Device, cartridge and method for dispensing a liquid

摘要

A device, cartridge and method for dispensing a liquid, preferably a drug, are proposed. The liquid is pressurized in a cartridge to a first lower pressure and, then, pressurized in doses by a pump to a second higher pressure. A valve arranged between the cartridge and the pump is normally closed and/or opened only temporarily. Thus, evaporation and dripping of liquid can be avoided or minimized.

主权项

1. A device for dispensing or atomizing a liquid (103) containing a medicament, a drug formulation or an inhalation formulation, the device comprising:
a housing; a cartridge (100) comprising: a storage means (102) containing the liquid (103), a valve (106) in fluidic communication with the storage means, and pressurizing means to pressurize the liquid (103) and push the liquid (103) out through the valve (106) when the valve (106) is open; a conveying tube (155) having a first end in fluid cooperation with the valve (106) and a second end; a pump (117) having a one-way input and piston (121) for receiving the liquid from the second end of the conveying tube and for pressurizing the liquid (103) for delivery after the liquid (103) has passed through the valve (106); and a control mechanism (133) for controlling opening and closing of the valve (106), wherein: the cartridge (100) is axially movable within the housing between: (i) a first position where the device is in a de-activated state such that: (a) the valve (6) prevents the first end of the conveying tube (155) from being in fluid communication with the liquid within the storage means, and (b) the pump (117) is not ready to pressurize the liquid (103) for delivery, and (ii) a second position where the device is in an activated state such that: (a) the valve (6) permits the first end of the conveying tube (155) to at least temporarily be in fluid communication with the liquid within the storage means, and (b) the pump (117) is ready to pressurize the liquid (103) for delivery, and the control mechanism (133), the valve (106) and the cartridge (100) cooperate such that: (i) the valve (106) is closed and prevents the first end of the conveying tube (155) from being in fluid communication with the liquid within the storage means when the cartridge (100) is in the first position and the device is in the de-activated state, (ii) the valve (106) is open for at least a portion of time and permits the first end of the conveying tube (155) to be in fluid communication with the liquid within the storage means during axial movement of the cartridge (100) from the first position to the second position, and (iii) the valve (106) transitions from opened to closed one of: (a) during the cartridge (100) axial movement from the first position toward the second position, (b) upon the cartridge (100) reaching the second position, and (c) after the cartridge (100) reaches the second position.