EP2637948B1 - Method for supplying a liquid to a fluidic assembly - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for feeding liquid from a packaging, in particular blister pack, with at least one cavity for receiving the liquid in a fluidic arrangement.

The present invention is concerned with the inclusion of a liquid in a package, in particular a blister pack. The liquid is received in a cavity of the package. The cavity is formed in particular by a blister (English = bubble). The following description is therefore directed in particular to a blister pack or to a blister for receiving a liquid, even if the present invention is not limited thereto, but preferably also in other liquid packaging can be used.

The filling of one or more cavities with substances, solid bodies or even liquids is known, for example, from the field of so-called visual packaging or blister packs. Blister packs are used in various industries and industries and are equipped with at least one cavity into which the content to be filled is received. As a rule, the content in the cavity is visible from the outside. However, the Blistezverpackungen the contents or the liquid absorbed can also cover or envelop light-tight or opaque.

A typical blister pack usually has two foils, which in turn may be constructed of several layers of different or the same materials. The films are usually made of plastic and / or metal, e.g. Aluminum, wherein other materials, such as paper or the like, in principle or additionally can be used. The two films are, in particular, a bottom layer or base film (carrier) and a cover layer or cover film (cover).

In the bottom foil or in the support, one or more troughs or depressions for receiving the liquid may be formed, into which the liquid, in particular a pharmaceutical formulation is filled. The cover film or the cover is then placed on the base film or the carrier and fixed thereto or connected thereto, for example, at the edge locations or in a connection region, in particular flat surface areas, preferably by gluing, heat sealing, welding or the like takes place.

The DE 103 43 668 A1 discloses a particularly dense blister packaging for drugs, wherein the opening of the blister pack is not discussed in more detail.

The DE 20 2007 003 050 U1 discloses a blister pack for a liquid drug. Here, the active ingredient should be released by diffusion to the environment. However, this should be prevented just in the packaging according to the present invention.

The DE 299 07 740 U1 discloses a blister pack with a plurality of chambers, wherein a separation, in particular release film between the chambers is opened by the action of force.

The EP 1 710 169 A1 describes a blister pack with an integrated piercing element in a cap of a food container. By piercing a separator, the blister can be opened and deliver its contents into the container.

The FR 2 290 366 discloses a bottle with two chambers connected by a release film. By pressing the film, the contents of the chambers can be supplied to each other.

The US2007 / 0246395 A1 describes a blister assembly for receiving a drug, wherein the blister contents are made accessible by pressing an integrated piercing element.

The WO 2009/152952 A1 describes a method according to the preamble of claim 1. The present invention is particularly concerned with the filling of a fluidic assembly of a blister pack, which on the fluidic assembly, preferably a medical cartridge (for example, a so-called biosensor) is attached, wherein the filled in the cavity of the blister, in particular provided with a reagent or a plurality of reagents liquid to trigger or allow a certain detection reaction in the arrangement. The opening of the cavity should be easy and / or defined if necessary.

The present invention has for its object to provide a method for supplying liquid to the fluidic device, wherein a simple and / or defined opening of the package or cavity is made possible or facilitated.

The above object is achieved by a method according to claim 1.

According to the proposal, the packaging has an opening device integrated into the packaging for opening the cavity or, in particular, a lid of the packaging. The opening device is in particular formed in or by a carrier of the packaging. This allows a simple and / or cost-effective implementation as well as a simple and / or defined opening of the packaging or the cavity filled with the liquid.

According to the proposal, the packaging or a blister pack with an integrated opening device in the aforementioned sense as a reservoir for a liquid, in particular for a test liquid, a washing liquid, a reaction liquid, a solvent or the like, is used, wherein the packaging or cavity to a fluidic arrangement. is connected to receive the liquid after opening the package or cavity. This allows a very simple and inexpensive supply of the fluidic arrangement with the liquid. In particular, the fluidic arrangement is a microfluidic examination device, for example for determining at least one analyte in a biological sample, such as blood or blood components.

According to the proposal, the supply of liquid from the packaging to a fluidic arrangement formed in particular in the aforementioned sense takes place in that the packaging is at least partially deformed in order to actuate the opening device and thereby open the packaging or cavity. Furthermore, the packaging or cavity (additionally and / or in a second step) can be deformed in order to displace liquid from the packaging and / or to supply it to the fluidic arrangement, in particular under pressure. In this way, a very simple and / or defined opening is made possible, wherein the opening can in particular also be automated and / or by means of a stamp or other tool which deforms the packaging for opening.

Fig. 1

einen schematischen Schnitt einer vorschlagsgemäßen Verpackung; und

Fig. 2

einen schematischen Schnitt der Verpackung mit einer zugeordneten fluidischen Anordnung.

Further advantages, features, characteristics and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claim and the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic section of a proposed packaging; and

Fig. 2

a schematic section of the packaging with an associated fluidic arrangement.

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

Fig. 1 shows in a schematic section a proposed package 1 with at least one cavity 2 for receiving a liquid. 3

The packaging 1 preferably closes the liquid 3 at least substantially liquid-tight and / or gas-tight.

The packaging 1 is designed in particular as a blister pack. The cavity 2 is formed in particular by a blister of the packaging 1 or blister pack.

The liquid 3 is, in particular, an examination liquid, a washing liquid, a reaction liquid, a solvent or the like, particularly preferably for use in a microfluidic system for determining an analyte or value and / or for examination, in particular a preferably biological sample or the like ,

The packaging 1 has a carrier 4 and an associated lid 5.

In particular, the support 4 is an at least substantially flat or planar or planar element and / or surface material and / or a bottom layer or bottom foil or the like.

The carrier 4 may be formed relatively rigid or flexible and / or at least partially deformable. Preferably, the carrier 4 has a relatively high rigidity or strength in its main direction of extension or plane.

In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 4 is preferably stiffer or more rigid than the lid 5 and / or sufficiently rigid to at least significantly or primarily determine the shape of the package 1.

The cover 5 is preferably an at least substantially flat or planar and / or smooth element or surface material and / or a cover layer or covering film, particularly preferably for the planar covering of the associated support 4.

Preferably, the carrier 4 and / or the lid 5 is formed as a film and / or made of film, plastic, metal and / or a particular plastic and / or metal-containing composite material.

The carrier 4 and the cover 5 can in principle be made of the same material. However, in the illustrated example, the carrier 4 and the lid 5 are preferably made of different materials.

The lid 5 is preferably designed to be flexible and / or deformable and in particular openable, for example by tearing, pressing, piercing or the like, particularly preferably for removal or dispensing of the liquid 3. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier 4 can be opened in a corresponding manner.

At least one cavity 2 for receiving the liquid 3 is formed between the carrier 4 and the cover 5. Particularly preferably, a plurality of cavities 2 are formed.

In particular, the packaging 1 or the carrier 4 and / or lid 5 may be particularly preferably strip-like endless material or the like. The endless material can then in individual packaging 1 with each at least one cavity 2 for receiving the liquid 3 before or preferably after the filling of the liquid 3, divided or separated, as needed. In the following, only the preferred structure of a cavity 2 will be discussed in more detail, even if the endless material or the packaging 1 may have a plurality of such cavities 2, possibly also in different sizes and / or with different liquids 3.

To form the cavity 2, a recess or bulge in the carrier 4 and / or lid 5 is preferably formed, in the illustrated embodiment, preferably only in the carrier 4, as in FIG Fig. 1 indicated. The recess or bulge is formed in particular trough-like. The depression or cavity 2 is produced in particular by thermoforming and / or deep-drawing, in this case the carrier 4.

After filling the liquid 3 in the recess or bulge or cavity 2 - in the representation example in the carrier 4 - the package 1 or cavity 2 is closed or closed. For this purpose, the cover 5 is placed and at least partially connected to the carrier 4 in a connecting region 6. The connecting region 6 is formed in particular in the region of flat surface areas of the carrier 4 and cover 5. The connecting region 6 adjoins the cavity 2 in particular laterally and / or circumferentially. For example, the connection region may surround the cavity 2 in an annular manner.

The connection region 6 or, in the case of several cavities 2, a plurality of connection regions 6 are preferably located in a plane E and / or main extension plane E and / or on a flat side of the packaging 1, the carrier 4 and / or cover 5. In particular, the connection region 6 surrounds the respective cavity 2 circumferential and / or ring-like.

The bonding of carrier 4 and lid 5 is preferably carried out by heat sealing, welding, gluing and / or in any other suitable manner.

The carrier 4 and the cover 5 are at least substantially liquid-tight in the connection region 6, in particular at least as far as possible gas-tight, full-surface, ring-like and / or circumferentially connected or connectable.

Fig. 1 shows the proposed package 1 in the filled state. The cavity 2 (the blister) is filled with liquid 3 and sealed.

According to the proposal, the packaging 1 has an opening device 7 integrated therein for opening the packaging 1 or cavity 2 or the lid 5. The opening device 7 is preferably formed integrally with the package 1 or the carrier 4 and / or formed in or from the carrier 4, as in Fig. 1 indicated by way of example.

The opening device 7 preferably has a section 8 projecting into the cavity 2 or the cover 5 or is formed therefrom.

The opening device 7 or the section 8 is particularly preferably produced by thermoforming or deep drawing of the carrier 4 or of the material forming the carrier 4. Alternatively or additionally, the opening device 7 or the projection 8 may also be formed by an additional, in particular fixedly connected to the carrier 4 element, piece of material or the like and / or by a thickening. In particular, the opening device 7 or the section 8 can also be reinforced with respect to other sections or areas of the carrier 4, for example by a reinforcing structure, not shown, such as ribs or the like, and / or by a material thickening, by a material reinforcement, by an insert an additional layer and / or by additional or different or modified material or the like.

The section 8 or its end or free end is particularly preferably conical and / or pointed and / or directed towards the cover 4 and the main extension plane E out.

In the illustrated example, the opening device 7 is preferably arranged or formed somewhat spaced from the actual cavity 2, in particular in a channel 9, which is particularly preferably laterally adjoining the cavity 2, or the like. The channel 9 is in particular of the packaging 1 also formed, particularly preferably by a corresponding recess or bulge of the carrier 4. The channel 9 is preferably fluidly connected to the cavity 2 even with the package 1 or closed lid 5 in fluid communication. Particularly preferably, the opening device 7 is formed in the representation example in the region of one end of the channel 9.

Preferably, the channel wall spaced from the lid 5 or any other wall portion of the carrier 4 or channel 9 spaced from the lid 5 is provided with the opening device 7 or the projecting section 8. However, other constructive solutions or arrangements are possible.

The packaging 1 or opening device 7 is preferably designed such that by at least regional deformation or depression, in particular of the carrier 4 or lid 5, here the carrier 4 or the wall of the channel 9 and the projecting portion 8, in particular in a predetermined Area or adjacent to the opening device 7, the package 1 is opened. In particular, a depression causes the opening device 7 or the protruding section 8 to open the cover 5, in particular by tearing open, cutting open, piercing or the like. The lid 5 is opened in particular in a region which is immediately adjacent or opposite the opening device 7 or the projecting section 8.

To facilitate opening, the cover 5 may be provided in the opening region with at least one "predetermined breaking point", for example by corresponding weakening of the material or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, to facilitate the opening of the carrier 4 in the region of the opening means 7, in particular around the projecting portion 8 around, particularly easily or with relatively less or less force be formed deformable. This can be achieved for example by appropriate weakening and / or shaping of the carrier 4 in this area. As such a shaping comes for example a formation of a corresponding resilient wave around the projecting portion 8 or the like into consideration.

Preferably, the packaging 1 or the opening device 8 has a deformation region, which here is formed in particular by a wave-like structure 10, which allows a particularly slight deformation of the packaging 1 or here of the carrier 4 for easy deformation or actuation of the opening device 7, in particular, in order to be able to press the protruding section 8 for opening the packaging 1 relatively easily against the lid 5.

Fig. 2 shows in a schematic, not true to scale section the proposed package 1 with an associated fluidic assembly 11. In particular, the package 1 is permanently or permanently connected to the fluidic device 11. In particular, the package 1 is liquid-tight and / or gas-tight connected to the fluidic device 11 or connectable, so that liquid 3 from the cavity 2 of the fluidic assembly 11 - particularly preferably after opening the package 1 or cavity 2 - can be fed.

In the illustrated example, the packaging 1 is attached or fastened, in particular with its flat side or the cover 5, to the fluidic arrangement 10, for example by gluing, heat-sealing, welding or the like. In the illustration example according to Fig. 2 is schematically indicated that the sealed package 1 or cavity 2 on a support member 12 of the fluidic device 11 in particular by means of a sealing or adhesive layer 13, for example, double-sided adhesive tape is attached. However, another connection and / or other constructive solutions is possible.

The packaging 1 or cavity 2 is preferably arranged such that it covers at least partially with its opening region, ie the region which can be opened by the opening device 7, an outflow 14 of the fluidic device 11, in particular above it. The drain 14 is formed for example by a depression, a channel or the like, in particular in the support part 12. At the outlet 14 may be a channel 15 or another, in particular microfluidic structure of the fluidic device 11 connect. Particularly preferably, the outflow 14 and / or channel 15 form part of a microfluidic structure of the fluidic arrangement 11. "Microfluidic" is to be understood here as meaning volumes of preferably less than 1 ml.

The fluidic device 11 or microfluidic structure may further comprise an examination region or the like (not shown), for example for a biological sample such as blood, constituents of blood or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 2 or the blister of the packaging 1 or blister pack formed therefrom is preferably used as a reservoir for the liquid 3, wherein the packaging 1 or cavity 2 to the fluidic assembly 11 for receiving the liquid 3 after opening the package. 1 or cavity 2 is connected. In principle, however, the proposed packaging 1 can also be used for other purposes.

To open the cavity 2 or to dispense liquid 3, the packaging 1 is opened by means of the opening device 7, in particular by actuation of the opening device 7.

In order to open the cavity 2 or the cover 5 or to actuate the opening device 7, the packaging 1 or the support 4 is particularly preferably deformed in the region of the channel 9 or the opening device 7, so that the opening device 7 resp the projecting portion 8 in particular opens the lid 5, in particular tears, pierces, cuts or the like. This - preferably only partial - deformation of the package 1 and the carrier 4 is preferably carried out by means of a tool, such as a in Fig. 2 indicated stamp 16, or the like.

To open the cover 5 or the cover film, this is pressed by the opening device 7 or 8 of the section, for example, in a depression arranged below, such as the drain 14 and thereby locally deformed and overstressed until the lid 5 and the cover sheet in this area ruptures and thereby the cavity 2 - here via the channel 9 - opens to the fluidic assembly 11 out.

After opening the package 1 or the lid 5, the liquid 3 can flow out of the cavity 2 into the fluidic arrangement 11 or the outflow 14 or the microfluidic system of the arrangement 11. This leakage of the liquid 3 can be effected or promoted by gravitational force, capillary forces, suction force, pressing force, negative pressure, overpressure or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 2 is preferably additionally deformed after opening the package 1 or the lid 5, in particular in a second step, in order to pressurize the liquid 3 and / or to force it out of the package 1 or cavity 2 and the fluidic assembly 11 zuzuleiten. This deformation of the cavity 2 can be done, for example, by a tool, such as the indicated punch 17, or in any other suitable manner, if appropriate also by manual deformation with a finger or the like.

Opening the packaging 1 or actuating the opening device 7 or the (partial) deformation of the packaging 1 or carrier 4 required for this purpose and deforming the cavity 2 in order to pressurize the liquid 3 and / or out of the cavity 2 to displace, on the other hand is coupled, as indicated by the dashed connection of the two punches 16 un 17. For this purpose, it is also possible, for example, for the punches 16 and 17 to be formed or moved by a common tool or the like and / or to be correspondingly correlated.

The opening of the package 1 or cavity 2 by means of the opening device 7 can, if necessary, also be effected by the fluidic arrangement 11, for example by means of a drive for the punch 16 assigned to the arrangement 11. The same applies to a possible deformation of the cavity 2 in order to pressurize the liquid 3 and / or to convey it from the cavity 2 into the fluidic arrangement 11.

In addition, depending on the design and requirements, the packaging 1 may also be provided with a ventilation device, not shown, which is opened, for example, by corresponding deformation of the device 1 or of the carrier 4 or actuation of the opening device 7 and / or during deformation of the cavity 2 Ambient air can flow through a corresponding opening in the carrier 4 or cover 5 in the cavity 2. If required, the ventilation can also take place through the fluidic arrangement 11, possibly even via the opening produced by the opening device 7. For this purpose, the opening device 7, for example, a correspondingly shaped or sufficiently large opening in the lid 5 or any other part of the package 1 and / or possibly also a plurality of openings, for example by a plurality of projecting portions 8, produce.

A particular advantage of the combination of the proposed packaging 1 with the fluidic arrangement 11 is that very simple such a connection, for example by the flat-side fastening, is made possible, so that a liquid-tight and preferably also gas-tight or closed to the ambient air connection between the Cavity 2 on the one hand and the fluidic device 11 or the microfluidic system formed or contained therein or the drain 14 or the like on the other hand can be produced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

packaging

2

cavity

3

liquid

4

carrier

5

cover

6

connecting area

7

opening device

8th

section

9

channel

10

structure

11

fluidic arrangement

12

support part

13

adhesive layer

14

outflow

15

channel

16

stamp

17

stamp

e

level

Claims (1)

1. Method of supplying liquid (3) from a packaging (1) to a fluidic assembly (11), wherein the packaging (1) comprises a support (4) and a cover (5), between which a cavity (2) is formed, and wherein the cavity (2) is deformed by means of a first punch (17) and the liquid (3) is thereby put under pressure, characterised in that the packaging (1) comprises an opening device (7) integrated in the packaging (1) for opening the cavity (2), the actuation of the opening device (7) by means of a second punch (16) being coupled thereto.

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