Fluid product distribution device and its assembly and actuation method

Abstract

Fluid product dispensing device comprising a dispenser (10) assembled on a reservoir (20) containing one or more doses of fluid product, said dispenser (10) having a body (11) containing a dosing chamber (12) receiving a first stopper (35), a fixing ring (50) being fixed to said body (11) and being movable relative to said body (11) between an assembly position and a position of use, said fixing ring (50) supporting a second stopper (36), and a dispensing head (15) having a dispensing orifice (16) and a cannula (40), said dispensing head (15) being movable axially relative to said body (11), in which, after assembly of said dispenser (10) on said reservoir (20), said dosing chamber (12) is connected to said reservoir (20) by an opening (120) of said dosing chamber,said opening (120) being open in said assembly position of said retaining ring (50) and being closed in said operating position of said retaining ring (50) by said second plug (36), said retaining ring (50) being adapted to be moved into said operating position after filling said dosing chamber (12) by gravity from said reservoir (20) in inverted position. "Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1",

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid product distribution device and its assembly and actuation method

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product, in particular for nasal delivery of one or two doses of a pharmaceutical fluid product. The present invention also relates to a method for assembling and actuating such a device.

[0002] A drawback of certain nasal fluid delivery devices, particularly those using a pump with a metering chamber to define the volume of the dose delivered with each actuation, is the need to prime the pump to replace the air initially contained in the metering chamber with fluid. This priming is generally achieved by one or more actuations of the device, consequently resulting in a possible loss of fluid.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a fluid product distribution device that does not reproduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0004] More particularly, the present invention aims to provide such a device which does not require any priming.

[0005] The present invention also aims to provide such a device which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0006] The present invention therefore relates to a fluid product dispensing device comprising a dispenser assembled on a reservoir containing one or more doses of fluid product, said dispenser comprising a body containing a dosing chamber receiving a first stopper, a fixing ring being fixed to said body and being movable relative to said body between an assembly position and a position of use, said fixing ring supporting a second stopper, and a dispensing head comprising a dispensing orifice and receiving a hollow insert supporting a cannula, said dispensing head being axially movable relative to said body, in which, after assembly of said dispenser on said reservoir, said dosing chamber is connected to said reservoir by an opening in said dosing chamber,said opening being open in said assembly position of said retaining ring and being closed in said operating position of said retaining ring by said second plug, said retaining ring being adapted to be moved into said operating position after filling said dosing chamber by gravity from said reservoir in an inverted position.

[0007] Advantageously, said body is rotatably mounted on said fixing ring by means of suitable screw threads, so that the displacement between said positions Assembly and use are achieved by screwing said body onto said fixing ring.

[0008] Advantageously, during actuation of the device, said dispensing head is displaced axially relative to said body, so that said cannula pierces said first plug, then said insert cooperates with said first pierced plug to slide it into said dosing chamber.

[0009] Advantageously, said body includes at least one vent adapted to evacuate the air contained in said dosing chamber when said second plug is moved in said body to close said opening.

[0010] Advantageously, the device includes a removable protective cap connected in a captive manner to said distribution head by a flexible link.

[0011] Advantageously, said reservoir contains at least two doses of fluid product distributed in successive actuations, said device comprising dose separation means, to split the actuation stroke of said first cap.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling and actuation of a fluid product distribution device, comprising the following steps: - provide a reservoir containing at least one dose of the liquid product, - to provide a dispenser comprising a body containing a dosing chamber in which a first stopper is disposed, and a dispensing head comprising a dispensing orifice and a cannula, said dispensing head being axially movable relative to said body during actuation, - provide a fixing ring attached to said body and movable relative to said body between an assembly position and a position of use, said fixing ring supporting a second plug, said process comprises the following steps: - assemble said distributor onto said tank, by fixing said body onto said tank by means of said fixing ring in the assembled position, - to reverse the assembled device to fill said dosing chamber by gravity from said reservoir through an opening in said dosing chamber, - move said body relative to said fixing ring from the assembly position to the operating position, in order to move said second cap into a closing position of said opening and isolate said dosing chamber from said tank, - actuate the device by axially moving said dispensing head relative to said body, so that said cannula pierces said first stopper, and said first stopper is moved axially into said dosing chamber to dispense a dose of fluid product.

[0013] Advantageously, said reservoir contains at least two doses of fluid product which are loaded into the dosing chamber, said device comprising means for preparation of doses to split the actuation stroke of said first stopper, to distribute said fluid product in at least two doses.

[0014] These and other features and advantages 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 in which:

[0015] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device distribution of fluid product according to a first advantageous embodiment, after assembly of the dispenser onto the tank and before actuation.

[0016] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.1], after closing the pump chamber and before actuation

[0017] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view similar to that of [Fig.2], showing a fluid product distribution device according to a second advantageous embodiment,

[0018] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view similar to that of [Fig.1], after closing the pump chamber and before distribution of the first dose,

[0019] [Fig.5] Fig.5 is a schematic view of a fluid product distribution device according to the invention, before assembly of the distributor onto the tank.

[0020] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view similar to that of [Fig.5], after assembly of the distributor onto the tank,

[0021] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a view similar to that of [Fig.6], in an inverted position of loading the fluid into the dosing chamber,

[0022] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view similar to that of [Fig.7], after closing the dosing chamber,

[0023] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view similar to that of [Fig.8], during distribution of the first dose,

[0024] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 9], after distribution of the first dose and before distribution of the second dose, and

[0025] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a view similar to that of the [Fig. 10], during the distribution of the second dose.

[0026] The terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the longitudinal central axis of the device. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the direction of fluid flow during actuation. The terms "up", "down", "upper" and "lower" refer to the upright position of the device shown in [Fig. 4].

[0027] The present invention applies to a single-dose device containing only one dose of fluid product in the reservoir 20, but it is particularly suitable for so-called double-dose devices, where the reservoir 20 contains two doses of fluid product, dispensed in two successive actuations. The various examples shown in the drawings relate to double-dose devices. Optionally, the reservoir 20 could contain more than two doses, for example, three or four doses.

[0028] According to the invention, the device comprises a dispenser 10 assembled on a reservoir 20 containing fluid product to be dispensed, typically a pharmaceutical-type liquid.

[0029] The reservoir 20 is advantageously formed by a hollow, blind-ended body, having a single opening and containing one or more doses of fluid product to be dispensed. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the reservoir 20 contains two doses of fluid product.

[0030] The dispenser 10 comprises a body 11 containing a dosing chamber 12, and a dispensing head 15 having a dispensing orifice 16, preferably axially oriented. This dispensing orifice 16 serves to dispense a dose of fluid product from said dispensing head 15 when the device is actuation by a user. The dispensing head 15 is axially movable relative to the body 11.

[0031] At rest, a removable protective cap 18 can be placed on the distribution head 15, as shown in Figures 3 to 11. Advantageously, the cap 18 is captive and is connected to the distribution head 15 by a flexible link 17. Furthermore, the protective cap 18 may include a first-use indicator, for example, fixed to the distribution head 15, which detaches from the cap 18 when the latter is removed from said head. In a known manner, this first-use indicator can be connected to the cap 18 by breakable links that break when the cap 18 is removed.

[0032] According to a first embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, the distribution head 15 comprises an elongated nasal tip 151 having at its axial end said distribution orifice 16, as well as a lateral body 152, connected to said nasal tip 151 by an approximately radial flange 153 forming a finger rest during actuation.

[0033] According to a second embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4, the elongated nasal tip 151 terminates axially at the bottom with the radial flange 153. In this variant, the distribution head 15 does not have a lateral body.

[0034] A hollow insert 30 is disposed in the distribution head 15.

[0035] Advantageously, the insert 30 defines upstream of the distribution orifice 16 a spray profile 19. This spray profile 19 is preferably provided between said insert 30 and the axial bottom wall of the distribution head 15. This insert 30 then makes it possible not only to limit the dead volume, but also to achieve good spraying through the distribution orifice 16.

[0036] A cannula or needle 40 is fixed in the insert 30, with a drilling point 41 at its lower axial end.

[0037] The dosing chamber 12 is open on its two axial sides. On the upper axial side, it is closed by a first plug 35 intended to be pierced by the cannula 40 during the first actuation. On the lower axial side, the dosing chamber 12 has an opening 120 connected to the reservoir 20. This opening 120 is open to at the time of assembly of the distributor 10 on the reservoir 20, and it is closed before the first actuation by means of a second cap 36, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0038] The distributor 10 is fixed to the reservoir 20 by means of a fixing ring 50 attached on one side to the body 11 and on the other side to a neck of the reservoir. Optionally, a neck seal is interposed between the fixing ring 5 and the reservoir 20.

[0039] The fixing ring 50 supports the second plug 36, as seen in figures 1 to 4.

[0040] The body 11 is axially movable relative to the fixing ring 50 between an assembly position, in which the second plug does not close the opening 120 of the dosing chamber 12, and an operating position, in which the second plug closes the opening 120 of the dosing chamber 12, advantageously by entering the lower axial opening of the dosing chamber, as seen in Figures 2 and 4.

[0041] In the second embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the body 11 has at least one vent 120', preferably made in the body 11 near the opening 120. This at least one vent 120' serves to evacuate the air contained in the dosing chamber 12 when the second plug 36 is inserted into the lower axial opening which forms the opening 120.

[0042] In both embodiments of Figures 1 to 4, the body 11 is rotatably mounted on the retaining ring 50 by means of suitable screw threads, so that the axial displacement of the body 11 relative to the retaining ring 50 is achieved by rotation of one on the other. Alternatively, a different movement could be envisaged, for example, a translational movement, or a combination of translation and rotation.

[0043] Thus, the invention makes it possible to create a device without priming.

[0044] Figures 5 to 11 illustrate an assembly and actuation cycle for a bidose device.

[0045] During the assembly of the distributor 10 onto the reservoir 20, shown in [Fig.5], the second cap 36, fixed to the fixing ring 50, does not close the opening 120 of the dosing chamber 12, as seen in Figures 1 and 3. During this assembly, the device is in an upright position, with the reservoir 20 positioned under the distributor 10, to avoid any loss of fluid product.

[0046] After assembly of the distributor 10 on the reservoir 20, shown in [Fig.6], the device is reversed into an inverted position, as seen in Figures 1, 3 and 7, to allow the fluid contained in the reservoir 20 to flow by gravity into the dosing chamber 12 through the open opening 120.

[0047] After filling the dosing chamber 12, the user moves the body 11 by relative to the retaining ring 50, the opening 120 is closed with the second plug 36, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The arrows in Figures 3 and 8 illustrate the axial displacement of the body 11 relative to the retaining ring 50, thereby axially displacing the second plug 36 relative to the metering chamber 12. However, as explained previously, this axial displacement can be achieved by means of a screw rotation. In this position, the metering chamber 12 is completely isolated from the reservoir 20 and the atmosphere and contains the quantity of fluid that will be dispensed during the actuation(s).

[0048] For the first actuation, illustrated in [Fig. 9], the user removes the protective cap 18, places two fingers on the radial flange 153 formed on the dispensing head 15, and presses with the thumb on the bottom of the reservoir 20. During such an actuation, the dispensing head 15 is moved axially relative to the body 11, so that the cannula 40 pierces the first stopper, then the insert 30 cooperates with the first pierced stopper 35 to slide it into the dosing chamber 12. Fluid product contained in the dosing chamber 12 is thus dispensed through the cannula 40 towards the dispensing orifice 16.

[0049] Alternatively, as illustrated in [Fig.3], the first plug 35 can already be pierced by the cannula 40 before the second plug 36 is moved to close the opening 120.

[0050] If the device is a single-dose device, the entire fluid product contained in the dosing chamber 12 is distributed in a single actuation.

[0051] If the device is a two-dose or multi-dose device, it includes dose separation means to stop the actuation stroke of the first cap after the first dose. Thus, if the device is a two-dose device, the actuation stroke of the first cap 35 is stopped approximately halfway through its travel so that half of the fluid product contained in the dosing chamber 12 is dispensed during the first actuation, and the other half during a second actuation.

[0052] Optionally, the first actuation stroke corresponding to the first dose is slightly greater than the actuation strokes of the other doses, to take into account the dead volume formed by the cannula 40 and the spray profile 19, which is filled with air before the first actuation.

[0053] In the example of Figure 10, the dose separation means require a rotation of the distribution head 15 relative to the reservoir 20, but other embodiment variants are possible.

[0054] After actuation of the dose separation means, the user can distribute the second dose, as illustrated in [Fig. 11].

[0055] Of course, alternative embodiments are conceivable, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A fluid product dispensing device comprising a dispenser (10) assembled on a reservoir (20) containing one or more doses of fluid product, said dispenser (10) having a body (11) containing a dosing chamber (12) receiving a first stopper (35), a retaining ring (50) being fixed to said body (11) and being movable relative to said body (11) between an assembly position and a position of use, said retaining ring (50) supporting a second stopper (36), and a dispensing head (15) having a dispensing orifice (16) and receiving a hollow insert (30) supporting a cannula (40), said dispensing head (15) being axially movable relative to said body (11), characterized in that after assembly of said dispenser (10) on said reservoir (20), said dosing chamber (12) is connected to said reservoir (20) by an opening (120) of said dosing chamber,said opening (120) being open in said assembly position of said retaining ring (50) and being closed in said operating position of said retaining ring (50) by said second plug (36), said retaining ring (50) being adapted to be moved into said operating position after filling said dosing chamber (12) by gravity from said reservoir (20) in an inverted position.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said body (11) is rotatably mounted on said fixing ring (50) by means of suitable screw threads, so that the movement between said assembly and use position is made by screwing said body (11) onto said fixing ring (50).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the device is actuation, said dispensing head (15) is displaced axially relative to said body (11), so that said cannula (40) pierces said first stopper (35), then said insert (30) cooperates with said first pierced stopper (35) to slide it into said dosing chamber (12).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body (11) has at least one vent (120') adapted to evacuate the air contained in said dosing chamber (12) when said second plug (36) is moved in said body (11) to close said opening (120).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a removable protective cap (18) connected in a non-removable manner to said distribution head (15) by a flexible link (17).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reservoir (20) contains at least two doses of fluid product distributed in successive actuations, said device comprising dose separation means, to split the actuation stroke of said first cap (35).

7. A method for assembling and actuation of a fluid product dispensing device, comprising the following steps: - providing a reservoir (20) containing at least one dose of fluid product, - providing a dispenser (10) comprising a body (11) containing a dosing chamber (12) in which a first stopper (35) is disposed, and a dispensing head (15) comprising a dispensing orifice (16) and a cannula (40), said dispensing head (15) being axially movable relative to said body (11) during actuation, - providing a retaining ring (50) fixed to said body (11) and movable relative to said body (11) between an assembly position and an operating position, said retaining ring (50) supporting a second stopper (36), characterized in that said method comprises the following steps: - assembling said dispenser (10) onto said reservoir (20),by fixing said body (11) onto said reservoir (20) by means of said fixing ring (50) in the assembled position, - invert the assembled device to fill said dosing chamber (12) by gravity from said reservoir (20) through an opening (120) in said dosing chamber (12), - move said body (11) relative to said fixing ring (50) from the assembled position to the operating position, to move said second stopper (36) into a closing position of said opening (120) and isolate said dosing chamber (12) from said reservoir (20), - actuate the device by axially moving said dispensing head (15) relative to said body (11), so that said cannula (40) pierces said first stopper (35), and said first stopper (35) is moved axially in said dosing chamber (12) to dispense a dose of fluid product.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said reservoir (20) contains at least two doses of fluid product which are loaded into the dosing chamber (12), said device comprising dose separation means to split the actuation stroke of said first stopper (35), to distribute said fluid product in at least two doses. * * *

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