Sample collection device and method for collecting samples

Abstract

A sample collection device (1) is proposed. This sample collection device (1) has a sample collector (2). The sample collector (2) has a sample collector housing (3). The sample collector housing (3) has a sample outlet (6) which can be selectively opened and closed by a valve member (32). A sample container (16) to be filled with a sample can be mounted on the sample collector (2) via an adapter plug unit (47) consisting of a container adapter (23) and a closing plug (43). Because the closing plug (43) of the assembled adapter plug unit (47) is attached to the valve member (32), the container chamber (17) of the sample container (16) may be accessible for filling with a sample by operating the valve member (32), and the container chamber (17) can then be closed again. The adapter stopper unit (47) can be removed from the sample collector (2) together with the sample container (16) while ensuring the sample is securely sealed inside. In this case, the adapter stopper unit (47) functions as a closing lid (22) for the sample container (16). Furthermore, a preferred method for collecting a sample using the sample collection device (1) is proposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample collection device for collecting a sample from a containment area, in particular, comprising a sampler having a sampler housing that defines a sample collection chamber for containing the sample to be taken out, and having a sample inlet communicating with the sample collection chamber for introducing the sample to be taken out, and a sample outlet communicating with the sample collection chamber for discharging the sample contained in the sample collection chamber into a sample container that defines an inner chamber of the container and is fixed in position with respect to the sampler.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a method for collecting a sample from a containment area, in particular, while using a sample collection device as described above. The sampler is connected to a medium container at its sample inlet while occupying a use position. The medium container contains a fluid medium, in particular a granular or powdery medium, and the sample can be taken out from the medium container.

Background Art

[0003] In chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, fluid media in the form of granules or powders often need to be processed. For example, granules of various compositions, provided using fluidizers, particularly fluidized bed systems, are compressed to form tablets. The components of the processed media are often toxic, and therefore, contamination of the process environment must be avoided at all costs. Consequently, process procedures are usually carried out in a containment area, meaning that protective measures are taken to minimize the risk of diffusion of the process media, as well as contamination of the process media from external sources. Containment is mostly ensured by the use of closed systems. Nevertheless, processes occasionally require access to the processed media, for example, to periodically check the composition of the material and / or to ensure compliance with certain quality standards. This is done by so-called sampling, using sampling equipment suitable for sampling. According to the applicant's internal knowledge, the sampling device may have a sample collector, which is either stationary or, if necessary, attached to a medium container containing the medium to be tested, such as granules containing a pharmaceutical substance. The sample collector defines a sample collection chamber, and by briefly opening the discharge opening of the medium container, the amount of the medium to be tested to be taken as a sample can be introduced from the correspondingly positioned medium container into the sample collection chamber. The sample is then transferred into a sample container that can be fixed in place in the sample collector, and this sample container is used to supply the subsequent tests to be performed. This procedure is always associated with a relatively large amount of effort to ensure compliance with the desired containment requirements. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The fundamental problem underlying this invention is to improve the sample collection device to enable reliable sample collection with an inexpensive structure and simple handling. Furthermore, it is desirable to propose an efficient method for collecting samples while using the sample collection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve this problem, the present invention provides a sample collection device that, in relation to the features mentioned at the beginning, is superior in the following ways. That is, - The sample collector has a valve member that can move relative to the sample collector housing while performing valve member movement in order to selectively open and close the sample outlet, and this valve member has a closing section, which tightly closes the sample outlet when the valve member is in the closed position and moves into the sample collection chamber when the valve member is in the open position, opening the sample outlet for sample passage. - The sample collection device has a sleeve-shaped container adapter that can be attached to or is attached to the sample container in the region of the container opening while occupying the container position, and the container adapter is axially penetrated by an adapter opening that connects to the inner chamber of the container in the container position. - The sample collection device has a closing stopper, which can be inserted into the adapter opening to tightly close the adapter opening in a closed stopper position, or pulled out from the adapter opening to open the adapter opening in an open stopper position, and the container adapter and the closing stopper together form a single adapter stopper unit in the closed stopper position. -The components of the plug coupling device are arranged on the valve member and in the mounting section of the shut-off plug, and the shut-off plug can be releasably attached to the valve member in the plug coupling position by this plug coupling device, and in the plug coupling position the shut-off plug moves together with the valve member movement of the valve member, -The components of the adapter coupling device are arranged on the sample collection housing and the container adapter, and this adapter coupling device allows the container adapter to be removably attached to the sample collection housing in the adapter coupling position, and in the adapter coupling position, the adapter opening is connected to the sample outlet. -While the valve member occupies the valve member closed position, the closing plug can be brought to the plug connection position attached to the valve member, and the container adapter can be brought to the adapter connection position attached to the sample collector housing, forming an adapter plug unit, thereby the adapter plug unit is attached to the sample collector on the one hand via the sample collector housing and on the other hand via the valve member. - The adapter opening, when the adapter stopper unit is attached to the sample collector, is initially openable and then re-closed, based on the movement of the valve member by the valve member, causing the closing stopper to move together with the valve member. This allows the sample contained in the sample collection chamber to be transferred into the sample container placed in the container adapter and sealed within this sample container. - The adapter plug unit can be removed from the sample collector together with the sample container attached to the container adapter by releasing the adapter coupling device and the plug coupling device, while maintaining the plug's closed position when the valve member is in the closed position of the valve member.

[0006] The above problem is solved by a method for collecting a sample, which, in relation to the measures described at the beginning, uses the sample collection device formed as described above in the following method steps. That is, - Steps to prepare the sample container, container adapter and closure body, - A step of positioning the valve member of the sample collection device in the valve member closed position. - The step of manually attaching the closing plug to the valve member occupying the valve member closed position using a plug coupling device, in the plug connection position. -The next step is to manually attach the container adapter in the adapter connection position in the sample outlet area of ​​the sample collection housing using an adapter coupling device, wherein the already pre-assembled closing stopper is introduced into the adapter opening of the container adapter to occupy the stopper closing position, thereby forming an adapter stopper unit and closing the adapter opening with the closing stopper. - Before or after attaching the container adapter to the adapter connection position, the step of attaching the sample container to the container adapter, - A step of transferring a sample introduced into a sample collection chamber from the sample collection chamber to a sample container fixed in the sample collection housing via a container adapter, wherein the movement of the valve member causes the closing stopper to move together with the valve member, resulting in the adapter opening being first opened and then closed again, thereby transferring the sample contained in the sample collection chamber into the sample container through the opened adapter opening and sealing it within the container chamber of the sample container, and - A step in which the sample container is removed from the sample collector together with the adapter plug unit, which functions as a closing lid, while maintaining the closed position of the closing plug body, by releasing both the adapter coupling device and the plug body coupling device, so that the valve member is in the closed position of the valve member.

[0007] The sampling apparatus according to the present invention enables periodic sampling from a containment area with high safety against environmental contamination and contamination of the medium to be tested. The sampling apparatus has a sampler, which is mounted on a medium container at the sample inlet, taking its position during use. A fluid medium, for example, granular, is located in the medium container, and it is desirable that this medium be partially removed for testing. An discharge device, for example, formed by a shut-off device, present in the medium container or sampler, allows the discharge of a desired amount of medium as a sample into a sample collection chamber defined by the sampler housing of the sampler. This medium removal can be performed while the sample collection chamber is sealed. This sealed state is ensured by the fact that the sample outlet, which communicates with the sample collection chamber, is tightly closed by a valve member positioned in the valve member closed position of the sampler. The sample container specified for containing this sample can be releasably attached to the sampler housing in the area of ​​the sample outlet by a mounting element also called a container adapter. To achieve this, the sample collection housing and the container adapter are equipped with mutually compatible components of a coupling device, also called an adapter coupling device. The position occupied by the container adapter when attached to the sample collection housing is, for better distinction, called the adapter coupling position. The container adapter is formed in a sleeve shape and is penetrated axially by an adapter opening, which allows access to the container chamber of the sample container mounted on the container adapter. A closing plug, similarly belonging to the sample collection device, is positioned correspondingly in this adapter opening. The closing plug may optionally be inserted into the adapter opening while occupying a closed position, or positioned outside the adapter opening while occupying an open position. When the closing plug is inserted into the adapter opening, it closes the adapter opening and, together with the container adapter, forms a single unit that can be handled as a single unit. This unit is also called the adapter plug unit.The closing plug has a mounting section through which it can be removably attached to the valve member using a coupling device also called a plug coupling device. The position occupied by the closing plug when attached to the valve member is also called the plug coupling position for better distinction. When the valve member is moved to open and close the sample outlet, the closing plug, fixed in position on the valve member in the plug coupling position, always moves directly along with the movement of the valve member. To reliably seal the sample in the sample collection chamber and transfer it into the sample container, the container adapter and closing plug can be attached to the sample collection housing or to the valve member occupying the valve member closed position, so that an adapter plug unit is formed. Thus, the sample container is attached to the sample collection housing via the container adapter, and the closing plug currently closing the adapter opening is attached to the valve member. Subsequently, the valve member can be moved, either manually or automatically, by which the valve member movement moves the valve member first from the valve member closed position to the valve member open position, and then back to the valve member closed position. The closing stopper performs the valve member movement together, so when the valve member is in the open position, the adapter opening is open. This allows the sample being filled into or already contained in the sample collection chamber to pass through the now open adapter opening into the sample container. The valve member can remain in the open position for long enough for the entire sample to flow out of or be removed from the sample collection chamber. Then, after the valve member is returned to the valve member closed position, the adapter stopper unit is re-established, and the closing stopper closes the adapter opening again. Thus, the refilled sample is securely sealed and contained within the sample container, isolated from the surroundings. By subsequently releasing the adapter coupling device and the stopper coupling device, the adapter stopper unit is removed from the sample collector along with the sample container, in which case the inner chamber of the sample container or the sample collection chamber of the sample collector does not come into contact with the surroundings. The removed adapter stopper unit now functions as a closing lid, ensuring that the sample remains securely sealed and handled until the sample is used as prescribed.

[0008] The method for collecting a sample specifically stipulates that the medium to be collected as a sample be filled into the sample collection chamber with the valve member in the closed position, either before or after the adapter stopper unit is attached to the sample collector. However, there is also the possibility that the sample may be filled into the sample collection chamber with the valve member in the open position after the adapter stopper unit has been attached to the sample collector. In this case, the sample will pass through the sample collection chamber without being retained within it.

[0009] Advantageous improved forms of the present invention are evident from the dependent claims.

[0010] The closing section of the valve member is formed in a stopper-like shape for its intended purpose. Therefore, the closing section can enter the sample outlet when the valve member is in the closed position and contacts the inner circumferential surface surrounding the sample outlet in a radial direction while maintaining close contact. This ensures particularly high sealing quality with a radial sealing force that is not affected by external influences.

[0011] Preferably, the plug coupling device and the adapter coupling device are configured to be simultaneously detachable for the removal of the adapter plug unit from the sample collector. This facilitates handling. In particular, the detachment can be performed within the framework of a single, manually induced release movement of the adapter plug unit. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that, for example, the coupling of the closing plug to the valve member is released first, and only then the coupling between the container adapter and the sample collector housing is released.

[0012] It is even more advantageous that the adapter stopper unit can be released from both the sample collector housing and the valve member by a separate release operation of the container adapter for removal from the sample collector. In this case, the stopper is mechanically connected to the container adapter in such a way that direct operation of the stopper is not possible for release from the valve member. Operation of the stopper is performed here by the container adapter.

[0013] Both the plug coupling device and the adapter coupling device may be formed, for example, as coupling devices based on functional locking or other types of locking. However, each configuration as a screw-fitting device is considered particularly inexpensive and process reliable. In this case, the plug coupling device has a first plug thread formed on the closing plug and a second plug thread formed on the valve member that is complementary to the first plug thread. Furthermore, the adapter coupling device has a first adapter thread formed on the container adapter and a second adapter thread formed on the sample collection housing that is complementary to the first adapter thread. Rotation of the closing plug allows the first plug thread and the second plug thread to engage or disengage from each other depending on the direction of rotation, and rotation of the container adapter allows the first adapter thread and the second adapter thread to engage or disengage from each other depending on the direction of rotation, thereby forming or disengaging the corresponding screw-fit.

[0014] An adapter plug unit, comprising a container adapter and a closing plug inserted within the container adapter, has a central longitudinal axis, and the container adapter and the closing plug are coaxially arranged with respect to this central longitudinal axis. Preferably, both plug threads and both adapter threads are similarly coaxially arranged with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the adapter plug unit.

[0015] It is preferable that the first plug thread is a female thread and the second plug thread is a male thread. For example, the second plug thread may be formed as a male thread provided on the mounting pin of the valve member, and a closing plug can be screwed onto this male thread, and the closing plug has a mounting hole with a female thread that allows the mounting pin to enter. The cooperation between the mounting pin and the mounting hole can additionally achieve a centering action for precisely positioning the closing plug.

[0016] It is advantageous that both plug threads have the same thread pitch as both adapter threads. This allows for the possibility of simultaneously disengaging both plug threads and both adapter threads through the integrated release rotational movement of the adapter plug unit, thereby enabling the adapter plug unit to be unscrewed from the sampler.

[0017] Advantageous handling of the screwing mechanism is possible when the adapter plug unit has a freewheel device. The freewheel device is configured such that, on the one hand, when torque is introduced to the container adapter in the mounting rotation direction for screwing in the sample collection housing, the container adapter can rotate freely relative to the mounting section of the stopper. This allows the container adapter to be attached to the sample collection housing via the adapter coupling device independently of the stopper already screwed to the valve member. On the other hand, the freewheel device is configured to move the stopper when torque is introduced to the container adapter in the release rotation direction opposite to the mounting rotation direction, thereby simultaneously releasing the screwing of the adapter coupling device and the stopper coupling device. In other words, the freewheel device induces torque transmission in only one of the two possible rotation directions, thereby allowing, on the one hand, fixed screwing of the container adapter without being hindered by the pre-assembled stopper, and on the other hand, the stopper can be unscrewed together with the container adapter.

[0018] In one possible configuration, a freewheel device acts between the container adapter and the closure body. Multiple first locking elements and multiple second locking elements of the freewheel device are located on the container adapter and the closure body, and depending on the direction of rotation, cause the transmission or non-transmission of torque between the two components. This configuration of the freewheel requires particularly few components and is therefore very inexpensive to implement.

[0019] Alternatively, the freewheeling device can be incorporated, or integrated, into the container adapter or the closure body. In this case, the component equipped with the freewheeling device, i.e., either the container adapter or the closure body, has a first freewheeling element and a second freewheeling element rotatable with respect to the first freewheeling element, and these freewheeling elements are equipped with a first locking element and a second locking element that are lockable and unlockable depending on the direction of rotation. A supplementary interlocking structure acts between the second freewheeling element and the component without the freewheeling device, depending on the structural form of the closure body or container adapter. This interlocking structure causes rotational interlocking of the second freewheeling element in both directions of rotation when the component without the freewheeling device rotates.

[0020] In a preferred configuration, if the incorporated freewheel device is equipped on the shut-off valve body, for the purpose, the first freewheel element has a mounting section that can be used to fix the shut-off valve body in place on the valve member, and the second freewheel element is connected to the container adapter via the aforementioned interlocking structure to transmit torque in both rotational directions. This means that the freewheel function is at work when the container adapter is screwed onto the sample collection housing, in which case the container adapter and the second freewheel element can rotate together relative to the already fixedly screwed mounting section, while when the container adapter is unscrewed, the interlocked second freewheel element is again connected to the first freewheel element and therefore to the mounting section to transmit torque, so that the mounting section and thus the entire shut-off valve body can be unscrewed together with the container adapter.

[0021] Preferably, the first locking element is formed by a tooth structure that is immovable radially with respect to the above-mentioned central longitudinal axis of the adapter plug unit, while the second locking element is formed by a locking element that is elastically movable radially with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the adapter plug unit. This arrangement can also be exchanged. For example, the locking element is made of a metal or plastic that is elastically deformable.

[0022] The use of the plural form when referring to the locking element and the locking element also includes the possibility of providing only one of these elements.

[0023] A stable assembly occurs when the closure plug is releasably locked to the container adapter in the plug closure position. This locking is preferably done using an annular seal, such as an O-ring, which exists for sealing between the closure plug and the container adapter. The annular seal is preferably formed on the closure plug and engages in an annular groove of the container adapter or vice versa.

[0024] It is advantageous if the closure plug has a sealing surface on the end face facing the valve member in the plug connection position, and this sealing surface axially abuts the closing section of the valve member in the plug connection position, thereby preventing the end face of the closing section from contacting the sample in the valve member open position. This protective function can be particularly reliably achieved when the sealing surface on the end face side is formed in a concave shape, and thus there is a particularly high surface pressure in the outer edge region of the sealing surface.

[0025] The valve member preferably comprises an operating rod. This operating rod supports a closed chain section and protrudes from the sample collection housing. An operating force can be introduced into the operating rod, either manually or by a motor, to cause valve member movement of the valve member. The operating rod has a longitudinal section extending into the sample collection chamber, which is surrounded by a seal sleeve that is suitably rubber-elastically deformable, which ensures that material does not leak out between the sample collection housing and the operating rod. The seal sleeve is tightly fitted axially to the closed section on one side and to the sample collection housing on the other side, and suitably has a bellows structure.

[0026] The sample collector has a virtual height axis, and the sample outlet is positioned coaxially with respect to this height axis for the purpose of its purpose. Furthermore, the height axis is preferably adjusted to be at least substantially vertically at the position in which the sample collector is used. As a result, when the sample outlet is opened, the sample in the sample collection chamber is reliably transferred by gravity into the attached sample container.

[0027] The sample collection housing is, for practical purposes, equipped with an airtight observation window, which is made of, for example, transparent glass or plastic, allowing observation of the inside of the sample collection chamber from the outside. This allows for visual inspection of the medium filling density of the sample collection chamber and whether the entire sample has reliably left the sample collection chamber after the sample outlet is opened.

[0028] To facilitate handling, it is advantageous to have a restraining device corresponding to the valve member, which allows the valve member to be releasably fixed in the open position or the closed position, preferably both positions.

[0029] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] A side view showing a preferred first embodiment of the sample collection device according to the present invention, in which a medium container equipped with the sample collection device is merely schematically indicated. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sample collection device with the valve member in the closed position. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view of part III, which is enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figures 2 and 3 show a cross-sectional view of the sample collection apparatus along the cutting line IV-IV. [Figure 5] This is another longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sample collection device, showing the valve member in the open position. [Figure 6] This figure shows a cross-sectional exploded view of the region shown in Figure 3 of the first embodiment of the sample collection device. [Figure 7] This is an individual view of the closing stopper of the sample collection device of the first embodiment, as seen in the line of sight of arrow VII shown in Figure 8. In order to clarify the transport function of the transport structure, a container adapter surrounding the closing stopper in the closed position is additionally indicated by a dashed line. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a side view of the shut-off plug shown in the line of sight indicated by arrow VIII. [Figure 9] Figures 7 and 12 show a longitudinal cross-section of the closing plug at the cutting line IX-IX. [Figure 10] These are cross-sectional views of the shut-off plug along the cutting line X shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9. [Figure 11] Figures 7 and 8 show a front view of the shut-off plug in the axial direction, as seen from the line of sight indicated by arrow XI. [Figure 12] This is a rear view of the shut-off plug, as seen in the line of sight indicated by arrow XII in Figures 7 and 8. [Figure 13] This is an individual view of the container adapter of the first embodiment of the sample collection device, viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a side view showing the container adapter. [Figure 15]Figure 14 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the container adapter along the cutting line XV-XV. [Figure 16] This is a front view of the container adapter as seen from the line of sight indicated by arrow XVI in Figure 13. [Figure 17] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the components of a second embodiment of the sample collection device according to the present invention. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the container adapter and the closing stopper. Except for the container adapter and the closing stopper, the structure of this sample collection device clearly corresponds to the structure shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5. The longitudinal cross-section of the illustrated closing stopper corresponds to the cutting line XXVIIb-XXVIIb shown in Figures 26 and 27. In Figure 17, the closing stopper and the container adapter are shown in an arrangement configuration where they are again grouped together as an adapter stopper unit in the area surrounded by the dashed line. [Figure 18] This is a side view of the adapter plug unit of the second embodiment, as seen in the line of sight indicated by arrow XVIII in Figure 17. [Figure 19] This is a front view of the adapter plug unit as seen from the line of sight indicated by arrow IX in Figure 18. [Figure 20] This is a rear view of the adapter plug unit as seen from the line of sight indicated by arrow XX in Figure 18. [Figure 21] This is an isometric individual view of the container adapter of the second embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a front view of the container adapter as seen from the line of sight indicated by arrow XXII in Figure 21. [Figure 23] This is a side view showing the closing plug of the second embodiment of the sample collection device, as seen in the line of sight indicated by arrow XXIII in Figures 17 and 24. [Figure 24] This is another side view of the shut-off plug, seen in the line of sight indicated by arrow XXIV in Figure 23. [Figure 25] Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the seal plug body along the cutting line XXV-XXV. [Figure 26] This is a front view of the shut-off plug, as seen from the line of sight indicated by arrow XXVI in Figure 23. [Figure 27]This is a rear view of the shut-off plug, as seen from the line of sight indicated by arrow XXVII in Figure 23. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The sampling device 1, illustrated in the drawings in multiple embodiments, is suitable for sampling from a containment area based on its characteristics, but can also be easily used for sampling with less stringent safety requirements.

[0032] The sample collection device 1 has a device called a sample collector 2, which is preferably formed as a structural unit that can be handled as a single unit. The sample collector 2 has a sample collector housing 3, which surrounds an inner chamber that functions as a sample collection chamber 4 and has two openings. Of these two openings, one opening forms a sample inlet 5 and the other opening forms a sample outlet 6.

[0033] The sample collector 2 extends along a virtual height axis 7. The axial direction of this virtual height axis 7 is also called the height direction 7a. In the preferred operating position, the sample collector 2 is positioned with its height axis aligned vertically. The sample outlet 6 is located on the lower surface 8 of the sample collector housing 3, facing downward in the height direction 7a. The sample inlet 5 is located at a higher level than the sample collection chamber 4 and the sample outlet 6 in the aforementioned operating position of the sample collector 2.

[0034] The sample collector housing 3 is equipped with a mounting structure 11, preferably formed as a mounting flange, through which the sample collector 2 is mounted in its use position to the media container 12 as merely schematically indicated. The media container 12 contains a fluid medium, such as powder or granules, which may be specified for any process, such as the manufacture of tablets in the pharmaceutical field. Through the sample collector 2, the medium, called the sample, can be partially removed from the media container 12 to monitor the process. The media container 12, which may be a fluidizer and especially a fluidized bed apparatus, is equipped with a discharge device 13, for example, formed as a shut-off valve, through which the sample to be tested can be discharged as needed and filled into the sample collection chamber 4 through the sample inlet 5.

[0035] The sample collector housing 3 has a housing wall 14 surrounding the sample collection chamber 4, which is made of, for example, metal or plastic, and is preferably at least primarily opaque. However, for practical purposes, a predetermined section of the housing wall 14 is formed as an observation window 15, which is made of a material that is both gas-impermeable and transparent, and is exemplary formed from a glass plate. The observation window 15 is preferably oriented horizontally in the position where the sample collector 2 is used, so that an operator standing next to the sample collector 2 can comfortably look into the sample collection chamber 4 through the observation window 15. The observation window 15 allows for visual inspection of the sample collection chamber 4, in particular to check for the presence or absence of the sample or any remaining sample.

[0036] The sample collection device 1, for its intended purpose, includes a sample container 16, the purpose of which is to contain a sample taken from a medium in a laboratory, for example, to transport to a testing site.

[0037] For example, a sample container 16 formed as a bottle or cup defines a container chamber 17 designated for containing a sample. This container chamber 17 is accessible through a container opening 18 and is therefore fillable and emptyable. In the area of ​​the container opening 18, the sample container 16 is equipped with a first component 21a of a lid coupling device 21. The lid coupling device 21 allows a closing lid 22 to be releasably fitted onto the sample container 16 to seal the container opening 18.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a sample container 16 closed by an attached closing lid 22 in a separate diagram enclosed by a dashed line. The closing lid 22 has a second component 21b that is complementary to the first component 21a of the lid coupling device 21. Both of these components 21a and 21b are engaged with each other. Preferably, both components 21a and 21b of the lid coupling device 21 are formed as threads, with the first component 21a located on the sample container 16 being formed as a male thread and the second component 21b located on the closing lid 22 being formed as a female thread. The threads may be ordinary threads or a bayonet coupling structure.

[0039] To fill the sample collection chamber 4 with the sample, the sample container 16 is attached to the sample collector housing 3 in the region of the sample outlet 6 such that the container opening 18 is coaxially positioned with respect to the sample outlet 6. However, the attachment of the sample container 16 to the sample collector housing 3 is not done directly in both embodiments, but indirectly via a sleeve-shaped intermediate member also called a container adapter 23. The container adapter 23 is axially penetrated at its center by a through-opening also called an adapter opening 24, which is open on both the axial front side 25a and the axial rear side 25b of the container adapter 23.

[0040] The container adapter 23 has a container mounting structure 26 in the area of ​​its rear side 25b, and this container mounting structure 26 allows the container adapter 23 to be attached to the sample container 16 while occupying the container position clearly shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in cooperation with the first component 21a of the lid coupling device 21. The configuration of the container mounting structure 26 corresponds to the configuration of the second component 21b of the lid coupling device 21 described above, and for the purpose corresponding to the illustrated embodiment, the container adapter 23 is one component of the closing lid 22, and consequently the container mounting structure 26 is directly formed by the first component 21a of the lid coupling device 21.

[0041] For example, the container adapter 23 is screwed onto the sample container 16, while being coaxially positioned with respect to the container opening 18 to occupy the container position. The seal ring 27 works to ensure a tight bond between the container adapter 23 and the sample container 16.

[0042] In embodiments not shown, the container adapter 23 is firmly and irremovably attached to the sample container 16, so that the container adapter 23 forms an integrated component of the sample container 16. Such a configuration is particularly considered for plastic containers, whereas for glass containers, the separate adapter solution shown is used.

[0043] The container adapter 23 can be attached to the sample collector housing 3 in a position called the adapter connection position, in the region of the sample outlet 6, in a coaxial arrangement with respect to the sample outlet 6. The adapter connection position can be seen, for example, in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 5. Attachment is performed using an adapter coupling device 28, which has a first component 28a formed on the container adapter 23 and a second component 28b formed on the sample collector housing 3 that is complementary to the first component 28a. In the adapter connection position, the adapter opening 24 is aligned with the sample outlet 5 and is either coupled to or can be coupled to the sample outlet 5.

[0044] For the purpose, the adapter coupling device 28 is formed as a screw-type device corresponding to the illustrated embodiment, and has as a first component 28a a first thread 31a formed on the container adapter 23 in the front side 25a region, and a second thread 31b formed on the sample collector housing 3 in the sample outlet 6 region, which is complementary to the first thread 31a. These threads 31a and 31b are referred to as the first adapter thread 31a and the second adapter thread 31b for good distinction. Exemplarily, the first adapter thread 31a formed on the container adapter 23 is a male thread, and the second adapter thread 31b is a female thread formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sample outlet 6.

[0045] The seal ring 30, positioned inside the sample outlet 6 of the sample collector housing 3, works to ensure a fluid-tight coupling between the container adapter 23 and the sample collector housing 3 in the adapter coupling position.

[0046] The sample collector 2 is equipped with a movable valve member 32, which allows the sample outlet 6 to be selectively closed or opened. In the closed position of the valve member, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the sample outlet 6 is closed, and therefore the sample collection chamber 4 is also closed, so that the sample filled through the sample inlet 5 is contained within the sample collection chamber 4 while being tightly shielded from the environment. In the open position of the valve member, as can be seen in Figure 5, the valve member 32 opens the sample outlet 6, which allows the sample in the sample collection chamber 4 to be transferred into the container interior 17 through the sample outlet 6 and the adapter opening 24.

[0047] The valve member 32 has a drive section 33 located outside the sample collection chamber 4, and a driving force can be introduced into this drive section 33 to selectively drive the valve member 32 to cause a valve member movement 34a that opens or a valve member movement 34b that closes. The valve member movements 34a, 34b are performed exemplary in the height direction 7a, in which case the valve member 32 has a purposefully elongated shape and similarly extends in the height direction 7a, and the valve member 32 protrudes from the sample collection housing 3 on the upper side of the housing.

[0048] Exemplary, the valve member 32 has a closing section 35 in its inner end region, which is located within the sample collection housing 3 and is positioned on an operating rod 36 that penetrates the sample collection chamber 4 and a support section 37 of the sample collection housing 3. Exemplary, the valve member 32 further has a drive section 33 in its outer end section located outside the sample collection housing 3. The support section 37 provides a sliding guide for the operating rod 36, thereby enabling the valve member motions 34a, 34b to be performed as precise linear motions.

[0049] The drive section 33 is exemplary formed for manual operation and is particularly configured as an operating knob. However, the drive section 33 may also be formed for motor operation and can cooperate, for example, with an electric motor-driven valve member drive device mounted on the sample collection housing 3.

[0050] For sealing in the region of the support section 37, for example, the longitudinal section of the operating rod located within the sample collection chamber 4 is surrounded by a rubber-elastically deformable seal sleeve 38, particularly formed in a bellows-like manner, the front end of which is attached to the closing section 35, and the rear end on the opposite side is attached to the sample collection housing 3, sealing in the region of the support section 37. The rubber elasticity and / or bellows structure of the seal sleeve 38 allows for axial compression and expansion of the seal sleeve 38 when the valve member movements 34a, 34b are performed.

[0051] For practical purposes, the closing section 35 of the valve member 32 is formed in the shape of a plug, as in the illustrated embodiment. In the valve member closed position, the plug-shaped closing section 35 shown in Figures 2 and 3 enters the sample outlet 6 and radially contacts the inner circumferential surface 41 formed in the sample collector housing 3, which defines the sample outlet 6 radially outward, while maintaining close contact with it. Exemplarily, since the closing section 35 is made of a rubber-elastic material, the closing section 35 can directly form a sealing function with respect to the inner circumferential surface 41. Alternatively, the closing section 35 may be formed from multiple parts and may have a rigid component equipped with a sealing ring. An annular groove 39 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the closing section 35 can support elastic deformability and / or sealing performance.

[0052] In the valve member open position, the closed section 35 is pulled out from the sample outlet 6 and moved into the sample collection chamber 4. In this case, the distance from the sample outlet 6 is set to be sufficiently large to allow the medium to be taken out as a sample to pass through without obstruction.

[0053] The sample collector 2 is equipped with a restraint device 42 that, for practical purposes, can be operated from outside the sample collector housing 3. This restraint device 42 allows the valve member 32 to be immovably restrained in a manner that allows it to be released in the valve member closed position and the valve member open position. Exemplarily, the restraint device 42 is realized by a clamp screw that is screwed into the sample collector housing 3 and can be tightened onto an operating rod 36. An alternative structural form specifies a shutoff device with a restraint disc that is movable or pivotable for its operation.

[0054] The sample collection device 1 has a closing stopper 43 as another component. This closing stopper 43 works to release the adapter opening 24 of the container adapter 23. The closing stopper 43 can perform a linear motion, also called a stopper motion 44, as shown by the bidirectional arrows in Figures 6 and 17, relative to the container adapter 23. In this case, the closing stopper 43 is always positioned coaxially with respect to the container adapter 23. Within the framework of the stopper motion, the closing stopper 43 can be selectively positioned in a stopper closed position, as can be seen from Figures 2, 3, 7 and 17 (right view), or in a stopper open position, as can be seen from Figures 5, 6 and 17 (exploded view).

[0055] In the closed position, the closing stopper 43 enters the adapter opening 24 from the front side 25a and, with its annular seal 45, contacts the inner circumferential surface 46 of the container adapter 23 that radially defines the adapter opening 24, thereby providing a radial sealing action. As a result, the adapter opening 24 is tightly closed. In the open position, the closing stopper 43 is pulled out from the adapter opening 24, thereby opening the adapter opening 24, which is no longer closed. In the open position, the closing stopper 43 is positioned in front of the front side 25a of the container adapter 23, spaced apart by a height of 7a.

[0056] When the closing plug body 43 is positioned in the closing position, the closing plug body 43, together with the container adapter 23 that coaxially surrounds the closing plug body 43, forms a single, detachable unit also called an adapter plug body unit 47. The adapter plug body unit 47 is shown, for example, in Figures 2, 4, 7, and 17 (right).

[0057] The adapter plug unit 47 is, for its purpose, prevented from unintentionally disassembling by a releasable locking mechanism. This locking mechanism is achieved when the rubber-elastically deformable seal 45 of the closing plug 43 engages with an annular groove 48 formed in the inner circumferential surface 46 of the container adapter 23 when the plug is in the closed position. As the closing plug 43 is pushed into the adapter opening 24 within the frame of the plug movement 44, the annular seal 45 snaps into the annular groove 48 in a releasable manner. However, the resulting retaining force can be overcome with little force consumption, and the closing plug 43 can be pulled out of the adapter opening 24 again as needed.

[0058] The shut-off valve body 43 has a mounting section 51, which has a first component 52a of a valve coupling device 52 that enables the shut-off valve body 43 to be removably mounted on the valve member 32. In this regard, the valve member 32 is equipped with a second component 52b of the valve coupling device 52 that is complementary to the first component 52a. The position occupied by the shut-off valve body 43 when mounted on the valve member 32 is also called the valve coupling position for good distinction. The valve coupling position can be clearly seen in the drawings of Figures 2, 3 and 5.

[0059] In the plug connection position, the closing plug 43 is releasably attached to the valve member 32 in the area of ​​the front side 53 of the valve member facing the sample outlet 6.

[0060] The closing plug body 43 has an axial front side 54a facing the valve member 32 in the plug body connection position, and a rear side 54b that is axially opposite to the front side 54a and opposite to the valve member 32 in the axial direction. For the purpose, the closing plug body 43, at the front side 54a in the plug body connection position, is in close axial contact with the front end face 55 of the closing section 35 that faces this front side 54a. The front side 54a of the closing plug body 43 has a sealing surface 56 that is axially oriented for the purpose, and the outer contour of this sealing surface 56 is the same as the outer contour of the front end face 55 of the closing section 35, so the front end face 55 and the sealing surface 56 overlap each other in the plug body connection position.

[0061] In particular, the enlarged view of Figure 3 confirms that the sealing surface 56 on the end face side of the closing plug body 43 is formed in a purposeful concave shape. This generates strong surface pressure in the outer edge region of the closing section 35 and the closing plug body 43 at the plug connection position. This surface pressure reliably prevents the intrusion of all kinds of media, thereby effectively preventing contamination of the front end face 55 of the closing section 35 and the end face located on the front side 54a of the closing plug body 43 opposite to this end face 55 at the plug connection position. Additionally or alternatively, the front end face 55 of the closing section 35 may also be formed in a concave shape.

[0062] The plug coupling device 52, like the adapter coupling device 28, is configured as a screw-type device for the purpose, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In this case, both components 52a and 52b are formed as threads and are referred to as plug threads for better distinction. Here, the first plug thread 57a forming the first component 52a is located at the mounting section 51 of the closing plug 43, and the second plug thread 57b, formed by the second component 52b and complementary to the first plug thread 57a, is located at the valve member 32.

[0063] The first plug thread 57a is formed as a female thread for practical purposes, and this female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 58. This mounting hole 58 extends coaxially to the mounting section 51 and opens toward the front side 54a. The mounting hole 58 can be formed by machining or during the injection molding of the mounting section 51. In this regard, the second plug thread 57b is a male thread. This male thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mounting pin 61 which forms a threaded pin. The mounting pin 61 protrudes coaxially away from the closing section 35 on the front side 53 of the valve member. Preferably, the mounting pin 61 is formed by the axial end section of the operating rod 36.

[0064] To fix the plug in the connected position, the closing plug 43 can be screwed onto the male threads of the mounting pin 61 using the female threads provided in its mounting hole 58.

[0065] It is advantageous if the mounting pin 61 and the mounting hole 58 work together to perform centering in addition to screwing. For example, this can be achieved if the mounting pin 61 has a centering extension 61a that does not have threads following the second plug thread 57b, and when the closing plug 43 is screwed on, this centering extension 61a enters the mounting hole 58 into a centering notch 58a that does not have threads following the first plug thread 57a, while being supported by each other in the radial direction.

[0066] When the shut-off valve body 43 occupies the valve body connection position, the shut-off valve body 43 forms a single motion unit with the valve member 32, and the valve member movements 54a and 54b of the valve member 32 are always performed directly and synchronously together.

[0067] For the purpose, the closing stopper 43, like the container adapter 23, also constitutes a component of the closing lid 22. Exemplarily, the closing lid 22 consists of the container adapter 23 and the closing stopper 43 which is positioned on the container adapter 23 in the stopper closed position. In other words, the adapter stopper unit 47 forms the closing lid 22 when the sample container 16 is placed on the container adapter 23.

[0068] Both plug threads 57a and 57b have, exemplary, the same thread pitch and the same direction of rotation. Thus, both plug threads 57a and 57b are formed as left-hand threads with the same pitch, or as right-hand threads with the same pitch. This provides the advantage that the plug threads 57a and 57b and the adapter threads 31a and 31b can, in principle, engage with or disengage from each other by the integrated rotational movement of the adapter plug unit 47 located in the sample collector 2. Of particular importance to the present invention is the possibility of simultaneous disengagement within the frame of a single disengagement rotation, thereby allowing the container adapter 23 to be simultaneously disengaged from the sample collector housing 3 and the closing plug 43 to be disengaged from the valve member 32 in an integrated disengagement process.

[0069] The preferred procedure for sample collection is described below. This procedure assumes that the sample collector 2 is attached to the medium container 12 in the position shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0070] At the start of sample collection, the valve member 32 is positioned in the valve member closed position. This position is achieved based on a preceding sample collection process or by explicit operation of the valve member 32 by introducing a corresponding driving force in the drive section 33.

[0071] Next, the prepared closing plug body 43 is manually assembled into the closing section 35 in the plug body connection position using the plug body coupling device 52. For example, the mounting hole 58 of the closing plug body 43 is screwed onto the mounting pin 61.

[0072] Next, the sample container 16, which is already equipped with the container adapter 23, is attached to the sample collection housing 3 via the container adapter 23 using the adapter coupling device 28. In this case, the container adapter 23 is manually brought into the adapter coupling position. This is done, exemplarily, by screwing the container adapter 23 into the sample outlet 6. Alternatively, the container adapter 23, which is not attached to the sample container 16, can first be assembled in the adapter coupling position, and only then can the sample container 16 be attached to the container adapter 23 using the container mounting structure 26.

[0073] When the container adapter 23 is assembled to the sample collection housing 3, the pre-assembled closing plug 43 enters the adapter opening 24 and reaches the closing position. At this closing position, the closing plug 43 tightly closes the adapter opening 24.

[0074] As a result, there is now an adapter stopper unit 47, which consists of a closing stopper 43 and a container adapter 23. At this point, this adapter stopper unit 47 acts as a closing lid 22 that keeps the inside of the container 17 closed.

[0075] In another step, the sample collection chamber 4, which is closed by the valve member 32, is filled with the sample to be removed by operating the discharge device 13. Alternatively, this filling step can be performed with the sample outlet 6 closed before the container adapter 23 and / or the closing plug 43 are assembled.

[0076] Next, the valve member 32 is brought to the valve member open position by force introduction in the drive section 33, while performing the valve member movement 34a that opens the valve member. The closing plug 43 attached to the valve member 32 is carried along and therefore pulled out from the adapter opening 24 and moved into the sample collection chamber 4. The closing plug 43 is now in its open position. As a result, the samples prepared in the sample collection chamber 4 are transferred into the sample container 16 by gravity, through the opened sample outlet 6 and the similarly opened adapter opening 24 which is aligned with the sample outlet 6.

[0077] In an alternative method, the sample outlet 6 and adapter opening 24 are already opened by the movement of the valve member 32 before the sample is filled from the medium container 12 into the sample collection chamber 4. In this case, the sample removed from the medium container 12 is not retained in the sample collection chamber 4, but rather passes through the sample collection chamber 4 without interruption of flow and reaches the sample container 16 assembled using the container adapter 23.

[0078] After the sample is filled into the sample container 16, and after it can be confirmed through the observation window 15 that the sample collection chamber 4 has been completely emptied as necessary, the valve member 32 is returned to the valve member closed position while performing the closing valve member movement 34b. At the same time, the closing stopper 43, which has been moved together, reaches the stopper closed position again, forming the adapter stopper unit 47 and closing the adapter opening 24, and thus the inner chamber 17 of the container. The sample is now sealed and contained within the sample container 16.

[0079] At the end of the sample collection process, the sample container 16 is removed from the sample collector 3 together with the adapter stopper unit 47, while maintaining the closed position of the valve member 31. The adapter stopper unit 47, fixed in position on the sample container 16, takes over the function of the closing lid 22 in this case. During this removal process, both the adapter coupling device 28 and the stopper coupling device 52 are released.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the container adapter 23 and the closing plug 43 are removed by unscrewing them, and both components 23 and 43 are unscrewed simultaneously. This is possible, in principle, because the existing threads have the same thread pitch and the same thread rotation direction.

[0081] The illustrated embodiment, based on the special configuration of the adapter plug unit 47, provides the advantageous possibility of releasing the adapter plug unit 47 from the sample collection housing 3 and simultaneously from the valve member 32 by a single release operation of the container adapter 23. That is, in order to remove not only the container adapter 23 but also the closing plug 43 from the sample collection 2, manual intervention exclusively on the container adapter 23 is required and necessary. During the release process, the container adapter 23 functions as an operating element, so to speak, and this operating element cooperates with the closing plug 43, thereby unscrewing the closing plug as well. In other words, for the removal of the adapter plug unit 47, in the preferred method procedure, a release torque is introduced to the container adapter 23 by hand, and this release torque is transmitted from the container adapter 23 to the closing plug 43, so that both components 23 and 43 are exposed to the release torque. In this case, the closing plug 43 itself does not need to be directly operated manually.

[0082] The above-mentioned functionality is exemplified by the freewheel device 62 incorporated into the adapter plug unit 47. The freewheel device 62 enables, on the one hand, the unobstructed screwing of the container adapter 23 even though the closing plug 43 has already been pre-assembled in the plug connection position, and on the other hand, enables the subsequent common unscrewing of the container adapter 23 and the closing plug 43 by the manual operation of the container adapter 23 alone.

[0083] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 16, the freewheel device 62 is incorporated within the closure body 43. Alternative embodiments in which the freewheel device 62 is incorporated within the container adapter 23 instead of the closure body 43 are not shown. Embodiments shown in Figures 17 to 27 follow another implementation in which the freewheel device 62 is formed and positioned to act between the container adapter 23 and the closure body 43.

[0084] Starting with the second embodiment shown in Figures 17 to 27, in this second embodiment, the closing plug 43, as a component of the adapter plug unit 47, is rotatable relative to the container adapter 23 about the central longitudinal axis of the adapter plug unit 47. The central longitudinal axis 63 is coaxially positioned with respect to the height axis 7 when the adapter plug unit 47 is fixed in position on the sample collector 2. Rotatability is unidirectional depending on the direction of rotation due to the presence of the freewheel device 62. In other words, rotation is only provided in one direction, while rotation is locked in the opposite direction.

[0085] The freewheel device 62 includes a plurality of first locking elements 64 distributed around the entire circumference of the closing plug body 43, arranged on the radial outer surface of the closing plug body 43, and a further plurality of second locking elements 65. These second locking elements 65 are arranged on the inner surface of the sleeve-shaped container adapter 23, distributed in the circumferential direction. The corresponding arrangement between the first locking elements 64 and the second locking elements 65 can be clearly seen in Figure 20. As shown in Figure 17, the first locking elements 64 and the second locking elements 65 are located at the same height in the axial direction of the central longitudinal axis 63 and overlap radially with respect to the central longitudinal axis 63.

[0086] The first locking element 64 is, exemplary, formed by a tooth structure 66 that is immobile radially with respect to the central longitudinal axis 63, and this tooth structure 66 consists of a plurality of teeth distributed across the outer circumferential surface of the closing plug body 43 and projecting radially outward. The second locking element 65, located on the container adapter 23, is formed by a locking element 67 that is spring-elastically movable radially with respect to the central longitudinal axis relative to the container adapter 23. This locking element 67 is specifically configured as a locking claw, which projects diagonally radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 46 of the container adapter 23, so that the locking claw has a circumferential component in the central longitudinal axis 63 in addition to a radial component. The locking element 67 is preloaded spring-elastically toward the tooth structure 66.

[0087] To screw the container adapter 23 into the sample collection housing 3 with the closure plug 43 already screwed onto the valve member 32, the container adapter 23 is rotated by manually introducing torque in the mounting rotation direction 68. For this purpose, the container adapter 23 can be grasped by an operating structure 69 formed on its radial outer surface, which is particularly polygonal in shape. The first locking element 64 and the second locking element 65 are configured such that a free rotation state exists in this mounting rotation direction 68. In this free rotation state, the spring-elastically flexible locking element 67 can slide over the tooth structure 66 without locking, thereby allowing the container adapter 23 to be screwed on without considering the already attached closure plug 43.

[0088] In contrast, when the adapter plug unit 47 is assembled to the sample collector 2, and the container adapter 23 is rotated in the release rotation direction 71, which is opposite to the mounting rotation direction 68, the locking element 67 engages with the tooth structure 66, thereby creating a locked state. This locked state allows torque to be transmitted from the container adapter 23 to the closing plug 43. As a result, the closing plug 43 is rotated together, and the entire adapter plug unit 47 can be unscrewed from the sample collector 2 by a single release operation of the container adapter 23.

[0089] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 17, the closing stopper 43 may be integrally formed at low cost, except for the optional seal 45. The same applies to the container adapter 23.

[0090] It is obvious that the corresponding arrangement of the first locking element 64 and the second locking element 65 with respect to the closing plug body 43 and the container adapter 23 may be changed.

[0091] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 16, the shut-off plug body 43 has a longitudinal axis 74, similar to the first embodiment. This longitudinal axis 74 coincides with the central longitudinal axis 63 of the adapter plug body unit 47 when it is assembled. However, in this embodiment, the shut-off plug body 43 is divided into two annular elements that extend coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis 47. These two annular elements are called the first freewheel element 72 and the second freewheel element 73. Since both freewheel elements 72 and 73 are inserted into each other inward and outward, the first freewheel element 72 is surrounded by the second freewheel element 73 on its radially outward side. The first freewheel element 72 has a mounting section 51. The first component 52a of the plug coupling device 52 is formed in this mounting section 51.

[0092] Both freewheel elements 72 and 73 are rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis 74 of the shut-off plug body, but are only rotatable in one direction of rotation, in one of the two possible directions of rotation. This is due to the first locking element 64 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first freewheel element 72 and the second locking element 65 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second freewheel element 73. The same description as in the embodiments shown in Figures 17 to 27 applies to the configuration and arrangement of the first locking element 64 and the second locking element 65, and that description is referred to to avoid repetition. In all cases, the first locking element 64 and the second locking element 65 cause a rotation-dependent lock of both freewheel elements 72 and 73. In the first rotation direction of the second freewheel element 73, a free rotation state exists, in which no torque is transmitted. In the second rotation direction of the second freewheel element 73, which is opposite to the first rotation direction, a locked state exists, in which the second freewheel element 73 is connected to the first freewheel element 72 to transmit torque.

[0093] An interlocking body structure 75 acts between the second freewheel element 73 and the container adapter 23 surrounding the closing plug body 43. This interlocking body structure 75 is comprised of, exemplary, a plurality of first interlocking bodies 76 formed on the inner circumferential surface 46 of the container adapter 23 and projecting radially inward, and a plurality of second interlocking bodies 77 formed on the second freewheel element 73 within the region of its outer circumferential surface. Exemplarily, the first interlocking bodies 76 and the second interlocking bodies 77 exist as pairs facing each other in the diametrical direction, but there may simply be one of each. In either case, the first interlocking bodies 76 and the second interlocking bodies 77 are arranged to overlap radially with respect to the central longitudinal axis 63. The coupling structure 75 acts to coupling in both possible rotational directions of the container adapter 23, so that the second freewheel element 73 is coupled in any rotational direction of the container adapter 23. However, exemplary freewheeling occurs between the two coupling positions, and this freewheeling occurs due to the circumferential gap between the first coupling body 76 and the second coupling body 77.

[0094] When the container adapter 23 is manually rotated in the mounting rotation direction 68 for fixed screwing into the sample collection housing 3, the second freewheel element 73 of the stopper body 43, which is pre-assembled to the valve member 32, is moved in the first rotation direction. In this first rotation direction, the freewheel device 62 is in an unlocked, free-rotating state. This allows the container adapter 23 to be fixedly screwed in without considering the fact that the mounting section 51 of the stopper body 43 is already attached to the valve member 32 in the stopper connection position. When the container adapter 23 is rotated in the release rotation direction 71, opposite to the mounting rotation direction, for unscrewing from the sample collection housing 3, the container adapter 23 again moves the second freewheel element 73, but this time in the second rotation direction where the freewheel device 62 is locked. Therefore, the first freewheel element 72 with the mounting section 51 is also moved, and the stopper body 43 is unscrewed from the sample collection 2 together with the container adapter 23.

[0095] It is desirable that, in all embodiments, the plural form of the first locking element 64 and the second locking element 65 be understood to mean that the first locking element 64 and the second locking element 65 may also exist simply as singular entities.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, it is advantageous that the mounting section 51 is formed in a disc shape and has an annular seal 45 on the radial outer surface region. In the plug closed position, the end-face sealing surface 46 formed on the mounting section 51 is, for the purpose, flush with the front side 25a of the container adapter 23, which is facing the same direction. The components of the freewheel device 63 are preferably arranged on the side of the mounting section 51 opposite to the end-face sealing surface 56 in the axial direction.

[0097] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 16, the second freewheel element 73 has a purposely annular head section 78, on which a second locking element 65 is positioned, projecting radially inward. Two arms 82 project from the annular head section 78, which are purposely diametrically opposed, and have free ends in the direction of the rear side 54b. These arms 82 each form one of the two second connecting bodies 77.

[0098] The annular head section 78 of the second freewheel element 73 has a plurality of annular grooves 81 on its radial outer surface, preferably coaxial with respect to each other and spaced apart in the axial direction from each other. These annular grooves 81 can exert a sealing effect in cooperation with the inner surface 46 of the container adapter 23 that surrounds these annular grooves 81 when the stopper body 43 is in the closed position.

[0099] The first freewheel element 72 has a disc-shaped head section 83 that, for the purpose, forms a mounting section 51. This head section 83 is positioned in front of the annular head section 78 of the second freewheel element 73, facing the front side 54a. Both head sections 73, 83, exemplary together form an annular groove-shaped housing recess 84. An annular seal 45, not shown in Figures 7 to 12, is held within this housing recess 84. From the disc-shaped head section 83, a central extension 85 of the first freewheel element 72 protrudes, for the purpose between both arms 82, in the direction of the rear side 54. This central extension 85 has a flat shape, at least in its end region, and penetrates the annular head section 78. The extension 58 forms a manual operation section 89 that can be easily grasped by the fingers for screwing the shut-off plug body 43 onto the valve member 32.

[0100] In the second embodiment shown in Figures 17 to 27, the shut-off valve body 43 has a disc-shaped head section 86 that, for the purpose, forms a mounting section 51, and this head section 86 has an annular groove-shaped receiving recess 87 on its radial outer surface. An annular seal 45, not shown in Figures 23 to 27, is held within this receiving recess 87. A central extension 88 protrudes from the disc-shaped head section 86, for the purpose, in the direction of the rear side 54b, and this extension 88 has a flat shape at least in its end region. The extension 88 forms a manual operation section 89, which can be easily grasped with the fingers in order to screw the shut-off valve body 43 onto the valve member 32.

Claims

1. A sample collection device, particularly for collecting a sample from a containment area, comprising a sample collector (2), wherein the sample collector (2) has a sample collector housing (3) that defines a sample collection chamber (4) for containing the sample to be collected, and has a sample inlet (5) communicating with the sample collection chamber (4) for introducing the sample to be collected, and a sample outlet (6) communicating with the sample collection chamber (4) for discharging the sample contained in the sample collection chamber (4) into a sample container (16) that defines an inner chamber (17) and is fixedly positioned on the sample collector (2), - The sample collector (2) has a valve member (32) that is movable relative to the sample collector housing (3) while performing valve member movement (34a, 34b) in order to selectively open and close the sample outlet (6), the valve member (32) has a closing section (35), the closing section (35) tightly closes the sample outlet (6) when the valve member is in the closed position and is moved into the sample collection chamber (4) when the valve member is in the open position, and opens the sample outlet (6) for sample passage, - The sample collection device (1) has a sleeve-shaped container adapter (23) that can be attached to or is attached to the sample container (16) in the region of the container opening (18) while occupying the container position, and the container adapter (23) is axially penetrated by an adapter opening (24) that is connected to the container inner chamber (17) in the container position, - The sample collection device (1) has a closing stopper (43), and the closing stopper (43) can be inserted into the adapter opening (24) to tightly close the adapter opening (24), and can be pulled out from the adapter opening (24) to open the adapter opening (24), and the container adapter (23) and the closing stopper (43) together form an adapter stopper unit (47) in the closing stopper position. - Components of the plug coupling device (52) are arranged on the valve member (32) and on the mounting section (51) of the closing plug body (43), and the closing plug body (43) can be releasably attached to the valve member (32) in the plug coupling position by the plug coupling device (52), and in the plug coupling position, the closing plug body (43) performs the valve member movement (34a, 34b) of the valve member (32) together with the closing plug body (43). - Components of the adapter coupling device (28) are arranged on the sample collection housing (3) and the container adapter (23), and the container adapter (23) can be removably attached to the sample collection housing (3) in the adapter coupling position by the adapter coupling device (28), and in the adapter coupling position, the adapter opening (24) is connected to the sample outlet (6), - While the valve member (32) occupies the valve member closed position, the closing stopper (43) can be brought to the stopper connection position attached to the valve member (32), and the container adapter (23) can be brought to the adapter connection position attached to the sample collector housing (3) while forming the adapter stopper unit (47), thereby the adapter stopper unit (47) is attached to the sample collector (2) on the one hand via the sample collector housing (3) and on the other hand via the valve member (32). - The adapter opening (24) can be opened first by the valve member movement (34a, 34b) of the valve member (32) when the adapter stopper unit (47) is attached to the sample collector (2), and then closed again by the closing stopper (43) which moves together with the valve member (32), thereby allowing the sample contained in the sample collection chamber (4) to be transferred into the sample container (16) placed on the container adapter (23) and sealed inside the sample container (16). - The adapter plug unit (47) can be removed from the sample collector (2) together with the sample container (16) attached to the container adapter (23) by releasing the adapter coupling device (28) and the plug coupling device (52) while the valve member (32) is in the closed position and the plug body (43) is in the closed position. A sample collection device characterized by the following features.

2. The sample collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing portion (35) of the valve member (32) is formed in the shape of a plug, and the closing portion (35) enters into the sample outlet (6) when the valve member is closed, and in order to close the sample outlet (6), it contacts radially with the inner circumferential surface (41) surrounding the sample outlet (6) formed on the sample collector (2) while being in close contact with it.

3. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug coupling device (52) and the adapter coupling device (28) are configured to be simultaneously released, particularly within the framework of a single, manually operated release movement of the adapter plug unit (47), for the purpose of removing the adapter plug unit (47) from the sample collection device (2).

4. The sample collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adapter stopper unit (47) can be released from both the sample collection housing (3) and the valve member (32) by a separate release operation of the container adapter (23) for removal from the sample collection device (2).

5. The plug coupling device (52) and the adapter coupling device (28) are each configured as screw coupling devices, and the plug coupling device (52) has a first plug thread (57a) formed on the closing plug (43) and a second plug thread (57b) formed on the valve member (32) that is complementary to the first plug thread (57a), and the adapter coupling device (28) has a first adapter thread (31a) formed on the container adapter (23) and a complementary to the first adapter thread (31a) of the sample collection device A sample collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a housing (3) having a second adapter thread (31b) formed thereon, wherein the rotation of the closing plug (43) causes the first plug thread (57a) and the second plug thread (57b) to be able to engage and disengage with each other depending on the direction of rotation, and the rotation of the container adapter (23) causes the first adapter thread (31a) and the second adapter thread (31b) to be able to engage and disengage with each other depending on the direction of rotation.

6. The sample collection device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first plug thread (57a) and the second adapter thread (31b) are each formed as female threads, and the second plug thread (57b) and the first adapter thread (31a) are each formed as male threads.

7. A sampling apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, relating to claim 4, characterized in that both of the plug threads (57a, 57b) have the same thread pitch and the same rotation direction as both of the adapter threads (31a, 31b), thereby enabling both of the plug threads (57a, 57b) and both of the adapter threads (31a, 31b) to be simultaneously disengaged from each other by the integrated disengagement rotational movement of the adapter plug unit (47).

8. The adapter plug unit (47) has a freewheel device (62), which, on the one hand, when torque is introduced to the container adapter (23) in the mounting rotation direction (68), allows the container adapter (23) to rotate relative to the mounting section (51) of the closing plug (43) around the central longitudinal axis (63) of the adapter plug unit (47), thereby allowing the container adapter (23) to be attached to the sample collection housing (3) via the adapter coupling device (28) independently of the closing plug (43). The sample collection device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the freewheel device (62) on the other hand enables the rotation of the container adapter (23) while accompanying the closing plug (43) when torque is introduced to the container adapter (23) in the release rotation direction (71) opposite to the mounting rotation direction (68), thereby enabling the adapter plug unit (47) to be released integrally and simultaneously from the sample collection housing (3) and the valve member (32) in the adapter coupling device (28) and the plug coupling device (52).

9. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the freewheel device (62) operates between the container adapter (32) and the closing stopper (43).

10. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that a first locking element (64) and a second locking element (64) of the freewheel device (62), which can be locked and unlocked depending on the direction of rotation, are arranged on the container adapter (23) and the closing stopper (43).

11. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the freewheel device (62) is incorporated into the closing plug (43) or the container adapter (23).

12. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the freewheel device (62) has a first freewheel element (72) and a second freewheel element (73) rotatable with respect to the first freewheel element (72), and the first freewheel element (72) and the second freewheel element (73) are equipped with a first locking element (64) and a second locking element (65) that can be locked and unlocked depending on the direction of rotation, and a connecting body structure (75) acts between the second freewheel element (73) and the closing plug (43) or the container adapter (23) that does not have a freewheel device (62), and the connecting body structure (75) causes rotational movement of the second freewheel element (73) in both directions of rotation when the closing plug (43) or the container adapter (23) that does not have a freewheel device (62) rotates.

13. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the freewheel device (62) is incorporated into the closing plug (43), the first freewheel element (72) has the mounting portion (51) of the closing plug (43), and the second freewheel element (73) is connected to the container adapter (23) via the connecting body structure (75) to transmit torque in both rotational directions.

14. The sampling apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the first locking element (64) is formed by a tooth structure (66) that is immobile in the radial direction with respect to the central longitudinal axis (63) of the adapter plug unit (47), and the second locking element (65) is formed by a locking element (67) that is elastically movable in the radial direction with respect to the central longitudinal axis (63) of the adapter plug unit (47), or the reverse.

15. The sample collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, in the closed position of the stopper, the closing stopper (43) is releasably locked to the container adapter (23) by an annular seal (45) provided for the purpose of sealing between the closing stopper (43) and the container adapter (23) engaging with an annular groove (48).

16. The sample collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, in the stopper connection position, the closing stopper (43) seals tightly against the front end face (55) of the closing section (35) of the valve member (32) facing the sealing surface (56) by a sealing surface (56) which is formed to be concave for the purpose, and for the purpose the diameter of the sealing surface (56) and the diameter of the front end face (55) of the closing section (35) are the same.

17. The sample collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the valve member (32) has an operating rod (36) that supports the closing section (35) and protrudes from the sample collection housing (3), the operating rod (36) has a longitudinal section that extends into the sample collection chamber (4), the longitudinal section is surrounded by a rubber-elastically deformable seal sleeve (38), and the seal sleeve (38) is tightly fixed to the closing section (35) at one axial end and to the sample collection housing (3) at the other end.

18. A sample collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the sample collector (2) has a height axis (7), the sample outlet (6) is arranged coaxially with respect to the height axis (7), and the height axis (7) is oriented vertically for the purpose at the usage position of the sample collector (2).

19. The sample collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the sample collection housing (3) has an observation window (15) that allows looking into the sample collection chamber (4).

20. A sample collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that a restraining device (42) is correspondingly arranged on the valve member (32) so as to be immobile with respect to the sample collection housing (3), and the restraining device (42) is releasedly restrained on the valve member (32) in the valve member open position and / or valve member closed position.

21. A method for collecting a sample, particularly from a containment area, using a sample collection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein a sample collector (2) is connected to a medium container (12) at its sample inlet (5) while occupying a position of use, the medium container (12) contains a fluid sample, particularly in the form of granules or powder, and the sample can be removed from the medium container (12), - A step of preparing a sample container (16), a container adapter (23), and a closing stopper (43), - A step of positioning the valve member (32) of the sample collection device (2) in the valve member closed position, - The step of manually attaching the closing plug body (43) to the valve member (32) which occupies the valve member closed position in the plug body connection position using the plug body coupling device (52), - Next, the container adapter (23) is manually attached in the adapter connection position in the area of ​​the sample outlet (6) of the sample collection housing (3) by the adapter coupling device (28), wherein the already pre-assembled closing stopper (43) is introduced into the adapter opening (24) of the container adapter (23) to occupy the stopper closing position, thereby forming the adapter stopper unit (47) and closing the adapter opening (24) with the closing stopper (43), - The step of attaching the sample container (16) to the container adapter (23) before or after attaching the container adapter (23) to the adapter connection position, - A step of transferring a sample introduced into the sample collection chamber (4) from the sample collection chamber (4) to a sample container (16) fixed in the sample collector housing (3) via the container adapter (23), wherein the valve member movement (34a, 34b) of the valve member, performed in conjunction with the closing stopper (43), first opens the adapter opening (24), then closes it again, thereby transferring the sample contained in the sample collection chamber (4) to the sample container (16) through the opened adapter opening (24), and sealing it within the container chamber (17) of the sample container (16), - The step of removing the sample container (16) from the sample collector (2) together with the adapter plug unit (47), which now functions as a closing lid (22), by releasing both the adapter coupling device (28) and the plug coupling device (52) while maintaining the closed position of the closing plug body (43), and the valve member (32) in the closed position. A method characterized by having

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the medium to be taken out as a sample is filled into the sample collection chamber (4) while the valve member (32) is in the valve member closed position before or after the adapter stopper unit (47) is installed in the sample collection device (6), or while the valve member (32) is brought to the valve member open position after the adapter stopper unit (47) is installed in the sample collection device (6).

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the closing plug (43) and the container adapter (23) are brought to the plug connection position and the adapter connection position by a screwing process, and are removed from the plug connection position and the adapter connection position, and the freewheel device (62) of the adapter plug unit (47) allows the container adapter (23) to rotate freely relative to the mounting section (51) of the closing plug (43) which has been screwed in advance, in the mounting rotation direction (68) for mounting the adapter plug unit (47) in the sample collector (2), and when the container adapter (23) rotates in the release rotation direction (71) opposite to the mounting rotation direction (68) for removing the adapter plug unit (47) from the sample collector (2), the method causes the closing plug (43) to rotate freely for common unscrewing of the container adapter (23) and the closing plug (43).

Images