DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A LIQUID PRODUCT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid product distribution device, and more particularly to a single-dose type fluid product distribution device intended to distribute a single dose.

[0002] Single-dose devices are well known in the prior art and find some of their applications in the field of pharmaceutical dispensers for nasal use, in which a dose of product must be distributed into one nostril.

[0003] Document GB2262138 discloses such a single-dose device. To use this device, the user places the dispensing orifice in their nostril and applies axial pressure to the reservoir or the actuating element attached to the reservoir. This axial pressure must be sufficiently high to overcome energy storage means to ensure the full dose is delivered.

[0004] When applying this relatively large axial force, it is difficult to precisely control the position of the end of the device containing the distribution opening in the nostril, and it may happen that the tip of the device head hits the back of the nostril, which can be uncomfortable and / or painful for the user.

[0005] On the other hand, because this device requires a predetermined minimum force to be operated, it may be difficult for elderly or less mobile people to use, who may have difficulty exerting this force with the device placed in the nostril.

[0006] In addition, there are unit-dose, possibly refillable, fluid product dispensing devices that use a syringe as a reservoir containing the dose of fluid product. Document WO2015104511 describes such a device.

[0007] One drawback of this type of device, especially when the syringe is filled manually just before use, is that the volume of the dispensed dose is not precisely and reproducibly defined, which can generate undesirable dosage variations if the device is reused several times with different syringes.

[0008] Document US4962868 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a fluid product distribution device that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0010] In particular, the present invention aims to provide a fluid product dispensing device, such as a unit dose, which is simple and reliable to use, and in which the product dispensing is independent of the user's actuation effort.

[0011] The present invention also aims to provide such a distribution device which guarantees the distribution of the entire dose with each actuation.

[0012] The present invention also aims to provide such a distribution device which avoids the risk of injury during actuation.

[0013] The present invention also aims to provide such a device which uses a syringe as a reservoir and which allows, when the syringe is inserted into the device, the dose of fluid product to be defined reproducibly when actuation.

[0014] The present invention further aims to provide such a distribution device which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0015] The present invention therefore relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product comprising: a body receiving a removable reservoir, said reservoir comprising a cylindrical body containing a dose of fluid product and a piston connected to a piston rod, said piston being axially movable in said cylindrical body between a rest position and a dispensing position, an actuation system comprising an actuating rod axially movable in said body between a rest position and an actuated position, said actuating rod being forced towards its actuated position by an elastic element, such as a spring, said actuating rod cooperating with said piston rod of said reservoir, so that when said actuating rod is moved by said elastic element towards its actuated position, said piston is moved towards its dispensing position, causing the dispensing of the fluid product through said dispensing orifice, in which: said cylindrical body of said reservoir has on one axial side positioning means and on the other axial side a distribution orifice, said piston rod has a radial projection, in particular at its axial end opposite said piston, said body has first receiving means receiving said positioning means of said reservoir, and said actuating rod has second receiving means receiving said radial projection of said piston rod.

[0016] Advantageously, said positioning means comprise at least one radial positioning fin, said first receiving means being made in the form of at least one radial groove each receiving a respective radial positioning fin.

[0017] Advantageously, said second receiving means include a radial housing adapted to the shape of said radial projection.

[0018] Advantageously, the device includes locking means, movable between a locking position, in which said actuating rod is locked in the rest position, and a non-locking position, said locking means being moved manually by the user between said locking position and said non-locking position.

[0019] Advantageously, said locking means comprise at least one elastic tab integral with said actuating rod, each elastic tab being radially stressed outwards and being elastically deformable radially inwards, each elastic tab cooperates in the locking position with a respective radial shoulder.

[0020] Advantageously, said at least one radial shoulder is formed in a hollow sleeve fixed in said body, said hollow sleeve having a radial wall having a central through hole, said actuating rod passing through said through hole, the edge of said through hole of said radial wall forming said radial shoulder, with in the locking position each elastic leg which butts against a respective radial shoulder to prevent any axial displacement of said actuating rod.

[0021] Advantageously, the said locking means are unlocked by means of an actuation button, which can be moved axially by the user between a rest position and a triggering position.

[0022] Advantageously, said actuation button includes a trigger sleeve adapted to cooperate with said at least one elastic leg.

[0023] Advantageously, said trigger sleeve has an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole formed in said radial wall of said hollow sleeve.

[0024] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: there figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fluid product dispensing device according to an advantageous embodiment, without a reservoir and with the actuation system in its rest position, the figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the figure 1 , there figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device from a different cutting angle. figure 1 , there figure 4 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 , after loading the actuation system and before inserting the tank, the figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the figure 4 , there figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device from a different cutting angle. figure 4 , there figure 7 is a view similar to that of the figure 4 , after insertion of the tank and before activation of the actuation system, the figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the figure 7 , there figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device from a different cutting angle. figure 7 , there figure 10 is a view similar to that of the figure 7 , after the actuation system is triggered, the figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the figure 10 , there figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device from a different cutting angle. figure 10 , there figure 13 is a view similar to that of the figure 10 , after distribution of the dose of fluid product, the figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the figure 13 , and the figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device from a different cutting angle. figure 13 .

[0025] In the description below, the terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the longitudinal central axis of the device.

[0026] The device includes a body 100 adapted to receive a reservoir 10 containing a dose of fluid product, and comprising an actuation system used to expel said dose of fluid product out of the reservoir.

[0027] The reservoir 10 comprises a cylindrical body 11 containing the fluid product and a piston 12 connected to a piston rod 13.

[0028] The piston 12 is axially movable in the cylindrical body 11 between a rest position and a distribution position.

[0029] The cylindrical body 11 has on one axial side positioning means 15, for example at least one, preferably two radial positioning fins 15, and on the other axial side a distribution orifice 16. Alternatively, the positioning means 15 could be formed by a radial collar.

[0030] The piston rod 13 has a radial projection 17, preferably at its axial end opposite the piston 12. This reservoir 10 can be filled with the product to be dispensed before being inserted into the body 1. Alternatively, it can be pre-filled.

[0031] The actuation system includes an actuating rod 110 that can be moved axially within the body 100 between a rest position, visible on the figures 1 à 9 and an activated position, visible on the figures 13 à 15 .

[0032] The actuating rod 110 is forced towards its actuated position by an elastic element 120, such as a spring.

[0033] The actuating rod 110 cooperates with the piston rod 13 of the reservoir 10, so that when the actuating rod 110 is moved by the spring 120 to its actuated position, the piston 12 is moved to its distribution position, causing the distribution of the fluid product through the distribution orifice 16.

[0034] Preferably, locking means 130, movable between a locked position and a non-locked position, retain the actuating rod 110 in the rest position. These locking means 130 are manually movable by the user between the locked and non-locked positions.

[0035] In the example in the figures, the locking means 130 comprise at least one elastic tab 131 attached to the actuating rod 110.

[0036] Each elastic leg 131 is stressed radially outwards and is elastically deformable radially inwards.

[0037] Each elastic leg 131 cooperates in the locking position with a respective radial shoulder 132.

[0038] In the example of the figures, there are two diametrically opposed elastic legs 131, and the respective radial shoulders 132 are formed in a hollow sleeve 135 fixed in the body 100. This hollow sleeve 135 has a radial wall 136 having a central through hole, said actuating rod 110 passing through said through hole.

[0039] The edge of said through hole in radial wall 136 forms radial shoulder 132, with elastic tabs 131 in locking position which butt against said radial shoulder 132 to prevent any axial movement of the actuating rod 110.

[0040] When the user wishes to unlock the locking means 130, he deforms said elastic tabs 131 radially inwards until they no longer butt against the radial shoulder 132.

[0041] The spring 120 then moves the actuating rod to its actuated position, with the elastic tabs 131 passing through the perforated bottom wall of the hollow sleeve 135.

[0042] Advantageously, the device is rechargeable, the actuation system being recharged before each use, by pulling or pushing axially on the actuating rod 110, which charges the spring 120, until the elastic tabs 131 pass through the perforated radial wall 136 of the hollow sleeve 135 and snap into place behind the radial shoulder 132.

[0043] In the example shown in the figures, the locking means 130 are advantageously unlocked by means of an actuation button 140, which can be moved axially by the user between a rest position and a triggering position.

[0044] The actuation button 140 includes a trigger sleeve 141 adapted to cooperate with the elastic tabs 131 of the locking means 130. This trigger sleeve 141 advantageously has an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole formed in the radial wall 136 of the hollow sleeve 135.

[0045] Thus, when the user presses the actuation button 140, it moves the trigger sleeve 141 axially in the body 100, which deforms the elastic tabs 131 radially inwards until they no longer cooperate with the radial shoulder 132.

[0046] Other implementations of the locking means 130 and the actuating button 140 are possible. For example, the actuating button 140 could be moved not axially within the body 100, but in a lateral direction.

[0047] Optionally, a distribution head, in particular in the form of a spray, may be provided, which can be assembled on the body 100 and / or on the reservoir 10.

[0048] According to the invention, the body 100 comprises first receiving means 101 for receiving the positioning means 15 of the reservoir 10. Thus, the cylindrical body 11 of the reservoir 10 is positioned in a definite and reproducible manner within the body 100 of the device. These first receiving means 101 are, for example, in the form of radial grooves, each receiving a positioning fin 15.

[0049] Furthermore, the actuating rod 110 includes second receiving means 111 receiving the radial projection 17 of the piston rod.

[0050] Thus, the piston rod 13 and the piston 12 of the reservoir 10 are positioned in a determined and reproducible manner in the body 100 of the device.

[0051] These second means of reception 111 are for example made in the form of a radial housing adapted to the shape of the radial projection 17.

[0052] Thus, the present invention precisely and reproducibly defines the position of the piston 12 within the cylindrical body 11 of the reservoir, and therefore the dose of fluid product that will be expelled upon actuation. This is particularly beneficial for ensuring consistently identical dispensing characteristics, since the volume of the dispensed fluid product is always the same and the actuation force exerted by the spring 120 is always the same.

[0053] The present invention therefore provides a distribution device which performs, in particular, the following functions: It ensures safe use by allowing the fluid product to be distributed in any position of the device; it facilitates the distribution of the product, which is independent of the user's effort, since it is a spring that ensures this distribution; in particular, the spring guarantees constant distribution characteristics; it limits the risks of contamination of the product by bringing it into contact with only two materials, namely the material of the reservoir, generally glass, and the material of the piston, generally an elastomer material inert with respect to the fluid product.

[0054] The present invention has been described with reference to an advantageous embodiment, but it is understood that a person skilled in the art may make any modifications to it, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing a fluid product comprising: - A body (100) receiving a removable reservoir (10), said reservoir (10) comprising a cylindrical body (11) containing a dose of fluid product and a plunger (12) connected to a plunger rod (13), said plunger (12) being axially movable in said cylindrical body (11) between a rest position and a dispensing position, - an actuation system comprising an actuation rod (110) axially movable in said body (100) between a rest position and an actuated position, said actuation rod (110) being urged towards its actuated position by an elastic element (120), such as a spring, said actuation rod (110) cooperating with said plunger rod (13) of said reservoir (10), so that when said actuation rod (110) is moved by said elastic element (120) towards its actuated position, said plunger (12) is moved towards its dispensing position, causing the dispensing of the fluid product through said dispensing orifice (16), characterised in that: - said cylindrical body (11) of said reservoir (10) comprises, on one axial side, positioning means (15) and on the other axial side, a dispensing orifice (16), - said plunger rod (13) comprises a radial projection (17), particularly, at its axial end opposite said plunger (12), - said body (100) comprises first receiving means (101), receiving said positioning means (15) of said reservoir (10), and - said actuation rod (110) comprises second receiving means (111), receiving said radial projection (17) of said plunger rod (13).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said positioning means (15) comprise at least one radial positioning fin, said first receiving means (101) being made in the form of at least one radial groove each receiving a respective radial positioning fin (15).

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said second receiving means (111) comprise a radial housing adapted to the shape of said radial projection (17).

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising blocking means (130) movable between a blocking position, wherein said actuation rod (110) is blocked in the rest position, and a non-blocking position, said blocking means (130) being moved manually by the user between said blocking position and said non-blocking position.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said blocking means (130) comprise at least one elastic tab (131) integral with said actuation rod (110), each elastic tab (131) being urged radially outwards and being elastically deformable radially inwards, each elastic tab (131) cooperates in the blocking position with a respective radial shoulder (132).

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said at least one radial shoulder (132) is formed in a hollow sleeve (135) fixed in said body (100), said hollow sleeve (135) comprising a radial wall (136) comprising a central through-hole, said actuation rod (110) passing through said through-hole, the edge of said through-hole of said radial wall (136) forming said radial shoulder (132), with, in the blocking position, each elastic tab (131) which abuts against a respective radial shoulder (132) to prevent said actuation rod (110) all axial movement of said actuation rod (110)7. The device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said blocking means (130) are unblocked by means of an actuation button (140) axially movable by the user between a rest position and a trigger position.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein said actuation button (140) comprises a trigger sleeve (141) adapted to cooperate with said at least one elastic tab (131).

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein said trigger sleeve (141) has an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the through-hole formed in said radial wall (136) of said hollow sleeve (135).