WO2000029113A1 - Container with a closure that can be pressure-released - Google Patents

Abstract

The inventive container (1) for receiving a plurality of laboratory tools has a receiving chamber which can be closed by a lid (14), which is enclosed by walls (7, 8, 10, 11) and which is accessible via an opening (1a). At least one of the walls (10) and the lid (14) are linked to each other by a closure (15) which can be single-handedly pressure-released but also pressure-engaged. Said closure (15) has a lever (16) with a catch element (20) which engages in a counter-catch element (19). When pressure is exerted on a delimited area (21), the closure (15) is released whereas when pressure is exerted in the same direction outside of said area, the closure is locked.

Description

description

CONTAINER WITH A PRESSURE-RELEASED LOCK

The invention relates to a container according to the preamble of claim 1. The expression "laboratory equipment" is to be understood in the most general sense, so that it includes cuvettes, laboratory tubes, pipette tips, but also dental drills etc. On the one hand, such devices must be kept relatively tightly closed, on the other hand, they should be easily accessible under the special conditions of a laboratory or the like. The special conditions mean that the operator often has only one hand to open the container - called box in the language of the laboratory personnel - and to gain access to its interior. For example, one hand holds a pipette, for which a pipette tip is to be removed from the box. In addition, such containers - or boxes - often have a relatively small footprint, but are often relatively high to hold the respective laboratory equipment upright and are therefore not very stable.

Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide easier operation despite any instability that may exist and still create all the conditions that are required of such a box, in particular the BOX should be able to be opened and closed with one hand .

According to the invention, this is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1. Because pressure operation from above generally affects the solid base of the box, so that there is no fear of falling over or slipping. If the lock is designed in such a way that it can be opened and closed by means of the pressure control, one-hand operation is actually guaranteed. For operation that is user-friendly in laboratory operation, it is advantageous if the closure has a lever which can be pivoted about an articulation and which is connected to a latching element engaging in a counter-latching on at least one of the walls. This is the easiest way to implement one-handed printing. A preferred embodiment provides a two-armed rocker, one arm of which runs the locking lever and the other arm of which extends above the cover and, as a pressure lever, forms the delimited area for the actuation of the pressure for unlocking.

The use of an elastic element, which loads the lever in the direction of the engagement of the two grid elements which provide the closure, prevents the risk of more accidental popping open as a result of shocks or the like. It also supports secure locking if the cover and walls are to be locked again by pressing the lock or the cover outside the defined area. Subjectively, the operator perceives the slightly higher pressure force required to open it as pleasant.

A further ease of operation is obtained if at least one elastic element is provided for at least partially opening the cover when the closure is actuated by pressure. As a result, the pressure control not only actuates the lock, but also opens the lid at the same time.

In principle, lids are known which can be placed on a box, can or the like, in which case special precautions would have to be taken to ensure simultaneous opening and closing on all sides, which always entails the risk of jamming. Therefore, it is preferred - although known per se - if the lid is connected to one of the walls of the container by a hinge arrangement.

If such a hinge arrangement is now to be provided at the same time as the above-mentioned elastic element, it would in itself be conceivable to attach at least one elastic element near the hinge arrangement, so that the cover after loosening its closure as a result of the necessarily short lever arm on the cover strongly dimensioned elastic element jumps open. However, it has already been mentioned above that boxes of this type may be relatively unstable, which is why such a jerk would not be desirable. It is therefore preferred if the elastic element is arranged in the region of the side of the cover facing away from the hinge arrangement. Here too, the elastic element could be provided on both sides of the cover, but it is more favorable for production if the elastic element is arranged approximately in the middle, opposite the hinge arrangement.

For the intended purpose in particular, it will be advantageous in many applications if a sealing arrangement is provided between the opening of the receiving space and the cover. Such a sealing arrangement can be embodied in a manner known per se, at least in part in a labyrinth-like manner, with overlapping edges formed on the cover and on the walls delimiting the opening, of course, other solutions are also conceivable, for example, the edge of a carrier, container, tray inserted into the BOX or basket covering and when closing tightly pressing against the edge of the elastic sealing element, such as a rubber plate. However, the labyrinth seal is preferable because in many cases it may be desirable to hot disinfect or sterilize the box and elastic sealing elements of the type mentioned are usually not very suitable for this.

For those applications in which disinfection or sterilization is intended, it is advantageous if at least one locking device is provided in the area of the opening for locking a tray, basket or the like with compartments for each of the laboratory devices used in the receiving space. The entirety of the laboratory devices can then simply be removed and placed in a disinfection device or also in a device analyzing or mixing the samples contained therein, the cleaning of the box being simplified.

It is also advantageous for the purposes just mentioned if the cover and walls are made of heat-resistant plastic, such as a polycarbonate, which can withstand temperatures up to 200 ° C., for example.

On the one hand, it was said above that such boxes may be unstable, on the other hand, it is often desirable for storage if several boxes can be accommodated in a small space. In order to improve the hold of the individual boxes, it is preferred that two opposite walls, in particular one wall and the lid, complement each other Have recesses and projections for securely stacking two adjacent boxes. Theoretically, such complementary recesses and projections could also be provided on the side walls, but then interlocking teeth would probably have to be provided for a firm hold, which complicate the manufacture, which is why the arrangement on the cover and the bottom wall opposite it is preferred.

Further details of the invention result from the following description of an exemplary embodiment schematically shown in the drawing. Show it:

1 is a perspective view of a box according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a section along a vertical plane along the line H-Il of Fig. 1 while the

Partition walls of the trough or basket; 2A shows a further sectional view of the box; Figure 3 is a sti nansicht on the lid and the closure of the box in the direction of arrow III of Figures 1 and 2. 4A, B show a further exemplary embodiment of a closure according to the invention, FIG. 4A being a partial section corresponding approximately to FIG. 2 through the area of the closure and FIG. 4B being a partial perspective view on a larger scale to illustrate the function of the closure and FIG. 5 shows a section similar to FIG. 4A through a third exemplary embodiment.

1 shows a container 1 - called a box - for holding small laboratory devices, such as pipette tips 2, which are accommodated in a carrier 3, a trough or basket, with dividing walls 4 for forming a small compartment for accommodating a single pipette tip 2. On the side of a plastic, such as a heat-compatible polycarbonate or

Polysulfonate existing trough or basket protrudes on both sides a co-molded elastic tab 5, which carries an outwardly facing pawl 6, which when inserting the trough or basket 3 in the box 1 behind a (shown in Fig. 2) projection 6a latches the inner surface of the side wall 7 of the box 1 and thus the trough or basket firmly but detachably (by pressing the respective spring tab 5 inwards) with the box 1 connects. The design made of a heat-resistant plastic will be particularly important if the trough or basket is a so-called tray, ie in this case a carrier 3 for pipette tips, which, together with its contents, is usually to be placed in a disinfection apparatus. Incidentally, it can be advantageous if the box 1 or at least one part that may be subjected to a heat treatment for disinfection or sterilization consists of heat-resistant plastic, such as a polycarbonate or a polysulfonate. Such a plastic will generally survive about 200 ° C without damage.

As FIG. 2 shows, it may be advantageous if the carrier 3 is held at a distance from a bottom wall 8 of the box 1. This can be done by a base 9 supporting the support 3. It preferably consists of two edge thickenings of the opposite walls of the box 1, namely on the front wall 10 and the rear wall 11. The base could also be at least one projection or at least one knob on the bottom 8, for. B. distributed over its surface, be formed, in any case, the carrier 3 is fixed upwards by the latch 6, 6a and downwards by the base 9 substantially immovably in the box 1.

When using a tray 3 ', which is not basket-shaped but plate-shaped, projecting ribs 9a can be arranged on the inner surfaces of the walls in such a way that the tray 3' rests on their upper ends 9b, as shown in FIG. 2A . The ribs 9a can be integrally connected to the inner walls.

1 is further illustrated, the box 1 has on the one hand at least three, but here four feet 12 (only three are visible) and on the other hand recesses 13 on its cover 14. The recesses 13 are shaped so that they have the feet 12 one on the lid 14 stacked further box are able to hold firmly, so that stacks of such boxes 1 can be formed.

It is often essential for laboratory devices that they are sealed in box 1. For this purpose, the underside surface of the cover 14a (see FIG. 2) can be provided with a preferably elastic sealing material which is at least designed such that it comes to lie against the upper edge 3a of the trough 3, optionally simply as a sealing plate which extends over substantially the entire surface 14a. However, it is simpler - and generally sufficient - if a labyrinth seal is formed between the cover 14 and the walls 7, 10 and 11. In cross section, this can be carried out with overlapping edges, as is shown in FIG. 2 with the aid of an edge 14b of the cover and an edge 10a of the wall 10. As FIG. 1 shows, these overlapping edges also run through in the region of the upper edges of the side walls 7. Further measures for sealing remaining gaps will become apparent below with reference to the description of the closure.

The closure 15 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 has a ratchet lever 16 which can be pivoted about an articulation axis 17 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, expediently defined by spacing-securing bearing cheeks 18 (FIG. 2), the Bearing cheeks 18 can be arranged in one piece on the pawl lever 16. The pawl lever 16 has at its free end a pawl 20 directed against the front wall 10 of the box and a latching projection 19 provided thereon (FIG. 2). Of course, a corresponding recess or opening could also be provided in the wall 10 instead of the projection 19, but this would then have to be sealed again, which is why the

Projection 19 is cheaper. For the same reason, it is preferred if the pawl 20 is arranged on a lever 16 of the lock 15, although it could also be provided on the side of the wall 10.

The special conditions of a laboratory operation make it advantageous to design the closure 15 in such a way that it can be opened but also closed by one-handed pressure operation. One only has to imagine that the operator holds a pipette or the drive and connection part for a dental drill with one hand and should remove a pipette tip or a drill from the box with the other hand.

For this purpose, the pawl lever 16 is preferably supplemented by a pressure lever 21 enclosing an angle with it to form a locking rocker that tilts about the articulation axis 17. The printing operation takes place in the opposite direction, as can be seen from FIG. 2 the pressure of a leaf spring 22, which is preferably formed in one piece with the cover 14 via a constriction 23 (ie a linear weakening of the plastic material, here in the form of a groove) formed from the material of the cover 14. In order to reduce the friction, the pressure lever 21 rests only on the leaf spring 22 with an extension 21a and is loaded by the leaf spring 22 in a clockwise direction (based on FIG. 2) such that the pawl 20, which is rounded towards the wall 10, in the direction of the projection 19 will be charged A pressure on the area of the closure 15 delimited in the form of the lever 21 therefore releases it and causes the connection between the cover 14 and the and 10 to be released. For sealing reasons, it can be advantageous if under the leaf spring 22 formed as a flat plastic part 22 a, here inclined, wall section 14c runs, which on the one hand limits the pressure movement of the closing rocker and on the other hand covers the gap 24 remaining between it and the cover material. All other gaps are advantageously simply covered by the fact that the rocker, as can be seen, is designed to be relatively wide and to cover the column. The lid 14 is also closed and locked by one-hand pressure operation, namely on the top of the lid 14 or on the front edge of the rocker on the closure 15, i.e. outside the delimited area of the lever 21, whereupon the pawl 20 under the action of the leaf spring 22 in the position shown in Fig. 2 snaps behind the projection 19.

In order to further facilitate handling and to bring about an automatic lifting of the lid 14 from the walls 7, 10 and 11, it is advantageous on the one hand if the lid 14 is not removable from the box 1, but with it or with one of the walls, namely the rear wall 11 is connected to a hinge axis 25 via a hinge arrangement. This hinge arrangement can comprise an upwardly directed hinge strip 26 and a strip 27 projecting downward through the cover 14 for sealing the hinge gap 28. Another hinge arrangement 25 '-27' is shown in Figure 2A. It consists of a protrusion 25 'which is arranged in one piece on the cover 14 and which is rotatably mounted in the protrusion 27' of the rear wall 11 about an axis 26 '. Now it is easy to provide an elastic element, such as a lift-off spring, which at least covers 14 after the pressure operation described above partially opens automatically. As such, this can be done by at least one leg spring in the area of the hinge arrangement 25-27, but in view of the short lever arm, the leg spring must then be dimensioned strong enough to lift the lid 14, so that there is a risk of it jumping open so suddenly, that handling is disabled or even box 1, which is relatively high when the base area is not very large, is knocked over.

For this reason, it is preferred if the elastic element is arranged in the region of the side of the cover 16 facing away from the hinge arrangement 25-27, where it interacts with a larger lever arm (relative to the axis 25). It is particularly expedient if the elastic element is arranged approximately in the middle, opposite the hinge arrangement 25-27, that is to say here in the region of the closure 15, which is likewise arranged in the center. However, it is clear in itself that the invention is in no way limited to a centrally arranged closure 15, although it is also understood that this arrangement also contributes to easier operation, because otherwise either two lateral closure members are provided or only one

Actuator for symmetrically arranged closures would have to be provided. A leaf spring 29 as the elastic element just mentioned can only be seen very schematically from FIG. 2, but more clearly from FIG. 3, to which reference is now made.

From FIG. 3 forming a side view of the front wall 14d of the cover 14, it can be seen that the cover 14 has at least one, in this embodiment symmetrical to the center two, insertion slot (s) 30 for receiving the leaf spring 29, which at least partially forms the elastic element having. This is because the elastic element for lifting the cover 14 can optionally also comprise a further spring or a further elastic element, such as the already mentioned elastic seal pressed onto the edge 3a (FIG. 2), which of course also when the closure 15 is unlocked could contribute to lifting the lid 14.

The slots 30 are so long or the leaf spring 29 is dimensioned such that when the lid 14 is placed and locked on the remaining box 1, it can at least partially escape into the insertion slots 30. If the slots 30 are made shorter, the evasive movement of the spring 29 takes place by elastic deformation. This type of assembly by inserting into slots 30 is particularly easy to achieve in the manufacture of box 1. However, it is clear that, if desired, a similar way of manufacture can also be followed here, as was described with the aid of the spring 22, namely as a flat part connected in one piece to the cover 14 by means of a plastic hinge (cf.

and although a two-armed rocker placed on the cover 14 is preferred for the closure 15, a simple locking lever could be provided, for example in the manner described later with reference to FIG. 5. Another embodiment will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in which parts of the same function have the same reference numerals as in the previously described figures, parts of a similar function have the same reference numerals, but with the addition of an addition (letter or dash).

FIG. 4A also shows a pawl lever 16a with a pawl 20 which engages in a projection 19 and which is pivotable about a hinge axis 17. This pivoting in a clockwise direction occurs here for closing under the action of the elastic force of a rubber cushion 22a which loads a lever 21 ', which is too short for easy actuation to open the box 1. The opening takes place here by means of a kind of key, the shape of which can be seen particularly from FIG. 4B. This key 31 consists of a spring material and has an approximately straight actuating part 31a and a spring part 31b running obliquely to it.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the pawl lever 16a has a recess 32 in which an insertion slot 33 for the key 31 is formed. if the key 31 is now pushed into the slot 33 without applying pressure, it is supported with lateral arms 31c on the edge of a narrowed section 33a, so that the key 31 is probably in the slot 33 but does not unlock. This state is shown in Fig. 4A. If, on the other hand, the resilient key 31 is pushed forward from the edge of the constriction 33a and at the same time into the enlarged section 33b of the slot 33, its lower end abuts against the front cover wall 14d. The further pressure on the top of the Key 31 causes a resilient force acting on the ratchet lever 16a, which finally disengages the parts 19, 20.

In the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 5, a pushbutton 21b is provided as a delimited area for opening, which acts on a lever 21c located below the surface 14a and pivoting about the axis 17. This lever 21c is connected to the ratchet lever 16 as an angle lever. The push button 21b is fastened on a pin 21e, for example detachably, such as by a thread, which has a stamp 21d seated downward in a recess of the cover 14. The elastic element for the closing or locking movement of this angle 16, 21c is formed by a leaf spring 22b, which is inserted into a slot 34 in an extension 35 of the cover 14 and is held there in any way, for example by means of flanging shown.

Numerous modifications are conceivable within the scope of the invention; For example, a socket wrench of the type shown in FIG. 4B could be used to form a coupling between two independently pivotable levers, namely the ratchet lever and a pressure lever, so that accidental contact with the pressure lever does not immediately open the cover, but rather the empty pivoting of the pressure lever without transmission of the movement to the ratchet lever is effected when the key is not in the unlocked position in the expanded slot section 33b. Only when the key is in the unlocked position is the movement of one lever transferred to the other, since they are coupled together by the key.

Furthermore, only latch latches have been shown, but of course any other form of releasable latching can be used.

Claims

claims 1. container (1) for receiving several laboratory devices (2), with a wall (7, 8, 10, 11) surrounded, via an opening (la) accessible from above and a receiving space closing lid (14) and a lock (15) which can be triggered by pressure actuation for locking the cover (14) with at least one of the walls (10), characterized in that the lock (15) has a lever (16) which can be pivoted about an articulation axis (17) and which is connected to a a counter detent (19) is connected to at least one of the walls (10) engaging detent element (20) and has a delimited area (21, 21b, 31a) from which a compressive force acting there is directed to the lever (16), which, under the influence of this force, immediately unlocks the cover (14) and the wall (10), and that a compressive force acting in the same direction in a region adjoining the delimited region (21, 21b, 31a), which extends over the closure (15) can extend to the cover (14), the lever (16) moved indirectly into the locking position, thus locking the wall (10) and cover (14). 2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the lever (16) is designed as a two-armed rocker pivotally mounted in the region of the lid edge, of which one arm carries the latching element (20) and the other arm (21, 21c) immediate transmission of the attacking pressure force to the lever (16) is used. 3. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the other arm of the rocker extends above the lid (14) and forms the delimited area as a pressure lever (21). 4. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure (15) is arranged centrally, in particular on the lid (14). 5. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the lever (16) by an elastic element (22, 22a, 22b) in Direction of engagement of the two locking elements (19, 20) is loaded. 6. A container according to claim 5, characterized in that the elastic element is connected to the lid (14) Leaf spring (22, 22b). 7. A container according to claim 6, characterized in that the leaf spring (22) is formed as a flat part formed from the cover material, via a constriction (23) connected to the cover (14). 8. A container according to claim 7, characterized in that the leaf spring (22) and the gaps remaining with respect to the remaining cover material are at least partially covered by a correspondingly wide lever (16, 21) from the outside. 9. A container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one elastic element (29) is provided for at least partially opening the lid (14) when the closure (15, 15a) is actuated. 10. A container according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid (14) is connected to one of the walls (11) by a hinge arrangement (25-27, 25'-27 '). 11. A container according to claim 9 and 10, characterized in that the elastic element (29) in the region of the Hinge arrangement (25-27,25 '-27') opposite side of the cover (14) is arranged. 12. A container according to claim 11, characterized in that the elastic element (29) approximately in the middle of the hinge arrangement (25-27, 25'-27 ') is arranged opposite. 13. A container according to claim 9, characterized in that the lid (14) has at least one insertion slot (30) for receiving a leaf spring which at least partially forms the elastic element (29). 14. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that a sealing arrangement is provided between the opening (la) of the receiving space and the lid (14). 15. A container according to claim 14, characterized in that the sealing arrangement is formed at least in part like a labyrinth seal with overlapping edges (10a, 14b) on the lid (14) and on the walls (7, 10, 11) delimiting the opening (la) is. 16. A container according to claim 1, characterized in that in the region of the opening (la) at least one Locking device (6, 6a) is provided for locking a support (3, 3 ') inserted into the receiving space with compartments for each of the laboratory devices (2). 17. A container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of the lid (14) and walls (7, 8, 10, 11) consist of heat-resistant plastic, in particular a polycarbonate or a polysulfonate. 18. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that two mutually opposite walls, in particular a wall (8) and the lid (14), complementary recesses (13) and projections (12) for securely stacking two or more containers (1) exhibit.