Fluid product dispensing device synchronized with inhalation

Abstract

Device comprising a body (10) provided with a mouthpiece (400), a reservoir (100) containing a fluid and a propellant being mounted to slide relative to said body, a valve (200), comprising a valve (210) movable between rest and actuation positions, being assembled on said reservoir to distribute the fluid at each actuation, said device comprising a blocking system (500, 600, 800, 810) preventing the actuation of said valve and a triggering system comprising a deformable and / or movable member (60) under the effect of inhalation, said member cooperating with said blocking system to move and / or deform it and thus allow the actuation of the valve, said device comprising a counter actuated by an element (810) of said blocking system which is independent of said reservoir and which moves relative to said reservoir at the beginning of the actuation stroke and at the end of the return stroke."Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1."

Description

Title of the invention: Device for dispensing fluid product synchronized with inhalation

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid product distribution device synchronized with inhalation, and more particularly to an inhalation device of the aerosol type synchronized with inhalation comprising a dose counter.

[0002] Breath-actuated inhalers (BAIs) are well known in the prior art. The main advantage of this type of device is that the product delivery is synchronized with the patient's inhalation, ensuring proper distribution of the product in the airways. It is also well known to add a dose counter to indicate to the user the number of doses delivered or remaining to be delivered. These dose counters, which can be mechanical or electronic, are often complex to manufacture and assemble, and therefore expensive. Furthermore, the counting reliability, to avoid both undercounting (a dose is delivered but not counted) and overcounting (a dose is counted but not delivered), is not always optimal.

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

[0004] The present invention also aims to provide a fluid product distribution device synchronized with inhalation which improves the reliability of the dose counter.

[0005] The present invention also aims to provide a fluid product distribution device synchronized with inhalation that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0006] The present device relates to a fluid product dispensing device synchronized with inhalation, comprising a body fitted with a mouthpiece, a product reservoir containing a fluid product and a propellant gas being axially mounted to slide relative to said body, a metering valve, comprising a valve movable between a rest position and an actuation position, being assembled on said reservoir to selectively dispense the fluid product with each actuation, said device comprising a blocking system preventing the actuation of said metering valve and an inhalation-controlled triggering system comprising an inhalation-sensitive element, deformable and / or movable under the effect of inhalation, said inhalation-sensitive element cooperating with said blocking system to move and / or deform it and thus allow the actuation of the dosing valve, said device comprising a dose counter actuated by an element of said blocking system which is independent of said reservoir and which moves relative to said reservoir at the beginning of the actuation stroke and at the end of the return stroke of said device.

[0007] Advantageously, said blocking system comprises: - a movable and / or deformable blocking element between a blocking position, in which said metering valve cannot be actuated, and an actuation position, in which said metering valve can be actuated; - a movable and / or deformable triggering element between a locking position, in which it locks said blocking element in its locking position, and a release position, in which it does not lock said blocking element; said inhalation-sensitive organ cooperating with said triggering element, such that when said inhalation-sensitive organ deforms and / or moves, it moves and / or deforms said triggering element towards its release position, thus allowing the movement and / or deformation of said blocking element from its blocking position to its actuation position. - an actuating member cooperating with said blocking element, such that in the blocked position of said blocking element, said blocking element prevents axial displacement of said actuating member, and in the actuated position of said blocking element, said blocking element allows axial displacement of said actuating member, - a fixed support, in particular screwed or snapped onto said body, - a thrust member cooperating with said actuating member and mounted to slide axially in said support, and - a spring arranged between said support and said thrusting member.

[0008] Advantageously, said device comprises a movable cover, in particular pivoting on the body, between a closed position of the mouthpiece and an open position of the mouthpiece, said cover cooperating with said actuating member in such a way that in the closed position, it blocks said actuating member against axial displacement in the body, and when it is brought back from its open position to its closed position, it brings the actuating member and the push member back to their rest position by recharging said spring.

[0009] Advantageously, said meter comprises a counting element and a transmission element disposed in said support element, a meter cover being fixed to said support element.

[0010] Advantageously, said thrust member includes an axial lug adapted to cooperate with said transmission element after each actuation to rotate said counting element.

[0011] Advantageously, said counting element includes counting indices and a first set of teeth cooperating with said transmission element.

[0012] Advantageously, said counter cover includes a viewing window to display a count index representative of the number of doses distributed or remaining to be distributed.

[0013] Advantageously, said transmission element comprises a second set of teeth and a worm gear arranged side by side along a common axis of rotation.

[0014] Advantageously, said second toothing cooperates after each actuation with an axial leg of said thrust member, which rotates said transmission element and therefore said worm gear, said worm gear cooperating with said first toothing of said counting element.

[0015] Advantageously, said support element includes a flexible anti-return tab cooperating with said transmission element to prevent it from rotating in the opposite direction to that intended by said thrust member.

[0016] Advantageously, said inhalation-sensitive organ comprises a deformable membrane defining a deformable air chamber, said deformable membrane being fixed to said triggering element, said deformable membrane being deformed during inhalation in such a way that it moves said triggering element from its locking position to its release position.

[0017] These and other features and advantages will become clearer in the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and on which:

[0018] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device distribution of fluid product according to an advantageous embodiment, in a resting position,

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a detail view, before inhalation,

[0020] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view similar to that of [Fig.2], after inhalation,

[0021] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic exploded perspective view showing different parts of the device,

[0022] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic exploded perspective view of the dose counter, according to an advantageous embodiment,

[0023] [Fig.6] Figures 6 to 8 are three schematic top perspective views, along three different planes of section, of the dose counter of [Fig.5], before inhalation,

[0024] [Fig.7] cf [Fig.6]

[0025] [Fig.8] cf [Fig.6]

[0026] [Fig.9] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic perspective views from above and from below, of the support element,

[0027] [Fig. 10] cf [Fig. 9]

[0028] [Fig. 11] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic perspective views from above and below of the thrust member,

[0029] [Fig. 12] cf [Fig. 11]

[0030] [Fig. 13] Figures 13 and 14 are schematic perspective views from above and below, of the counting element,

[0031] [Fig. 14] cf [Fig. 13]

[0032] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a schematic perspective view of the transmission element,

[0033] [Fig. 16] Figures 16 and 17 are schematic perspective views from above and below of the meter cover,

[0034] [Fig. 17] cf [Fig. 16]

[0035] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dose counter in its resting position.

[0036] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] is an enlarged detail view of [Fig. 18],

[0037] [Fig. 20] [Fig. 20] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 18], in armed position, before inhalation,

[0038] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is an enlarged detail view of [Fig.20],

[0039] [Fig. 22] [Fig. 22] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 18], after inhalation and in actuation course,

[0040] [Fig.23] [Fig.23] is an enlarged detail view of [Fig.22],

[0041] [Fig. 24] [Fig. 24] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 18], at the end of actuation,

[0042] [Fig.25] [Fig.25] is an enlarged detail view of [Fig.24],

[0043] [Fig. 26] [Fig. 26] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 18], at the beginning dose counter activation,

[0044] [Fig.27] [Fig.27] is an enlarged detail view of [Fig.26],

[0045] [Fig. 28] [Fig. 28] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 18], at the end of actuation of the dose counter, and

[0046] [Fig.29] [Fig.29] is an enlarged detail view of [Fig.28].

[0047] In the description, the terms "upper", "lower", "top", and "bottom" refer to the position of the device shown in particular in [Fig. 1]. The terms "axial" and "radial", unless otherwise specified, refer to the vertical central axis of the valve. The terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the mouthpiece.

[0048] The invention applies more particularly to inhalation devices of the aerosol valve type for oral distribution, as will be described in more detail below, but it could also apply to other types of inhalation devices, for example, of the nasal type. More particularly, the present invention applies to a device as described in the documents

[0049] The figures represent an advantageous embodiment of the invention, but it is understood that one or more of the constituent parts described below could be made differently while providing similar or even identical functions.

[0050] With reference to [Fig.1], the device comprises a body 10 provided with a mouthpiece 400.

[0051] The body 10 can be made in one piece or in several pieces assembled together.

[0052] The mouthpiece 400 defines a delivery orifice through which the user inhales when using the device. The mouthpiece 400 can be made in one piece with the body 10. In the example shown in [Fig. 1], it is assembled onto a lower portion of the body 10.

[0053] A removable protective cover 1 is provided to cover said mouthpiece 400, particularly during storage periods. This cover 1 is movable, preferably by being pivotally mounted on the body 10, between a closed position and an open position.

[0054] The body 10 contains a reservoir 100, containing the product to be dispensed and a propellant gas, such as an HFA type gas, for example HFA-134a and / or HFA-227 and / or HFA-152a, and / or an HFO type gas, for example HFO-1234ze and / or HFO-1234yf.

[0055] A metering valve 200 is mounted on said reservoir 100 to selectively dispense the product. The metering valve 200 comprises a valve body and a valve 210 that is axially movable during actuation relative to said valve body, and therefore relative to said reservoir 100, between a rest position and an actuation position. This metering valve 200 may be of any suitable type. It is fixed to the reservoir 100 by a suitable fastening element, preferably a crimped cap, preferably with an interposed neck seal.

[0056] Advantageously, during actuation, the valve 210 is fixed relative to the body 10, and it is the reservoir 100 that is displaced axially relative to the body 10 between a distal position, which is the rest position, and a proximal position, which is the actuation position.

[0057] The outlet of the valve 210 of said metering valve 200 is connected via a channel to said mouthpiece 400, through which the user inhales the dispensed product. In a known manner, said valve 210 is received in a valve well 700 which defines said channel at least partially.

[0058] The device includes a blocking system that prevents the metering valve 200 from being actuation until the user inhales. An advantageous example of such a blocking system will be described below with reference to the figures, but the invention could also be applied to other BAI systems than the one described.

[0059] An actuating member 800 is advantageously assembled around the reservoir 100. This actuating member 800 comprises a hollow sleeve disposed in the body 10 around the reservoir 100. A thrust member 810 is mounted on the distal axial edge of said actuating member 800, said thrust member 810 being received in a support element 11 fixed on the upper axial edge of said body 10. A spring 850 is disposed between a base of said support element 11 and said thrust member 810. In the rest position, and until inhalation, the spring 850 is pre-stressed, and therefore exerts an axial force on the thrust member 810, which transmits this force to the actuating member 800. The actuating member 800 is axially movable, in particular sliding, relative to said body 10 between a rest position and a position actuation.

[0060] Advantageously, a lower edge of the actuating member 800 cooperates with the cover 1 such that, in the closed position of the cover 1, said actuating member 800 is locked in the rest position, the lower edge abutting a portion of said cover 1. Furthermore, said cover 1 includes a cam that cooperates with said lower edge of the actuating member 800 when the cover 1 is brought from its open position to its closed position, to return said actuating member 800 from its actuated position to its rest position. When the actuating member 800 returns to its rest position, it also returns the push member 810, which causes the spring 850 to be compressed. The spring 850 is therefore recharged after each actuation when the user closes the cover 1.

[0061] The device includes a movable and / or deformable blocking element 500 between a blocking position, in which said metering valve 200 cannot be actuated, and an actuating position, in which said metering valve 200 can be actuated.

[0062] The locking element 500 is advantageously mounted pivotally on the body 10 around a first axis of rotation between the locking position and the actuation position.

[0063] Before inhalation, the blocking element 500 is in the blocked position, and it is the user's inhalation through the mouthpiece 400 that moves and / or deforms the blocking element 500 to its actuating position. In other words, as long as the user has not inhaled, actuating the metering valve 200 is impossible, and it is only when the user inhales that the metering valve 200 can be actuated, by axial movement of the reservoir 100 within the body 10.

[0064] The blocking element 500, in the blocked position, prevents the axial movement of the actuating member 800 in the body 10. During inhalation, this blocking element 500 is displaced and / or deformed so that it no longer blocks the axial movement of the actuating member 800 in the body 10. Thus, after inhalation, such an axial movement of the actuating member 800 causes the axial movement of the reservoir 100 and therefore the actuation of the metering valve 200 and the distribution of a dose of product synchronized with this inhalation.

[0065] Thus, in the absence of inhalation, there is no risk that a dose of active product will be lost by an accidental or incomplete actuation in which the user would not perform an inhalation.

[0066] In the closed position of the hood 1, a locking portion of the hood 1 cooperates with a protruding part of the locking member 500 to lock the hood in the locked position, as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 1]. This locking is released when the hood 1 is opened.

[0067] Opening the hood 1 therefore releases two locks provided by the hood in the closed position: on the one hand the axial movement lock of the actuating member 800 and on the other hand the pivoting lock of the locking member 500.

[0068] The device includes a user-controlled inhalation triggering system, which is intended to move and / or deform said blocking element 500 from its blocking position to its actuation position, when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 400.

[0069] This triggering system includes an inhalation-sensitive element 60 that is deformable and / or movable under the effect of inhalation, this inhalation-sensitive element 60 being adapted, when it deforms and / or moves, to allow the movement and / or deformation of said blocking element 500 from its blocking position to its actuation position.

[0070] The inhalation-sensitive organ can be made in the form of a deformable air chamber 60, for example a bellows or a deformable bag.

[0071] In this way, the inhalation-activated triggering system is not located in the user's inhalation flow but is formed by a specific chamber, namely the air chamber 60. This differs from systems operating with a flap that moves / deforms in the inhalation flow, in which, after triggering, the user inhales the air on either side of the flap. Here, the system operates under negative pressure, and the user only inhales the small volume of air that was inside the air chamber 60 before its deformation. The system according to the invention is thus much more stable and efficient.

[0072] The locking element 500 may include at least one, preferably two locking extensions, each of which cooperates in the locking position with an axial projection of the actuating member 800.

[0073] When the locking element 500 moves to its actuating position by pivoting about the first axis of rotation, each locking extension moves out of contact with its respective axial projection. In particular, said locking element 500 may have, adjacent to each locking extension, an axial recess in which the respective axial projection can slide axially, thus allowing axial sliding of said actuating member 800 in said body 10, causing axial displacement of the reservoir 100 and actuation of the valve 200 with the distribution of a dose of fluid product.

[0074] The locking element 500 is held in the locking position by a triggering element 600. This triggering element 600 is advantageously mounted pivotally on the body 10 about a second axis of rotation between a locking position, in which it locks said locking element 500 in its locking position, and a release position, in which it no longer locks said locking element 500.

[0075] Advantageously, the first and second axes of rotation are parallel.

[0076] The locking element 500 and the triggering element 600 together define a lock. In particular, said triggering element 600 has a locking shoulder 610 which, in the locked position, cooperates with a locking projection 510 of the locking element 500, preventing said locking element 500 from pivoting out of its locked position. Thus, when said triggering element 600 is in the locked position, it prevents the locking element 500 from moving to its actuating position, thereby blocking the axial movement of the reservoir 100 and consequently the actuation of the metering valve 200.

[0077] The locking system of the present invention therefore comprises two stages: a first stage formed by the lock between the locking element 500 and the triggering element 600, and a second stage formed by the locking between the locking element 500 and the actuating member 800.

[0078] This locking system allows the release of a large force (typically around 40-45 N) by a small force generated by inhalation. The locking element 500 stops the translation of the actuating member 800 when it is subjected to a force of 45 N, for example, by the spring 850 pressing against the actuating member 800 via the thrust member 810. This locking element 500 interacts with the triggering element 600 and is blocked / released by it. The movement of said triggering element 600 is controlled by inhalation.

[0079] The geometry of the locking system allows a very large amplification (unlocked force / unlocking force), typically on the order of 100.

[0080] Advantageously, the mouthpiece 400 may have one or more openings connected to the inside of the body 10. At least one of these openings is closed at rest and at the start of inhalation by a valve, so that the inhalation flow is initially primarily transmitted to the inhalation-triggering system, in this example the deformable air chamber 60. This optimizes inhalation-triggering. When the blocking element 500 moves to its actuation position under the effect of inhalation, and thus the reservoir 100 moves axially relative to the body 10 to actuate the metering valve 200 to dispense a dose of liquid product, said actuation member 800, or alternatively said reservoir 100, moves said valve to an open position. When said at least one opening is thus open during actuation, an air intake is generated, which increases the inhalation flow.This optimizes the synchronization between dose delivery and user inhalation, and promotes good dose distribution in the user's lungs.

[0081] Advantageously, the triggering element 600 can be accessed from outside the body 10. This allows, if necessary, the triggering element 600 to be manually moved, so that the metering valve 200 can be actuation even without inhalation, for example, if the person to receive the dose of fluid product is unable to take a sufficient inhalation. This therefore serves as a safety feature. This also allows the valve to be primed, if it is a conventional valve requiring such priming.

[0082] In the example of [Fig. 1], the inhalation-sensitive organ 60 is made in the form of a deformable air chamber. Advantageously, this air chamber comprises a deformable membrane which is connected on one side to said body 10 and on the other side to said triggering element 600. Advantageously, the membrane has a bellows shape and forms a substantially airtight chamber. Other shapes are possible, in particular a simple pouch or diaphragm. A stud can fix said membrane to an orifice or edge of said triggering element 600.

[0083] During inhalation, the deformable membrane deforms and / or contracts under the effect of the pressure drop generated by inhalation, causing the triggering element 600 to move from its locking position to its release position. This opens the lock defined between the blocking element 500 and the triggering element 600, and thus allows the blocking element 500 to move from its locking position to its actuating position.

[0084] The valve 200 is therefore only actuated at the time of inhalation, so that the dose of fluid product is expelled out of the distribution orifice simultaneously with inhalation.

[0085] In the rest position, with the cover 1 closed, the thrust member 810 is not in contact with the reservoir 100, as shown in [Fig. 1]. Thus, in this position, the force of the spring 850 is applied by the thrust member 810 to the actuating member 800, which transmits it to the cover 1. Therefore, during storage of the device, no stress is applied to the valve 200, which limits or even eliminates the risk of leaks and / or malfunction of said valve.

[0086] When the user wishes to use the device, they open the cover 1. By doing so, they remove the axial blockage of the actuating member 800 by the cover 1, as well as the pivoting blockage of the locking element 500 by the cover 1. In this open-cover position, the actuating member 800 is still blocked and prevented from sliding axially in the body 10 by the blocking extensions of the locking element 500, which axially block the axial projections of the actuating member 800. In this armed position (open cover, before inhalation), the pusher 810 is still not in contact with the reservoir 100. Thus, in this position as well, the force of the spring 850 is applied by the pusher 810 to the actuating member 800, which transmits it to the locking element 500, which in turn transmits it to the triggering element 600.Thus, prior to inhalation, no pressure is applied to the valve 200, which limits or even eliminates the risks of leaks and / or malfunction of said valve.

[0087] When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 400, it will deform the deformable membrane of the inhalation-sensitive organ 60, which will rotate the triggering element 600 attached to said deformable membrane. This movement of the triggering element 600 will release the lock formed between the locking shoulder 610 of the triggering element 600 and the projection 510 of the locking element 500. Under the effect of the axial force transmitted by the actuating member 800, the locking element 500 will pivot, allowing the axial sliding of said actuating member 800. As a result, the thrust member 810, integral with said actuating member 800, comes into contact with the reservoir 100, thus causing the axial movement of said reservoir 100 in the body 10 towards its distribution position, and therefore the actuation of the valve 200.

[0088] At the end of inhalation, the device advantageously includes signaling means to indicate to the user that they must close the cover 1. These signaling means may include a visual indicator. For example, a window may be formed in the body 10, through which a colored part of the actuating member 800 is visible from the outside, forming an indication means. Thus, in the rest position or in the armed position, with the cover 1 open but before inhalation, the window may indicate a light color, for example green, whereas after inhalation, A dark color, for example red, can be displayed in the window. Of course, any other similar implementation is possible.

[0089] In another variant, the signaling means may include an audible indicator, such as a loudspeaker, which emits a sound audible to the user to indicate that the cover 1 must be closed.

[0090] When the user closes the cover 1, the actuating member 800 and the pushing member 810 are axially pushed back by said cover 1 towards their rest position, so that said reservoir 100 can move axially back within the body 10 towards its rest position under the action of the valve return spring 200, and simultaneously the valve 210 of the metering valve returns to its rest position, loading a new dose of fluid product into the valve chamber. The triggering element 600 is returned to its initial position, notably by the elasticity of the diaphragm. The locking element 500 returns to its locked position.

[0091] The device is then ready for another use.

[0092] According to the invention, the device comprises a dose counter actuated by the push member 810 as it returns from its actuated position to its rest position. The counter according to the invention is therefore actuated by an element of the locking system that is independent of the reservoir and that moves relative to the reservoir at the beginning of the actuating stroke and at the end of the return stroke.

[0093] The meter includes a counting element 910 and a transmission element 920 arranged in the support element 11, as well as a meter cover 930 fixed to said support element 11.

[0094] The thrust member 810 has an axial lug 811 adapted to cooperate with the transmission element 920 after each actuation to rotate the counting element 910.

[0095] The counter is activated when the pusher 810 returns to its rest position, i.e., after the valve has been actuation and the dose has been dispensed. This implementation prevents any risk of overcounting, since the dose is only counted after it has been delivered. The present invention also prevents any risk of undercounting, since after each actuation, the user must close the cover 1 to load the next dose, which automatically returns the pusher 810 to its rest position and thus counts the dose. If the cover is not closed, the next dose is not loaded into the metering valve and the dispensed dose is not counted, rendering the device unusable. To reuse the device, the cover 1 must be closed, which loads the next dose and counts the previously dispensed dose.With this invention, it is impossible to load the next dose without counting the previously dispensed dose.

[0096] The counting element 910 includes counting indices 911, such as numbers and / or color codes, and a first toothing 912 cooperating with the transmission element 920.

[0097] The counter cover 930 has a viewing window 935 for displaying a count index 911 representing the number of doses dispensed or remaining to be dispensed. This viewing window 935 can be positioned in different locations on the cover, as illustrated in Figures 8, 16, and 17, which show two possible window positions. Initially, only one viewing window is planned, but a second window could also be considered, with one window displaying numbers and the other displaying colors.

[0098] In the example shown in Figures 5, 7 and 13, the counting indices 911 comprise the numbers 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180 and 200, arranged on the upper surface of the counting element 910 around a substantial part of the outer circular edge. Other implementations are, however, possible.

[0099] The first toothing 912 is arranged on the lower surface of the counting element 910, as seen in Figures 5, 6 and 14. This first toothing 912 may have an appropriate number of teeth, which may vary according to the dimensions of the counting element 910 and / or the transmission element 920.

[0100] The transmission element 920 comprises a second toothing 921 and a worm gear 922. As can be seen in [Fig. 15], the second toothing 921 and the worm gear are arranged side by side along a common axis of rotation 925.

[0101] The second toothing 921 cooperates after each actuation with the axial lug 811 of the thrust member 810, which rotates the transmission element 920 and thus also the worm gear 922. The worm gear 922 cooperates with the first toothing 912 of the counting element 910, so that after each actuation of the device, when the thrust member 810 returns to its rest position, the counting element 910 is rotated by a small angle. This angle is predetermined to move the counting indices 911 in the viewing window 935 from 0 to 200 or from 200 to 0 after two hundred actuations.

[0102] The second toothing 921 may have an appropriate number of teeth, which may vary depending on the dimensions of said toothing. In the example shown in the drawings, the second toothing 921 has seven teeth, for an outside diameter of 5.5 mm. In this embodiment, there could also be six or eight teeth, but with seven teeth the best configuration is obtained for reliable and robust cooperation with the axial lug 811 after each actuation.

[0103] The two ends of the rotation axis 925 of the transmission element 920 advantageously rest each in a respective housing provided for this purpose in the support element 11, as can be seen in figures 5 and 9.

[0104] The counting element 910 is advantageously mounted to rotate about a counting axis 19 formed in the support element 11.

[0105] The support element 11 further includes a flexible anti-return tab 950 cooperating with the second toothing 921 of the transmission element 920 to prevent it from rotating in the opposite direction to that given by the thrust member 810 when it returns to its rest position.

[0106] Figures 18 to 29 illustrate the different stages of an actuation cycle of the device, showing the operation of the counter during this cycle.

[0107] Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the rest position, in which the axial leg 811 of the thrust member 810 is engaged in the second tooth 921 of the transmission element 920, here tooth 1.

[0108] In Figures 20 and 21, the device is loaded, with the cover 1 open. The thrust member 810 is forced downwards by the spring 850, but it is locked in the loaded position until inhalation. The axial lug 811 is always engaged in the same tooth, and the anti-return lug 950 cooperates with a tooth of the second set of teeth 921 to prevent it from rotating in the opposite direction (clockwise in Figures 18 to 29), here tooth 6.

[0109] Figures 22 and 23 show the start of the actuation, after the user inhales and the actuation is triggered. The push member 810 is released and moved downwards by the spring 850. The axial lug 811 deforms to come out of the tooth 1 in which it was engaged and it elastically comes to position itself under the next tooth, here tooth 7, as illustrated by the arrow on [Fig. 23].

[0110] Figures 24 and 25 show the fully actuated position with the push member 810 in its actuated position, with the axial leg 811 axially offset from the second tooth 921, which does not move.

[0111] Figures 26 and 27 show the push member 810 in its return stroke when the user closes the cover 1. The axial tab 811 positions itself in the next tooth, here tooth 7, and the upward movement of the push member 810 causes the rotation of the second tooth 921, as illustrated by the arrow in [Fig. 27]. Simultaneously, the anti-return tab 950 deforms elastically to pass behind the next tooth, here tooth 5.

[0112] Figures 28 and 29 illustrate the counter, returned to its initial position, with the axial leg 811 engaged in the next tooth, here tooth 7, and the anti-return leg positioned behind the next tooth, here tooth 5. A dose has been counted, and the counter is ready for the next actuation.

[0113] The present invention is particularly applicable for the treatment of asthma attacks or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) when used with formulations of the salbutamol, aclidinium, formoterol, tiotropium type, budesonide, fluticasone, indacaterol, glycopyrronium, salmeterol, umeclidinium bromide, vilanterol, olodaterol, striverdi, or any combination of these formulations.

[0114] 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.

Claims

1.

2. Demands A fluid product dispensing device synchronized with inhalation, comprising a body (10) provided with a mouthpiece (400), a product reservoir (100) containing a fluid product and a propellant gas being axially mounted to slide relative to said body (10), a metering valve (200), comprising a valve (210) movable between a rest position and an actuation position, being assembled on said reservoir (100) to selectively dispense the fluid product with each actuation, said device comprising a blocking system (500, 600, 800, 810) preventing the actuation of said metering valve and an inhalation-controlled triggering system comprising an inhalation-sensitive element (60), deformable and / or movable under the effect of inhalation, said inhalation-sensitive element (60) cooperating with said blocking system (500, 600, 800, 810) to move it and / or deform and thus allow the metering valve to be actuation,characterized in that said device comprises a dose counter actuated by an element (810) of said blocking system which is independent of said reservoir (100) and which moves relative to said reservoir (100) at the beginning of the actuation stroke and at the end of the return stroke of said device. Device according to claim 1, wherein said locking system comprises: - a movable and / or deformable locking element (500) between a locking position, in which said metering valve (200) cannot be actuated, and an actuating position, in which said metering valve (200) can be actuated, - a movable and / or deformable triggering element (600) between a locking position, in which it locks said locking element (500) in its locking position, and a release position, in which it does not lock said locking element (500), said inhalation-sensitive organ (60) cooperating with said triggering element (600), such that when said inhalation-sensitive organ (60) deforms and / or moves, it moves and / or deforms said triggering element (600) towards its release position, thus allowing the movement and / or deformation of said - a locking element (500) from its locking position to its actuation position, - an actuation member (800) cooperating with said locking element (500), such that in the locking position of said locking element (500), said locking element (500) prevents axial displacement of said actuation member (800), and in the actuation position of said locking element (500), said locking element (500) allows axial displacement of said actuation member (800), - a support (11) fixed, in particular screwed or snapped, to said body (10), - a push member (810) cooperating with said actuation member (800) and mounted to slide axially in said support (11), and - a spring (850) disposed between said support (11) and said push member (810).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein said device comprises a movable cover (1), in particular pivotable on the body (10), between a closed position of the mouthpiece (400) and an open position of the mouthpiece (400), said cover (1) cooperating with said actuating member (800) such that in the closed position, it blocks said actuating member (800) against axial movement in the body (10), and when it is brought back from its open position to its closed position, it brings the actuating member (800) and the push member (810) back to their rest position by recharging said spring (850).

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said counter comprises a counting element (910) and a transmission element (920) disposed in said support element (11), a counter cover (930) being fixed to said support element (11).

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein said push member (810) has an axial lug (811) adapted to cooperate with said transmission element (920) after each actuation to rotate said counting element (910).

6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said counting element (910) comprises counting indices (911) and a first toothing (912) cooperating with said transmission element (920).

7. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said counter cover (930) has a viewing window (935) for displaying a count index (911) representative of the number of doses dispensed or remaining to be dispensed.

8. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said transmission element (920) comprises a second toothing (921) and a worm gear (922) arranged side by side along a common axis of rotation.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein said push member (810) has an axial lug (811) adapted to cooperate after each actuation with said second toothing (921) to rotate said transmission element (920) and therefore said worm (922), said worm (922) being adapted to cooperate with said first toothing (912) of said counting element (910).

10. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein said support element (11) has a flexible anti-return tab (950) cooperating with said transmission element (920) to prevent it from rotating in the opposite direction to that intended by said thrust member (810).

11. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein said inhalation-sensitive organ (60) comprises a deformable membrane defining a deformable air chamber, said deformable membrane being fixed to said triggering element (600), said deformable membrane being deformed during inhalation such that it moves said triggering element (600) from its locking position to its release position.

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