Device for the inhalation-synchronised dispensing of a fluid product

The fluid product dispensing device addresses manufacturing complexity and reliability issues in BAIs by using a simplified blocking system and inhalation-controlled triggering, ensuring accurate dose counting and prevention of undercounting or overcounting.

WO2026099100A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-05-15APTAR FRANCE SAS
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
APTAR FRANCE SAS
Filing Date
2025-11-03
Publication Date
2026-05-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing breath-actuated inhalers (BAIs) face challenges with complex and expensive manufacturing, unreliable dose counters, and issues with undercounting or overcounting doses.

Method used

A fluid product dispensing device with a simplified design featuring a blocking system, inhalation-controlled triggering, and a dose counter actuated by a locking system independent of the reservoir, ensuring reliable dose tracking and prevention of undercounting or overcounting.

Benefits of technology

The device provides a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient synchronization of fluid product delivery with inhalation, ensuring accurate dose counting and preventing accidental actuation, while maintaining stability and efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a device comprising a body (10) provided with a mouthpiece (400), a reservoir (100) containing a fluid and a propulsion unit being slidably mounted with respect to the body, a valve assembly (200), comprising a valve (210) movable between rest and actuation positions, which is joined to the reservoir to dispense the fluid upon each actuation, the device comprising a locking system (500, 600, 800, 810) that prevents the actuation of the valve assembly and a triggering system comprising a member (60) that is deformable and / or movable under the effect of inhalation, the member cooperating with the locking system in order to move it and / or deform it and thus allow the valve assembly to be actuated, the device comprising a counter actuated by an element (810) of the locking system, the element (810) being independent of the reservoir and moving relative to the reservoir at the beginning of the actuation stroke and at the end of the return stroke, the dose counter being actuated by the element (810) when it returns from an actuated position to a rest position.
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Description

Fluid product dispensing device synchronized with inhalation

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for distributing fluid product 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-established in the prior art. Their main advantage is that the medication is delivered in sync with the patient's inhalation, ensuring proper distribution of the medication within the airways. Adding a dose counter to indicate to the user the number of doses delivered or remaining is also common practice. These dose counters, which can be mechanical or electronic, are often complex to manufacture and assemble, and therefore expensive. Furthermore, the reliability of the counting system, which aims to prevent both undercounting (a dose is delivered but not counted) and overcounting (a dose is counted but not delivered), is not always optimal.

[0003] Documents US5349945, EP3345644A1, US2016038696A1, FR3092250A1 and FR3092251A1 describe prior art devices.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a fluid product distribution device synchronized with inhalation that does not reproduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] The present invention also aims to provide a fluid product distribution device synchronized with inhalation which improves the reliability of the dose counter.

[0006] The present invention also aims to provide a fluid product distribution device synchronized with inhalation that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0007] The present device therefore 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 metering valve,said device comprising a dose counter actuated by an element of said locking system, said element being independent of said reservoir and moving relative to said reservoir at the beginning of the actuation stroke and at the end of the return stroke of said device, said dose counter being actuated by said element when the latter returns from an actuated position to a rest position.

[0008] 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 actuation organ cooperating with said blocking element.such that, in the locked position of said locking element, said locking element prevents axial movement of said actuating member, and in the actuated position of said locking element, said locking element allows axial movement 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 disposed between said support and said thrust member.

[0009] Advantageously, said device includes 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Advantageously, said thrust member includes an axial lug adapted to cooperate with said transmission element after each actuation to rotate said counting element.

[0012] Advantageously, said counting element includes counting indices and a first set of teeth cooperating with said transmission element.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Advantageously, said transmission element comprises a second set of teeth and a worm gear arranged side by side along a common axis of rotation.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] These features and advantages, and others, will become clearer in the following detailed description, made with reference to the attached drawings, given as non-limiting examples, and on which:

[0019] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid product distribution device according to an advantageous embodiment, in its rest position.

[0020] This is a detailed view, before inhalation.

[0021] laest a view similar to that of the, after inhalation,

[0022] This is a schematic, exploded perspective view showing different parts of the device.

[0023] This is a schematic, exploded perspective view of the dose counter, according to an advantageous embodiment.

[0024] Figures 6 to 8 are three schematic top perspective views, from three different cross-sectional planes, of the dose counter before inhalation.

[0025] cf

[0026] cf

[0027] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic perspective views, from above and below, of the support element.

[0028] cf

[0029] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic perspective views, from above and below, of the thrust element.

[0030] cf

[0031] Figures 13 and 14 are schematic perspective views, from above and below, of the counting element.

[0032] cf

[0033] This is a schematic perspective view of the transmission element.

[0034] Figures 16 and 17 are schematic perspective views, top and bottom, of the meter cover.

[0035] cf

[0036] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dose counter in its resting position.

[0037] This is an enlarged detail view of the,

[0038] This is a view similar to that of the [person], in an armed position, before inhalation.

[0039] This is an enlarged detail view of the,

[0040] This is a view similar to that of the [unclear], after inhalation and during actuation.

[0041] This is an enlarged detail view of the,

[0042] This is a view similar to that of the, at the end of actuation,

[0043] This is an enlarged detail view of the,

[0044] This is a view similar to that of the image at the beginning of the dose counter activation.

[0045] This is an enlarged detail view of the,

[0046] This is a view similar to that of the image at the end of the dose counter activation, and

[0047] This is an enlarged detail view of the.

[0048] In the description, the terms "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom" refer to the position of the device as shown in the diagram. 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.

[0049] The invention applies more particularly to inhalation devices of the aerosol valve type for oral delivery, as will be described in more detail below, but it could also apply to other types of inhalation devices, for example, nasal devices. More specifically, the present invention applies to a device as described in the documents

[0050] 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.

[0051] With reference to the, the device comprises a body 10 equipped with a mouthpiece 400.

[0052] Body 10 can be made in one piece or in several pieces assembled together.

[0053] The mouthpiece 400 defines a delivery orifice through which the user inhales when using the device. The mouthpiece 400 can be made as a single piece with the body 10. In the example shown, it is assembled onto a lower portion of the body 10.

[0054] A removable protective cover 1 is provided to cover the mouthpiece 400, particularly during storage. This cover 1 is movable, preferably by pivoting it on the body 10, between a closed and an open position.

[0055] 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.

[0056] A metering valve 200 is mounted on the 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 the valve body, and therefore relative to the 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The outlet of 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 at least partially said channel.

[0059] 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.

[0060] An actuation member 800 is advantageously assembled around the reservoir 100. This actuation 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 actuation member 800, said thrust member 810 being received in a support element 11 fixed to 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 actuation member 800. The actuation member 800 is axially movable, in particular sliding, relative to said body 10 between a rest position and an actuation position.

[0061] Advantageously, a lower edge of the actuating member 800 cooperates with the cover 1 such that, in the closed position of the cover 1, the actuating member 800 is locked in its rest position, with the lower edge abutting a portion of the cover 1. Furthermore, the cover 1 includes a cam that cooperates with the lower edge of the actuating member 800 when the cover 1 is brought from its open to its closed position, thereby returning the 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 compresses the spring 850. The spring 850 is thus reloaded after each actuation when the user closes the cover 1.

[0062] The device includes 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.

[0063] The locking element 500 is advantageously mounted pivoting on the body 10 around a first axis of rotation between the locking position and the actuation position.

[0064] 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, until the user inhales, the metering valve 200 cannot be actuated, 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.

[0065] The blocking element 500, in the blocked position, prevents the axial movement of the actuation 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 actuation member 800 in the body 10. Thus, after inhalation, such an axial movement of the actuation 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.

[0066] Thus, in the absence of inhalation, there is no risk of a dose of active product being lost by an accidental or incomplete actuation in which the user would not be inhaling.

[0067] In the closed position of the hood 1, a locking component of the hood 1 cooperates with a protruding part of the locking mechanism 500 to lock the hood in the closed position, as can be seen in particular in the figure. This locking mechanism is released when the hood 1 is opened.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] This triggering system includes an inhalation-sensitive organ 60 which is deformable and / or movable under the effect of inhalation, this inhalation-sensitive organ 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.

[0071] The inhalation-sensitive organ can be made in the form of a deformable air chamber 60, for example a bellows or a deformable bag.

[0072] In this way, the inhalation-activated triggering system is not located in the user's airflow but is formed by a specific chamber, namely the air chamber 60. This differs from systems that operate using a flap that moves / deforms in the airflow, where, 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] When the locking element 500 moves to its actuating position by pivoting around 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 within 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Advantageously, the first and second axes of rotation are parallel.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] This locking system allows for 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 locked / released by it. The movement of the triggering element 600 is controlled by inhalation.

[0080] The geometry of the locking system allows for a very large amplification (unlocked force / unlocking force), typically on the order of 100.

[0081] 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, the actuation member 800, or alternatively the reservoir 100, moves the valve to an open position. When at least one of these openings is thus open during actuation, a draft 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.

[0082] Advantageously, the trigger element 600 can be accessed from outside the body 10. This allows, if necessary, for the trigger element 600 to be manually moved, enabling the metering valve 200 to be actuation even without inhalation, for example, if the person receiving the dose of fluid product is unable to inhale sufficiently. This therefore serves as a safety feature. It also allows for priming the valve, if it is a conventional valve requiring such priming.

[0083] In the example shown, 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 the body 10 and on the other side to the 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 the membrane to an orifice or edge of the triggering element 600.

[0084] During inhalation, the deformable membrane deforms and / or contracts under the effect of the pressure drop generated by inhalation, causing the trigger element 600 to move from its locked position to its released position. This opens the lock defined between the locking element 500 and the trigger element 600, and thus allows the locking element 500 to move from its locked position to its actuated position.

[0085] Valve 200 is therefore only activated at the time of inhalation, so that the dose of fluid product is expelled from the distribution orifice simultaneously with inhalation.

[0086] In the rest position, with the cover 1 closed, the thrust member 810 is not in contact with the reservoir 100, as shown in the figure. 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.

[0087] 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 remains blocked and prevented from sliding axially within 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, before inhalation, no stress is applied to the 200 valve, which limits or even eliminates the risks of leaks and / or malfunction of said valve.

[0088] When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 400, it deforms the deformable membrane of the inhalation-sensitive element 60, which rotates the trigger element 600 attached to said deformable membrane. This movement of the trigger element 600 releases the lock formed between the locking shoulder 610 of the trigger 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 pivots, allowing the axial sliding of said actuating member 800. Consequently, the push member 810, integral with said actuating member 800, comes into contact with the reservoir 100, thus causing the axial movement of said reservoir 100 within the body 10 towards its dispensing position, and therefore actuating the valve 200.

[0089] 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 portion of the actuation member 800 is visible from the outside, thus serving as an indicator. Therefore, in the resting position or in the armed position, with the cover 1 open but before inhalation, the window may display a light color, for example, green, while after inhalation, a dark color, for example, red, may be displayed in the window. Of course, any other similar implementation is possible.

[0090] 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 cover 1 must be closed.

[0091] When the user closes the cover 1, the actuating member 800 and the pusher member 810 are axially pushed back by the cover 1 towards their rest position, so that the reservoir 100 can move axially within the body 10 towards its rest position under the action of the valve return spring 200. Simultaneously, the metering valve 210 returns to its rest position, loading a new dose of fluid product into the valve chamber. The trigger element 600 is returned to its initial position, notably by the elasticity of the diaphragm. The locking element 500 returns to its locked position.

[0092] The device is then ready for another use.

[0093] According to the invention, the device includes a dose counter actuated by the pusher 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.

[0094] The meter includes a counting element 910 and a transmission element 920 arranged in the support element 11, and a meter cover 930 fixed to said support element 11.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 the invention, it is impossible to load the next dose without counting the previously dispensed dose.

[0097] 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.

[0098] The counter cover 930 has a viewing window 935 to display 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. While only one viewing window is currently planned, a second window could also be considered, with one window displaying numbers and the other displaying colors.

[0099] In the example shown in Figures 5, 7, and 13, the 911 counting indices include the numbers 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, and 200, arranged on the upper surface of the 910 counting element around a substantial portion of the outer circular edge. Other implementations are possible, however.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The transmission element 920 comprises a second toothing 921 and a worm gear 922. As can be seen in the figure, the second toothing 921 and the worm gear are arranged side by side along a common axis of rotation 925.

[0102] The second toothed portion 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 toothed portion 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.

[0103] The second gear 921 can have an appropriate number of teeth, which may vary depending on the dimensions of said gear. In the example shown in the drawings, the second gear 921 has seven teeth, for an outside diameter of 5.5 mm. In this implementation, 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The counting element 910 is advantageously mounted to rotate around a counting axis 19 formed in the support element 11.

[0106] The support element 11 further includes a flexible anti-return tab 950 cooperating with the second tooth 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.

[0107] Figures 18 to 29 illustrate the different stages of an actuation cycle of the device, showing the operation of the counter during this cycle.

[0108] 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.

[0109] In Figures 20 and 21, the device is loaded, with the cover 1 open. The thrust member 810 is pulled downwards by the spring 850, but it is held in the loaded position until inhalation. The axial lug 811 remains 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.

[0110] Figures 22 and 23 show the beginning 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 into position under the next tooth, here tooth 7, as illustrated by the arrow on the.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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 the figure. Simultaneously, the anti-return tab 950 deforms elastically to pass behind the next tooth, here tooth 5.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The present invention is particularly applicable for the treatment of asthma attacks or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) in use with formulations of the type salbutamol, aclidinium, formoterol, tiotropium, budesonide, fluticasone, indacaterol, glycopyrronium, salmeterol, umeclidinium bromide, vilanterol, olodaterol, striverdi, or any combination of these formulations.

[0115] 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

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 the 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 locking system, said element (810) being independent of said reservoir (100) and moving relative to said reservoir (100) at the beginning of the actuation stroke and at the end of the return stroke of said device, said dose counter being actuated by said element (810) when the latter returns from an actuated position to a rest position. A device according to claim 1, wherein said blocking system comprises: - a movable and / or deformable blocking element (500) between a blocking position, in which said metering valve (200) cannot be actuated, and an actuation 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 blocks said blocking element (500) in its blocking position, and a release position, in which it does not block said blocking 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 locking element (500) from its locking position to its actuating position, - an actuating 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 movement of said actuating member (800), and in the actuating position of said locking element (500), said locking element (500) allows axial movement of said actuating member (800), - a support (11) fixed, in particular screwed or snapped, onto said body (10), - a thrust member (810) cooperating with said actuating member (800) and mounted to slide axially in said support (11), and - a spring (850) disposed between said support (11) and said thrust member (810). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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. 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. 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 screw (922), said worm screw (922) being adapted to cooperate with said first toothing (912) of said counting element (910). 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). 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 displaces said triggering element (600) from its locking position to its release position.