EP4077154B1 - Closure arrangement for a vessel containing a pharmaceutical substance - Google Patents

Description

field of technology

The invention relates to a closure arrangement for a vessel with a pharmaceutical substance, with a closure plug, a metal cap for fixing the closure plug on the vessel, and an overcap made of plastic, wherein a wirelessly readable, electrical storage unit with the closure arrangement is used to identify the contents of the vessel connected is.

State of the art

Closing caps of the type in question are, for example, from the WO 2013/149844 A1 ( US 2015/0298414 A1 ) known. In addition, it is also about the WO 2016/090073 A1 ( US 10 450 116 B2 ) and WO 2019/076430 A1 ( US 2020/193262 A1 ) to refer. Such closure caps are used in particular for assignment to vessels for holding a pharmaceutical substance, for example for arrangement on an ampoule. The closure cap can in particular be designed as a crimp cap using the metal cap, in particular designed in the manner of an aluminum cap, the metal cap serving to hold a preferably rubber-like closure plug in the area of the container opening. The overcap is used as a further part of the closure arrangement associated with the metal cap, for example as a lid part. This overcap is removed from the metal cap, for example by tearing it off, to expose the metal cap and for possible subsequent use of the vessel closed by the closure arrangement.

The overcap, in particular the overcap made of plastic, can also be a tamper-evident closure for the metal cap as a whole, and in this context the production of such an overcap is known, for example using the plastic injection molding process. Such an overcap can also consist of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), for example.

It is also known to provide such a closure arrangement with a wirelessly readable memory unit. In such a storage unit, for example, information about the contents (composition of the vessel contents, active ingredients, manufacturer, etc.) and/or further, for example, information about the filling date and/or expiry date of the substance stored in the vessel can be stored.

From the US 2009/306620 A1 and the US 2007/296599 A1 Closure arrangements are known in which the wirelessly readable storage unit is immediately removed when the lid is removed, without any further action on the storage unit.

From the US 2017/316302 A1 a closure arrangement for, for example, a wine bottle is known, in which a readable electrical storage unit is arranged in a cap, which is destroyed when the cap is removed due to a tear strip located in the cap, which is connected to an element located above the stopper.

Summary of the invention

Starting from a state of the art such as the US 2009/306620 A1 is given, the invention is concerned with the task of further improving a closure arrangement of the type in question, particularly with regard to ensuring originality.

This object is achieved with a closure arrangement in which it is intended that there is an active connection of the storage unit to both the overcap and to the sealing plug, which causes a permanent effect on the storage unit if the overcap is torn off.

Removing or tearing off the overcap from the metal cap and the closure plug covered by the metal cap can represent the status of a first use of the vessel closed by the closure arrangement. Such initial use can be detected and, if necessary, registered by a permanent impact on the storage unit when the overcap is removed. In this way, the first use status can be determined in an advantageous manner when the storage unit is read out after the overcap has been removed. Preferably, such a first-use status cannot be revised by putting the plastic cap on again. Rather, due to the permanent impact on the storage unit, such a first-use status is virtually permanently imprinted, so that removal of the overcap (even earlier) can be proven at any later point in time.

By tearing off the overcap, a corresponding status can optionally be set or released actively via an electronic pulse in the memory unit, in particular in a possible memory chip, which status for determining the tamper-evident status can preferably be read out wirelessly.

If the overcap is torn off, this removal can also be recorded in or on the storage unit by a permanent marking, for example by a mechanically caused marking.

In particular, such a (mechanical) marking can optionally be recognized directly by the user or indirectly using a conventional reading device for reading the information stored in the storage unit.

In a preferred embodiment, at least the part of the storage unit containing or storing the required information remains permanently on or in the closure arrangement, at least over the usual period of use of the vessel.

According to a possible embodiment, a release agent is provided which has a permanent effect on the storage unit if the overcap is torn off. Alternatively, for example, the storage unit can be partially attached to the overcap and partially to the closure plug, with this resulting in a permanent effect on the storage unit if the overcap is torn off. In both cases, there is an effective connection of the storage unit to both the sealing plug and the overcap either directly or indirectly (via the separating agent).

The storage unit, which has been affected by tearing off the overcap, can transmit information when the stored information is read out that is permanently generated by tearing off the overcap is. Such information can be actively stored in the storage unit when the overcap is torn off or such information can be generated during the reading process. In a further embodiment, such information can only be generated using a suitable reading device, for example.

According to a possible embodiment, the permanent effect on the storage unit can be achieved by completely severing (tearing through) the storage unit, with the section of the storage unit containing the relevant and readable information preferably remaining on the closure plug and thus on the vessel. Alternatively, the storage unit and an associated antenna, or just the storage unit or just the antenna, can also be removed. The section of the storage unit, which may be completely torn off in such an embodiment, can alone provide an optical signal for the user. In addition, such a missing section of the storage unit can also be registered when the information stored in the storage unit is read out wirelessly. For example, such a missing or damaged section can influence data transmission. The result is that data transfer is no longer possible.

Such a permanent effect on the storage unit can also be caused by cutting or tearing the storage unit. Not a section of the storage unit is completely removed. However, such an incision, like a complete transection, is irreversible and is therefore initially recorded visually. In addition, the removal of the overcap can also be permanently recorded electronically through such a cutting or tearing, which is further, for example can also show here, for example, by influencing data transmission.

In a further embodiment, the storage unit can be an RFID tag or an NFC tag or can have such a tag. RFID and NFC are wireless or contactless communication technologies. This enables communication between a storage unit and an electrically operated reading device. Such systems preferably consist of a reading device and a transponder (tag), with the tags distinguishing between active and passive transponders. Active tags have their own power source (battery), while passive tags do not have their own power source but are powered by the electromagnetic field generated by the reader. In the present invention, passive tags are preferably used.

In a further preferred embodiment, high-frequency RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication) tags are used, for example with a frequency of approximately 10 to 15 MHz, further for example approximately 13.56 MHz. Such transponders have a relatively short range, so that in order to read out the stored data, a reading device must be in close proximity to the transponder and thus to the closure arrangement and the vessel. This can be a distance of a few centimeters, for example 2 to 5 up to 10 cm.

The permanent effect on such a transponder when the overcap is torn off can be achieved, for example, by correspondingly influencing the antenna of the tag, for example by tearing off or tearing a part of the antenna or beyond Stretching or stretching of the antenna as a whole or part of it.

The storage unit can be adhesively bonded completely or over the entire surface, preferably partially, to the overcap and/or the sealing plug. In this regard, a permanently strong adhesive connection is preferred, so that removing or tearing off the overcap causes permanent stress and impact on the storage unit. As a result of such an adhesive connection of the storage unit, in the same way as with embedding in the respective material, on the one hand with the sealing plug and on the other hand with the over cap, a tearing or tearing through of the storage unit along a predetermined target tear line can be achieved. If the storage unit is torn through in this way, the section storing the relevant information preferably remains on the closure plug and thus on the vessel and, if necessary, a further section of the storage unit on the removed plastic cap.

The storage unit can also be partially or completely encapsulated with plastic in its area assigned to the overcap, for example with the plastic forming the overcap. In this way, the relevant part of the storage unit can be fixed on or in the overcap during the production process. A further section of the storage unit can protrude like a flag and can be glued, for example, to the metal cap or directly to the sealing plug after the plastic cap has been put on to ensure tamper-evident protection.

In a further preferred embodiment, the storage unit can be destroyed by removing the overcap. The storage unit is then preferably irreversibly marked, in particular completely or partially, but in the process impairs the function, is destroyed, so that the function of the storage unit and/or the information content that may be stored after removal of the overcap is permanently affected. The destruction can, for example, directly or indirectly affect an RFID tag or NFC tag of the storage unit.

The destruction can result from an irreversible separation of two areas of the storage unit from one another. Furthermore, as is also preferred, a portion of the storage unit can be separated from it during the destruction, for example in the manner of a tear-off section.

The metal cap may have an opening which, in a preferred embodiment, may be larger than half to eight tenths or nine tenths or more of the outer diameter of the metal cap. The cap cover that is created and surrounds the opening can, for example, only extend over the edge of the sealing plug in a collar-like manner.

The storage unit can also be held loosely between the metal cap and the sealing plug. The storage unit, which rests essentially on the closure plug, can possibly be held simply by the metal cap reaching over the storage unit at least partially. This can result in particular advantages in terms of manufacturing technology, but also advantages in terms of possible sorted disposal.

Alternatively, the storage unit can also be connected, for example, completely or partially to the closure plug in a non-destructively removable manner, for example by gluing or more completely partial encapsulation with the material forming the sealing plug.

The storage unit, which is coated with plastic in a possible embodiment, can have a desired tear line for separating part of the storage unit. Such a target tear line can be provided, for example, by a limited thinning of the plastic material along, for example, a straight or circular line. Alternatively, such a desired tear line can also be provided by a perforation along a line, in which perforations along the line, preferably evenly spaced openings, possibly slot-like openings which completely penetrate the plastic material, can be provided. The web-like sections of the plastic material connecting these openings are preferably destroyed when the overcap is removed, which results in tearing along the desired tear line.

In this context, it can further be provided that, for example, two desired tear lines spaced apart from one another in the tearing direction along the desired tear line are formed, which are simultaneously destroyed in the course of removing the overcap. This can result in a section that can be separated from the storage unit between these desired tear lines, which can then possibly be present as a lost loose part.

Thus, the storage unit can be gripped under by a reach-through section of the overcap in the area separated by the desired tear line. By means of such a reach-through section, in the course of removing the overcap, the area of the storage unit that is separated by the desired tear line or delimited by two desired tear lines is mechanically acted upon, so that destruction is achieved by separation along the target tear line.

According to a preferred embodiment, the target tear line can run through a section of an antenna of the storage unit. The antenna as part of the storage unit is connected to the RFID or NFC tag, for example. By deliberately destroying it by separating it along the target tear line, the antenna can, for example, be completely separated from the tag. Alternatively, the destruction results in a targeted shortening of the length of the antenna. The storage unit will then no longer be functional.

With such a separation of the antenna, a shortening of the antenna length or a power reduction to, for example, 60% or less, further for example to 50 or 40% or less, up to 5% or less of the original length or power, which is not influenced by destruction, can be achieved become.

As a result of the targeted reduction in power, for example, the data stored in the tag can no longer be read at the usual distance with a reading unit brought close to the closure arrangement. By specifically arranging the target tear line, the power reduction of the antenna can be so great that the tag cannot be read without contact.

In addition, to separate (tear through) the storage unit, a wire can also be provided as a separating means, which establishes a connection between the overcap and the storage unit. The connection can be given with regard to the storage unit in that the wire is firmly connected to a base of the storage unit and thus when the wire is torn off Overcap ensures that the storage unit can be torn off or severed. By tearing off the overcap, a targeted separation of the storage unit is carried out or achieved via the wire.

If such a wire is arranged, it can be firmly connected to the overcap, for example as a result of appropriate gluing or also encapsulating the ends of the wire facing the cap with plastic forming the overcap.

Such a separating agent can also be provided in the form of a cutting edge.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

in perspektivischer Darstellung eine auf ein Gefäß aufgebrachte Verschlussanordnung mit einer Überkappe, eine erste Ausfüh-rungsform betreffend;

Fig. 2

die Überkappe in einer perspektivischen Einzeldarstellung;

Fig. 3

den Verschlussstopfen der Verschlussanordnung mit einer den Verschlussstopfen überfangenden Metallkappe, weiter aufweisend eine unversehrte Speichereinheit;

Fig. 4

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie IV-IV in Figur 1;

Fig. 5

die Herausvergrößerung des Bereiches V in Figur 4;

Fig. 6

eine Ausführungsform einer Speichereinheit in Draufsicht, betreffend die unversehrte Ausführung;

Fig. 7

eine der Figur 1 im Wesentlichen entsprechende perspektivische Darstellung, jedoch nach einem Abreißen der Überkappe von dem Verschlussstopfen unter bleibender Einwirkung auf die Speichereinheit;

Fig. 8

eine Ausschnittdarstellung gemäß Figur 5, jedoch eine zweite Ausführungsform betreffend;

Fig. 9

eine der Figur 6 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch betreffend eine weitere Ausführungsform der Speichereinheit;

Fig. 10

eine weitere der Figur 5 entsprechende Schnittdarstellung, betreffend eine weitere Ausführungsform;

Fig. 11

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung der Ausführungsform in Figur 10;

Fig. 12

eine weitere der Figur 5 entsprechende Schnittdarstellung, eine weitere Ausführungsform betreffend;

Fig. 13

eine der Figur 1 entsprechende Darstellung, betreffend eine weitere Ausführungsform;

Fig. 14

die schematische Schnittdarstellung entlang der Linie XIV-XIV in Figur 13;

Fig. 15

eine weitere Ausführungsform in einer Schnittdarstellung gemäß Figur 4;

Fig. 16

die Herausvergrößerung des Bereichs XVI in Figur 15;

Fig. 17

die Speichereinheit des Bereichs XVI in Figur 15;

Fig. 18

eine der Figur 15 im Wesentlichen entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch nach einem Entfernen der Überkappe;

Fig. 19

die Speichereinheit in einer Draufsicht gemäß Figur 17, jedoch nach einer Zerstörung durch Entfernen der Überkappe;

Fig. 20

in schematischer Darstellung der durch Entfernen der Überkappe aus der Speichereinheit herausgetrennte Abschnitt.

The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawing, which only represents exemplary embodiments. A part that is only explained in relation to one of the exemplary embodiments and is not replaced by another part in a further exemplary embodiment due to the special feature highlighted there is therefore also described as a possible existing part for this further exemplary embodiment. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a closure arrangement with an overcap applied to a vessel, relating to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

the overcap in a perspective individual view;

Fig. 3

the closure plug of the closure arrangement with a metal cap covering the closure plug, further comprising an intact storage unit;

Fig. 4

the cut according to line IV-IV in Figure 1 ;

Fig. 5

the enlargement of the area V in Figure 4 ;

Fig. 6

an embodiment of a storage unit in plan view, relating to the intact version;

Fig. 7

one of the Figure 1 Essentially corresponding perspective view, but after the overcap has been torn off from the sealing plug with permanent impact on the storage unit;

Fig. 8

a detail view according to Figure 5 , but relating to a second embodiment;

Fig. 9

one of the Figure 6 corresponding representation, but relating to a further embodiment of the storage unit;

Fig. 10

another one of the Figure 5 corresponding sectional view, relating to a further embodiment;

Fig. 11

a schematic perspective view of the embodiment in Figure 10 ;

Fig. 12

another one of the Figure 5 corresponding sectional view, relating to a further embodiment;

Fig. 13

one of the Figure 1 corresponding representation, relating to a further embodiment;

Fig. 14

the schematic sectional view along line XIV-XIV in Figure 13 ;

Fig. 15

another embodiment in a sectional view according to Figure 4 ;

Fig. 16

the enlargement of area XVI in Figure 15 ;

Fig. 17

the storage unit of area XVI in Figure 15 ;

Fig. 18

one of the Figure 15 essentially the same representation, but after removing the overcap;

Fig. 19

the storage unit in a top view according to Figure 17 , but after destruction by removing the overcap;

Fig. 20

a schematic representation of the section separated from the storage unit by removing the overcap.

Description of the embodiments

A closure arrangement 1 for a vessel 2, for example an ampoule, with a pharmaceutical substance (not shown) is shown and described.

For this purpose, the closure arrangement 1 initially and essentially has a closure plug 3, a metal cap 4 and an overcap 5. Furthermore, a wirelessly readable memory unit 6 is provided in the closure arrangement 1, in particular for identifying the contents of the vessel 2.

The metal cap 4 can be formed and manufactured, for example, from a flat aluminum strip in a preferably combined punching and forming process (deep-drawing process). The aluminum strip preferably used for this purpose can also consist of a laminate, for example consisting of a metallic foil layer, which can be coated on the top and bottom with a plastic layer.

The metal cap 4 can have a cap cover 7 and in the usual state of use, for example according to the sectional view in Figure 4 , have a cap wall 8 that preferably runs downwards. An opening 9 is preferably punched out in the middle of the cap cover 7, which in the final state applied to the vessel 2, as shown, for example, in Figure 4 is shown, which can preferably be covered by the plate-like overcap 5 here.

The closure arrangement 1 is, for example, as shown in the Figures 1 and 4 applied to the upper area of the vessel 2. The elastomeric sealing plug 3 is inserted into the mouth of the vessel 2 and is surrounded by the metal cap 4 on the top and flange sides. The metal cap 4 is further preferably bent (flared) up to the underhand grip to form a vessel mouth edge 10. The relevant lower edge of the metal cap can, in the course of applying the metal cap 4 to the vessel 2, be placed in contact with the vessel 2, for example using a pusher tool below handle shown Figure 4 to the vessel mouth edge 10.

On the metal cap 4, the plate-shaped overcap 5 in the illustrated embodiments is applied further from above, in particular to cover the opening 9, and more preferably to form a tamper-evident device. This overcap 5 is preferably made of a hard plastic material and is also preferably manufactured using the plastic injection molding process.

The overcap 5 can specifically have an overcap cover 11, which preferably extends over the entire surface of the metal cap 4, covering the cap cover 7.

As is also preferred, an extension 12 can be formed on the underside of the overcap cover 11, which preferably has a diameter adapted to the opening 9 in the metal cap 4. At the end, the extension 12 also has a collar-like radial extension 13, which in the covering position which represents the tamper-evident protection according to Figures 1 , 4 and 5 and 8, 10, 12 to 14 reach under the edge area of the opening 9.

The plastic overcap 5 can be removed by tearing it off the metal cap 4. The radial extension 13 deflects elastically due to the acting tensile force, so that the rear grip position is canceled.

The metal cap 4 also has the above-mentioned top opening 9 in the usual manner. This opening 9 is in accordance with the state, for example Figure 4 covered by the overcap 5 to ensure originality. After removing the over cap 5, the opening 9 is exposed for piercing through the sealing plug 3.

The storage unit 6 provided in or on the closure arrangement 1 is preferably an RFID or NFC tag, correspondingly an electronic, wirelessly readable storage unit. Like, for example, based on the Figures 6 and 9 Shown schematically, such a memory unit 6, also known as a transponder, essentially has a memory chip 14 and an antenna 15. As further shown schematically, a plurality of antennas 15, here two antenna sections 24 and 25, can also be provided.

The storage unit 6 can be formed in a strip-like manner according to the illustrated embodiments, if necessary with reference to a top view according to the illustrations in FIGS Figures 6 and 9 running elongated along a circular line section. In this regard, however, overall ring-shaped storage units 6 are also possible.

The storage unit 6 is arranged in such a way that it lies in a hidden position in the position covered by the overcap 5 and, when the overcap 5 is removed, in particular tearing off, it experiences a permanent effect, in particular as a result of a partial section of the storage unit 6 being torn off, torn or stretched. This permanent effect on the storage unit 6 can be detected in particular when the storage unit 6 is read out via a readout unit, so that in the course of such a readout it can be seen whether the overcap 5 has been or is removed (even if it is subsequently replaced on the metal cap 4). This provides proof of proper originality assurance or of the removal of originality assurance.

The permanent effect on the storage unit 6 is preferably irreversible.

The Figures 1 to 7 show a first embodiment in which the storage unit 6 is fastened to the closure plug 3 via sections 16 and 17 on the top side, facing the cap cover 7 of the metal cap 4. The attachment can, as is also preferred, be achieved by an adhesive layer 19. The sections 16 and 17 can also, as preferred, each be end sections of the storage unit 16. A central section 18 viewed in the longitudinal extent of the storage unit 6 is, however, preferably not connected to the closure plug 3, but rather to the overcap 5.

A window-like opening 20 is preferably provided in the metal cap 4, in particular for reading out the storage unit 6, which is essentially arranged in a position between the closure plug 3 and the metal cap 4. This can be completely in the width direction of the storage unit 6 - correspondingly in the usual usage position in the radial direction, based on a closure axis x, to which preferably both the closure plug 3 as well as the metal cap 4 and the overcap 5, as well as more preferably also the mouth edge 10 are concentric run - extend. Viewed in the longitudinal direction, the opening 20 can optionally extend beyond the end sections 16 and 17 of the storage unit 6. In a preferred embodiment, the resulting opening area of the opening 20 in the surface plane of the cap cover 7 is selected to be smaller than 40 percent up to, for example, 20 or 15 percent of the entire annular metal cap surface.

In this embodiment, the breakthrough 20 is preferably also used to pass through the middle section 18 of the storage unit 6 and on the underside on the cap ceiling 7 of the overcap 5. An adhesive layer 21 can also be provided for this purpose.

In the course of assembling the closure arrangement 1, this middle section 18 can protrude freely beyond the surface of the metal cap 4 with its upward-facing adhesive layer 21 after the closure plug 3 has been fixed using the metal cap 4 on the mouth edge 10 of the vessel 2, in such a way that with a After the final locking placement, or bending or flanging of the overcap 5 or the metal cap 4 that may already be connected to it, the cap cover 7 for fixing the middle section 18 comes against this adhesive layer 21 and is arrested with it.

Recesses 22, 23 can be provided both on the top side of the sealing plug 3 and on the underside of the cap cover 7 to accommodate the respective section of the storage unit 6. In the representations (for example Figure 5 ) the respective depth of such a depression 22, 23, which is usually in the tenth of a millimeter range, for example up to 1 mm, is shown in an exaggerated manner.

As in, for example Figure 6 shown, the memory chip 14 of the memory unit 6 is preferably provided in the area of one of the subsections 16 or 17, more preferably together in the same subsection 17 with an antenna section 24. The further subsection 17 has the second antenna section 25, which extends over the middle section 18 of the memory unit 6 is connected to the memory chip 14 in the section 17. The antenna copy 25 can also extend over the middle section 18. Alternatively, this may only result in the area of the central section 18 a connecting line from the second antenna section 25 to the memory chip 14.

By tearing off the overcap 5, as shown schematically in Figure 7 is shown, a permanent effect on the storage unit 6 is caused in such a way that, according to the first exemplary embodiment, the middle section 18 is torn off due to its adhesive bond on the underside of the overcap 5 and thus the storage unit 6 is severed essentially transversely to its longitudinal extent. For this purpose, the storage unit 6 can be used, as further in Figure 6 shown schematically, have predetermined, for example pre-embossed, desired tear lines 26 on both sides of the central section 18.

The selective or partial bonding of the storage unit 6, in particular the sections 16 and 17 with the sealing plug 3 and the middle section 18 with the overcap 5, is selected in terms of strength so that this is ensured even if the overcap 5 is torn off. After the overcap 5 has been torn off, the middle section 18 preferably remains attached to the underside of the ceiling. The storage unit 6 is permanently severed.

The section 17 of the storage unit 6 remaining on the closure plug 3 preferably also has the storage chip 14 with the information stored therein, in particular about the contents of the vessel 2, and a directly assigned and electrically connected antenna section 24.

The Figures 8 and 9 show an embodiment in which the storage unit 6, for example, only has two sections 16 and 17, which are connected via only one desired tear line 26. This also extends here Target tear line 26 across a connection area between the memory chip 14 and the second antenna section 25.

Such a storage unit 6 can, as is also preferred, be connected to the closure plug 3 on the top side, for example glued, in the mutually repelling end regions of the sections 16 and 17, while a central area, which also has the desired tear line 26, is unattached to the closure plug 3 extends.

This central, preferably unattached area of the storage unit 6 can be accompanied by a separating agent 27, which is preferably permanently connected to the overcap 5. Such a separating agent 27 can, as in the embodiments according to Figures 8 to 11 shown, be a wire 28, which according to the exemplary embodiment in the Figures 8 and 9 For example, it can be curved in an L-shape or LL-shape. First free, preferably correspondingly bent L-legs 30 of the wire 28 can be connected to the overcap 5, for example by overmolding the free leg ends in the course of producing the overcap 5. The L-web 29 connecting the L-legs 30 connects the storage unit 6 , or a material area suitable for a possible impact on the storage unit 6, preferably in the area of the desired tear line 26, with the overcap 5. Here, the connection to an adhesive layer 19, which underpins the storage unit 6, can be given. The second L-leg 30 can also be integrated into rubber material during vulcanization by overmolding or embedding. The second free L-leg 30 is further preferably arranged running along the storage unit 6.

If the overcap 5 is torn off, the wire 28, in particular its L-web 29, ensures that the storage unit 6 is preferred is severed along the desired tear line 26, so that the memory chip 24 is also separated from the second antenna section 25 in this embodiment.

According to a further embodiment, which is not shown in detail in the figures, the second and/or first L-leg 30 can also span a surface, for example due to a zigzag course of the respective L-leg 30.

In addition, the release agent 27 can also, as in Figure 12 shown schematically, for example a cutting element 31, which can be attached to the underside of the overcap 5 via a web 32 and an adhesive layer 21. Such a cutting element 31 can also be made in one piece and made from the same material as the overcap 5. Here, tearing off the overcap 5 can lead to a (mere) tearing of the storage unit 6, possibly along a predetermined target tear line 26. However, this tearing can, for example, result in a separation of the memory chip 14 from the second antenna section 25 according to the previously described exemplary embodiments. In any case, a lasting effect on the storage unit 6 can also be achieved in this way.

The Figures 13 and 14 show a further possible embodiment in which the storage unit 6 is connected to the overcap 5 in the area of one end viewed in the longitudinal extent, in particular in the area of a free end of the section 16, by overmolding. Thus, the storage unit 6 is preferably permanently fixed at the end in or on the overcap 5 during the production of the overcap 5 using the plastic injection molding process. The further part of the storage unit 6 (in particular the one preferably connected to the section 16 via a desired tear line 26, The memory chip 14 and preferably a first antenna section 24 having a section 17) extends like a flag starting from a surface of the overcap cover 11 facing the surface of the metal cap 4 in the arrangement position. The free end of the memory unit 6 or the further section 17 facing away from this can, as also shown, facing the metal cap 4 with an adhesive layer 19.

When the overcap 5 is placed in place during the (initial) assembly, the section of the storage unit 6 which has the adhesive layer 19 on the underside can be acted upon, for example via a hold-down device 33 formed on the underside of the overcap 5, in such a way that a desired adhesive connection of the storage unit 6 with the Surface of the metal cap 4 can be achieved.

In this embodiment too, the storage unit 6, in particular between two sections 16 and 17, can have a desired tear line 26, along which a permanent effect can be achieved due to the storage unit 6 being severed if the overcap 5 is torn off.

Another possible embodiment is shown in: Figures 15 to 20 As can be seen, the ceiling of the closure plug 3 in this design does not extend like a dome, as in the previously described embodiments, but rather essentially oriented along a plane running transversely to the closure axis x. Like the exemplary embodiments described above, a bead-like recess 34 can be provided in the middle of the closure axis x, as is also preferred, into which also in the embodiment according to Figures 15 to 20 the radial extension 13 of the overcap 5 can protrude.

The storage unit 6 can be designed overall, as shown, in the shape of a disc or disk, with a diameter that can essentially correspond to the outer diameter of the closure plug 3.

In the middle, centrally penetrated by the geometric closure axis x, a bore-like opening 35 is provided in the storage unit 6, which in the proper closure state of the closure arrangement 1 according to Figure 15 is penetrated by the extension 12 of the overcap 5. The radial extension 13 adjoining the extension 12 engages under the edge section 36 of the storage unit 6 surrounding the opening 35 (see also Figure 16 ).

Concentric to the geometric central axis of the opening 35 and at a radial distance from the opening edge, a desired tear line 26, formed for example by perforation, runs in the carrier material of the storage unit 6, which is preferably made of plastic. This results between this desired tear line 26 and the opening 35 a circular ring-like edge section 36.

The radial extension 13 of the overcap 5 extends under the area of the edge section 36 and ends accordingly in the radial direction, preferably at a radial distance from the desired tear line 26.

A memory chip 14 is held in the carrier material of the memory unit 6, for example by partially or completely encapsulating it with plastic. An antenna 15 is electrically connected to the memory chip 14, which can extend spirally in approximately concentric circles to the closure axis x (compare Figure 17 ).

A substantially radial antenna boom 37 extends out of the spiral circles of the antenna 15, crossing the desired tear line 26 inwards into the area of the radial section 36 (see Figure 17 ).

The storage unit 6 of this embodiment is held by gripping over the metal cap 4 resting on the closure plug 3. The storage unit 6 can accordingly lie essentially unfastened between the metal cap 4 and the closure plug 3.

The opening 9 of the metal cap 4 has a diameter e, which can correspond to approximately 0.8 to 0.95 times the outer diameter d of the metal cap 4. This can result in a cap cover 7 covering the storage unit 6 in a collar-like manner around the edge. The outer diameter of the spiral-shaped antenna 15 can, as preferred, be chosen to be smaller than the diameter e of the opening 9 in the metal cap 4.

The overcap 5 can rest essentially flat on the collar-like edge of the cap cover 7.

When the overcap 5 is torn off, the radial extension 13 acts as a separating means 27. The edge section 36 under which the separating means 27 is gripped tears off this edge section 36 in a circular ring manner along the desired tear line 26, severing the antenna boom 37 which protrudes radially inwards into the edge section 36. The Antenna 15 is thereby divided into two electrically separate antenna sections 24 and 25, of which a maximum of one antenna section can then still be electrically connected to the memory chip 14.

The torn edge section 36 with the separated antenna boom 37 preferably remains on the extension 12 of the overcap 5.

Due to the separated antenna boom 37 and the associated cancellation of the functionality of the antenna 15 as a whole, a permanent effect on the storage unit 6 is achieved.

List of reference symbols

1 Closure arrangement 27 release agent 2 vessel 28 wire 3 Closing plug 29 L-bridge 4 Metal cap 30 L-leg 5 Overcap 31 cutting element 6 Storage unit 32 web 7 Cap ceiling 33 Hold-down device 8th cap wall 34 depression 9 opening 35 opening 10 Vessel mouth edge 36 Edge section 11 Overcap ceiling 37 Antenna boom 12 appendage 13 Radial expansion 14 memory chip 15 antenna 16 Section 17 Section d outer diameter 18 Middle section e diameter 19 adhesive layer x Locking axis 20 breakthrough 21 adhesive layer 22 deepening 23 deepening 24 Antenna section 25 Antenna section 26 Target tear line

Claims (14)

1. Closure arrangement (1) for a container (2) with a pharmaceutical substance, with a closure stopper (3), a metal cap (4) for fixing the closure stopper (3) to the container (2), and an overcap (5) made of plastic, wherein a wirelessly readable electrical memory unit (6) is connected to the closure arrangement (1) for identifying the contents of the container (2), characterised in that there is an operative connection of the memory unit (6) both to the overcap (5) and to the closure stopper (3), which operative connection causes a permanent action on the memory unit (6) in the event of the overcap (5) being torn off.
2. Closure arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the memory unit (6), which has experienced an action by tearing off the overcap (5), transmits information caused by the tearing off when it is read out.
3. A closure arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the memory unit (6) comprises an RFID or NFC tag.
4. Closure arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the memory unit (6) is adhesively bonded to the overcap (5) and/or the closure stopper (3).
5. Closure arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the memory unit (6) is partially or completely overmoulded with plastic in its region associated with the overcap (5).
6. Closure arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the memory unit (6) is partially or completely embedded in the material of the closure stopper (3) in its region associated with the closure stopper (3).
7. Closure arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the memory unit (6) is destructively impactable with removal of the overcap (5).
8. Closure arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the metal cap (4) has an opening (9) which is larger than half to eight tenths or nine tenths or more of the outer diameter (d) of the metal cap (4).
9. Closure arrangement according to claim 5 or according to any one of claims 6 to 8 when the latter depend on claim 5, characterised in that the overmoulded memory unit (6) is loosely sandwiched between the metal cap (4) and the closure stopper (3).
10. Closure arrangement according to any one of claims 5 or 9, or according to any one of claims 6 to 8 when the latter are dependent on claim 5, characterised in that the plastic overmoulded memory unit (6) has a predetermined tear line (26) for severing a portion of the memory unit (6).
11. Closure arrangement according to claim 10, characterised in that the memory unit (6) is underlapped by a separating means (27) of the overcap (5) in the region separated by the predetermined tear line (26).
12. Closure arrangement according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterised in that the predetermined tear line (26) passes through a portion (24, 25) of an antenna (15) of the memory unit (6).
13. Closure arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a wire (28) is provided as a separating means (27) for separating the memory unit (6).
14. Closure arrangement according to claim 13, characterised in that the wire (28) is fixedly connected to the overcap (5).

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