WO2012062444A1

WO2012062444A1 - Blister packaging for liquid

Info

Publication number: WO2012062444A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/005592
Authority: WO
Inventors: Berthold Lange; Wolfgang Stoeters; Tanja Thiele; Markus Voigt
Original assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-11-10
Filing date: 2011-11-08
Publication date: 2012-05-18
Also published as: JP2013542146A; US20130341231A1; EP2637947A1

Abstract

The invention relates to packaging (1), in particular blister packaging, comprising at least one cavity (2) for holding a liquid. The packaging (1) has a capillary stop (7) for the liquid, said stop surrounding the cavity (2).

Description

Blister packaging for liquid

The present invention relates to a packaging, in particular blister packaging, with at least one cavity for receiving a liquid according to the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention relates to the inclusion of a liquid in a package, in particular in a blister pack. The liquid is taken up 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 blister packs can also cover or envelop the contents or the liquid picked up in a light-tight or opaque manner. 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 carrier, one or more troughs or depressions for receiving the liquid may be formed, in which the liquid, in particular a pharmaceutical formulation, is filled. The

CONFIRMATION COPY Cover film or the cover is then placed on the bottom 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 he follows.

DE 103 43 668 AI discloses a particularly dense blister packaging for pharmaceuticals, wherein the filling of the blister pack is not discussed in more detail.

DE 20 2007 003 050 Ul discloses a blister pack for a liquid active substance. 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 present invention is particularly concerned with a complete filling of a cavity of a package, in particular blister pack, with a liquid. Particularly preferred is a gas or air bubble-free filling allows or facilitated. Such a complete filling is necessary, for example, when a blister pack is applied to a medical cartridge or assembly (for example, a so-called biosensor) and the liquid filled into the cavity of the blister pack, in particular with one or more reagents, has a certain detection reaction in the cartridge trigger or enable. The cartridge will then usually have a microfluidic system. So that a detection reaction aimed at by the liquid is not falsified or influenced, it may also be necessary for the liquid to be transferred to the cartridge without gas or air bubbles after opening the cavity. This requires, inter alia, that the cavity of the blister pack itself is completely, ie filled with gas or air bubble free with the liquid. However, complete filling of the cavity or blister with the liquid may also be desirable or necessary for other reasons, such as good shelf life, barometric pressure resistance, or the like. The present invention has for its object to provide a package, in particular a blister pack, with a cavity for receiving a liquid, wherein a complete filling of the cavity, in particular a B listers, with the liquid and / or a dense closing of the cavity facilitates or allows will or will be.

The above object is achieved by a package according to claim 1. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the proposal, the packaging has a capillary stop for the liquid. The capillary stop is arranged between the cavity and a connection region or in the connection region in which the bottom film or the support on the one hand and the cover film or the cover on the other hand are connected or connectable to one another. The purpose of the capillary stop is to prevent or at least limit or reduce flow or diffusion of the liquid from the cavity between the carrier and the lid or the formation of a liquid film, in particular in flat surface areas of the carrier and the lid.

After filling the carrier or a cavity forming the cavity of the carrier with the liquid, the recess is normally first covered by the lid or the cover sheet (loose) and then there is a connection of the lid to the carrier, in particular in the flat aufeinanderlie - ing surface areas or in the connection area. It was possible to deduce from experiments that the liquid can flow or diffuse into the gap between cover and carrier in the surface areas lying on one another, in particular by capillary forces, namely into the imaginary connection region or beyond. This can lead to no (sufficiently) good or a non-full-surface connection of lid and carrier in the connection area in conventional packaging is achieved. The capillary stop now ensures that the liquid is prevented from flowing into the connection area.

Accordingly, the proposed solution or the capillary stop assists a secure or tight connection of the cover and the carrier in the connection region or in which it adjoins the capillary stop outside. connecting area. Consequently, the proposed solution or the capillary stop supports a complete filling of the package or the cavity with liquid. Namely, the capillary stop also prevents liquid from undesirably flowing out of the cavity in an undesired manner from the cavity after filling, in particular by the capillary action of the superimposed surface areas of the lid and carrier, before a final closing of the packaging or the cavity or of the blister takes place ,

The term "capillary stop" is to be understood in the present invention, in particular in general terms a means that prevents further flow of the liquid by capillary forces. Preferably, the capillary stop is formed by a particular abrupt increase in the cross-section to be flowed through by the liquid. For this purpose, the capillary stop is particularly preferably formed by a depression in the carrier and / or in the lid. The recess is in particular groove-like, groove-like and / or ring-shaped. This allows a simple implementation, in particular with the tools, machines and / or processes usually used just for blister packs.

The capillary stop preferably surrounds the cavity circumferentially and / or concentrically. This allows a simple and / or compact design and / or prevents unwanted ingress of liquid from the cavity in an outwardly adjoining area.

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

1 shows a schematic section of a packaging according to the prior art; and

Fig. 2 is a schematic section of a proposed packaging.

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

1 shows, in a schematic section, a packaging 1 which is known in principle from the prior art and has 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 extension direction 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 cover 5 is preferably designed to be flexible and / or deformable and in particular evidently, for example by tearing, pushing in, piercing or the like, particularly preferably for removal or delivery of the liquid 3. Alternatively or additionally, the support 4 may be correspondingly apparent. 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 be divided or separated into individual packages 1, each having at least one cavity 2 for receiving the liquid 3 before or preferably after the filling of the liquid 3, as required. In the following, only the preferred construction 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, preferably a recess or bulge in the carrier 4 and / or cover 5, in the illustrated embodiment preferably only in the carrier 4, is formed, as indicated in FIG. 1. The depression 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 connecting region 6 or, in the case of a plurality of cavities 2, a plurality of connecting regions 6 preferably lie in one plane and / or in the main extension plane 10 and / or on a flat side of the packaging 1, the carrier 4 and / or cover 5. In particular, the connecting region 6 surrounds the respective cavity 2 circumferentially 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 connecting region 6, in particular at least largely gas-tight, connected over the entire surface, in a ring-like and / or circumferentially connected or connectable.

1 shows in a very schematic, not true to reality representation of the packaging 1 after filling the liquid 3 and already lying loosely on the support 4 lid 5. In Fig. 1 is schematically indicated that the liquid 3 in the connection region 6, in particular out of the cavity 2, can penetrate and / or in the connection region 6, for example, when filling the cavity 2 with liquid 3, can stop. This liquid film, which extends into the connection region 6 and / or covers it at least partially, can be a safe and / or dichroic tes connecting carrier 4 and cover 5 in the connection region 6 or obstruct a hermetic sealing of the cavity 2 or even prevent. In particular, an undesirable fluid cushion can form in the connection region 6 or between carrier 4 and cover 5. Experiments have shown that in such a package 1, in particular in the first days after filling and closure of the package 1 or after storage, a significant loss of fluid occurs. This may possibly be explained by the fact that liquid 3 is trapped in the connection plane or in the connection region 6 and, as a consequence of reduced adhesion, can diffuse outward or escape over time.

FIG. 2 shows, in a schematic section corresponding to FIG. 1, the packaging 1 provided according to the proposal with a stop structure. The packaging 1 differs from the packaging 1 shown and described in FIG. 1 in particular only by realizing a structure for catching or stopping or obstructing the liquid 3 in the connecting plane or connecting region 6. In the exemplary embodiment, this structure is particularly preferably formed by a capillary stop 7. However, in principle also other structures can be used.

The term "capillary stop" is preferably to be understood in the sense mentioned on the input side in connection with the general description of the invention. However, the term "capillary stop" is preferably also to be understood further as another structure for stopping or at least retaining liquid 3. This is in particular a structure obtained by deformation and / or geometric shaping.

The capillary stop 7 prevents the liquid 3 or the liquid film (farther) from flowing or running into the connection region 6.

The capillary stop 7 in particular prevents liquid 3 from passing into the outer region or connecting region 6 beyond the capillary stop 7 during the closing phase or the closing of the packaging 1 or the cavity 2 - in the illustration example of the B cavity formed by the cavity 2 and there the adhesion and / or the uniform or Dense connection of the carrier 4 and cover 5 can affect negatively. In addition, the contamination of the environment by avoiding leaking liquid 3 is prevented or at least minimized. In addition, the inclusion of air or gas in the cavity 2 can be reduced or, ideally, completely avoided.

The capillary stop 7 is formed in particular by a recess 8 in the carrier 4 and / or cover 5 - in the representation example in the carrier 4. Particularly preferably, the depression 8 as well as the cavity 2 is produced by deep-drawing and / or thermoforming.

The capillary stop 7 or the depression 8 preferably surrounds the cavity 2 circumferentially, annularly and / or concentrically.

The capillary stop 7 or the recess 8 is preferably groove-like, groove-like and / or ring-shaped.

The capillary stop 7 or the recess 8 preferably has a depth of at least 0.3 mm, in particular of substantially 0.5 mm or more, and / or a width of at least 1 mm, in particular of substantially 2 mm or more ,

The capillary stop 7 is preferably arranged between the connection region 6 and the cavity 2. Alternatively, the capillary stop 7 can also be arranged in the connection region 6.

The capillary stop 7 is preferably arranged in the connecting plane 10 of the package 2 or in or on the flat side of the carrier 4.

The capillary stop 7 is preferably arranged in the region of surface areas of support 4 and cover 5 which lie flat on one another. Between the capillary stop 7 and the cavity 2, a ring region 9 adjoining the cavity 2 is preferably arranged or formed. The capillary stop 7 is preferably spaced on all sides, uniformly and / or radially to the cavity 2. The connecting region 6, the capillary stop 7 and / or the annular region 9 are preferably located at least substantially in one plane or in the main extension plane 10 of the packaging 1.

The distance of the capillary stop 7 from the cavity 2 or the width of the annular region 6 is preferably at least 1 mm, in particular substantially 2 mm more.

If necessary, a plurality of capillary stops 7 can be arranged behind one another and / or concentrically.

In the closed state, the lid 5 can either cover the capillary stop 7 or its recess 8 smoothly or evenly and / or be deformed into the capillary stop 7 or its recess 8.

In the illustrated example, the capillary stop 7 (radially) is arranged within the connection region 6.

In the illustrated example, the connecting region 6 preferably connects radially or externally directly to the capillary stop 7. However, the connection region 6 can also be arranged at a distance from the capillary stop 7 or vice versa.

Alternatively, the capillary stop 7 can also be arranged in the connection region 6. The capillary stop 7 then ensures that a good connection is made possible, at least in the region of the connection region 6 which lies on the side of the capillary stop 7 remote from the cavity 2, in particular since there prevents the occurrence of a liquid film or liquid cushion or liquid 3 or at least minimized. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 packaging

2 cavity

3 liquid

4 carriers

5 lids

6 connection area

7 capillary stop

8 deepening

9 ring area

10 level

Claims

claims:

1. Packaging (1), in particular blister packaging, with at least one cavity (2) for receiving a liquid (3),

the packaging (1) having a carrier (4) and a cover (5) between which the cavity (2) is formed and which are connected or connectable in a connection region (6) surrounding the cavity (2),

characterized,

in that the packaging (1) has a capillary stop (7) for the liquid (2) which is arranged between the cavity (2) and the connection region (6) or in the connection region (6).

2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the capillary stop (7) surrounding the cavity (2) circumferentially, annularly and / or concentrically.

3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the capillary stop (7) by a recess (8) in the carrier (4) and / or cover (5) is formed.

4. Packaging according to claim 3, characterized in that the recess (8) is groove-like, groove-like and / or ring-shaped.

5. Packaging according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the recess (8) has a depth of at least 0.3 mm, in particular of substantially 0.5 mm or more, and / or a width of at least 1 mm, in particular of essentially 2 mm or more.

6. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the capillary stop (7) and the cavity (2) a laterally to the cavity (2) subsequent annular region (9) is arranged or is formed.

7. Packaging according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting region (6) and the annular region (9) lie at least substantially in one plane (10).

8. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting region (6) and the capillary stop (7) at least substantially in a plane (10).

9. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting region (6) are formed at least substantially flat.

10. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (4) and the cover (5) in the connecting region (6) at least substantially liquid-tight, gas-tight, full-surface, annular and / or circumferentially connected to each other or are connectable.

1 1. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (4) and the cover (5) in the connecting region (6) by gluing, heat sealing or welding are connected or connectable.

12. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (4) for forming the cavity (2) and / or the capillary stop (7) partially deep-drawn and / or thermoformed.

13. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (4) made of plastic, foil and / or a composite material is produced.

14. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (5) is at least substantially planar and / or smooth.

15. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (5) made of plastic, foil and / or a composite material is produced.