Fluid product dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a nasal instillation device for fluid products, the dispensing head of which is highly compatible with noses of different shapes. [Solution] A nasal instillation device for fluid products comprising a dispensing head (20) having a dispensing orifice (21) and a hollow insert (60) inserted and fixed within the dispensing head (20), wherein the dispensing head (20) has a reduced-diameter proximal end portion (220) having an axial length longer than 5 mm, a maximum outer diameter less than 8 mm, and a wall thickness less than 1.1 mm; the dispensing head (20) has an inner sidewall having a first proximal cylindrical section (25) and a second distal cylindrical section (26) having a diameter greater than the diameter of the first proximal cylindrical section (25); and the insert (60) has a first proximal radial protrusion (65) on its outer wall extending around the entire circumference, the first proximal radial protrusion (65) cooperating closely and airtightly with the first proximal cylindrical section (25).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nasal fluid product delivery device, and more particularly, to a nasal fluid product delivery device for dispensing a medicated fluid product to a user via one or more nasal sprays. [Background technology]

[0002] A shortcoming of existing fluid product nasal dispenser devices relates to the compatibility of the dispensing head with different nose configurations, especially in children.

[0003] Furthermore, in this type of nasal spray device, the spray is generally generated by an insert located upstream of the dispensing orifice in the dispensing head. These parts can cause problems during molding, such as shrinkage. Putting the insert in place, holding it in place and sealing it in the dispensing head is also known to be complicated, with the risk of the device malfunctioning. In particular, since the spray profile is defined between the insert and the dispensing head, the spray characteristics may vary from device to device depending on the assembly conditions.

[0004] WO2016001601 describes a prior art device with a dispensing head as shown in FIG. 2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016001601 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid product dispensing device which does not have the above mentioned drawbacks.

[0007] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid product dispensing device which avoids or limits the risk of malfunction of the device and improves its robustness.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] For this reason, the invention provides a fluid product dispensing device comprising a reservoir containing a fluid product, a dispensing head with a dispensing orifice and a stopper / piston for dispensing at least a portion of said fluid product through said dispensing orifice, said reservoir being hermetically closed by said stopper / piston before actuation, said device comprising a hollow insert inserted and fixed in said dispensing head, said insert supporting a cannula which penetrates said stopper / piston and thus connects said reservoir to said dispensing orifice during actuation, (a) the dispensing head has a tapered proximal end portion, an axial length greater than 5 mm, advantageously greater than 6 mm, a maximum outer diameter less than 8 mm, advantageously less than 7 mm, and a wall thickness less than 1.1 mm, advantageously between 0.7 and 1.0 mm; (b) the dispensing head has an inner side wall including a first proximal cylindrical section and a second distal cylindrical section of a diameter larger than that of the first proximal cylindrical section, and the insert has on its outer wall a first proximal radial protrusion extending around its entire circumference, the first proximal radial protrusion cooperating in an airtight manner with the first proximal cylindrical section to ensure a sealing fixation of the insert in the dispensing head.

[0010] Advantageously, in the assembled state, the insert abuts with its front face against the bottom wall of the dispensing head, which abutment forms the only axial contact between the insert and the dispensing head.

[0011] Advantageously, said proximal end portion is slightly conical and has an outer diameter at the level of the dispensing orifice of less than 6 mm, advantageously less than 5 mm.

[0012] According to a first advantageous variant, the proximal end portion extends over an axial distance L1 of at least 5 mm, preferably 6.15 mm, its outer diameter D1 at its distal end is less than 6 mm, in particular 5.7 mm, and its outer diameter D1' at its proximal end, the dispensing opening, is less than 5 mm, in particular 4.6 mm.

[0013] According to a second advantageous variant, the proximal end portion extends over an axial distance L2 of at least 10 mm, preferably 12.5 mm, its outer diameter D2 at its distal end is less than 7 mm, in particular 66 mm, and its outer diameter D2' at its proximal end at the level of the dispensing orifice is less than 5 mm, in particular 4.6 mm.

[0014] Advantageously, the insert comprises on its outer wall a second distal radial projection axially separated from the first proximal radial projection, which cooperates with the second proximal cylindrical section to positively guide and centre the insert in the assembled position during insertion into the dispensing head.

[0015] Advantageously, said first proximal radial projection has an end face providing a radial clamp and has an axial dimension of less than 1 mm, advantageously less than 0.7 mm.

[0016] Advantageously, said second proximal radial projection has an end face with an axial dimension of less than 1 mm, advantageously less than 0.6 mm.

[0017] Advantageously, said insert is provided at its front face with a spray profile which, in the assembled state, is located immediately upstream of said dispensing orifice.

[0018] Advantageously, said insert defines an exhaust channel and at least one radial opening allowing fluid to pass from the exhaust channel to said spray profile, the exhaust channel comprising a proximal channel portion at said radial opening, a central channel portion having a diameter larger than that of said proximal channel portion and connected to the latter by a first radial shoulder, and a distal channel portion having a diameter larger than that of said central channel portion and connected to the latter by a second radial shoulder.

[0019] Advantageously, said cannula is press-fit into said central channel portion such that its proximal end abuts said first radial shoulder.

[0020] Advantageously, the reservoir contains a single dose of fluid product which is dispensed with a single actuation of the device.

[0021] In a variant, the reservoir contains two doses of fluid product to be dispensed during two successive actuations of the device. Effect of the Invention

[0022] These and other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid product dispensing device according to an advantageous embodiment, shown in a rest position prior to actuation. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a dispensing head and insert according to the prior art. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2, showing a dispensing head and an insert according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the insert of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the insert of FIG. [Figure 6] 1(a) and 1(b) are detailed cross-sectional views of two advantageous alternative embodiments of a dispensing head; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are relative to the dispensing orifice. The terms "axial" and "radial" are relative to the central longitudinal axis of the device. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the direction of fluid flow during operation. The terms "top" and "bottom" are relative to the upright position of the device shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] 1 and 3 to 5, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] In this embodiment, a reservoir 10 containing the fluid product to be dispensed, typically a liquid, is arranged inside a body forming a dispensing head 20. The dispensing head 20 comprises an axially oriented dispensing orifice 21. The dispensing orifice 21 serves to dispense a dose of fluid from said dispensing head 20 during activation of the device by a user.

[0027] The dispensing head 20 comprises a nosepiece elongated portion 22 including said dispensing orifice 21 at its proximal axial end, and a side body 24 connected to said nosepiece 22 via a radial flange 23. The inner wall of the nosepiece 22 includes a first proximal cylindrical portion 25 and a second distal cylindrical portion 26 of a diameter larger than the diameter of the first proximal cylindrical portion 25.

[0028] A hollow insert 60 is arranged in the dispensing head 20 upstream of the dispensing orifice 21, said hollow insert 60 defining discharge channels 61, 61', 61'' and, in cooperation with the bottom wall of the dispensing head 20, defining a spray profile 62 immediately upstream of said dispensing orifice 21. At least one radial opening 63 arranged near the proximal end of the insert 60 allows fluid to pass from the discharge channel 61 to the spray profile 62. The discharge channel comprises a proximal channel portion 61 at said radial opening 63. The discharge channel also comprises a central channel portion 61' of a diameter larger than the diameter of the proximal channel portion 61 and is connected to the latter by a first radial shoulder 68. Finally, the discharge channel also comprises a distal channel portion 61'' of a diameter larger than the diameter of the central channel portion 61' and is connected to the latter by a second radial shoulder 69. On its outer wall, the insert 60 has a first proximal radial projection 65 extending around the entire circumference and a second distal radial projection 66 which may also extend around the entire circumference and is axially separated from the first proximal radial projection 65.

[0029] A hollow cannula 40 is inserted and fixed in said discharge channel 61, 61', 61", said cannula 40 comprising a perforator tip 41 at its distal end. Advantageously, said cannula 40 is press-fitted into said central channel portion 61' and its proximal end abuts against said first radial shoulder 68. Thus, the insertion of the cannula 40 into the insert 60 is facilitated, with the first radial shoulder 68 defining its assembly position and the force-fit being limited to the central channel portion 61'.

[0030] In the illustrated example, the reservoir 10 is formed by a hollow and closed body closed by a stopper / piston 50 and including a single opening containing a single dose of the fluid product to be dispensed by a single actuation of the device.

[0031] During actuation, the reservoir 10 is displaced axially upwards relative to the dispensing head 20 and thus relative to the cannula 40. The stopper / piston 50 is thus forced against the tip 41 of the cannula 40 in order to be pierced, thereby allowing the expulsion of all or part of the fluid product contained within the reservoir 10.

[0032] It should also be noted that the present invention may be applied to dual or multi-dose type devices, in which the reservoir contains at least two doses of fluid that are dispensed during two successive actuations of the device.

[0033] Actuator means 30 are provided for enabling the device to be actuated.

[0034] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the actuator means 30 comprises an actuator body 31 which is movable relative to the dispensing head 20. Said actuator body 31 cooperates with said reservoir 10 to move axially relative to the dispensing head 20 towards the dispensing orifice 21.

[0035] The operation of the device is described in detail below.

[0036] In a conventional manner, a user places two fingers on a radial flange 23 formed on the dispensing head 20 and presses with their thumb against the distal axial bottom wall 32 of said actuator body 31. During such actuation, the reservoir 10 is pushed axially towards the dispensing orifice 21, causing the cannula 40 to pierce the stopper / piston 50. The contents of the reservoir 10 are then connected to the dispensing orifice 21, and the fluid product is dispensed when the user displaces the stopper 50 within the reservoir 10 by pressing the actuator body 31.

[0037] In another embodiment, not shown in the drawings, the reservoir 10 does not have to be formed by a hollow and closed body containing only one opening, but may be formed by a hollow cylinder open at both ends in the axial direction. The cylinder is thus closed at the proximal end by a first stopper and at the distal end by a second stopper, and a volume of fluid defined between said two stoppers is dispensed. When the user activates the device, as described above, the user presses the actuator body axially, causing it to slide axially towards the dispensing orifice. This causes the second plug to move within the reservoir. However, since the fluid is incompressible, the movement of the second stopper causes the first stopper to move towards the cannula to which it is fixed. Thus, the first stopper is pierced by the cannula, the contents of the reservoir are dispensed into the dispensing orifice, and the second stopper acts as a piston.

[0038] As mentioned above, the present invention can also be applied to dual dose devices. In this configuration, the contents of the reservoir are dispensed in two successive actuations. An example of a dual dose device is described in WO 2014 / 147329.

[0039] In accordance with the present invention, the dispensing head 20 and insert 60 have specific shapes and dimensions to improve the molding and assembly of these parts, and the reliability of the operation of the device.

[0040] The nosepiece 22 of the dispensing head 20 comprises a proximal end portion 220 of reduced diameter. This proximal end portion 220 is advantageously slightly conical. This proximal end portion 220 has an axial length greater than 5 mm, advantageously greater than 6 mm. This proximal end portion 220 has a maximum outer diameter less than 8 mm, advantageously less than 7 mm. At the height of the dispensing orifice 21, said proximal end portion 220 advantageously has an outer diameter less than 6 mm, advantageously less than 5 mm. In the variant of FIG. 6(a), said proximal end portion 220 extends along the axial direction over a distance L1 of at least 5 mm, preferably 6.15 mm. Its outer diameter D1 at the distal end is less than 6 mm, preferably 5.7 mm. Its outer diameter D1' at the proximal end of the dispensing orifice 21 is less than 5 mm, preferably 4.6 mm.

[0041] In the variant of Fig. 6(b), said proximal end portion 220 extends axially over a distance L2 of at least 10 mm, preferably 12.5 mm. Its outer diameter D2 at the distal end is less than 7 mm, preferably 6.6 mm. Its outer diameter D2' at the proximal end of the dispensing orifice 21 is less than 5 mm, preferably 4.6 mm.

[0042] The wall thickness of said end 220 is less than 1.1 mm, advantageously between 0.7 and 1.0 mm. This embodiment improves the shaping accuracy of the dispensing head 20, in particular by reducing the risk of deformations associated with excessive thickness and by reducing the risk of shrinkage.

[0043] When the insert 60 is assembled in the dispensing head 20, the spray profile 62 located on the front side of the insert is inserted into the dispensing head 20 until it abuts the bottom wall of the latter. This is the only axial contact between the insert 60 and the dispensing head. Thus, unlike the prior art device shown in FIG. 2, there is no longer a double axial contact. This double contact could generate different spray profiles from device to device, especially due to manufacturing tolerances of the insert and manufacturing tolerances of the dispensing head. The invention and its unique axial contact ensure that the axial contact always has the same shape and, as a result, always has the same spray characteristics.

[0044] In the assembled position, the first proximal radial projection 65 cooperates closely and sealingly with the first proximal cylindrical portion 25 of the nosepiece 22, ensuring a tight fixation of the insert 60 in the dispensing head 20. The second proximal radial projection 66 cooperates with the second proximal cylindrical portion 26 of the nosepiece 22. This cooperation ensures that the insert 60 is guided when inserted into the dispensing head 20 and is centered in the assembled position, thus not sealing or clamping.

[0045] The first proximal radial projection 65 has an end face which radially clamps with the first proximal cylindrical portion 25. The axial dimension of this first proximal radial projection 65 is less than 1 mm, advantageously less than 0.7 mm, preferably 0.63 mm. The clamping surface is thus significantly reduced, which facilitates assembly of the insert 60 in the dispensing head and requires a lower insertion force compared to the prior art device of FIG. 2, where the clamping surface between the insert and the dispensing head is usually greater than 5 mm. The risk of damaging the insert during assembly is therefore reduced.

[0046] The second distal radial projection 66 has an end face whose axial dimension is less than 1 mm, advantageously less than 0.6 mm, preferably 0.53 mm, so that even if said second distal radial projection 66 and the second distal cylindrical portion 26 come into contact during assembly, the assembly process is not altered due to the small dimensions of the contact surface.

[0047] Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus in which the manufacture and assembly of the dispensing head and its insert is simplified, more reliable and less costly, making the apparatus more robust and ensuring reproducible performance.

[0048] Naturally, other modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0049] The fluid product nasal delivery devices of the present disclosure are useful as devices for dispensing medicated fluid products to a user via one or more nasal sprays. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10…Reservoir 20…Distribution head 30...Actuator means 40…Hollow cannula 50…Stopper / piston 60…Hollow insert

Claims

1. A fluid product nasal instillation device, comprising: A reservoir (10) for containing a fluid product; a dispensing head (20) having a dispensing orifice (21); a stopper / piston (50) for dispensing at least a portion of said fluid product through said dispensing orifice (21); a hollow insert (60) inserted and fixed within said dispensing head (20); The reservoir (10) is sealed by the stopper / piston (50) prior to actuation; said insert (60) supports a cannula (40) which, during actuation, pierces said stopper / piston (50) and connects said reservoir (10) to said dispensing orifice (21); The dispensing head (20) has a reduced diameter proximal end portion (220); the proximal end portion (220) has an axial length greater than 5 mm, a maximum outer diameter less than 8 mm, and a wall thickness less than 1.1 mm; The dispensing head (20) has an inner sidewall, the inner sidewall has a first proximal cylindrical section (25) and a second distal cylindrical section (26) having a diameter greater than a diameter of the first proximal cylindrical section (25); The insert (60) has a circumferentially extending first proximal radial projection (65) on its outer wall; said first proximal radial projection (65) co-operates closely and gas-tightly with said first proximal cylindrical section (25) to ensure a gas-tight fixation of said insert (60) in said dispensing head (20); The insert (60) includes on its outer wall a second distal radial projection (66) axially separated from the first proximal radial projection (65); said second distal radial projection (66) cooperating with said second distal cylindrical section (26) ensures guiding of said insert (60) when said insert (60) is inserted into said dispensing head (20) and centering in the assembled position; The second distal radial projection (66) has an end face with an axial dimension of less than 1 mm. A fluid product nasal instillation device.

2. A fluid product nasal instillation device, comprising: A reservoir (10) for containing a fluid product; a dispensing head (20) having a dispensing orifice (21); a stopper / piston (50) for dispensing at least a portion of said fluid product through said dispensing orifice (21); a hollow insert (60) inserted and fixed within said dispensing head (20); The reservoir (10) is sealed by the stopper / piston (50) prior to actuation; said insert (60) supports a cannula (40) which, during actuation, pierces said stopper / piston (50) and connects said reservoir (10) to said dispensing orifice (21); The dispensing head (20) has a reduced diameter proximal end portion (220); the proximal end portion (220) has an axial length greater than 5 mm, a maximum outer diameter less than 8 mm, and a wall thickness less than 1.1 mm; The dispensing head (20) has an inner sidewall, the inner sidewall has a first proximal cylindrical section (25) and a second distal cylindrical section (26) having a diameter greater than a diameter of the first proximal cylindrical section (25); The insert (60) has a circumferentially extending first proximal radial projection (65) on its outer wall; said first proximal radial projection (65) co-operates closely and gas-tightly with said first proximal cylindrical section (25) to ensure a gas-tight fixation of said insert (60) in said dispensing head (20); said insert (60) having at its front face a spray profile (62) which, in the assembled state, is located directly upstream of said dispensing orifice (21); the insert (60) defines an exhaust channel (61, 61', 61'') and at least one radial opening (63) that allows fluid to pass from the exhaust channel to the spray profile (62); At the radial opening (63), the discharge channel comprises a proximal channel portion (61), a central channel portion (61') having a diameter larger than that of the proximal channel portion (61) and connected thereto by a first radial shoulder (68), and a distal channel portion (61'') having a diameter larger than that of the central channel portion (61') and connected thereto by a second radial shoulder (69). A fluid product nasal instillation device.

3. The cannula (40) is force-fit into the central channel portion (61') and its proximal end abuts the first radial shoulder (68). The fluid product nasal instillation device according to claim 2 .

4. The insert (60), in the assembled state, abuts with its front face against the bottom wall of the dispensing head (20); This abutment forms the only axial contact between the insert (60) and the dispensing head (20). A nasal instillation device for a fluid product according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. said proximal end portion (220) being slightly conical; The proximal end portion (220) has an outer diameter at the dispensing orifice (21) of less than 6 mm. A nasal instillation device for a fluid product according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The proximal end portion (220) comprises: Extending axially over a distance (L1) of at least 5 mm; Its outer diameter (D1) at its distal end is less than 6 mm; Its outer diameter (D1') at its proximal end is less than 5 mm at said dispensing orifice (21). The fluid product nasal instillation device according to claim 5 .

7. The proximal end portion (220) comprises: Extends axially over a distance (L2) of at least 5 mm; its outer diameter (D2) at its distal end is less than 7 mm; Its outer diameter (D2') at its proximal end is less than 5 mm at said dispensing orifice (21). The fluid product nasal instillation device according to claim 5 .

8. The first proximal radial projection (65) has a radial clamping end face whose axial dimension is less than 1 mm. A nasal instillation device for a fluid product according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The reservoir (10) contains a single dose of fluid that is dispensed in a single actuation of the device. A nasal instillation device for a fluid product according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The reservoir (10) contains two doses of fluid that are dispensed upon two successive actuations of the device. A nasal instillation device for a fluid product according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. The proximal end portion (220) has an axial length greater than 6 mm, a maximum outer diameter less than 7 mm, and a wall thickness between 0.7 and 1.0 mm. A nasal instillation device for a fluid product according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The radial clamping end face of the first proximal radial projection (65) has an axial dimension of less than 0.7 mm. The fluid product nasal instillation device according to claim 8.

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