Cartridge for a liquid

Fluid cartridge

Full description

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to a fluid cartridge that can be connected to a suction or discharge device. The discharge device includes an upper portion that radiates to house the cartridge, and a lower portion that can be pushed over the attached cartridge. The upper part of the device is provided with a connecting part for the cartridge

And with a drain connection part to draw and drain the liquid.

The liquids, according to the present invention, may be in the form of solutions, suspensions or emulsions. The preferred liquids are those liquids that contain an active ingredient. The active substances can be in the form of pharmaceutically active substances for the treatment of the human or animal body, or we can be active substances for diagnostic purposes or for cosmetic use.

The present invention aims to adapt a cartridge, manufactured in an economical manner, to those specific types of uses.

Various thin-walled vessels of the general type mentioned above are known, which are not diffusion-tight to volatile components in the liquid. In this case, part of the liquid is lost through diffusion and the concentration level of the liquid components changes in a manner that may be unacceptable. Such containers are suitable for relatively short storage periods. In the case of other vessels of the general type mentioned above, unacceptable changes in the liquid occur due to diffusion or due to the action of air, before or during the period of use. In particular, in the case of containers of liquids containing active medicinal substances, there is a need to fulfill stringent requirements in order to avoid unacceptable adverse effects on the quality of the medicine. General description of the invention

On this basis, the object of the present invention is to develop a liquid cartridge that can be produced economically and in large numbers, and which can be stored filled for a long period of time even in

difficult circumstances. The current invention aims to provide an easy possibility of withdrawing liquid that does not involve contact with the surrounding environment. The present invention also aims to provide a cartridge that can be connected to an intake or discharge device in the most easily and replaceable manner possible, and to enable the cartridge to be handled reliably even by unskilled persons. The present invention also aims to provide a suitable cartridge for a liquid containing active medicinal substances that meets the stringent requirements imposed in such a case.

According to the present invention, this goal is achieved by means of a cartridge that can be connected to an intake or discharge device. The discharge device includes an upper portion that radiates to house the device, and a lower portion that can be pushed over the attached cartridge. The upper part of the device is provided with a connection part for the cartridge and a suction or drain connection part for the purpose of drawing liquid. The cartridge may be in the form of a three-shell container containing a solid outer shell, a fixed container located inside the shell, and a collapsible bag arranged inside the fixed container containing the liquid. The hard case may have a bottom that can be filled with a hole. The fixed-shaped vessel may also have an opening that can be closed by a plug with an insertion portion. The plug may form a leak-proof center guide to the intake coupling portion. The plug can be connected to the fixed-shaped vessel in a non-separable manner by means of the steel casing. The cartridge may be releasably connected to the connecting portion at the top of the drain device.

The connection between the cartridge and the connecting part of the device may be in the form of a stud connection, a threaded connection, or a two-bolt connection. It is preferable that this connection be in the form of a releaseable connection, and it may be in the form of a non-releaseable connection or a difficult-to-release connection. It is preferable for the stopper to consist of a thermoplastic material and can be connected to the fixed-shaped vessel with a fixed push-button link using a snap connector. The plug may also be irreversibly welded to the shape-fixed thermoplastic vessel by means of materials

They merge with each other. The plug in the penetration part may be provided with a central funnel-shaped guide to the drainage or suction part. The steering device may be provided with guide ribs. The seal may hermetically enclose the intake coupling portion and be in the form of a snap-in coupling device for the intake coupling portion. The end of the insertion connection portion located toward the inner space of the collapsible bag may be sealed by a membrane that may be arranged at an angle with respect to the axis of the insertion connection portion, and the membrane may be punctured when the suction connection portion is inserted into the cartridge. This membrane prevents the fluid inside the penetration part from escaping while the cartridge is stored.

A sealing disc, which may have convex sealing tips or sealing ridges, may be provided between the upper edge of the fixed-form container and the inside of the plug. The inside of the stopper may be provided with a sealing lip or a sealing lip assembly that presses into a sealing disc on the upper edge of the fixed vessel.

The steel cover is impermeable to the diffusion of gases and liquids, except for the opening in it. This casing can be in the form of a one-piece casing of deep-drawn metal, preferably aluminium. The steel casing may also consist of two parts, where the two parts are welded together and sealed relative to each other by means of welding or adhesive sealing elements. The hard shell can also be made of a plastic material, preferably a thermoplastic material. The hard shell may have a protruding convex edge or protrusion at its bottom edge. The bottom can be provided with a centrally arranged groove in the form of an inward concave area. It is preferable that the hard cover contain at the central point of its bottom an opening that could be in the form of a cavity. It is also possible to additionally provide a insert in the groove at the bottom of the cover, preferably consisting of a plastic material and including an opening in the form of a fine slot located in line with the hole at the bottom of the hard cover. A filter can be placed before the fine opening within the outlet.

The bottom hole diameter of the steel casing can be between 0.1 mm and 5 mm when the cross section used is circular. The diameter of the micro-hole inside the insert, when using a circular cross section, is between 10 µm and 500 µm and a length between 0.1 µm and 500 µm. The precise opening makes it possible to adjust to achieve the desired value of pressure equalization time between the internal space of the cartridge and its surrounding environment. The steel sleeve may be provided in the vicinity of its open end with a crease that extends circumferentially and encloses the plug in a constant tension-push relationship. The solid thermoplastic casing can be welded to the plug by fusion of the two materials. In addition, the top of the steel casing may be provided with a notch that extends circumferentially outward around the bottom edge of the plug. The solid sleeve may have at its open end a portion with a protruding flange enclosing the upper edge of the plug.

The hard shell can be provided with a set of extensions that extend into the inside of the shell and support the fixed-shaped shell within the hard shell. It is preferable to place three extensions between the middle area and the bottom area of the hard shell, as they are located in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shell. In the case of a steel casing made of metal, these extensions can be produced by forming the protruding flange at the open end of the steel casing.

The cartridge may be sealed in the plug area with a thin sealant, preferably impermeable to diffusion, which seals the open end of the penetration delivery portion. The outer part of the bottom of the cover can also be provided with a drink-proof film, preferably impermeable to diffusion, covering the hole in the bottom or the insert at the bottom of the cover. Both waterproof foils prevent dirt from entering the openings under the foil and prevent the spread of liquid components during the cartridge's storage period. Both sealing films are separated or punctured only immediately before the first regular use of the cartridge.

The releasable connection between the cartridge and the connecting portion of the drain device may be in the form of a plug-in connection wherein the connecting portion thereof is provided with a plurality of snap clips that engage within a groove extending circumferentially in the upper portion of the steel casing after insertion of the plug into the device. It is also useful to use the tap connection for other vessels of the general type previously described, the fixed-shaped vessel or plug in this case having a groove into which the snap hooks are engaged.

Snap clamps made of plastic material can be equipped with a metal spring element that maintains the springy characteristic of the snap clamps for a long period of time and at high temperature. A free space covering the watertight foil may be provided in the central area of the watertight foil on the outside of the bottom of the cover. A rigid or flexible impaling device may be placed on the inside of the bottom of the device, whereby the thin, leak-proof impaling device placed on the bottom of the casing will puncture the casing before first drawing a portion of the liquid from the cartridge. This opens the hole in the bottom of the casing or the fine hole in the insert and allows air to pass into the space inside the cartridge. To withdraw the used cartridge from the discharge device, an auxiliary retractor can be used which is pushed under the convex end or protrusion at the bottom of the hard case, thus facilitating the cartridge to be pulled out.

Before connecting the cartridge to the dispensing device, the two anti-drinking films on the stopper and the bottom of the cartridge are removed, or these two anti-drinking films are pierced when connecting the cartridge to the dispensing device. The pressure difference between the inside of the cartridge and the surrounding environment is equalized by the opening at the bottom of the steel casing.

When a quantity of liquid is withdrawn from the cartridge connected to the drain device, the collapsible bag collapses and its volume decreases in proportion to the volume of the drawn fluid. As a result, there is low pressure in the gas chamber of the cartridge (which is the free space between the area outside the bag

vulnerabilities and the inside of the steel casing), compared to the atmospheric pressure surrounding the cartridge. This pressure difference is equalized in a relatively short period of time if the steel casing is thin-walled and provided with a cavity whose size is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

If the cartridge has a plug at the bottom of the steel casing containing a thin opening, it is possible to adjust the pressure equalization time between the gaseous space in the cartridge and the surrounding atmosphere. For example, if the volume of the gaseous space in the cartridge is 3 mm, and the pressure difference between the atmosphere surrounding the cartridge and the gaseous space in the cartridge is 20 hectapascals (20 mbar), and the circular micro-hole is 200 micrometers long and a diameter between 80 micrometers and 50 micrometers, then it can Achieving pressure equalization listening time between 2 hours and 13 hours. If the pressure equalization time is adapted to the normal time between two liquid withdrawals from the cartridge, the diffusion of the liquid components out of the collapsing bag will be more difficult. The cartridge according to the present invention may be, for example, 55 mm long and 1 7 mm in diameter. The plug may have a penetration connection portion that ensures the internal drop obtains a firm press coupling to a drainage connection portion with an outer diameter of 2 mm. The cartridge according to the present invention can be used in a vaporizer as shown in Figures (6a) and (6b) of International Patent Application No. 97/12687. The cartridge (1) according to the present invention corresponds to the feed vessel (71) in Figures (6a) and (6b) in that application, and the spring portion of the clamping mechanism in the form of a connecting portion (2) corresponds to the spring portion (56) in that application, and the lower portion (3) of the device corresponds to the lower casing portion (70). The cartridge can contain a water-based or alcohol-based liquid.

If an aqueous liquid is used, the fixed container and stopper are made of polypropylene, and the collapsible bag is made of polyethylene. The hard shell can be made of a plastic material, preferably polypropylene. The opening at the bottom of the hard shell can be in the form of a cavity. The stopper of the fixed-shaped vessel may be provided with an insertion connection portion

At its end facing the internal space, it can be closed by a membrane inclined with respect to the axis of the penetration part. The penetration coupling portion may include a snap-on coupling device for the drainage coupling portion. The stopper can be connected to the fixed vessel by means of a snap connection. The releaseable bolt connection between the cartridge and the connecting portion of the drain device may be in the form of a snap connection in which the snap hooks located in the connecting portion of the drain device engage within the groove extending circumferentially in the upper area of the cartridge. The inside of the bottom of the top-mounted device may be provided with a flexible impaling device for piercing the watertight film on the underside of the bottom of the package. In the case of an alcoholic liquid, the fixed vessel and stopper may be made of polypropylene, and the collapsible bag may be made of polyethylene. The hard cover is made of metal, preferably aluminum. The groove may be radiated into the bottom of the steel casing to accommodate a insert containing a fine aperture located flush with the recess in the bottom of the casing. A plug with a fixed-shaped vessel penetration portion may be closed, at its end facing the internal space, by a diaphragm inclined with respect to the axis of the penetration portion. The insertion connection portion may be provided with a central guide device that is sealed in a leak-proof manner to the discharge connection portion, and the guide device shall be in the form of a snap-on coupling device. The plug can be irreversibly connected to the fixed-shaped vessel by the steel sleeve. The releasable bolt connection between the cartridge and the discharge device connecting portion may be in the form of a snap connection in which the snap hooks located in the connecting portion of the discharge device engage within the groove extending circumferentially in the upper area of the cartridge. The bottom of the bottom mounted part of the device may be provided with a flexible impaling device for piercing the watertight film on the underside of the cover.

According to the present invention, the cartridge can be filled with a medical liquid containing, for example, a pharmaceutically active substance with water, ethanol, or mixtures thereof, for example.

International Patent Application No. 98/27959 describes stable aqueous medicinal preparations for producing aerosols free of propellant gases for the purpose of inhalation. Attention was directed towards the structures mentioned in that request and demonstrated in the examples.

Suitable medicinal preparations in ethanol solution are mentioned, for example, in International Patent Application No. 79/01329, and attention is specifically directed to the active ingredients mentioned in that statement (see pages 2 and 3 of that application) and the fixed compositions mentioned in that statement.

Among the effective medical substances that can be used are the drug Berotec (fenoterol hydrobromide), and the compound 1-(3,5-dihydroxy-phenyl)-2-[1-(4-hydroxy-benzyl)-ethyl]-amino. ]-Ethanol hydrobromide, Atrovent (Ipraterbium Bromide), Berodual (a combination of Fenotol Hydrobromide and Ipraterbium Bromide), Salbutamol, Salbutamol Sulfate, Combivent, and Oxivent (Oxytropium Bromide). ), and the drug Ba 679 (Tioterbium Bromide) and the drug B EA 2108 (2108 BEA) (di-(2-thienyl)-tropinol glycolic acid ester), Flunosolid, Budesonid, Beclomethasone, and others.

According to the present invention, the cartridge has the following features:

1- The concentration of the medical liquid contained in the sealed cartridge does not change except within permissible limits, even for a storage period of up to several years and at a high storage temperature. 2- The cartridge content is protected from contamination in a highly efficient manner. 3- The possibility of using the cartridge when installed in the drain device for several months. 4- The possibility of adjusting the half-time of pressure equalization using the shape of the precise opening. 5- The possibility of producing the cartridge in a medically acceptable form.

6 The original, unaltered condition of the cartridge and its content can be easily observed within the specified period of use thanks to the intact condition of the sealing foil. 7- High functional reliability of the cartridge and avoidance of handling error. 8- The cartridge is firmly fixed in the drain device.

9- The tightly closed cartridge is tamper-proof by children and makes it more difficult to manipulate its contents.

10- It is easy to withdraw the empty cartridge from the discharge device due to the protrusion located at the bottom of the hard casing.

According to the present invention, the cartridge containing a medical liquid can be used to produce an inhalable aerosol using a vaporizer. Aerosol is suitable for treating diseases.

Brief explanation of fees

Figure [1] shows the cartridge and the connecting part with the bottom. Figure [2] shows the cartridge after it has been fully pushed onto the drain connection portion.

Figure [3a] shows an enlarged image of the tip of the hard shell.

Figure [3b] shows the situation after puncturing the sealing foil. Figure [4a] Cross section of an auxiliary pulling tool. Figure [4b] Top view of an auxiliary puller in the clamping position.

Detailed description

The cartridge according to the present invention will now be described in more detail by referring to the attached drawings.

Figure [1] shows the cartridge (1), the connecting part (2) of the intake or drain device, and the lower part (3) of the device pushed over the connected cartridge. The hard shell (4) contains the fixed-shaped container (5) with the collapsible bag (6). The fixed vessel is closed by means of a stopper (7) and a snap connector (8). The sealing disc (9), compressed, is located in it

Drink-proof lip (10), between the upper edge of the fixed-shaped bowl and the lower side of the stopper. The hard cover includes a circumferentially extending groove (11) on which the lower edge of the plug rests. The circumferentially extending indentation (12) in the hard shell is compressed into the plug. The stopper is fixed on its upper side by the protruding part of the flange (13) from the upper end of the steel casing. The hole (14) is provided in the fixed-shaped container (5).

The connection portion of the drainage device includes a drain or suction connection portion (15) that pierces the sealing film (16) on the upper side of the plug and penetrates into the penetration connection portion (17). When the cartridge is further pushed into the discharge connection portion (15), it penetrates the area (17a) of the piston coupling device and the oblique diaphragm hole (18) at the tip of the insertion connection portion (17). The snap hooks (19) in the connection part (2) of the drainage device engage from the outside inside the circumferentially extending groove (11) in the steel casing.

The solid shell (4) is supplemented in its central area with extensions (4a) located in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shell. These extensions support the fixed-shaped vessel. The hard shell has a prominent protrusion (20) or a prominent convex edge on its lower edge. In the center of the notch, which is in the form of an area concave inward (21), the hole (22) is located. The bottom of the hard shell is covered with waterproof foil (23). The free space (24) is located between the sealing film and the concave area inward. The flexible suction device (25) is located on the inside of the lower part (3) of the drain device.

Figure [2] shows the cartridge (1) fully pushed into the discharge connection portion and connected to the delivery portion (2), the diaphragm pierced at the end of the penetration connection portion and the snap hooks (19) engaged in the groove extending circumferentially at the upper end of the hard shell. The plug (7) is provided with guide ribs (7A). Area (17a) includes a push-on coupler

It is located between the drain connecting part and the plug. The socket (26) is located in the groove, which is shaped like an area on the bottom of the cover that is concave inward.

Figure [3a] shows the end of the steel casing (4) and the end of the bottom of the drain device and plug (26) at an enlarged scale. The insert (26) includes a precise opening (27) located in line with the opening (28) located at the bottom of the hard cover. The filter (29) is located in front of the fine hole. The bottom of the hard shell is covered with a waterproof film (23). Figure [3b] shows the case in which the thin impingement device (25) pierces the seal (23).

Figure [4a] shows a cross-section through the auxiliary retractor (30) mounted on the cartridge (1) in which the steel jacket is pushed behind the protrusion or convex tip (20). The cartridge is held in position in the auxiliary retractor (30) and can be rotated around the axis of the cartridge and then pulled out of the discharge device using the auxiliary retractor. Figure [4b] shows a top view of the retracting aid (30) in a position in which it is mounted on the cartridge, and the steel housing (4) in cross section. The auxiliary drawing device (30) includes an opening with a centrally arranged area whose diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the steel casing (4) and smaller than the diameter of the convex end or protrusion (20). The center area of the slot pushes into the large slot (31) so that the pull-out aid can easily be attached to the end of the cartridge. The diameter of the central area of the hole decreases at two diagonally opposite positions (32) and (33) as the circular arc of the hole is flattened. The steel jacket is compressed in these two positions when the auxiliary retractor is pushed, thus obtaining a firm fit between the auxiliary retractor and the cartridge.