EP3634883B1 - Metering valve and fluid product dispensing device comprising such a valve - Google Patents

Metering valve and fluid product dispensing device comprising such a valve Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3634883B1
EP3634883B1 EP18735630.8A EP18735630A EP3634883B1 EP 3634883 B1 EP3634883 B1 EP 3634883B1 EP 18735630 A EP18735630 A EP 18735630A EP 3634883 B1 EP3634883 B1 EP 3634883B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
diameter
metering
inlet channel
radial
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EP18735630.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3634883A1 (en
Inventor
Ludovic Petit
Ségolène SARRAILH
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Aptar France SAS
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Aptar France SAS
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/44—Valves specially adapted therefor; Regulating devices
    • B65D83/52—Valves specially adapted therefor; Regulating devices for metering
    • B65D83/54—Metering valves ; Metering valve assemblies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
    • B05B12/02—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a metering valve and a fluid dispenser device comprising such a valve.
  • metering valves in which on each actuation of the valve, a precise dose of fluid product is dispensed, are well known in the state of the art, and are generally assembled on a reservoir containing the fluid product and a propellant gas used. to achieve expulsion of the dose.
  • So-called retention valves include a valve which, in the rest position, partially closes the metering chamber. More precisely, the exterior of the valve cooperates in a sealed manner with the chamber seal of the metering chamber, so that the metering chamber is only connected to the reservoir, in this rest position, via the internal channel of the metering chamber. the valve.
  • the metering chambers of the so-called non-priming valves only fill up just before the actual actuation.
  • the filling of the reservoir with the fluid product to be dispensed is generally done after assembly of the metering valve on the reservoir, through said metering valve.
  • An important parameter for a metering valve is the proportion of fine particles distributed with each actuation. Indeed, these fine particles are particularly effective from a therapeutic point of view.
  • Another important parameter is the time for filling the tank through the metering valve, which should not be too long so as not to slow down the manufacturing process.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a metering valve which does not reproduce the aforementioned drawbacks.
  • the object of the present invention is thus to provide a metering valve which optimizes the proportion of fine particles distributed on each actuation, while guaranteeing an acceptable filling rate through said valve.
  • the object of the present invention is in particular to provide a metering valve which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and which functions reliably.
  • the present invention therefore relates to a metering valve for dispensing fluid product, comprising a valve body containing a metering chamber, and a valve sliding axially in said valve body between a rest position and a dispensing position, for selectively dispensing the contents of said metering chamber, said valve being urged towards its rest position by a spring cooperating on the one hand with said valve body and on the other hand with said valve, said valve comprising a central axial channel provided with an axial outlet orifice and a radial inlet channel which is disposed in said metering chamber when said valve is in the dispensing position, said radial inlet channel comprising, in the direction of dispensing of the fluid product, an opening inlet and an outlet opening opening into said central axial channel, a diameter of said radial inlet channel being between 0.30 and 0.40 mm, advantageously approx. iron 0.35 mm, a diameter of said outlet opening being equal to the diameter of said radial inlet channel and a diameter of said inlet
  • said radial inlet channel is cylindrical over a major part of its length from said outlet opening.
  • the diameter of said inlet opening is between 0.6 and 0.8 mm, advantageously around 0.7 mm.
  • the radial depth of said inlet opening is approximately 0.2 mm.
  • the present invention also relates to a fluid dispenser device comprising a metering valve as defined above fixed to a reservoir.
  • the metering valve shown on figure 1 comprises a valve body 10 extending along a longitudinal central axis. Inside said valve body 10, a valve 30 slides between a rest position, which is that shown in figure. figure 1 , and a dispensing position, shown on the figure 2 , in which the valve 30 is pressed inside the valve body 10.
  • This valve is intended to be assembled on a reservoir 1 (of which only the neck is shown schematically on the figure 1 ), preferably by means of a fixing element 5, which may be a crimp, screw or snap cap, and advantageously with the interposition of a neck seal 6.
  • a ring 4 can be assembled around the valve body 10, in particular to reduce the dead volume in the inverted position and to limit the contact of the fluid product with the neck seal 6.
  • This ring 4 can be of any shape, and the example of the figure 1 is not limiting.
  • the reservoir 1 contains the fluid product and the propellant gas, in particular a formulation consisting of one or more active principle (s) in suspension and / or in solution in a liquefied propellant gas, as well as possibly excipients.
  • the valve 30 is biased towards its rest position by a spring 8, which is arranged in the valve body 10 and which cooperates on the one hand with this valve body 10, and on the other hand with the valve 30, preferably with a radial flange 320 of the valve 30.
  • a metering chamber 20 is defined inside the valve body 10, said valve 30 sliding inside said metering chamber 20 to allow distribution of the contents thereof. ci when the valve is actuated.
  • the metering chamber 20 is preferably defined between two annular seals, a valve seal 21 and a chamber seal 22, in a well known manner.
  • the valve body 10 comprises a cylindrical part 15 in which the spring 8 is disposed and in which the collar 320 slides between its rest and distribution positions. In the position of the figure 1 , this cylindrical part 15 is the lower part of the valve body.
  • This cylindrical part 15 comprises one or more longitudinal openings 11, such as slits, extending laterally in said cylindrical part 15 of the valve body, over a part of the axial height of the valve body in the direction of the central axis. longitudinal. These openings 11 allow the metering chamber 20 to be filled after each actuation, when in the inverted position of use (with the valve placed under the reservoir), the valve 30 returns from its dispensing position to its rest position.
  • the figure 1 represents the valve in the upright storage position, that is to say the position in which the metering chamber 20 is placed above the reservoir.
  • the valve 30 comprises a central axial channel 35 provided with an axial outlet orifice 301 and a radial inlet channel 302 which is disposed in the metering chamber 20 when the valve 30 is in the dispensing position.
  • This radial inlet channel 302 comprises, in the direction of distribution of the fluid product, an inlet opening 3021 and an outlet opening 3022, the latter opening into said central axial channel 35.
  • the graph of the figure 5 illustrates test results that demonstrate this effect.
  • the figure 5 also shows that above 0.40 mm, the change in diameter no longer has an impact on fine particles.
  • the test of figure 5 consisted in evaluating the aerodynamic size of the particles (APSD "Aerodynamic Particle Size Distribution”) coming from a metering valve. This test was carried out with specific equipment called a pharmaceutical impactor, and more precisely the NGI (“Next generation Impactor”, described in the pharmacopoeia under the name of device E). The tests were carried out at a flow rate of 30 liters per minute.
  • the graph of the figure 5 reproduces the sum of fine particles entering the impactor. It is observed that the smaller the diameter of the radial inlet channel 302, the more effective the valve is in terms of the size of the particles expelled during a spray.
  • the values shown in the graph of the figure 5 are quantities of particles fine, that is to say of so-called "small” size. As part of the test figure 5 , these are particles whose aerodynamic diameter is less than 6.4 ⁇ m. It is particularly advantageous that this value is as large as possible, since fine particles of adequate size are particularly effective from a therapeutic point of view.
  • the tests were carried out with a formulation containing a high percentage of ethanol (15% m / m), an excipient, an active principle (salbutamol sulphate) and HFA 134a as propellant.
  • the tanks tested were all filled with the same formulation.
  • the figure 6 is a graph representing the filling times according to the diameter of the radial inlet channel 302.
  • the time indicated is the filling time only, and does not take into account the entire cycle (placing the tank in the machine, lowering the tank). filling head etc.).
  • the purple line represents the typical time for a standard valve, from which it is desirable not to stray too far.
  • the diameter of the radial inlet channel 302 is between 0.30 and 0.40 mm, advantageously about 0.35 mm. This makes it possible to optimize the rate of fine particles distributed, without unacceptably slowing down the filling time of the tank. The therapeutic efficacy of the fluid product dispensed is therefore improved.
  • the radial inlet channel 302 is cylindrical over a major part of its length from said outlet opening 3022 to said inlet opening 3021.
  • the diameter of said outlet opening 3022 is equal to the diameter of said radial inlet channel 302 while the diameter of said inlet opening 3021 is greater than the diameter of said radial inlet channel 302, in particular between 0.6 and 0.8 mm, advantageously about 0.7 mm, while the radial depth of said inlet opening 3021 is advantageously about 0.2 mm.
  • This implementation is advantageous during molding in order to reduce the length of the small diameter pin to achieve radial inlet channel 302, which is fragile.
  • this implementation makes it possible not to have such a fragile pin tangent to the outer circular edge of the valve. This further reinforces the robustness of the molding means and therefore improves the manufacturing reliability of the valve.
  • the valve 30 can be made in two parts, namely an upper part 31 (also called the top of the valve) and a lower part 32 (also called the bottom of the valve).
  • the upper part 31 comprises said central axial channel 35, said axial outlet orifice 301 and said radial inlet channel 302.
  • the lower part 32 is in this embodiment assembled inside the upper part 31.
  • An internal channel 33 is provided in the valve 30, in particular in the lower part 32, which makes it possible to connect the metering chamber 20 to the reservoir 1, to fill said metering chamber 20 when, after each actuation of the valve, the valve 30 returns to its rest position under the effect of the spring 8. This filling takes place when the device is still in the inverted position of use, with the valve placed below the reservoir 1.
  • valve 30 when the valve 30 is in the rest position, the metering chamber 20, outside the valve 30, is substantially isolated from the reservoir 1 by the cooperation between the lower part 32 of the valve 30 and the chamber seal 22 In this rest position, the metering chamber 20 therefore remains connected to the reservoir 1 only via said internal channel 33.
  • the valve shown in the figures. figures 1 and 2 is therefore a retention valve.
  • the invention is however also applicable to other types of valves, in particular valves of the ACT type.

Description

La présente invention concerne une valve doseuse et un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide comportant une telle valve.The present invention relates to a metering valve and a fluid dispenser device comprising such a valve.

Les valves dite doseuses, dans lesquelles à chaque actionnement de la valve, une dose précise de produit fluide est distribuée, sont bien connues dans l'état de la technique, et sont généralement assemblées sur un réservoir contenant le produit fluide et un gaz propulseur utilisé pour réaliser l'expulsion de la dose.The so-called metering valves, in which on each actuation of the valve, a precise dose of fluid product is dispensed, are well known in the state of the art, and are generally assembled on a reservoir containing the fluid product and a propellant gas used. to achieve expulsion of the dose.

On connaît principalement deux types de valves doseuses.Mainly known two types of metering valves.

Les valves dites à rétention comportent une soupape qui, en position de repos, obture partiellement la chambre de dosage. Plus précisément, l'extérieur de la soupape coopère de manière étanche avec le joint de chambre de la chambre de dosage, de sorte que la chambre de dosage n'est reliée au réservoir, dans cette position de repos, que via le canal interne de la soupape.So-called retention valves include a valve which, in the rest position, partially closes the metering chamber. More precisely, the exterior of the valve cooperates in a sealed manner with the chamber seal of the metering chamber, so that the metering chamber is only connected to the reservoir, in this rest position, via the internal channel of the metering chamber. the valve.

Les chambres de dosage des valves dites sans amorçage ne se remplissent que juste avant l'actionnement proprement dit.The metering chambers of the so-called non-priming valves only fill up just before the actual actuation.

Dans les deux cas, le remplissage du réservoir avec le produit fluide à distribuer se fait généralement après assemblage de la valve doseuse sur le réservoir, à travers ladite valve doseuse.In both cases, the filling of the reservoir with the fluid product to be dispensed is generally done after assembly of the metering valve on the reservoir, through said metering valve.

Un paramètre important pour une valve doseuse est la part de particules fines distribuées à chaque actionnement. En effet, ces particules fines sont particulièrement efficaces d'un point de vue thérapeutique.An important parameter for a metering valve is the proportion of fine particles distributed with each actuation. Indeed, these fine particles are particularly effective from a therapeutic point of view.

Un autre paramètre important est le temps de remplissage du réservoir à travers la valve doseuse, qui ne doit pas être trop long pour ne pas ralentir le processus de fabrication.Another important parameter is the time for filling the tank through the metering valve, which should not be too long so as not to slow down the manufacturing process.

Les documents WO2014199182 , US2007272767 et US2015023883 décrivent des dispositifs de l'état de la technique.The documents WO2014199182 , US2007272767 and US2015023883 describe devices of the state of the art.

La présente invention a pour but de fournir une valve doseuse qui ne reproduit pas les inconvénients susmentionnés.The object of the present invention is to provide a metering valve which does not reproduce the aforementioned drawbacks.

La présente invention a ainsi pour but de fournir une valve doseuse qui optimise la part des particules fines distribuées à chaque actionnement, tout en garantissant une vitesse de remplissage acceptable à travers ladite valve.The object of the present invention is thus to provide a metering valve which optimizes the proportion of fine particles distributed on each actuation, while guaranteeing an acceptable filling rate through said valve.

La présente invention a notamment pour but de fournir une valve doseuse qui soit simple et peu coûteuse à fabriquer et à assembler, et de fonctionnement fiable.The object of the present invention is in particular to provide a metering valve which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and which functions reliably.

La présente invention a donc pour objet une valve doseuse de distribution de produit fluide, comportant un corps de valve contenant une chambre de dosage, et une soupape coulissant axialement dans ledit corps de valve entre une position de repos et une position de distribution, pour sélectivement distribuer le contenu de ladite chambre de dosage, ladite soupape étant sollicitée vers sa position de repos par un ressort coopérant d'une part avec ledit corps de valve et d'autre part avec ladite soupape, ladite soupape comportant un canal axial central pourvu d'un orifice de sortie axial et d'un canal d'entrée radial qui est disposé dans ladite chambre de dosage lorsque ladite soupape est en position de distribution, ledit canal d'entrée radial comportant, dans le sens de distribution du produit fluide, une ouverture d'entrée et une ouverture de sortie débouchant dans ledit canal axial central, un diamètre dudit canal d'entrée radial étant compris entre 0,30 et 0,40 mm, avantageusement environ 0,35 mm, un diamètre de ladite ouverture de sortie étant égal au diamètre dudit canal d'entrée radial et un diamètre de ladite ouverture d'entrée étant supérieur au diamètre dudit canal d'entrée radial.The present invention therefore relates to a metering valve for dispensing fluid product, comprising a valve body containing a metering chamber, and a valve sliding axially in said valve body between a rest position and a dispensing position, for selectively dispensing the contents of said metering chamber, said valve being urged towards its rest position by a spring cooperating on the one hand with said valve body and on the other hand with said valve, said valve comprising a central axial channel provided with an axial outlet orifice and a radial inlet channel which is disposed in said metering chamber when said valve is in the dispensing position, said radial inlet channel comprising, in the direction of dispensing of the fluid product, an opening inlet and an outlet opening opening into said central axial channel, a diameter of said radial inlet channel being between 0.30 and 0.40 mm, advantageously approx. iron 0.35 mm, a diameter of said outlet opening being equal to the diameter of said radial inlet channel and a diameter of said inlet opening being greater than the diameter of said radial inlet channel.

Avantageusement, ledit canal d'entrée radial est cylindrique sur une majeure partie de sa longueur à partir de ladite ouverture de sortie.Advantageously, said radial inlet channel is cylindrical over a major part of its length from said outlet opening.

Avantageusement, le diamètre de ladite ouverture d'entrée est compris entre 0,6 et 0.8 mm, avantageusement environ 0,7 mm.Advantageously, the diameter of said inlet opening is between 0.6 and 0.8 mm, advantageously around 0.7 mm.

Avantageusement, la profondeur radiale de ladite ouverture d'entrée est d'environ 0,2 mm.Advantageously, the radial depth of said inlet opening is approximately 0.2 mm.

La présente invention a aussi pour objet un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide comportant une valve doseuse telle que définie ci-dessus fixée sur un réservoir.The present invention also relates to a fluid dispenser device comprising a metering valve as defined above fixed to a reservoir.

Ces caractéristiques et avantages et d'autres de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description détaillée suivante de celle-ci, faite en référence aux dessins joints, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et sur lesquels

  • La figure 1 est une vue schématique en section transversale d'une valve de distribution en position de repos de la soupape, dans la position droite de stockage de la valve,
  • La figure 2 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1, en position d'actionnement de la soupape
  • La figure 3 est une vue de détail en section verticale de la soupape de valve des figures 1 et 2,
  • La figure 4 est une vue de détail en section horizontale selon le plan de coupe A-A de la figure 3,
  • La figure 5 est un graphique illustrant les quantités de particules fines expulsées en fonction du diamètre du trou latéral de la soupape, et
  • La figure 6 est un graphique illustrant les temps de remplissage du réservoir à travers la valve en fonction du diamètre du trou latéral de la soupape.
These characteristics and advantages and others of the present invention will emerge more clearly during the following detailed description thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and in which
  • The figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing valve in the rest position of the valve, in the upright storage position of the valve,
  • The figure 2 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 , in valve actuation position
  • The figure 3 is a detail view in vertical section of the valve valve of the figures 1 and 2 ,
  • The figure 4 is a detail view in horizontal section according to the section plane AA of the figure 3 ,
  • The figure 5 is a graph showing the amounts of fine particles expelled as a function of the diameter of the side hole of the valve, and
  • The figure 6 is a graph showing the times of filling the tank through the valve as a function of the diameter of the side hole of the valve.

Dans la description ci-après, les termes "haut", "bas", "inférieur", "vertical" et horizontal" se réfèrent à la position droite représentée sur la figure 1, et les termes "axial" et "radial" se réfèrent à l'axe central longitudinal de la valve représenté sur les figures 1 et 2.In the following description, the terms "top", "bottom", "bottom", "vertical" and horizontal "refer to the upright position shown in the figure. figure 1 , and the terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the longitudinal central axis of the valve shown in figures 1 and 2 .

La valve doseuse représentée sur la figure 1 comporte un corps de valve 10 s'étendant le long d'un axe central longitudinal. À l'intérieur dudit corps de valve 10, une soupape 30 coulisse entre une position de repos, qui est celle représentée sur la figure 1, et une position de distribution, représentée sur la figure 2, dans laquelle la soupape 30 est enfoncée à l'intérieur du corps de valve 10.The metering valve shown on figure 1 comprises a valve body 10 extending along a longitudinal central axis. Inside said valve body 10, a valve 30 slides between a rest position, which is that shown in figure. figure 1 , and a dispensing position, shown on the figure 2 , in which the valve 30 is pressed inside the valve body 10.

Cette valve est destinée à être assemblée sur un réservoir 1 (dont seul le col est représenté de manière schématique sur la figure 1), de préférence au moyen d'un élément de fixation 5, qui peut être une capsule à sertir, à visser ou à encliqueter, et avantageusement avec interposition d'un joint de col 6. Éventuellement, une bague 4 peut être assemblée autour du corps de valve 10, notamment pour diminuer le volume mort en position inversée et pour limiter le contact du produit fluide avec le joint de col 6. Cette bague 4 peut être de forme quelconque, et l'exemple de la figure 1 n'est pas limitatif. De manière générale, le réservoir 1 contient le produit fluide et le gaz propulseur, en particulier une formulation constituée d'un ou plusieurs principe(s) actif(s) en suspension et/ou en solution dans un gaz propulseur liquéfié, ainsi qu'éventuellement des excipients.This valve is intended to be assembled on a reservoir 1 (of which only the neck is shown schematically on the figure 1 ), preferably by means of a fixing element 5, which may be a crimp, screw or snap cap, and advantageously with the interposition of a neck seal 6. Optionally, a ring 4 can be assembled around the valve body 10, in particular to reduce the dead volume in the inverted position and to limit the contact of the fluid product with the neck seal 6. This ring 4 can be of any shape, and the example of the figure 1 is not limiting. In general, the reservoir 1 contains the fluid product and the propellant gas, in particular a formulation consisting of one or more active principle (s) in suspension and / or in solution in a liquefied propellant gas, as well as possibly excipients.

La soupape 30 est sollicitée vers sa position de repos par un ressort 8, qui est disposé dans le corps de valve 10 et qui coopère d'une part avec ce corps de valve 10, et d'autre part avec la soupape 30, de préférence avec une collerette radiale 320 de la soupape 30. Une chambre de dosage 20 est définie à l'intérieur du corps de valve 10, ladite soupape 30 coulissant à l'intérieur de ladite chambre de dosage 20 pour permettre la distribution du contenu de celle-ci lorsque la valve est actionnée.The valve 30 is biased towards its rest position by a spring 8, which is arranged in the valve body 10 and which cooperates on the one hand with this valve body 10, and on the other hand with the valve 30, preferably with a radial flange 320 of the valve 30. A metering chamber 20 is defined inside the valve body 10, said valve 30 sliding inside said metering chamber 20 to allow distribution of the contents thereof. ci when the valve is actuated.

La chambre de dosage 20 est de préférence définie entre deux joints annulaires, un joint de soupape 21 et un joint de chambre 22, de manière bien connue.The metering chamber 20 is preferably defined between two annular seals, a valve seal 21 and a chamber seal 22, in a well known manner.

Le corps de valve 10 comporte une partie cylindrique 15 dans laquelle est disposé le ressort 8 et dans laquelle la collerette 320 coulisse entre ses positions de repos et de distribution. Dans la position de la figure 1, cette partie cylindrique 15 est la partie inférieure du corps de valve. Cette partie cylindrique 15 comporte une ou plusieurs ouvertures longitudinales 11, telles que des fentes, s'étendant latéralement dans ladite partie cylindrique 15 du corps de valve, sur une partie de la hauteur axiale du corps de valve dans le sens de l'axe central longitudinal. Ces ouvertures 11 permettent le remplissage de la chambre de dosage 20 après chaque actionnement, lorsqu'en position inversée d'utilisation (avec la valve disposée sous le réservoir), la soupape 30 revient de sa position de distribution vers sa position de repos.The valve body 10 comprises a cylindrical part 15 in which the spring 8 is disposed and in which the collar 320 slides between its rest and distribution positions. In the position of the figure 1 , this cylindrical part 15 is the lower part of the valve body. This cylindrical part 15 comprises one or more longitudinal openings 11, such as slits, extending laterally in said cylindrical part 15 of the valve body, over a part of the axial height of the valve body in the direction of the central axis. longitudinal. These openings 11 allow the metering chamber 20 to be filled after each actuation, when in the inverted position of use (with the valve placed under the reservoir), the valve 30 returns from its dispensing position to its rest position.

La figure 1 représente la valve en position droite de stockage, c'est-à-dire la position dans laquelle la chambre de dosage 20 est disposée au-dessus du réservoir.The figure 1 represents the valve in the upright storage position, that is to say the position in which the metering chamber 20 is placed above the reservoir.

La soupape 30 comporte un canal axial central 35 pourvu d'un orifice de sortie axial 301 et d'un canal d'entrée radial 302 qui est disposé dans la chambre de dosage 20 lorsque la soupape 30 est en position de distribution. Ce canal d'entrée radial 302 comporte, dans le sens de distribution du produit fluide, une ouverture d'entrée 3021 et une ouverture de sortie 3022, cette dernière débouchant dans ledit canal axial central 35.The valve 30 comprises a central axial channel 35 provided with an axial outlet orifice 301 and a radial inlet channel 302 which is disposed in the metering chamber 20 when the valve 30 is in the dispensing position. This radial inlet channel 302 comprises, in the direction of distribution of the fluid product, an inlet opening 3021 and an outlet opening 3022, the latter opening into said central axial channel 35.

De manière surprenante, il a été déterminé que les dimensions dudit canal d'entrée radial 302 ont un impact sur la quantité de particules fines distribuées à chaque dose.Surprisingly, it has been determined that the dimensions of said radial inlet channel 302 have an impact on the quantity of fine particles distributed at each dose.

Le graphique de la figure 5 illustre des résultats de tests qui démontrent cet effet.The graph of the figure 5 illustrates test results that demonstrate this effect.

Ainsi, la figure 5 démontre que plus le diamètre du canal d'entrée radial 302 est petit, plus grande sera la part de particules fines distribuée à travers l'ouverture de sortie 3022 de la soupape 30. Ces résultats peuvent s'expliquer par le fait qu'en diminuant le diamètre du canal d'entrée radial 302, le temps de passage de la formulation dans celui-ci augmente, en raison de l'augmentation de la résistance. De ce fait, la formulation est distribuée avec un débit plus faible, ce qui limite la déposition des particules fines dans la zone de la gorge, permettant par conséquent une déposition plus profonde dans les bronches.So the figure 5 demonstrates that the smaller the diameter of the radial inlet channel 302, the greater will be the portion of fine particles distributed through the outlet opening 3022 of the valve 30. These results can be explained by the fact that by decreasing the diameter of the radial inlet channel 302, the passage time of the formulation therein increases, due to the increase in resistance. As a result, the formulation is dispensed at a lower flow rate, which limits the deposition of fine particles in the throat area, therefore allowing deeper deposition in the bronchi.

La figure 5 montre aussi qu'au-dessus de 0,40 mm, la modification du diamètre n'a plus d'impact sur les particules fines.The figure 5 also shows that above 0.40 mm, the change in diameter no longer has an impact on fine particles.

Le test de la figure 5 a consisté à évaluer la taille aérodynamique des particules (APSD "Aerodynamic Particle Size Distribution") provenant d'une valve doseuse. Ce test a été réalisé avec un équipement spécifique appelé impacteur pharmaceutique, et plus précisément le NGI ("Next generation Impactor", décrit dans la pharmacopée sous le nom d'appareil E). Les tests ont été réalisés à un débit de 30 litres par minute. Le graphique de la figure 5 reproduit la somme des particules fines entrées dans l'impacteur. On observe que plus le diamètre du canal d'entrée radial 302 est petit, plus la valve est efficace en terme de taille des particules expulsées lors d'un spray. Les valeurs indiquées dans le graphique de la figure 5 sont des quantités de particules fines, c'est à dire de taille dite "petite". Dans le cadre du test de la figure 5, il s'agit des particules dont le diamètre aérodynamique est inférieur à 6,4 µm. Il est particulièrement intéressant que cette valeur soit la plus grande possible, car les particules fines de taille adéquate sont particulièrement efficaces d'un point de vue thérapeutique.The test of figure 5 consisted in evaluating the aerodynamic size of the particles (APSD "Aerodynamic Particle Size Distribution") coming from a metering valve. This test was carried out with specific equipment called a pharmaceutical impactor, and more precisely the NGI (“Next generation Impactor”, described in the pharmacopoeia under the name of device E). The tests were carried out at a flow rate of 30 liters per minute. The graph of the figure 5 reproduces the sum of fine particles entering the impactor. It is observed that the smaller the diameter of the radial inlet channel 302, the more effective the valve is in terms of the size of the particles expelled during a spray. The values shown in the graph of the figure 5 are quantities of particles fine, that is to say of so-called "small" size. As part of the test figure 5 , these are particles whose aerodynamic diameter is less than 6.4 µm. It is particularly advantageous that this value is as large as possible, since fine particles of adequate size are particularly effective from a therapeutic point of view.

Les tests ont été réalisés avec une formulation contenant un fort pourcentage d'éthanol (15% m/m), un excipient, un principe actif (sulfate de salbutamol) et du HFA 134a en tant que gaz propulseur. Les réservoirs testés ont tous été remplis avec la même formulation.The tests were carried out with a formulation containing a high percentage of ethanol (15% m / m), an excipient, an active principle (salbutamol sulphate) and HFA 134a as propellant. The tanks tested were all filled with the same formulation.

Bien entendu, plus le diamètre du canal d'entrée radial 302 est petit, plus le temps de remplissage du réservoir 1 à travers la valve sera long. Or, un temps de remplissage trop long peut s'avérer inacceptable.Of course, the smaller the diameter of the radial inlet channel 302, the longer the time it will take to fill the reservoir 1 through the valve. However, too long a filling time may prove to be unacceptable.

La figure 6 est un graphique représentant les temps de remplissage selon le diamètre du canal d'entrée radial 302. Le temps indiqué est le temps de remplissage uniquement, et ne prend pas en compte tout le cycle (mise en place du réservoir dans la machine, descente de la tête de remplissage etc.). La ligne violette représente le temps typique pour une valve standard, duquel il est souhaitable de ne pas trop s'éloigner.The figure 6 is a graph representing the filling times according to the diameter of the radial inlet channel 302. The time indicated is the filling time only, and does not take into account the entire cycle (placing the tank in the machine, lowering the tank). filling head etc.). The purple line represents the typical time for a standard valve, from which it is desirable not to stray too far.

La figure 6 montre qu'en-dessous de 0,30 mm, le temps de remplissage devient trop important
Par conséquent, selon l'invention, le diamètre du canal d'entrée radial 302 est compris entre 0,30 et 0,40 mm, avantageusement environ 0,35 mm. Ceci permet d'optimiser le taux de particules fines distribuées, sans ralentir de manière inacceptable le temps de remplissage du réservoir. L'efficacité thérapeutique du produit fluide distribuée est donc améliorée.The figure 6 shows that below 0.30 mm, the filling time becomes too long
Consequently, according to the invention, the diameter of the radial inlet channel 302 is between 0.30 and 0.40 mm, advantageously about 0.35 mm. This makes it possible to optimize the rate of fine particles distributed, without unacceptably slowing down the filling time of the tank. The therapeutic efficacy of the fluid product dispensed is therefore improved.

Dans le mode de réalisation avantageux représenté sur les figures, le canal d'entrée radial 302 est cylindrique sur une majeure partie de sa longueur à partir de ladite ouverture de sortie 3022 vers ladite ouverture d'entrée 3021.In the advantageous embodiment shown in the figures, the radial inlet channel 302 is cylindrical over a major part of its length from said outlet opening 3022 to said inlet opening 3021.

Le diamètre de ladite ouverture de sortie 3022 est égal au diamètre dudit canal d'entrée radial 302 alors que le diamètre de ladite ouverture d'entrée 3021 est supérieur au diamètre dudit canal d'entrée radial 302, en particulier compris entre 0,6 et 0,8 mm, avantageusement environ 0,7 mm, alors que la profondeur radiale de ladite ouverture d'entrée 3021 est avantageusement d'environ 0,2 mm. Ceci est notamment visible sur les figures 3 et 4. Cette mise en œuvre est avantageuse lors du moulage afin de réduire la longueur de la broche de petit diamètre pour réaliser canal d'entrée radial 302, qui est fragile. De plus, cette mise en œuvre permet de ne pas avoir une telle broche fragile tangente au bord circulaire externe de la soupape. Ceci renforce encore la robustesse des moyens de moulage et donc améliore la fiabilité de fabrication de la soupape.The diameter of said outlet opening 3022 is equal to the diameter of said radial inlet channel 302 while the diameter of said inlet opening 3021 is greater than the diameter of said radial inlet channel 302, in particular between 0.6 and 0.8 mm, advantageously about 0.7 mm, while the radial depth of said inlet opening 3021 is advantageously about 0.2 mm. This is particularly visible on the figures 3 and 4 . This implementation is advantageous during molding in order to reduce the length of the small diameter pin to achieve radial inlet channel 302, which is fragile. In addition, this implementation makes it possible not to have such a fragile pin tangent to the outer circular edge of the valve. This further reinforces the robustness of the molding means and therefore improves the manufacturing reliability of the valve.

De manière connue, la soupape 30 peut être réalisée en deux parties, à savoir une partie haute 31 (également appelée haut de soupape) et une partie basse 32 (également appelée bas de soupape). La partie haute 31 comporte ledit canal axial central 35, ledit orifice de sortie axial 301 et ledit canal d'entrée radial 302. La partie basse 32 est dans ce mode de réalisation assemblée à l'intérieur de la partie haute 31.In known manner, the valve 30 can be made in two parts, namely an upper part 31 (also called the top of the valve) and a lower part 32 (also called the bottom of the valve). The upper part 31 comprises said central axial channel 35, said axial outlet orifice 301 and said radial inlet channel 302. The lower part 32 is in this embodiment assembled inside the upper part 31.

Un canal interne 33 est prévu dans la soupape 30, en particulier dans la partie basse 32, qui permet de relier la chambre de dosage 20 au réservoir 1, pour remplir ladite chambre de dosage 20 lorsque, après chaque actionnement de la valve, la soupape 30 revient vers sa position de repos sous l'effet du ressort 8. Ce remplissage se fait quand le dispositif est encore en position inversée d'utilisation, avec la valve disposée en-dessous du réservoir 1.An internal channel 33 is provided in the valve 30, in particular in the lower part 32, which makes it possible to connect the metering chamber 20 to the reservoir 1, to fill said metering chamber 20 when, after each actuation of the valve, the valve 30 returns to its rest position under the effect of the spring 8. This filling takes place when the device is still in the inverted position of use, with the valve placed below the reservoir 1.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, lorsque la soupape 30 est en position de repos, la chambre de dosage 20, à l'extérieur de la soupape 30, est sensiblement isolée du réservoir 1 par la coopération entre la partie basse 32 de la soupape 30 et le joint de chambre 22. Dans cette position de repos, la chambre de dosage 20 reste donc reliée au réservoir 1 uniquement via ledit canal interne 33. La valve représentée sur les figures 1 et 2 est donc une valve à rétention. L'invention est toutefois aussi applicable à d'autres types de valves, notamment les valves du type ACT.In the example of figure 1 , when the valve 30 is in the rest position, the metering chamber 20, outside the valve 30, is substantially isolated from the reservoir 1 by the cooperation between the lower part 32 of the valve 30 and the chamber seal 22 In this rest position, the metering chamber 20 therefore remains connected to the reservoir 1 only via said internal channel 33. The valve shown in the figures. figures 1 and 2 is therefore a retention valve. The invention is however also applicable to other types of valves, in particular valves of the ACT type.

Bien que la présente invention ait été décrite en référence à un mode de réalisation particulier de celle-ci, il est entendu qu'elle n'est pas limitée par l'exemple représenté. Au contraire, l'homme du métier peut y apporter toutes modifications utiles sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention tel que défini par les revendications annexées.Although the present invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it is understood that it is not limited by the example shown. On the contrary, a person skilled in the art can provide all modifications useful without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (5)

  1. A metering valve for dispensing fluid, the metering valve comprising a valve body (10) containing a metering chamber (20), and a valve member (30) slidable axially in said valve body (10) between a rest position and a dispensing position so as to dispense the contents of said metering chamber (20) selectively, said valve member (30) being urged towards its rest position by a spring (8) that co-operates firstly with said valve body (10) and secondly with said valve member (30), said valve member (30) including a central axial channel (35) that is provided with an axial outlet orifice (301) and with a radial inlet channel (302) that is arranged in said metering chamber (20) when said valve member (30) is in its dispensing position, said radial inlet channel (302) including, in the fluid dispensing direction, an inlet opening (3021) and an outlet opening (3022) that opens out into said central axial channel (35), a diameter of said radial inlet channel (302) lies in the range 0.30 mm to 0.40 mm, advantageously about 0.35 mm, characterized in that a diameter of said outlet opening (3022) being equal to the diameter of said radial inlet channel (302), and a diameter of said inlet opening (3021) being greater than the diameter of said radial inlet channel (302).
  2. A valve according to claim 1, wherein said radial inlet channel (302) is cylindrical over a major portion of its length, starting from said outlet opening (3022).
  3. A valve according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the diameter of said inlet opening (3021) lies in the range 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm, and is advantageously about 0.7 mm.
  4. A valve according to any preceding claim, wherein a radial depth of said inlet opening (3021) is about 0.2 mm.
  5. A fluid dispenser device, characterized in that it comprises a metering valve according to any preceding claim fastened on a reservoir (1).
EP18735630.8A 2017-05-05 2018-05-04 Metering valve and fluid product dispensing device comprising such a valve Active EP3634883B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1754009A FR3065891B1 (en) 2017-05-05 2017-05-05 METERING VALVE AND FLUID PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A VALVE.
PCT/FR2018/051119 WO2018203013A1 (en) 2017-05-05 2018-05-04 Metering valve and fluid product dispensing device comprising such a valve

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3634883A1 EP3634883A1 (en) 2020-04-15
EP3634883B1 true EP3634883B1 (en) 2021-07-07

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18735630.8A Active EP3634883B1 (en) 2017-05-05 2018-05-04 Metering valve and fluid product dispensing device comprising such a valve

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US (1) US10968033B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3634883B1 (en)
JP (1) JP7178364B2 (en)
CN (1) CN110603207A (en)
FR (1) FR3065891B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018203013A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
JP7178364B2 (en) 2022-11-25
EP3634883A1 (en) 2020-04-15
FR3065891A1 (en) 2018-11-09
JP2020518521A (en) 2020-06-25
FR3065891B1 (en) 2021-12-24
US20200071062A1 (en) 2020-03-05
US10968033B2 (en) 2021-04-06
WO2018203013A1 (en) 2018-11-08
CN110603207A (en) 2019-12-20

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