EP2569225B1 - Closure for a receptacle and method for carrying out a freeze-drying process - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a closure for a container, for example an ampoule, according to the features of the upper handle of claim 1, such a closure from approximately WO 01/49583 A1 is known. The invention further relates to a method for carrying out a freeze-drying method according to the features of the preamble of claim 14.

From the US 2009/001042 A1 a relevant freeze-drying method is known in which a closure with a closure cap is used. However, the closure cap cannot be latched onto the container before drying begins.

Closures of a similar type have already become known in various configurations. First, for example, on the US 5,314,084A referred. Further also on the WO 2005/000703 and the WO 2008/129144 A1 ( CA 2677408 A1 ).

From the FR 2 674 508 A1 Closures of the generic type are also known which have a closure and sliding part formed as a unitary part. By means of an enlarged outer handle on this one part, a displacement from and into the closed position is possible

From the US 1,949,058 Finally, a one-piece closure is known, in which it is already not possible to fasten the closure cap to the container by means of latching formations.

In the case of various known closures, the closure caps of the closures are initially arranged on the container in a first position, in which, for example, in an airway provided to the interior of the container Freeze-drying chamber can be used to dry the medicament contained in the container. After freeze-drying has ended, the closure caps are then brought into a second position, in which they are locked at an opening edge of the container and in which the closure plug accommodated in the closure cap engages in a sealing manner in a container neck and / or with a sealing flange on an end opening surface of the container sits sealingly. The movement into the closed position is usually carried out by means of a plate part acting on a large number of containers provided with such closures.

The plate part acts on a sliding part, which is - as a rule: first - moved relative to the closure cap, and then is moved into the latching closure position together with the closure cap and the closure plug accommodated in the closure cap.

With regard to the action of the plate part of the freeze-drying system provided on the device side, in order to bring them into the closed position at the end of the freeze-drying process, the lowest possible force application is desirable. Thus, a large number of such containers can be closed at the same time with a given maximum force that can be exerted with the plate part. On the other hand, the closures must be held securely in relation to the containers in order to prevent the closures from falling off the containers during freeze drying or on the way to a freeze-drying chamber or during transport and loading inside the freeze-drying chamber.

On the basis of the prior art set out, the object of the invention is to provide a closure for a container, in particular an ampoule, in which a medicament is accommodated, with a view to carrying out a freeze-drying process.

This object is achieved with the entirety of the features of claim 1. Because the closure plug is not moved with the cap, but rather relative to the cap into the closed position, it is possible to attach the cap to the container immediately when the closure is first seated, in particular to lock it firmly in place. In the course of freeze-drying and the subsequent final closure of the container, a further movement of the closure cap is no longer necessary. For this purpose, the sealing plug is received so that it can move relative to the sealing cap. The sealing plug can be accommodated in the sealing cap itself. However, the sealing plug can initially only be received by means of the sliding part held in the sealing cap.

With regard to the method, the object is achieved with the subject matter of claim 14, the focus being on the fact that after the drying is completed, the sealing plug, which is produced separately from the cap and the sliding part, has a flange and extends upward with a smaller diameter from the flange Central area as well as a different from that Inserting the flange downward is displaced into the closed position by means of a sliding part which is displaceably guided on the closing cap, with the cap being fixed relative to the container by acting on the sliding part.

After the freeze-drying process is complete, only the sliding part is moved relative to the closure cap. It is not necessary to move the closure cap relative to the container after the freeze-drying process has been completed. The sealing plug can be moved into the closed position simply by moving the sliding part.

The invention is further described with respect to the container with regard to an ampoule (vial). It is also preferably a container, for example an ampoule, made of glass. However, it can also be a different container. Preferably one that is used in the pharmaceutical field.

It is preferred that the closure cap has an outer cap wall. This cap wall can also be arranged on the outside in relation to an end face, that is to say generally horizontally, of an end face of a mouth opening of the ampoule in association with the ampoule. The mouth edge of the ampoule can, for example, have a bead-shaped cross section. The cap wall can therefore run on the outside with respect to the bead. The ampoule can initially taper further into an ampoule neck further below the bead and then widen again. The As a rule, the ampoule, which is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical and in its area below the neck in any case cylindrical, can be provided in alignment with the outer surface of its cylinder area or almost in alignment with an outer surface of the cap wall.

Further features of the invention are often described or illustrated below, also in the description of the figures and in the drawing, in their preferred association with the claim concepts already explained above, but they can also be associated with only one or more individual features which are described here or are shown in the drawing, in particular those of the claims that have already been settled, can be of importance.

The sliding part is preferably guided on the inside of the cap wall. The guidance is further preferably given on the closure cap. It is preferably a single cap wall formed on the closure cap, which at the same time forms the outer surface.

The closure cap and / or the sliding part are preferably plastic parts produced in the plastic injection molding process. It is hard plastic. In contrast, the sealing plug is preferably a rubber part or consists of a thermoplastic elastomer or some other rubber-like soft material, in particular soft plastic.

As an alternative, the sealing cap preferably has a guide wall for the sealing plug that is separate from the cap wall. The guide wall can thus be designed specifically for the management task. In particular The area of interaction with the sealing plug can be chosen in such a way that initially, in a first position of the sealing plug relative to the mouth of the ampoule, that is to say for carrying out the freeze-drying process, there is a sufficient adhesive effect which prevents the sealing plug from being inadvertently displaced excludes, on the other hand, however, requires a force that is not too great to move the sealing plug into the closed position.

In particular, it is also preferred that the guide wall is designed as a cap neck protruding upward beyond the cap wall. The cap neck preferably has a significantly smaller diameter than the cap wall. Both the cap wall and the cap neck are more preferably closure cap parts oriented on a cylindrical shape. They are preferably rotationally symmetrical, but can also be designed alternately over the circumference on the outside, for example with regard to the cap wall, with respect to corrugation or the like. Furthermore, the outer wall and / or the cap neck can be designed differently with respect to the passage openings formed therein for air guidance and / or visual inspection. With regard to the guide wall or the cap neck, interruptions can also be provided in the peripheral area. For example, to adapt to the required size of the wall area in frictional engagement with the sealing plug.

One or more vertically oriented passage openings can be formed between the guide wall and the cap wall. These passage openings enable the passage of a part or area of the closure acting on the closure plug, in particular the Sliding part. They also initially allow a visual inspection of the sealing plug accommodated in the sealing cap.

The sliding extension of the sliding part, which is suitably arranged at least partially above a passage opening and is slidingly connected to the closure cap, more preferably projects into the passage opening. In this case, the sliding extension can initially be provided in a first position, still above the passage opening or slightly entered into the passage opening. In the closed state after freeze-drying has ended, the sliding extension then passes through the passage opening.

The closure plug provided in the closure has the flange with which it rests in the closed state on an end face of the ampoule opening and on which the sliding extension can act. It also has a central region that extends upward from the flange, with a smaller diameter than the flange. In addition, the plug has an insertion portion extending downward from the flange. The insertion section preferably has a smaller diameter that is adapted to the neck opening of the ampoule than the flange. In the closed state, the insertion section engages in the mouth area of the container or the ampoule in the interior of the ampoule and thus seals the ampoule by contacting an inner surface of the neck area.

The central region of the sealing plug preferably interacts with the said guide wall of the sealing cap, that is to say in particular the neck of the sealing cap. He is included in it. It is also preferably cylindrical educated. A cylinder outer surface cooperates accordingly with an inner surface of the guide wall for holding and guiding. The sliding part further preferably acts on the flange region of the closure plug by means of the sliding extension, of which several are preferably provided distributed over the circumference. An upper part of the flange is pressed by the sliding part by means of the sliding extension or the sliding extensions, whereby the sealing plug can then be moved relative to the sealing cap into the closed position with respect to the ampoule.

In addition, it is also preferred that the sliding part engages over an upper side of the closure cap. In particular also a region of the closure cap that is radially outer with respect to the passage openings. Thus, in the closed state, the sliding part can run flush with the outer surface of the cap wall with respect to its outer wall or can extend with a larger diameter of the outer wall overlapping the cap wall or a slightly smaller diameter than the cap wall set back with respect to the cap wall.

In addition, it is also preferred that the closure cap or the sliding part can be covered by a cover part after the closure plug has been moved into the closure position.

The cover part can be provided, for example, in a snap-in manner on the closure cap. But it can also be welded to the sealing cap.

It is further preferred that the cover part is designed so that it cannot be lost in one piece with the closure cap or the sliding part. A one-piece molded part formation with the sliding part is preferred. Here, a thinned joint area can be formed in the transition between the sliding part and the cover part.

Furthermore, one or more locking pins, which protrude freely at the top, can be provided on the locking cap. These can engage in corresponding openings in the cover part in the closed state. In particular, they can also be welded to said openings in the engaged state.

Fig. 1

einen auf eine Ampulle aufgesetzten Verschluss erster Ausführungsform, bei offenem Deckel;

Fig. 2

den Verschluss gemäß Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von schräg unten;

Fig. 3

den Verschluss gemäß Fig. 1 bzw. Fig. 2 in einer Explosionsdarstellung, mit zugeordnetem Verschlussstopfen;

Fig. 4

das Schiebeteil des Verschlusses gemäß Fig. 1, in einer Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 5

das Schiebeteil gemäß Fig. 4 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von schräg unten;

Fig. 6

die Verschlusskappe in einer Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 7

die Verschlusskappe in einer Ansicht von schräg unten;

Fig. 8

den Verschluss gemäß Fig. 1 im Querschnitt in einer Gefrier- Trocknungsstellung;

Fig. 9

eine Darstellung gemäß Fig. 8, jedoch bei in seine Dichtstellung verschobenem Verschlussstopfen;

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines weiteren Verschlusses;

Fig. 11

der Verschluss gemäß Fig. 10 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von schräg unten;

Fig. 12

der Verschluss gemäß Fig. 10 bzw. Fig. 11 in einer Explosionsdarstellung, mit zugeordnetem Verschlussstopfen;

Fig. 13

das Schiebeteil des Verschlusses gemäß Fig. 10 in einer Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 14

einen Querschnitt durch den Gegenstand gemäß Fig. 13, geschnitten entlang der Linie XIV-XIV;

Fig. 15

das Schiebeteil gemäß Fig. 13 in einer Ansicht von unten;

Fig. 16

die Verschlusskappe in einer Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 17

einen Querschnitt durch den Gegenstand gemäß Fig. 16, geschnitten entlang der Linie XVII-XVII;

Fig. 18

einen Querschnitt durch den Verschluss gemäß Fig. 10, in einer Gefrier-Trocknungsstellung; und

Fig. 19

eine Darstellung gemäß Fig. 18, bei in der Dichtstellung befindlichem Verschlussstopfen.

The invention is further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawing, which, however, only shows exemplary embodiments. Here shows:

Fig. 1

a closure of a first embodiment placed on an ampoule, with the lid open;

Fig. 2

the closure according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view obliquely from below;

Fig. 3

the closure according to Fig. 1 respectively. Fig. 2 in an exploded view, with associated sealing plug;

Fig. 4

the sliding part of the closure according to Fig. 1 , in a view from above;

Fig. 5

the sliding part according to Fig. 4 in a perspective view obliquely from below;

Fig. 6

the cap in a view from above;

Fig. 7

the cap in an oblique view from below;

Fig. 8

the closure according to Fig. 1 in cross section in a freeze-drying position;

Fig. 9

a representation according to Fig. 8 , but with the sealing plug moved into its sealing position;

Fig. 10

a perspective view of another closure;

Fig. 11

the closure according to Fig. 10 in a perspective view obliquely from below;

Fig. 12

the closure according to Fig. 10 respectively. Fig. 11 in an exploded view, with associated sealing plug;

Fig. 13

the sliding part of the closure according to Fig. 10 in a view from above;

Fig. 14

a cross section according to the object Fig. 13 , cut along the line XIV-XIV;

Fig. 15

the sliding part according to Fig. 13 in a view from below;

Fig. 16

the cap in a view from above;

Fig. 17

a cross section according to the object Fig. 16 , cut along the line XVII-XVII;

Fig. 18

a cross section through the closure Fig. 10 , in a freeze-drying position; and

Fig. 19

a representation according to Fig. 18 , with the sealing plug in the sealing position.

Is shown and described, initially with reference to the Figures 1 to 9 a first embodiment of the closure.

It is a closure 1, which is seated on a container designed here as a medical ampoule 9. In the ampoule 9 there is a medicament in liquid form, preferably initially, that is to say before any freeze-drying to be carried out. Freeze drying, for example, can be used to convert it into powder form.

The closure 1 consists in detail of a closure cap 2 and a sliding part 3 which, in the exemplary embodiment, is partially protruding above the closure cap 2. A cover 4 is connected to the sliding part 3.

As can be seen from the cross-sectional representations of the Figures 8 and 9 results, a sealing plug 5 is also received inside the sealing cap 2.

The closure cap 2 also has latching formations 6 with which it engages under a muzzle bead 7 of the ampoule 9 in the latched state. How especially out Fig. 8 can be seen, the latching formations are formed on elastically bendable latching arms 8, which can elastically spring outwards accordingly when the closure cap 2 is placed on the ampoule 9. (See the position shown in broken lines).

As continues from a comparison of the Figures 8 and 9 results, the plug 5 is by means of the sliding part 3 relative to the cap 2 from an open position according to Fig. 8 , in which freeze drying can be carried out, in a closed position according to Fig. 9 transferred. In the closed position according to Fig. 9 the sliding part 3 is moved downward relative to the closure cap 2, the closure plug 5 being acted on by means of sliding extensions 10 formed on the sliding part for displacement into the closed position. The sliding part 3 acts directly on the sealing plug via said sliding extensions.

The sealing plug has a flange 11 and a central area 12. A sealing projection 13 is also formed below the flange 11.

In the closed position according to the Fig. 9 there is an underside of the flange 11 on an end face 14 of the bead 7 of the ampoule 9. The sealing projection 13 is retracted into the ampoule neck 15 and lies sealingly against the inner cylindrical surface 17 of the ampoule 9.

From the perspective view of the Fig. 2 it can be seen that locking arms 8 of different widths extending downward are formed on the closure cap 2. A total of seven locking arms 8 are formed distributed over the circumference, of which three locking arms 8 'project less downward than the remaining locking arms. A locking arm 8 has a cantilevered length 1 or 1 ', which is one third to two thirds based on the axial length L of the closure cap 2. Here, the axial length L is measured starting from the lower end of a latch arm 8 which projects the furthest downwards, up to the shoulder 16, that is to say exclusively excluding the height of the cap neck 21, which is described in detail below.

A circumferential extent of a latching arm 8 preferably corresponds to a circumferential angle α of 2 ° to 60 °, six of the seven latching arms preferably extending over a circumferential angle of 30 ° to 60 ° and one latching arm 8 ″ over a circumferential angle between 2 ° and 10 °.

A circumferential gap 18 between two locking arms preferably corresponds to a circumferential angle of 1 ° to 5 °.

A locking arm 8 ″ is provided with a window 19 in its upper region, that is to say toward the sliding part 3. The window 19 enables a visual inspection of the sealing plug received therein. In the lower region, the engagement bead 6 is nevertheless shaped continuously in the circumferential direction formed locking bead 6, the outer wall assigned, columnar extensions 20 of the cap wall formed down. This results on the outside in an arch-like configuration of this latching arm 8 ″, which is continuously open in the upper region, but closed in the lower region by the rear wall of the latching formation 6 in the case of continuous frame sections.

This design of the locking arm 8 "at the same time enables a tool-favorable detection with regard to an application of the closure in the locking position according to Fig. 8 , before beginning freeze drying.

From the representation according to Fig. 3 and also the sectional view according to the Figures 8 and 9 , It can also be seen that a cap neck 21 is formed radially on the inside toward an outer wall of the closure cap 2. The cap neck 21 is formed in one piece with the outer cap wall 23 via radial webs 22. The cap neck 21 partially projects upward beyond the shoulder 16, but is also partially formed within the cap wall 23 below the shoulder 16. Overall, it is a cylindrical body.

The inside of the cap neck 21 has one or more axial webs 24 which serve for braking interaction with an outer surface of the central section 12 of the sealing plug 5. The axial webs 24 protrude on the inside in a bead-like manner with respect to an inner surface of the cap neck 21. This allows the sealing plug 5 to be reliably positioned in accordance with Fig. 8 to keep. Furthermore, the cap neck 21 has horizontal locking grooves 25, which are designed as through openings in the exemplary embodiment. How about Fig. 8 results, these can serve to hold the sliding part 3 in an upper position (initially).

The above-mentioned axial webs can additionally or alternatively also be formed on the outer surface of the central region 12 of the sealing plug 5.

The sliding part 3, cf. in particular Figures 4 and 5 , initially has, on the top side, an outer, vertically running peripheral wall 26. The peripheral wall 26 merges into an upper end wall 27 which runs horizontally in the state of use and is preferably circular in the exemplary embodiment. This end wall 27 is further preferably covered by a cover 4 in the closed state. In addition, closure pins 29 are provided in the end wall 27, which pass through openings 30 of the cover part in the closed state. They then initially protrude upwards and can, for example, provide a weld-like seal by hot forming. But you can also have an enlarged head on the top, positively hold the lid 4 in the closed position.

On the underside, the sliding part 3 has latching fingers 31, which in cross section form an inwardly projecting latching section 32, see for example Figures 8 and 9 . With this latching section 32, the latching formations can engage in the latching openings 25 in a first position of the sliding part 3 relative to the closure cap 2. Due to the fact that the latching formations 32 are shaped like barbs, they can be moved into the position according to after the sliding part 3 has been pushed down further Fig. 9 , blocking under a lower grip section 33, which is further formed on the cap neck already described. A shifting back of the sliding part 3 relative to the cap part 2 is therefore no longer possible after reaching this locking position.

A wall 34 is provided radially on the outside with respect to the snap-in fingers 31, but surrounds the snap-in fingers 31 only over part of their cantilevered length. A lower part of the latching fingers 31 is exposed radially outward.

In the exemplary embodiment, a total of four latching fingers 31 are formed around the circumference. The latching fingers 31 preferably extend over a circumferential angle range between 10 ° and 60 °.

The sliding extensions 10 are provided in the circumferential space between the latching fingers 31, but also projecting outward from an outer wall of the latching fingers 31. In the exemplary embodiment, these are designed in cross section as oval hollow shapes. The sliding extensions 10 extend vertically. The hollow shape of the sliding extensions 10 formed by a circumferential wall provides a favorable introduction of force into the sealing plug 5 via the end face of the wall, which covers the sliding forces.

These sliding extensions 10 act on the sealing plug 5, on the top of the flange 11, for displacement into the closed position.

The sliding extensions 10 are assigned to an annular space formed between the cap neck 21 and the cap wall 23. The annular space is divided by the radial webs 22 which extend radially in this regard. The radial webs 22 leave both openings 48 for the sliding extensions 10 to pass through and openings 49 for the latching fingers 31 to pass through. As can be seen, the openings 48 are adapted to the outer contour of the sliding extensions. They are dimensionally provided so that there is a sliding guide for the sliding extensions 10.

With reference to the Figures 10 to 19 describes a second embodiment. Unless details or designs are described separately, for example with regard to a different function or design, the above statements are also applicable to this second embodiment. Different reference numerals for the same or equivalent parts have been chosen only for better readability.

Basically, this type of construction also consists of a cap part 36 and a sliding part 37. A plug 38 is also accommodated inside the cap part 36 in this type of construction.

In contrast to the previously described embodiment, it is initially the case that the sliding part 37 has an outer apron wall 39 which partially, over part of its height, extends over an outer wall 40 of the cap part 36, specifically already in the freeze-drying position Fig. 18 to a larger extent in the closed position according to Fig. 19 . The cap part 36 also has this design, cf. about in particular Fig. 11 , distributed over the circumference, a plurality of locking fingers 41. These locking fingers 41 have locking beads 42 projecting inwards. On the outside they have a continuation section 43 which projects downwards. This continuation section 43 is formed in the form of a thin, circular section-shaped wall. It also extends only over a smaller circumferential extent than a locking finger 41. It can serve to limit the snap-on movement, according to the contact with the shoulder of the ampoule (see, for example Fig. 19 ).

Like the locking fingers of the previously described embodiment, the locking fingers 41 of this design preferably extend over a circumferential angle range from 30 ° to 60 °.

Some of the locking fingers 41, preferably every second locking finger 41, with a total of six locking fingers 41 preferably being formed, have through openings 44 on the upper side, above the locking beads 42, but below the transition 28 into an annular peripheral wall 35 of the cap part 36. These through openings 44 can be used for visual inspection, for example with regard to the sealing plug held therein.

Furthermore, above the connection 28 of the latching fingers 41 to the circumferential wall 35 mentioned, grooves or penetration openings 45 extending in the circumferential direction are provided. These extend in a circular section, preferably over a circumferential angle between 10 ° and 40 °.

In these circumferential grooves in the closed state, see Fig. 19 , in a manner comparable to that in the exemplary embodiment, engage barb-like latching projections 46 of latching arms 47 formed on the sliding part. In Fig. 18 the intermediate position of the latching arms 47, in the course of the peripheral wall 35, is shown in dash-dotted lines.

With regard to both types of use, the procedure is as follows, for example:
First, the cap and the sliding part as well as the sealing plug are made separately. The plug is then inserted into the cap, or, at least preferably in the design of the Figures 10 to 19 , first in the sliding part 37, pressed into a position according to Fig. 8 respectively. Fig. 18 . The configuration of the Fig. 18 is preferably achieved by first inserting the sealing plug 5 into the sliding part 37 and then pressing the sliding part with the sealing plug 5 located therein into the cap part 36. In the other case, the sealing plug 5 is first inserted into the sealing cap or the cap part, the sliding part is placed on this composite from above. In any case, the sliding part 37 is first brought into a first latching position according to Fig. 8 respectively. Fig. 18 . In both cases, this makes it possible to deliver the complete closure as a part to a filling line in which a medicament is filled into the containers and, if appropriate, a freeze-drying process is then carried out. The assembly can already be carried out in the manufacturer's plant with regard to the closure; it is not necessary in the course of the closure which is usually only then applied to the container in the manufacturer's factory of the pharmaceutical agent. This is particularly important from the point of view that the connection between the closure and the container must be carried out in a high-purity room in the manufacturing plant of the pharmaceutical agent. In this way, essential process steps can be saved with regard to this high-purity room.

In a further step, the pre-assembled closures are then connected to the ampoules filled with a medicament. This can be done, for example, in a star wheel device of a separating system. The connection is carried out in such a way that the caps are in the - at the same time also final - locking position on the ampoule Fig. 8 respectively. Fig. 18 be applied. For this purpose, a suitable device can be used immediately act on the cap in each case, so that there is no relative displacement of the closure plug or of the sliding part relative to the cap in this processing step. The device does not act on the sliding part in this process step.

The ampoules are then placed in a freeze-dryer in this position of the applied closures. Drying of the medication in the ampoules is achieved at freezing temperatures. Since the sealing plugs do not sit on the mouth edge of the ampoule or even engage in it, and in addition airways remain through the cap into the interior of the ampoule, effective drying can be achieved.

At the end of the freeze-drying process, the ampoules are sealed by moving the sliding part into the position according to Fig. 9 respectively. Fig. 19 is pressed from above. The cap remains visible in its previously assumed position relative to the ampoule. By moving the sliding parts downwards, the sealing plug is brought into its sealing position. The depressed position of the sliding parts, in which the plugs are in the closed position, is also locked. Latching arms of the sliding part engage corresponding latching openings or latching recesses in the cap, and preferably there on the inside.

Finally, the cover 4 can be opened onto the sliding part and a further closure can be achieved in this respect by means of the locking pins. This closure can serve in particular as a tamper-evident device.

Of importance with regard to the design of the Figures 10 to 18 is also that the sliding part 37 in a cross section, cf. about Fig. 18 , overlaps an upper end edge of the outer wall 40 of the closure cap in a U-shape. That is, preferably on the outside by means of the skirt wall 39 and preferably on the inside by means of a latch arm 47. The latch arms 47 are connected to the skirt wall 39 forming the outer wall here by a cover 50 of the sliding part 37. For favorable resilient connections of the latching arms 47, these are formed in the area of the ceiling wall 50 by radially oriented free cuts 51 with a ceiling area 52 extending approximately in the plane of the ceiling 50. The connection of the locking fingers 47 is given in a connection area 53 radially on the inside, while the locking fingers are radially on the outside, here submerged under the relevant ceiling edge 54, with the ceiling 50. <b> List of reference symbols </b> 1 Clasp 2nd Sealing cap 3rd Sliding part 4th cover 5 Sealing plug 6 Engagement bead 7 bead 8th Locking arm 8 'locking arm 8 "locking arm 9 container 10th Extension 11 flange 12th Central area 13 Sealing projection 14 Face 15 Ampoule neck 16 shoulder 17th surface 18th Circumferential space 19th window 20th Continuation 21 Cap neck 22 Radial web 23 Cap wall 24th Axial webs 25th Locking grooves 26 Peripheral wall 27 End wall 28 crossing 29 Locking pin 30th openings 31 Snap-in finger 32 Rest section 33 Lower grip section 34 Wall 35 Peripheral wall 36 Cap part 37 Sliding part 38 Sealing plug 39 Apron wall 40 Outer wall 41 Locking finger 42 Snap bead 43 Continuation section 44 Through opening 45 Access opening 46 Locking projection 47 Locking arm 48 opening 49 opening 50 Ceiling, ceiling wall 51 Free cut 52 Ceiling area 53 Connection area 54 Ceiling edge l = cantilevered Length l '= cantilevered length L = Length

Claims (15)

1. Closure (1) for a receptacle (9), for example an ampoule in which preferably a medicament is accommodated, having a closure cap (2) and a closure plug (5) accommodated in the closure (1), latching formations (6) being formed on the closure cap (2) for holding the closure (1) on the receptacle (9) in a latching manner, and a sliding part (3) being provided which can be moved relative to the closure cap (2) in order to displace the closure plug (5) from an open position into the closed position, the sliding part (3) being moved downwards relative to the closure cap (2) when in the closed position, it furthermore being possible to slide the closure plug (5) relative to the closure cap (2) by means of the sliding part (3, 37) in order to shift said plug into the closed position, and the depressed position of the sliding part (3, 37), in which position the closure plug (5) is in the closed position, being secured in a latching manner, characterised in that the closure plug (5) is manufactured separately from the closure cap (2) and the sliding part (3, 37), in that the closure plug (5) comprises a flange (11), a central region (12) which extends upwards from the flange (11) so as to have a smaller diameter, and an insertion portion which extends downwards from the flange (11), in that the sliding part (3, 37) comprises latching arms (47) and/or snap-in fingers (31) which engage in corresponding latching openings or latching recesses in the closure cap (2), the closure plug being acted on by means of sliding projections (10) formed on the sliding part (3) in order to slide said plug into the closed position, the sliding part (3) directly acting on the closure plug (5).
2. Closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the sliding part (3) is guided on the inside of a cap wall of the closure cap (2).
3. Closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the sliding part (3) is guided on the outside with respect to a cap wall of the closure cap (2).
4. Closure according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sliding part (3) engages over an upper edge of the cap wall in a U-shape.
5. Closure according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure cap (2) comprises a guide wall for the closure plug (5), which guide wall is separate from the cap wall (23).
6. Closure according to claim 5, characterised in that the separate guide wall is designed as a cap neck (21).
7. Closure according to claim 6, characterised in that the cap neck (21) projects upwards beyond the cap wall.
8. Closure according to either claim 6 or claim 7, characterised in that a cap neck wall is arranged so as to be radially inwardly offset from the cap wall, a passage opening preferably being formed between the guide wall and the cap wall.
9. Closure according to claim 8, characterised in that a sliding projection (10) of the sliding part (3) projects into the passage opening (48).
10. Closure according to any of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that the central region (12) cooperates with the guide wall.
11. Closure according to either claim 9 or claim 10, characterised in that the sliding part acts on the flange (11) by means of the sliding projection (10).
12. Closure according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sliding part engages over an upper side of the closure cap (2).
13. Closure according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure cap (2) or the sliding part (3) can be covered by a cover part (4), it being possible for the cover part (4) to be integrally connected to the sliding part (3).
14. Method for carrying out a freeze-drying process for a medium, in particular a medicament, that is accommodated in a receptacle, in particular an ampoule (9), the receptacle (9) being closed by means of a closure plug (5) which seals in the region of a receptacle mouth, the closure plug (5) furthermore initially being held, in a cap (2) that is placed on the receptacle (9) before the start of drying process, in a position that is spaced apart from the region and being shifted into a sealing position after the drying process is complete, characterised in that, after the drying process is complete, the closure plug (5), which is manufactured separately from the cap (2) and the sliding part (3) and which comprises a flange (11), a central region (12) which extends upwards from the flange (11) so as to have a smaller diameter, and also an insertion portion which extends downwards from the flange, is shifted, by means of a sliding part (3) that is guided on the closure cap (2) in a sliding manner, into the closed position by the sliding part (3) being acted upon, with the cap (2) being fixed relative to the receptacle.
15. Method according to claim 14, wherein a closure according to any of claims 1 to 13 is used.

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