KR20150002524U - Universal cap - Google Patents

Abstract

The universal cap (1) comprises a shaft portion (6) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) of the cap and at least one sealing member (100, 200) for sealing the opening of the sample container. , Wherein at least one sealing member (100, 200) comprises a sealing surface disposed on one side (9) of the shaft (6) and having three slots (14, 18), the slots 18 extend in the direction from the edge region 15, 19 of the sealing surface towards the shaft 6 such that the slots divide the sealing surface into three arcuate blades 12, 16 of substantially equal size And the blades 12 and 16 are configured to be seated on the inner circumferential surface 11 of the sealed sample container 3 which faces the longitudinal axis 5 so that the cap 1 inserted into the sample container In particular, at least in each region. The present invention also relates to a closed-type sample container and system including the general-purpose cap (1).

Description

Universal Cap {UNIVERSAL CAP}

The present invention relates to a general-purpose cap, a sealed sample container, and a system for sealing an opening of a sample container.

The caps or closures known so far are suitable only for sealing or resealing the sample vessels having a particular cross-section or diameter. Therefore, it is necessary to select a cap suitable for the size of the opening of the sample container to be sealed. This represents a high logistical cost in the field of automated sample analysis.

Generally, sealing devices which are universally usable for sealing sample containers having various opening cross sections are also known. In the case of the above sealing devices, in order to achieve the liquid-tight closing of the openings, the sealing members can be superimposed in the closed state inserted into the openings.

The object of the present invention is to provide a general-purpose cap for sealing an opening of a sample container, which can reliably prevent leakage of the liquid present in the sample container and, at the same time, securely holding the cap in the sample container, And the like.

This problem is solved through the objects of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are subject of dependent claims.

One aspect relates to a universal cap for sealing an opening of a sample container, said cap comprising a shaft extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cap, and at least one sealing member, Each of the slots extending in a direction from an edge region (toward the opposite direction of the axis) of the sealing surface toward the shaft, the sealing surface being substantially the same size as the sealing surface Wherein the blades are configured to be seated on the inner circumferential surface of the inner circumferential surface of the sample container to be sealed and oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis and preferably formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, In particular, at least in each region.

The cap can be used in the sense of the present application not only for a sample vessel with a specific opening cross-section or opening diameter, but also for sample vessels of various opening cross-sections or openings diameters (within a predetermined limit) If so, it is universal.

The longitudinal axis of the cap is, in particular, the axis corresponding to the direction of the maximum size of the cap. Preferably, the vertical axis is also the axis of symmetry of the cap. Accordingly, when the shaft portion of the cap is cylindrical or tubular, the vertical axis of the cap is a cylindrical axis.

The at least one sealing member may preferably be formed in a circular shape. The at least one sealing member may be connected to the shaft portion in a liquid-tight manner. The at least one sealing member and the shaft portion may be particularly formed integrally.

The outer surface of the shaft portion means a surface or surface which faces in the opposite direction of the inner chamber surrounded by the shaft portion. Conversely, the inner surface of the shaft portion is a surface that faces the inner chamber surrounded by the shaft portion. Correspondingly, the inner circumferential surface of the sample container to be sealed means a surface or a surface that faces the inner chamber surrounded by the sample container.

In the sense of the present invention, the blade is a member of at least one sealing member and at least a liquid-tight, preferably flexible, flexible or deformable member. The at least one sealing member of the cap according to the present invention comprises three blades of substantially the same size and these blades are arranged one after the other along the outer periphery of the shaft and together form the sealing surface of the sealing member. One slot or gap is formed between two adjacent blades of the sealing member. Slots or gaps in the sense of this specification, unlike grooves, form through openings between two opposing surfaces of one member, e.g., a blade or a sealing member. On the contrary, the groove forms only a recess or depression on the side of one member.

Preferably, the blades are formed in an arcuate shape. The term " arc shape " does not mean only an arc or a circle section in the sense of the present specification. Rather, the concept of an arc also includes, for example, an elliptical section. For example, the edges of the arc-shaped blades can also be formed as corrugations. The blades may be curved in a three-dimensional space. In this case, the concept of arc refers to the projection of blades in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap. For example, three blades of one or more sealing members may be disposed on a common cone-shaped envelope starting from the shaft portion.

The blades arranged in the circumferential direction are preferably disposed directly adjacent to each other in the initial state of the cap located outside the opening. During the insertion movement of the cap into the sampling tube, relative displacements of the partial areas of the directly adjacent blades can be performed. When the cap is inserted into the sample vessel, the blades are in contact with each other and / or overlap at least in each region. Accordingly, in the closed state of the cap inserted into the sample container, minimal perfusion openings (especially capillaries) can be provided between adjacent or overlapping blades, and / or between the blades and the inner wall of the sample vessel, These perfusion openings are preferably formed so small that only the gaseous material can pass, especially at the time of pressurization. Thereby, the air that has been introduced and compressed while inserting the cap into the sample container can leak from the inner chamber of the sample container sealed by the cap through the cap. Thereby preventing the cap from accidentally falling out of the opening. Therefore, the cap is universally usable for sealing the opening of the sample container, is leak-proof, and is particularly suitable for even liquid-type sealing. Even when the sample vessel is tumbled, the outflow of the sample contents, particularly the liquid (e.g., body fluid such as blood), can be reduced or even prevented.

Therefore, a universal cap according to the present invention can be used for liquid-tight sealing for sample vessels of various cross-sections or diameters, yet it is possible to achieve secure seating or gripping of the cap in the closed state.

It has been found in the scope of the present invention that a particularly stable seating of the cap in the sample collection tube is achieved by the sealing member of three members (i.e. comprising three blades), achieving the desired sealing effect do. Based on three force vectors distributed over the outer circumference, which are generated by radially compressing the elastically deformed blades in the sample container toward the inner wall portion of the sample container sealed by the cap, The inclination of the cap and / or the capping of the cap from the sample vessel, such as that frequently occurring in the sample vessel, can be clearly reduced or prevented.

Accordingly, it has been ascertained within the scope of this invention that the cap according to the present invention, including three member sealing members (three blades and three slots), has a defect rate [so-called "cap pop off rate ) "Is lower by at least a factor of at least 120 as compared to hitherto known sealing devices with two member sealing members (two blades and two slots).

In addition, the inventors of the present application have found that, in the case of the sealing member including three or more blades, the area where the adjacent blades are overlapped upon insertion into the sample collection tube is reduced, which eventually affects the sealing performance of the cap .

Accordingly, the general-purpose cap according to the present invention including the features of claim 1 is superior to the general-purpose sealing devices heretofore known, because the sealing effect is not adversely affected and the reliable and reliable It has an advantage that the gripping is achieved.

According to one preferred embodiment of the universal cap, an additional support member is arranged between each blade and the outer surface of the shaft portion, i. E. Three support members for one or more sealing members. The support members enhance the gripping of the cap inserted into the sample container by increasing the radial force component of the blades pressing the inner surface side of the sample container.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the three arcuate blades are arranged continuously along the outer periphery of the shaft portion, and each of the blades extends over almost a third of the outer periphery of the shaft portion. This leads to a uniform distribution of the forces exerted by the blades against the inner wall of the sample collection tube and, consequently, a stable grip of the cap in the sample collection tube.

According to one further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the at least one sealing member comprises a first or lower sealing member disposed in the shaft portion in the lower end region of the cap. The bottom sealing member may be disposed, for example, directly on the shaft at the lower end of the cap, or may form the lower end of the cap.

Further, in the above embodiment, the shaft portion includes a bottom member spaced apart from the first sealing member in the direction of the head of the cap. Preferably, the bottom member is spaced from the first sealing member in such a manner that a material aggregation portion is not created or a material aggregation portion is prevented. The material agglomerates may be undesirable for the manufacture of general purpose caps, and in particular, the material agglomerations may result in a delay in cooling during injection molding. In addition, the bottom member is preferably provided from the first sealing member in a manner that provides sufficient space and spacing for the end of the cap, and thus for the transverse bore as an air vent for the liquid, As shown in FIG. The transverse bore or air vent is described in the following paragraphs. The distance of the bottom member from the first sealing member or from the attachment point of the first sealing member at the shaft portion is greater than 0.30 cm, preferably greater than 0.35 cm, particularly preferably greater than 0.40 cm, less than 1 cm, Preferably less than 0.80 cm, and particularly preferably less than 0.60 cm. The section of the shaft located below the bottom member, that is to say the section of the shaft starting from the bottom member and directed in the opposite direction of the head of the cap or towards the end of the cap, is preferably formed in an open state, .

In addition, in the above embodiment, the shaft portion includes at least one transverse bore between the first sealing member and the bottom member, and through this transverse bore, between the inner chamber of the sample vessel and the outer environment, Gas exchange is possible. The transverse bore, in the sense of the present description, means a bore in the circumferential surface or sidewall portion of the shaft, in particular a bore directed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cap. The transverse bore allows air to escape even when the gaps or slots between the blades are wetted against, for example, serum. Thus, the gripping or stability of the cap in the sample vessel can be ensured by the equalization of the gas or vapor pressure of the liquid through the lateral bore of the side wall of the shaft, for example even during temperature fluctuations occurring during storage. Compared with the central bore, the transverse bore of the shaft has a lower risk of ejection, in other words, less chance of unintentional or unexpected liquid leakage, particularly when inserting the universal cap into a sample container filled with a relatively large amount of liquid .

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the at least one sealing member comprises a second or top sealing member spaced from the bottom member of the shaft in the direction of the upper axial end or in the direction of the cap's head. For example, the spacing of the second (upper) sealing member from the bottom member may range from 0.05 cm to 1 cm, preferably from 0.1 cm to 0.8 cm, particularly preferably from 0.2 cm to 0.5 cm . The first (lower) and second (upper) sealing members are preferably arranged such that the blades of the first sealing member are spaced apart from the blades of the second sealing member even when the universal cap inserted into the sample container to be sealed or in the closed state In such a way that they are spaced apart. In other words, the blades of the first sealing member do not affect the blades of the second sealing member in the initial state or in the inserted state, and vice versa. Also, the blades of the second (upper) sealing member are preferably spaced from the cap head. Preferably, the first (lower) and second (upper) sealing members are arranged or spaced as far as possible from the blades of the first sealing member from the blades of the second sealing member. However, the spacing is limited through a predetermined length of the shaft preferably selected so that the universal cap is not so deeply immersed in the collection tube. For example, the length of the shaft can range from 0.5 cm to 2 cm, preferably from 0.75 cm to 1.5 cm, particularly preferably from 0.9 cm to 1.3 cm. The spacing of the first (lower) sealing member from the second (upper) sealing member is, for example, in the range between 0.4 cm and 1.2 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 0.9 cm, particularly preferably between 0.6 cm and 0.8 cm ≪ / RTI > The aforesaid intervals of the first sealing member from the second sealing member each relate to the attachment points of the first and second sealing members, which are located at the shaft portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion. Also, the attachment point of the second or top sealing member, i. E. The attachment point of the top sealing member at the shaft, is preferably at least 0.5 cm apart from the cap head.

Preferably, therefore, the cap includes a first (lower) sealing member and a second (upper) sealing member, wherein the bottom member of the shaft, offset in the direction of the cap's head, is disposed between the first sealing member and the second sealing member And the transverse bore of the shaft is located between the first (lower) sealing member and the offset bottom member. As a result, the gas first reaches the space between the two sealing members from the sample vessel through the transverse bore, and then leaks through the slots or gaps in the second sealing member (the sealing member toward the head of the cap) .

Further, the cap may include additional sealing members disposed between the bottom sealing member and the top sealing member, particularly sealing members such as third, fourth, fifth, and the like. Also, in a manner that is replaced or added, the cap may include a plurality of transverse bores, particularly two, three, four, etc., transverse bores. Additional transverse bores may be provided in the side wall portion of the shaft even between the two disposed sealing members.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, roughening is carried out in the edge regions of the blades, at least partly, in particular in the opposite direction of the axis. Preferably, only the sealing surface, i. E., The surface of the blades, facing the lower surface of the blades, or the opposite direction of the head of the cap, is roughened. In other words, the blades preferably have a partially rough surface and / or include small minute teeth on certain areas, in particular on the lower surface of the blades, Which is suitable for destroying or removing thin silicon layers. This leads to a higher coefficient of friction, which again leads to a better grip of the cap in the sample vessel.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the universal cap comprises a head with a tubular grip element, the grip member being arranged in a manner substantially identical to the longitudinal axis of the cap, the cylindrical or central axis of the grip member . The grip member is particularly used for handling the cap and can be used for gripping and transporting the general purpose cap.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, a plurality of reinforcing members are provided on the circumferential surface of the grip member, particularly on the inner circumferential surface of the grip member for stabilizing the grip portion. Preferably, the reinforcing members are formed in a rib shape.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the grip member comprises an upper edge oriented in an opposite direction from the shaft portion, said edge being chamfered and / or comprising a chamfered portion. The chamfer portion facilitates the grip of the cap, in particular, or allows for the sliding of one or more robot fingers. Thus, even if the grippers are not aligned optimally toward the sampling pipe or the cap, gripping becomes possible.

Further, according to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the head of the cap further comprises a sample vessel lid member having an edge directed in the opposite direction of the longitudinal axis and being vertically aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis, preferably substantially circular And the sample container lid member is disposed between the at least one sealing member and the grip member and extends through the grip member and at least one sealing member. In particular, the sample vessel lid member extends through the grip member perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis in all directions, and beyond the at least one sealing member. In particular, the cross-section or diameter of the projection of the in-plane sample vessel lid member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap is greater than the cross-section or diameter of the projection of the in-plane grip member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap, Is greater than the cross-section or diameter of the projection of the at least one sealing member in the plane.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the surface of the sample container lid member facing the shaft is conically shaped. In other words, the lower surface of the sample container lid member, that is, the surface facing the shaft, includes a slope extending from the outer edge of the sample container lid member in the radial direction toward the center of the sample container lid member. Through the conical formation of the lower surface of the sample vessel lid member, better centering of the cap is possible during the insertion or indenting of the cap into the sample vessel to be sealed, which in turn results in a higher stability of the universal cap in the sample vessel, Which leads to better sealing of the sampling pipe.

The sample container lid member may be directly or directly connected to the grip member, connected to the grip member, or integrally formed. The sample vessel lid member is particularly used as a spill-proof portion and is thus used to reduce the risk of contamination of the robot fingers gripping and / or carrying cap on the grip member.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the edge of the sample vessel lid member has grooves and / or is formed in a ripple shape. This in turn leads to better grip on the cap.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the sample container lid member is preferably arranged on the surface of the sample container lid member, which is directed in the opposite direction of the axis, and is arranged in the direction from the rim of the sample container lid member to the longitudinal axis And extending reinforcement members. The reinforcing members may be formed, for example, in a rib shape.

According to one preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the sample container lid member includes at least one groove extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the edge portion of the sample container lid member on the lower surface, that is, the surface facing the shaft. The grooves interact with the slots or gaps of the one or more sealing members to exchange gases between the inner chamber of the sample vessel sealed with the cap and the external environment.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the grip member is centrally disposed in the sample container lid member. In other words, the grip member is centered relative to the sample container lid member.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the grip member and the sample container lid member are integrally formed. Also preferably, the entire cap (i.e., the entire configuration of the cap) may be integrally formed, particularly as an injection molded part.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the universal cap, the blades include a set kink that extends along the periphery of the shaft portion. The setting bends cause controlled bending of the blades to enable greater surface contact.

One further aspect relates to a universal cap for sealing an opening of a sample container, said cap comprising a shaft extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cap and at least one sealing member, wherein the first sealing member is located in the region of the lower end of the cap And the shaft portion includes a bottom member spaced apart from the first sealing member in the direction of the head of the cap and the shaft portion includes at least one transverse bore between the first sealing member and the bottom member, Gas exchange between the inner chamber of the sample vessel sealed by the cap through the directional bore and the external environment is possible.

Also, for each of the embodiments claimed in connection with the above aspects, the description hereinbefore or hereinafter described with respect to the embodiments of the preceding embodiments also applies.

One further aspect relates to a universal cap for sealing the openings of sample vessels, each having various cross sections, said cap comprising a shaft extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cap and one or more sealing members, Wherein the head portion includes a tubular grip member and a sample container lid member having an edge portion oriented in a direction opposite to the longitudinal axis and being vertically aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis and being preferably circular, The shaft or central axis is disposed in substantially the same manner as the longitudinal axis of the cap and the sample vessel lid member is disposed between the at least one sealing member and the grip member and extends beyond the grip member and the at least one sealing member.

Further, for each of the embodiments claimed in connection with the above aspects, the description hereinbefore or hereinafter with respect to the embodiments of the preceding aspects also applies.

One additional aspect relates to an enclosed sample container comprising an opening and a cap according to one or more aspects of the invention that may be inserted into such an opening.

One additional aspect relates to a system comprising a plurality of sample vessels and a universal cap according to one or more aspects of the present invention, wherein the sample vessels include openings into which the universal cap may be inserted.

Hereinafter, individual embodiments for solving the problems are described by way of example with reference to the drawings. In this case, the individual embodiments described include, in part, features that are claimed but not necessarily required to implement the object providing the desired properties in the particular application. Accordingly, embodiments that do not include all features of the embodiments described below should be considered as being disclosed in a manner that pertains to the described teachings. In addition, to avoid unnecessary repetition, certain features are mentioned only in connection with a single embodiment of the embodiments described below. The individual embodiments are therefore not to be considered as being individually limiting, but are also presented in the individual aspects of the various embodiments or in the overview including the pluralities of features. In accordance with this overview, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that individual embodiments may be modified through the incorporation of individual features or features of other embodiments. It is also possible to combine individual features or multiple features and systematic combinations of individual embodiments described in connection with other embodiments.

1 is a schematic view showing one embodiment of a universal cap according to the present invention before insertion into a sample container.
Fig. 2 is an additional schematic view showing an embodiment of the universal cap according to the present invention. Fig.
3 is a plan view showing one embodiment of the universal cap according to the present invention.
4A is a schematic diagram showing details of an embodiment of a universal cap according to the present invention.
4B is a schematic diagram showing additional details of an embodiment of the universal cap according to the present invention;
5A is a schematic cross-sectional view and corresponding plan view illustrating a sealing member having three blades in accordance with one embodiment and disposed on the shaft portion of the cap.
Figure 5b is a schematic cross-sectional view and corresponding plan view showing a sealing member having three blades in accordance with a further embodiment and disposed on the shaft portion of the cap.
6 is a schematic diagram illustrating additional details of one embodiment of a universal cap according to the present invention.

Selected positional information herein, such as, for example, top, bottom, side, etc., are described directly and relate to the drawings shown, and are appropriately redirected to a new position upon repositioning.

1 to 3, preferred embodiments of the universal cap 1 for sealing the opening 2 of the sample container 3 are shown in various perspective views, respectively. The cap 1 is suitable for sealing sample vessels having various cross-sections 4 within a predetermined limit, and can therefore be used universally. For example, the sample vessels 3 formed in a cylindrical shape, such as a blood sampling tube, usually have an inner diameter of about 9 to 14.5 mm. The same universal cap 1 can always be used in accordance with the selected sample container 3 for sealing the opening 2 irrespective of the sampling tube cross section 4.

The universal cap 1 according to the present invention is particularly useful for recycling and storing a sample container, which has been removed from the opening 2 of the sample container 3, in order to collect a sample, in particular, a disposable sealing member such as a stab- . First, the universal cap 1 is used to prevent the outflow of liquid from the sample vessel and the entry of contaminants or other particles, especially during storage of the sample until the sample is discarded.

In this specification, two states or positions of the cap 1 are distinguished. In the so-called initial state, the cap 1 is not inserted into the sample container. The initial state of the cap 1 is also shown in Figs. However, if the cap is inserted into the opening 2 of the sample container 3 for sealing of the sample container 3, the cap is placed in a so-called inserted state or a sealed state. In general, the shape of the cap 1, particularly the shape of some of the components of the cap, in the inserted or sealed state is different from that of the cap 1 in the initial state.

The cap 1 according to the present invention is used for ensuring at least the leakage of the opening 2, particularly the liquid-tight closing, during the storage period of the sample. Here, the outflow is a phenomenon in which, when the cap 1 is inserted into the opening 2 of the sample container 3, that is, when it is placed in the closed state, the liquid can not escape at least without being pressurized, It means that the cap closes the opening 2 to such an extent that it can permeate. On the other hand, however, when the cap 1 is inserted into the sample container 3, it is necessary to allow the inflow of the compressed air, and in some cases, the leaking of the compressed air. Otherwise the cap 1 may simply pop out of the opening 2 again due to the excess pressure generated through the insertion of the cap 1 in the sample container 3 under the condition that the sample container 3 is fully charged have. In addition, gas or vapor generated in the sample container due to, for example, temperature fluctuations must also leak from the interior of the sample container 3 through the cap 1 when stored over a relatively long time interval, for example. These characteristics are achieved in the case of the cap 1 according to the present invention, in particular through the sealing members 100, 200 or the blades 12, 16 described in more detail below. The minimum capillary gaps are kept open between the blades 12 and 16 and the inner circumferential surface 11 of the sample container 3 which defines the opening 2 in the closed state of the cap. The capillary gaps are implemented so small that the liquid can not penetrate without pressurization based on surface stress. However, gas exchange with the external environment of the sample container 3 and thus pressure equalization is possible. If the sample container 3 sealed with the universal cap 1 is shaken or the sample container is turned upside down, liquid may leak out.

1 and 2, the cap 1 has a head 10 and sealing members 100 and 200 disposed on the shaft itself to extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 of the cap 1 A shaft portion 6 and an end portion 8 spaced from the head portion 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. When the cap 1 is inserted into the opening 2 of the sample container 3, the end portion 8 first reaches the inside of the sample container 3. The end portions 6 and the sealing members 100 and 200 and the shaft portion 6 are also located inside the sample container 3 in the closed state. The head 10 including the grip member 400 and the sample container lid member 300 is first used for handling the universal cap 1 and is always used for handling the universal cap 1 .

In the region of the inner chamber of the sample container 3, a circumferential surface 11, which is preferably formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, is provided on a surface facing the longitudinal axis 5, at least in a region where the cap 1 is inserted.

The shaft portion 6 is formed in a tubular form according to the embodiment described herein and includes a circumferential surface with an outer surface 9. To prevent liquid from escaping through the hollow chamber of the shaft, the shaft should preferably include one or more internal surfaces disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5. Preferably, as can also be seen in FIG. 1, the inner surface is disposed in the end portion 8 of the cap 1 through the bottom member 50. 1, the bottom member 50 is offset or spaced in the direction of the head 10 starting from the end or the edge of the shaft which is directed in the opposite direction of the head 10.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, according to one preferred embodiment, the first and second sealing members 100, 200 are disposed on the shaft portion 6. The first sealing member 100 is preferably disposed at the lower end of the shaft portion corresponding to the end portion 8 of the head 1. The second sealing member 200 is disposed apart from the first sealing member 100 in the direction of the head 10 of the cap 1 and the center axes of the two sealing members coincide with the longitudinal axis 5.

4A and 4B show a detailed view of the first or lower sealing member 100 disposed at the shaft portion 6, respectively. In particular, the blades 12, slots 14 and further disposed support members 31 are shown in greater detail below.

5A and 5B, an upper sealing member 200 disposed on the shaft portion 6 or on the outer surface 9 of the shaft portion 6 is shown by way of example in cross-sectional and corresponding plan views. The shaft portion 6 of the cap 1 is shown only in parts in Figs. 5A and 5B, and the lower sealing member 100 is not shown in Figs. 5A and 5B. The slots 18 extend in the direction from the edges 19 of the blades 16 to the shaft 6, respectively. The slots 18 are spaced from the outer surface 9 of the shaft 6 in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 5a while the slots 18 in the embodiment of Figure 5b are spaced from the outer surface 9 of the shaft 6 ).

5A and 5B and the following description may be placed on the bottom sealing member 100 or on the cap and further disposed between the bottom sealing member 100 and the top sealing member 200 The present invention is also applied to the additional sealing members.

The sealing members 100 and 200 each include three blades 12 and 16 which are arranged in the direction of the outer periphery of the shaft, respectively. The blades 12 and 16 are formed as circular sections of substantially the same size and are constructed of a flexible, in particular reversibly deformable, material, preferably of resilient plastic. Slots or gaps 14 and 18 are provided between two adjacent blades 12 and 16 so that the blades 12 and 16 can be displaced and / or overlapped with each other. The slots or gaps 14 and 18 extend in a direction starting from the edge regions 15 and 19 of the blades 12 and 16 towards the inner surface 11 of the sample vessel and towards the shaft 6 . The gaps 14 and 18 may extend continuously from the outer edge regions 15 and 19 of the blades 12 and 16 to the outer surface 9 of the shaft portion 6. [

The blades 12 and 16 of the sealing members 100 and 200 may be disposed apart from each other at least in an initial state in which they are located outside the opening 2. Preferably, the blades 12,16 are less than or equal to 90 [deg.] With the surface 9 of the shaft 6, preferably less than 80 [deg.], Particularly preferably less than 75 [ , More preferably greater than 60 degrees, and particularly preferably greater than 65 degrees. In other words, the blades are arranged in the direction of the head 10, preferably starting from the shaft 6, in a common conical large envelope.

3, the blades 12, 16 may include setting bends 13 extending along the outer periphery of the shaft 6. [ In other words, the setting bends are arranged concentrically.

The gaps 14 of the first sealing member 100 and the gaps 18 of the second sealing member 200 are disposed in such a manner that they are aligned with each other when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5. In this case, the gap 14 or 18 is between 0 and 3 mm, preferably between 0 and 1 mm, particularly preferably between 0 and 0.5 mm, between the adjacent blades 12 or 16 directly, And can have a width of 0 to 0.2 mm. The width of the gaps 14,18 may also be varied throughout its longitudinal extension starting from the edge regions 15,19 and leading up to the shaft 6 or outer surface 9. The width of the gaps 14,18 continues over the longitudinal extension starting from the outer edge regions 15,19 of the blades 12,16 and towards the outer surface 9 of the shaft 6. [ And can be formed in a decreasing manner.

When the universal cap 1 is inserted into the opening 2 of the sample vessel 3 a relative displacement of the individual blades 12 and / or 16 is achieved and at least the first separate blades 12, 16 May be originally contacted in the region of the gaps 14, 18 and / or at least superimposed on the region-by-region basis. So that the original gaps 14, 18 can be sealed at least in the longitudinal direction of the cap. This state is referred to as an inserted state or an enclosed state, as already mentioned above.

Between the blades 12 and 16 and the outer surface 9 of the shaft portion 6 there are respectively disposed supporting members 31 and 33 extending therebetween as shown in Figures 1, 4a and 4b . In this case the support members 31 and 33 preferably extend from the blades 12 and 16 to the shaft 6 while being directed towards the head 10 of the cap 1. The support members 31 and 33 are connected to the shaft 6 as well as the blades 12 or 16, and are formed integrally with the blades and the shaft, in particular. In this case, the support members (s) 31, 33 shown here are formed in a rib shape and serve as reinforcement members between the blades 12, 16 and the shaft portion 6. [

As also shown in Figures 1 and 4b, the shaft portion 6 includes one or more transverse bores 54 between the shaft bottom end (that is, facing away from the head) and the offset bottom portion 50 . Through the transverse bore 54, a gas which is introduced into or formed within the sample vessel, in particular under excess pressure, is formed by contact of the blades and / or by superimposition of the capillary of the first sealing member 100 It can leak from the sample container 3 to the external environment via the transverse bore 54 as well as the gaps. This is particularly desirable when the permeability of the gaps themselves to the gas is strongly reduced or completely blocked by the blades or capillary gaps being wetted to the serum. In this case, the gas first reaches the space between the first sealing member 100 and the second sealing member 200 via the transverse bore 54, and then the gaps of the second sealing member 200 The sample container 3 can be leaked to the external environment of the sample container 3 through the grooves 310 and the grooves 310 of the sample container lid member 300 and the sample container lid member 300. The second sealing member usually has no or only a slight adherence of liquid because the contact between the second (upper) sealing member 200 and the liquid contained in the sample container is first applied to the first (lower) sealing member 100 As shown in FIG. As a result, the stability of the cap 1 according to the present invention increases during storage, especially during temperature fluctuations, because the vapor pressure of the liquid contained in the sample vessel can be equalized through gas exchange with the environment Because.

The head 10 including the tubular grip member 400 is used for handling the cap 1 according to the present invention. The grip member 400 may be directly connected to the end of the shaft portion 6 (i.e., facing away from the end portion 8 of the cap 1). Preferably, the central axis of the grip member 400 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 5 of the cap 1, and is thus centered with respect to the axis 6. If tubular gripping member 400 is used for receiving in an automatic handling device, preferably tubular gripping member 400 is at least partially cylindrical, at least partially on the inner surface of gripping member 400, As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the grip member may preferably be stabilized and reinforced by ribs 420 disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the grip member.

The head 10 of the cap 1 according to the present invention includes a sample container lid member 300 formed in a disc shape and aligned vertically to the longitudinal axis 5 and a sample container lid member 300, And includes a tubular edge portion 22 that is more protruded than the container lid member 300. The tubular edge portion 22 is disposed on the outer periphery of the sample container lid member 300 and is preferably integrally formed with the sample container lid member or connected in a material coupling manner. Further, ribs and / or recessed portions may be disposed on the outer circumference of the tubular rim portion 22 to improve the gripability of the cap 1. Preferably, the ribs or webs to recessed portions extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 5. In order to enhance the stability of the sample container lid member 300, the sample container lid member 300 may also include reinforcing members 21, which are preferably oriented in the opposite direction of the shaft 6 , And is disposed on the surface of the sample vessel lid member 300 and extends in the direction from the rim portion 22 toward the longitudinal axis 5. [

2, one or more grooves or depressions (not shown) extend from the edge portion 22 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 5 on the surface of the sample container lid member 300, that is, the surface facing the shaft portion 6, Gt; 310 < / RTI > The grooves interact with the slots 14 and 18 of the sealing members 100 and 200 to enable gas exchange with the external environment of the sample container 3 or air discharge of the sample container contents. Preferably, the grooves 310 are arranged in a straight line with respect to the slots 14,18. The cross section or diameter of the sample container lid member 300 is larger than the transverse section or diameter of the grip member 400 and larger than the transverse section or diameter of the sealing members 100 and 200. Preferably, the cross-section or diameter of the sample container lid member 300 is larger than the cross-section or diameter of the sample container 3 to be sealed. In this case, the sample container lid member 300 is placed on the edge of the opening of the sample container 3 in the inserted or sealed state of the cap 1 (that is, from the side facing away from the head 10 in the opposite direction) Which in particular prevents the inclination of the cap 1 in the sample container 3 and thus further improves gripping of the cap 1 in the sample container 3. [

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the sample vessel lid member 300 includes a cone-shaped or chamfered surface 320 on its lower surface, that is, toward the shaft 6. The slope extends from the outer edge portion 22 of the sample container lid member 300 in the radial direction toward the center of the sample container lid member 300. The slope angle 330 of the conically shaped lower surface of the sample vessel lid member 300 is, for example, in the range of 5 to 10, preferably in the range of 6 to 9, particularly preferably in the range of 7 to 8 It can belong to the range. As shown in Fig. 6, the slope angle is, for example, 7.5 deg.. Through the lower surface of the sample vessel lid member 300 chamfered with the above type or through the conical formation of this type of the lower surface of the sample vessel lid member 300 to the opening 2 of the sample vessel 3 to be sealed The cap 1 can be sealed better when the cap 1 is press-fitted into the stopper. This leads to a higher stability of the universal cap 1 in the sample container 3 and a better sealing of the sample container 3 through the universal cap 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the grip member 400 may be centrally disposed or seated in the sample container lid member 300. Preferably, the grip member 400 and the sample container lid member 300 are integrally formed. With respect to material savings, the sample vessel lid member 300 may also include a central recess (not shown here). The diameter of the sample vessel lid member is selected so that all containers that can be sealed are covered. The gripping member is formed or molded in such a way that it can be gripped by the gripper of the operating unit to which the cap is to be applied or removed.

1: cap
2: opening
3: Sample container
4: Cross section of the sample container
5:
6: Shaft
8: End
9: Surface of shaft
10: Tofu
11: Circumference surface
12: Blade
13: Setting bending part
14: Slot / gap
15: edge area
16: blade
18: Slot / gap
19: Edge area
22:
24: Cross section dimensions
31: Support member
33: support member
50:
54: transverse bore
100: first (lower) sealing member
200: second (upper) sealing member
300: Sample container lid member
310: groove or depression
320: Lower surface of the sample container lid member
330: Slope angle
400: grip member
410: Edge
420 ribs

Claims (24)

A universal cap (1) for sealing an opening (2) of a sample container (3), wherein the cap (1) comprises a shaft part (6) extending in the longitudinal axis (5) direction of the cap (1) 100, 200)
Wherein at least one sealing member 100 or 200 includes a sealing surface disposed on one side 9 of the shaft 6 and having three slots 14 and 18,
Slots 14 and 18 extend in a direction from the edge regions 15 and 19 of the sealing surface toward the shaft 6 such that the slots define three arcuate blades 12 and 16, , And is divided into a plurality of sub-
The blades 12 and 16 are configured to be seated on the inner circumferential surface 11 of the sample container 3 to be sealed toward the longitudinal axis 5 so as to contact each other in the closed state of the cap 1 inserted into the sample container , In particular superimposed on at least a region-by-region basis. The universal cap (1) according to claim 1, further comprising support members (31, 33) disposed between the respective blades (12, 16) and the outer surface (9) of the shaft part (6). 4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the three arcuate blades (12, 16) are arranged continuously along the outer periphery of the shaft portion (6) (1). A sealing member (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one sealing member (100, 200) comprises a first sealing member (100) disposed in the shaft portion (6) in the region of the lower end (8) And the shaft portion 6 includes a bottom member 50 spaced in the direction of the head 10 of the cap 1 relative to the first sealing member 100 wherein the shaft portion 6 comprises a first seal Wherein gas exchange between the inner chamber of the sample vessel (3) and the outer environment, enclosed by the cap (1), comprises at least one transverse bore (54) between the member (100) and the bottom member A universal cap (1) as possible through a transverse bore. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one sealing member (100,200) comprises a second sealing member (200) spaced apart from the bottom member (50) of the shaft (6) (One). 6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the blades (12,16) are at least partially oriented in the opposite direction of the axis (6) (1). ≪ / RTI > 7. The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cap includes a head portion having a tubular grip member, Or the central axis is arranged in substantially the same manner as the longitudinal axis (5) of the cap (1). 8. The universal cap (1) according to claim 7, wherein the grip member (400) comprises an edge (410) facing in the opposite direction of the shaft (6) and chamfered and / or with a chamfer. 9. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8, wherein the head (10) of the cap (1) further comprises a sample vessel lid member (300) having an edge portion (22) directed in a direction opposite to the longitudinal axis (5) The sample vessel lid member is vertically aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis 5 of the cap 1 and is preferably circular and the sample vessel lid member 300 includes at least one sealing member 100, 200 and a grip member 400, And extends beyond the at least one sealing member (100, 200) via the grip member (400). 10. The universal cap (1) according to claim 9, wherein the surface of the sample container lid member (300) facing the shaft (6) is conical. The sample container lid member (300) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the sample container lid member (300) is disposed on the surface of the sample container lid member (300), preferably in the direction opposite to the shaft part (6) And reinforcing members (21) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5). 12. A sample container according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the sample vessel lid member (300) is provided with at least one groove extending from the edge portion (22) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) (310). ≪ / RTI > 13. The universal cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the blades (12,16) comprise setting bends (13) extending along the periphery of the shaft (6). A universal cap (1) for sealing an opening (2) of a sample container (3), wherein the cap (1) has a shaft portion (6) extending in the longitudinal axis (5) direction of the cap and at least one sealing member ),
The first sealing member 100 is disposed on the shaft portion 6 in the region of the lower end portion 8 of the cap 1,
The shaft portion 6 includes a bottom member 50 spaced apart in the direction of the head 10 of the cap 1 relative to the first sealing member 100,
The shaft portion 6 includes one or more transverse bores 54 between the first sealing member 100 and the bottom member 50 and is connected to the inner chamber of the sample vessel 3, A universal cap (1) in which gas exchange between an external environment is possible through said transverse bore. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one sealing member (100,200) comprises a second sealing member (200) spaced apart from the bottom member (50) of the shaft (6) (One). 16. A device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one sealing member (100, 200) comprises a plurality of sealing members (100, 200) for seating on the inner surface (11) The blades 12 and 16 preferably comprise three blades 12 and 16 and at least partly in the edge region of the blades 12 and 16, A universal cap (1) which is roughened. 17. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the cap (1) comprises a head (10) with a tubular gripping member (400), the gripping member (400) Or the central axis is arranged in substantially the same manner as the longitudinal axis (5) of the cap (1). 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the head (10) of the cap (1) further comprises a sample vessel lid member (300) having an edge portion (22) oriented in a direction opposite to the longitudinal axis (5) The member is vertically aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis 5 of the cap 1 and is preferably circular and the sample vessel lid member is disposed between the at least one sealing member 100, 200 and the grip member 400, (1) extending through the grip member (400) perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (5) and beyond the at least one sealing member (100, 200). 19. The universal cap (1) according to claim 18, wherein a surface of the sample container lid member (300) facing the shaft (6) is conically formed. 20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the sample vessel lid member (300) comprises one or more grooves (310) extending from the rim (22) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5) (1). 21. The universal cap (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the blades (12,16) comprise setting bends (13) extending along the periphery of the shaft (6). 22. The universal cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the cap (1) is integrally formed, in particular as an injection-molded part. An enclosed sample container (3) comprising an opening (2) and at least one universal cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, which can be inserted into the opening (2). In a system comprising a plurality of closed vessel (3) and at least one general-purpose cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, sample vessels (3) (2) which can be inserted.

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