WO2023186979A1

WO2023186979A1 - Closure plug for containers containing medical or pharmaceutical substances

Info

Publication number: WO2023186979A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/058138
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ruben SMETS; Koen Alfons M. MAES
Original assignee: Datwyler Pharma Packaging Belgium
Priority date: 2022-03-30
Filing date: 2023-03-29
Publication date: 2023-10-05
Also published as: EP4253276A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure plug (1) for containers (2) containing medical or pharmaceutical substances, such as infusion bottles, transfusion bottles, containers containing inoculants, or diagnostic sample containers, having a rubber-type material such as rubber, synthetic rubber, or TPE and comprising an upper face (5), which is exposed or covered by an upper cap (12) during use, and a lower face (7), which sealingly interacts with the container (2). Furthermore, the upper face (5) has a rib-shaped structure (S) surrounding a central puncture region (8), wherein the structure (S) is designed to be continuous in a linear manner with respect to an enclosure of the puncture region (8) and has two free ends (15) in the circumferential direction, said ends allowing an unhindered access (16) to the puncture region (8) through the structure (S). The aim of the invention is to provide a more improved closure plug of the aforementioned type with respect to a design for preventing adhesion. This is achieved in that the structure (S) has two or more structure branches (17) which freely run out relative to the puncture region (8) with respect to the circumferential extension of the structure, said branches directly joining the circumferential structure (S) without forming gaps between the structure branches (17) and the structure (S) and/or the structure (S) is closed so as to surround more than half and up to 270° or 320° of the circumference (11) of the puncture region (8).

Description

Sealing plug for containers containing medical or pharmaceutical substances

field of technology

The invention relates to a closure plug for containers containing medical or pharmaceutical substances, such as infusion bottles, transfusion bottles, containers containing vaccination agents or diagnostic sample containers, comprising a rubber-like material such as rubber, synthetic rubber or TPE, with an upper side that is exposed in use or covered by an overcap and a bottom side which cooperates sealingly with the container, the top side further having a rib-like structure which surrounds a central piercing area, the structure being formed in a continuous line with a view to enclosing the piercing area and having two free ends in the circumferential direction, which have one between them the structure leaves unhindered access to the piercing area.

State of the art

Such closure plugs have already become known in various designs. For the closure of containers, for example vials, these can have a disc-shaped cover section which rests on the neck of the container in the closed state, the surface of which faces upwards in the closed position forms the top side. The underside can be formed by the also essentially disk-shaped surface resting on the bottle neck, but if necessary also by a substantially cylindrical stopper section which engages in a sealing manner in the container neck. In this regard, such closure plugs are also known, which consist in particular of a natural rubber or a synthetic rubber (this can be, for example, a styrene-butadiene rubber, a butyl rubber, a halobutyl rubber or even EPDM). In addition, such a sealing plug can also consist of a thermoplastic elastomer. Typically, such closure plugs preferably have a central area that can be pierced or pierced, for the passage of a needle, for example an infusion needle.

[0004] Within such closure plugs and their assignment to a container containing a medical or pharmaceutical substance, reference should be made, for example, to WO 2013/053384 Al (US 2014/0251942 Al) and WO 2013/149844 Al (US 2015/0298414 Al).

[0005] It is also known, for example from EP 2431 295 Al

(US 2012/0067888 Al), a closure plug of the type in question, which has a rib-like structure on the top, each of which originates from one or more ring structures surrounding the piercing area. To prevent two sealing plugs from sticking, for example when a plurality of sealing plugs are being fed to an assembly point, a significant roughness of the surface is described in conjunction with a Shore hardness A.

[0006] Furthermore, utility model DE 94 15 072 U1 describes a closure plug with two circular segment-shaped structures surrounding a piercing area, which leave a distance from one another at their respective two free ends. A closure plug is also known from WO 00/59797 A, which also has two circular segment-shaped structures, each of which rotates significantly less than 180 °. are continuously formed and connect to the further line-like structure after the gap formed between them. Finally, EP 0294 127 A2 discloses a closure plug with linear, mutually independent structures extending circumferentially offset in the radial direction to an insertion area. The piercing area itself is surrounded by one or more circular closed structures.

Such rib-like structures can serve to prevent a comparatively large area of contact, in particular of two sealing plugs, for example in the course of feeding a plurality of sealing plugs to an assembly point. Such a large-area contact of the sealing plugs, for example in the area of surfaces that are usually essentially flat without this rib-like structure, can lead to the sealing plugs sticking to one another, which can lead to a disruption in the course of conveying and/or assembly. It is also common to form a central circular structure with a closed circumferential rib in order to specify the puncture area for a user.

Summary of the invention

With regard to the prior art described above, the invention has the task of advantageously designing a sealing plug of the type in question, particularly with regard to the design to prevent adhesion.

A possible solution to the problem is, according to a first idea of the invention, in a closure plug in which it is intended that the structure has two or more freely extending structural branches with regard to its circumferential extension to the piercing area, which are directly adjacent to the circumferential one Apply structure without creating a gap between the structural branch and the structure and/or in which it is intended that the structure surrounds the piercing area in a closed manner over more than half up to 270° or 320° of a piercing area circumference.

The line-like structure can essentially revolve around the piercing area, oriented on a central plug axis, whereby this course, viewed in the circumferential direction, is not completely closed, but rather leaves an opening. This accordingly results in an interruption of the rib-like structure viewed in the circumferential direction, so that free ends are formed at each end of the structure, which limit unhindered access to the piercing area essentially from radially outside to radially inside. The arrangement of the linear, continuous structure can continue to run essentially concentrically or oriented along a concentric line with respect to a geometric plug axis, which passes through the plug centrally and essentially perpendicular to the top. The line-like continuous structure, viewed in the circumferential direction, can, for example, alternately intersect an imaginary geometric, concentric circular line.

The piercing area itself is preferably formed with a flat surface. The structure can provide a desired usage indication as to where the piercing is to be carried out. The line-like structure is preferably formed in one piece, which is interrupted by an opening area in order to provide lateral access to the piercing area. The opening area is limited to the circumference of the structure by a free end area of the same line. The linear structure is therefore not continued in another, separate line after a brief interruption, but is formed from a single line. Furthermore, the surface of the closure plug preferably has only one such ring structure, wherein no further structures and/or elevations are provided within the annular structure. Furthermore, the single annular structure is preferably not surrounded by other such structures. The surface of the top side of the sealing plug also has no ring structure on the edge. In this sense, there is only one surrounding ring structure that surrounds the piercing area in a ring.

As a result of the above-described configuration of the structure, which is not closed in the circumferential direction, a sealing plug results with favorable properties in terms of preventing adhesion, for example, of two sealing plugs to one another, for example on a transport route or in the packaging state. Due to the intended access to the piercing area by forming an interruption in the rib-like structure in the circumferential direction, a spacing of a part of the stopper surface from the surrounding, generally flat surface of the closure plug, viewed in the alignment of the geometric plug axis, is achieved, while preventing a circumferentially closed area, which - in conjunction with the surface of a further sealing plug - could otherwise form a negative pressure zone if the sealing plugs come into contact with one another. The risk of two or more sealing plugs adhering to one another, due to a relatively large area of frictional adhesion and/or due to a negative pressure zone being created, is thus counteracted.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the line-like structure has, with regard to its circumferential extension to the piercing area, two or more freely extending structural branches that attach directly to the surrounding structure, without forming a gap between the structural branch and the structure. The structural branches preferably run in a line-like manner starting from the Circumferential direction continuous structure, preferably related to the geometric plug axis, in a direction oriented on a radial. The structural branches can run essentially radially inwards or radially outwards, starting from the line-like surrounding structure. Also, with an arrangement of several structural branches, for example, a part tends to be arranged radially inwards and a part of the structural branches tends to be arranged towards the outside.

According to the disclosure given here, these structural branches attach directly to the line-like surrounding structure, preferably without forming a gap between the structural branch and the line-like structure. Rather, it is intended in this regard that such a structural branch has one end rooted in the line-like structure. The end of a structural branch opposite this root area preferably runs freely. A spacing of the structural branches from the surrounding structure, which occurs essentially in an approximately radial direction, is also possible.

According to a possible alternative, the line-like structure surrounds the piercing area over more than half up to 270° or 320° of a piercing area circumference. The linear, continuous structure can essentially adjoin directly radially on the outside along a circumferential line delimiting the piercing area to the top of the closure plug or at a radial distance therefrom, in particular in an embodiment in which the piercing area as a whole is designed to be recessed relative to the surface of the top.

The line-like structure can accordingly extend by more than 180°, further up to 270° or even further up to 320°. The specified The range from 180° to 270° or 180° to 320° also includes all intermediate values. Accordingly, the specification of a value range from 180° to 320° also includes all intermediate value ranges, for example from 180° to 185°, 180° to 190°, 180° to 195°, etc. In addition, intermediate ranges are of course also disclosed, for example 190° to 200°, 200° to 210°, 210° to 220° etc. range. The value ranges preferably include values of several degrees, in particular with a range of 5°, 10°, 25°, 50° or even beyond. It is important that the line-like structure surrounds the piercing area closed by more than 180°, whereby the structure can be designed up to a circumferential area of 270° or even up to 320°. Accordingly, the structure can enclose the piercing area over more than half to three quarters of the piercing area circumference or even up to almost nine tenths of the piercing area circumference.

Further features of the invention are explained below, including in the description of the figures, often in their preferred association with the subject matter of claim 1 or with features of further claims. However, they can also be of significance in an assignment to only individual features of claim 1 or the respective further claim or in each case independently.

[0018] The free surface of the top can, as is further preferred, be designed to run uniformly outside the line-like structure. So, correspondingly outside the structure, there can be a substantially flat top side, possibly with the exception of any mold cavities provided on the surface side, for example for a manufacturer's identification. Furthermore, additional projections, such as such manufacturer markings, can also be provided. This will be explained further. [0019] In this case, the above-described free surface of the top outside the line-like structure, but also the surface of the line-like structure, may have a surface roughness Ra of, for example, 1.5-12 gm, further, for example, in particular of less than 6 jm.

With regard to structural branches directly attached to the structure, it can further preferably be provided that such a structural branch starts from the end of the structure running in a line-like manner in the circumferential direction, alternatively or additionally, but also from an area of the structure running in a line-like manner in the circumferential direction, from which area This structure continues on both sides in the circumferential direction.

[0021] With regard to a height viewed in the axial direction of the closure plug, in particular the structure running in a line-like manner in the circumferential direction, but also any structural branches provided, it can further be provided that such a height can correspond to approximately one fiftieth to one hundredth of the largest plug diameter. In addition, such a structure height of, for example, 0.15-0.5 mm, further for example about 0.25 mm, can be given.

The height of the structure running in a line-like manner in the circumferential direction and the height of any structural branches provided can, as is also preferred, be essentially the same. Alternatively, different heights are also possible in this regard, for example a lower height with regard to the structural branches compared to the line-like structure running in the circumferential direction. [0023] With regard to its circumferential extent, the line-like structure can also be designed with structural branches extending at an angle of less than 180° to one another. In this regard, two structural branches following one another in the circumferential direction can form an angle of, for example, 45-135°, for example approximately 90°, to one another.

The structural branches can also be designed to be stretched in a straight line with regard to their longitudinal extent, starting from the structure running in a line-like manner in the circumferential direction, but alternatively they can also optionally follow, for example, a circular arc line or wavy line.

[0025] In addition, the line-like structure and/or the structural branches can have an increased surface roughness to further improve the prevention of adhesion of two closure plugs to one another. This can be achieved through additional microstructuring of the structure surface. This microstructuring is preferably achieved by appropriate shaping during the production of the closure plug.

The micro structuring results in an interruption of an otherwise smooth structural surface in the form of depressions and/or elevations, relative to the surrounding structural surface. This microstructuring can be present over the entire line-like, circumferentially extending structure and/or over the entire extension length of the structural branches, but alternatively also only partially, correspondingly in sections, further, for example, in the respective extent of the structure or structural branches, interrupted by, essentially - without taking into account the existing surface roughness of the material - smooth, ie not micro-structured areas.

[0027] The elevations for forming the microstructuring can, according to a possible embodiment, be over, for example, a tenth or less of a maximum height dimension - viewed in the alignment of the geometric plug axis - of the line-like structure or the structural branches, moreover, over the line-like structure or the structural branches extend beyond. For example, a relevant height of the microstructure elevations can be approximately 0.01 to approximately 0.05 mm. These micro structures are practically invisible to the naked eye.

[0028] Recesses to form the microstructuring can also be formed into the line-like structure or into the structural branches via a preferably comparable maximum height dimension or depth dimension of, for example, approximately 0.01 to approximately 0.05 mm.

In a further embodiment, such elevations or depressions to form the micro structuring can be designed to be stretched in a straight line in the direction of extension of the line-like structure or a structural branch, but alternatively also following a circular line or a wavy line, for example. In addition, such elevations or depressions can also be in the form of isolated dome-like elevations or cup-like formations, which, based on a top view in which the geometric plug axis appears as a point, can have, for example, circular or elongated hole-like floor plans. [0030] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the top side of the closure plug, separate from the structure, has one or more additional projections which extend outside the structure relative to a free surface of the top side, the height of which, measured orthogonally to the top side, is in particular less than the height the structure. The projection or projections are therefore formed separately from the structure on the free surface of the top side of the closure plug, that is, they do not run into the structure. Rather, each projection is a separate element on the top. A plurality of projections may also form an island-like collection of projections. A projection or a plurality of projections can form a manufacturer identification, for example a so-called mold cavity identification, which provides information about a tool with which the sealing plug was produced, namely in particular a mold cavity through which the sealing plug was produced. However, it is also possible for such projections to provide information that deviates from this, for example a serial number or similar.

[0031] Preferably, such a separate projection is arranged in an opening region of the line-like structure, where an unstructured region of the free surface of the closure plug would otherwise result. This prevents an otherwise comparatively large, flat and unstructured area from causing the closure plug to stick to another closure plug or other devices during production or transport, for example on a transport route or in a packaging state. In particular, the separate projection can be arranged in an access to the piercing area. In addition, such a projection in cooperation with the line-like structure can also prevent possible damage to the closure plug when attaching an aluminum cap to one of the closure plugs the container that has it. Since the projection in this sense fills the access to the piercing area, ie the opening area of the line-like structure, an advantageous arrangement is also achieved.

As an alternative to the arrangement of one or more projections in the opening region of the line structure, an arrangement in another region of the free surface of the closure plug can also be provided. For example, a projection can also be provided between two structural branches, which extend in different circumferential sections, in particular in the radial direction, on the line-like structure.

Preferably, although not necessarily, it can be provided that the height of the projection measured orthogonally to the top of the closure plug is less than a height of the structure also measured orthogonally to the top of the closure plug. For example, the height of the projection can be 10% or more, preferably 15% to 25%, more preferably 20% less than the height of the line-like structure. For example, the height of the projection can be approximately 20% less than the height of the line-like structure. With a height of the line-like structure of, for example, 0.25 mm, the height of the projection is, for example, 0.05 mm less, i.e. 0.20 mm.

According to one embodiment, for example, a closure plug can be provided, on the top of which a mold cavity marking is applied in an area adjacent to, but free of, the line-like structure. Depending on the arrangement of these additional projections on the top of the sealing plug, this results in additional protection against sticking of the sealing plug, for example during production or packaging. On the other hand, damage to the mold cavity markings can also occur. Drawing can be prevented by attaching an aluminum cap, which is crimped over the sealing plug. This ensures that the manufacturer's identification is permanently legible.

Finally, it is proposed that the projections convey information in the sense of a number or a letter. The projections can contain, for example, only numbers or only letters, but also a combination of numbers and letters. Together, these form island-like accumulations, which form complex information for the user, for example the aforementioned manufacturer identification.

[0036] The ranges or value ranges specified above and below also include, with regard to the disclosure, all intermediate values, in particular in 1/10 increments of the respective dimension, and if necessary also dimensionless. For example, the indication 45 to 135° also includes the disclosure of 45.1 to 135°, 45 to 134.9°, 45.1 to 134.9° etc., the disclosure of 0.15 to 0.5 mm also includes the Disclosure of 0.25 to 0.5 mm, 0.15 to 0.4 mm, 0.24 to 0.4 mm etc. This disclosure can, on the one hand, be used to limit a specified range limit from below and / or above, alternatively or in addition also serve to reveal one or more singular values in a respective specified range.

Brief description of the drawings

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, in a further exemplary embodiment due to the special feature highlighted there, is not replaced by another part is therefore also applicable to this further exemplary embodiment. Example described as a possible existing part. The drawing shows:

1 shows a perspective view of a closure plug in a first embodiment, with the closure plug arranged on a container shown in a dash-dotted line;

Fig. 2 shows the top view of the sealing plug with a view of the top according to arrow II in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows the bottom view against the sealing plug with a view of the underside which cooperates sealingly with the container;

Fig. 4 shows the section along line IV-IV in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 shows the enlargement of the area V in Fig. 4;

5a shows a representation according to FIG. 5 of a further possible embodiment of the top side of the closure plug with regard to the piercing area;

6 is a top view according to FIG. 2, but relating to a closure plug in a second embodiment;

Fig. 7 shows the enlargement of area VII in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 shows the enlargement of area VIII in Fig. 6; 9 shows the enlarged section along line IX-IX in FIG. 7;

10 shows an enlarged detail representation corresponding to FIG. 7, relating to an alternative embodiment; Fig. 11 shows the section along line XI-XI in Fig. 10;

12 shows a further representation corresponding to FIG. 7, relating to a further embodiment;

Fig. 13 shows the section along line XIII-XIII in Fig. 12;

14 shows a representation according to FIG. 7 in a further embodiment;

Fig. 15 shows the section along line XV-XV in Fig. 14;

16 shows the view according to FIG. 7, relating to a further embodiment;

Fig. 17 shows the section along line XVII-XVII in Fig. 16;

18 shows a perspective view of a closure plug in a further, design-preferred embodiment;

19 shows the embodiment of FIG. 18 in a top view; 20 is a representation corresponding to FIG. 18, with a further alternative embodiment of the closure plug;

21 shows a top view corresponding to FIG. 2 of a closure plug in a further embodiment;

Fig. 22 shows a further embodiment of the closure plug in one

Top view according to Fig. 2;

23 shows a further representation corresponding to FIG. 2, relating to a further embodiment of the closure plug;

24 shows the closure plug in a top view according to FIG. 2 in a further embodiment;

25 shows a top view of a closure plug in a further embodiment;

26 shows the closure plug in a view according to FIG. 25, relating to a further embodiment; 27 shows an embodiment of the closure plug in a view according to FIG. 25;

28 shows a further embodiment of a closure plug;

29 is a top view of the closure plug according to FIG. 28;

30 shows the section along line XXX in FIG. 29; 31 shows the section along line XXXI in FIG. 30;

32 shows a further embodiment of a closure plug;

33 shows a further embodiment of a closure plug;

Fig. 34 shows a container with a closure plug and an overcap;

Fig. 35 is a front view of the container according to Figure 34.

Description of the embodiments

1, a closure plug 1 for sealing arrangement on a container 2 is shown and described. The container 2 can have a container neck 3 (see FIG. 4), as is typical for vials, for example .

The sealing plug 1 consists of a rubber-like material such as rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. The sealing plug 1 according to the exemplary embodiment shown preferably has a disc-shaped ceiling section 4, with an outward-facing top 5 in the assigned state, according to, for example, FIG .

[0040] In addition, the closure plug 1 is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical to a geometric plug axis x with a diameter d in the area of the ceiling section 4, which diameter d is approximately that 1.2 to 1.8 times a diameter d 'in the area of the plug section 6 can correspond.

The surface of the ceiling section 4 which comes into tight contact with an end edge of the container neck 3 forms an underside 7 of the sealing plug 1.

A piercing area 8 is formed centrally and penetrated by the geometric plug axis x. This piercing area 8 can, as also shown, be formed by a depression 10 formed opposite the surface 9 or top 5 in the direction of the plug axis x. In the transition to the surface 9, this depression 10 can define a piercing area circumference 11 which runs concentrically to the plug axis x.

As further indicated in the illustration in FIG. 4, the closure plug 1 can be anchored to the container 2, in particular to the container neck 3, by means of an over cap 12. This overcap 12 preferably leaves a central opening 13, in particular exposing the puncture area 8. This opening 13 can, as further preferred, be circular in a plan view in which the plug axis x appears as a point. Before initial use, the overcap 12 can also be covered by a cover part that also covers the opening 13, as is the case, for example, from the publications WO 2013/053384 Al (US 2014/02519421) and WO 2013/149844 Al (US 2015/0298414) mentioned at the beginning Al) is known. The cover part typically has to be torn off for the first use.

The top 5 is provided with a rib-like structure S. This extends beyond the surface 9 of the sealing plug 1. This preferably results in a height h of the structure S beyond the surface 9, viewed in the direction of the geometric plug axis x, which height h can correspond to approximately one fiftieth to one hundredth of the sealing plug diameter d. The height h of the structure S can be, for example, 0.2 to 0.3 mm, preferably about 0.25 mm.

In a possible embodiment, the above-described height h of the structure S is the same over the entire extension length of the structure S, disregarding any further microstructuring M that may be provided, as will be described in more detail below.

The structure S includes the piercing area 8. Here, the piercing region, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 20, can be designed to be flat and at the same level as the top side of the closure plug, which is also outside the structure S. However, the piercing area is preferably designed to be recessed. Here, the structure S surrounds the piercing area, preferably at a radial distance a from the piercing area circumference 11, which radial distance a can correspond at least to the largest width dimension b of the structure S viewed in the radial direction. Furthermore, this radial distance dimension a can correspond to a multiple of the structure width dimension b, for example 5 to 10 times, as is shown, for example, according to the embodiment in FIG. The radial distance a is a distance between a flat area initially on the side of the geometric axis a lowered flat area, which in this case, Fig. 5, forms the actual piercing area. Specifically, the distance a is given between a center line of the structure s resulting in the cross section and the edge of the transition into the recessed area. [0047] Furthermore, with regard to both possible configurations of the piercing area, the structure S extends in the circumferential direction, preferably in a line-like manner, and more preferably oriented along a geometric circular line 14 running concentrically to the plug axis x. The line-like structure S, viewed in the circumferential direction, extends with an otherwise closed course of the line-like structure S over an angle a of more than 180°, more preferably, as also shown, over essentially about 270°. Accordingly, the structure S has two free ends 15, which between them also leave unhindered access 16 to the piercing area 8 through the structure S in a direction transverse to the plug axis x. The following statements regarding the structure S are also important regardless of how the piercing area is formed.

In a cross section in which the plug axis x appears as a line (see FIG. 5), the structure S is preferably shaped like a bead, tapering starting from the surface 9 towards the free zenith area. Furthermore, in the transition to the surface 9, there can be a width dimension b of the structure S, viewed approximately in the radial direction, which can correspond to approximately 0.8 to 1.2 times the height h of the structure S.

The structure S can also describe, for example, a non-closed polygonal line, preferably an octagonal line or circular line, in a floor plan, for example according to FIG. 2, oriented along the circular line 14. The free surface 9 of the closure plug 1 surrounding the structure S is, moreover, designed to run uniformly, correspondingly preferred - without taking into account the usual surface roughness of the plug material and possibly further mold cavities, for example for manufacturer identification - without any further elevations or depressions resulting from the surface 9 educated. Regarding additional training The identification of manufacturer markings, for example a mold cavity marking, will be explained in more detail later with reference to Figures 28 to 35.

1 to 5 show a first exemplary embodiment in which the structure S as shown in FIG. 2 describes an unclosed octagonal line as an open structural ring 23. The ends 15 directed towards one another in the circumferential direction leave access 16 to the piercing area 8 from the radial outside.

With regard to its circumferential extent to the piercing area 8, the line-like structure S can further have two or more freely extending structural branches 17. In this regard, Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment based on the previously described exemplary embodiment. Here too, in a floor plan according to FIG. 6, it is essentially a polygonal line, preferably an octagonal line; The following open structural ring 23 of the structure S is provided with a total of four structural branches 17, each of which, starting from the circumferential structural ring 23, extends essentially radially outwards in relation to the plug axis x.

In this embodiment, the structural branches 17 extend in a straight line and merge into the structure S with their radially inner end regions, preferably in the same material and in one piece.

With regard to their cross-sectional design, the structural branches 17 can, as is also preferred, be designed in the same way as the cross-sectional design of the above-described structure S. Thus, the same widths b and heights h can further preferably be provided with regard to the structure S or the structural ring 23 and the structural branches 17 . [0054] Two structural branches 17 following one another in the circumferential direction r form, in a preferred embodiment, an angle β of less than 180° to one another, more preferably according to the illustrations in FIGS. 6 and 19 to 21 an angle β of approximately 90°. In one possible embodiment, two structural branches 17 can be assigned directly to the ends 15.

If the structural branches 17 are preferably of equal length, their free ends 18 touch, in a floor plan for example according to FIG. 6, an imaginary geometric circular line 19 which runs concentrically to the plug axis runs, which distance dimension a 'can correspond to approximately 5 to 10 times the structure width dimension b.

18 to 24 show further embodiments of a structure S with structural branches 17. Thus, according to the design-preferred embodiments in FIGS. 18 to 20, the structure S can describe a circular line running in the circumferential direction r to form an open structural ring 23 , further preferably oriented on the above-described circular line 14. Here, too, according to the above-described embodiment, four structural branches 17 pointing radially outward are provided, starting from this structure S. For aesthetic reasons, a structure S may be preferred, with a radially inner circular shape, to which four structural branches 17 are immediately connected, pointing radially outwards, with two structural branches 17 immediately following one another in the circumferential direction enclosing an angle β of 90 ° to one another.

18 and 19 show such a design-preferred embodiment for a closure plug 1 with a recess 10 defined piercing area 8. Fig. 20 relates to such an embodiment of the structure S in a sealing plug 1 without the formation of such a depression in the piercing area 8.

21, as in the further described embodiments, more than four structural branches 17 can be provided, for example a total of seven, with two structural branches 17 following one another in the circumferential direction r, for example, having an angle β' of approximately Include 45° to each other.

The structural branches 17 can also have different (radial) lengths. For example, individual structural branches 17 'can extend beyond the circular line 19 (cf. dash-dotted representation in Fig. 21).

22, starting from the polygonal or linear structural ring 23 of the structure S, the structural branches 17 cannot necessarily run in a straight line, but rather, for example, following a circular arc line 20 in a wing-like manner.

23, the structural ring 23 of the structure S can, for example, also essentially follow a square line, leaving the access 16 between two free ends 15.

24 shows an embodiment in which the structure S is formed essentially oriented along the imaginary circular line 19 running at a distance a' and the structural branches 17 attached thereto are directed essentially radially inwards, with their free ends 18 If necessary, as also shown, end on the imaginary circular line 14 running at the distance a. 25 and 26 show further embodiments of closure plugs 1 with structures S, which are described here by several, in particular, as shown, by two circular lines running concentrically to the plug axis x. A radially inner structural ring 23 can run oriented along the circular line 14 and the radially outer structural ring 23 'can run oriented along a second circular line 19 which is spaced in the radial direction from the first circular line 14. These embodiments also have a preferred design.

[0064] Each structural ring 23, 23' of the structure S is not designed to be closed in itself, for example according to the embodiment in FIG.

These accesses 16 of both structural rings 23, 23' can be aligned in the same direction with respect to the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 25, so that the radially inner structural ring 23 is exposed in the access 16.

Alternatively, there can also be a kind of nesting of the entrances to two such concentric structural rings 23 and 23' of the structure S (see FIG. 26). In this case, the accesses 16 can be aligned in a plan view of the sealing plug 1, as shown in FIG. 26, in directions that essentially point away from one another, for example, and further, for example, in opposite directions. For example, the access 16 of the outer structural ring 23 ', based on the plug axis x, can be provided offset by 180 ° to the access 16 of the inner structural ring 23. An offset in the circumferential direction of less than 180° is also possible in this regard. borrowed, for example a circumferential offset of 30° or more, further for example 45° or 60°, of the accesses 16 to one another.

27 further shows an embodiment which is essentially based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, but instead of the strict circular shape of the structural rings 23 and 23 ', a polygonal configuration according to the first embodiment is selected. This polygonal design of the respective structural ring 23 or 23 'is oriented on the circular line 14 or 19.

A mixed form of the open structural branches 23 and 23' is also possible, for example, a strict annular shape radially on the inside and a polygonal shape radially on the outside or vice versa.

[0069] In addition, even if the structure S is designed in the form of concentric, open structural rings 23 and 23 ', the structure S can have structural branches 17, for example in the form of radially extending webs.

[0070] In addition, mixed forms of the above-described structures S or structural rings 23 and structural branches 17 are also possible, for example a polygonal floor plan design of the structure S with structural branches 17 directed radially inwards or radially outwards, which are further wing-like, for example according to FIG can be curved. Embodiments are also possible in which, for example, viewed in the circumferential direction r, structural branches 17, starting from the structure S, alternately extend radially outwards and radially inwards.

[0071] The diameter of the opening 13 in the optionally provided overcap 12 can be selected so that, if necessary, next exposure of this breakthrough 13, in particular the structure S is preferably completely visible, extends accordingly completely within the central area encompassed by the edge of the breakthrough 13. This can also refer to the structural branches 17 that may be provided. These can also be completely or at least almost completely exposed in the opening 13 due to appropriate length and position adjustments.

The line-like structure S and/or the structural branches 17 can also have a supplementary microstructuring M. 7 to 17 show different embodiments in this regard. However, such microstructures M can also have the structures S and/or the structural branches 17 of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 18 to 26.

[0073] The microstructuring M can, as is also preferred, be formed in the form of elevations 21 and/or depressions 22 in the zenith region of the structure S or of the structural branch 17 facing away from the surface 9, based on a cross section, for example according to FIG. It can be provided here that the elevations 21 or the depressions 22 extend approximately over a dimension h 'considered perpendicular to the surface 9, which dimension h' is a tenth or less, for example approximately a fifth to a third, of the height h of the structure S respectively the structural branches 17 can otherwise correspond.

7 to 9, for example cup-like depressions 22 can be provided which are in the direction of extension of the structural branch 17 (see FIG. 7) and/or in the direction of extension of the structure S (see FIG 8) along an imaginary line, leaving a distance c between two successive depressions 2, can be provided. The cup-like depressions 22 can have a largest diameter dimension e, which can correspond to about a tenth to about a third, for example about a fifth, of the width b of the structural branch 17 or the structure S. The above-described distance c between two successive depressions 22 can correspond to approximately 1.5 to 4 times, further approximately 2 times the above-described diameter dimension e.

10 and 11, such a quasi-point-like microstructuring M can also be in the form of, for example, wart-like elevations 21, which extend beyond the surface of the structure S or the structural branch 17 beyond what has been described above Dimension h' extend. The largest diameter of such a wart-like elevation 21 can correspond to the above-described diameter dimension e of a cup-like depression 22.

A microstructuring M can also have, for example, alternating cup-like depressions 22 and wart-like elevations 21.

[0077] In addition, for example, notch-like depressions 22 running transversely to a longitudinal extent of a structural branch 17 or the structure S can also be provided (cf. FIGS. 12 and 13). These notch-like depressions 22 can, for example, extend over a width b ', which can correspond to approximately 0.5 to 0.7 times the width b of the structural branch 17 or the structure S, in the transition to the surface 9. The spacing viewed transversely to this width extension b' with the spacing dimension c can essentially correspond to the spacing of the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 7 to 9. 14 and 15, a depression 22 or - as shown - an elevation 21 in the form of a straight line, aligned in the extension direction of the structural branch 17 or the structure S, can also be provided.

Such a linear, continuous elevation 21 or - as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 - depression 22 can also continue to run like a wave, for example in the direction of extension.

The above-described microstructuring M can extend completely over the entire length of the structure S and/or the structural branches 17, but alternatively also only over partial sections, in particular partial sections of the structure S.

Figures 28 to 33 show various embodiments of closure plugs 1, which, in addition to the structure S, have further projections 24 that stand out from the surface 9 of the top 5 of the closure plug 1. The projections 24 are here, for example, designed as numbers and letters, which are not connected to each other or to the structure S or structural branches 17. A height h' of the projections 24 can be the same height as the height h of the structure S. Alternatively, and this is preferred, the height h' of the projections 24 can also be slightly smaller than the height h of the structure S or its structural branches 17.

28 to 31 first show a first embodiment of a closure plug 1 with projections 24. The projections 24 are arranged there outside the piercing area 8 and the structure S surrounding the piercing area 8, namely in a peripheral section of a imaginary extended structural ring 23, in which the structure S is recessed and thus an interruption of the rib-like structure S, viewed in the circumferential direction, results. Here, this interruption is also preferably delimited in the circumferential direction by two structural branches 17 which extend further preferably outwards. As can be seen, for example, from the figures mentioned, these structural branches attach to the ends of the structural ring 23 that form the interruption without these two structural branches, with the structural ring 23 being angled outwards. The projections 24 can offer a certain, at least additional, protection against the sealing plug 1 sticking to other sealing plugs 1 or parts of an apparatus, in the event that the sealing plug 1, regardless of the otherwise formed structure S, by lying flat against another object, in particular one (same) sealing plug 1, was brought to a system. If, for example, a second closure plug 1 presses onto the closure plug 1 shown, the second closure plug 1 is spaced apart on the one hand by the structure S and its structural branches 17, and on the other hand by the projections 24. This function exists regardless of whether the projections 24 are of the same height as the structure S or the structural branches 17 or not. There is no suction cup effect.

[0083] The projections 24 here form a manufacturer identification. However, the projections 24 can also be shaped differently, for example as individual dots, lines, ovals, rings or the like. Here the manufacturer's identification is a so-called mold cavity identification, which indicates a shape with which the sealing plug 1 was manufactured. In the opening area of the structure S, which would otherwise result in a comparatively large, flat and unstructured area on the top 5 of the closure plug 1, the island-like projections 24 are now given by the manufacturer's marking, even if these do not have the entire height h structural only have S. This could additionally counteract possible sticking in this area, for example on a transport route. In addition, particularly when an overcap 12 is arranged on the sealing plug 1, the opening area of the line-like structure S is filled by the projections 24, with an advantageous arrangement of the overcap 12 while avoiding possible damage to the sealing plug 1.

[0084] Figures 30 and 31 show a cross section of the closure plug 1 according to Figures 28 and 29. The piercing area 8 can be seen on the top side 5 of the closure plug 1 with the structure S surrounding the piercing region 8 and the additional projections 24. As in particular 31, the height h' of the projections 24 is slightly smaller than the height h of the structure S. For example, the structure S can have a height h of approximately 0.25 mm, while the projections 24 have a height h' of 0 .20 mm, i.e. 0.05 mm lower than the structure S. Of course, other heights and height ratios are also conceivable. The size, for example font size, of the projections 24 can also differ. A lower height h 'of the projections 24 compared to the height h of the structure S or the structural branches 17 can further reduce the risk of the sealing plug 1 sticking to an object, since the lower projections 24 still lead to a possible tipping of another object on the top side 5 of the closure plug 1, but no direct contact of the other object with the surface 9 occurs, but rather a spacing is ensured by the projections 24. This continues to ensure air exchange to the piercing area 8 in order to avoid a suction cup effect. On the other hand, this also ensures that the other object is tilted relative to the structure S or the projections 24 due to the different height conditions, thus creating additional airways. The distance The projections 24 of smaller height h' are also protected during the manufacturing process in which an overcap 12 is crimped onto the container 2 or the sealing plug 1. If the structure S or its structural branches 17 are higher than the projections 24, the latter can be protected from contact with the overcap 12 or at least from excessive force being applied by it.

32 shows a further embodiment of a closure plug 1, in which separate projections 24 are not arranged in an opening region of the structure S, but are offset by 180 ° (based on the circumferential direction of the structure S). With regard to this embodiment, the aforementioned options also apply with regard to the height h 'of the projections 24 and their design as numbers, letters or abstract geometric structures.

33 shows a further sealing plug 1, which has a smaller diameter than the sealing plug according to FIG. 32. The sealing plug previously shown in, for example, FIG. 28 is drawn with a dashed contour to show the size relationships. This version serves in particular to illustrate that different sizes of sealing plugs 1 are possible, depending on the container 2 to be closed.

[0087] Figures 34 and 35 finally show a further embodiment of a container 2 with a closure plug 1 and an over cap 12 that at least partially covers an upper side 5 of the closure plug 1. The over cap 12 has a circular opening 13 in the center, through which a Piercing area 8 of the sealing plug 1 is exposed. The surface 9 of the sealing plug 1 has here, as shown in Figures 28 to 33, a plurality of projections 24, which are formed separately into a structure S and structure branches 17. The projections 24 here form an example of a mold cavity marking. For example, the projections 24 can be designed and arranged overall as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. As also shown in Figure 34, part of the projections 24 is covered by the overcap 12, while another part of the projections 24 is exposed. The partial covering of the projections 24 by the overcap 12 protects the projections 24 from wear, for example during transport or storage. Since the projections 24 can also preferably have a lower height h' than the structure S or the structural branches 17, the projections 24 exposed in the opening 13 are protected by the adjacent overcap 12 or the structure S and the structural branches 17. According to a further embodiment, the projections 24 can largely not be covered by the overcap 12, so that they are preferably readable even when the container 2 is closed by the overcap 12. However, as shown in particular, it is also conceivable that these are covered to a certain extent by the overcap 12, whereby the manufacturer identification given by the projections 24 is preferably still legible if possible.

List of reference symbols

1 sealing plug

2 containers a distance

3 container neck a' distance

4 ceiling section b width

5 top b' width

6 plug section c distance

7 bottom d diameter

8 piercing area d' diameter

9 surface e diameter

10 depression h height

11 Groove area circumference h ^z height

12 Overcap r circumferential direction

13 breakthrough x plug axis

14 circle line

15 end

16 access

17 structural branch M micro structuring

17 ^z structure branch S structure

18 free ending

19 circle line

20 circular arc line

21 elevation a angle

22 depression ß angle

23 structural ring ß' angle

23 ^z structural ring

24 lead

Claims

Expectations

1. Closing plugs (1) for containers (2) containing medical or pharmaceutical substances, such as infusion bottles, transfusion bottles, containers containing vaccines or diagnostic sample containers, comprising a rubber-like material such as rubber, synthetic rubber or TPE, with an overcap exposed in use or covered by an overcap (12 ) overlapping top (5) and a bottom (7) which cooperates sealingly with the container (2), the top (5) further having a rib-like structure (S) which surrounds a central piercing area (8), the structure (S ) is designed in a continuous line with a view to enclosing the piercing area (8) and has two free ends (15) in the circumferential direction, which leave between them unhindered access (16) to the piercing area (8) due to the structure (S), thereby characterized in that the structure (S) has two or more freely extending structural branches (17) with regard to its circumferential extent to the piercing area (8), which attach directly to the surrounding structure (S), without forming a gap between the structural branch (17 ) and the structure (S) and/or that the structure (S) surrounds the piercing area (8) over more than half up to 270° or 320° of a piercing area circumference (11).

2. Closing plug according to claim 1, characterized in that a free surface (9) of the top (5) is designed to run uniformly outside the structure (S).

3. Closing plug according to claim 2, characterized in that the piercing area (8) is designed to be recessed relative to the surface (9). Closing plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (S) is designed with structural branches (17) extending at an angle (ß) of less than 180° to one another with regard to its circumferential extent. Closure plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (S) and/or a structural branch (17) has a supplementary microstructuring (M). Closing plug according to claim 5, characterized in that the micro structuring (M) is designed in the form of elevations (21) and/or depressions (22) which are over a tenth or less of a maximum height dimension (h) of the structure (S). or the structural branch (17) extend beyond the structure (S) or the structural branch (17) or are formed into the structure (S) or the structural branch (17). Closing plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top (5), separate from the structure (S), has one or more additional projections (24) which extend outside the structure (S) relative to a free surface (9) of the top (5). ), whose height (h ^z ) measured orthogonally to the top (5) is in particular less than the height (h) of the structure (S). Closing plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projections (24) convey information in the sense of a number or a letter.