Sealable joint

Abstract

A sealable joint includes a first component, a second component, and a third component. The first component includes a stem having a bore therethrough for fluid passage. A second component is disposed on the first component, and the third component includes a sealing surface and one or more radially inwardly projecting members. One of the second component and the first component, or a combination of the second component and the first component, includes a first flange and a second flange, with an annular recess defined therebetween. In a sealed configuration, the second component is received by the third component to form a seal joint in which at least a portion of the first flange deforms against the sealing surface, the one or more radially inwardly projecting members are disposed within the annular recess between the first flange and the second flange, and an outer surface of the second flange is radially outward of at least a portion of the one or more radially inwardly projecting members. In a sealed configuration, fluid can flow through the bore from a first side of the seal joint to a second side of the seal joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealable joint, and more particularly, but not limited thereto, to a sealable joint that can be used in medical devices such as drug delivery devices.

Background Art

[0002] In order to mechanically couple two components to each other while providing a fluid seal, a specific sealable joint is required. Known examples of such sealable joints include compression fittings incorporating an outer compression nut and an inner compression ring or ferrule. The inner compression ring may be compressed within the fitting to effect a fluid seal.

[0003] However, known sealable joints have several drawbacks. Certain sealable joints may be prone to failure of either or both of the fluid seal or the mechanical connection of two (or more) components under certain conditions.

[0004] An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved sealable joint. The sealable joint is capable of providing improved sealing and / or mechanical retention under conditions such as the effects of creep or aging, vibration (sinusoidal and / or random), pressure loading, axial loading, lateral loading, and / or impact loading.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sealable joint comprising a first component, a second component, and a third component, the first component comprising a stem through which a hole for passing a fluid extends, the second component being disposed on the first component, the third component comprising a sealing surface and one or more members projecting radially inwardly, The second component and the first component, or a combination of the second component and the first component, comprises a first flange and a second flange, with an annular recess defined between these flanges. In the seal configuration, the second component is received by (for example, within) the third component, forming a seal joint in which at least a portion of the first flange deforms relative to the sealing surface, one or more radially inward projecting members are located in an annular recess between the first flange and the second flange, and the outer surface of the second flange is radially outward of at least a portion of the one or more radially inward projecting members. In the seal configuration, the fluid can flow through the hole from the first side of the seal joint to the second side of the seal joint. A sealable joint is provided.

[0006] In certain embodiments, a second component may be attached to the outer surface of the first component. The second component may include a material that is more resilient to the first component.

[0007] In the sealing configuration, at least a portion of the first flange may form a sealed interference fit with the sealing surface.

[0008] In certain embodiments, one or more radially inwardly projecting members comprise a plurality of radially flexible fingers.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the second flange may be narrower with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sealable joint.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the second flange may have a contact surface facing one or more radially projecting members in a sealing configuration, and the contact between the contact surface and the one or more radially projecting members may restrict the axial movement of the second flange relative to the third component.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the first component may include a third flange, the third flange being located on the side of the first flange opposite to the second flange such that the first flange is between the second flange and the third flange, and the contact between the third flange and the third component may restrict the axial movement of the first component relative to the third component.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the first component and the second component form a single integrated part.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, an automatic syringe subassembly is provided which includes the aforementioned sealable joint.

[0014] The auto-injector subassembly may include a propellant source, and a sealable joint may seal the propellant source from other components of the auto-injector subassembly. The propellant source may include a propellant housing that defines a reservoir for containing propellant, and the first component may be movable relative to the propellant housing to selectively fluidize a bore to the reservoir.

[0015] The third component may form at least part of the other components of the automatic syringe subassembly.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a propellant source is provided, comprising a propellant housing defining a reservoir for containing propellant; a first component having a stem through which a hole is formed; and a second component disposed on the first component, wherein either the second component or the first component, or a combination of the second component and the first component, comprises a first flange and a second flange, with an annular recess defined between these flanges, and the first component is movable relative to the propellant housing to selectively fluidize the hole to the reservoir.

[0017] In certain embodiments, a second component may be attached to the outer surface of the first component. The second component may include a material that is more resilient to the first component.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the second flange may be narrower with respect to the longitudinal axis of the propellant source.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the first component may include a third flange, the third flange being on the side of the first flange opposite to the second flange.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the first component and the second component form a single integrated part.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sealable joint comprising a male connector component and a female connector component, The male connector component has a stem through which a hole is made for fluid to pass. The female connector component comprises a sealing surface and one or more radially inwardly protruding members. The male connector component comprises a first flange and a second flange, with an annular recess defined between these flanges. In the seal configuration, the male connector component is received by the female connector component (for example, within the female connector component), forming a seal joint in which at least a portion of the first flange deforms relative to the sealing surface, one or more radially inwardly projecting members are located in an annular recess between the first flange and the second flange, and the outer surface of the second flange is radially outward of at least a portion of the one or more radially inwardly projecting members. In the seal configuration, the fluid can flow through the hole from the first side of the seal joint to the second side of the seal joint. A sealable joint is provided.

[0022] In the sealing configuration, at least a portion of the first flange may form a sealed interference fit with the sealing surface.

[0023] In certain embodiments, one or more radially inwardly projecting members comprise a plurality of radially flexible fingers.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the second flange may be tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sealable joint.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the second flange may comprise a contact surface facing one or more radially inwardly projecting members in a sealed configuration, and the contact between the contact surface and the one or more radially inwardly projecting members may limit axial movement of the second flange relative to the female connector component.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the male connector component may comprise a third flange, the third flange being on the side of the first flange opposite the second flange, and the contact between the third flange and the female connector component may limit axial movement of the male connector component relative to the female connector component.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, an auto-injector subassembly comprising the aforementioned sealable joint is provided.

[0028] The auto-injector subassembly may comprise a propellant source, and the sealable joint may seal the propellant source relative to other components of the auto-injector subassembly. The propellant source may comprise a propellant housing defining a reservoir for containing the propellant, and the male connector component may be movable relative to the propellant housing to selectively fluidly couple the aperture with the reservoir.

[0029] The female connector component may form at least a portion of other components of the auto-injector subassembly.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, a propellant source is provided, comprising a propellant housing defining a reservoir for containing propellant, and a male connector component having a stem through which a hole is formed, and a first flange and a second flange, with an annular recess defined between the flanges, wherein the male connector component is movable relative to the propellant housing to selectively fluidize the hole to the reservoir.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the second flange may be narrower with respect to the longitudinal axis of the propellant source.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the male connector component may include a third flange, the third flange being on the side of the first flange opposite to the second flange.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, a propellant source for containing and distributing propellant, A housing defining a reservoir for containing propellant, A stem extending through an opening in a housing, having a hole extending through the stem and having an exit, and one or more radial channels extending from the hole through the outer surface of the stem, Equipped with, The stem is axially movable relative to the housing between a first axial position in which one or more radial channels are not in fluid communication with the reservoir and a second axial position in which one or more radial channels are in fluid communication with the reservoir so that propellant can flow from the reservoir through one or more radial channels and out through the holes to the outlet. The stem comprises a first stem portion and a second stem portion connected to the first portion, the second stem portion being fully positioned within the housing and having a width greater than the diameter of the opening so as to hold a portion of the stem within the housing. A propellant source is provided.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the rear end of the first stem portion extends through a hole in the second stem portion and includes a radially extending flange portion, the radially extending flange portion having a width greater than the diameter of the hole in the second stem portion and preventing axial downward movement of the first stem portion relative to the second stem portion. In certain embodiments, the second stem portion includes one or more axial holes passing through it. One or more axial holes can reduce the low-pressure effect that occurs between the second stem portion and the seal of the propellant source.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, a propellant source for containing and distributing propellant, A housing defining a reservoir for containing propellant, A stem extending through an opening in a housing, having a hole extending through the stem and having an exit, and one or more radial channels extending from the hole through the outer surface of the stem, Equipped with, The stem is axially movable relative to the housing between a first axial position in which one or more radial channels are not in fluid communication with the reservoir and a second axial position in which one or more radial channels are in fluid communication with the reservoir so that propellant can flow from the reservoir through one or more radial channels and out through the holes to the outlet. A portion of the stem that is fully positioned within the housing has a width greater than the diameter of the opening to hold the portion of the stem within the housing, and is provided with one or more axial holes through which the portion of the stem passes. The one or more axial holes can reduce the low-pressure effect that occurs between the second portion of the stem and the seal of the propellant source. A propellant source is provided.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing the aforementioned propellant source is provided, the method comprising the steps of assembling a first stem portion and a second stem portion together, and forming a radially extending flange portion of the first stem portion by mechanically deforming the first stem portion relative to the second stem portion. In certain embodiments, the step of mechanically deforming the first stem portion may include the step of heat-crimping the first stem portion (e.g., the rear end of the first stem portion).

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a sealable joint according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a further cross-sectional view of the sealable joint of Figure 1, further showing the bending positions of one or more radially inwardly protruding members. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a further cross-sectional view of the sealable joint, further illustrating potential dimensional variations within the tolerance limits. [Figure 4] A portion of an automatic syringe subassembly including a sealable joint according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] Figure 4 schematically shows an auto-injector device including the auto-injector subassembly. [Figure 6A] Two parts of the stem of a propellant source according to one embodiment of the present invention are shown before the completion of manufacturing. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A shows the two parts of the stem after manufacturing is complete. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a sealable joint according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] A sealable joint 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in cross-section in Figure 1. In a particular embodiment, the sealable joint 10 is mechanically robust and seeks to form an externally fluid-tight seal that allows fluid to pass through a hole from one side of the fluid-tight seal to the other side of the fluid-tight seal. The sealable joint 10 includes a first component 12 having a stem. The first component 12 is made through which a hole 18 passes, allowing fluid to pass through the first component 12. The sealable joint 10 extends along a longitudinal axis 100, with the hole 18 centered and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 100.

[0040] Throughout this specification, all directions referred to as axial or similar are intended to mean directions along or parallel to the longitudinal axis 100. All directions referred to as circumferential or similar are intended to mean directions along the arc of a conceptual circle centered on the longitudinal axis 100 and whose plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 100. All directions referred to as radial or similar are intended to mean directions extending away from the longitudinal axis 100 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 100. A point radially outward from another point is further away from the longitudinal axis 100 than the other point.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the second component 14 is positioned on the first component 12. In certain embodiments, the second component 14 may be attached to the first component 12 by means of, for example, adhesive or friction engagement. In certain embodiments, the second component may be molded on or over the first component 12. In certain embodiments, the second component 14 may include a material that is more resilient than the material of the first component 12. In some other embodiments, the second component 14 may be formed from the same material (or at least a material having the same resilience) as the first component 12. In this sense, the first component 12 and the second component 14 can form a single integral part despite having distinct identifiable regions and / or distinct functional characteristics. This single integral part may be formed as a single part, or as a plurality of parts that are subsequently fused together.

[0042] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 1, the second component 14 comprises the first flange 24, and the first component 12 comprises the second flange 26. The first flange 24 and the second flange 26 are radially extending portions of the second component 14 and the first component 12, respectively. In certain embodiments, the first flange 24 is circumferentially continuous, while the second flange 26 may be circumferentially continuous or discontinuous. In certain embodiments, the first flange 24 may be an O-ring seal or a lip seal. The first flange 24 and the second flange 26 are axially spaced apart from each other so that they together define an annular recess 28 between them. In another embodiment, the first flange 24 and the second flange 26 of the sealable joint 10 may be formed by other components. In particular, one of the first component 12 and the second component 14 may include the first flange 24 and the second flange 26, or the combination of the first component 12 and the second component 14 may include the first flange 24 and the second flange 26.

[0043] A third component 16 is provided, which comprises a sealing surface 20 and one or more radially inward projecting members 22. In certain embodiments, one or more radially inward projecting members 22 may extend radially inward toward the longitudinal axis 100 at an angle preferably 90°. In embodiments in which one or more radially inward projecting members 22 extend radially inward toward the longitudinal axis 100 at an angle other than 90°, one or more radially inward projecting members 22 may further extend in a direction parallel to direction 102. In such embodiments, one or more radially inward projecting members 22 may be more resilient to upward axial loads, in contrast to other configurations. In embodiments in which the third component 16 comprises a single radially inward projecting member 22 (as shown in Figure 1), the radially inward projecting member 22 may be a circumferentially continuous ring. In other embodiments, two or more radially inward projecting members 22 may be provided, for example, in the form of a plurality of radially inward extending fingers. In any case, one or more radially inward projecting members 22 extend radially inward insofar as an opening remains between them, which can allow the passage of the second flange 26. In this sense, the first component 12 and the second component 14 can be considered to jointly form a male connector component (whether or not those elements form a single integral component), while the third component 16 can be considered to form a female connector component that can receive (part of) the male connector component.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a first component 12, a second component 14, and a third component 16 in a seal configuration. To establish the seal configuration, the first component 12 (with the second component 14 positioned on the first component 12) is moved axially downward relative to the third component 16. The axial downward direction is indicated by arrow 102 in Figure 1. In this way, the second flange 26 comes into contact with one or more radially inward projecting members 22, bending or deforming the members radially outward to allow the second flange 26 to pass through. To facilitate the passage of the second flange 26, the second flange is provided with a narrowed outer surface 26a that can act as a cam on one or more radially inward projecting members 22 to cause their radial bending or deformation. As the second flange 26 passes axially over one or more radially inward projecting members 22, the one or more radially inward projecting members 22 may be bent or deformed to return radially inward towards their original (or normal) radial positions (i.e., their positions before being bent or otherwise deformed radially). In certain embodiments, the one or more radially inward projecting members 22 may not return completely to their original radial positions due to interference with the first component 12 or the second component 14 (and because the material may be permanently deformed by the insertion).

[0045] Figure 1 shows a sealed joint 10 in a sealed configuration, where the second flange 26 passes axially through one or more radially projecting members 22, causing the members 22 to return to their original radial positions. An enlargement 27 of the first component 12 is located axially above the second flange 26 and has a radius similar to that defined by the innermost edges of the one or more radially projecting members 22. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the one or more radially projecting members 22 are adjacent to the enlargement 27, and due to their relative radii, there is no large gap between the enlargement 27 and the one or more radially projecting members 22. This tight fit restricts relative lateral movement between the first component 12 and the third component 16. In the seal configuration, one or more radially inward projecting members 22 are positioned within an annular recess 28 between the first flange 24 and the second flange 26, and the outer surface 26a of the second flange 26 is radially outward of at least a portion of the one or more radially inward projecting members 22. As a result, the upward axial movement of the first component 12 relative to the third component 16 (indicated by arrow 104 in Figure 1) is limited by the contact between the second flange 26 and the one or more radially inward projecting members 22 (so as to prevent further upward axial movement). In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 1, the rear (i.e., upward in the figure) axial surface 26b (or contact surface) of the second flange 26 has a profile that reduces the risk of the rear axial surface 26b acting as a cam against the one or more radially inward projecting members 22 when the first component 12 is biased upward in the axial direction 104 relative to the third component 16.

[0046] A third flange 32 is formed on the first component 12 and is positioned axially above the first flange 24 (i.e., on the opposite side of the second flange 26 from the first flange 24). The third flange 32 extends radially outward to a radius greater than the radius of the opening defined in the third component 16 by the sealing surface 20 and the upper shoulder 34 located axially above one or more radially inwardly projecting members 22. The relative contours of the third flange 32 and the upper shoulder 34 are such that the cam effect is minimized when they engage with each other. Rather, the engagement of the third flange 32 and the upper shoulder 34 prevents further downward axial movement of the first component 12 relative to the third component 16 (i.e., along direction 102). Therefore, in the sealed configuration, the male connector component engages with the female connector component, and the male connector component is prevented from detaching from the female connector component by the engagement of one or more radially inwardly projecting members 22 with the second flange 26 along direction 104, and by the engagement of the third flange 32 with the upper shoulder portion 34 along direction 102. Thus, in the sealed configuration, the male connector component is mechanically held by the female connector component.

[0047] In the seal configuration, the second component 14 is positioned between the first component 12 and the third component 16 such that the first flange 24 is deformed to come into contact with the sealing surface 20 of the third component 22. This occurs because the first flange 24 nominally extends radially outward from the sealing surface 20. The deformed first flange 24 forms a fluid-tight seal with the sealing surface 20. Thus, in addition to the mechanical retention of the male connector component relative to the female connector component, a seal joint 30 is provided, which substantially prevents the flow of fluid across the seal joint 30 (in both directions) between the first side 30a and the second side 30b of the seal joint 30, except for fluid passing through the hole 18. Sufficient surrounding space must be provided to allow the deformation of the first flange 24 to occur and seal against the sealing surface 20. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the annular recess 28 provides sufficient space for the second component 14 to deform and fit into, so that the first flange 24 can deform relative to the sealing surface 20 to provide a fluid-tight seal.

[0048] A seal joint 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide a robust mechanical connection and fluid seal. In certain embodiments, the seal joint 10 may be formed by a simple snap-fit ​​connection. Due to the aforementioned features, the seal joint 10 can maintain its mechanical and sealing integrity under conditions such as vibration (sinusoidal and / or random), pressure load, axial load, lateral load, and / or shock load. Furthermore, if the assembled seal joint 10 includes interfaces that abut or interfere with each other to prevent or limit relative movement in the upward, downward, and radial directions, the seal joint 10 prevents (or at least significantly reduces the risk of) improper assembly. Certain embodiments may provide a “tamper-proof” joint that may require specialized tools and / or methods for disassembly.

[0049] The seal joint 10 is also shown in Figure 2, as before, with one or more radially projecting members 22 in a bent position. The one or more radially projecting members 22 can bend radially during assembly to (or through) the position shown in Figure 2 when biasing the one or more radially projecting members 22 radially outward for the second flange 26 to pass through. As can be seen from Figure 2, the ends of the one or more radially projecting members 22 move along the arc when bending radially outward. Therefore, as the ends of the one or more radially projecting members 22 move radially downward, they also move radially downward. Therefore, in order to slacken and return to or toward their original radial position, they need to move radially upward in addition to radially inward. To enable this movement, the male connector component (the first component 12 in the specific embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3) must have a shape and position that gives the space necessary for the desired movement of the one or more radially projecting members 22. Returning to Figure 1, we can see that when the first component 12 is in its lowest axial position relative to the third component 16 (determined by the contact between the third flange 32 and the upper shoulder portion 34), a gap G exists between one or more radially inwardly projecting members 22 and the second flange 26. This gap G is required to be sufficient to allow the one or more radially inwardly projecting members 22 to slacken so that they return to or move toward their original radial positions when the second flange 26 passes over them (i.e., axial movement in addition to radial movement).

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the gap G is determined by relative dimensions L1 and L2, where L1 is the axial distance between the upper shoulder portion 34 and the lower end of one or more radially inwardly projecting members 22, and L2 is the axial distance between the lower end of the third flange 32 and the upper end of the second flange 26, and G = L2 - L1. If the manufacturing tolerance means that the actual lengths L1 and L2 may vary in the manufactured seal joint 10 relative to the intended nominal length, then the gap G will also vary across batches of manufactured seal joint 10 products. For example, L1 may be longer than the nominal length, and L2 may be shorter than the nominal length. Such variations are expected within the range of the manufacturing tolerance. Therefore, the size of the nominal gap G should be selected such that, even if L1 and L2 are extremely large due to tolerance variations, one or more radially inward projecting members 22 can be bent radially outward and axially downward so that the second flange 26 can pass through during assembly, and then bent radially inward and axially upward so that at least a portion of one or more radially inward projecting members 22 faces radially inward toward the outer surface 26a of the second flange 26.

[0051] Furthermore, the components surrounding one or more radially inwardly projecting members 22 provide an outer annular space 36 that gives the one or more radially inwardly projecting members 22 the space necessary to bend or deform radially to fit in, enabling the assembly of the seal joint 10.

[0052] Figure 4 shows a portion of an automatic syringe subassembly 40 comprising a propellant source 42 and a cylindrical housing 60. The propellant source 42 is connected to the cylindrical housing 60 by a sealable joint 10. Specifically, a first component 12 forms the first stem portion of the propellant source 42, while a third component 16 forms part of the cylindrical housing 60.

[0053] The propellant source 42 may have or share features with a valved dispenser as described in International Publication No. 2013182856 (Consort Medical Plc), but the aforementioned features may be incorporated with respect to the male connector component of the sealable joint 10.

[0054] The propellant source 42 in Figure 4 comprises a propellant housing 50 formed from a first propellant housing portion 50a and a second propellant housing portion 50b. The propellant housing 50 defines an internal reservoir 46 that can contain a propellant such as liquefied gas. The first component 12 (first stem portion) extends into the reservoir 46 through an opening 51 of the propellant housing 50 and can slide in a sealed manner against the reservoir. A seal 56 is provided to seal the first component 12 but to allow the first component to slide in and out of the reservoir 46. The second stem portion 44 is connected to the first component (first stem portion) in a region contained within the propellant housing 50 (as will be described in more detail below). Thus, the first component 12 and the second stem portion 44 jointly form a stem. The second stem portion 44 is fully housed within the propellant housing 50. The second stem portion 44 protrudes radially outward at the flange portion 44f, preventing the first component 12 (first stem portion) from completely detaching from the propellant housing 50. In particular, the flange portion 44f of the second stem portion 44 is dimensioned to have a width greater than the diameter of the opening 51 in the propellant housing 50 through which the first component 12 extends. When the first component 12 and the second stem portion 44 are connected to each other, the flange portion 44f restricts the downward movement of the second stem portion 44 (and the first component 12) relative to the propellant housing 50, and thus holds the second stem portion 44 (and the first component 12) within the propellant housing 50.

[0055] The first component 12 includes a radial channel 12a that extends radially through the outer surface of the first component 12 from the hole 18. At the first axial position of the first component 12 relative to the propellant housing 50, the radial channel 12a is positioned below the seal 56 so that the hole 18 is not in fluid communication with the reservoir 46. The first component 12 can move axially upward relative to the propellant housing 50 to a second axial position where the radial channel 12a is positioned above the seal 56 and is in fluid communication with the reservoir 46. Thus, at the second axial position, the hole 18 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 46, and propellant from the reservoir 46 can pass through the hole 18 (through the radial channel 12a) and exit from the exit of the hole 18 from the first side 30a of the seal joint 30 to the second side 30b of the seal joint 30.

[0056] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 4, a rib 52 is provided within the propellant housing 50, which acts as a reaction surface and retainer for the spring 48. In the non-limiting embodiment of Figure 4, the rib 52 is not integral with the propellant housing 50 (in contrast to certain prior art configurations such as International Publication No. 2013182856). In certain embodiments, the rib 52 may not be present at all. The spring 48 acts on the second stem portion 44 to bias the first component 12 (first stem portion) toward a first axial position. The spring force of the spring 48 must act in opposition to and overcome the movement of the first component 12 toward a second axial position. A latch 54 extends axially upward and radially inward from the boss 52. The latch 54 is configured to bend radially outward to allow the second stem portion 44 to pass through as the first component 12 moves axially upward relative to the propellant housing 50. If the second stem portion 44 is axially above the latch 54, the latch 54 can slacken to return to or move toward their radially inward positions (which are radially inward of at least a portion of the second stem portion 44), thus preventing subsequent axial downward movement of the second stem portion 44 (and the first component 12) relative to the propellant housing 50. Therefore, once the second stem portion 44 has moved a sufficient amount into the propellant housing 50, the latch 54 latches the second stem portion 44, holding the first component 12 in the second axial position. The second stem portion 44 includes one or more axial channels 44a that allow fluid to pass across the second stem portion 44 to reduce the low-pressure effect between the second stem portion 44 and the seal 56 (increasing the operating force) when the first component 12 moves from the first axial position to the second axial position. In another embodiment, the propellant source 42 may not include latching means for holding the first component 12 in a second axial position.

[0057] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a method for forming a connection between the first stem portion 12 and the second stem portion 44. Figure 6A shows the first stem portion 12 and the second stem portion 44 during manufacturing (and before completion of manufacturing), while Figure 6B shows the first stem portion 12 and the second stem portion 44 after completion of manufacturing. The rear end portion 12b of the first stem portion 12 extends through the hole 44b of the second stem portion 44 and further extends through the first recess 44c of the second stem portion 44. To connect and secure the first stem portion 12 to the second stem portion 44, the rear end portion 12b is mechanically deformed to fit against the second stem portion 44 to form a radially extending flange portion, the radially extending flange portion having a width greater than the diameter of the hole 44b in the second stem portion 44 and preventing axial downward movement of the first stem portion 12 relative to the second stem portion 44. In the embodiments shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the rear end portion 12b is mechanically deformed into a recess 44c of the second stem portion 44 such that, upon deformation, the rear end portion 12b of the first stem portion 12 becomes substantially flush with the rear end portion 44e of the second stem portion 44. Suitable methods of mechanical deformation include, but are not limited to, heat riveting and ultrasonic riveting. In another embodiment, the first stem portion 12 and the second stem portion 44 can be connected to each other without permanently deforming one of these portions. For example, a snap-fit ​​connection may connect the first stem portion 12 and the second stem portion 44 to each other.

[0058] Furthermore, the first stem portion 12 has a shoulder portion 12c that extends radially outward from the portion of the first stem portion 12 that extends through the hole 44b. The contact between the shoulder portion 12c and the second stem portion 44 restricts the upward movement of the first stem portion 12 relative to the second stem portion 44. In the non-limiting embodiments of Figures 6A and 6B, the shoulder portion 12c is located within the second recess 44d of the second stem portion 44. Thus, the lateral movement of the first stem portion 12 relative to the second stem portion 44 is also restricted by the contact between them. The connection formed between the first stem portion 12 and the second stem portion 44 mechanically fixes the two portions together. The connection does not (is not required) to form a sealing between the two portions. Therefore, during use, the propellant can flow along the interface between the first stem portion 12 and the second stem portion 44.

[0059] The first stem portion 12 and / or the second stem portion 44 are preferably formed from a strong material that is substantially impermeable to liquefied propellants (such as HFA). In certain embodiments, either or both of the first stem portion 12 and the second stem portion 44 are formed from glass-filled polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Other suitable materials include materials that are substantially impermeable to propellants such as HFA.

[0060] The cylindrical housing 60 can receive propellant from the propellant source 42 through the hole 18. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the propellant exits the hole 18 and enters the receiving chamber 62. The propellant exits the propellant source in a liquid phase, boils outside the propellant source, and creates vapor pressure. In another embodiment, the propellant may exit the propellant source as a gas. In any embodiment, the propellant received in the receiving chamber 62 increases the vapor pressure within the receiving chamber 62. This vapor pressure inevitably acts on the sealable joint 10. The sealable joint 10 of the present invention can resist such rising pressure so that its integrity is not consequently compromised.

[0061] Figure 5 schematically shows an auto-injector device 70 comprising an outer housing 72 including the auto-injector subassembly 40 described above.

[0062] A sealable joint 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in cross-section in Figure 7. The sealable joint 110 shares many features with the embodiments described above, and corresponding components that function similarly or otherwise are shown using the same reference numerals, but replaced by 100. The features described above with respect to specific features may apply to the relevant features (i.e., as shown by the replaced reference numerals) of the embodiment in Figure 7.

[0063] The sealable joint 110 includes a first component 112 having a stem. The first component 112 is made through a hole 118 that allows fluid to pass through the first component 112.

[0064] The second component 114 is positioned on the first component 112. The second component 114 comprises a first flange 124, and the first component 112 comprises a second flange 126. The first flange 124 and the second flange 126 are radially extending portions of the second component 114 and the first component 112, respectively. In certain embodiments, the first flange 124 is continuous in the circumferential direction, while the second flange 126 may be continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction. In certain embodiments, the first flange 124 may be an O-ring or a gasket seal. The first flange 124 and the second flange 126 are spaced axially apart from each other so that together they define an annular recess 128 between them.

[0065] A third component 116 is provided, which comprises a sealing surface 120 and one or more radially inward projecting members 122. The one or more radially inward projecting members 122 extend radially inward only insofar as an opening remains between them, the opening which may allow the passage of the second flange 126 through it. In this sense, the first component 112 and the second component 114 can be considered to jointly form a male connector component (whether they form a single integral component or not), and the third component 116 can be considered to form a female connector component that can receive (part of) the male connector component.

[0066] The third flange 132 is formed on the first component 112 and is positioned axially above the first flange 124 (i.e., opposite the second flange 126 to the first flange 124). The third flange 132 extends radially outward to a radius greater than the radius of the opening defined in the third component 116 by the sealing surface 120 and the upper shoulder 134 located axially above one or more radially inward projecting members 122. The relative contours of the third flange 132 and the upper shoulder 134 are such that the cam effect is minimized when they engage with each other. Rather, the engagement of the third flange 132 and the upper shoulder 134 prevents further downward axial movement of the first component 112 relative to the third component 116 (i.e., along direction 102). Therefore, in the sealed configuration, the male connector component engages with the female connector component, and the male connector component is prevented from detaching from the female connector component by the engagement of one or more radially inwardly projecting members 122 with the second flange 126 along direction 104, and by the engagement of the third flange 132 with the upper shoulder portion 134 along direction 102. Thus, in the sealed configuration, the male connector component is mechanically held by the female connector component.

[0067] In the seal configuration, the second component 114 is positioned between the third flange 132 and the third component 116 such that the first flange 124 is deformed by contacting the sealing surface 120 of the third component 122. The deformed first flange 124 forms a fluid-tight seal with the sealing surface 120. Therefore, the seal joint is provided in the same manner as the seal joint 30 described above.

[0068] Throughout this specification and claims, the terms “equipped with” and “include,” and their variations thereof, mean “include, but not limited to,” and do not intend to exclude (or do not intend to exclude) other parts, appendices, components, integers, or steps. Throughout this specification and claims, singular forms include plural forms unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to consider not only unity but also plurality unless the context requires otherwise.

[0069] Features, integers, properties, compounds, chemical parts, or chemical groups described in relation to specific aspects, embodiments, or examples of the present invention should be understood to be applicable to any other aspects, embodiments, or examples described herein, unless otherwise incompatible. All features disclosed herein (including the appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so so disclosed can be combined in any combination, except for any combination in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The present invention is not limited to the details of the embodiments described above. The present invention extends to any novel one or any novel combination of features disclosed herein (including the appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel one or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so so disclosed.

[0070] The reader's attention is directed to all documents and papers filed concurrently with or prior to this specification in connection with this application and made available to the public together with this specification, and the contents of all such documents and papers are incorporated into this application by reference.

Claims

1. A sealable joint comprising a first component, a second component, and a third component, The first component comprises a stem through which a hole for allowing fluid to pass, The second component is placed on the first component, The third component comprises a sealing surface and one or more members protruding radially inward, The second component, or a combination of the second component and the first component, comprises a first flange and a second flange, with an annular recess defined between these flanges. In the seal configuration, the second component is supported by the third component, forming a seal joint in which at least a portion of the first flange deforms relative to the sealing surface, the one or more radially inwardly projecting members are arranged in an annular recess between the first flange and the second flange, and the outer surface of the second flange is radially outward of at least a portion of the one or more radially inwardly projecting members. In the seal configuration described above, the fluid can flow through the hole from the first side of the seal joint to the second side of the seal joint. The one or more members projecting radially inward are configured to bend or deform radially outward so that the second flange can pass through them. Sealable joint.

2. The sealable joint according to claim 1, wherein the second component is attached to the outer surface of the first component.

3. The sealable joint according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second component comprises a material that is more elastic than the first component.

4. The sealable joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the sealing configuration, at least a portion of the first flange forms a sealed interlock with the sealing surface.

5. The sealable joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more radially inwardly protruding members comprises a plurality of radially flexible fingers.

6. The sealable joint according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer surface of the second flange is narrowed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the sealable joint that centers the hole and extends parallel to the hole, in which the second flange passes through one or more members that protrude radially inward to form the sealable configuration.

7. The sealable joint according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second flange has a contact surface that faces the one or more radially inwardly projecting members in the seal configuration, and the contact between the contact surface and the one or more radially inwardly projecting members restricts the axial movement of the second flange with respect to the third component in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second flange passes the one or more radially inwardly projecting members, such that the contact between the contact surface and the one or more radially inwardly projecting members forms the seal configuration.

8. A sealable joint according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first component comprises a third flange, the third flange is on the side of the first flange opposite to the second flange such that the first flange is between the second flange and the third flange, and the contact between the third flange and the third component restricts the axial movement of the first component relative to the third component in the direction in which the second flange passes the one or more radially inwardly projecting members such that the contact between the third flange and the third component forms the seal.

9. The sealable joint according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first component and the second component constitute separate regions of a single integral part, or are fused together to form a single integral part.

10. An automatic syringe subassembly comprising a sealable joint according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The auto-injector subassembly according to claim 10, comprising a propellant source, wherein the sealable joint seals the propellant source to other components of the auto-injector subassembly.

12. The automatic syringe subassembly according to claim 11, wherein the propellant source comprises a propellant housing defining a reservoir for containing propellant, and the first component is movable relative to the propellant housing so as to selectively fluidize the hole with the reservoir.

13. The automatic syringe subassembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the third component forms at least a portion of the other components of the automatic syringe subassembly.

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