Closure mechanism for a sterile container and sterile container

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure mechanism for a sterile container, having a container base and a container lid which can be locked to the container base by means of the closure mechanism, wherein the closure mechanism has a slide which engages with a counter-element which forms an undercut on the container base or on the container lid in such a way that it bites from behind, wherein the locking element can be positioned in a closed position in which it engages with the counter-element in such a way that it bites from behind and in a release position in which the locking element and the counter-element are disengaged, wherein the closure mechanism has a locking element which is operatively connected or can be operatively connected to the locking element, which is integrated in the closure mechanism in such a way that it locks the closure mechanism in the closed position when the closed position is reached. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a sterile container having such a closure mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for a sterile container having a container base and a container lid lockable to the container base by means of the locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism has a locking member for engaging with an undercut insert on the container base or the container lid in a back-biting manner, wherein the locking member can be positioned in a closed position—in which it is effectively engaged with the insert in a back-biting manner—and in a released position in which the locking member and the insert are disengaged. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, the sterile container mentioned at the beginning is well known. This sterile container has a container base that can be sealed closed by a container cap and a locking mechanism, via which the cap can be fluid-tightly locked to the base. For this purpose, a so-called clamp closure device (Bügelverschluss) is well known. This clamp closure device has an operating lever pivotally supported, for example, on the cap, to which a clamp or jaw / clamp is hinged. This clamp / clamp engages with a flange, for example, extending from the side of the container base, in a back-biting manner, thus pulling the container cap towards the container base when the operating lever is flipped. A sealing ring is provided between the cap and the base, which is pressed against the base and cap when the cap is pulled, thus sealing the contact area between the base and the cap. Small tolerances can also be compensated for.

[0003] In sterile containers, it is important to maintain a predetermined pressure ratio between the internal pressure and the ambient pressure. To achieve this, sterile containers with an equalizing valve are well-known. To enable fluid (air, gas) to flow from the surrounding environment (via a sterile filtration device) into the container and / or to flow from the container (without a filtration device) into the surrounding environment, for example, a valve device in the container cap is well-known. Crucial for the proper functioning of such a valve device is ensuring a reliable and fluid-tight seal between the cap and the container base / side, preventing unintended leakage into / from the container at the contact point between the base and the cap.

[0004] Another possibility for achieving pressure equalization in such a sterile container is to construct a locking mechanism such that the cap can be slightly lifted from the container base in a locked state to balance excessive internal pressure in the reservoir, allowing fluid to flow out from the inside. For this purpose, a sterile container is known, comprising a locking mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the "locking mechanism"), a container base, and a container cap that can be locked to the container base by means of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has an operating lever preferably pivotally supported on the container cap or container base, a pull rod / claw / clamp (hereinafter referred to as the "pull rod") directly or indirectly connected to the operating lever, and an undercut fitting on the container base or container cap. The pull rod can be effectively engaged with the fitting in a back-biting manner so that when the operating lever is operated, a pulling force is applied to the fitting in the direction of installation of the cap on the reservoir. The pull rod can be supported transversely to the applied pulling force, preferably sliding at a right angle. Additionally, a preload element, such as a spring, is provided, which is positioned relative to the pull rod in an effective position such that it applies pressure to the pull rod in the direction of the required tension, i.e., in the direction in which the cap is mounted onto the reservoir, only in the predetermined operating position of the operating lever and therefore in the predetermined / predeterminable movable position of the pull rod (in which the pull rod has already clamped the insert from the rear).

[0005] In locking mechanisms and sterile containers, the following is important:

[0006] - Protect the container chassis / lower part of the reservoir and / or the container lid / upper part of the reservoir and / or the locking mechanism from damage caused by improper / incorrect operation of the locking mechanism, especially if the locking mechanism has a lever function, which can generate a large force.

[0007] -Despite the locking mechanism, a surface as large as possible is retained on the end face of the lower part of the reservoir for marking the reservoir / sterile container.

[0008] - Take every possible step to prevent accidental opening of the sealed unit.

[0009] - It can also compensate for larger manufacturing tolerances, and

[0010] -Minimum tension between the cover and the chassis is guaranteed.

[0011] In addition, ideally:

[0012] - The pulling force is not sudden, but increases continuously as the operating lever continues to rotate, especially to avoid damage to the locking mechanism and / or seals.

[0013] - The locking mechanism can also function as an overpressure valve.

[0014] - The operating lever is located in an easily accessible position, preferably on the upper side of the container lid, to avoid protruding from the side even during the opening / closing process and to prevent it from covering the end face of the container base.

[0015] - The locking mechanism is secured as stably as possible in its closed / locked terminal position and protected against unintended / accidental opening.

[0016] - The locking mechanism can be opened, in particular, easily and quickly, from the closed / locked terminal position under conscious operation.

[0017] The known drawback of locking mechanisms or sterile containers is that they cannot achieve all of the above-mentioned characteristics. Summary of the Invention

[0018] Against this backdrop, the object of the present invention is to reduce the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular to provide a locking mechanism that is as stably fixed as possible in its closed terminal position (closed position) and protected against unintended / accidental opening, which can be opened particularly simply and quickly from the closed terminal position / closed position under conscious operation, and which can achieve all of the above-mentioned characteristics as much as possible.

[0019] The central idea of ​​this invention is essentially to equip the container locking mechanism of the invention with a clamp-like or claw-like sliding / locking member, which is slidably supported on a container lid, for example, wherein its claw portion (preferably, in principle, that is, in each sliding position) protrudes from the edge of the container lid. At least one pressure spring element is provided between the sliding / locking member and the container lid, which, with increasing sliding movement, pushes the sliding / locking member increasingly forcefully (upward) away from the container lid from its released position (far beyond the edge of the container lid) to its closed position (near the edge of the container lid), that is, lifts it up.

[0020] In addition, at least one return spring is provided, which preloads the sliding / locking member toward its release position.

[0021] Finally, the slider / locking element or (connected to the slider for the common sliding motion) pressure spring element is provided / constructed with a (preferably manually operable or unlockable) retaining element / retaining section that, when / as the closed position is reached, can (directly and lockingly) engage with a (preferably manually operable or unlockable) locking element / attachment on the side or side of the container lid to overcome the preload of the return spring and hold the slider in the closed position, in which the pawl section grips the edge of the container base from below and pulls the container lid toward the edge of the container base due to the spring force of the at least one pressure spring element until the locking element / attachment on the side of the container lid or the retaining element / retaining section on the side of the pressure spring element is manually operated to release the locking of the slider / locking element and the slider / locking element springs back to its released position due to the return spring.

[0022] In other words, the above objective is achieved by the locking mechanism according to the invention, i.e., a locking mechanism for a sterile container, having a container base and a container lid lockable to the container base by means of the locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism has a claw-shaped locking / sliding member for engaging with an undercutting insert (container base edge / edge flange) on the container base or container lid in a back-biting manner, wherein the locking / sliding member can be positioned in a closed position - in which it is effectively engaged with the insert in a back-biting manner - and in a released position, in which the locking member and the insert are disengaged, wherein the locking mechanism has a locking member effectively connected to or capable of being effectively connected to the locking / sliding member, the locking member being integrated into the locking mechanism such that it locks the locking mechanism in the closed position when the closed position is reached, particularly automatically / without the need for separate user intervention.

[0023] Furthermore, this objective is achieved by a sterile container having a container lid and a container base and a locking mechanism of the present invention, particularly a locking mechanism according to the above description.

[0024] A particular advantage of this invention is that the locking mechanism is automatically or automatically locked in the closed position due to the installed locking element. Specifically, the locking mechanism can be configured such that the locking element forcibly performs its locking function when the locking element is moved from the released position to the closed position. For example, it may be fixedly positioned relative to the container lid and effectively engaged directly or indirectly with the locking element, or it may be fixedly positioned relative to the locking element and effectively engaged with a mating locking structure fixedly positioned indirectly or directly on the container lid. This provides a simple and reliable way to prevent accidental or unintentional opening of the locking mechanism.

[0025] The locking element is preferably a metal formed / stamped part or a plastic part. It can be configured, particularly in a hook shape, having a hook-shaped section protruding from the side edge of the container cap to clamp the insert from behind, and a section / sliding section connected to the hook-shaped section that extends into the cap plane, guided / supported on the container cap in a position parallel to the cap plane. The locking element is preferably capable of sliding parallel to the cap plane, more specifically, sliding between a released position—in which the hook-shaped section and the insert are not engaged—and a closed position, in which the hook-shaped section and the insert engage, the locking mechanism is locked, and the container cap is fixed to the container base. Thus, it can also be said that the locking element is fixed and locked in the closed position by a locking element.

[0026] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism may have a base plate configured and defined for mounting / fastening the locking mechanism to the container lid. The base plate, particularly a metal stamping / forming part, may have a support structure for the locking element, preferably in the form of a curved edge or flange segment. These segments preferably have elongated holes or slots into which the locking element, or a connected support structure, is received and guided / supported. The locking element is supported parallel to the lid plane and linearly positionable. Alternatively, it may pivot laterally to the lid plane, thereby facilitating / already facilitating the mounting of the locking element / engagement with the container base's insert.

[0028] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the locking mechanism has a spring element that preloads it into the release position. This spring element causes the locking mechanism or locking member to automatically enter the release position by the preload without being secured by the locking member. However, according to the invention, the locking member in this embodiment also prevents the locking mechanism from unexpectedly / accidentally entering the release position from the closed position. According to the invention, such entry / movement is only possible when the locking member is unlocked, for example, by the user's operation. Here, it is particularly advantageous and convenient for the user that the locking mechanism automatically enters the release position from the closed position due to the preload of the spring element after the locking member is released, without any further action from the user. The spring element can act directly on the locking member, for example, by having one end set / supported on the locking member and the other end positioned / fixed relative to the container lid.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, the locking member can be at least partially constructed and / or configured to be resilient. Alternatively, it can be fully constructed to be resilient. It can be constructed, for example, as a locking-spring element or a locking-spring-damper element, particularly by means of a leaf spring element. If the locking member is constructed with resilient preload, it is particularly powerful. In particular, it can be constructed as a resiliently preloaded locking-lever element (flip lever) or a resiliently preloaded locking-button. Preferably, the locking member is constructed and configured such that, upon reaching the closed position of the locking mechanism / locking member, it enters a locked position that locks the locking mechanism / locking member in the closed position due to its preload. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the locking member is constructed and configured such that it can overcome its preload by the user's operation to move from the locked position to a released position that releases the locking of the locking mechanism / locking member.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism may have an operating lever that is pivotally supported / can be supported on a container lid or a container chassis. This operating lever may be directly or indirectly connected to a locking member such that the locking member can be positioned at least in a closed position by means of the operating lever, and according to another embodiment, can be positioned between a closed position and a locked position.

[0031] Another embodiment is characterized in that the locking member is constructed and configured such that, during effective engagement with the insert, a force (tension or pressure) is applied to the insert, causing the container cap to be pressed firmly against the container base. It is preferably constructed and configured such that such a force is applied when the locking mechanism is in the closed position. In this way, a particularly reliable and airtight fit of the cap to the container base can be achieved, for example, by means of a particularly resilient seal provided therein, which offers additional sealing due to the clamping force generated by the locking mechanism of the present invention.

[0032] Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the locking member has a spring section. This spring section can be disposed in the force flow between the container lid and the locking member. It can then advantageously apply a force to the locking member when the locking mechanism is in the closed position, causing the locking member to press against the insert. This force is thus opposite in direction to the clamping force applied by the locking mechanism between the container lid and the container base. A particularly strong and reliable fit between the lid and the container, and between the locking member and the insert, is a particular advantage of this embodiment. Additionally, in this embodiment, the spring section or locking member can provide a balancing element that produces an effect that prevents a force applied between the locking member and the insert in the closed position from exceeding a predetermined maximum value. This maximum value is determined by the spring characteristics and / or damper characteristics of the spring section or locking member and can / has been individually selected such that it does not reach the critical load of the container base and / or the container lid and / or the locking mechanism. In this embodiment, it is advantageous if the locking member can pivot laterally to the plane of the lid.

[0033] The locking element may have a locking structure, particularly in the form of a shoulder or a hook. This locking structure engages with a mating locking structure preferably disposed or constructed on the container lid when the locking mechanism reaches or is in the closed position, thus locking the locking mechanism in the closed position in a simple and reliable manner. Alternatively, the locking structure may engage with a mating locking structure disposed or constructed on the locking element, thus locking the locking mechanism in the closed position in a simple and reliable manner. Locking or unlocking is preferably performed in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the locking element, particularly transverse to or parallel to the plane of the container lid.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the locking element is constituted by a leaf spring. At least the spring section of the locking element can be constituted by a leaf spring. In such a leaf spring-shaped locking element, the locking structure and the spring section can be configured particularly effectively and compactly into a single integral component, especially in the form of a sheet metal part made of a spring material, such as spring steel.

[0035] In another embodiment, the locking element can be a flip lever positioned on the container lid. This flip lever is pivotable, particularly relative to the locking element, between a locked position that locks the locking element in the closed position and a released position. The flip lever is preferably preloaded in the locked position, for example by means of a separate preload, typically a spring / coil spring / leaf spring. It is particularly advantageous if the flip lever can be moved from the locked position to its released position by a pointing operation from the container lid and from the container base, as this prevents accidental release of the locking mechanism by stacking multiple sterile containers in a simple and reliable manner.

[0036] In summary, the present invention can achieve the following advantages in particular:

[0037] - It provides a sealing unit for sealing an upper part of a container / capsule with a lower part of a container / carrier chassis, wherein, despite having a sealing unit, a surface as large as possible is preferably retained on the end face of the lower part of the container / capsule for use, for example, for marking the container.

[0038] - By grasping or pulling on the end face of the reservoir, there is not necessarily a risk of accidental opening of the sealing unit or accidental operation on the end side.

[0039] - Furthermore, through the action of the locking element / balancing element / spring section, the sealing unit can advantageously compensate for the tolerances between the upper part of the reservoir / container lid and the lower part of the reservoir / container chassis. In particular, it is possible to press the upper part of the reservoir / container lid onto the lower part of the reservoir / container chassis using a defined minimum force.

[0040] - Within the scope of one embodiment of the invention, the rotation of the flip handle (Klappbügel) / operating element of the closure unit can be converted into a trajectory curve of the locking / sliding member, in which the force applied by the closure device to the reservoir seal can become increasingly larger.

[0041] In cases where there is overpressure inside the reservoir relative to the outside (or, in other words, underpressure outside the reservoir relative to the inside), in one embodiment, relative movement may occur between the upper reservoir component / container lid and the lower reservoir component / container chassis. This allows for the advantageous opening of a bypass between the upper reservoir component / container lid and the lower reservoir component / container chassis.

[0042] - An operating element / flip handle for opening can be located, in particular, next to the upper side of the upper part of the reservoir / container lid. This creates optimized space conditions at the end and provides the corresponding possibility of marking the reservoir / container at the end.

[0043] The spacing between the reversing handle / operating element used to open the reservoir and the interior of the reservoir is determined as follows, ensuring sufficient spacing, which is important, for example, for so-called sterile supply in an operating room. This improves the sterile supply of the contents of the reservoir / container.

[0044] - When the sealing device is closed, it is stabilized / fixed / protected / locked in the terminal position.

[0045] - It can easily and reliably avoid / prevent accidental / unintended opening of the sealing device.

[0046] - The locking device can be easily and conveniently opened from the locked position by operating / unlocking the locking mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary and non-limiting drawings. The drawings are merely schematic in nature and are only intended to aid in understanding the invention. In the drawings:

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view of the locking mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention in the open position is shown, i.e., in a completely unclosed state;

[0049] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Enlarged detail view of the locking mechanism shown;

[0050] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the locking mechanism in the closed position, i.e., in a fully closed state;

[0051] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Enlarged detail view of the locking mechanism shown;

[0052] Figure 5 It shows Figures 1 to 4 The perspective view of the locking mechanism shown has a decorative cover;

[0053] Figure 6 A perspective view of the second embodiment in the open position is shown, i.e., in a completely unclosed state;

[0054] Figure 7 A perspective view of the third embodiment in the open position is shown, i.e., in a completely unclosed state;

[0055] Figure 8A perspective view of the fourth embodiment in the open position is shown, i.e., in a completely unclosed state;

[0056] Figure 9 A perspective view of the fifth embodiment in the open position is shown, i.e., in a completely unclosed state;

[0057] Figure 10 A perspective view of the sixth embodiment in the open position is shown, i.e., in a completely unclosed state;

[0058] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism in the open position according to another embodiment is shown, and

[0059] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 The shown is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism in the closed position. Detailed Implementation

[0060] One according to Figures 1 to 5 The locking mechanism has a base plate 1, which is mounted on and fastened, for example, by means of rivets 3, to the upper side of a container lid 2. The base plate 1 is a stamped sheet metal part and has flange sections 4 on both sides that are curved upward at approximately 90° to the plane of the container lid 2. Each of these flange sections is provided with a guide hole 5 or a guide groove 5, which extends substantially parallel to the plane of the container lid 2 in the longitudinal direction.

[0061] Additionally, the locking mechanism includes a hook-shaped locking element 6, for example, in the form of a pull rod / claw / clamp / gate 6. The locking element 6 is slidably supported on the upper side of the container lid 2 by means of a connecting rod 8 / shaft 8 / axle 8 passing through a guide hole 5 in the base plate 1. It can also pivot within a certain range about the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod 8 transverse to the plane of the container lid 2. Therefore, it can be said that the flange section 4, together with the guide hole 5, constitutes a guide slide 7 or support structure 7 for the locking element 6. The locking element 6 can be positioned by this support structure 7 in a position... Figure 1 and 2 The opening position shown in the image is related to a... Figure 3 , 4 Between the closed position shown in Figure 5, where link 8 slides in guide hole 7.

[0062] The locking member 6 has a hook-shaped section or claw-shaped section 9 at its end that extends freely from the outer peripheral edge of the container lid 2, which bends toward the underside of the lid or the container base 10. The hook-shaped section or claw-shaped section 9 is constructed and configured to effectively engage with a flange 11, which is constructed on the periphery of the container base 10 as an insert 11, when the locking mechanism is in the closed position, in a manner that the flange 11 is engaged from the back. If the locking mechanism is in the released or open position, the hook-shaped section or claw-shaped section 9 does not engage with the insert 11, and the container lid 2 can be removed from the container base 10. In the closed position, the container lid 2 is fixed / secured to the container base 10.

[0063] Figures 1 to 5 The locking mechanism of the first embodiment shown also includes a sheet metal forming member 12. This sheet metal forming member has multiple functions. First, it constitutes a locking member / locking section 13 in the sense of the present invention. Second, it constitutes a leaf spring element / leaf spring section 14 for pre-tightening / clamping the locking member 6 relative to the insert 11 / edge plate 11 of the container base 10. In the current embodiment, the locking member 13 and the leaf spring element 14 are integrally formed by the sheet metal forming member, but within the scope of the present invention, they can also be configured as several parts composed of multiple sheet metal forming members, particularly two parts.

[0064] Locking component 13 Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, a freely extending arm-like structure 12, possessing spring-like characteristics, is constructed. It has a locking structure 15, here in the form of a groove 15, which forms a positioning boss 16. The width of the groove 15 is slightly greater than the thickness of the connecting rod 8. The distal free end of the locking member 13 is configured as an operating element 17. The locking member 13 has a sliding ramp 18 for the connecting rod 8 on the side of the groove 15 opposite to the distal free end. Due to the spring-like characteristics of the locking member 13, this locking member is preloaded in a resting position protruding from the base plate 1. It can elastically move from this resting position toward the base plate 1 against its spring preload force.

[0065] When the locking mechanism and locking element 6 are in the released / open position, the connecting rod 8 and locking element 13 disengage. Figure 1 and 2 This state is illustrated in the diagram. The connecting rod 8 is positioned on the side of the groove 15 opposite to the operating element 17 and on the sliding ramp 18. As particularly... Figure 3 and 4As shown, the linkage 8 enters the groove 15 when the locking member 6 is in the closed position. When the locking member 6 is moved from the released position to the closed position, the linkage 8 moves together with the locking member 6, more specifically, towards the locking member 13. Simultaneously, the linkage 8 slides onto the sliding ramp 18 of the locking member 13. Since the locking member 6 and the linkage 8 are preferably guided in the guide rail 7 parallel to the plane of the container lid 2, the locking member 13, during its continued movement into the closed position, moves towards the container lid 2 and the base plate 1 by means of the linkage 8, overcoming its preload. Alternatively, the locking member 13 is elastically pressed towards the base plate 1 or the container lid 2. Once the linkage 8 overlaps with the groove 15, the locking member 13 immediately springs back into its rest position spaced apart from the base plate due to its spring properties. The linkage 8 is simultaneously located in the groove 15 and abuts against the shoulder 16. The locking member 6 is thus secured in the closed position by the locking member 13. In this way, the groove 15 and the shoulder 16 together form a locking structure, and the connecting rod 8 forms a locking structure that cooperates with it in the sense of the present invention.

[0066] Additionally, the locking mechanism has two helical springs 19 as spring elements 19, which are pre-tensioned in the release / open position. One end of each helical spring 19 is supported on the locking member 6, and the other end is supported on the base plate 1. When the locking member 6 is placed in the closed position, the helical springs 19 are compressed against their elastic force. To move the locking mechanism and locking member 6 from the closed position to the release position, the user needs to operate the operating element 17, in which the operating element is pressed against the spring force of the locking member 13 and moved towards the base plate 1 or the container lid 2. The shoulder 16 and the connecting rod 8 disengage due to this movement, and the locking member 6 moves back from the closed position to the release position due to the tension of the helical springs 19.

[0067] The leaf spring element 14, formed by the sheet metal forming member 12, has a sliding surface 20 that protrudes away from the plane of the container lid 2, formed by a corrugated or roof-shaped region 21. This roof-shaped region 21 also protrudes from the plane of the container lid 2 or the base plate 1 and extends into an opening 22 / window 22 constructed in the locking member 6. An edge 22a defining the opening 22 interacts with and slides onto the sliding surface 20 of the region 21 when the locking member 6 is placed in the closed position. Therefore, this firstly causes the roof-shaped region 21 or the sliding surface 20 to elastically deform toward the base plate, and secondly causes the hook-shaped section or pawl section 9 to move, because the locking member 6 is only guided relative to the base plate 1 and the container lid 2 at its distal free end by means of the link 8 and the guide 7, but otherwise can rotate about the link 8. The movement is configured and coordinated as follows: when the hook-shaped section or claw section 9 clamps the rim plate 11 of the container base 10 from the rear, the hook-shaped section or claw section 9 first pivots away from the base plate 1 due to its interaction with the sliding surface 20. In this way, the locking mechanism first causes the hook-shaped section or claw section 9 to clamp with the rim plate 11 (and thus forms a firm fit), and secondly, it provides overload protection through the elasticity of the roof-shaped area 21, which ensures that the container lid 2 is pressed firmly onto the container base 10 by the simultaneously acting spring force.

[0068] exist Figure 5 It is shown that, in Figures 1 to 4 The locking mechanism shown is mostly covered by a guard plate 23, which exposes only the operating element 17.

[0069] Figure 6 A perspective view of another embodiment of the locking mechanism in the open position is shown, which is related to... Figures 1 to 5The only difference in the illustrated embodiment lies in the construction of the locking element. In this embodiment, the sheet metal forming element 12 constitutes only the leaf spring element 14. A flip lever 24 is configured to be separate from the sheet metal forming element 12 and constitutes the locking element in the sense of the invention. The flip lever 24 is pivotally and fixedly mounted on the base plate 1 (or container lid 2) about a pivot axis 25. It can be positioned between a rest position / locked position (preloaded in the rest position by means of a pressure spring 26) and a release position (which can be entered into the release position by user operation, overcoming the force of the pressure spring 26). The flip lever 24 has a groove 27 or a hook 27, which is constructed and defined to open in the direction away from the base plate and serves to receive and interact with the linkage 8 when the locking element 6 is in the closed position. The end of the rocker arm 24 away from the pivot axis 25 is configured as an operating element 28 for user pressing operation. The lever 24 is flipped so that the locking element 6 can be locked in the locked position and released in the released position to allow it to move.

[0070] When the locking element 6 is placed in the closed position, the connecting rod 8 slides onto the flip lever 24. This flip lever thus pivots against the force of the pressure spring 26 towards the container lid 2 / base plate 1 until the connecting rod 8 overlaps with the groove 27 and the flip lever 24 pivots back to its rest position by the action of the pressure spring 26. In this rest position, the connecting rod 8 is located in the groove 27, thus locking the locking element 6 in the closed position. By pressing the operating element 28 towards the base plate 1, the groove 27 releases the locking of the connecting rod 8, and the locking element 6 automatically returns from the closed position to the released position due to the preload of the coil spring 19.

[0071] Figure 7 A perspective view of the locking mechanism in the open position according to another embodiment is shown. This embodiment is essentially the same as... Figure 6 The embodiments shown are the same, except that the pivot axis 25 is set and the groove 27 of the flip lever 24 is oriented toward the base plate.

[0072] Figure 8Another embodiment is shown in which the groove 27 of the flip lever 24 remains open upwards (i.e., open on the side away from the base plate 1), and the pressure spring 26 and groove 27 are located on one side of the pivot axis 25, while the operating element 28 is located on the other side of the pivot axis 25. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the operating element 28 cannot be operated by pressing towards the base plate 1 and container lid 2, but must be operated by pulling away from the base plate 1 and container lid 2. In this way, accidental operation of the operating element 28 and release of the locking member 6 and the locking mechanism may occur when multiple sterile containers 10 are stacked on top of each other.

[0073] Figure 9 A perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in the open position is shown. In this embodiment, instead of the flip lever 24, a button 29 is provided as a locking element. This button is constructed and defined to cooperate with the link in a manner already described in relation to other embodiments and is preloaded by a pressure spring 30 in a locked position that locks the link 8.

[0074] Figure 10 An embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the locking element is configured as a locking element 31 that can be positioned transversely to the plane of the container lid 2 and the base plate 1. The locking element 31 is supported on the connecting rod 8 along the longitudinal direction of the connecting rod 8 between a locked position and a released position. Furthermore, it is preloaded in the locked position by means of a spring element 32. Compared to other embodiments, the flange section 4 of the base plate 1 is elongated and has a locking slot 33 into which the locking element 31 automatically inserts / can be inserted when the locking mechanism / locking member 6 is in the closed position due to the preload of the spring element 32. To move the locking mechanism from the closed position to the released position, the user overcomes the spring preload by operating the locking element 31 and disengaging it from the locking slot 33, causing the locking member 6 to automatically shift to the released position by the tension of the coil spring 19. Figure 10 The diagram shows only one locking element 31 on one side of the locking mechanism; however, a variant of this embodiment may have two such locking elements 31, which are arranged on both sides of the locking mechanism.

[0075] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment in the open position is shown, which is similar to... Figures 1 to 5 The difference in the embodiment shown is that the sheet metal forming part 12 is not fixedly disposed on the container lid 2, but is fixedly disposed on the locking part 6. Figure 12 It shows Figure 11The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism in the closed position. The sheet metal forming part 12 can be connected to the locking member 6, for example, via a rivet connection, bolt connection 34, or a material fusion connection 34 (spot welding, etc.). A locking element 35 can be provided on the container lid 2 or the base plate 1, which is configured to cooperate with the locking member 13 of the sheet metal forming part 12. In addition, Figure 11 and 12 The illustrated embodiments and Figures 1 to 5 The illustrated embodiment corresponds to / is similar to this embodiment; therefore, refer to its description of further details. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the sheet metal forming member 12 is almost entirely covered and protected by the locking member 6, regardless of its functional position, and the locking of the locking member 13 is released by pulling the operating element 17 (as in...). Figures 1 to 5 Unlike the embodiment shown, in this embodiment a pressing operation is performed towards the container lid, thus reliably preventing accidental unlocking when multiple sterile containers are stacked.

[0076] List of reference numerals

[0077] 1 base plate, base plate

[0078] 2. Container lid

[0079] 3 Rivets

[0080] 4. Flange section

[0081] 5. Guide holes and guide grooves

[0082] 6 Locking components

[0083] 7. Guide rails and supporting structure

[0084] 8. Connecting rod, shaft, axle

[0085] 9. Hook-shaped section or claw section

[0086] 10 Container base

[0087] 11. Connecting parts, edge plates

[0088] 12 Sheet metal forming parts

[0089] 13 Locking components

[0090] 14. Spring elements, leaf spring elements

[0091] 15 Grooves

[0092] 16 shoulder

[0093] 17 Operating elements

[0094] 18 Sliding Inclined Plane

[0095] 19. Spring elements, helical springs

[0096] 20 Slide into surface

[0097] 21. Roof-shaped area

[0098] 22. Opening, window

[0099] 22 Edge

[0100] a

[0101] 23. Protective Plate

[0102] 24. Flip lever

[0103] 25 Pivot axis

[0104] 26. Compression Spring

[0105] 27. Groove, hook

[0106] 28 Operating elements

[0107] 29 buttons

[0108] 30 Compression Spring

[0109] 31 Locking components

[0110] 32 Spring elements

[0111] 33 Locking port

[0112] 34. Connection, riveted connection or bolted connection

[0113] 35. Locking element

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a sterile container, having a container base (10) and a container lid (2) lockable to the container base (10) by means of the locking mechanism. in, The locking mechanism has a locking member or a sliding member (6) configured to be slidably supported on the container lid (2) or the container base (10), the locking member or sliding member being used to engage with an undercut insert (11) on the container base (10) or the container lid (2) in a back-engaging manner. The locking member (6) can be positioned or slid into a closed position and a released position. In the closed position, the locking member and the insert (11) engage from behind. In the released position, the locking member (6) and the insert (11) disengage. Its features are: The locking mechanism has locking elements (13, 24, 29, 31) that are operatively connected to or can be operatively connected to the locking element (6). These locking elements are integrated into or cooperate with the locking mechanism such that, when the locking element reaches the closed position, it locks the locking mechanism in that closed position. The locking member (13, 24, 29, 31) has a locking structure (15, 16) which engages with a cooperating locking structure (8) that is provided or constructed as a link on the locking member (6) when the locking mechanism is in the closed position.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that... A return spring (19) pre-tightens the locking mechanism in the release position.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The locking elements (13, 24, 29, 31) are constructed and / or configured to be elastic, or the locking elements (13, 24, 29, 31) are constructed to be elastically pre-tightened, wherein the locking elements (13, 24, 29, 31) are configured and arranged such that, when the locking mechanism reaches the closed position, the locking element enters a locked position that locks the locking mechanism in the closed position due to its pre-tightening force, and can overcome the pre-tightening force by the user's operation to enter a released position that releases the locking of the locking mechanism.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking member (6) is constructed and configured such that, in its action engagement with the insert (11), the locking member applies a pulling force or a pressure to the insert (11), and the pulling force or pressure causes the container lid (2) to be pressed against the container base (10).

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking mechanism has an operating lever pivotally supported on the container lid (2) or the container chassis (10), the operating lever being directly or indirectly connected to the locking member (6), that is, the locking member (6) can be positioned in the closed position by means of the operating lever.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking mechanism has a spring element, and the locking member (13, 24, 29, 31) has a spring section (14) configured to apply a force to the locking member (6) when the locking mechanism is in the closed position, the force causing the locking member (6) to be pressed against the insert (11).

7. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking member (13, 31), at least the spring section (14) of the locking member (13, 31) is a leaf spring (12) or is constituted by a leaf spring (12).

8. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking element is a flip lever (24) positioned on the container lid (2), which is pivotable relative to the locking element (6) between a locked position and a released position that locks the locking element in the closed position, wherein the flip lever (24) is pre-tightened.

9. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking elements (13, 24, 29, 31) can be moved from the locked position to their released position by being pointed away from the container lid.

10. A sterile container having a container lid (2) and a container base (10) and a locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The locking mechanism has the following components: - A clamp-like or claw-like sliding / locking element (6), said sliding element being slidably supported on the container lid (2), wherein its claw portion (9) protrudes laterally from the edge of the container lid. - At least one pressure spring element disposed between the sliding member / locking member (6) and the container lid (2), and the pressure spring element pushes the sliding member / locking member (6) further and further away from the container lid (2) as the sliding movement from its released position to its closed position increases, and - At least one return spring (19) preloads the slider / locking member (6) toward its release position, wherein - The sliding / locking member (6) or the pressure spring element is provided or constructed with a retaining element / retaining section, which, when reaching the closed position, can engage with the locking member / attachment on the side or side of the container lid (2) to overcome the preload of the return spring (19) and hold the sliding / locking member (6) in the closed position, in which the claw section (9) grips the edge of the container chassis from below and pulls the container lid (2) toward the edge of the container chassis due to the spring force of the at least one pressure spring element until the locking member / attachment on the side of the container lid (2) or the retaining element / retaining section on the side of the pressure spring element is manually operated to release the locking of the sliding / locking member (6) and the sliding / locking member (6) springs back to its released position due to the return spring (19).

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