Fluid product dispensing device

Abstract

A fluid product dispensing device comprising a body (100; 100') having a dispensing orifice (110; 110'), a reservoir (1) containing fluid product, a dispensing member (20; 20'), such as a metering valve (20) or a pump (20'), mounted on said reservoir (1), said reservoir (1) being movable relative to said body (100; 100') to actuate said dispensing member (20; 20') and dispense a dose of fluid product through said dispensing orifice (110; 110'), said device comprising at least one sealing element (40, 41, 42) to form a fluid seal, at least one sealing element (40, 41, 42) of said device comprising an OBC (Olefin Block Copolymer). "Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1"

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid product dispensing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for distributing a fluid product.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for distributing a liquid pharmaceutical product comprising a dosing valve or a pump.

[0003] As is known, this type of device includes one or more sealing elements. The sealing elements provide sealing at various points, and conventionally, there is generally a neck seal, which is interposed between the tank and the retaining ring used to attach the pump or valve to the tank. Furthermore, in the case of a metering valve, the valve itself includes one or more sealing elements that cooperate with the valve when it is at rest and / or when it moves to its actuated position. In the most common valves, the valve generally includes two seals called "internal seals" against which the valve slides in a tight seal during actuation.

[0004] Generally, these sealing elements are made of cross-linked elastomeric material, such as EPDM, nitrile, polychloroprene, etc. More recently, it has been proposed to use TPEs (Thermoplastic Elastomers) such as POE (Polyoctene Ethylene), EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), COC (Cyclic Olefin Copolymer), but these uses are limited to certain neck seals (static sealing). Other TPEs have also been proposed, such as TPS (Thermoplastic Styrenic Elastomer), TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanized Elastomer), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane Elastomer), TPA (Thermoplastic Amide Elastomer), and TPEE (Thermoplastic Ester / Ether Elastomer).

[0005] All these materials have varying degrees of performance depending on the properties considered, and all have certain disadvantages.

[0006] In particular, the cross-linked elastomers generally used are not recyclable or are only very difficult to recycle. They also generate a fairly high rate of extractables and their formulation is complex, which makes their manufacture complicated.

[0007] Standard POE, EVA, and COC have limited elastic properties, in particular a high compression set (CDS). This significant hardness makes assembly difficult, as the material is difficult to compress.

[0008] More flexible grades exist for POE and EVA, but in this case, thermal resistance is limited (55°C for a POE grade of 70 shA). Furthermore, for EVA, these are grades containing more than 25% vinyl acetate, whereas the European Pharmacopoeia limits the vinyl acetate content in certain pharmaceutical applications.

[0009] Other TPEs also have disadvantages: - Regulatory (the rules in Europe and the USA which are mandatory for pharmaceutical applications): limits the number of usable grades. - Recycling: although theoretically recyclable, apart from TPS and TPV under certain conditions, none of these materials are recycled to date. - Reduction of hardness by oil extension: migration into the products to be distributed. - Limited chemical resistance, for example to ethanol. - Processability: drying required for TPU, TPC-ET, TPA.

[0010] Moreover, in the case of a pump, these materials are generally acceptable as a neck seal for a crimped pump but not for a screwed pump, because these materials are not elastic enough, with a risk of loss of sealing after several screwing / unscrewings or difficulties in compressing the neck seal during assembly.

[0011] It is therefore desirable to find materials for making these sealing elements that are less rigid and more easily recyclable, while also being easy to manufacture and assemble.

[0012] There is a material called OBC (Olefin Block Copolymer) commonly used as a polymer modifier, in foams, elastic films, adhesives, soft grips, toys, floor coverings, household articles, hoses and tubes, soft wheels, cap coatings, and various injection-molded components. However, OBC has never been used as a sealing element in pumps or metering valves. Nor has it been used in contact with propellant gases, particularly HFA or HFO gases, which have a very aggressive effect on the materials constituting sealing elements. Surprisingly, it has been found that this OBC material is particularly beneficial and suitable for use in pumps and metering valves operating with propellant gases, particularly HFA or HFO gases.

[0013] The present invention therefore aims to provide a fluid product distribution device that does not reproduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0014] More particularly, the present invention aims to provide a fluid product distribution device that improves the recycling capacity of the sealing elements used in the device.

[0015] The present invention also aims to provide a fluid product distribution device comprising a metering valve in which the neck seal and the internal seals can be made of the same material.

[0016] The present invention also aims to provide a fluid product distribution device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0017] The present invention therefore relates to a fluid product distribution device comprising a body having a distribution orifice, a reservoir containing fluid product, a distribution member, such as a metering valve or a pump, assembled on said reservoir, said reservoir being movable relative to said body to actuate said distribution member and distribute a dose of fluid product through said distribution orifice, said device comprising at least one sealing element to form a fluid seal, at least one sealing element of said device comprising an OBC (Olefin Block Copolymer).

[0018] Advantageously, said distribution organ is assembled on said tank with interposition of a neck seal.

[0019] According to a first advantageous embodiment, said distribution member is a pump comprising a piston sliding in a pump body during actuation.

[0020] According to a second advantageous embodiment, said distribution member is a metering valve comprising a valve sliding in a valve body during actuation, said metering valve comprising at least one internal seal cooperating hermetically with said valve.

[0021] Advantageously, said metering valve includes an upper internal seal and a lower internal seal defining between them a metering chamber of said metering valve.

[0022] Advantageously, said neck seal and / or said upper internal seal and / or said lower internal seal comprise(s) OBC.

[0023] Advantageously, said at least one sealing element is made of OBC.

[0024] Alternatively, said at least one sealing element comprises an OBC alloy with at least one other material.

[0025] Advantageously, said other material comprises between 1% and 50% COC.

[0026] Advantageously, said OBC is crosslinked by the addition of a crosslinking agent, such as a peroxide, or by application of gamma or beta radiation.

[0027] Advantageously, said OBC comprises at least one additive, such as an antioxidant, a colorant and / or an antistatic agent.

[0028] Advantageously, said fluid product is a pharmaceutical fluid product comprising at least one active product.

[0029] Advantageously, said distribution unit is a metering valve operating with a propellant gas, said propellant gas comprising HFA and / or HFO gas, in particular of the type HFA 134a and / or HFA 227 and / or HFA 152a and / or HFO-1234ze and / or HFO-1234yf.

[0030] These and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device distribution of fluid products of the pMDI type

[0032] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tank on which is assembled a metering valve, according to an advantageous embodiment, and

[0033] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tank on which is assembled a pump, according to an advantageous embodiment.

[0034] With reference to [Fig. 1], a metered-dose inhaler, generally called a pMDI, is described. It typically comprises an external body 100 with a dispensing orifice 110, usually a mouthpiece. Inside this body is a reservoir 1 on which is mounted a metering valve 20, forming the dispensing element. A valve 30 slides within said metering valve 20 to dispense a dose of the liquid product with each actuation. The body 100 has a well 101 which receives the valve 30 and which creates a connecting passage between the outlet of the valve 30 and said distribution orifice 110. In a conventional manner, to operate such a device, the user presses on the bottom of the reservoir 1 to push it axially into the body 100, which causes the valve 30 to slide tightly into the metering valve 20, thus causing the distribution of a dose of fluid product.Inside the tank, the fluid product, which generally contains one or more active product(s), is associated with a propellant gas, preferably an HFA type gas, for example HFA 134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) and / or HFA 227 (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane) and / or HFA 152a (1,1-difluoroethane), and / or an HFO type gas, for example HFO-1234ze (1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) and / or HFO-1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene).

[0035] Figure 2 represents a metering valve according to an advantageous embodiment. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to this type of metering valve, but that it applies to any type of metering valve usable in a pMDI.

[0036] A metering valve 20 is assembled onto the reservoir 1 as shown in [Fig. 2]. This assembly can be achieved using a retaining ring 50, which in this case is a crimped ring, but which could also be a snap-on or screw-on ring. The metering valve 20 conventionally comprises a valve body 21 inside which a valve 30 slides. This valve 30 is actuated by a spring 5 towards its rest position.

[0037] In a known manner, a sealing gasket 40, called a "neck gasket", is interposed between the fixing ring 50 and the neck of the tank 1 during the assembly of the metering valve 20 on the tank 1, to ensure sealing at the neck of the tank.

[0038] Furthermore, the metering valve includes at least one internal sealing seal 41, 42 which cooperates in a hermetic manner with the valve 30. In the example shown in [Fig.2], the valve includes an upper internal seal 41 and a lower internal seal 42, the terms "lower" and "upper" referring to the orientation of [Fig.2], i.e. with the valve 20 arranged above the reservoir 1. Between these two internal seals 41, 42 is defined a metering chamber 60 and when the valve 30 is pushed into the valve body 21, the contents of this metering chamber 60 are expelled through the valve 30, in a conventional manner.

[0039] A ring 10 may be interposed between the neck seal 40 and the valve body 21 to limit contact between the active product and the neck seal 40, and also to limit the dead volume in this area of ​​the device. This ring 10, when present, may be of any suitable shape and material.

[0040] With reference to [Fig. 3], the dispensing device comprises a pump 20' as the dispensing element, said pump being fixed to the neck of a container 1, for example by means of a retaining ring 50. This pump 20' comprises a pump body 21' in which a piston 22' slides. A sealing element, in this case a neck seal 40, is disposed between the pump body 21' and the retaining ring 50, in a known manner. The structure of the pump 20' will not be described in further detail here, since the present invention applies to any type of pump, and the example in [Fig. 3] is not limiting. The device further comprises a dispensing head 100'. This dispensing head has an expulsion channel connecting the pump 20' to a product dispensing orifice 110'. Advantageously, in the example shown in [Fig.3], the distribution head 100' is a nasal pusher.Of course, the invention applies to any other type of pump and / or head.

[0041] According to the invention, at least one of the sealing elements described above, i.e. at least one of the neck seal 40, the upper internal seal 41 and the lower internal seal 42 comprises OBC (Olefin Block Copolymer).

[0042] Advantageously, all the joints of the device are made with the same material.

[0043] OBCs are as flexible as rubbers and more elastic than most TPEs. They are also recyclable in the polyolefin recycling stream.

[0044] OBCs are block copolymers in which the segments are composed of ethylene and an alpha olefin (1-butene, 1-octene, etc.) in varying proportions. Thus, one of the blocks is composed mainly of crystalline ethylene, providing mechanical, thermal, and chemical strength, while the other block incorporates a larger proportion of alpha olefin, providing flexibility. OBCs are notably manufactured and marketed by Dow, particularly under the brand name INFUSE™.

[0045] Advantageously, OBC forms the sole base material, but it could be envisaged to produce an alloy of OBC with one or more other materials, in particular the COC (Cyclic Olefin Copolymer), PE (Polyethylene), POE (Polyolefin Elastomer), EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate), or more generally any type of polyolefin products.

[0046] In particular, an alloy of OBC with COC can be envisaged, the COC content being between 1% and 50%.

[0047] Advantageously, said OBC may further comprise at least one additive, such as an antioxidant, a colorant and / or an antistatic agent.

[0048] OBC is a 100% polyolefin, and is therefore compatible with the polyolefin recycling stream. It does not require drying before processing. Relatively low hardnesses of around 50-70 shA can be achieved without the addition of oil.

[0049] The particular structure of OBC allows for improved elasticity and temperature resistance, especially compared to POE. This is explained in particular by the random nature of the alternation of monomers in the case of POE, whereas it is controlled in the case of OBC, which are referred to as blocks.

[0050] If it is desired to further improve these properties, it is possible to crosslink the OBC by adding a crosslinking agent, such as a peroxide or a phenolic resin, during reactive extrusion or by subjecting the material to ionizing radiation (range or beta). In this case, however, the material's ability to be easily recycled will be lost.

[0051] Its compatibility with other POE or other polyolefins allows for adjustment of the properties of impermeability, hardness, etc.

[0052] In the case of a metering valve, the material used for the manufacture of seals, in particular internal seals, must have the following properties: - Correct impermeability; - DRC (25% / 22h / 40°C) (compression residual deformation): o < 45% internal seal o < 80% neck joint - Hardness: o <75 shA internal joint o <90 shA neck joint - Processability (fewer steps possible); - Assembly: preferably possible with any type of fixing (crimping, screwing, snap-fitting, etc.) for the neck seal; - Recycling possible; - Thermal resistance > 60°C.

[0053] The table below compares three examples with OBC (examples 4, 5 & 6) with three examples of prior art (examples 1, 2 & 3).

[0054] Example 1 is a cross-linked elastomer, in this case EPDM incorporating mineral fillers of hardness 67shA, example 2 is a COC elastomer (Topas E-140) example 3 is a standard POE (Engage 8150).

[0055] Example 4 is OBC alone (Infuse 9000), example 5 is a 50 / 50 alloy of OBC (Infuse 9000) and COC elastomer (Topas E-140), and example 6 is OBC (Infuse 9000) crosslinked by Beta radiation. Examples 1 2 3 4 S 6 Formulation Crosslinked Elastomer (EPDM) COC POE std OBC OBC / COC (50 / 50) Crosslinked OBC Processability 2 steps: mixing then shaping and vulcanization Extrusion Extrusion Extrusion Extrusion then radiation DRC (%) <20 OK col and internal 70 OK col 70 OK col 40 OK col and internal 60 OK col l 23 OK col and internal Hardness (shA) 60-75 90 70 70 85 70 Recyclability Not OK OK OK OK OK Not OK Permeability Fair Excellent Fair Fair Excellent Fair Thermal resistance OK OK Not OK OK OK OK Assembly OK Not OK OK OK OK

[0056] We observe that example 4 is the only example which allows us to validate each row of the table.

[0057] Example 5 improves permeability, but at the expense of DRC, which makes the OBC / COC alloy less suitable for internal seals of a metering valve.

[0058] Example 6 improves the DRC, but at the expense of recyclability.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described with reference to advantageous embodiments thereof, it is understood that it is not limited by them but that any useful modifications may be made to them without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Fluid product dispensing device comprising a body (100; 100') having a dispensing orifice (110; 110'), a reservoir (1) containing fluid product, a dispensing member (20; 20'), such as a metering valve (20) or a pump (20'), assembled on said reservoir (1), said reservoir (1) being movable relative to said body (100; 100') to actuate said dispensing member (20; 20') and dispense a dose of fluid product through said dispensing orifice (110; 110'), said device comprising at least one sealing element (40, 41, 42) to form a fluid seal, characterized in that at least one sealing element (40, 41, 42) of said device comprises an OBC (Olefin Block Copolymer).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said distribution member (20) is assembled on said tank (1) with interposition of a neck seal (40).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said distribution member (20') is a pump comprising a piston (22') sliding in a pump body (21') during actuation.

4. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said distribution member (20) is a metering valve comprising a valve (30) sliding in a valve body (21) during actuation, said metering valve (20) comprising at least one internal seal (41, 42) cooperating hermetically with said valve (30).

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein said metering valve (20) comprises an upper internal seal (41) and a lower internal seal (42) defining between them a metering chamber (60) of said metering valve (20).

6. Device according to claim 2 and according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein said neck seal (40) and / or said upper internal seal (41) and / or said lower internal seal (42) comprise(s) of i'obc.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one sealing element (40, 41, 42) is made of OBC.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said at least one sealing element (40, 41, 42) comprises an OBC alloy with at least one other material.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein said other material comprises between 1% and 50% of COC.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said OBC is crosslinked by the addition of a crosslinking agent, such as a peroxide, or by the application of gamma or beta radiation.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said OBC comprises at least one additive, such as an antioxidant, a colorant and / or an antistatic agent.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fluid product is a pharmaceutical fluid product comprising at least one active product.

13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said distribution member (20) is a metering valve operating with a propellant gas, said propellant gas comprising HFA and / or HFO gas, in particular of the type HFA 134a and / or HFA 227 and / or HFA 152a and / or HFO-1234ze and / or HFO-1234yf.

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