reduce the adhesive forces between the sealing device and to overcome the cylindrical housing, so that the medication or body fluids stored in these cylindrical housings can repeatedly escape and thus lead to burns or infections, especially when processing blood contaminated with AIDS. Another disadvantage of these closure devices is that when the sealing device is pierced with a needle to remove the contents, the closure device can be opened unintentionally.

The present invention is based on the object of a closure device for a cylinder-shaped housing, in particular a

To create blood test tubes with which a secure gas-tight closure of the interior of such a cylindrical housing can be maintained even over a longer storage period and which enables careful opening but also prevents the contents from suddenly escaping from the cylindrical housing.

In addition, a relative movement between the closure device and the cylindrical housing in the longitudinal direction of the same should be effectively prevented.

This object of the invention is achieved in that the cap is connected to the sealing device and / or the cylindrical housing via a coupling device. These seemingly simple measures ensure in a surprisingly simple manner that the opening movement does not have to take place exclusively in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical housing, as a result of which the pulling action and the tensile force exerted on the closure device are reduced. can be reduced. This prevents the sealing device from suddenly escaping from the cylindrical housing and can thus reduce the risk of the contents, such as a medicament or a blood, splashing out when the cylindrical housing is opened.

According to a further embodiment, it is also possible for the sealing device to have a circumferential sealing surface assigned to an inner contact surface of the cylindrical housing and a sealing surface running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing. It is thereby achieved that the sealing device achieves a gas-tight seal of the open front end both with respect to the circumferential jacket or the inner surface of the cylindrical housing and also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the annular circumferential and the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing sealing surface are arranged on different sealing elements of the sealing device, whereby the prerequisite is created that by the displacement of the sealing surfaces upon release of the seal between the inner The surface and the circumferential sealing surface prevent the contents from splashing out of the cylindrical housing by means of the sealing surface running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing.

According to a further embodiment it is provided that the sealing element having the circumferential sealing surface forms part of the cap, as a result of which the cap itself can be used both for sealing and for mechanical fixing on the cylindrical housing and the sealing device or the sealing element with the sealing surface running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing to the additionally necessary medical requirements such as sufficient gas tightness even after a hollow needle or the like has been pierced. can be turned off. Furthermore, it is also possible for the coupling device to be formed by coupling arms protruding from the sealing device and coupling openings arranged in the cap, and for the coupling arms to be latched into the coupling openings, so that both in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing and in the circumferential direction there is movement-resistant Connection between the sealing device and the cap is created. This makes it possible to detach the cap from the cylindrical housing by a combined longitudinal and rotary movement in the manner of a helix. Above all, the relatively high adhesion existing after a longer transport can be fixed by the non-rotatable connection between the cap or the sealing device in the cylindrical housing by rotating the sealing device relative to the cylindrical housing and thereby removing the cap with less effort in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing.

However, it is also possible for the coupling device to be formed by coupling arms protruding over the end wall of the cap in the direction of the open end end thereof and coupling openings arranged in the sealing device. This solution has the advantage that the cap usually consists of mechanically more resistant or resilient plastic, so that in this embodiment higher torsional and tensile forces can be safely transmitted to the sealing device. The lower resilience of the mostly elastic sealing device under tension or pressure can be compensated for in that the transmission surfaces between the driver and the sealing device are produced with a correspondingly larger cross section.

According to another embodiment variant, it is provided that the coupling device extends through a tubular extension adjoining the bore in the cap, which extends parallel to the cylindrical cap shell in the direction of the open front end of the cap and an annular groove arranged concentrically to the extension the sealing device is arranged and a middle The diameter of the groove and the extension is approximately the same size and the extension is inserted into the groove. This makes it possible to find the length with a single sealing device, which has both the circumferential and the sealing surface running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The tubular extension also makes it possible to generate a desired prestress or surface pressure between the circumferential sealing surface and the inner surface of the cylindrical housing if an outer diameter of the sealing device is larger than an inner diameter of the cylindrical housing. Due to the strength of the tubular extension or its elasticity, the contact pressure can be determined in the radial direction between the sealing device and the inner surface of the cylindrical housing and over a longer period even if the material of the sealing device shrinks due to the higher elasticity. be maintained.

However, it is also advantageous if the sealing device with the circumferential sealing surface is formed by an O-ring, which on the tubular extension adjacent to the bore in the end wall of the cap on the side facing the cap jacket, preferably in a groove provided in the extension , is arranged because the Adhäsions¬ forces, which can cause the sealing surface to adhere to the inner surface of the cylindrical housing, are smaller due to the smaller contact surface. Nevertheless, a very good seal can also be achieved against gas leakage.

Furthermore, it is possible for the circumferential sealing surface to be formed by a plurality of O-rings arranged one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cap, as a result of which the gas tightness can be adapted to the respective requirements and can be produced with little additional effort.

However, it is also possible for the tubular extension to be closed on its side facing away from the end wall of the cap with a sealing cap forming the sealing device, which sealing cap extends with the circumferential sealing surface and the sealing surface running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. can be seen, whereby a simple structure of the cap and the sealing device is achieved.

According to another embodiment variant, it is provided that a difference between a minimum inner diameter of the cap jacket and a maximum outer diameter of the tubular extension is smaller than a wall thickness of the cylindrical housing, as a result of which the tubular attachment fits sufficiently against the inner surface of the cylindrical housing and thus a sufficient seal against both the escape of liquid and the escape or entry of gases is achieved.

It is also advantageous if a difference between the minimum inside diameter of the cap shell and a maximum outside diameter of the circumferential sealing surface is smaller than the wall thickness of the cylindrical housing, so that the contact pressure of the sealing surfaces is achieved by means of the predetermined difference. can be easily fixed to the inner surface of the cylindrical housing. However, the desired gas and liquid tightness can also be ensured by this system pressure.

According to another further development, it is provided that the bore and / or the tubular extension is closed by a sealing device designed as a plug, so that it can be found to be sufficient with simply designed sealing devices.

Another advantageous embodiment provides that locking projections are arranged on the cap or the tubular extension and / or the sealing device in the area of contact between the cap and the sealing device. The locking projections in a simple manner provide a non-positive movement connection between them of the sealing device and the cap, so that even if these are only plugged together, entrainment of the sealing device is achieved when the cap moves both in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing and in the circumferential direction. According to another embodiment variant, it is provided that the locking extensions are formed by ribs distributed over the circumference of the inner surface of the tubular extension and projecting into the interior and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cap. The fact that the sealing device in the area of the ribs is compressed more strongly when it is pushed into the tubular insert leads to a better spreading of the sealing device in the tubular extension and to a clawing of the ribs in the surface of the sealing device, so that it seals into In the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cap. Due to the longitudinal corrugation formed with the ribs on the inner surface of the tubular extension, entrainment of the sealing device in the circumferential direction is also improved, since the protruding ribs act in the manner of a toothing and thus the sealing device in the event of rotation of the sealing device Take the cap with you reliably in the circumferential direction.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the ends of the ribs have a sharp-edged design, as a result of which the sharp-edged ends act in the manner of barbs, thereby ensuring that the sealing device is carried along with the cap even with high tensile forces.

It is also advantageous here if the locking projections are barb-shaped, since the position of the sealing device can thus be exactly maintained not only, for example, when the cap is pulled out, but also when the cylindrical housing is pushed in and closed.

According to another embodiment, it is provided that the ribs on the side facing the end wall of the cap are provided with an end surface which is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap, as a result of which the ribs are particularly noticeable when the sealing device is pulled out of the cylindrical housing claw well in it and thus reliable removal from the cylindrical housing is achieved. However, it is also advantageous if the locking projections are arranged on the surface of the tubular extension facing the cap casing, since the surface pressure between the inner surface of the cylindrical housing and the tubular extension during the pressing or pulling out of the sealing device from the cylindrical housing, the sealing device and the locking projections are pressed firmly against one another, so that accidental slipping out of the locking projections from the sealing device is prevented.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the locking projections to be arranged on the end face of the tubular extension facing the open front end of the cap, since the locking projections can claw particularly well inside the sealing device, especially when a cap-shaped sealing device is used.

According to another embodiment, it is provided that the coupling device comprises at least two webs, which run approximately in a spiral on an inside of the cap casing, and two guide projections projecting over the surface of the cylindrical housing in the region of an open front end, and that the webs extend from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap, the Stirn¬ wall closer transverse plane to a plane extending from the more distant Quer¬ and that the beginning of the two webs and the ends of the two webs in the circumferential direction to ^'offset an opening angle of about 180 ° to each other are arranged and that guide extensions on the circumference of the cylindrical housing are arranged offset at an angle of about 180 °. With this solution it is achieved in a surprisingly simple way that the opening process has at least at the beginning and end a considerable component in the circumferential direction, which leads to a sliding or spiral opening process, and thus a jerky pulling out or opening between the sealing device and cap and thus the risk of the medication or body fluid spurting out is reliably prevented. According to another embodiment variant, it is provided that a distance between the end wall and the transverse plane closer to it is greater than a length of the guide extensions in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cap or of the cylindrical housing. It is thereby advantageously achieved that the guide extensions disengage from the grooves formed between the webs and can be rotated as desired in the circumferential direction without opening the closure device. Only when the cap is moved away from the cylinder housing in the longitudinal direction of the axis thereof, do the webs or the grooves located between them come into engagement with the guide extensions and then the closure device can be opened by further rotation. As a result, a safety lock is achieved in a simple manner, by means of which unintentional opening of the cylindrical housing is reliably avoided.

According to another embodiment, it is provided that the distance between the end wall of the cap and the transverse plane closest to it, the length of the guide extensions parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cap or the cylindrical housing plus a distance between these guide extensions and the open end side corresponds to the cylindrical housing. This makes it possible, even if the guide extensions are not arranged directly in the region of the front end of the cylindrical housing, to ensure that the guide extensions can be freely rotated in the circumferential direction in the closed state without the closure device being opened unintentionally is coming.

According to another advantageous development, it is provided that a distance between the open end face of the cylindrical housing and the circumferential sealing surface is smaller than a distance between the ends of the cylindrical housing in the region of the transverse plane which is further distant from the end wall two transverse planes, in which the webs begin and end, which ensures in a simple manner that after the adjustment of the guide extensions the cylindrical housing is reliably closed or opened in a gastight manner. So there is no need for tere inspection by the operator, but rather it is ensured that after the closure with a free rotation of the cap relative to the cylindrical housing, the gas-tight closure is achieved.

According to another embodiment, however, it is also possible that a pitch angle of the webs is different over their longitudinal course, as a result of which the course of the webs and the opening movement to the type of sealing surfaces or sealing devices used, for example O-rings, plugs or caps or the like . can be easily adjusted.

According to another further development, it is provided that a width of the guide extensions in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical housing is less than a groove width between the webs in a transverse plane running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap, since this causes jams during opening and closing between the cylindrical housing and the Can be prevented.

According to another further embodiment it is provided that three approximately spirally extending webs are provided on the inside of the cap, the beginning and end of which are offset in the circumferential direction by approximately 120 ° in the two mutually spaced transverse planes and that on the outside of the cylindrical housing, three guide projections assigned to the grooves between the individual webs are arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction by approximately 120 °. The use of spiral webs running parallel to one another results in a three-point mounting of the cap on the cylindrical housing, so that an almost central opening and closing process of the cap can be ensured.

It is advantageous furthermore, if the sealing device Schuk with the direction perpendicular to the cap sealing surface of a Silikonkaut¬ or other gas-tight rubber _s eg from Brombutylkaut- Schuk or soft-elastic plastic material, is formed, as for der¬-like sealing devices already many years of experience toward = Apparently there is medication and body fluid tolerance and, in addition, appropriate experience regarding dimensioning is available, on the one hand to achieve gas tightness and on the other hand to enable piercing with hollow needles.

Finally, it is also possible within the scope of the invention that an outer surface of the cylindrical housing is coated with a gas barrier layer from a closed end of the cylindrical housing to a region of a contact surface of the circumferential sealing surface of the sealing device. This ensures that the high gas-tightness that can be achieved with the closure devices designed according to the invention can also be ensured in the remaining area of the cylindrical housing, so that overall a long storage period of such cylindrical housings filled or evacuated with medication or body fluids is possible.

According to a further embodiment, it is also possible for the coupling device to consist of at least one coupling part which is connected in motion to the cap and a coupling part which is assigned to the latter and which

Sealing device movement-connected coupling part is formed and in particular has locking projections against rotation and / or adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical housing. As a result, the sealing device of the closure device can withstand axial loading as occurs when piercing with a larger diameter needle. In addition, the liquid stored in the tube can be removed from the tube, e.g. can be suctioned off without the closure device having to be opened.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the coupling part of the sealing device, which preferably forms the locking extension, is formed by a flange-like projection, which projects over a cylindrical sealing surface of the sealing device in the region of an end face by approximately the wall thickness of the cylindrical housing, since this means an inner diameter the tubular cap can correspond approximately to the outer diameter of the cylindrical housing, so that a the cap is properly guided during a closing and / or opening movement.

According to another embodiment variant, it is also provided that the coupling parts of the sealing device are assigned a plurality of, preferably four diametrically opposed and spaced apart on the inner circumference of the cap and projecting over this annular ring-shaped coupling parts of the tubular cap. Due to the spacing around the circumference. Coupling parts facilitate the assembly of the sealing device in the cap. This embodiment is particularly advantageous where automated assembly methods are used to close the cylindrical housing.

However, it is also advantageous if the coupling parts of the tubular cap are formed as extensions which protrude beyond the cylindrical inner surface of the cap in the direction of a longitudinal axis and form groove-shaped receiving areas which form the coupling parts formed by the flange-like attachment the sealing device. As a result, the sealing device can be held in the cap in a surprisingly simple manner in such a way that even larger axial forces, such as can occur when the sealing device is removed from the opening of the cylindrical housing, can be exerted without further fastening means in the cap must be provided for the sealing device.

It is however also possible that the coupling parts of the Dichtungsvor¬ direction by distributed over the circumference thereof and distanced vonein¬ other arranged recesses are formed and these recesses diametrically opposed _s arranged as coupling parts serving projections are arranged zuge¬. A reliable movement connection of the sealing device in the closure device is achieved by the spaced arrangement of coupling parts distributed over the circumference.

However, it is also advantageous if the groove-shaped receiving area forming the coupling part of the cap extends over an angle, that is smaller than 360 °. A surprisingly simple connection of the sealing device in the cap that is secured against rotation is thereby achieved.

According to another embodiment variant, it is also possible that a flange-like projection serving the coupling part of the sealing device extends over an angular range that is smaller than 360 ° and preferably slightly smaller than an angular range of the groove of the cap forming the coupling part . The joining of the sealing device and the cap 5 can thus be facilitated.

However, it is also possible for the coupling parts of the sealing device and / or of the cap to be formed by projections, in particular projecting over a circumferential surface, which are directed towards one another in the radial direction and are offset from one another in the circumferential direction. According to the principle of a claw coupling, the connection between the sealing device and the cap is achieved in a manner that is easy to assemble.

But it is also advantageous if the extensions in the direction of

The longitudinal axis is arranged in two vertical planes spaced apart from one another and the extensions arranged in the two arranged planes are offset from one another in the circumferential direction. This makes it possible to simplify the tools for the production of such work parts provided with extensions.

However, it is also possible for the coupling parts arranged in the region of an end opening of the cap to be formed by a plurality of finger-like extensions which are preferably evenly distributed over the circumference and arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cap and which are elastic in the radial direction. Due to the elastic adjustability of the locking projections designed in the manner of pawls, it is also surprisingly easy to use sealing devices which, for example, consist of composite materials with a highly elastic core and a resistant, ring-shaped coating. However, it is also advantageous if the finger-like extensions are integrally formed on the cap, as a result of which no additional parts are required for holding the sealing device in the cap. The cap can thus be produced inexpensively in a single operation, for example by injection molding in multiple arrangements in injection molds.

According to another embodiment variant, it is also possible for the finger-like extensions to have resilient support members, e.g. Metal springs connected to the tubular cap. As a result, the elasticity of the finger-like extensions can be easily adapted to application-specific requirements by selecting the spring force of the metal springs.

However, it is also possible for the coupling part to be formed by an attachment part which is placed on the cap and is held in the cap via a snap device. This makes it surprisingly easy to replace the sealing device after removing the top parts held in the snap device.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the attachment part to have an opening which is smaller than a diameter of the sealing device, as a result of which the attachment part forms the locking extension for the sealing device in the axial direction. Through the opening in the attachment part it is also possible to fit the sealing device with e.g. to pierce a needle for taking the medication or the body fluid out of the cylindrical housing.

According to another embodiment variant, it is also possible for the coupling part to be formed by a radially elastic, in particular C-shaped ring which has a width which is greater than a depth of a side of the sealing device facing the sealing device Cap provided groove extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The C-shaped spring washer is a surprisingly simple component for the effective one

Holder of the sealing device against unwanted axial misalignment shifts relative to the cap. It also enables the use of a hard sheathing arranged on the circumference of the sealing device. In this embodiment, it is also surprisingly easy to replace the sealing device.

However, it is also advantageous if the sealing device is formed from a composite material and preferably a highly elastic core area is arranged in an annular casing which has a higher rigidity. The advantage of designing the sealing arrangement from a composite material is that a core area of the cylindrical sealing device can be designed to be highly elastic, as a result of which reliable sealing is ensured even after the sealing device has been pierced with a needle. At the same time, the hard sheathing of the sealing device ensures that the sealing device is properly fixed and held between the locking projections arranged in the cap or molded on the cap.

It is also advantageous if the sealing device has a hardness of preferably 43 ° Shore in its core area and the area surrounding the core, in particular the coupling parts, has a hardness which is greater than 43 ° Shore. With this design, with a graded hardness between the core and the casing, the high elasticity is achieved in the core area, which enables the sealing device to be elastically closed after piercing. In addition, the harder design of the coupling parts ensures that the sealing device is fixed in a surprisingly simple manner against the effects of forces in the axial and radial directions.

For a better understanding of the invention, it will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Show it :

1 shows a closure device of a cylindrical housing designed according to the invention with coupling devices according to the invention arranged between the cap and the sealing device and the cylindrical housing as an exploded view in side view, in section;

2 shows the closure device according to FIG. 1 in plan view, cut, along lines II-II in FIG. 1;

3 shows another embodiment variant of a coupling device between the cap and a sealing device in side view using a closure device according to the invention, in section;

4 shows a further embodiment of a closure device in a side view, sectioned, with a coupling device between the cap and the sealing device designed according to the invention;

5 shows a further embodiment of a closure device designed according to the invention with a coupling device between the cap and the sealing device in side view, sectioned;

6 shows a further embodiment of a closure device according to the invention in a side view, in section;

7 shows a closure device designed according to the invention with a coupling device between the cap and the cylindrical housing, with the cap lifted off the cylindrical housing in a diagrammatic illustration, partially cut away; 8 shows an embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention between a cap and a cylindrical housing in a side view, in section;

9 shows the coupling device in plan view, sectioned, along the lines IX-IX in FIG. 8;

10 shows another embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention with webs running at different slopes in a side view, in section;

11 shows another embodiment variant of a locking device designed according to the invention with the coupling device associated therewith between the cap and the cylindrical housing in a side view;

12 shows another embodiment of a closure device according to the invention with a coupling device between the cap and the sealing device and the cylindrical housing in a side view;

13 shows another embodiment of a closure device according to the invention;

14 shows a further embodiment of a closure device in a side view, sectioned, with a coupling device configured according to the invention between the cap and the sealing device;

15 shows a further embodiment variant of a closure device designed according to the invention with a coupling device between the cap and the sealing device, in a side view; 16 shows the closure device according to FIG. 15 in a top view;

17 shows a closure device designed according to the invention with a coupling device between the cap and the sealing device in a diagrammatic representation;

18 shows the closure device according to FIG. 17 in a side view, cut;

19 shows a further embodiment variant of a closure device according to the invention with a coupling device in a side view, in section;

20 'shows a further embodiment variant of a closure device with an attachment in a side view, in section;

21 shows another embodiment of a closure device with a coupling device between the cap and the sealing device.

In Fig.l a closure device 1 for closing an open end face 2 of a cylindrical housing 3 is shown. This cylindrical housing 3 can be used, for example, as a blood sample tube 4. To close the open end face 2, the closure device 1 consists of a cap 5 comprising this open end face 2 and a sealing device 6. The cap 5 is provided with a bore 8 running concentrically to a longitudinal axis 7. To this a sodium rohrför extension 9 connects to the present embodiment, that of an end wall 10 ^"of an open end face 11 of the cap 5, and thus extends in parallel with a cap casing 12 in the direction of themselves.

A coupling device 13 between the cap 5 and the sealing device 6 consists of the tubular extension 9, a groove 14 arranged in the sealing device and on an inner surface 15 of the tubular extension 9 Locking extensions 16. In the present exemplary embodiment, the sealing device 6 is designed as a sealing cap 17 and has a circumferential sealing surface 18 and a sealing surface 20 running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7 of the cap 5 and to a longitudinal axis 19 of the cylindrical housing 3. The circumferential sealing surface 18 is one

Contact surface 21 in the interior of the cylindrical housing 3 zugeord¬ net. This cylindrical housing 3 is further provided with guide extensions 22, 23 which project over a surface 24 of the cylindrical housing 3 on the circumference and are arranged in the region of the open end face 2 thereof. These guide extensions 22, 23 are arranged together with webs 25, 26 on an inner side 27 of the cap shell 12 and run in a spiral shape. They form a coupling device 28 between the cap 5 and the cylindrical housing 3.

In FIG. 2 it is shown that the guide extensions 22, 23 are arranged approximately at an angle 29 in the size of approximately 180 ° distributed over the circumference of the cylindrical housing 3. The webs 25 and 26 extend over an opening angle 30 which is less than 180 °. Before the cylindrical housing 3 is closed with the closure device 1, the sealing device 6 is inserted into the cap 5. For this purpose, the sealing cap 17 is pushed onto the extension 9 so that it penetrates into the groove 14. When pushed onto the extension 9, the sealing cap 17 is deformed when pushed over the locking projections 16 designed as ribs 31. These ribs

31 are, as can be seen, on. see their end facing the end wall 10 with end faces 32 running approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7. As a result, the sealing cap 17 slides, which can be formed, for example, from a rubber, in particular bromobutyl rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic rubber or the like. When it is pushed in over the sharp-edged end face 32 and the locking extensions 16 set in the manner of barbs the sealing cap 17 firmly. It is thereby achieved that, in the case of large tensile forces exerted by the cap 5, the sealing cap 17 is pulled out of the cylindrical housing 3 even if it is held in the cylindrical housing 3 by high adhesive forces between the sealing surface 18 and the contact surface 21 can be without detaching from the cap 5. As can be seen better from FIG. 2, the sealing cap 17 is further deformed in the manner of a gearwheel by the ribs 31 which are distributed over the circumference of the inner surface 15. As a result, relatively high rotational forces can also be transmitted to the sealing cap 17 with the cap 5 without the latter being able to rotate relative to the cap 5. This design of the coupling device 13 now makes it possible, even if a sealing cap 17 adheres firmly to the contact surface 21 due to residues of medication or body fluids when it is inserted, by a combined rotary and longitudinal movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19 of the cyl-shaped housing 3 to solve.

In order to facilitate this opening movement, the closure device 1 also has a further coupling device 28, which, however, does not necessarily have to be arranged in connection with the illustrated embodiment of the cap 5. The function of these Kupplungsvor¬ direction 28 is such that when a pushing of the cap 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7 and 19 on the open end side of the zylin¬ derförmigen housing 3 at a corresponding rotation in the clock, the ^webs' 25,26-clockwise direction to the Guide extensions 22, 23 run up.

The cap is then pushed onto the cylindrical housing 3 by the combined rotary and longitudinal movement due to the guide of the webs 25, 26 along the guide extensions 22 and 23. This adjustment movement is continued until the guide extensions 22, 23 emerge from a lower transverse plane 33, in which they each have a start 34 of the webs 25, 26, in the region of an upper transverse plane 35, in which ends 36 of the Bars 25 and 26 are located, can be adjusted.

When opening or pulling off the cap 5 from the cylindrical housing 3, the procedure is exactly the opposite, namely by lifting the cap 5, the webs 25 and 26 are removed from a closed end 37 of the cylindrical housing 3, so that the guide extensions 23 and 22 no longer rest on an upper side 38 of the webs 25, 26, but these webs with an underside 39 rest on the guide extensions 22, 23. By further twisting the Cap 5 in the counterclockwise direction - arrow 40 - the cap 5 is now removed from the cylindrical housing 3 by a combined rotation and pressure movement. This combined rotation and pressure movement has the effect that the sealing surface 18 is not pulled off the contact surface 21 at exactly the same time, but rather obliquely, so that the cross section of the end face 2 of the cylindrical housing 3 is released abruptly, but in a grinding manner. In this way, a negative or positive pressure contained in the cylindrical housing is gradually reduced at the beginning in the course of the opening movement, so that medication or body fluid can be sprayed out as far as possible. Moreover, by guiding the cap 5 in the direction perpendicular or transverse to the longitudinal axis 7 or 19, it is prevented that, even with a large opening force, it can only be applied parallel to the longitudinal axis 7, 19 when the sealing surface 18 is away from the contact surface 21 separates, so that the risk of a sudden separation of these two surfaces is reduced. In the known closure devices, this abrupt separation occurs especially when the tensile force exerted on the cap 5 was so high that the vacuum contained in the cylindrical housing was suddenly overcome or the existing adhesive forces were exceeded. This can result in a momentary relative movement between the cap and the cylindrical housing, which usually results in the contents being washed out of the cylindrical housing.

The cylindrical housing 3 can be produced from glass or from a corresponding plastic, for example polyethylene ether phthalate or its copolymers. In order to achieve sufficient gas tightness of these cylindrical housings, it is also possible, inter alia, to apply a gas barrier layer 41 to the outer surface 24, which can be formed, for example, from a polyvinylidene chloride. This gas barrier layer is to be applied to the cylindrical housing 3 in the direction of the open end face to such an extent that the contact surface 21 or sealing surface 18 and this gas barrier layer 41 overlap. Characterized in that in the present exemplary embodiment the sealing cap 17 is formed in one piece and the includes sealing surface 18 and the vertical sealing surface 20, this sealing cap 17 also forms the gas barrier for an interior 42 of the cylindrical housing 3.

In order to allow the cap 5 to rotate freely after it is firmly placed on the cylindrical housing 3, a distance 43 between the end wall 10 and the transverse plane 35 closer to it is larger than a length 44 of the guide extensions 22. 23 parallel to the longitudinal axis 19 of the cylindrical housing 3.

As can further be seen from the drawing, in particular in FIG. 1, a thickness 45 of the annular ring of the sealing cap 17 located between the groove 14 and the sealing surface 18 is greater than half the difference between an outer diameter 46 of the

Extension 9 and an inner diameter 47 of the cylindrical housing 3. After an outer diameter of the groove 14 substantially corresponds to the outer diameter 46 of the extension 9, the sealing cap 17 cannot deflect inwards when the sealing cap 17 is pressed into the cylindrical housing 3. The oversize of the sealing cap 17 due to the greater thickness 45 must therefore be absorbed by an elastic deformation of the sealing cap 17, as a result of which a correspondingly high surface pressure is built up between the sealing surface 18 and the contact surface 21, which also allows a gas-tight closure of the interior 42 over a longer period of time.

3 shows an embodiment variant of the coupling device 13, in which 3 coupling openings 48 are arranged in a cap 5 for closing a cylinder-shaped housing. In these coupling openings 48, coupling arms 49 engage the _s over the

The sealing device 6 protrude upwards. The coupling openings 48 are distributed over the circumference of the cap 5 at the same angular distance as the coupling arms 49 on the sealing device 6. A distance 50 between the sealing surface 18 when the sealing device 6 is relaxed and the inside 27 of the cap 5 is less than a wall thickness 51 of the cylindrical housing 3. When sliding open the cap 5 on the cylindrical housing 3, the sealing device 6, as shown in full lines, is compressed and deformed, so that a gas-tight seal between the interior 42 and ambient air is produced. As further shown schematically, the sealing surface 18 of the sealing device 6 can be provided with longitudinal slots 52. These have the effect that, before the sealing device 6 exits the cylindrical housing, air can already enter the interior 42 through the longitudinal slots 52 and pressure equalization takes place. If the sealing device 6 is then completely pulled out of the cylindrical housing, the medication or the body fluid does not spill over.

Of course, this arrangement of the longitudinal slots 52 can also be used in all the other exemplary embodiments and sealing devices shown in connection with the present description, and is not linked to the illustrated embodiment.

By using the coupling arms 49 which are locked in the coupling openings 48, the sealing device 6 is firmly connected to the cap 5 both in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 7 of the cap 5 and in the circumferential direction.

Even with combined rotary and pulling movements, an exact movement connection between the cap 5 and the sealing device 6 is achieved, thereby making it easier to open or remove the closure device 1.

4 shows an embodiment variant in which the cylindrical housing 3 is in turn sealed by the interaction of the cap 5 with the sealing device 6. In this case, the cap 5 is provided with a tubular extension 9, as shown, for example, with the aid of the representations in FIGS. 1 and 2. The sealing device 6 is pushed over the tubular extension 9 and is designed approximately in the manner of a sealing cap 17. The coupling device 13 between the cap 5 and the sealing Device 6 further includes locking projections 16 which are designed in the manner of barbs 53. Namely, they essentially consist of tips directed against the end wall 10 of the cap 5, which drill holes when the sealing device 6 is pushed in the direction of the end wall 10 onto the tubular extension 9 into the interior of the sealing device 6, and thus the position of the sealing device 6 clearly set in relation to the cap 5.

5 shows another embodiment variant of the coupling device 13 between the cap 5 and the sealing device 6. In this case, locking projections 16 are arranged on an end of a tubular extension 9 projecting in the direction of the open end 11 of the cap 5, into which a coupling disk 54, the anchoring 55 of which is injected or cast into the sealing device 6, engages. This makes it possible for the clutch disc 54 to be fixed in its position relative to the extension 9 both against movements in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 7 and also in the circumferential direction by pushing the clutch disc 54 onto the extension 9 and subsequent rotation.

6 shows an embodiment variant in which the sealing device 6 is formed by two different sealing elements 56 and 57. The sealing elements 57 form the circumferential sealing surface 18, while the sealing element 56 forms the sealing surface running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7. As indicated schematically, grooves 58, which support the sealing elements 57 designed as 0-rings, can be provided with transverse ribs 59 or a corrugation, so that when they are between the cylindrical housing 3 and the tubular extension 9 of the cap 5 are pinched, rotate with it when the cap 5 is turned.

Furthermore, it can also be seen from this illustration that the cap 5 is provided with webs 25, 26 in order to enable careful opening and closing of a cylindrical housing 3 via this coupling device 28. 7 shows an embodiment of a coupling device 28 between a cap 5 and a cylindrical housing 3 in a diagram. It can be seen from this illustration that the beginning 34 of the webs 25, 26 is arranged on a transverse plane 33, while the ends 36 are located on a transverse plane 35. The beginning of the web 25 or 26 and the end 36 are each offset by approximately 180 ° in the circumferential direction of the cap 5. Guide projections 22 and 23 are assigned to the two webs 25 and 26 and project over an outer surface 24 of the cylindrical housing 3, for example a blood test tube 4. If the cap 5 is pushed along the longitudinal axis 7 in the direction of an arrow 60 onto the cylindrical housing 3 and slightly rotated, the guide extensions 22 and 23 come after the cap has been pushed onto the cylindrical housing 3 up to the transverse plane 33 engages with the webs 25 and 26. If the cap 5 is rotated in the clockwise direction - arrow 61 - its end wall 10 moves it ever closer to the guide extensions 22, 23 until it has passed the end 36 of the webs 25, 26 in the region of the transverse plane 35 . In this position, the cap 5 can now be rotated as desired. As long as it is not removed from the cylindrical housing 3 and the guide extensions 22 and 23 come to rest on the underside 39 of the webs 25, 26, the cap 5 cannot be removed. If, on the other hand, the guide extensions 22, 23 come to rest on the underside 39 of the webs 25, 26 and the cap 5 is rotated counterclockwise, and thus in the opposite direction to the arrow 61, the end wall 10 of the cap 5 is replaced by the guide extensions 22 and 23 moved away, ie the closure device 1 is opened. As already described in the above exemplary embodiments, the cap 5 also has a bore 8 through which an injection needle or the like is used. access to the interior 42 of the cylindrical housing 3 is possible. The

However, drilling can be omitted in the event that removal of the liquid should only be possible after opening the cap 5. Likewise, the cap 5 can be coupled to a sealing device 6 by means of this bore 8 or in any other manner according to the exemplary embodiments described above an airtight closure of the cylindrical housing is also possible.

8 and 9 show an embodiment variant of a closure device 1 in which the coupling device 28 has three webs 25, 26 and 62. As can now be seen from the overview of FIGS. 8 and 9, the webs 25, 26 and 62 each extend over an angular range of approximately 270 °. Each of the webs 25, 26, 62 is assigned a guide extension 22, 23 and 63, which is connected in one piece to the cylindrical housing 3, for example a blood test tube, or is molded onto it or is produced by a special shaping, for example a subsequent hot deformation . The individual guide extensions 22, 23 and 63 are offset in the circumferential direction by an angle 64 of approximately 120 °. The same applies approximately to the beginning 34 of the webs 25, 26 and 62. In this embodiment, the sealing device 6 is both the circumferential sealing surface 18 and the sealing surface 20 running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7 , positively connected to the cap jacket 12. This form-fitting connection is achieved by injecting another plastic with highly elastic properties for the manufacture of the sealing device 6 into the mold during the injection molding process for the manufacture of the cap shell 12 with the end wall 10. This results in a fusion process between the two types of material in the area of a seam 65 indicated by a serrated line. Of course, it is also possible, however, that the sealing device 6, after the cap 5 has been produced, is injected into the bore 8 in a separate injection process Cap 5 is injected or foamed. It is also possible, among other things, for this sealing device 6 to be made of a plastic foam, for example a polyvinylidene chloride show or a polyurethane foam or the like. is formed. It is only essential that the plastic used has sufficient gas tightness and elasticity to enable a gas-tight closure of the cylindrical housing 3 or the blood sample tube 4. 10 shows an embodiment in which a cap 5 is in turn provided with a sealing device 6 integrally formed thereon. In the cap 5 webs 25, 26 are arranged, the beginning 34 of which are arranged on a transverse plane 33 and the ends 36 of which are arranged on a transverse plane 35. In contrast to the previously described embodiment variants, however, a pitch angle 66.67 of the webs 25.26 is different over their course. Thus, the pitch angle 66 runs relatively flat in the start and end region of the webs 25, 26, ie approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7 of the cap 5, while it runs very steeply between these regions, that is to say almost parallel to the longitudinal axis 7. This results in a relatively short angle of rotation for opening and closing the cap 5, but it is also ensured in this case that before the sealing device 6 is finally pulled out of the blood sample tube 4, an exclusive movement of the cap 5 parallel to the longitudinal axis 7 is prevented until the circumferential sealing surface 18 of the sealing device 6 has detached from the contact surface 21 in the cylindrical housing. The pitch angle 66 and the length of the webs 25, 26 are measured such that this separation of the sealing surface 18 from the contact surface 21 is accomplished before the guide extensions 22, 23 end 36 of the

Have reached webs 25.26.

11 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which three webs 25, 26 and 62 are arranged in a cap 5. The arrangement of the webs and their circumferential length over which this

Extend webs, as shown, for example, with the illustration in FIGS. The webs 25, 26, 62 arranged in the cap 5 are assigned guide extensions, of which only the guide extension 22 on the cylindrical housing 3 can be seen. This guide extension 22 is arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis 19 of the cylindrical housing 3 by a distance 68 from an end face 2 of the cylindrical housing 3. This distance 68 corresponds to a distance 69 between the end wall 10 of the cap 5 and the transverse plane 35 or is slightly smaller. This ensures that even if the transverse plane 35 is distanced to a greater extent from the end wall 10, a corresponding arrangement the circumferential sealing surface 18 can be brought into engagement with the contact surface 21 in the cylindrical housing 3. As can further be seen from this illustration, two different sealing elements 70, 71 are arranged for producing the sealing surface 20 running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and for producing the circumferential sealing surface 18. The sealing element 71 is designed in the manner of a stop ice, which is secured by a corresponding design of the bore 8 in the end wall 10 against falling out in both directions when subjected to a force from outside. The sealing element 71 is foamed or sprayed on, for example, on a tubular extension 9 which adjoins the bore 8. This foaming or spraying can take place simultaneously with the manufacture of the cap 5 or separately therefrom. With such a separation of the sealing surface 18 from the sealing surface 20 and the use of two different sealing elements, care must be taken that the tubular extension 9 is also appropriately gas-tight or is provided with a gas barrier layer 41 so that gas entry or - Leaving through the plastic of this part is sufficiently prevented.

An embodiment is shown in FIG. 12, in which the coupling device for connecting the cap 5 to the sealing device 6 has the sealing surface 18 as well as the sealing surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 19 in the present case surface 20 has a dome protruding from the end wall 10 of the cap 5 in the direction of its open end 11! arms 72, which engage in coupling openings 73 of the sealing device 6, is formed. As a result, the sealing device 6 is connected to the cap 5 in a manner fixed in terms of movement both in the case of movements in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19 and in the circumferential direction. An interior 42 is in the hole 8 in the

Cap 5 accessible.

Of embodiment is purely diagrammatic even hinted _"in this embodiment that a further Kuppl ungsvorrichtung 28 with ridges 25,26 to Arre- the cap 5 animals on a Zyli Direction-shaped housing 3, for s- as a housing of an injection syringe or on a blood sample tube 4 can be provided.

Of course, it is possible within the scope of the invention to use the details described for the individual exemplary embodiments optionally in the different exemplary embodiments and to use caps 5 both with the coupling device 13 between the sealing device 6 and the cap 5 and with coupling device 28 between the cap 5 and the cap 5 to arrange cylindrical housing 3 or the blood sample tube 4 or a housing of an injection syringe or another vessel.

Of course, the two coupling devices 13 and 28 can also be completely independent of each other only for such caps 5 or closures for containers

Intake of medication, food, body fluids, cleaning agents or the like be used. Above all, the use of such coupling devices is advantageous wherever a gas-tight seal is to be achieved and there is a risk that, due to the gas-tight seal, the contents will spurt out, especially when opened, and thus cause infections, infections or burns can come.

Of course, it is possible within the scope of the invention that the sealing device 6 or the sealing elements 56, 57 or 70, 71 are connected to the cap 5 via an adhesive layer. Furthermore, it is also possible that in the other exemplary embodiments shown, for example, the coupling arms 72 can be glued in the coupling openings 73 or the coupling arms 49 in the coupling openings 48.

FIG. 13 also shows an embodiment in which the webs 25 or 26 and 62 are arranged on the cylindrical housing 3. The webs can be molded directly into the cylindrical housing 3 during the manufacturing process or can be produced by subsequent thermal deformation. The guide extensions 22, 23 and 63 assigned to these webs 25, 26 and 62 protrude inward beyond the cap jacket 12. An inner diameter 74 of the cap jacket 12 is larger than a maximum outer diameter 75 of the cylindrical housing 3 in the region of the webs 25, 26 and 62.

A length 76 of the guide extensions 22, 23 and 63 projecting inward beyond the cap jacket 12 is less than half of a difference between the inner diameter 74 and the outer diameter 75. This ensures that the guide extensions 22, 23, 63 and the webs 25 , 26, 62 overlap one another, so that guidance of the guide extensions 22, 23, 63 along the webs 25, 26 and 62 is possible.

The function of opening and closing the cylindrical housing 3 with the closure device 1 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment is as follows:

The cap 5 with the guide extensions 22, 23, 63 is moved towards the cylindrical housing 3 by a movement in the direction of arrow 60, that is to say in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19, and in the direction of the cylindrical housing 3 with a slight application of force an arrow 77 rotated. As a result, the guide extensions 22, 23, 63 come to rest on the underside 39 of the webs 25, 26, 62. By further turning in the direction of arrow 77, the cap 5 is on the cylindrical housing in the direction of the arrow

60 raised. If the ends 36 of the webs 25, 26, 62 are now reached, the cap 5 can be rotated continuously and ratchets with its guide extensions 22, 23, 63 over the ends 36 of the webs 25, 26, 62.

If the closure device 1 is to be opened, the cap 5 is to be rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow 77 and thereby be moved relative to the cylindrical housing 3 against the direction of the arrow 60 or lifted off from it. As a result, when the cap 5 is rotated relative to the cylindrical housing 3, the guiding forces run against the direction of the arrow 60. 22,23,63 on the top 38 of the webs 25,26,62 and the cap is pulled out of the cylindrical housing 3 when it is turned further in the direction of arrow 77. If the selection of the sealing device 6, as already shown in FIG. 10, has now been made such that an overlap area between the sealing surface 18 and the contact surface 21 in the cylindrical housing 3 is less than a slope between the beginning and end 34 or 36 transverse planes 33 and 35, then the interior 42 of the cylindrical housing is released as long as free movement of the cap 5 against the direction of arrow 60 is not possible. This prevents the plug from suddenly being pulled out of the cylindrical housing 3 by a momentary strong tensile force in the direction opposite the arrow 60, and the contents being sprayed out by the resulting vacuum.

Just for the sake of order, it should also be noted that a groove width 78 between the webs 25, 26, 62 running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7 of the cap 5 or 19 of the cylindrical housing 3 is greater than a width 79 of the guide extensions 22, 23 , 63, as can be seen more clearly from FIGS. 8 and 9. If the width 79 is chosen too large, jamming between the guide extensions and the webs can occur when opening and closing. These jams can be reduced if the edges of the extensions are rounded off or these extensions are designed, for example, in the form of a spherical cap.

14 shows an embodiment variant ^" in which the cylindrical housing 3 is sealed by the sealing device 6 arranged in the cap 5 in the coupling part 80. The sealing device 6 is designed approximately in the manner of a cup and has a coupling part 81 a flange-shaped locking extension 16 with a diameter 82 which is approximately twice the wall thickness 51 of the cylindrical housing 3 larger than a diameter 83 of a cylindrical sealing surface 18 adjoining the locking extension. The tubular cap receiving the sealing device 6 5 has an inner diameter which is essentially Lichen corresponds to the diameter 82 of the flange-shaped locking extension 16 and thus approximately to a diameter 84 of the cylindrical housing 3. In an end region of the tubular cap 5 are spaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19 by the width 85 of the flange

5-shaped locking extension 16 of the sealing device 6 coupling parts 81, for example annular extensions 86, 87 are arranged, which protrude beyond the cylindrical inner surface of the cap 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19 and delimit a groove-shaped receiving area 88 for the locking extension 16. An inner diameter of an opening 89 of the extensions 86, 87 corresponds approximately to the diameter 83 of the cylindrical housing 3. The diameter 84 of the cylindrical housing 3 protrudes evenly on the circumference in a vertical plane to the longitudinal axis 19, for example at an angular distance of 120 ° Füh¬ approximately extensions 22, these guide projections 22 are, as already Toggle 5 hand of Fig.l described spiral guideways 90 at the zyl nderfö ^'r igen inner surface of the cap 5 is associated, together, the coupling device 28 cylindrical for the closure device 1 with the Form housing 3. To remove a drug or a body fluid from the cylindrical housing 3 can

20, the closure device 1 can be released from the cylindrical housing 3 without jerky movement by making a counter-rotating movement of the cap 5 and the sealing device 6, in accordance with arrows 91, 92. The contents of the cylindrical housing 3 can also be read using a cannula 93 shown in dashed lines

E5 the piercing of the sealing device 6 are sucked out of the cylindrical housing. The axial forces which occur when the cannula 93 is pierced and pulled out of the sealing device 6 are absorbed by the flange-like locking extension 16 of the sealing device 6 and the extensions 86, 87 of the cap 5. In order to

3Q, the closure device 1 is particularly suitable for automated blood analysis apparatuses, such as are often used in laboratories and hospitals.

Through the interlocking coupling part 80, 81, namely the 3ir locking extension 16 and the groove-shaped receiving area 88, a achieved firm retention between the cap 5 and the sealing device 6 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19.

As can also be seen from the illustration in FIG. 14, recesses can be provided on the circumference of the locking extension 16 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19, to which rib-like connecting webs between the extensions 86, 87 are assigned, which are connected to the recesses in the locking extension 16 form a gear connection. Thus, in addition to the holder in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19, a rotational movement connection is also achieved between the sealing device 6 and the cap 5, so that when the cylindrical housing 3 is opened by unscrewing the closure device 1, the sealing device 6 also pulls the rotating movement of the cap 5 and so on Any gluing of the sealing surfaces 18 to the inner wall of the cylindrical housing 3 is released gently for the sealing device 6.

Another embodiment variant of the closure device 1 for a cylindrical housing 3 is shown in FIGS. Here, the flange-shaped locking extension 16 of the sealing device 6 is coupling parts 94, formed by extensions 95, 96

Assigned cap 5, which form the receiving area 88 for the flange-like locking extension 16 of the sealing device 6. The extensions 95, 96 are arranged in the form of an annular segment on the inner circumference of the cap 5 and project in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19 and form a circular opening 89 with a diameter which corresponds approximately to the inner diameter 83 ^{* of} the cylindrical housing 3. The coupling parts are preferably composed of four extensions 95 arranged at an angular distance of 90 °, the total inner circumferential length of which is smaller than the eighth part of the circumference of the circle circumscribed by the extensions 95, which corresponds to the inner diameter 83 of the cylindrical housing 3. The radial symmetry axes 97, 98 of the coupling parts 94 are arranged at an angular distance 99, which corresponds to approximately 45 °. The intermediate space formed by the described arrangement of the coupling parts 94 facilitates the assembly of the sealing device 6, but the mounting of the flange-like locking extension 16 of the sealing device 6 against axial displacement as a result of an axial force acting through the adhesive force between a cannula 93 and the sealing device 6.

17 and 18 also show an embodiment variant in which the coupling part 81, formed as a flange-like locking extension 16, of the sealing device 6 in the cap 5 is provided by finger-like coupling parts 80 which are evenly distributed around the circumference and arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 19 of the cap 5 and serve as coupling parts 80 Extensions 100 is supported. The tubular cap 5 has an annular

Approach 101, which protrudes from the cylindrical inner circumference of the cap in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19, wherein an inner diameter of the opening 89 delimited by the approach 101 corresponds approximately to the inner diameter 83 of the cylindrical housing 3 and finger-like extensions 100 connected to the cap 5 in one piece. These are further limited by a distance 102, which corresponds approximately to the width of the flange-shaped locking extension 16 of the sealing device 6, from contact surfaces 103 arranged on the projection 101. The flange-like locking extension 16 of the sealing device 6 is held between the attachment 101 and the contact surface 103. An opening 104, which is enclosed by the finger-like extensions 100 and is arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis 19, widens conically in the direction of an end face 105 of the cap 5 opposite the cylindrical housing 3, a diameter 106 roughly corresponding to the outer diameter of the flange-shaped locking extension 16 corresponds. Due to the elasticity of the material of the cap 5 or the finger-like extensions 100 forming the coupling parts 80, 81, a radial elasticity of the extensions 100 is achieved. As a result, the insertion of the sealing device 6 into the receiving region 88 of the cap 5 is considerably facilitated, which also makes it possible without further ado to make the sealing device 6 from multi-component material, for example with a highly elastic core and a resistant, harder sheathing, for example in the area of the flange-like locking extension 16 and to press this sealing device 6, which is very resistant to an axial displacement, into the receiving area 88. As also shown in dashed lines in Fig. 18, the radial elasticity of the finger-like extensions 100 can be achieved or changed by a material weakening in the area of the extension 101 and by an annular spring element inserted in a groove on the outer circumference.

FIG. 19 shows a further embodiment variant of a closure device 1 with a sealing device 6. The sealing device 6 has a coupling part 81, e.g. a flange-shaped locking projection 16, to which a projection 101 projecting from the inner surface of the cap 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19 is assigned as a coupling part 80. In this embodiment variant, a ring-shaped front end 107, as shown in dashed lines in the illustration, is formed in a bead shape in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19 following the insertion of the sealing device 6. This transformation can e.g. done thermally with a cap 5 made of thermoplastic material. This reshaping forms the receiving area 88 for the flange-like locking extension 16 of the sealing device 6, which secures the immovable positioning in the axial direction. As further shown in Fig. 19 by dash-dotted lines, the axial securing of the sealing device

6 by a resilient ring 109 inserted in a groove 108 arranged in the cylindrical inner surface of the cap 5.

Another embodiment variant for a closure device 1 is shown in FIG. A tubular cap 5 has a cylindrical receiving area 110, which is delimited at a distance 111 from the front end 107 by the shoulder 101. The flange-shaped locking extension 16 of the sealing device 6 is arranged in this receiving area 110. The front end 107 of the cap 5 encompasses an approximately bow-shaped attachment part 112 which engages like a catch in receptacles 113 arranged diametrically opposite on the outer circumference of the cap 5. The attachment part 112 has an opening 104 concentric to the longitudinal axis 19, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the flange-shaped locking extension 16 of the sealing device 6 and corresponds approximately to the inner diameter 83 of the cylindrical housing 3. This variant is also it is possible to insert a sealing device 6 made of multi-component material with, for example, a hard, resistant sheathing in the area of the flange-like locking extension 16, the attachment part 112 to be retrofitted ensuring the axial immovability of the sealing device 6, for example when the cannula 93 is pulled out after removal the content from the cylindrical housing 3 secures.

1 shows a further embodiment variant of a closure device 1 for a cylindrical housing 3, in which an essentially cylindrical sealing device 6, the diameter of which is slightly larger than that, is arranged in a cap 5 for closing the cylindrical housing 3 inner diameter 83 of the cylindrical housing 3. lugs 101, which protrude from the cylindrical inner surface of the tubular cap 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 19 and are spaced apart from one another on the circumference, form coupling parts 94 for the cap 5 with the sealing device 6, wherein a distance 114 is smaller than the inner diameter 83 of the cylindrical housing 3. The coupling parts 94 are assigned in the outer surface of the sealing device 6 in a position that corresponds to the coupling parts 94 and are formed by recesses coupling parts 81, thereby fixing the sealing device 6 is achieved in the cap 5 both when a force is applied in the direction of a double arrow 115 and also against rotation about the longitudinal axis 19.

In the context of the invention it is also possible for the coupling parts to be formed by an annular circumferential groove in the sealing device 6. With such a design, however, there is only an axial movement connection between the sealing device 6 and the cap 5, i.e. this connection is not secured against twisting.

Furthermore, for easier assembly of the sealing device 6 in the cap 5, it is possible to couple the coupling parts 94 at an angle 116 and to form a conical end face 117 of the sealing device 6 facing the cylindrical housing 3.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Closure device for an end face of a particularly evacuable cylindrical housing with a cap comprising the end face of the cylindrical housing, with an end wall in which a bore is arranged and with a sealing device arranged between the bore and an interior of the cylindrical housing, characterized in that that the cap (5) is connected via a coupling device (13, 28) to the sealing device (6) and / or to the cylindrical housing (3).

2. Closure device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing device (6) one of an inner contact surface (21) of the cylindrical housing (3) associated with circumferential sealing surface (18) and a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (19) of the cylindrical Ge housing (3 ) has sealing surface (20).

3. Closure device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the annular circumferential and the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (19) of the cylindrical housing (3) extending sealing surface (18,20) on different sealing elements (56,57; 70th , 71) of the sealing device (6) are arranged.

4. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the circumferential sealing surface (18) having sealing element (71) forms part of the cap (5).

5. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coupling device (13) through the sealing device (6) projecting coupling arms (49) and arranged in the cap coupling openings (48) and the coupling arms (49) are engaged in the coupling openings (48).

6. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the coupling device (13) by means of the end wall (10) of the cap (5) in the direction of the open end end (11) of the same projecting coupling arms (72) and coupling openings (73) arranged in the sealing device (6) are formed.

7. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling device (13) by a to the bore (8) in the cap (5) adjoining tubular extension (9) ^', which is parallel to cylindrical cap jacket (12) extends in the direction of the open end (11) of the cap (5) and an annular groove (14) arranged concentrically to the extension (9) is arranged in the sealing device (6) and a middle one The diameter of the groove (14) and the extension (9) is approximately the same size and the extension (9) is inserted into the groove (14).

8. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sealing device (6) with the circumferential sealing surface (18) is formed by an O-ring which is attached to the Bore (8) in the end wall (10) of the cap (5) adjoining tubular extension (8) is arranged on the side facing the cap jacket (12), preferably in a groove (58) provided in the extension.

9. closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the circumferential sealing surface (18) by several in direction of the longitudinal axis (7) of the cap (5) hi nter¬ egg O-rings arranged one another are formed.

10. closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the tubular extension (9) on its side facing away from the wall (10) of the cap (5) a sealing cap (17) forming the sealing device (6) is closed, which is provided with the circumferential and the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (19) sealing surface (18, 20). -

11. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a difference between a minimum inner diameter of the cap shell (12) and a maximum outer diameter (46) of the tubular extension (9) is smaller than a wall thickness (51) of the cylindrical housing (3).

12. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a difference between the minimum inner diameter of the cap shell (12) and a maximum outer diameter of the peripheral sealing surface (18) is smaller than the wall thickness (51) of the cylindrical housing (3).

13. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the bore (8) and or or the tubular extension (9) is closed by a sealing device (6) designed as a plug.

14. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that on the cap (5) or the tubular extension (9) and / or the sealing device (6) in the contact area between the cap (5th ) and the sealing device (6) locking projections (16) are arranged.

15. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the locking projections (16) distributed over the circumference of the inner surface (15) of the tubular extension (9), projecting into the interior, parallel to the longitudinal axis (19) of the cap (5) extending ribs (31) are formed.

16. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the ends of the ribs (31) are sharp-edged.

17. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the locking projections (16) are designed in the manner of a hook.

18. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the ribs (31) on the end wall (18) of the cap (5) facing side with an approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (7) of the cap ( 5) extending end face (32) are provided.

19. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the locking projections (16) on the surface of the tubular extension (9) facing the cap jacket (12) are arranged.

20. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the locking projections (16) on the open end (11) _. the end face of the tubular extension (9) facing the cap (5) are arranged.

21. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the coupling device (28) zu¬ at least two on an inside (27) of the cap shell (12) approximately spirally extending webs (25, 26) and two over the Surface of the cylindrical housing (3) in the region of an open front end on the circumferential projecting guide extensions (22,23) and that the webs (25,26) from a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap (5), the end wall (10) approach Extend transverse plane (35) to a transverse plane (33) further away from this and that the beginning (34) of the two webs (25, 26) and the ends (36) of the two webs

(25, 26) are arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction by an opening angle (30) of approximately 180 ° and that guide extensions (22, 23) on the circumference of the cylindrical housing (3) are arranged offset at an angle (29) of approximately 180 ° .

22. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that a distance (43) between the end wall (10) and the transverse plane (35) closer thereto is greater than a length (44) of the guide extensions (22, 23rd ) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (7) of the cap (5) or the cylindrical housing (3).

23. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the distance (43) between the end wall (10) of the cap (5) and the transverse plane (35) closest to it, the length (44) of the guide extensions (22 , 23) parallel to the longitudinal axis (7) of the cap (5) or the cylindrical housing (3) plus a distance (68) between these guide extensions (22, 23) and the open end face (22) of the cylindrical housing (3) corresponds.

24. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that a distance between the open end face (2) of the cylindrical housing (3) and the circumferential sealing surface (18) in the region of the end wall (10) further spaced transverse plane (33) arranged guide extensions (22,23) of the cylindrical housing (3) is smaller than a distance between the two transverse planes (33,35) in which the webs (25,26,62) begin and end.

25. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that a pitch angle (66,67) of the webs (25,26,62) is different over their longitudinal course.

26. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that a width (79) of the guide extensions (22, 23, 63) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical housing (3) is less than a groove width (79) between the webs (25, 26, 62) in a transverse plane (33, 35) running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (7) of the cap (5).

27. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that on the inside (27) of the cap (5) three approximately spiral webs (25, 26, 62) are provided, the beginning (34) and end of which (36) are offset in the circumferential direction by approximately 120 ° in the two mutually spaced transverse planes (33, 35) and that on the outside of the cylindrical housing (3) three the grooves between the individual webs (25, 26, 62) assigned guide extensions (22, 23, 63) are arranged at a distance of approximately 120 ° from one another in the circumferential direction.

28. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the sealing device (6) with the perpendicular to the cap (5) extending sealing surface (20) made of a silicone rubber or other gas-tight rubber, e.g. is made of bromobutyl rubber or flexible plastic.

29. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that an outer surface of the cylindrical housing (3) from a closed end (37) of the cylindrical housing (3) to a region of a contact surface (21) of the circumferential Sealing surface (18) of the sealing device (6) is coated with a gas barrier layer (41).

30. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the coupling device (13, 28) consists of at least one coupling part (80, 81, 94) which is movement-connected to the cap (5) and one associated with it and with the sealing device (6) is formed in connection with the movement-connected coupling part (81) and in particular has locking projections (16) against rotation and / or displacement in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical housing (3).

31. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the coupling part (80, 81) of the sealing device (6), which preferably forms the locking extension (16), is formed by a flange-like extension which forms a cylindrical • The sealing surface (18) of the sealing device (6) in the area of an end surface projects approximately by the wall thickness (51) of the cylindrical housing (3).

32. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the coupling parts of the sealing device (6) several, preferably four diametrically opposite and spaced apart on the inner circumference of the cap (5) and arranged above this projecting circular ring segment-shaped coupling parts (94) of the tubular cap (5) are assigned.

33. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the coupling parts (80) of the tubular cap (5) are formed as extensions (86, 87) which over the cylindrical inner surface of the cap (5) project in the direction of a longitudinal axis (19) and form groove-shaped receiving areas (88) which hold the coupling parts (81) of the sealing device (6) formed by the flange-like extension.

34. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that the coupling parts (81) of the sealing device (6) are formed by recesses distributed over their circumference and spaced apart from one another and these recesses are arranged opposite projections serving as coupling parts are.

35. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the coupling part (80) of the cap (5) forming groove-shaped receiving area (88) extends over an angle which is less than 360 °.

36. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that a coupling part (81) of the sealing device (6) serving flange-like extension extends over an angular range which is smaller than 360 ° and preferential is slightly smaller than an angular range of the groove of the cap (5) forming the coupling part (80).

37. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 36, characterized in that the coupling parts (80, 81) of the sealing device (6) and / or the cap (5) by projections (86, 87) projecting over a peripheral surface in particular. are formed, which are directed towards one another in the radial direction and offset from one another in the circumferential direction.

38. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that the extensions (86, 87) are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis (19) in two vertical planes spaced apart from one another and the projections arranged in the two planes ( 86,87) are offset from one another in the circumferential direction.

39. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that the coupling parts (80) arranged in the region of an end-side opening of the cap (5) are provided by a plurality, preferably evenly distributed over the circumference and parallel to the longitudinal axis (19). the cap (5) arranged finger-like and in the radial direction elastic extensions (100) are formed.

40. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 39, characterized in that the finger-like extensions (100) are integrally formed on the cap (5).

41. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 40, characterized in that the finger-like extensions (100) via resilient support members, e.g. Metal springs connected to the tubular cap (5).

42. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 41, characterized in that the coupling part by one the cap (5) is attached to the attachment part (112) which is held in the cap (5) by a snap device.

43. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 42, characterized in that the attachment part (112)

Has opening (104) which is smaller than a diameter of the sealing device (6).

44. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 43, characterized in that the coupling part is formed by a radially elastic, in particular C-shaped ring (109) which has a width which is greater than a depth one on the side of the sealing device (6). Cap (5) provided groove (108) extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

45. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 44, characterized in that the sealing device (6) is formed from a composite material and preferably a highly elastic core area is arranged in an annular casing having a higher rigidity.

46. Closure device according to one or more of claims 1 to 45, characterized in that the sealing device (6) has a hardness of preferably 43 ° Shore in its core region and the region surrounding the core, in particular the coupling parts, a hardness which is greater than 43 ° Shore.

' Set of reference symbols

1 closing device 41 gas barrier layer

2 front 42 interior

3 cylindrical housing 43 distance

4 blood test tubes 44 length

5 cap 45 thickness

6 sealing device 46 outer diameter

7 longitudinal axis 47 inner diameter

8 Hole 48 clutch opening

9 extension 49 coupling arm

10 end wall 50 distance

11 end face 51 wall thickness

12 cap jacket 52 longitudinal slot

13 coupling device 53 barbs

14 Groove 54 clutch disc

15 surface 55 anchoring

16 locking extension 56 sealing element

17 sealing cap 57 sealing element

18 sealing surface 58 groove

19 longitudinal axis 59 transverse rib

20 sealing surface 60 arrow

21 contact surface 61 arrow

22 guide extension 62 bridge

23 guide extension 63 guide extension

24 surface 64 angle

25 bridge 65 seam

26 bridge 66 pitch angle

27 Inside 67 pitch angle

28 coupling device 68 distance

29 angle 69 distance

30 opening angle 70 sealing element

31 rib 71 sealing element

32 face 72 coupling arm

33 transverse plane 73 clutch opening

34 beginning 74 inside diameter

35 transverse plane 75 outer diameter

36 end 76 length

37 end 77 arrow

38 top 78 groove width

39 bottom 79 width

40 arrow 80 coupling part 81 coupling part 82 diameter

83 diameter

84 diameter

85 width

86 continuation

87 continuation

88 Recording area

10 89 opening 90 guideway

91 arrow

92 arrow

15 93 cannula

94 coupling part 95 extension

96 extension 20 97 axis of symmetry

98 axis of symmetry

99 angular distance

100 continuation

25 101 Approach

102 distance

103 investment area

104 opening

105 end face 30

106 diameter

107 hours

108 groove

109 ring

35 110 Recording area

111 distance

112 attachment part

113 recording 40 ^" 114 distance

115 double arrow

116 angles

117 forehead