Fluid product dispensing device

Abstract

A two-dose dosing system (20) for a fluid product dispensing device, said device comprising a reservoir (1) containing fluid product, comprising a hollow cylinder (1a) provided with a collar (4) at its rear axial end edge which surrounds a rear opening (1b) of said reservoir (1), a piston (2) secured to a piston rod (3) being slidably mounted in said reservoir (1) to dispense said fluid product, said two-dose dosing system (20) comprising: - a fixing part (21) which is fixed on said piston rod (3), - dose fixing means (22, 22') for accurately determining the quantity of fluid drawn into said reservoir (1) during manual filling, by suction from an external fluid container, and - dose splitting means (24, 25) for separating the actuation stroke of said piston rod (3) into two half-strokes, each for dispensing a respective dose.“figure for the abstract: figure 3”.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for dispensing fluid product

[0001] The present invention relates to a two-dose dosing system and a fluid product dispensing device comprising such a two-dose dosing system.

[0002] Two-dose type fluid product dispensing devices are well known. They comprise a reservoir containing two doses of fluid product to be dispensed in two successive actuations. When the reservoir is of the syringe type, with a piston secured to a piston rod which slides in a cylindrical reservoir, there are two-dose dosing systems which make it possible to separate the piston stroke into two half-strokes, one for each dose. These dosing systems are often complex and therefore expensive to manufacture and assemble, and generally, they require modification of the syringe and / or the piston rod. In addition, they are generally not reusable.

[0003] Furthermore, the dosage accuracy for each dose can be important, as can the accuracy of filling the syringe, particularly when this is done manually by the user before dispensing the two doses, by drawing up fluid from an external reservoir. Thus, to avoid any risk of under-dosing, the user generally draws up more liquid than necessary for the two doses, so that after dispensing the second dose, either one of the two doses has been overdosed, or there is still fluid product in the syringe, or the user has expelled the excess liquid before dispensing the first dose.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a two-dose dosing system and a fluid product dispensing device which do not reproduce the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0005] The present invention aims in particular to provide a two-dose dosing system which adapts to a fluid product dispensing device comprising a standard syringe-type reservoir, in particular without having to modify the reservoir and / or the piston rod.

[0006] The present invention also aims to provide a two-dose dosing system which can be reused on several fluid product dispensing devices.

[0007] The present invention also aims to provide a two-dose dosing system and a fluid product dispensing device which guarantee precise dosing for both doses.

[0008] The present invention also aims to provide a two-dose dosing system and a fluid product dispensing device which allow the fluid product to be precisely dosed when manually filling the syringe.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide a two-dose dosing system and a fluid product dispensing device which are simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0010] The present invention therefore relates to a two-dose dosing system for a fluid product dispensing device, said device comprising a reservoir containing fluid product, comprising a hollow cylinder provided with a collar at its rear axial end edge which surrounds a rear opening of said reservoir, a piston secured to a piston rod being slidably mounted in said reservoir to dispense said fluid product, said two-dose dosing system comprising: - a fixing part which is fixed on said piston rod, - dose setting means for accurately determining the quantity of fluid drawn into said reservoir during manual filling, by suction from an external fluid container, and - dose splitting means for separating the actuating stroke of said piston rod into two half-strokes, each for dispensing a respective dose.

[0011] Advantageously, said dose fixing means comprise at least one axial tab extending axially forward from said fixing part, around said collar of said reservoir, each axial tab comprising a radial flange extending radially inwards to form a stop with said collar of said reservoir.

[0012] Advantageously, the system comprises two diametrically opposed axial legs.

[0013] According to a first advantageous embodiment, said dose fractionation means comprise an attached dosing element, which is in an active position when it is assembled on said piston rod or on said two-dose dosing system, and in an inactive position when it is not assembled.

[0014] Advantageously, in the active position, said attached dosing element is removably snapped onto said piston rod, being axially movable along said piston rod.

[0015] Alternatively, in the active position, said attached dosing element is removably snapped onto said axial tabs.

[0016] According to a second advantageous embodiment, said dose splitting means comprise a pivoting dosing element which is pivotable between an active position and an inactive position.

[0017] Advantageously, in the active position, said pivoting dosing element is removably snapped onto one of the axial legs, while pivoting onto the other axial leg.

[0018] Alternatively, in the active position, said pivoting dosing element is removably snapped onto said piston rod, being pivoted on an axial lug.

[0019] Advantageously, said fixing part comprises a hollow housing adapted to receive a support flange of said piston rod.

[0020] Advantageously, the system comprises energy accumulation means to generate resistance to the actuation of said piston rod for each of the two doses.

[0021] Advantageously, said energy accumulation means comprise at least one first radial projection extending radially inwards from each axial tab, and cooperating with said collar of said reservoir at the start of dispensing the first dose, and at least one second radial projection extending radially inwards from each axial tab, and cooperating with said collar of said reservoir at the start of dispensing the second dose, said at least one second radial projection being axially offset relative to said at least one first radial projection.

[0022] Advantageously, said two-dose dosing system is molded in a single piece together with said dose fractionation means.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product comprising a syringe-type reservoir, a piston mounted to slide in said reservoir, said piston being integral with a piston rod, said device comprising a two-dose dosing system as described above, said dosing system being assembled on said piston rod.

[0024] Advantageously, the device comprises a nasal spray head provided with a spray orifice mounted on said reservoir.

[0025] These and other advantages and characteristics 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:

[0026] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a partial schematic perspective view of a fluid product dispensing device comprising a two-dose dosing system according to a first advantageous embodiment, before manual filling of the syringe,

[0027] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.l], after filling syringe manual,

[0028] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view similar to that of [Fig.2], after installation of a dosing element attached to the piston rod, before dispensing the first dose,

[0029] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view similar to that of [Fig.3], after dispensing the first dose,

[0030] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a view similar to that of [Fig.4], after removal of the element dosing of the piston rod, before dispensing the second dose,

[0031] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view similar to that of [Fig.5], after distribution of the second dose,

[0032] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a detailed perspective view of the filling of the syringe,

[0033] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic side view, showing a variant of production of the added dosing element,

[0034] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view similar to that of [Fig.8], showing another variant embodiment with a pivoting dosing element integrated into the dosing system, in the inactive position,

[0035] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a view similar to that of [Fig.9], in the active position of the pivoting metering element, and

[0036] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a schematic perspective view, showing yet another alternative embodiment with a pivoting metering element, in the inactive position.

[0037] The terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the longitudinal central axis of the dispensing device. The terms "front" and "rear" refer to the direction of flow of the fluid product when dispensing the doses of fluid.

[0038] The present invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment relating to a fluid product dispensing device provided with a spray head, but it is understood that other embodiments could be envisaged, in particular conventional injection syringes, comprising a needle for dispensing the fluid product.

[0039] [Fig. 6] very schematically represents a spray head 10 assembled on a reservoir 1 of the syringe type.

[0040] The reservoir 1 contains two doses of fluid product, generally a liquid, which are dispensed in two successive actuations.

[0041] The tank 1 comprises a hollow cylinder 1a provided with a collar 4 at its rear axial end edge which surrounds a rear opening 1b of the tank 1.

[0042] Conventionally, suitable dispensing means are provided in the reservoir 1 to dispense its contents. Typically, these dispensing means comprise a piston 2 slidably mounted in the reservoir 1 and secured to a piston rod 3 actuated by the user at the time of actuation.

[0043] The piston rod 3 has at its rear axial end edge a support flange 5 on which the user presses during actuation.

[0044] According to the invention, a two-dose dosing system 20 is provided which is fixed to the piston rod 3, and around the reservoir 1.

[0045] This two-dose dosing system 20 comprises a fixing part 21 which is fixed on the piston rod 3. Preferably, this fixing is removable to allow reuse of the dosing system 20.

[0046] In the examples shown, which are not limiting, this fixing part 21 comprises a hollow housing adapted to receive the support flange 5 of the piston rod 3.

[0047] The dosing system 20 also comprises dose fixing means 22, 22' for accurately determining the quantity of fluid drawn into the reservoir 1 during manual filling, by suction from an external fluid container (not shown). Such manual filling is carried out when the user moves the piston rod 3 and the piston 2 to its final position, after dispensing the two doses, and then draws fluid from a fluid container by returning the piston 2 and the piston rod 3 axially to their non-actuated positions.

[0048] In the examples shown, which are not limiting, the dose fixing means comprise at least one axial tab 22 extending axially forward from the fixing part 21, around the collar 4 of the reservoir 1, each axial tab 22 comprising a radial flange 22' extending radially inwards to form a stop with the collar 4 of the reservoir 1. Thus, the stop between each radial flange 22' and the collar 4 precisely defines the end of the suction stroke of the piston rod 3 and therefore the dosage of liquid sucked into the reservoir 1.

[0049] Advantageously, two diametrically opposed axial tabs 22 are provided, as shown in the figures.

[0050] Advantageously, each axial tab 22 is connected to the fixing part 21 by a radial wall 26.

[0051] It should be noted that these dose fixing means could be implemented independently of a two-dose dosing system, in particular for fixing the dosage during manual filling of a single-dose device.

[0052] The two-dose dosing system 20 comprises energy accumulation means 23, 23', for generating resistance to the actuation of the piston rod 3 for each of the two doses. The user must therefore apply to the piston rod 3 a force at least equal to a predetermined threshold, which generates an accumulation of energy in his hand which will be released suddenly at the moment when this resistance is overcome. This makes it possible to guarantee, at each actuation, a distribution of the complete dose with reproducible distribution parameters.

[0053] In the examples shown, which are not limiting, these energy accumulation means comprise at least a first radial projection 23 extending radially inwards from each axial tab 22, and cooperating with the collar 4 of the reservoir 1 at the start of dispensing the first dose.

[0054] Correspondingly, the energy accumulation means comprise at least one second radial projection 23' extending radially inwards from each axial tab 22, and cooperating with the collar 4 of the reservoir 1 at the start of dispensing the second dose. This at least one second radial projection 23' is axially offset relative to the at least one first radial projection 23. Thus, the at least one first radial projection 23 generates an accumulation of energy for the first dose and the at least one second radial projection 23' generates an accumulation of energy for the second dose.

[0055] The two-dose dosing system 20 also comprises dose splitting means 24, 25 for separating the actuation stroke of the piston rod 3 into two half-strokes, each for dispensing a respective dose.

[0056] In the examples of figures 1 to 7 and 8, the dose fractionation means comprise an attached dosing element 24, and therefore completely removable from the two-dose dosing system 20. This attached dosing element 24 is in an active position when it is assembled on the piston rod or on the two-dose dosing system 20, and in an inactive position, when it is not assembled.

[0057] In the example of Figures 1 to 7, in the active position, the attached dosing element 24 is removably snapped onto the piston rod 3, being axially movable along said piston rod 3. After dispensing a first dose, the radial wall 26 of the two-dose dosing system 20 abuts against the attached dosing element 24, as visible in [Fig. 4], preventing the continuation of the actuating stroke of the piston rod 3. It is then necessary to disengage the attached dosing element 24 from the piston rod 3 in order to be able to dispense the second dose.

[0058] In the example of [Fig.8], in the active position, the attached dosing element 24 is removably snapped onto the two-dose dosing system 20, in particular onto the two axial tabs 22. After dispensing a first dose, the attached dosing element 24 abuts against the collar 4 of the reservoir 1, preventing the piston rod 3 from continuing its actuation stroke. It is then necessary to disengage the attached dosing element 24 from the axial tabs 22 in order to be able to dispense the second dose.

[0059] In the examples shown in Figures 9 to 11, the dose splitting means comprise a pivoting dosing element 25. This pivoting dosing element 25 pivots between an active position, shown in [Fig. 10], and an inactive position, shown in Figures 9 and 11. This pivoting dosing element 25 is thus integral with the two-dose dosing system 20, and can in particular be molded in one piece with it.

[0060] In the example of Figures 9 and 10, in the active position, the pivoting dosing element 25 is removably snapped onto the two-dose dosing system 20, in particular onto one of the two axial tabs 22, while pivoting onto the other. After dispensing a first dose, the pivoting dosing element 25 abuts against the collar 4 of the reservoir 1, preventing the piston rod 3 from continuing its actuation stroke. It is then necessary to disengage the attached dosing element 24 from the axial tab 22 onto which it is snapped in order to be able to dispense the second dose.

[0061] In the example of [Fig.l 1], in the active position, the pivoting dosing element 25 is removably snapped onto the piston rod 3, being pivoted on an axial lug 22. After dispensing a first dose, the pivoting dosing element 25 abuts against the collar 4 of the reservoir 1, preventing the continuation of the actuating stroke of the piston rod 3. It is then necessary to disengage the pivoting dosing element 25 from the piston rod 3 in order to be able to dispense the second dose.

[0062] Advantageously, in the examples of Figures 9 to 11, the two-dose dosing system 20 is molded in a single piece, together with the pivoting dosing element 25.

[0063] The operation of the invention will be described below more particularly with reference to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7.

[0064] In [Fig.l], the piston (not visible) is in the end of actuation position, and the reservoir 1 does not contain any fluid product. The radial wall 26 is in abutment against the collar 4 of the reservoir 1.

[0065] In [Fig.2], the reservoir 1 of the dispensing device has been filled with fluid product. To do this, the user has pulled on the piston rod 3 to suck up fluid from an external container (not shown). As explained previously, the at least one radial flange 22' has come into abutment against the collar 4 of the reservoir to precisely define the quantity of fluid product sucked up, corresponding to the two doses to be dispensed.

[0066] The nasal spray head 10 is then assembled in any suitable manner onto the front end of the syringe.

[0067] The user then fixes or moves the dosing element 24, 25 into the active position. In the examples of Figures 1 to 7 and 8, he snaps the attached dosing element 24 onto the piston rod 3 or onto the axial lugs 22. In the examples of Figures 9 and 10 and 11, he pivots the pivoting dosing element 25 into the active position.

[0068] [Fig.3] shows the device in position before dispensing the first dose.

[0069] To dispense the first dose, the user presses on the piston rod 3. When this pressing force reaches the predetermined threshold, the collar 4 of the reservoir 1 pushes the first radial projections 23 to deform the axial tabs 22, allowing axial movement of the piston rod 3 and therefore of the piston 2, generating the dispensing of the first dose.

[0070] The end of the first actuation stroke is formed by the stop between the attached metering element 24 and the radial wall 26, as visible in [Fig.4].

[0071] In order to be able to dispense the second dose, the user must then move the dosing element 24, 25 to the inactive position. In the examples of Figures 1 to 7 and 8, he removes the attached dosing element 24. In the examples of Figures 9 and 10 and 11, he pivots the pivoting dosing element 25 to the inactive position.

[0072] [Fig.5] shows the device in position before dispensing the second dose.

[0073] The user then presses the piston rod 3 again to move it in the reservoir 1. When this support force reaches the predetermined threshold, the collar 4 of the reservoir 1 pushes the second radial projections 23' to deform the axial tabs 22, allowing axial movement of the piston rod 3 and therefore of the piston 2, generating the distribution of the second dose.

[0074] The end of the second actuation stroke is formed by the stop between the radial wall 26 and the collar 4 of the reservoir, as visible in [Fig.6].

[0075] Advantageously, the device can be reused, by refilling the reservoir 1 from an external container.

[0076] Optionally, the two-dose dosing system 20 can be removed from the device after dispensing the second dose, and assembled on another fluid product dispensing device.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments thereof, it is understood that it is not limited by the embodiments described and shown in the drawings, but that on the contrary a person skilled in the art can make any useful modifications thereto, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Two-dose dosing system (20) for a fluid product dispensing device, said device comprising a reservoir (1) containing fluid product, comprising a hollow cylinder (1a) provided with a collar (4) at its rear axial end edge which surrounds a rear opening (1b) of said reservoir (1), a piston (2) secured to a piston rod (3) being slidably mounted in said reservoir (1) to dispense said fluid product, characterized in that said two-dose dosing system (20) comprises: - a fixing part (21) which is fixed on said piston rod (3), said fixing part (21) comprising a hollow housing adapted to receive a support flange (5) of said piston rod (3), - dose fixing means (22, 22') for accurately determining the quantity of fluid drawn into said reservoir (1) during manual filling, by suction from an external fluid container, and - dose fractionation means (24,25) to separate the actuating stroke of said piston rod (3) into two half-strokes, each for dispensing a respective dose.,

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said dose fixing means comprise at least one axial tab (22) extending axially forward from said fixing portion (21), around said collar (4) of said reservoir (1), each axial tab (22) comprising a radial flange (22') extending radially inwards to form a stop with said collar (4) of said reservoir (1).

3. System according to claim 2, comprising two diametrically opposed axial legs (22).

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said dose splitting means comprises an attached dosing element (24), which is in an active position when assembled on said piston rod (3) or on said two-dose dosing system (20), and in an inactive position when not assembled.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein, in the active position, said attached dosing element (24) is snap-fitted in a manner removable on said piston rod (3), being axially movable along said piston rod (3).

6. System according to claims 3 and 4, wherein, in the active position, said attached dosing element (24) is removably snapped onto said axial tabs (22).

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said dose splitting means comprises a pivotable dosing element (25) which is pivotable between an active position and an inactive position.

8. System according to claims 3 and 7, wherein, in the active position, said pivoting dosing element (25) is removably snapped onto one of the axial legs (22), while being pivoted onto the other axial leg (22).

9. System according to claim 7, wherein, in the active position, said pivoting dosing element (25) is removably snapped onto said piston rod (3), being pivoted on an axial tab (22).

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising energy accumulation means (23, 23') for generating resistance to the actuation of said piston rod (3) for each of the two doses.

11. System according to claim 10, wherein said energy accumulation means comprise at least one first radial projection (23) extending radially inwards from each axial tab (22), and cooperating with said collar (4) of said reservoir (1) at the start of dispensing the first dose, and at least one second radial projection (23') extending radially inwards from each axial tab (22), and cooperating with said collar (4) of said reservoir (1) at the start of dispensing the second dose, said at least one second radial projection (23') being axially offset relative to said at least one first radial projection (23).

12. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said two-dose dosing system (20) is molded as a single piece together with said dose fractionating means (25).

13. Device for dispensing fluid product comprising a reservoir (1) of syringe type, a piston (2) mounted to slide in said reservoir (1), said piston (2) being integral with a piston rod (3), characterized in that said device comprises a two-dose dosing system (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, said dosing system (20) being assembled on said piston rod (3).

14. A device according to claim 13, comprising a nasal spray head (10) provided with a spray orifice mounted on said reservoir (1). * * *

Images