AT504003A1 - UNIVERSAL CLOSURE DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

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The invention relates to a universal closure device for openings of Probenbehältem, each having different cross-sections, as described in the claims 1,47,68 and 77.

In previously known closure devices, it was common for a subsequent reclosure of the opening, a closure device has been used, which was to be selected depending on the size of the opening to be closed. In this case, this has on the shaft part in the direction of the longitudinal axis of each other distanced and continuous over the circumference formed sealing elements which form the sealing closure when inserted into the opening to be closed. This represents a high logistic effort especially in the field of automated sample analysis.

The present invention has for its object to provide a universal closure device for openings of Probenbehältem, each having different cross sections, which ensure at least a liquid-tight closure of the opening in pre-definable dimensional limits.

This object of the invention is achieved in that a plurality of mutually separate first sealing elements are arranged on the shaft part on the side facing away from the head part in the circumferential direction of the shaft part. The surprising advantage resulting from the features of claim 1 lies in the fact that the sealing elements are arranged circumferentially on the shaft part of the closure device one behind the other and can be done by the separate arrangement during the insertion of the closure device mutual relative displacement between the immediately adjacent sealing elements. It is thus possible, on the one hand, to close a plurality of openings with mutually different cross-sectional dimensions with a single closure device N2005 / 04100

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and on the other hand to achieve a secure fit or a sufficient hold the Verschlussvomch-device in the closed position. As a result of the intermediate space formed, even if it is designed to be very minimal, a flow-through opening is created for the compressed air during the closing process and it can escape from the interior space between the sample contents in the sample container and the closure device used. This further prevents accidental pushing out of the closure device from the opening. In addition, at least one liquid-tight closure of the opening is thereby achieved in the closed position and, when the sample container falls over, an escape of the sample contents, especially if this is formed by a liquid, such as a body fluid, in particular blood or its cellular constituents , Furthermore, it is also prevented during the storage of the samples until their destruction, an entry of dirt or other particles.

Also advantageous is a further embodiment according to claim 2, as this ensures an even safer passage of air between the individual sealing elements in the course of the insertion movement.

It is also advantageous embodiment according to claim 3, as this is the possibility for the escape of the compressed air even during the insertion movement at a sealing end against the lateral surface of the sample container still created.

Due to the design according to claim 4 or 5, it is possible that thereby a simple to produce closure device is provided, which can be made in an injection molding of plastic.

According to another embodiment variant according to claim 6 or 7, the insertion movement of the closure device is facilitated in the opening and additionally favors the mutual relative displacement between the individual sealing elements.

Also advantageous is a development according to claim 8 or 9, since on the one hand the inherent rigidity of the sealing elements and on the other hand, the possible overlap path of the N2005 / 04100 -3- individual, directly juxtaposed sealing elements can be set in the closed or insertion position.

In the embodiment according to claim 10, it is advantageous that this ensures a better relative positional fixation of the closure device in the opening to be closed, thus preventing tilting and thus possible leakage.

Through the development according to claim 11 it is achieved that thus a simple to produce sealing element is provided, in which, depending on the extent or strength of the deformation in the insert or closure position nevertheless over a predominant part of the circumference a whopping contact with the lateral surface of the opening is achieved.

According to another embodiment variant according to claim 12 or 13, the insertion movement of the closure device is facilitated in the opening and in addition favors the mutual relative displacement between the individual sealing elements.

Embodiments according to claims 14 to 16 are also advantageous, since predetermined deformation ranges for the sealing element in the insert or closure position on the sealing elements are determined and thus the relative deformation of the sealing element to the different sizes of the openings to be closed can be tuned.

Also advantageous is a development according to claim 17 or 18, since on the one hand the inherent rigidity of the sealing elements and on the other hand the possible Uberlappungsweg the individual, immediately adjacent sealing elements in the closure or. Employment position can be determined.

According to an embodiment as described in claim 19, on the one hand, the venting path for the air displaced during the deployment process is shortened and, on the other hand, a better position stabilization of the closure device in the opening is achieved.

In this case, embodiments according to claims 20 to 22 prove to be advantageous because it can be taken into account depending on the different sizes of the openings to be closed on it and additionally still the liquid-N2005 / 04100

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According to advantageous developments according to claims 23 to 27 it is achieved that the relative deformation of the sealing elements is favored by the angular mutual displacement or rotation for the insertion process and so on the one hand sufficient leakage against leakage from the stored in the interior of the bottom container samples is achieved and On the other hand, the displaced by the insertion movement air can escape quickly and safely.

Of advantage, however, is also an embodiment according to claim 28 or 29, as characterized in the use or sealing position a secured liquid-tight closure of the opening can be achieved by the sealing elements.

In accordance with claim 30 or 31, a sealing closure is achieved at the end region of the closure device facing the interior, and a centering function and thus an unambiguous position and a sufficient hold of the closure device relative to the sample container are ensured in the further section on the lateral surface.

In the embodiment according to claim 32, on the one hand, an unambiguous orientation of the closure device and, associated therewith, a complete abutment of the base part on the sample container is achieved and, on the other hand, the handleability for a dog-like operation of the closure device is improved. Also possible is an embodiment according to claim 33, since thereby the closure device can be used for an automated sample analysis and, associated therewith, for automated closure.

The embodiment according to claim 34 enables an even better positional alignment of the closure device for the automated joining process of the closure device in the opening of the sample container.

Also advantageous are embodiments according to claims 35 to 39, since thereby the exact positioning of the closure device during automated handling and joining movement is significantly improved by automatic assembly machines. This allows one- N2005 / 04100 -5 «··

On the other hand, a more precise pre-positioning for the joining process done and on the other hand a clear position fixation of the closure device relative to the holding devices on the assembly system, such as grippers or the like.

According to advantageous developments according to claims 40 to 42, the rigidity and thus the strength is improved with low material usage in the region of the head part. This makes it possible to transfer high forces from the assembly plant on the closure device with low weight and material cost.

Of advantage, however, is also an embodiment according to claim 43, characterized in that the head part of the Verschhiss device is easily adaptable to different assembly operations, such as a manual or automated joining movement.

In this case, embodiments according to claims 44 to 46 prove to be advantageous, because on the one hand, the space required for the shaft part can be kept low and on the other hand, a pre-centering of the closure device at the beginning of insertion can be done in the opening.

However, the object of the invention is also achieved by the fact that the individual sealing elements are seen continuously formed over the circumference and viewed in an opening located outside the opening starting from the head part, each having an outer cross-section, with respect to the cross section of the directly in the direction Seen longitudinal axis of the upstream sealing element is formed smaller and sealingly inserted in an inserted into the opening closure position of at least one of the sealing elements on the longitudinal axis facing inner surface of the opening of the sample container to be closed. It is advantageous that the outer cross sections or the diameter of the individual sealing elements is selected to be different from each other and so always at least one, but preferably two, the sealing elements rests against the lateral surface of the sample container to be closed or rest. As a result, a large cross-sectional area of the openings to be closed can be covered within certain limits, with smaller openings having a substantially larger outer cross-section or outer diameter sealing elements, despite the strong deformation a Zentrierfunktion and thus an exact N2005 / 04100 •·· ·

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tion of the closure device relative to be closed opening of the sample container.

Also advantageous is a further Ausftihrungsform according to claim 48, as a still secure sealing of the interior and thus a better mutual alignment of the Verschlussvomchtung is ensured relative to the occluding sample container with a sufficient Zentrierfunktion.

A further advantage is an embodiment according to claim 49, since thereby the one or more sealing elements provided for sealing engagement come to rest under a slight bias on the lateral surface of the sample container.

The embodiment according to claim 50 makes it possible to produce the closure device in an injection molding process which is easy to produce and thus to inexpensively form a universal closure device.

According to another embodiment variant according to claim 51 or 52, the insertion movement of the closure device is facilitated in the opening and in addition favors the mutual relative displacement between the individual sealing elements.

In the embodiment according to claim 53, on the one hand, a clear alignment of the closure device and, associated therewith, a complete abutment of the base part on the sample container is achieved and, on the other hand, the handleability for a dog-like operation of the closure device is improved. It is also possible an embodiment according to claim 54, since thereby the closure device for an automated sample analysis and thus connected for the automated closing is used.

The embodiment according to claim 55 enables an even better positional alignment of the closure device for the automated joining process of the closure device into the opening of the sample container.

Embodiments according to claims 56 to 60 are also advantageous, as they allow the exact positioning of the closure device during automated handling and N2005 / 04100 ··························································································· Joining movement is significantly improved by assembly vehicles. On the one hand, an even more precise pre-positioning for the joining process can thereby be effected and, on the other hand, an unambiguous positional fixing of the closure device relative to the holding devices on the assembly system, such as grippers or the like, can take place.

According to advantageous developments according to claims 61 to 63, the rigidity and thus the strength is improved with low material use in the region of the head part. This makes it possible to transfer high forces from the assembly plant on the closure device with low weight and material cost.

However, an embodiment according to claim 64 is also advantageous since in this way the head part of the closure device can be easily adapted to different assembly processes, such as a manual or automated joining movement.

In this case, embodiments according to claims 65 to 67 prove to be advantageous, because on the one hand, the space required for the shaft part can be kept low and on the other hand, a pre-centering of the closure device at the beginning of insertion can be done in the opening.

However, the object of the invention is also achieved independently by virtue of the fact that at least one of the sealing elements arranged on the shaft part has at least one penetration. It is advantageous in that the sealing element is not fully circumferentially applied over the circumference of the opening continuously, but a Durchströmöflhung for the air to be displaced from the interior of the sample container is created, whereby the automated insertion movement can be done quickly and safely without by the compressed air Pressing the closure device out of the opening takes place.

The embodiment according to claim 69 makes it possible to produce the closure device in an injection molding process which is easy to produce and thus to inexpensively form a universal closure device.

According to another embodiment according to claim 70 or 71, the insertion movement of the closure device is facilitated in the opening and in addition favors the mutual relative displacement between the individual sealing elements. N2005 / 04100

In the embodiment according to claim 72, the cross-section and thus the extent of the enforcement can be determined such that on the one hand a sufficient cross-section for the escape of the air to be displaced in the interior is easily possible and on the other hand still a liquid-tight seal in samples such as blood, is achievable.

Also advantageous are embodiments according to claims 73 to 75, as characterized for the sealing element in the use or closure position on the sealing elements predeterminable deformation ranges are determined and so the relative deformation of the sealing element to the different sizes of the openings to be closed are tuned.

In the embodiment according to claim 76, on the one hand, an unambiguous orientation of the closure device and, associated therewith, a complete abutment of the base part on the sample container is achieved and, on the other hand, the handleability for a manual operation of the closure device is improved.

However, the object of the invention is also achieved independently by arranging ribs on the base part on the side facing away from the shaft part. It is advantageous that such a trained closure device has a head part, which has sufficient rigidity and strength for both manual and for the automated insertion movement into the sample container with low material costs. As a result, the Auslangen can be found with a low height, whereby the closure device with inserted position in the sample container this projects only minimally and still sufficient joining pressure of the assembly system can be transferred to the head part of the closure device, without causing damage or deformation occur. It is also possible an embodiment according to claim 78, as a uniform stiffening with respect to the central longitudinal axis can be created. It is also possible an embodiment according to claim 79, since thereby the closure device for an automated sample analysis and the associated automated closure is used. N2005 / 04100

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The embodiment according to claim 80 enables an even better positional alignment of the closure device for the automated joining process of the closure device in the opening of the sample container.

Also advantageous are embodiments according to claims 81 to 85, as this significantly improves the exact positioning of the closure device during automated handling and joining movement by assembly vehicles. On the one hand, an even more precise pre-positioning for the joining process can thereby be effected and, on the other hand, an unambiguous positional fixing of the closure device relative to the holding devices on the assembly system, such as grippers or the like, can take place.

The embodiment according to claim 86 enables a stable connection between the edge part and the support part, which additionally improves the handling by automated gripping systems.

Finally, however, an embodiment according to claim 87 is also advantageous, since in this way the head part of the closure device can be easily adapted to different assembly processes, such as a dog-like or automated joining movement.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Show it:

1 shows a closure device according to the invention with a plurality of sealing elements, in a simplified perspective view;

2 shows the closure device according to FIG. 1, in a simplified perspective view;

3 shows the closure device according to FIGS. 1 and 2 prior to insertion into a sample container, cut in view;

4 shows the closure device according to FIGS. 1 to 3 in plan view; N2005 / 04100 •····························································································································································································································

Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9 Fig. 10 Fig. 11 Fig. 12 Fig. 13 Fig. 14 Fig. 15 Fig. 16 shows a further possible embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of sealing elements, in a simplified perspective view ; another embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of sealing elements, in a simplified perspective view; a further embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of mutually offset sealing elements, in a simplified perspective view; another embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of mutually offset sealing elements, in a simplified perspective view; the closure device of Figure 8, in side view and simplified representation. a further embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of sealing elements, in a simplified perspective view; the closure device of Figure 10 in a simplified perspective view. another embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of sealing elements, in side view and simplified representation; a further possible embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of sealing elements, in a simplified perspective view; the closure device of Figure 13 in a simplified perspective view. another embodiment of the closure device; the closure device of Figure 15 in a simplified perspective view. N2005 / 04100 ··· · · · · ··· • ♦♦ ·· · 4

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17 shows a further possible embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of sealing elements arranged one behind the other on the shaft part, in a simplified perspective view;

18 shows another embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of sealing elements arranged one behind the other on the shaft part, in a simplified perspective view;

FIG. 19 shows a further embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of sealing elements arranged one behind the other on the shaft part, in a simplified perspective view; FIG.

FIG. 20 shows the closure device according to FIG. 19 in a simplified perspective view; FIG.

21 shows a closure device according to FIGS. 17 to 19 in the position inserted into the sample container, in side view and in a simplified schematic representation;

FIG. 22 shows the closure device according to FIG. 21, but with a smaller size of the opening of the sample container; FIG.

23 shows another embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of sealing elements arranged on the shaft part in succession in the circumferential direction and at the end remote from the head part, in a simplified diagrammatic representation;

Fig. 24 shows a further embodiment of the closure device with a plurality of the shaft part in the circumferential direction successively arranged and at the end remote from the head part flap-shaped sealing elements, in a simplified perspective view.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to identical parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations over N2005 / 04100. Also, the location information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to the new situation mutatis mutandis when a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions. All statements on ranges of values in the description of the present invention should be understood to include any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the indication 1 to 10 should be understood to include all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i. all subregions begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a universal closure device 1 for openings 2 of sample containers 3, each having different cross-sections 4. It is provided that the universal closure device 1 can be used in different sample container 3, said sample container 3 each having different openings 2 with each other in their size with the corresponding cross-sections 4.

In the case of a circular sample container 3, as may be the case, for example, with blood collection tubes or the like, they may have an internal cross section or a clear diameter with a lower limit of 8 mm, preferably 11 mm and an upper limit of 18 mm, preferably 14 mm. Depending on the selected sample container 3, regardless of the selected cross-section 4, the same universal closure device 1 can always be used to close the openings 2. The universal closure devices 1 according to the invention are used when the sealing device usually comprising a sealing and at least one pierceable sealing plug is removed from the opening 2 of the sample container 3 for the sampling and then the universal closure device 1 for closing the opening 2 for further storage is used. All of the closure devices 1 described below serve to ensure at least a liquid-tight closure of the opening 2 during the storage period of the sample N2005 / 04100. Therefore, the use of only a single closure device 1 for a variety of different clear cross-sections 4 is advantageous because regardless of the size of the opening to be closed 2 of the sample container 3 always within certain limits, the same universal closure device 1 can be used.

The closure device 1 shown here has a shaft part 6 extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis 5 with end regions 7, 8 distanced from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. The shank part 6 further has an outer surface 9 between the two spaced-apart end regions 7, 8. In the area of the first end region 7, the closure device 1 further comprises a head part 10, which serves to handle the closure device 1.

The sample container 3 has in the region of its interior on the side facing the longitudinal axis 5, at least in that region in which the closure device 1 is to be inserted, a preferably approximately cylindrical lateral surface 11.

On the shaft part 6 a plurality of mutually separate first sealing elements 12 are arranged in the embodiment shown here on the side facing away from the head part 10 in the circumferential direction of the shaft part 6. The individual first sealing elements 12 are circumferentially arranged behind one another and preferably in the same plane. The first sealing elements 12 shown here are distributed over the circumference, preferably directly next to each other, arranged and may be formed for example by circular ring sections. In this case, as can be seen in simplified form from FIGS. 1 and 2, the first sealing elements 12 may be arranged at least partially spaced from one another in a starting position located outside the opening 2. The shank part 6 has, as briefly described above, the two mutually distanced end regions 7, 8, wherein in this embodiment shown here, the first sealing elements 12 are arranged directly adjacent to the end region 8, which is turned away from the head part 10.

Furthermore, the first sealing elements, starting from the shank part 6, can be arranged in the direction of the head part 10 in a common, frustoconically widened enveloping surface. Thus, a cone angle 13 enclosed by the first sealing elements 12 can be selected from a selected one having a lower limit of 70 °, preferably 90 °, in the range N2005 / 04100

Special 100 °, preferably of 120 ° and with an upper limit of.. 178 °, preferably 170 °, in particular 150 °, preferably of 140 °, is selected.

At least one first gap 14 is formed between the directly adjacent first sealing elements 12, wherein the gap 14 extends in the direction of the shaft part 6, starting from an edge area 15 of the first sealing elements 12 that can be turned over from the inner circumferential surface 11 of the sample container. It is also possible that the first gap 14 extends continuously between the outer edge region 15 of the first sealing elements 12 up to the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6, as indicated in simplified fashion in FIG. 2 by dashed lines.

Furthermore, the closure device 1 comprises in addition to the first sealing elements 12 further sealing elements 16, which are likewise arranged on the shaft part 6. These further sealing elements 16 are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 between the head part 10 and the first sealing elements 12 on the shaft part 6. In this case, the further sealing elements 16 are annular or else formed by circular ring sections. Likewise, the further sealing element 16 may be similar to the first sealing elements 12, starting from the shaft portion 6 in the direction of the head part 10 towards truncated cone-shaped widening, with a further sealing element 16 and the sealing elements 16 included cone angle 17 from a selected area with a lower limit of 70 °, preferably 90 °, in particular 100 °, preferably 120 ° and be selected with an upper limit of 178 °, preferably 170 °, in particular 150 °, preferably 140 °.

Furthermore, it is also possible that in the further sealing element 16 at least one further gap 18 passing through it is arranged and the further gap 18 extends from the inner surface 11 of the sample container 3 zuwendbaren edge portion 19 in the direction of the shaft portion 6 out. In this case, the further gap 18 can also be designed to extend continuously between the outer edge region 19 of the further sealing element 16 as far as the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6. Furthermore, it can prove to be advantageous if at least some of the first and second gaps 14, 18 are aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, ie one behind the other, in the region of the sealing elements 12, 16. In this case, the gap 14, 18 between the immediately adjacent sealing elements 12 and 16, respectively, can have a width 20 with a lower limit of 0 mm and .beta .., respectively an upper limit of 1.5 mm. Likewise, however, it would also be possible for the width 20 of the gaps 14, 18 to have different shapes over their longitudinal extension, starting from the edge region 15 or 19, towards the shadow part 6 or the outer surface 9. Regardless, it would also be possible that the width 20 of the column or 14,18 over its longitudinal extent, starting from the outer edge region 15,19 of the sealing elements 12,16 towards the outer surface 9 of the shadow portion 6 is continuously decreasing ,

If the closure device 1 is inserted into the opening 2 of the sample container 3, mutual relative displacement of the individual sealing elements 12 and / or 16 takes place relative to one another and the sealing elements 12, 16 which are at least initially separate from one another may at least partially overlap. This position is then referred to as a so-called deployment position.

As can best be seen from a synopsis of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the head part 10 comprises a disc-shaped base member 21 oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5 and a tubular member projecting from the base member 6 in the direction of the base member 21 Edge portion 22. The tubular-shaped edge portion 22 is disposed on the outer periphery of the base portion 21 and preferably connected to this one-piece or cohesively. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange ribs and / or recesses on the outer circumference of the tube-shaped edge part 22 in order to improve the grip of the closure device 1. The ribs or webs or recesses preferably run parallel to the longitudinal axis 5.

Furthermore, a recess 23 may be arranged in the base part 21 in the region of the longitudinal axis 5 and centrically to the latter, wherein this recess 23 may extend into the shaft part 6 at least in regions in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. Depending on the dimensions of the shaft part 6, this may be formed from a solid material or else tubular. It is essential that this has a sufficient tightness (liquid-tight and / or gas-tight).

It is furthermore advantageous if a tubular support part 24 is arranged on the base part 21, in particular connected to it, whose center axis 25 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 5 N2005 / 04100 Φ * ··· • (• · * ·· • · • · • • · Is aligned with the base part 21 or shaft part 6. As a result, a centric arrangement of the tubular body is achieved The tubular support member 24 may be formed such that it is arranged in the peripheral region of the recess 23 in the base part 21. Thus, the tubular support member 24 may have a clear inner cross section which corresponds approximately or exactly to that clear cross section of the recess 23 in the base part 21. If the tubular support part 24 for receiving in an automatic handling device ng used, it is advantageous if the tubular support member 24 at least partially on one of the longitudinal axis 5 facing inner surface is bounded by an approximately cylindrically shaped first centering 26 and the central axis 25 of this centering surface 26 and the tubular support member 24 parallel and in alignment with the longitudinal axis 5 is aligned. In addition, however, the recess 23 may be limited by an approximately cylindrically shaped further centering surface 27, wherein the central axis 25 is also aligned parallel to and aligned with the longitudinal axis 5. In order to be able to use a centering receptacle, not shown here, or a centering pin in the tubular support part 24 or the recess 23 in the base part 21, it is advantageous if at least the centering surface 26 is an expanding on the side facing away from the longitudinal axis side import surface for example, a radius or a chamfer.

For stiffening the base part 21, at least one, but preferably a plurality of ribs 28 can be arranged on the side remote from the shaft part 6. In this case, the ribs 28 may be arranged continuously between the mutually facing sides of the tubular edge portion 22 and the tubular support member 24. Preferably, however, the ribs 28 are aligned such that they, starting from the tubular edge portion 22 extend radially toward the longitudinal axis 5, whereby an approximately centric or star-shaped arrangement is achieved.

A height 29 of the tubular edge portion 22 seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 is relative to an outer cross-sectional dimension 30 of the head portion 10 and the base portion 21 in a plane aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5 from a selected area with a lower limit of 8%, preferably 10% , in particular 12%, preferably from N2005 / 04100 17

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18%, and with an upper limit of 100%, preferably 50%, in particular 30%, preferably 25%.

The shank part 6 may be formed in the end region 8 facing away from the head part 10 approximately planar to the arranged on the shaft part 6 sealing elements 12, but this may also have a conclusion independently seen in axial section with respect to the longitudinal axis 5 convexly curved and / or may be spherical and / or conical. In addition, however, the shaft part 6 may project beyond the first sealing elements 12 to the side facing away from the head part 10 side. Depending on the design of the shaft end in its end region 8, the joining operation of the closure device 1 into the opening 2 of the sample container 3 can be facilitated.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show further possible and optionally separate embodiments of the universal closure device 1, with the same reference numerals or component designations being used again for the same components as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1 to 4 or reference.

The closing device 1 shown in FIG. 5 again comprises the head part 10, the adjoining shaft part 6 and the first sealing elements 12 arranged in the end region 8 facing away from the head part 10, which are widening in the direction of the head part 10 in the form of a truncated cone , The individual sealing elements 12 are in turn separated from one another by first gaps 14, whereby a plurality of these sealing elements 12 are again arranged or formed over the circumference.

Between the first sealing elements 12 and the head part 10, the further sealing elements 16 are in turn arranged on the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6. The individual sealing elements 16 are in turn separated from one another by the previously described gaps 18, which extend starting from the edge region 19 in the direction of the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6.

Furthermore, it is shown schematically schematically in the case of the second sealing elements 16 that the edge region 19 of the N2005 / 04100 -18-18-18- ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • · or the other sealing elements 16 with respect to a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5 and seen over the circumference, having a different direction in the vertical direction of the plane distance. In this case, the edge region 19 of the further sealing element 16 seen over the circumference with respect to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5 aligned plane wave-shaped running. Furthermore, the undulating configuration of the further sealing element 16 extends, starting from the edge region 19 as far as the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6.

The cone angles 13 and 17 for the sealing elements 12 and 16 can in turn be selected in the lower or upper limits already described above. In this embodiment shown here, the first cone angle 13 in the first sealing elements 12 has a size of 90 ° and the further cone angle 17 of the second sealing elements 16 has a size of 170 °.

The formation of the head part 10 may also correspond to the embodiments, as has already been described in detail previously. It would also be possible regardless, for example, to omit the support member 24 in the region of the recess 23.

In the exemplary embodiment of the closure device 1 shown in FIG. 6, the sealing element 12 arranged in the end region 8 facing away from the head part 10 is formed continuously over the circumference, whereas the second sealing element 16 is separated from one another by the gaps 18 arranged therebetween, as in the left Part of Fig. 6 is shown. Regardless of this, it would also be possible to provide a notch or a notch as a vent opening in the edge region 19 of the second sealing element 16, as shown in simplified fashion in the right part in the region of the second sealing elements 16 arranged directly next to one another or behind one another. In this case, the sealing element 16 only a small radial extent and the remaining part is designed as a support element for the or the sealing elements 16.

However, it would also be possible to arbitrarily combine the first sealing elements 12 shown in FIG. 5 with the second elements 16 shown in FIG. 6 and between them the gap 18 and / or the notch 31 for separating or forming the sealing elements 16 to arrange or provide. N2005 / 04100 -19-

FIGS. 7 to 9 show further possible and optionally independent embodiments of the universal closure device 1, with the same reference numerals or component designations being used again for the same parts, as in FIGS. 1 to 6 above. Likewise, to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1-6.

In these embodiments of the closure device 1 shown here, the sealing elements 12 and / or 16 are each formed by sections of screw surfaces with circumferentially spaced apart arranged starting and end portions 32, 33. Likewise, the other sealing elements 16 may each be formed by sections of further helical surfaces with circumferentially spaced from each other arranged beginning and end portions 34,35. Furthermore, in each case the starting region 32 or 34 of a sealing element 12 or 16 is offset relative to the circumferentially directly upstream end region 33 or 35 of a sealing element 12 or 16 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 of associated sealing elements 12 and 16. By means of these staggered starting regions 32 and 34 and end regions 33 and 35, respectively, the individual sealing elements 12 and 16 are distanced or separated from one another by the gap 14 or 18. This separation is formed not only in the radial direction but also in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. In this case, the gaps 14 and 18 extend from the edge regions 15 and 19, respectively, to the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6.

Furthermore, the individual starting areas 32 and / or the end areas 33 of the first sealing elements 12 can each be arranged in their own common planes oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5. The same also applies to the individual initial regions 34 and / or end regions 35 of the second sealing elements 16.

However, the individual sealing elements 12 and 16 according to the description of FIGS. 7 to 9 can also be formed by sections of a screw flight, a helical surface or a helix, in which case the term "propeller blades" can also be selected. N2005 / 04100

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a further possible and optionally separate embodiment of the closure device 1, wherein the same reference numerals or the same component designations are again used for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 9. Likewise, to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs.

This closure device 1, in turn, also comprises the head part 10, the shaft part 6 arranged thereon, with the end regions 7, 8 distanced from one another. On the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6, in turn, the sealing elements 12,16 are arranged, in which case again a separation of the sealing elements 12,16 takes place through the gap 14 in the end region 8 in the sealing elements 12 and through the gap 18 in the other sealing elements 16. In this exemplary embodiment shown here, the two cone angles 13 and 17 are the same and each have a size of 150 °. The shaft part 6 has in its end region 8 a planar to slightly convex cross-sectional shape in its axial section, wherein the sealing elements 12 are arranged to extend to this.

The columns 14 and 18 extend from the edge regions 15 and 19 only in regions in the radial direction towards the outer surface 9 of the shaft portion 6. As a result, the individual sealing elements 12,16 only partially between the edge regions 15 and 19 and outer surface 9 of the sheep part 6 from.

The remaining circular ring or circular ring portion between the end of the columns 14,18 and the outer surface 9 of the shaft portion 6 then serves as a holding or supporting element her the sealing elements 12 and 16 respectively.

The head part 10 may be formed according to one of the embodiments described above, wherein here again in the region of the longitudinal axis 5 of the support member 24 is arranged on the base part 21. Between the edge portion 22 and the support member 24, in turn, the ribs 28 are formed or arranged.

Furthermore, it can be seen in this illustration that the shank part 6 has a slightly larger outer dimension or a larger N2005 / 04100 -21 - -21 - compared to the previously shown embodiments.

• ··

Outer diameter, whereby the insert area for closing the openings 2 of the sample container 3, for example, to a degree between 11 mm and 14 mm can reduce.

FIG. 12 shows a further and optionally possible independent embodiment of the closure device 1, again using the same reference numerals or component designations for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 11. Likewise, to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1-11.

In this exemplary embodiment shown here, the sealing elements 12 and 16, which are spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 on the shaft part 6, are in turn separated from one another by the gaps 14, 18 arranged between them. It can be seen that the position of the two columns 14, 18 is offset with respect to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, for example by an extent of 90 °. In each case two of these columns 14 and 18 are peripherally provided and arranged, as described above, offset from each other.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a further possible and optionally independent design of the closure device 1, with the same reference numerals and component designations being used again for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 12. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1 to 12 or reference.

The closure device 1 comprises at least the head part 10 and the shaft part 6 arranged thereon. At the latter, supporting or holding elements 36 and 37 for the sealing elements 12 and 16 arranged or formed thereon are arranged in the region of its outer surface 9. The sealing elements 12 and 16 are circumferentially formed on the supporting or holding elements 36 and 37 by notches 31 arranged or formed in the edge regions 15 and 19, respectively. These notches 31 serve, in the course of the insertion process of the closure device 1 into the opening 2 of the sample container 3, to allow the amount of residual air contained in the interior of the sample container 3 to pass between the sealing elements 12 and 16 and the inner jacket surface 11 of the sample container 3. This is of great importance, since otherwise the air present in the interior space would be compressed and, with a low holding force, the closure device 1 would be pushed out of the opening 2 of the sample container 3 by the built-up internal pressure. For the storage of the sample container 3 with the closure device 1 used, there can be no risk of leakage of contained samples through the opening 2, since the air can pass through with a correspondingly selected size or the cross section of the notches 31, but leakage occurs with liquid sample contents is prevented. Preferably, the notches 31 seen between the individual sealing elements 12 and 16 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, circumferentially offset from one another.

The cone angles 13 and 17 of the sealing elements 12 and 16 and their supporting or holding elements 36, 37 are selected here in the order of magnitude of 172 °. The shaft part 6 protrudes beyond the support or holding element 36 of the sealing element 12 with its end region 8 and is designed to be dome-shaped or dome-shaped. As a result, an insertion process of the closure device 1 into the opening 2 of the sample container 3 is safer and easier to perform.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a further possible and optionally separate embodiment of the closure device 1, with the same reference numerals and component designations being used again for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 14. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1 to 14, or referenced.

The closure device 1 in turn comprises the head part 10 with the shaft part 6 arranged thereon and its outer surface 9. The sealing elements 12 and 16 are peripherally attached to the support or holding elements 36 and / or 19 by the arrangement of notches 31 37 trained. The notches 31 can also be formed by so-called enforcements 38, which are to be adapted in size or extent on the one hand to the venting process, and on the other hand to the tightness in particular liquid tightness. In this case, the supporting or holding elements 36,37 are annular, wherein the sealing elements 12 and 16 form by the arrangement of the notches 31 and enforcements 38 circular ring sections. It should be noted at this point that the support element or elements 36, 37 are integral parts Are the integral part of the sealing elements 12 and 16 respectively and the entire unit can also be referred to as sealing elements 12 and 16, respectively ,

The one or more sealing elements 12 and 16 and the supporting or holding elements 36,37 may be formed starting from the shaft portion 6 in the direction of the head portion 10, frusto-conical widening, wherein the enclosed by the sealing elements 12 and 16 cone angle 13 and 17 is selected from a selected range with a lower limit of 70 °, preferably 90 °, in particular 100 °, preferably of 120 ° and with an upper limit of 178 °, preferably 170 °, in particular 150 °, preferably of 140 °. Furthermore, the notches 31, or penetrations 38, can extend in the direction of the shank part 6, starting from the edge region 15 or 19 of the sealing element 12 or 16 which can be turned towards the inner circumferential surface 11 of the sample container 3.

Furthermore, it is shown in this embodiment that the inner circumferential surface 11 of the sample container 3 zuwendbare edge region 15 and 19 of the sealing elements 12 and 16 with respect to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5 aligned plane, as well as seen over the circumference in a direction perpendicular to the Level has different distances. Thus, the edge region 15 or 19 of the sealing element 12 and 16 seen over the circumference with respect to the aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5 plane be wavy, with the undulating formation of the sealing element 12 and 16 and optionally the support or holding elements 36 , 37 may extend from the edge region 15 or 19 up to the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6. This results in a predeterminable deformation of the sealing elements 12 or 16 or of the support or holding elements 36, 37 during the insertion process into the opening 2 of the sample container 3, whereby a circumferential sealing contact of the sealing elements 12 or 16, at least over one Main part of the outer periphery in the region of the lateral surface 11 of the opening 2 can be achieved.

FIGS. 17 to 20 show further possible and optionally independent embodiments of the closure device 1, with the same reference numerals or component designations being used again for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 16. Likewise, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the N2005 / 04100 • ··· · · · · · · · · · ······························································ • ·· ··· ·· detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1 to 16 referred to or referenced.

This universal closure device 1 in turn has the head part 10 and the shaft part 6 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 with end regions 7, 8 distanced from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. In the area of the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6, a plurality of sealing elements 12 are provided for application to the inner, and not shown here, preferably not shown in detail, the outer surface 5 facing the outer surface of the sample container 3 to be closed 3. In this case, the individual sealing elements 12 are seen continuously formed over the circumference and have in one, located outside the opening starting position, and starting from the head part 10, respectively, an outer cross-section 39.40, with respect to the cross section 39 of the directly in the direction of Longitudinal axis 5 seen upstream sealing element 12 is formed smaller. Furthermore, in one, inserted into the opening 2 closing position of at least one of the sealing elements 12 on the longitudinal axis 5 facing the inner circumferential surface 11 of the opening 2 of the sample container to be sealed 3 sealingly, as shown in detail and described in one of the following figures will be.

Preferably, the cross-sections 39,40 of the sealing elements 12 are selected so that at least inserted into the opening 2 closing position at least one further sealing element 12 at the longitudinal axis 5 facing inner shell surface 11 of the opening 2 of the sample container to be closed 3 is at least partially supported or is attached to it. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the outer cross sections 39,40 of the individual sealing elements 12 are each formed slightly larger than the respective clear cross sections 4, or dimensions of the opening to be closed by the corresponding sealing element 12 2 of the sample container 3. As a result, at least one of the sealing elements 12 always achieves a full contact with the inner circumferential surface 11 of the opening 2.

Since the individual sealing elements 12 are formed here continuously, they form an annular cross-section. Furthermore, it is also possible for the sealing elements 12, starting from the shaft part 6, to be widened at least in regions in the direction of the head part 10, N2005 / 04100 25 ········· · · with a truncated cone. Thus, a cone angle 13 enclosed by the sealing element 12 or by the sealing elements 12 can be selected from a selected range with a lower limit of 70 °, preferably 90 °, in particular 100 °, preferably 120 ° and with an upper limit of 178 °, preferably 170 ° °, in particular 150 °, preferably 140 ° be selected.

The design of the head part 10 may be selected according to one of the embodiments described above. Thus, for example, in FIG. 17, a head part 10 is shown, whose edge part 22 has a small height 29 relative to the cross section or the dimension of the base part 21. The ribs 28 extend starting from the edge part 22 in the direction of the recess 23, in which case the arrangement of the support part 24 has been dispensed with. But it would also be possible to provide the support member 24 here as well.

In the case of the sealing elements 12 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the cone angle 13 is formed in a size of 180 °-that is, in a planar manner-relative to the plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5.

19 and 20 it can be seen that here too the individual sealing elements 12, seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, are spaced apart from one another on the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6 and starting from the head part 10 different cross-sections 39.40. Furthermore, it is possible for the sealing element 12, in particular its edge region 15, to have a conical angle 13 of, for example, 178 °, and thus extends almost planar or only slightly inclined to the plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5.

FIGS. 21 and 22 each show the same universal closure device 1 in its closed position, ie in the position in the sample container 3 inserted in the opening 2.

In FIG. 21, the sample container 3 has a larger cross-section 4 than the opening 2 shown in FIG. As can be seen from a combination of these two Figs. 21 and 22, the individual sealing elements 12 are deformed in the sample container 3 with the smaller cross-section 4 more towards the head part 10, as in a sample container 3 according to FIG Case is. In any case, a secure closure of the opening 2 for the interior of the sample container 3 always takes place in the cross-sectional area to be covered by the closure device 1 in N2005 / 04100 -26.

FIG. 23 shows a possible and optionally independent embodiment of the closure device 1, with the same reference numerals and component designations being used again for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 22. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1 to 22 or referenced.

This closure device 1 again comprises the head part 10 and the shaft part 6 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. In the region of its outer surface 9, a plurality of supporting or holding elements 36 are arranged thereon, which extend starting from the head part 10 facing end portion 7 extend toward the other end portion 8 and are preferably aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 5. Subsequent to the carrying or holding elements 36, the sealing elements 12 are arranged, which are formed here by flap-shaped components 41. These sealing elements 12 and components 41 have seen in the vertical direction or radially on the longitudinal axis 5, a curved or arcuate longitudinal course and can also in their peripheral areas also have a curved end or end portion. In the position shown here outside of the sample container 3, the gap 14 is formed in each case between the sealing elements 12 or flap-shaped component 41, starting from the shaft part 6, in order to allow the air compressed in the interior of the sample container 3 to escape during the insertion movement.

At the same time, however, the individual supporting and holding elements 36 can also have an arcuate course in the radial direction when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, in which case the convexly curved section of the carrying or holding element 36 faces the opposite side with respect to the sealing element 12 or Lobe-shaped member 41 is formed. A wall thickness of the carrying or holding elements 36 and the sealing elements 12 is preferably uniformly selected.

When inserting the closure device 1 in the opening 2 of the sample container 3, the individual supporting or holding elements 36 come to the outer surface 11 of the sample container 3 to the system and are seen here when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, N2005 / 04100

• · ··· ♦ · counterclockwise in the direction of the upstream support or holding member 36 deformed out. As a result, a linear arrangement of the individual support or holding elements 36 on the lateral surface 11 of the sample container 3 is achieved. Due to this displacement, a relative displacement of the sealing elements 12 or lobe-shaped components takes place in the counterclockwise direction, whereby the individual sealing elements 12 are brought into abutment against each other and in turn the desired closure is achieved. In this case, the end regions of the individual sealing elements 12 come to bear on the outer curvature region of the upstream sealing element 12 and / or support or holding element 36, whereby the sealing is achieved.

FIG. 24 shows a further possible and optionally independent embodiment of the closure device 1, with the same reference numerals and component designations being used again for the same components as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 23. Likewise, to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs.

In contrast to the illustration in FIG. 23, the individual support or holding elements 36, seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5, have a curvature opposite thereto, in which case the convexly curved section of the support or holding elements 36 points in the direction of the sealing element 12 or flap-shaped member 41 protrudes. Thus, upon insertion of this closure device 1, a relative displacement or deformation of the individual support or holding elements 36 takes place, starting from the outer surface 9 of the shaft part 6 in the clockwise direction. As a result of this relative displacement, the individual sealing elements 12 or flap-shaped components 41 are pushed over at least in sections, whereby the gap 14 formed between them is again closed with a corresponding displacement or deformation and the mutual contact and the associated sealing takes place.

Finally, it should be pointed out that the universal closure device 1 is preferably made of a plastic part in an injection molding process. When inserting the closure device 1 into the opening 2 to be closed, the shortest possible holding time for the assembly system is to be achieved, in which the closure N2005 / 04100 -28- •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• »·· ··· · direction lan the sample container 3 must be pressed. In this short period of time between 0.1 s and 1.0 s, preferably of 0.3 s, the air must have escaped through the gaps 14, 18 and / or notches 31 or penetrations 38, so that a pressure equalization can take place.

The Ausftihrungsbeispiele show possible Ausfiihrungsvarianten the universal closure device 1, which should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments of the same, but also various combinations of the individual variants are possible with each other and this variation possibility due to the teaching of technical action by objective invention in the skill of those skilled in this technical field. There are therefore also all conceivable Ausfiihrungsvarianten, which are possible by combinations of individual details of the illustrated and described embodiment variant, the scope of protection mitumfasst.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the construction of the universal closure device 1, these or their components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

Above all, the individual in Figs. 1,2,3,4; 5; 6; 7; 8.9; 10,11; 12; 13,14; 15, 16; 17; 18; 19-20; 21.22; 23; 24 embodiments form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant objects and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures. N2005 / 04100 ········· ·· -

N2005 / 04100 1 Wiring device 36 Carrier or holding element 2 Opening 37 Carrying or holding element 3 Sample container 38 Enforcement 4 Cross section 39 Cross section 5 Longitudinal axis 40 Cross section 6 Shaft part 41 Component 7 End region 8 End region 9 Surface 10 Head part 11 Sheath surface 12 Sealing element 13 Taper angle 14 gap 15 edge area 16 sealing element 17 cone angle 18 gap 19 edge area 20 width 21 base part 22 edge part 23 recess 24 support part 25 center axis 26 centering surface 27 centering surface 28 rib 29 height 30 cross-sectional dimension 31 notch 32 initial region 33 end region 34 initial region 35 end region

Claims (86)

1. Universal closure device (1) for openings (2) of sample containers (3) each having different cross sections (4), wherein the closure device (1) a shaft part 6 extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis (5) with end regions (7, 8) distanced from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5), and a plurality of sealing elements arranged in the region of an outer surface (9) of the shaft part (6) (12,16) for applying to one of the longitudinal axis (5) facing inner, preferably approximately cylindrically shaped, outer surface (11) of the sample container to be sealed (3) and a head part (10), characterized in that on the shaft part (6) on the side facing away from the head part (10) side in the circumferential direction of the shaft part (6) a plurality of mutually separate first sealing elements (12) are arranged. 2. Closure device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sealing elements (12) are at least partially distanced from each other in a starting position located outside the opening (2). 3. Closure device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first sealing elements (12) are arranged directly adjacent to that end region (8) which is äbgewendet from the head part (10). 4. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing elements (12) distributed over the circumference, preferably immediately adjacent to each other, are arranged. 5. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing elements (12) are formed by circular ring sections. N2005 / 04100 ····································································································. ·· ♦ ··· ·· -2- 6. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing elements (12), starting from the shaft part (6) in the direction of the head part (10) are arranged in a common, frusto-conical expanding envelope surface. 7. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the first sealing elements (12) enclosed cone angle (13) from a selected range with a lower limit of 70 °, preferably 90 °, in particular 100 °, preferably is selected from 120 ° and with an upper limit of 178 °, preferably 170 °, in particular 150 °, preferably of 140 °. 8. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the directly adjacent first sealing elements (12) at least one first gap (14) is formed and the gap (14) starting from one of the inner circumferential surface (11 ) of the sample container (3) tapers towards the edge region (15) of the first sealing elements (12) in the direction of the shaft part (6). 9. Closure device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first gap (14) extends continuously between the outer edge region (15) of the first sealing elements (12) up to the outer surface (9) of the shank part (6). 10. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the first sealing elements (12) and the head part (10) at least one further sealing element (16) on the shaft part (6) is arranged. 11. Closure device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the further sealing element (16) is annular. N2005 / 04100 • · • ft -3- • ft ··· ft • ft ··· • • • • • c • · • • • ··· • ft 12. Closure device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the further sealing element (16), starting from the shank part (6) in the direction of the head part (10) towards frustoconical widening is formed. 13. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a further sealing element (16) enclosed cone angle (17) from a selected range with a lower limit of 70 °, preferably 90 °, in particular 100 °, is preferably selected from 120 ° and with an upper limit of 178 °, preferably 170 °, in particular 150 °, preferably of 140 °. 14. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that one of the inner circumferential surface (11) of the sample container (3) zuwendbarer edge region (19) of the further sealing element (16) with respect to a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned Level as well as seen over the circumference, a, in the direction perpendicular to the plane, different distance has. 15. Closure device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the edge region (19) of the further sealing element (16) seen over the circumference with respect to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned plane is formed wavy. 16. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that extending the wave-shaped formation of the further sealing element (16), starting from the edge region (19) up to the outer surface (9) of the shaft part (6). 17. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that in the further sealing element (16) at least one further gap passing through this (18) is arranged and the further gap (18) starting from one of the inner circumferential surface (18). 11) of the sample container (3) zuwendbaren edge region (19) in the direction of the shaft part (6) out. N2005 / 04100 -4 18. Closure device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the further gap (18) extends continuously between the outer edge region (19) of the further sealing element (16) up to the outer surface (9) of the shaft part (6). 19. Closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the first and second columns (14,18) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) are arranged in alignment with each other. 20. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gap (14,18) between the immediately adjacent sealing elements (12,16) has a width (20) with a lower limit of 0 mm and an upper limit of 1.5 mm. 21 closure device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width (20) of the gap (14,18) is formed differently over the longitudinal extent thereof. 22, closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width (20) of the gap (14,18) over its longitudinal extent, starting from the outer edge region (15,19) of the sealing element (12,16) in the direction of the outer surface (9) of the shaft part (6) is designed to decrease steadily. 23. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing elements (12) are each formed by sections of screw surface with spaced over the circumference spaced from each other arranged start and end regions (32,33). 24. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further sealing elements (16) are each formed by sections of helical surfaces with circumferentially spaced from each other arranged Anfangsund end regions (34, 35). N2005 / 04100 25. Closing device (1) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that of associated sealing elements (12; 16) respectively the initial region (32; 34) of a sealing element (12; 16) opposite to the circumferentially immediately upstream end region (33; ) of a sealing element (12; 16) is arranged offset in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5). 26. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the individual initial regions (32) of the first sealing elements (12) are each arranged in a common plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned plane. 27. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the individual initial regions (34) of the second sealing elements (16) are each arranged in a common plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned plane. 28. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing elements (12) in an inserted into the opening (2) of the sample container (3) insertion position at least partially overlap. 29. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further sealing elements (16) overlap at least partially in an insertion position inserted into the opening (2) of the sample container (3). 30. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing elements (12) are formed by flap-shaped components (41). 31. Verschlussvomchtung (1) according to claim 30, characterized in that the flap-shaped components (41) seen in the vertical direction on the longitudinal axis (5) N2005 / 04100 Have a curved longitudinal course and the longitudinal course in the region of the head part (10) closer position approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis (5). 32. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head part (10) has a disc-shaped and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned base part (21) and a base part (21) on the shaft part (6). turned away direction superior tubular edge portion (22). 33. Closure device (1) according to claim 32, characterized in that a recess (23) is arranged in the base part (21) in the region of the longitudinal axis (5) and centrically to the latter. 34. Closure device (1) according to claim 33, characterized in that the recess (23) seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) extends at least partially into the shaft part (6). 35. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that on the base part (21) a tubular support member (24) is arranged, whose central axis (25) is aligned with the longitudinal axis (5) of the base part (21) , 36. Closure device (1) according to claim 35, characterized in that the tubular support part (24) in the peripheral region of the recess (23) is arranged. 37. Closure device (1) according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the tubular support part (24) has a clear cross section which approximately corresponds to that clear cross section of the recess (23) in the base part (21). 8. Closure device (1) according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that the tubular support member (24) at least partially on one of the longitudinal axis (5) facing the inner surface by an approximately cylindrical N2005 / 04100 -7- formed first centering surface (26) is limited and the central axis (25) of the first centering surface (26) is aligned parallel to and aligned with the longitudinal axis (5). 39. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 33 to 38, characterized in that the recess (23) by an approximately cylindrically shaped further centering surface (27) is limited and the central axis (25) of the further centering surface (27) parallel to the longitudinal axis (5) is aligned. 40. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 32 to 39, characterized in that ribs (28) are arranged on the base part (21) on the side remote from the shaft part (6). 41. Closure device (1) according to claim 40, characterized in that the ribs (28) are arranged continuously between the mutually facing sides of the tubular edge part (22) and the tubular support part (24). 42. Closure device (1) according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that the ribs (28) starting from the tubular edge part (22) extend radially in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5). 43. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 32 to 42, characterized in that a height (29) of the edge part (22) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) from a selected area with a lower limit of 8%, preferably 10% , in particular 12%, preferably of 18% and having an upper limit of 100%, preferably 50%, in particular 30%, preferably 25% of an outer cross-sectional dimension (30) of the head part (10) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned Level corresponds. 44. A closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft part (6) in the end portion (8) facing away from the head part (10) is formed approximately planar to the first sealing elements (12) arranged on the shaft part (6) is. N2005 / 04100 • · · · • ··· ♦ · -8- ··· · I \ 45. Locking device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 43, characterized in that the shaft part (6) in the end portion (8) facing away from the head part (10) has a conclusion, seen in axial section with respect to the longitudinal axis (5) convex curved or spherical or conical is formed. 46. Closure device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft part (6) projects beyond the first sealing elements (12) to the side facing away from the head part (10). 47. Universal closure device (1) for openings (2) of sample containers (3) each having different cross-sections (4), the closure device (1) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis (5) shank part (6) with in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) spaced-apart end regions (7, 8), and a plurality of in the region of an outer surface (9) of the shaft part (6) arranged sealing elements (12) for applying to one of the longitudinal axis (5) facing inner, preferably approximately cylindrically shaped, lateral surface (11) of the sample container to be sealed (3) are provided, and a head part (10), ^ characterized in that the individual sealing elements (12) are seen running over the circumference and in a located outside of the opening (2) Starting position and starting from the head part (10) viewed in each case have an outer cross-section (39,40), with respect to the cross-section (39) of the unmi seen in a direction of the longitudinal axis (5) upstream of the sealing element (12) is inserted into a closed position in the opening (2) at least one of the sealing elements (12) on the longitudinal axis (5) facing the inner circumferential surface (11) Opening (2) of the sample container to be sealed (3) sealingly. 48. Closure device (1) according to claim 47, characterized in that at least one of the sealing elements (12) at the closure position inserted into the opening (2) on the longitudinal axis (5) facing the inner circumferential surface (11) of the opening (2). of the sample container (3) to be closed at least partially supported. N2005 / 04100 • ♦ · ··· ·· -9- 49. Closure device (1) according to claim 47 or 48, characterized in that the outer cross sections (39,40) of the individual sealing elements (12) are each formed slightly larger than the respective clear cross sections of the corresponding sealing element (12) to be closed Opening (2) of the sample container (3). 50. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that the one or more sealing elements (12) is annular or are formed. 51. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 47 to 50, characterized in that the sealing elements (12), starting from the shaft part (6) in the direction of the head part (10) are formed frustoconically widening. 52. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 47 to 51, characterized in that a cone angle enclosed by the sealing element (12) from a selected area with a lower limit of 70 °, preferably 90 °, in particular 100 °, preferably of 120 ° and is selected with an upper limit of 178 °, preferably 170 °, in particular 150 °, preferably of 140 °. 53. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 47 to 52, characterized in that the head part (10) has a disk-shaped and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned base part (21) and a base part (21) on the from the shaft part ( 6) averted direction superior tubular edge portion (22) has. 54. Closure device (1) according to claim 53, characterized in that a recess (23) is arranged in the base part (21) in the region of the longitudinal axis (5) and centrically to the latter. 55. Closure device (1) according to claim 54, characterized in that the recess (23), viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5), extends at least in regions into the shaft part (6). N2005 / 04100 ··· ···· ·· • · · ··· • ···· · · · · · ······· ♦ »-10- 56. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 53 to 55, characterized in that on the base part (21) a tubular support member (24) is arranged, whose central axis (25) is aligned with the longitudinal axis (5) of the base part (21) , 57. Closure device (1) according to claim 56, characterized in that the tubular support part (24) is arranged in the peripheral region of the recess (23). 58. Closure device (1) according to claim 56 or 57, characterized in that the tubular support part (24) has a clear cross section which corresponds approximately to that clear cross section of the recess (23) in the base part (21). 59. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 56 to 58, characterized in that the tubular support member (24) at least partially on one of the longitudinal axis (5) facing inner surface is bounded by an approximately cylindrically shaped first centering surface (26) and the central axis (25) of the first centering surface (26) is aligned parallel to and aligned with the longitudinal axis (5). 60. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 54 to 59, characterized in that the recess (23) by an approximately cylindrically shaped further centering surface (27) is limited and the central axis (25) of the further centering surface (27) parallel to the longitudinal axis (5) is aligned. 61. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 53 to 60, characterized in that ribs (28) are arranged on the base part (21) on the side remote from the shaft part (6). 62. Closure device (1) according to claim 61, characterized in that the ribs (28) are arranged continuously between the mutually facing sides of the tubular edge part (22) and the tubular support part (24). N2005 / 04100 - 11 - ··· «· 63. closure device (1) according to claim 61 or 62, characterized in that the ribs (28), starting from the rohrformigen edge part (22) extending radially in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) out. 64. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 53 to 63, characterized in that a height (29) of the edge part (22) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) from a selected area with a lower limit of 8%, preferably 10% , in particular 12%, preferably of 18% and having an upper limit of 100%, preferably 50%, in particular 30%, preferably 25% of an outer cross-sectional dimension (30) of the head part (10) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned Level corresponds. 65. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 47 to 64, characterized in that the shaft part (6) faces away from the head part (10) end region (8) approximately planar to the shaft part (6) arranged first sealing elements (12 ) is trained. 66. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 47 to 64, characterized in that the shaft part (6) in the end portion (8) facing away from the head part (10) seen in axial section with respect to the longitudinal axis (5) convexly curved or spherical or conical is trained. 67. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 47 to 66, characterized in that the shaft part (6) projects beyond the first sealing elements (12) to the side facing away from the head part (10). 68. Universal closure device (1) for openings (2) of sample containers (3) each having different cross sections (4), wherein the closure device (1) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis (5) shank part (6) with in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) spaced-apart end regions (7, 8), and a plurality of in the region of an outer surface (9) of the shaft portion (6) arranged and in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) spaced from each other sealing elements (12,16) for application to one of the N2005 / 04100 ·· »· · · · · · · · · · ···························· Longitudinal axis (5) facing the inner, preferably approximately cylindrical outer surface (11) of the sample container to be sealed (3) and a head part (10), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the shaft part (6 ) arranged you Has at least one enforcement (38) telemente (12,16). 69. Closure device (1) according to claim 68, characterized in that the sealing element (12,16) is annular. 70. Closure device (1) according to claim 68 or 69, characterized in that the sealing element or elements (12, 16) are designed starting from the shaft part (6) in the direction of the head part (10) in the shape of a truncated cone. 71. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 68 to 70, characterized in that a cone angle (13,17) enclosed by the sealing element (12,16) from a selected area with a lower limit of 70 °, preferably 90 °, in particular 100 °, preferably of 120 ° and with an upper limit of 178 °, preferably 170 °, in particular 150 °, preferably selected from 140 °. 72. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 68 to 71, characterized in that the enforcement (38) starting from one of the inner circumferential surface (11) of the sample container (3) zuwendbaren edge region (15,19) of the sealing element (12, 16) extends in the direction of the shaft part (6). 73. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 68 to 72, characterized in that the inner circumferential surface (11) of the sample container (3) zuwendbare edge region (15,19) of the sealing element (12,16) with respect to a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned plane as well as seen over the circumference, having a different direction in the vertical direction on the plane distance. N2005 / 04100 -13 74. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 68 to 73, characterized in that the edge region (15,19) of the sealing element (12,16) seen over the circumference with respect to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned plane is wave-shaped. 75. Closure device (1) according to claim 74, characterized in that the undulating formation of the sealing element (12, 16) extends from the edge region (15, 19) as far as the outer surface (9) of the shaft part (6). 76. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 68 to 75, characterized in that the head part (10) has a disc-shaped and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned base part (21) and the base part (21) on the of the shaft part ( 6) facing away from protruding tubular edge portion (22). 77. Universal closure device (1) for openings (2) of sample containers (3) each having different cross sections (4), the closure device (1) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis (5) shank part (6) with in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) spaced-apart end regions (7, 8), and a plurality of in the region of an outer surface (9) of the shaft part (6) arranged sealing elements (12,16) for applying to one of the longitudinal axis (5) facing inner, preferably approximately cylindrically shaped , Lateral surface (11) of the sample container (3) to be closed and a head part (10) having a disc-shaped and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned base part (21) and a base part (21) on the shaft part (6) facing away from superior tubular edge portion (22), ^ characterized in that / on the base part (21) on the side facing away from the shaft part (6) side ribs (28) arranged s ind. 78. Closure device (1) according to claim 77, characterized in that the ribs (28), starting from the edge part (22) extend radially in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5). N2005 / 04100 - 14- 79. Closure device (1) according to claim 78, characterized in that in the base part (21) in the region of the longitudinal axis (5) and centric to this a recess (23) is arranged. 80. Closure device (1) according to claim 79, characterized in that the recess (23), viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5), extends at least partially into the shaft part (6). 81. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 77 to 80, characterized in that on the base part (21) a tubular support member (24) is arranged, whose central axis (25) is aligned with the longitudinal axis (5) of the base part (21) , 82. Closure device (1) according to claim 81, characterized in that the tubular support part (24) in the peripheral region of the recess (23) is arranged. 83. Closure device (1) according to claim 81 or 82, characterized in that the tubular support part (24) has a clear cross section which corresponds approximately to that clear cross section of the recess (23) in the base part (21). 84. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 81 to 83, characterized in that the tubular support part (24) is delimited at least in regions on an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis (5) by an approximately cylindrically shaped first centering surface (26) and the Center axis (25) of the first centering surface (26) is aligned parallel and in alignment with the longitudinal axis (5). 85. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 79 to 84, characterized in that the recess (23) by an approximately cylindrically shaped further centering surface (27) is limited and the central axis (25) of the further centering surface (27) parallel to the longitudinal axis (5) is aligned. N2005 / 04100 ♦ · · · · · · · · ··························································································. 86. A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 77 to 85, characterized in that the ribs (28) are arranged continuously between the mutually facing sides of the tubular edge portion (22) and the tubular support member (24). 87. Closure device (1) according to one of claims 77 to 86, characterized in that a height (29) of the edge part (22) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) from a selected area with a lower limit of 8%, preferably 10% , in particular 12%, preferably of 18% and having an upper limit of 100%, preferably 50%, in particular 30%, preferably 25% of an outer cross-sectional dimension (30) of the head part (10) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (5) aligned Level corresponds. STIWA-Fertigungstechnik Sticht Gesellschaft m.b.H. by N2005 / 04100