DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A LIQUID PRODUCT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing fluid products of the bidose type, in particular for a nasal spray.

[0002] By bidose type dispensing device, we mean a device containing two doses of fluid product to be dispensed during two successive actuations of the dispensing device.

[0003] Bi-dose devices are well known in the prior art. These devices generally comprise a reservoir containing the two doses of fluid product to be dispensed, and a dispensing element, usually a piston, which is mounted to slide within the reservoir and is moved to dispense the fluid product contained therein. The piston's movement occurs in two successive actuation strokes, such that a first dose is dispensed on the first stroke and a second dose on the second stroke.

[0004] With this type of dual-dose device, there are dose separation mechanisms to define the two doses, and generally also energy storage mechanisms designed to require the application of a certain force to activate the device. These energy storage mechanisms prevent unwanted or accidental activation, for example, during storage or transport. They also ensure full dose delivery with each activation by generating pre-compression in the user's hand at the moment of activation. These energy storage mechanisms, which can be made of deformable, movable, or breakable elements, also allow the force required for activation to be predefined, and therefore the parameters of the spray generated at the device's output.

[0005] However, during the assembly and / or actuation of the device, there is a risk of damaging the energy storage means. During assembly, certain components of these energy storage means may be subjected to shocks that could alter them, consequently impacting their energy storage performance. This leads to a risk of increased variability in the actuation force required to overcome the energy storage means, and therefore variability in the spray properties during dose delivery. Such variability is undesirable, particularly in terms of the repeatability and stability of dose delivery performance. A similar risk exists during the actuation of the first dose for the energy storage means intended for the second dose, which may be subjected to shocks that could damage them.

[0006] Documents US20100145275A1, US20160068326A1 and US7681570B2 and FR3115210A1 describe prior art devices.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a fluid product distribution device that does not reproduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] The present invention thus aims to provide a fluid product distribution device that guarantees the integrity of the energy storage means before each use.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide such a fluid product distribution device which reduces the variability of actuation efforts and improves the repeatability and stability of the distribution parameters of each dose.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide such a fluid product distribution device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0011] The present invention therefore relates to a fluid product distribution device comprising a reservoir containing two doses of fluid product, a distribution member, such as a piston, mounted to slide within said reservoir to distribute fluid product, a main body, a central body integral with said main body, a support member receiving said reservoir, a distribution head provided with a distribution orifice, and an axially movable actuating member within said main body and cooperating with said support member to perform successive actuations of the device by moving said support member relative to said central body, thereby moving said actuating member within said reservoir and thus distributing fluid product through said distribution orifice, a return spring being provided to return said actuating member to its starting position after each actuation.said device comprising energy accumulation means including first and second thrust elements formed on said central body and first and second resistance elements formed on said support member, said first thrust element being adapted to cooperate with said first resistance element to accumulate energy during the distribution of the first dose, and said second thrust element being adapted to cooperate with said second resistance element to accumulate energy during the distribution of the second dose, each thrust element comprising a radially deformable tab, provided at its lower axial end with a central thrust zone, the lower axial surface of which comes into contact with a respective resistance element during actuations, in which: , said support member comprises two diametrically opposed longitudinal profiles, each longitudinal profile comprising, starting from the upper axial edge: a first deformation profile, a first window, a second deformation profile, and a second window, the first window of one longitudinal profile comprising said first resistance element, and the second window of the other longitudinal profile comprising said second resistance element, each deformation profile comprising: a central ramp extending axially and inclined radially outwards downwards, disposed between first and second axially straight lateral ribs of constant radial dimension, each central thrust zone is disposed between a first and a second inclined zone, such that when said support member moves axially relative to said central body during assembly,Each thrust element cooperates with a respective first deformation profile in such a way that each central thrust zone does not come into contact with said support member.

[0012] Advantageously, when said support member moves axially relative to said central body during the distribution of the first dose, said second thrust element cooperates with a second deformation profile in such a way that its central thrust zone does not come into contact with said support member.

[0013] Advantageously, the said first and second resistance elements are axially offset on said support body.

[0014] Advantageously, the said first and second thrust elements are arranged diametrically opposed on the said central body.

[0015] Advantageously, said resistance elements are formed by breakable bridges, which break upon actuation, or by deformable beams, which deform upon actuation.

[0016] Advantageously, the said first and second thrust elements are identical, the said first thrust element cooperating with one longitudinal profile and the said second thrust element cooperating with the other longitudinal profile.

[0017] Advantageously, said first deformation profiles cooperate with said two thrust elements during assembly, and said second deformation profiles cooperate with said two thrust elements during the distribution of the first dose.

[0018] Advantageously, the radially internal surface of each thrust element has a T-shape.

[0019] Advantageously, during assembly, said thrust zones will each cooperate with a respective central ramp of a first deformation profile, while said inclined zones will cooperate with said lateral ribs.

[0020] Advantageously, during the distribution of the first dose, said thrust zones will each cooperate with a respective central ramp of a second deformation profile, while said inclined zones will cooperate with said lateral ribs.

[0021] Advantageously, during assembly, said inclined areas of each thrust element slide on the upper axial edge of said lateral ribs of said first deformation profile, which deforms said deformable legs radially outwards, so that each thrust area avoids any contact with said support member, by first facing the smaller diameter part of each central ramp, and then moving radially outwards as the assembly progresses.

[0022] Advantageously, during the distribution of the first dose, said inclined areas of each thrust element slide on the upper axial edge of said lateral ribs of said second deformation profile, which deforms said deformable legs radially outwards, so that each thrust area avoids any contact with said support member, by first facing the smaller diameter part of each central ramp, and then moving radially outwards as the first dose is distributed.

[0023] Advantageously, at the end of assembly, the said deformable legs snap into a first respective window, the said first thrust element being positioned opposite the said first resistance element, to achieve the accumulation of energy during the distribution of the first dose.

[0024] Advantageously, at the end of the distribution of the first dose, said deformable legs snap into a second respective window, said second thrust element being arranged opposite said second resistance element, to achieve the accumulation of energy during the distribution of the second dose.

[0025] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and on which THE figures 1 to 4 are schematic cross-sectional views of a fluid product dispensing device according to a first advantageous embodiment, respectively before dispensing the first dose, after dispensing the first dose, before dispensing the second dose, and after dispensing the second dose. figure 5is a schematic side perspective view of the main body of the device figures 1 to 4 , There figure 6 is a schematic perspective view from below of the main body of the figure 5 , There figure 7 is a partial schematic perspective view of a first thrust element attached to the main body of the figures 5 and 6 , THE figures 8 and 9 are schematic side views of the device's support body figures 1 to 4 , There Figure 10 is a schematic view during the assembly of the support body into the main body. figure 11 is an enlarged detail view of the Figure 10 , THE figures 12 to 15 These are enlarged detail views showing different positions of the thrust element during assembly. figures 16 to 19are schematic cross-sectional views of a fluid product dispensing device according to a second advantageous embodiment, respectively before dispensing the first dose, after dispensing the first dose, before dispensing the second dose, and after dispensing the second dose. Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view from below of the central body of the device figures 1 to 4 , There figure 21 is a partial schematic perspective view of a first thrust element attached to the main body of the Figure 20 , THE Figures 22 and 23 are schematic side views of the device's support body figures 16 to 19 , There figure 24 is a schematic view during the assembly of the support body into the central body, The figure 25 is an enlarged detail view of the figure 24 , and The figures 26 to 29These are enlarged detail views showing different positions of the thrust element during assembly.

[0026] In the description below, the terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the longitudinal central axis of the device. The terms "top," "bottom," "upper," and "lower" refer to the upright position shown on the figures 1 to 4 And 16 à 19 .

[0027] The present invention will be described below with reference to two embodiments of a bidose, that is, a device containing two doses of a fluid product to be dispensed by two successive actuations of the device. It is understood, however, that the bidose-type devices shown in the drawings are only examples of possible embodiments to which the present invention applies, and it is understood that the present invention applies more generally to any type of device containing two doses.

[0028] Referring to the figures, the dispensing device is a bidose which includes a reservoir 10 containing two doses of liquid product. A dispensing element, such as a piston 20, is mounted to slide within said reservoir 10. In the position before actuation of the device, shown in the Figures 1 And 16 , said piston 20 acts as a plug by isolating the contents of the reservoir 10.

[0029] A main body 30 is mounted on said reservoir 10 and is axially movable relative to it. In particular, an axial displacement of the main body 30 relative to the reservoir 10 causes the piston 20 to move within the reservoir 10, thus distributing the fluid product contained in said reservoir.

[0030] A dispensing head 40 is assembled onto the main body 30. The dispensing head 40 includes a dispensing channel 43 that leads from a pierce point 44 to a dispensing orifice 41 of the dispensing head 40. Upstream of the dispensing orifice 41, a spray profile, which may be of any known type and is not shown in further detail in the drawings, may be provided for dispensing the fluid product as a spray. A nasal support element 49 may be arranged around the dispensing head 40 to limit the insertion of said dispensing head 40 into a nostril and / or to guide this insertion.

[0031] In the first embodiment of figures 1 to 15 , the distribution head 40 is fixedly mounted on the main body 30, whereas in the second embodiment of the figures 16 to 29 The distribution head 40 and the main body 30 are formed from a single monobloc piece.

[0032] A central body 90 is provided within the main body 30, said central body 90 incorporating energy storage means, as will be described in more detail below. In the first embodiment of the figures 1 to 15 , the central body 90 is made in one piece with the central body 30, whereas in the second embodiment of the figures 16 to 29 , the central body 90 is fixed to the central body 30.

[0033] The reservoir 10 is fixed in a support body 50, which is therefore integral with said reservoir 10, and which moves together with it.

[0034] The main body 30 has a lower lateral skirt 32 adapted to cooperate with an actuation member 60. A finger rest element 80 is formed on the main body 30 and / or on the distribution head 40, or alternatively it can be assembled on said main body 30 and / or on the distribution head 40.

[0035] The actuating member 60 is axially movable within the lateral skirt 32 of the main body 30 to perform successive actuations of the device. The actuating member 60 includes at least one inclined tab 61 adapted to cooperate with projections 51, 52 of the support body 50 to perform the successive actuations.

[0036] At least one return spring 70 is mounted between the actuating member 60 and the main body 30 and / or the distribution head 40, to return said actuating member 60 to its starting position after each actuation. In the examples shown in the figures, there are two parallel springs 70, but other implementations with any number of springs are possible.

[0037] The operation of the device shown in the figures is as follows. In the rest position of the Figures 1 And 16, the piston stopper 20 isolates the contents of the tank 10 from the atmosphere. When the user simultaneously presses the finger rest 80 and the actuating member 60, they will move said actuating member 60 upwards inside the side skirt 32 of the main body 30. This will push the support body 50 axially upwards, via the tabs 61 which will push on the shoulder 51 of said support body 50. This will compress the spring 70 and move the reservoir 10 relative to the main body 30. As the reservoir 10 begins to move relative to the main body 30, the bored end 44 of the dispensing channel 43 will pierce the stopper piston 20 to connect the inside of the reservoir 10 with said expulsion channel 43. Continued actuation will cause the piston 20 to move inside the reservoir 10 and thus dispense the first dose.The fluid product is therefore pushed by said piston 20 through the bore end 44 into the distribution channel 43, and then out of the device through the distribution orifice 41.

[0038] After the first dose is dispensed, the device is in the position shown in the diagram. figures 2 And 17When the user releases the actuating member 60, the spring 70 returns it to its starting position. During this return of the actuating member 60, the reservoir and the support body 50 do not move backward, as these two components remain held within the main body 30. Advantageously, anti-return means are provided to prevent the return of said support body 50 and / or said reservoir 10. When the actuating member 60 returns to its rest position under the effect of the return spring 70, the tabs 61 position themselves under the second projection 52 of the support body 50, which allows the user to actuate the device a second time to dispense the second dose of liquid product.

[0039] THE figures 3, 4 And 18, 19 represent respectively the positions before and after distribution of the second dose.

[0040] The device includes means for storing energy. First means of storing energy are provided for the first dose and second means of storing energy are provided for the second dose.

[0041] In the first embodiment, shown in the figures 1 to 15 , the central body 90 is made in one piece with the central body 30, and the distribution head 40 is fixed on said central body 30.

[0042] In the second embodiment shown in the figures 16 to 29 , the distribution head 40 is made of a single piece with the central body 30, and the central body 90 is fixed on said central body 30.

[0043] The first means of energy accumulation include a first resistance element 53, formed on the support body 50, cooperating with a corresponding first thrust element 33, 93 formed on the central body 90.

[0044] The second means of energy accumulation include a second resistance element 53', formed on the support body 50, cooperating with a corresponding second thrust element 33', 93' formed on the central body 90.

[0045] The first and second resistance elements 53, 53' are axially offset on the support body 50.

[0046] The first and second thrust elements 33, 33', respectively 93, 93', are arranged diametrically opposite on the central body 90.

[0047] The support member 50 comprises two diametrically opposed longitudinal profiles, each longitudinal profile comprising, starting from the upper axial edge: a first deformation profile 55, a first window 54, a second deformation profile 55', substantially identical to the first deformation profile 55, and a second window 54'.

[0048] Each longitudinal profile has only one load-bearing element 53, 53', located in only one of its windows 54, 54'. Thus, if a first longitudinal profile has the first load-bearing element 53 in its first window 54, then its second window has no load-bearing element. In this case, the other longitudinal profile has the second load-bearing element 53' in its second window 54', and its first window 54 has no load-bearing element.

[0049] The resistance elements 53, 53' can be formed by breakable bridges, which break when actuation, or by deformable beams, which deform when actuation.

[0050] The first and second deformation profiles 55, 55' of each longitudinal profile are advantageously identical, and each comprises: a central ramp 551, 551' extending axially and inclined radially outwards downwards, arranged between first and second lateral ribs 552, 552' and 553, 553' that are axially straight and of constant radial dimension. This is particularly visible on the figure 8 .

[0051] The first and second thrust elements 33, 93 and 33', 93' are identical, the first thrust element 33, 93 cooperating with one longitudinal profile and the second thrust element 33', 93' cooperating with the other longitudinal profile.

[0052] Since the thrust elements are identical in both embodiments, the following description will be made with reference to the first embodiment of the figures 1 to 15, with thrust elements 33, 33', but it is understood that this description applies in the same way to the second embodiment of the figures 16 to 29 , with thrust elements 93, 93'.

[0053] Each thrust element 33, 33' comprises a radially deformable leg 330, 330', provided at its lower axial end with a central thrust zone 331, 331', the lower axial surface of which comes into contact with a respective resistance element 53, 53' during actuations.

[0054] Thus, to ensure the integrity of these two thrust zones 331, 331' during assembly, it is desirable that they not be subjected to any shock during assembly. Similarly, to ensure the integrity of the second thrust zone 331' during the distribution of the first dose, it is desirable that it not be subjected to any shock during this first distribution. The first deformation profiles 55 cooperate with the two thrust elements 33, 33' during assembly, and the second deformation profiles 55' cooperate with the two thrust elements 33, 33' during the distribution of the first dose.

[0055] Each thrust zone 331, 331' is arranged between a first and a second inclined zone 332, 332' and 333, 333', as visible on the figure 7 . Thus, the radially internal surface 335 of each thrust element 33, 33' advantageously has a T-shape.

[0056] During assembly, the thrust zones 331, 331' will each cooperate with a respective central ramp 551, while the inclined zones 332, 333 and 332', 333' will cooperate with the lateral ribs 552, 553.

[0057] Thus, as can be seen on the Figures 10 to 15 In the diagram illustrating the assembly of the support member 50 into the main body 30, the inclined zones 332, 333 and 332', 333' of each thrust element 33, 33' will slide along the upper axial edge of the lateral ribs 552, 553, thereby deforming the deformable tabs 330, 330' radially outwards. Each thrust zone 331, 331' will thus avoid any contact with the support member 50, initially facing the smaller diameter portion of each central ramp 551, and then moving radially outwards as the assembly progresses.

[0058] At the end of assembly, visible on the figure 15The deformable tabs 330, 330' snap into their respective first windows 54, thus positioning the first thrust element 33 opposite the first resistance element 53. This allows for energy accumulation during the delivery of the first dose. Since the central thrust zone 331 has not come into contact with the support member 50 during assembly, this energy accumulation will perfectly conform to the specified requirements.

[0059] Since the second profiles 55' are identical to the first profiles 55, the same applies during the distribution of the first dose. Therefore, after this initial distribution, the second thrust element 33' is positioned opposite the second resistance element 53', which will allow for energy accumulation during the distribution of the second dose. As the central thrust zone 331' has not come into contact with the support member 50, either during assembly or during the distribution of the first dose, this energy accumulation will perfectly conform to the specified requirements.

[0060] Of course, the present invention has been described with reference to two embodiments, which are not limiting, and any useful modification may be made to the present invention without departing from its scope as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Device for dispensing a fluid product comprising a reservoir (10) containing two doses of fluid product, a dispensing member (20), such as a piston, slidingly mounted in said reservoir (10) to dispense a fluid product, a main body (30), a central body (90) secured to said main body (30), a support member (50) that accommodates said reservoir (10), a dispensing head (40) provided with a dispensing orifice (41) and an actuating member (60) that is axially displaceable within said main body (30) and engages with said support member (50) to perform successive actuations of the device by displacing said support member (50) with respect to said central body (90) to thus displace said dispensing member (20) in said reservoir (10) and thus dispense the fluid product through said dispensing orifice (41), a return spring (70) being provided to return said actuating member (60) into its starting position after each actuation, said device comprising energy accumulation means comprising first and second pushing elements (33, 33'; 93, 93') formed on said central body (90) and first and second resistance elements (53, 53') formed on said support member (50), said first pushing element (33; 93) being suitable for engaging with said first resistance element (53) to accumulate energy during the dispensing of the first dose, and said second pushing element (33'; 93') being suitable for engaging with said second resistance element (53') to accumulate energy during the dispensing of the second dose, each pushing element (33, 33'; 93, 93') comprising a radially deformable tab (330, 330'; 930, 930'), provided at its lower axial end with a central pushing zone (331, 331'; 931, 931'), the axially lower surface of which comes into contact with a respective resistance element (53, 53') during actuations, characterised in that: - said support member (50) comprises two diametrically opposite longitudinal profiles, each longitudinal profile comprising, starting with the upper axial edge: a first deformation profile (55), a first window (54), a second deformation profile (55'), and a second window (54'), - the first window (54) of a longitudinal profile comprises said first resistance element (53), and the second window (54') of the other longitudinal profile comprises said second resistance element (53'), - each deformation profile (55, 55') comprises: a central ramp (551, 551') extending axially and radially inclined outwards towards the bottom, disposed between first and second side ridges (552, 552'; 553, 553') axially straight and with a constant radial dimension, - each central pushing zone (331, 331'; 931, 931') is disposed between a first and a second inclined zone (332, 332' and 333, 333'; 932, 932' and 933, 933'), - such that when said support member (50) is axially displaced with respect to said central body (90) during assembly, each pushing element (33, 33'; 93, 93') engages with a respective first deformation profile (55), such that each central pushing zone (331, 331'; 931, 931') does not come into contact with said support member (50).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein when said support member (50) is axially displaced with respect to said central body (90) during the dispensing of the first dose, said second pushing element (33'; 93') engages with a second deformation profile (55'), such that its central pushing zone (331'; 931') does not come into contact with said support member (50).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first and second resistance elements (53, 53') are axially offset on said support body (50).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second pushing elements (33, 33'; 93, 93') are disposed diametrically opposite on said central body (90).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said resistance elements (53, 53') are formed by breakable bridges, which are broken during actuation, or by deformable beams, which are deformed during actuation.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second pushing elements (33, 93; 33', 93') are identical, said first pushing element (33; 93) engaging with a longitudinal profile and said second pushing element (33'; 93') engaging with the other longitudinal profile.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first deformation profiles (55) engage with the two pushing elements (33, 33'; 93, 93') during assembly, and said second deformation profiles (55') engage with said two pushing elements (33, 33'; 93, 93') during the dispensing of the first dose.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radially internal surface (335) of each pushing element (33, 33'; 93, 93') is T-shaped.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, during assembly, said pushing zones (331, 331'; 931, 931') will each engage with a respective central ramp (551) of a first deformation profile (55), while said inclined zones (332, 333; 932, 933 and 332', 333'; 932', 933') will engage with said side ridges (552, 553).

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, during the dispensing of the first dose, said pushing zones (331, 331'; 931, 931') will each engage with a respective central ramp (551') of a second deformation profile (55'), while said inclined zones (332, 333; 932, 933 and 332', 333'; 932', 933') will engage with said side ridges (552', 553').

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, during assembly, said inclined zones (332, 333; 332', 333') of each pushing element (33, 33'; 93, 93') slide over the upper axial edge of said side ridges (552, 553) of said first deformation profile (55), which deforms said deformable tabs (330, 330'; 930, 930') radially outwards, such that each pushing zone (331, 331'; 931, 931') avoids any contact with said support member (50), by first facing the part with the smallest diameter of each central ramp (551), then by moving away radially outwards according to the assembly.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, during the dispensing of the first dose, said inclined zones (332, 333; 332', 333') of each pushing element (33, 33'; 93, 93') slide over the upper axial edge of said side ridges (552', 553') of said second deformation profile (55'), which deforms said deformable tabs (330, 330'; 930, 930') radially outwards, such that each pushing zone (331, 331'; 931, 931') avoids any contact with said support member (50), by first facing the part with the smallest diameter of each central ramp (551'), then by moving away radially outwards according to the dispensing of the first dose.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, at the end of assembly, said deformable tabs (330, 330'; 930, 930') are snap-fitted in a respective first window (54), said first pushing element (33, 93) being disposed facing said first resistance element (53), to store energy during the dispensing of the first dose.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, at the end of dispensing of the first dose, said deformable tabs (330, 330'; 930, 930') are snap-fitted in a respective second window (54'), said second pushing element (33', 93') being disposed facing said second resistance element (53'), to store energy during the dispensing of the second dose.