EP3536403B1 - Receptacle with cap made of plastic for laboratory use - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lidded container made of plastic for laboratory use. Such lid vessels are also referred to as "reaction vessel" or "reaction vessel with lid".

Known lid vessels made of plastic for laboratory use have a tubular vessel which has a vessel bottom at the bottom, a vessel opening at the top and a sealing area on the inner wall below the vessel opening. A lid, which has a lid base and a stopper protruding from the inside of the lid base, can be inserted through the vessel opening into a sealing position in which the stopper seals the sealing area. The lid is held in the vessel by the clamping force of the stopper. A correspondingly high clamping force of the stopper is required for applications in which an increased vapor pressure above the sample liquid can develop in the vessel. The user has to use a correspondingly high force to close and open the vessel.

Furthermore, lidded vessels are known in which the lid is connected to the vessel via a hinge. Such lid vessels with a lid that can be closed and opened are also referred to as "snap-lid vessels".

Furthermore, lid vessels made of plastic are known which have a special latch between the lid and the vessel in order to hold the lid in the sealing position on the vessel.

the EP 2 654 958 B1 describes a lid vessel which has a latching projection on the upper edge of the vessel and an elastic tab protruding from the underside of the lid base with a latching edge that can be snapped under the latching projection and one of for easy and safe closing and opening the tab has laterally outwardly protruding button for releasing the locking of the locking edge with the locking projection. According to EP 2 965 816 A1 a first lever protrudes laterally outward from the flap and a second lever protrudes upward from the first lever at a distance from the flap in order to release the locking simply by pressing against the second lever.

U.S. 3,881,626 A describes a lid vessel in which, in a first position, a lid with a bead is placed on the edge of the vessel opening so that the inside of the vessel is ventilated through vertically extending slots up to the stopper.

U.S. 3,164,279 A describes a lid vessel in which a lid is pushed into a vessel in a first position with a stopper only so deep that the vessel is ventilated through longitudinal grooves on the stopper.

EP 2 517 791 A1 describes lidded vessels in which the sealing bead on the stopper runs along a curve in order to ventilate the vessel in a first inserted position.

WO 2011/108134 A1 describes lidded vessels in which the lid only partially engages with a stopper in the vessel opening in a first position and is latched onto the jacket of the vessel via latching means arranged on the outside of the lid with latching means.

U.S. 5,354,539 A describes a lid vessel in which the lid with the stopper is arranged in two different positions in a sealing manner in the vessel. In a first position, the lid is not locked to the vessel. In the second position, which is slightly twisted in relation to the first position, the lid is locked to the vessel.

When open, conventional lidded vessels are delivered in groups of several in a bag, protected from contamination. A delivery in a closed state does not take place because this would relax the sealing geometry so that the vessels no longer seal when in use. As a result, contamination can occur, especially after the vessels have been removed from the bag. It is also disadvantageous that the vessels must first be closed for labeling the lid, then opened again for the filling of sample liquid and then closed again.

On this basis, the invention is based on the object of creating a lid vessel that is better protected from contamination and is easier to handle.

The object is achieved by a lid vessel with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the lid vessel are specified in the subclaims.

• ein röhrenförmiges Gefäß, das unten einen Gefäßboden, oben eine Gefäßöffnung und unterhalb der Gefäßöffnung an der Innenwand einen Dichtbereich aufweist,
• einen Deckel, der einen Deckelboden und einen von der Innenseite des Deckelbodens vorstehenden Stopfen aufweist, der durch die Gefäßöffnung in eine Dichtposition einsetzbar ist, in der der Stopfen abdichtend am Dichtbereich anliegt,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

• der Deckel in einer Parkposition mit dem Stopfen in die Gefäßöffnung eingreift, ohne abdichtend am Dichtbereich anzuliegen, und
• eine erste Rasteinrichtung zum lösbaren Verrasten des Deckels mit dem

The lid vessel according to the invention made of plastic for laboratory use includes

• a tubular vessel which has a vessel bottom at the bottom, a vessel opening at the top and a sealing area on the inner wall below the vessel opening,
• a lid which has a lid base and a plug protruding from the inside of the lid base, which plug can be inserted through the vessel opening into a sealing position in which the plug rests against the sealing area in a sealing manner,

characterized in that

• the lid engages with the stopper in the vessel opening in a parked position without making a sealing contact with the sealing area, and
• a first locking device for releasably locking the lid with the

The vessel is in the parked position, the first latching device having a radially inwardly protruding first latching projection on the inner wall of the vessel and the first latching device having a radially outwardly projecting second latching projection on the outside of the stopper and a bead running around the outside of the stopper , which has the function of the second locking projection and locks in the parking position with the first locking projection.

In the case of the lidded vessel according to the invention, the lid can be brought into a parking position in which the lid essentially or completely closes the vessel without sealing in the sealing area. In the parking position, the lid is held by the first latching devices of the lid vessel. This avoids relaxation of the plastic due to tensions between the sealing area and the stopper, which no longer allows the stopper to be sealed in the sealing area. This ensures that the lid vessel can later be closed in a sealing manner. For this purpose, the cover is brought into the sealing position in which the stopper is in sealing contact with the sealing area. The tensions between the sealing area and the stopper are large enough to seal the container with a lid.

A large number of lidded vessels with the lids in the parked position can be delivered in a bag. Since the lid vessels are closed, the risk of contamination is reduced, especially after removal from the bag. In addition, the lid vessels that have been removed can immediately be labeled on the top of the lid, since they are already closed. Because tensions between the stopper and the container are avoided in the parking position as in the sealing position can, opening the lid after labeling to fill in sample liquid can be easier than with conventional vessels.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the stopper engages in the parking position in a parking area on the inner wall of the vessel which is arranged above the sealing area. In this way, the parking position can be reached by partially inserting the stopper into the vessel. This makes it easier to reach the parking position and to open the vessel. According to another embodiment, the parking area is arranged on the inner wall of the vessel below the sealing area. To reach the parking position, the lid with the stopper must be inserted deeper into the vessel than to reach the sealing position.

According to a further embodiment, the plug and the parking area are designed in such a way that there is a clearance fit between the plug and the parking area in the parking position. This means that the dimensions and tolerances of the stopper and parking area are dimensioned in such a way that the smallest dimension of the parking area is always larger than or also the same as the largest dimension of the stopper. This avoids the occurrence of tensions between the stopper and the parking area in the parking position. This prevents the plug from relaxing.

According to another embodiment, the plug and the parking area are designed in such a way that there is a press fit between the plug and the parking area in the parking position. Because of the press fit, the stopper can relax in the parked position. Nevertheless, the plug can seal in the sealing position in the sealing area, since the sealing area is not relaxed and a sufficient tension for sealing can build up between the plug and the sealing area. The interference fit can also be selected so that the tension between the plug and the parking area in the parking position is less than the tension between the plug and the sealing area in the sealing position. In this way, relaxation and plugging are kept comparatively low.

According to a further embodiment, the parking area is arranged above the sealing area and widens upwards. This makes it easier to insert the plug into the parking area. According to a preferred embodiment, the parking area is conical.

According to a further embodiment, the sealing area is a cylindrical or conical area on the inner wall of the vessel on which the stopper rests in the sealing position in a sealing manner. According to a further embodiment, the sealing area is arranged concentrically to the central axis of the vessel, i.e. the central axis of the sealing area coincides with the central axis of the vessel. According to other embodiments, the diameter of the conical area widens upwards or downwards.

According to the invention, the first latching device has a first latching projection protruding radially inward on the inner wall of the vessel. In this embodiment with a lid which is connected to the vessel via a hinge, an edge at the lower end of the stopper can be locked behind the first locking projection by pivoting the lid closed. According to a further embodiment, the first locking projection runs around at least part of the circumference on the inner wall of the vessel. According to a further embodiment, the first locking projection is arranged above the parking area.

According to the invention, the first latching device has a radially outwardly projecting second latching projection on the outside of the stopper. The plug is with the second locking projection behind the first locking projection lockable. This secures the cover even better in the parking position. According to a preferred embodiment, the second locking projection runs at least partially around the stopper. In this embodiment, the lid can be connected to the vessel via a hinge, or it can be a cover that is completely detachable and removable from the vessel.

Another embodiment comprises a groove or groove running at least partially around the inner wall of the vessel.

In the parked position, the plug engages with the bead in the groove or groove. The groove has the function of a parking area. The upper flank of the groove has the function of the first locking projection. The bead has the function of the second locking projection. The lower flank of the groove can prevent unintentional penetration of the plug into the sealing area. The outer diameter of the bead is preferably greater than the inner diameter of the vessel directly next to the groove or groove. The outer diameter of the bead is preferably smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the groove or groove. According to a further embodiment, the first locking projection or the groove or groove runs completely around the circumference on the inner wall of the vessel.

According to another embodiment, the first latching projection or the groove or groove is arranged on the inner wall of the vessel on the side opposite the hinge and does not run completely around the circumference of the inner wall of the vessel. According to a further embodiment, the first locking projection or the groove or groove runs over an angle of a maximum of 180 °, preferably a maximum of 90 °, preferably a maximum of 45 °, preferably a maximum of 22.5 °, preferably a maximum of 11.25 ° at the Inner wall of the vessel. According to a In a further embodiment, the first latching projection or the groove or groove extends symmetrically on the side opposite the hinge on both sides of a vertical plane through the hinge and the central axis of the vessel.

According to a further embodiment, the bead runs completely around the outside of the plug and the plug with the bead rests against the sealing area in a sealing manner in the sealing position. In this embodiment, the bead also has the function of a sealing element. In the sealing position, the bead rests in a narrow, preferably linear, circumferential area on the sealing area, so that there is a high surface pressure there, which causes a seal.

According to a further embodiment, there is a second latching device for releasably latching the lid to the vessel in the sealing position. The second latching device holds the lid firmly on the vessel in the sealing position, so that in the sealing position only the tension between the stopper and the sealing area that is required for sealing has to act. In this way, the forces to be applied by the user for closing and opening the lid vessel can be reduced.

According to a further embodiment, the second locking device has at least one third locking projection protruding radially outward on the upper edge of the vessel and at least one elastic tab protruding from the underside of the lid base with a locking edge at a distance from the lid base, which when the stopper is inserted into the sealing area can be snapped under the locking projection. In this embodiment, a particularly secure latching of the lid on the vessel that can be produced and released again with low forces is achieved. In this regard, reference is made to the locking means of the lid vessel according to EP 2 654 958 B1 .

According to a further embodiment, a first lever protrudes laterally outward from the tab at a distance from the lid base. The first lever makes it easier to release the latching of the lid with the vessel. It corresponds to the key of EP 2 654 958 B1 .

According to a further embodiment, a second lever projects upwards from the first lever at a distance from the tab. The second lever makes it easier to release the latching of the lid with the vessel. In this regard, reference is made to the second lever of the lid vessel according to FIG EP 2 965 816 A1 .

According to a further embodiment, the second lever is provided with an outwardly projecting rib. The rib can be used to open and close the lid by means of a working cone of a metering device or another tool. According to a preferred embodiment, the rib is arranged on the second lever in such a way that it extends in the horizontal direction when the lid is in the sealing position and the center axis of the vessel is vertically aligned. A working cone which has a circumferential groove on the outer circumference is preferably used for opening and closing the cover. The working cone is preferably pushed onto the rib from the side with the circumferential groove in order to unlock and open the lid by moving the working cone towards the vessel and up, or to close it by moving the working cone downwards. The working cone of a dispensing machine, a laboratory machine or a hand pipette can be used for this. The vessel is preferably held in a receptacle.

According to a further embodiment, the lid and the vessel are connected to one another via a hinge. The hinge makes it easier to open and close the lid. According to a further embodiment, the hinge is a band hinge. A band hinge is particularly advantageous for the one-piece production of the lid vessel by injection molding. According to a further embodiment, the hinge is a butterfly hinge. The butterfly hinge has two parallel hinge straps arranged at a distance from one another, which are each tied to the outer edge of a first pocket in the upper edge of the vessel and are tied to the outer edge of a second pocket at the lower edge of the lid base Hinge straps are so short that when the lid is closed and the underside resting on the upper edge of the vessel, they are pulled taut and at least partially received by the first and second pockets. The butterfly hinge does not protrude outwards when the vessel is closed, so that the vessel only takes up a small amount of space. As a result, several vessels can be accommodated next to one another to save space. It is also advantageous that the butterfly hinge connects the lid and the vessel to one another in such a way that the latter does not open when there is an increased internal pressure on the side of the hinge. This can prevent the first latching device from being inadvertently released.

According to a further embodiment of the lid vessel with a hinge, the lid with the stopper is oriented at an acute angle to the central axis of the vessel in the park position and concentrically to the central axis of the vessel in the sealing position. Accordingly, the parking area of the vessel is oriented at an acute angle to the central axis of the vessel and the sealing region is oriented concentrically to the central axis of the vessel. In this embodiment, for example, the parking area is a groove or groove running at least partially on the inner wall of the vessel at an acute angle to the central axis of the vessel and the sealing region is a to the central axis concentric, circular cylindrical or conical area on the inner wall of the vessel.

According to a further embodiment, the first latching device and / or the second latching device is / are arranged diametrically opposite the hinge. In this embodiment, the cover is held in the parking position and in the sealing position on diametrically opposite sides by the hinge and the first latching device or the second latching device.

According to another embodiment, the lid can be completely detached from the vessel. In this case, the lid and the vessel are not connected to one another via a hinge. In this embodiment, the lid with the stopper can be inserted into and removed from the vessel in the axial direction of the vessel. The stopper is thus arranged concentrically to the vessel both in the parking position and in the sealing position. The parking area is formed, for example, by a groove or groove running completely around the inner wall of the vessel above the sealing area, in which the stopper engages in the parking position with a bead running around its outer circumference. The sealing area is, for example, a cylindrical or conical area on the inner wall of the vessel on which the bead of the stopper rests in a sealing position in the sealing position. For this purpose, the inside diameter of the sealing area at the point at which the bead rests in a sealing manner is smaller than the outside diameter of the bead.

In the case of a lidded vessel in which the lid can be removed from the vessel, the lid can be held in the sealing position solely by the clamping force of the stopper, or by several second latching devices, for example as in FIG EP 2 654 958 B1 described with reference to Figs.

According to a further embodiment, the lid vessel has a nominal volume of at least 0.5 ml, preferably of at least 1.5 ml, preferably of at least 2 ml, preferably of at least 5 ml, preferably of at least 15 ml, preferably of at least 30 ml, preferably of at least 50 ml. According to a further embodiment, the lid vessel has one of the following nominal volumes: 0.5 ml, 1.5 ml, 2 ml, 5 ml, 15 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml Lid vessel is designed. It is specified by the manufacturer.

According to a further embodiment, the lid vessel is manufactured by injection molding, preferably in one piece.

According to a further embodiment, the lid vessel is made of polypropylene, polyethylene, a cyclic olefinic (CO) polymer or another polyolefin.

Fig. 1a-e

ein erstes Deckelgefäß mit Scharnier und Rastvorsprung bei geöffnetem Deckel in Vorderansicht (Fig. 1a), Seitenansicht (Fig. 1b), einem Vertikalschnitt (Fig. 1c), Draufsicht (Fig. 1d), einer Perspektivansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite (Fig. 1e);

Fig. 2a-f

dasselbe Deckelgefäß mit dem Deckel in Parkposition in Vorderansicht (Fig. 2a), Seitenansicht (Fig. 2b), einem Vertikalschnitt (Fig. 2c), einem vergrößerten Detail des Vertikalschnittes (Fig. 2d), Draufsicht (Fig. 2e); einer Perspektivansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite (Fig. 2f);

Fig. 3a-f

dasselbe Deckelgefäß mit dem Deckel in Dichtposition in Vorderansicht (Fig. 3a), Seitenansicht (Fig. 3b), einem Vertikalschnitt (Fig. 3c), einem vergrößerten Detail des Vertikalschnittes (Fig. 3d), Draufsicht (Fig. 3e) und einer Perspektivansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite (Fig. 3f).

Fig. 4

dasselbe Deckelgefäß beim Öffnen mittels eines Automatenwerkzeuges in einer vergrößerten perspektivischen Detailansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite;

Fig. 5

ein zweites Deckelgefäß mit seitlich vorstehender Rippe zum Öffnen mittels eines Arbeitskonus einer Dosierungsvorrichtung in einer vergrößerten perspektivischen Detailansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite;

Fig. 6

dasselbe Deckelgefäß beim Öffnen mittels eines Arbeitskonus in einem Vertikalschnitt;

Fig. 7

ein drittes Deckelgefäß mit Scharnier und vollständig umlaufender Nut bei geöffnetem Deckel in Vorderansicht (Fig. 7a), Seitenansicht (Fig. 7b), einem Vertikalschnitt (Fig. 7c), Draufsicht (Fig. 7d), einer Perspektivansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite (Fig. 7e);

Fig. 8a-f

dasselbe Deckelgefäß mit einem Deckel in Parkposition in Vorderansicht (Fig. 8a), Seitenansicht (Fig. 8b), einem Vertikalschnitt (Fig. 8c), einem vergrößerten Detail des Vertikalschnittes (Fig. 8d), Draufsicht (Fig. 8e), einer Perspektivansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite (Fig. 8f);

Fig. 9a-f

dasselbe Deckelgefäß mit dem Deckel in Dichtposition in Vorderansicht (Fig, 9a), Seitenansicht (Fig. 9b), einem Vertikalschnitt (Fig. 9c), einem vergrößerten Detail des Vertikalschnittes (Fig. 9d), Draufsicht (Fig. 9e) und einer Perspektivansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite (Fig. 9f);

Fig. 10

ein viertes Deckelgefäß mit in in axialer Richtung des Gefäßes zusammenfügbarem Deckel und Gefäß in einem vergrößerten Teilschnitt.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings of exemplary embodiments. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1a-e

a first lid vessel with hinge and latching projection with the lid open in front view ( Fig. 1a ), Side view ( Figure 1b ), a vertical section ( Figure 1c ), Top view ( Fig. 1d ), a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side ( Fig. 1e );

Figures 2a-f

the same lidded vessel with the lid in park position in front view ( Fig. 2a ), Side view ( Figure 2b ), a vertical section ( Figure 2c ), an enlarged detail of the vertical section ( Fig. 2d ), Top view ( Fig. 2e ); a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side ( Fig. 2f );

Figures 3a-f

the same lidded vessel with the lid in the sealing position in front view ( Fig. 3a ), Side view ( Figure 3b ), a vertical section ( Figure 3c ), an enlarged detail of the vertical section ( Fig. 3d ), Top view ( Fig. 3e ) and a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side ( Fig. 3f ).

Fig. 4

the same lid vessel when opened by means of a machine tool in an enlarged perspective detailed view obliquely from above and from the side;

Fig. 5

a second lid vessel with a laterally protruding rib for opening by means of a working cone of a dosing device in an enlarged perspective detailed view obliquely from above and from the side;

Fig. 6

the same lid vessel when opened by means of a working cone in a vertical section;

Fig. 7

a third lid vessel with hinge and completely circumferential groove with the lid open in front view ( Figure 7a ), Side view ( Figure 7b ), a vertical section ( Figure 7c ), Top view ( Fig. 7d ), a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side ( Figure 7e );

Figures 8a-f

the same lidded vessel with a lid in park position in front view ( Figure 8a ), Side view ( Figure 8b ), a vertical section ( Figure 8c ), an enlarged detail of the vertical section ( Figure 8d ), Top view ( Figure 8e ), a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side ( Fig. 8f );

Figures 9a-f

the same lidded vessel with the lid in the sealing position in front view ( Figure 9a ), Side view ( Figure 9b ), a vertical section ( Figure 9c ), an enlarged detail of the vertical section ( Figure 9d ), Top view ( Figure 9e ) and a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side ( Fig. 9f );

Fig. 10

a fourth lid vessel with a lid and vessel which can be joined together in the axial direction of the vessel in an enlarged partial section.

In the present application, the terms "above" and "below" as well as terms derived therefrom such as "above" and "below" relate to the lid vessel with the lid in the sealing position, the central axis of the tubular vessel being vertically aligned and the vessel bottom below the Lid is arranged.

The lid vessel 1.1 of the Figures 1-3 has a tubular vessel 2 with a circular cross-section, which has a hollow cylindrical section 3 at the top and a conical section 4 at the bottom. At the very bottom the vessel 2 has a flat bottom 5 and at the very top a vessel opening 6. Below the vessel opening 6 in the hollow cylindrical section 3 there is a conically downwardly tapering parking area 7, under which there is a downwardly extending sealing area 8 (cf. Figures 2d , 3d ). Below the sealing area 8 there is a transition area 9 which tapers conically downwards. Below the transition area 9, the hollow cylindrical section 3 has an essentially constant wall thickness.

The hollow cylindrical section 3 has a slight conicity on the outside and inside below the transition area 9 in order to facilitate demolding from an injection molding tool.

At the upper edge, the vessel 2 has a circumferential flange 10.1 in the form of an annular disk that protrudes radially outward. The flange 10.1 has a first bevel 10.2 on the upper outer edge (cf. Figures 2d , 3d ). The lower edge has a sharp edge 10.3.

Below the flange 10.1, a series of crenellated projections 11 is optionally arranged on the outer circumference of the vessel 2, which serve to support on the edge of a vessel holder.

The lid vessel 1.1 has a lid 12 which has a lid base 13 and a stopper 14 protruding from the lid base 13. The plug 14 has a hollow cylindrical plug section 14.1. At the lower end of the hollow cylindrical plug section 14.1 it has a circumferential, outwardly protruding bead 14.2.

The cover base 13 protrudes laterally beyond the stopper 14. The lid base 13 has an arcuate lid edge 13.1, which extends approximately over an angle of approximately 240 ° (cf. Fig. 1d ). This is followed by two lateral, straight cover edges 13.2, 13.3 and a front, straight cover edge 13.4.

A cover projection 15 projects downward from the arcuate cover edge 13.1 and from the side cover edges 13.2, 13.3 and serves to support the cover 12 on the upper side of the flange 10.1.

The lid 12 is connected to the vessel 2 via a hinge 16, which is designed as a butterfly hinge with two parallel hinge straps 16.1, 16.2. The hinge 16 is arranged in the center of the circular arc-shaped lid edge 13.1 or opposite the front lid edge 13.4. One end of the hinge straps 16.1, 16.2 is connected to the flange 10.1 at the outer edge of the first pockets 17.1, 17.2 and the other end is connected to the arcuate lid edge 13.1 at the outer edge of the second pockets 18.1, 18.2.

At the top of the parking area 7, on the side diametrically opposite the hinge 16, the vessel 2 has a first latching projection 19 protruding radially inward (cf. Fig. 2d and 3d ). The first locking projection 19 extends in the circumferential direction of the vessel 2 over an angle of approximately 10 ° (cf. Fig. 1d ).

The bead 14.2 is at the same time a second latching projection 20.

The first latching projection 19 and the second latching projection 20 together form a first latching device 21.

The peripheral area of the flange 10.1 diametrically opposite the hinge 16 is a third latching projection 22.

A flexible and elastic tab 23 projects downward from the front edge of the lid 13.4. The tab 23 comprises two lateral tab strips 23.1, 23.2, between which there is a recess 24 (cf. Fig. 1d ). The tab strips 23.1, 23.2 are each arranged at a corner between the front lid edge 13.4 and the two side lid edges 13.2, 13.3.

The two tab strips 23.1, 23.2 are connected at the bottom to a strip-shaped first lever 25 which extends outward parallel to the cover base 13. The outer edge of the first lever 25 is circular arc-shaped.

The first lever 25 delimits the recess 24 at the bottom. The inner, upper edge of the first lever 25 is a locking edge 26 (cf. Figures 2d , 3d ).

The first lever 25 has a second bevel 27 on its inner edge on the lower side.

A hollow cylindrical second lever 28 projects upwards from the outer edge of the first lever 25.

The hinge strips 16.1, 16.2 and the tab strips 23.1, 23.2 are flexible. The first and second levers 25, 28, however, are rigid. The plug 14 and / or the sealing area 8 are flexible and / or rigid. The rest of the lid vessel 2 is preferably rigid. The rigid and flexible properties are achieved through the design and / or the wall thicknesses and / or materials of the respective parts.

The third locking projection 22 and the locking edge 26 form a second locking device 29 (cf. Fig. 3d ).

The lid vessel 1.1 is in the in Fig. 1 shown, opened arrangement produced by injection molding. The first locking projection 19 and the bead 14.2 form undercuts which, due to their small dimensions, allow production by means of a simple injection molding tool which has only two mold halves which can be moved apart along an axis for demolding.

After production, the cover 12 is brought into the latching position by folding it shut, in which the bead 14.2 engages under the first latching projection 19. The first latching device 21 formed by the first latching projection and bead 14.2 holds the lid 12 firmly on the vessel 2 in the parked position. This is the Fig. 2 shown. In this state, a large number of lidded vessels 1.1 can be packed in a bag.

The bead 14.2 rests against the first locking projection 19 with negligible force. The sealing area 8 is not under tension. As a result, relax in the Parking position sealing area 8 and bead 14.2 not, even if this is maintained over longer periods of time (e.g. months or years).

For use, the user removes individual lid vessels 1.1. If necessary, he provides the lid base 13 with a label on the outside in order to identify the respective lid vessel 1.1. This can be done in the park position. Because the cross section of the vessel 2 in the parking area 7 is reduced downwards, the cover 12 is not pressed deeper into the vessel even when it is labeled.

After the inscription, the user can open the cover 12, preferably into the position shown in FIG Fig. 1 is shown or in a less opened intermediate position. The vessel 2 can then be filled with sample liquid.

Finally, the filled vessel 2 is closed by closing the lid 12.

For this purpose, the user can press against the outside of the lid base 13 so that the lid swivels shut about the hinge 16. The lid 12 enters the vessel opening 6 with the stopper, which is facilitated by the extended parking area 7. The bead 14.2 then enters the sealing area 8 and seals thereon.

When pivoting closed, the first lever 25 with the second bevel 27 meets the first bevel 10.2 of the third latching projection 22. When the cover 12 is pressed closed further, the tab strips 23.1, 23.2 are deflected laterally outward (cf. Figures 2d , 3d ).

When the locking edge 26 has reached the lower outer edge of the third locking projection 22, the elastic tab strips 23.1, 23.2 spring towards the vessel 2 and the locking edge 26 on the first lever 25 engages under the third locking projection 22 Vessel 2 secured. This is in Fig. 3 shown.

Since the sealing area 8 and bead 14.2 are not relaxed, the bead 14.2 rests on the sealing area 8 under a prestress that is sufficiently high to seal the vessel 2 in a liquid-tight and possibly gas-tight manner.

To open the cover 12, the user presses against the outside of the second lever 28. The force is applied horizontally and with one component upwards. As a result, the second lever 28 is pivoted towards the lid base 13 and the first lever 25 is released with the locking edge 26 from the third locking projection 22. Further pressing against the second lever 28 causes the first lever 25 with the top on the lower outer edge of the third locking projection 22 slides up until the locking edge 26 slides over the lower outer edge of the third locking projection 22 and comes free. By further pressing against the second lever 28, the cover 12 is pivoted open into the open position (cf. Fig. 1 ).

According to Fig. 4 Alternatively, the cover 12 can be opened by means of a hook-shaped tool 30 of a laboratory machine. The tool 30 is attached with an angled leg 31 at its lower end under the first lever 25. By lifting the tool 30, the first lever 25 is pivoted up so that the locking edge 26 is released from the third locking projection 22. The cover 12 is then folded up by means of the tool 30.

The lid vessel 1.2 of Fig. 5 differs from the above in that at the upper end of the second lever 28 a rib 32 extending in the horizontal direction protrudes outward.

According to Fig. 6 the second lever 28 can be pivoted towards the vessel 2 by counter-pressing a working cone 33, which itself serves to clamp on a pipette tip, in order to release the latching of the second latching device 29. The rib 32 engages in a circumferential annular groove 34 of the working cone 33. When the second latching connection 29 is canceled, the cover 12 can be opened by lifting the working cone 33.

the Figures 7 to 9 show a third lidded vessel 1.3 with a hinge 16 and a groove 35 running completely around the inner wall of the vessel at the lower end of the parking area 7. The third lidded vessel 1.3, unlike the first lidded vessel 1.1, does not have a first latching projection 19 at the top of the parking area 7. Otherwise, this is true third lid vessel 1.3 coincides with the first lid vessel 1.1. In the case of the third lid vessel, the upper flank 36 of the groove 35 forms the first latching projection 19, which the bead 14.2 engages under in the parking position, as in FIG Fig. 8 shown. The lower flank 37 of the groove 35 engages under the bead 14.2 and prevents the stopper 14 from being unintentionally pushed deeper into the vessel 2 in the parked position. According to Fig. 9 the bead 14.2 lies against the sealing area 8 in a sealing manner in the sealing position.

Fig. 10 shows a fourth lid vessel 1.4, in which the lid 12 and vessel 2 are not connected to one another by a hinge 16. The vessel 2 has a conical insertion area 38 at the vessel opening 6 on the inside. Directly below the conical insertion area 38, it has a circumferential groove 35 on the inner circumference that defines a parking area. In the example, the groove 35 has a triangular cross section with an upper flank 36 and a lower flank 37.

A cylindrical sealing area 8 is located below it. This is followed by an essentially hollow cylindrical section 3 of the vessel 14.

At the top, the vessel 2 has a circumferential flange 10, the region of which protruding radially outward from a hollow cylindrical section 3 of the vessel forms a latching projection 10.1.

The cover 12 has a cover base and a plug 14 protruding downward therefrom. The stopper has a bead 14.2 all the way around the lower edge.

Furthermore, a plurality of latching hooks 39 are connected to the outer edge of the lid base 13 and have hook ends 40 pointing downwards, with which they can be latched on the underside of the flange 10.

In Fig. 10 a part of the plug 14 is drawn in solid lines in the park position. In this position, the bead 14.2 engages in the groove 35. This prevents the stopper 14 from accidentally stepping out of the vessel 2 or the stopper 14 from penetrating deeper into the vessel 2. Since the bead 14.2 sits with play in the groove 35, the bead 14.2 does not relax. Since the sealing area 8 is not loaded, it does not relax either.

A lower part of the plug 14 is shown in dot-dash lines in the sealing position. Since the inner diameter of the vessel 2 is smaller than that in the sealing area 8 Is the outer diameter of the bead 14.2, the bead 14.2 rests against the sealing area 8 in a sealing manner in the sealing position.

Furthermore, a latching hook 39 of the cover 12 is shown in the sealing position in solid lines. The latching hook 39 engages under the flange 10. This is also the case with the other latching hooks 39, not shown. As a result, the cover 12 is held in the sealing position.

The vessel 2 can be opened in that the latching hooks 39 are bent outwards.

In the parked position, the lid 12 can be held on the vessel 2 solely by the engagement of the bead 14.2 in the groove 36.

List of reference symbols

1.1

(first) lid vessel

1.2

(second) lidded vessel

1.3

(third) lidded vessel

1.4

(fourth) lidded vessel

2

vessel

3

hollow cylindrical section

4th

conical section

5

Vessel bottom

6th

Vessel opening

7th

Parking area

8th

Sealing area

9

Transition area

10.1

flange

10.2

first bevel

10.3

Edge

11

Ledges

12th

lid

13th

Lid base

13.1

circular arc-shaped lid edge

13.2, 13.3

side edges of the lid

13.4

front edge of the lid

14th

Plug

14.1

hollow cylindrical plug section

14.2

bead

15th

Cover protrusion

16

hinge

16.1, 16.2

Hinge straps

17.1.17.2

first bag

18.1, 18.2

second pocket

19th

first locking projection

20th

second locking projection

21

first locking device

22nd

third locking projection

23

Tab

23.1,23.2

Tab strips

24

Recess

25th

first lever

26th

Locking edge

27

second bevel

28

second lever

29

second locking device

30th

tool

31

leg

32

rib

33

Working cone

34

Ring groove

35

Groove

36

(upper) flank

37

(lower) flank

38

Application area

39

Locking hook

40

Hook ends

Claims (14)

1. A lidded vessel made of plastic for laboratory use, comprising

   • a tubular vessel (2) having a vessel base (5) at the bottom, a vessel opening (6) at the top and a sealing area (8) on the inner wall below the vessel opening (6),

   • a lid (12) which has a lid base (13) and a plug (14) which protrudes from the inner side of the lid base and can be inserted through the vessel opening (6) into a sealing position, in which the plug (14) sealingly bears against the sealing area (8),

   • wherein the lid (12) engages with the plug (14) in the vessel opening (6) in a parking position, without sealingly bearing against the sealing area (8), and

   • a first latching apparatus (21) for releasably latching the lid (12) to the vessel (2) in the parking position is provided,

   characterized in that the first latching apparatus (21) has a radially inwardly projecting first latching projection (19) on the inner wall of the vessel (2) and the first latching apparatus (21) has a radially outwardly projecting second latching projection (20) on the outer side of the plug (14) and a bead (14.2) circumscribes the outer side of the plug (14), which bead has the function of the second latching projection (20) and latches to the first latching projection (19) in the parking position.
2. The lidded vessel according to Claim 1, in which the plug (14) engages in a parking area (7) on the inner wall of the vessel (2) in the parking position, wherein the plug (14) and the parking area (7) are configured such that a clearance fit is provided between the plug (14) and the parking area (7) in the parking position.
3. The lidded vessel according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the parking area (7) is arranged above the sealing area (8) and extends upward, wherein the parking area (7) is preferably conical.
4. The lidded vessel according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which a groove (36) or a channel at least partially circumscribes the inner wall of the vessel (2), in which groove or channel the plug (14) engages in the parking position.
5. The lidded vessel according to Claim 4, in which the bead (14.2) completely encircles the outer side of the plug (14) and bears sealingly on the sealing area (8) in the sealing position.
6. The lidded vessel according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, which has a second latching apparatus (29) for releasably latching the lid (12) to the vessel (2) in the sealing position.
7. The lidded vessel according to Claim 6, in which the second latching apparatus (29) has at least one third latching projection (22) projecting radially outwards at the top edge of the vessel and at least one elastic tab (23) projecting from the underside of the lid base (13) having a latching edge (26) at a distance from the lid base (13) which can be snapped under the third latching projection (22) when the plug (14) is inserted into the sealing area (8).
8. The lidded vessel according to Claim 7, in which a first lever (25) projects laterally outwardly from the tab (23) at a distance from the lid base (13), wherein a second lever (28) preferably projects upwards from the first lever (25) at a distance from the tab (23).
9. The lidded vessel according to Claim 8, in which a rib (32) protrudes outwardly from the outer side of the second lever (28)
10. The lidded vessel according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the lid (12) and the vessel (2) are connected to one another via a hinge (16), wherein the hinge (16) is preferably a band hinge.
11. The lidded vessel according to Claim 10, in which the first latching apparatus (21) and/or the second latching apparatus (29) is/are arranged diametrically opposite the hinge (16).
12. The lidded vessel according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, which has a nominal volume of at least 0.5 ml, preferably of at least 1.5 ml, preferably of at least 2 ml, preferably of at least 5 ml, preferably of at least 15 ml, preferably of at least 30 ml, preferably of at least 50 ml.
13. The lidded vessel according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, which is manufactured by injection molding, preferably as a single component.
14. The lidded vessel according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, which is manufactured from polypropylene, polyethylene, a cyclic olefinic (CO) polymer or another polyolefin.

Images