Fluid product dispensing device

Abstract

A fluid product dispensing device comprising a reservoir (1) adapted to contain at least one dose of fluid product and a dispensing head (2) fixed to said reservoir (1), said dispensing head (2) comprising a cannula (3) provided with a front part (4), said cannula (3) comprising a spray tip (10) inserted into said front part (4), said spray tip (10) comprising an insert (11) and a cup (12), said cup (12) being arranged above said insert (11) and comprising an axial orifice forming a dispensing orifice (5), said insert (11) being provided with a spray profile comprising at least one non-radial groove (16), at least one wall part (17) running along each non-radial groove (16), and a central swirl chamber (19) defined radially inside said at least one wall part (17). "figure for the abstract: figure 5"

Description

Title of the invention: Device for dispensing fluid product

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product, in particular intended for the administration of a pharmaceutical product, in particular to small animals, such as for example mice.

[0002] The devices of the state of the art used to administer doses of drugs to small animals, such as rodents, in particular mice, are generally single-dose, single-use devices, in which the entire dose of product is dispensed in a single actuation. However, drug testing on animals, in particular rodents such as mice, is generally carried out on around fifteen rodents, which therefore requires around fifteen devices. In addition, the doses are generally not adjustable, so that a different device is required for each different dosage.

[0003] Furthermore, these devices generally use a small diameter cannula to distribute the fluid product, typically with an external diameter of 0.7 mm and an internal diameter of 0.4 mm. However, this achieves a dose distribution in the form of a rectilinear jet, whereas it is preferable to be able to achieve this distribution in the form of a spray. In particular in the context of pre-clinical tests on small animals, a spray with a Dv50 of less than 30 pm is desirable.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a fluid product dispensing device which does not reproduce the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0005] The present invention aims in particular to provide a fluid product dispensing device which makes it possible to dispense the fluid product at the outlet of a small diameter cannula in the form of a spray.

[0006] The present invention also aims to provide a fluid product dispensing device which is simple and reliable to use.

[0007] The present invention also aims to provide a fluid product dispensing device which makes it possible to dispense several doses in several successive uses.

[0008] The present invention also aims to provide a fluid product dispensing device which allows the dosage to be modified with each use.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide a fluid product dispensing device which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0010] The present invention therefore relates to a device for dispensing fluid product comprising a reservoir adapted to contain at least one dose of fluid product and a dispensing head fixed to said reservoir, said dispensing head comprising a cannula provided with a front part, said cannula comprising a tip of spray inserted into said front portion, said spray tip comprising an insert and a cup, said cup being arranged over said insert and comprising an axial orifice forming a dispensing orifice, said insert being provided with a spray profile comprising at least one non-radial groove, at least one wall portion running along each non-radial groove, and a central swirl chamber defined radially inside said at least one wall portion.

[0011] Advantageously, said insert comprises at least one external groove, preferably axial, extending over the entire axial length of the insert, to allow the passage of fluid during actuation.

[0012] Advantageously, said insert comprises at least two external grooves.

[0013] Advantageously, said at least two non-radial grooves and said at least two wall parts connect said at least two external grooves.

[0014] Advantageously, said insert and said cup are force-fitted into said front part of said cannula.

[0015] Advantageously, said cup comprises a cylindrical hollow sleeve containing a truncated cone-shaped hollow which narrows towards the front part of the cup, where said truncated cone-shaped hollow connects to a cylindrical hollow forming said dispensing orifice.

[0016] Advantageously, said insert and said cup are entirely arranged inside said front part of said cannula.

[0017] Advantageously, said dispensing head is removably connected to said reservoir.

[0018] Advantageously, said dispensing head is removably fixed to said reservoir, in particular via a Luer type fixing, said cannula being fixed, in particular welded, to said dispensing head.

[0019] Advantageously, the external diameter of said front part of said cannula is less than 1 mm, advantageously less than 0.8 mm, preferably approximately 0.7 mm.

[0020] Advantageously, the internal diameter of said front part of said cannula is less than 0.7 mm, advantageously less than 0.5 mm, preferably approximately 0.4 mm.

[0021] Advantageously, said cannula is curved or bent.

[0022] Advantageously, said reservoir is a syringe comprising a body and a piston sliding in said body during actuation.

[0023] Advantageously, the spray generated has a Dv50 of less than 30 pm, advantageously less than 25 pm, in particular less than or equal to 20 pm.

[0024] These and other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly during the following detailed description, made with reference to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective view of a device for distribution of fluid product according to an advantageous embodiment,

[0026] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a vertical sectional view of a cup,

[0027] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective detail view of a nozzle of spraying according to a first advantageous embodiment, comprising an insert and a cup, before their assembly in a cannula,

[0028] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic top view of the insert of [Fig.3],

[0029] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic view similar to that of [Fig.3], after assembly of the insert and the cup in the cannula,

[0030] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic top view in transparency of the spray tip, after assembly of the cup over the insert,

[0031] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper end of the insert of Figures 3 to 6,

[0032] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view similar to that of [Fig.7], showing an insert according to a second advantageous embodiment, and

[0033] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view similar to those of figures 7 and 8, showing an insert according to a third advantageous embodiment.

[0034] The terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the longitudinal central axis A of the dispensing device shown in [Fig. 5]. The terms "above", "below", "upper" and "lower" refer to a vertical position as shown in Figures 3 and 5. The term "forward" refers to the direction of flow of the fluid product upon actuation.

[0035] The fluid product dispensing device shown in [Fig.l] comprises a reservoir 1 containing one or more doses of fluid product and a dispensing head 2 comprising a cannula 3 having at its front part 4 a dispensing orifice 5.

[0036] The reservoir 1 is advantageously a syringe comprising a body 6 and a piston (not visible in [Fig.l]) sliding in said body 6 during actuation. A piston rod 7 is preferably attached to the piston to allow the user to actuate the device. This piston rod 7 may have at its rear end a radial flange 8 to facilitate gripping by a user.

[0037] The body 6 has an open front end adapted to receive the dispensing head 2, preferably in a removable manner. This fixing of the dispensing head 2 to the reservoir 1 can for example be achieved via a fixing of the type Classic Luer Lock. Other attachment methods are possible, such as screwing or snapping.

[0038] The cannula 3 forms a hollow tube defining a small diameter expulsion channel. Typically, the external diameter of the front part 4 of the cannula is less than 1 mm, advantageously less than 0.8 mm, preferably about 0.7 mm. Similarly, the internal diameter of the front part 4 of the cannula is typically less than 0.7 mm, advantageously less than 0.5 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm. In the example shown, the cannula 3 is bent, but it could be straight or curved, or of any suitable shape. It can be rigid, or alternatively partially or totally flexible. Advantageously, the rear part of the cannula 3 is welded to the dispensing head 2, but other fixing means are conceivable, for example a force fitting or gluing.

[0039] According to the invention, the cannula 3 comprises a spray tip 10.

[0040] This spray tip 10 provided in the front part 4 of the cannula 3 makes it possible to distribute the fluid product in the form of a spray.

[0041] This spray tip 10 comprises an insert 11 which is inserted into the front part 4 of the cannula 3 and a cup 12 arranged above the insert 11 and comprising an axial orifice forming the dispensing orifice 5.

[0042] The insert 11 has an external diameter approximately equal to the internal diameter of the cannula 3. Advantageously, the insert 11 is force-fitted into the front part 4 of the cannula 3.

[0043] Similarly, the cup 12 has an external diameter approximately equal to the internal diameter of the cannula 3. Advantageously, the cup 12 is force-fitted into the front part 4 of the cannula 3.

[0044] The insert 11 comprises at least one external groove 15 extending over the entire axial length of the insert, to allow the passage of fluid during actuation. Preferably, said at least one external groove 15 is axial. Alternatively, said at least one external groove 15 could be non-axial, in particular oblique around the insert 11. Advantageously, the insert 11 comprises at least two external grooves 15. The width of each external groove 15 is less than 0.2 mm, advantageously less than 0.1 mm, preferably approximately 0.08 mm.

[0045] In the first and third embodiments, shown respectively in Figures 3 to 7 and in [Fig.9], there are two diametrically opposed external grooves 15.

[0046] In the second embodiment, shown in [Fig.8], there are three external grooves 15 regularly distributed around the periphery of the insert 11.

[0047] At its front axial end, the insert 11 comprises a spray profile for generating a spray. This spray profile comprises at least one non-radial groove 16, at least one wall portion 17 running along each non-radial groove 16, and a central swirl chamber 19 defined radially inside said at least one wall portion 17. The axial height of each wall portion 17 is less than 0.15 mm, advantageously less than 0.12 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm.

[0048] In the first and third embodiments, there are two non-radial grooves 16 and two wall portions 17, connecting the two external grooves 15, as seen in Figures 4, 6 and 7 on the one hand, and in [Fig.9] on the other hand.

[0049] In the second embodiment, there are three non-radial grooves 16 and three wall portions 17, connecting the three external grooves 15, as seen in [Fig.8].

[0050] The cup 12 comprises a cylindrical hollow sleeve 13 containing a frustoconical-shaped hollow 14 which narrows towards the front part of the cup 12, where the frustoconical hollow 14 connects to a cylindrical hollow forming the dispensing orifice 5. The maximum internal diameter of the frustoconical hollow 14 is less than 0.5 mm, advantageously less than 0.3 mm, preferably about 0.2 mm. The internal diameter of the dispensing orifice 5 is less than 0.2 mm, advantageously less than 0.1 mm, preferably about 0.07 mm.

[0051] In the assembled position, the cup 12 is in contact with the insert 11, in particular with the upper axial edge of each wall part 17.

[0052] Thus, upon actuation, the fluid product flows axially into the cannula 3, then axially into the at least one axial external groove 15, then in a swirling manner into the central swirl chamber 19, being guided by the at least one non-radial groove 16 along the at least one wall portion 17, which swirls the fluid in the swirl chamber 19 and generates a spray through the dispensing orifice 5 formed in the cup 12. Depending on the shape of this spray profile, the properties of the spray generated can be modified.

[0053] Advantageously, the insert 11 and the cup 12 are entirely arranged inside the front part 4 of the cannula 3, so that the presence of the spray tip 10 does not increase the external diameter of the cannula, and does not modify its use.

[0054] Tests of the embodiments of figures 7 to 9 have made it possible to establish: - the invention makes it possible to generate a correct spray, based on the one hand on the geometry and velocity of the spray, and on the other hand on the granulometry of the spray drops (DSD: "Drop Size Distribution"); thus, the three embodiments described above make it possible to obtain a Dv50 of less than 30 pm; - the first embodiment has particularly good spray properties, with an average Dv50 less than or equal to 20 pm.

[0055] A preferred operation of the device shown in [Fig.l] will now be described.

[0056] Before the first use, the reservoir 1 can be empty and separated from the dispensing head 2. It is then preferably closed by a cap (not shown), in a known manner.

[0057] The user who wishes to use the device removes the cap from the reservoir 1 and fills it with fluid product. For example, in the case of a syringe, he draws fluid product from a reserve of fluid product, by pulling the piston backwards in the body 6. The reservoir 1 can be filled with a dose of chosen volume, or alternatively with two or more doses.

[0058] The device is then ready for its first active use, to dispense a dose of fluid product.

[0059] When the user presses the piston rod 7, he moves the piston relative to the body 6. Fluid product contained in the reservoir 1 is then expelled into the cannula 3 and then sprayed by the spray tip 10.

[0060] Advantageously, all of the fluid product contained in the reservoir 1 is dispensed in a single actuation.

[0061] Alternatively, the contents of the reservoir may be dispensed in two or more successive actuations.

[0062] When the reservoir 1 is empty, the user can remove the dispensing head 2, and refill the reservoir 1 in a known manner for the next use of the device.

[0063] It should be noted that the spray tip 10 described above could also be used with a pre-filled reservoir and / or a single-use device that can be disposed of after use.

[0064] A preferred application of the present invention relates to the administration of pharmaceutical product to small animals, such as for example mice. An application in humans is however also conceivable.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described with reference to advantageous embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may make various modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A fluid product dispensing device comprising a reservoir (1) adapted to contain at least one dose of fluid product and a dispensing head (2) fixed to said reservoir (1), said dispensing head (2) comprising a cannula (3) provided with a front part (4), characterized in that the external diameter of said front part (4) of said cannula (3) is less than 1 mm, advantageously less than 0.8 mm, preferably approximately 0.7 mm, and the internal diameter of said front part (4) of said cannula (3) is less than 0.7 mm, advantageously less than 0.5 mm, preferably approximately 0.4 mm, said cannula (3) comprising a spray tip (10) inserted in said front part (4), said spray tip (10) comprising an insert (11) and a cup (12), said cup (12) being arranged above said insert (11) and comprising an axial orifice forming a dispensing orifice (5),said insert (11) being provided with a spray profile comprising at least one non-radial groove (16), at least one wall portion (17) running along each non-radial groove (16), and a central swirl chamber (19) defined radially inside said at least one wall portion (17), wherein said insert (11) comprises at least one external groove (15), preferably axial, extending over the entire axial length of the insert, to allow the passage of fluid during actuation, wherein said insert (11) and said cup (12) are force-fitted into said front portion (4) of said cannula (3), said insert (11) and said cup (12) being entirely arranged inside said front portion (4) of said cannula (3).,

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said insert (11) comprises at least two external grooves (15).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein said at least two non-radial grooves (16) and said at least two wall portions (17) connect said at least two external grooves (15).

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said cup (12) comprises a cylindrical hollow sleeve (13) containing a frustoconical-shaped hollow (14) which tapers towards the front portion of the cup (12), where said frustoconical hollow (14) connects to a cylindrical hollow forming said dispensing orifice (5).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispensing head (2) is removably connected to said reservoir (1).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said dispensing head (2) is removably fixed to said reservoir (1), in particular via a Luer type fixing, said cannula (3) being fixed, in particular welded, to said dispensing head (2).

7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said cannula (3) is curved or bent.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reservoir (1) is a syringe comprising a body (6) and a piston sliding in said body (6) upon actuation. * * *

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