EP2579992B1 - Product dispensing device comprising a pump and a dispensing end piece - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a product dispensing device attached to the neck of a tank. For example, a drug delivery device in the form of a spray comprising a pump, such as a nasal spray device.

It is known that there is increasing interest in limiting or eliminating the use of chemical preservatives in products, especially in the medical field. Accordingly, it is important that a dispensing device ensures the greatest possible seal (to liquids, gases, bacteria) between the outside and the inside of the device or reservoir, that is to say all along the path traveled by the product, to prevent bacteria from developing and contaminate the product.

Such devices are often referred to as "preservative free" devices. They may be provided with a dispensing nozzle attached to the pump, comprising a non-return valve disposed just before the dispensing orifice of the product and preventing bacteria from developing in the dispensing tip. Such an end piece is for example described in the publication FR 2887232 .

The documents US 4,773,553 ; US 6,189,739 ; EP 0 653 359 and FR 2,859,983 disclose dispensing devices according to the prior art.

The present invention is intended in particular to provide a dispensing device in which the risk of developing bacteria is even more reduced.

• une pompe comprenant une chambre de dosage,
• un embout de distribution rapporté sur la pompe, comprenant une surface d'appui pour l'activation du dispositif par appui d'un utilisateur,
• un capot de protection du dispositif,
• un collier de serrage, portant le capot, et
• un organe de fixation du dispositif sur le col du réservoir, comprenant des moyens d'accrochage de l'organe autour du col, activables par coulissement du collier par rapport à l'organe de fixation depuis une configuration de pré-assemblage vers une configuration d'assemblage, une bague intérieure de centrage de la pompe sur le réservoir, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de fixation comprend une bague extérieure portant des moyens de retenue de l'embout de distribution.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a product dispensing device, to be attached to the neck of a reservoir, comprising:

• a pump comprising a metering chamber,
• a dispensing nozzle attached to the pump, comprising a bearing surface for activation of the device by a user,
• a protective cover of the device,
• a hose clamp, wearing the hood, and
• a fixing member of the device on the neck of the reservoir, comprising means for fastening the member around the neck, activatable by sliding the collar relative to the fixing member from a pre-assembly configuration to an assembly configuration, an inner ring for centering the pump on the tank, characterized in that the fixing member comprises an outer ring carrying means for retaining the dispensing nozzle.

Thus, it is proposed to use a fastener ensuring on the one hand that the device can not be easily removed from the reservoir, on the other hand that the dispensing tip can not be easily removed from the pump, so that that the risks of loss of sterility, for example due to the introduction of outside air or bacteria into the tank or into the device, accidentally or voluntarily, are particularly reduced. Indeed, the device is attached to the tank by means of hooking means, which provide a snap-fit shape activated by the clamp, and which constitute a method of fixing almost unmountable by the user, unlike a fastening by screwing. This type of attachment is similar to a "snap-on" fixation. In addition to this snap-on attachment function, the fastener also ensures retention of the dispensing nozzle on the device, thanks to its outer ring, which ensures that this nozzle can not be removed from the pump on which it is reported, even with a consequent force. It will be noted that the dispensing nozzle is thus retained in two distinct ways on the device: on the one hand it is fixed on the pump, being attached to a movable part of the pump, for example by clamping, on the other hand it is retained by the outer ring of the nozzle, which thus prevents tearing of the nozzle attached to the pump.

Note also that the device proposed above can be assembled on the tank in one step, which is very advantageous. Indeed, the dispensing device is a module that carries all the distribution elements to report on the reservoir, in particular the pump, the dispensing tip and the protective cap. These elements thus form a module, pre-assembled thanks to the fastener. Also, to assemble the tank and the protective device, it is only necessary to have the device in the pre-assembled position on the neck of the tank and to slide the clamping collar by simply pressing on the protective cover in order to activate the hooking means. Indeed, the hood being carried by the clamp, a support on the cover can be directly transmitted to the collar. This assembly in one step is interesting because the inside of the dispensing device is protected by the cover and is therefore not in contact with the outside, which avoids any risk of contamination during final assembly. This embodiment allows the dosing device to be manufactured in a different from the one in which it is assembled on the bottle without incurring the risk of particulate pollution.

It should be noted that the dosing chamber of the pump is preferably closed at the top by a first needle valve forming a non-return valve. Furthermore, the dispensing tip optionally comprises a second needle, forming a non-return valve.

• Le collier de serrage comprend des moyens amovibles d'encliquetage du capot, de préférence sous forme d'une rainure annulaire. Ainsi, comme le capot est rattaché au collier, lui-même rattaché à l'organe de fixation qui porte la pompe et l'embout de distribution, la manipulation du capot seul permet de manipuler tout le dispositif.
• La bague intérieure de centrage de la pompe comprend une zone de renfort d'une patte élastique devant être passée en force pour la distribution de produit. Une telle patte élastique peut-être utilisée pour constituer un point dur d'activation, qui garantit que l'utilisateur exerce un appui suffisant sur le dispositif pour assurer la distribution d'une dose complète de produit, ce qui est particulièrement important dans le cas de médicaments.
• L'embout de distribution comprend une enveloppe portant d'une part la surface d'appui et d'autre part une bague de retenue de l'embout, montée coulissante par rapport à la bague extérieure de l'organe de fixation, de préférence à l'intérieur de cette bague, et coopérant par butée avec les moyens de retenue portés par l'organe de fixation. La surface d'appui est en générale destinée à être en contact avec deux doigts de l'utilisateur. Elle se présente par exemple sous forme de deux ailettes s'étendant radialement, c'est-à-dire perpendiculairement à l'axe de la bague de retenue. De préférence, l'enveloppe comporte en outre un logement de réception d'un pointeau formant clapet anti-retour, obturant l'orifice de distribution de produit par rappel élastique exercé par un ressort.
• L'embout de distribution comprend, outre la bague de retenue de l'embout, une embase fixée sur une partie mobile de la pompe. L'embase et la bague de retenue sont deux parties distinctes de l'embout, l'embase étant de préférence rapportée à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe et présentant une partie tubulaire venant s'emmancher sur la partie mobile de la pompe de façon étanche. La partie tubulaire de l'embase est au moins en partie à l'intérieur de la bague de retenue, en étant coaxiale avec cette bague.
• Les moyens de retenue comprennent un ergot de retenue, formant une butée pour une nervure annulaire ménagée sur la bague de retenue. Bien sûr, on comprend que les moyens de retenue peuvent comporter plusieurs ergots. Un avantage d'une nervure annulaire continue réside dans le fait qu'il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir une disposition angulaire particulière de l'embout lors de son montage sur le dispositif.
• La bague extérieure de l'organe de fixation porte sur sa surface extérieure une butée supérieure de maintien du collier de serrage dans sa configuration de pré-assemblage du dispositif. Cette butée permet de maintenir le collier fixe sur l'organe, avant son assemblage sur le réservoir.
• Les moyens d'accrochage de l'organe autour du col comprennent une butée inférieure de maintien du collier de serrage dans sa configuration de pré-assemblage du dispositif. Cette butée permet de maintenir le collier fixe par rapport à l'organe, avant son assemblage sur le réservoir, et peut servir d'appui au collier de serrage pour déformer des moyens déformables lorsqu'il coulisse. De préférence, la butée inférieure est portée par des moyens déformables, par exemple des moyens élastiques.
• L'organe de fixation est en matière plastique, ce qui est particulièrement indiqué dans le domaine médical car cela évite de générer des particules nuisibles.
• Le collier de serrage est configuré de telle sorte qu'un appui sur le capot est directement transmis au collier de serrage, de façon à le faire passer de sa configuration de pré-assemblage à sa configuration d'assemblage. A cet effet, le collier de serrage comporte une portée d'appui du capot, de préférence sous forme d'une collerette extérieure faisant saillie d'une paroi principale du collier.

The dispensing device may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

• The clamping collar comprises removable means for latching the cover, preferably in the form of an annular groove. Thus, as the cover is attached to the collar, itself attached to the fastener which carries the pump and the dispensing tip, the manipulation of the cover alone allows to manipulate the entire device.
• The inner ring of centering of the pump comprises a zone of reinforcement of an elastic tab to be passed in force for the distribution of product. Such an elastic tab can be used to constitute a hard point of activation, which ensures that the user exerts sufficient support on the device to ensure the distribution of a full dose of product, which is particularly important in the case of drugs.
• The dispensing endpiece comprises a casing bearing on the one hand the bearing surface and on the other hand a retaining ring of the endpiece, slidably mounted relative to the outer ring of the fastener, preferably to the inside of this ring, and cooperating by abutment with the retaining means carried by the fixing member. The bearing surface is generally intended to be in contact with two fingers of the user. It is for example in the form of two fins extending radially, that is to say perpendicular to the axis of the retaining ring. Preferably, the casing further comprises a housing for receiving a needle valve forming a non-return valve, closing the product dispensing orifice by elastic return exerted by a spring.
• The dispensing nozzle comprises, in addition to the retaining ring of the nozzle, a base fixed on a moving part of the pump. The base and the retaining ring are two distinct parts of the nozzle, the base being preferably attached to the inside of the casing and having a tubular part coming to fit on the movable part of the pump so that waterproof. The tubular part of the base is at least partly inside the retaining ring, being coaxial with this ring.
• The retaining means comprise a retaining lug, forming a stop for an annular rib formed on the retaining ring. Of course, it is understood that the retaining means may comprise a plurality of lugs. An advantage of a continuous annular rib lies in the fact that it is not necessary to provide a particular angular disposition of the nozzle when it is mounted on the device.
• The outer ring of the fastener carries on its outer surface an upper stop for holding the clamp in its pre-assembly configuration of the device. This stop makes it possible to maintain the fixed collar on the member, before its assembly on the tank.
• The attachment means of the member around the neck comprise a lower stop for holding the clamp in its pre-assembly configuration of the device. This stop makes it possible to maintain the fixed collar relative to the member, before it is assembled on the reservoir, and can serve as a support for the clamping collar to deform deformable means when it slides. Preferably, the lower stop is carried by deformable means, for example elastic means.
• The fixing member is made of plastic, which is particularly indicated in the medical field because it avoids generating harmful particles.
• The clamp is configured such that a bearing on the cover is directly transmitted to the clamp, so that it moves from its pre-assembly configuration to its assembly configuration. For this purpose, the clamping collar comprises a bearing support of the cover, preferably in the form of an outer collar projecting from a main wall of the collar.

The invention furthermore relates to an assembly of a tank and a device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping collar can take on the neck of the tank a pre-assembled position and an assembled position. , the attachment means of the organ around the neck comprising deformable means, which are not deformed in the pre-assembled position and which are deformed in the assembled position, being kept deformed by the clamping collar. Note however that, according to another embodiment, the deformable means can be deformed in the pre-assembled position and not deformed in the assembled position, being held undeformed by the clamp. Preferably, the deformable means are elastic.

The subject of the invention is also a method for assembling such a dispensing device on a reservoir, during which the device is brought back onto the neck of the reservoir in a first position called pre-assembled. protection, which generates the sliding of the clamp so that the dispensing device takes a second position called assembly.

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe schématique d'un dispositif de distribution en position pré-assemblée sur un réservoir,
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe schématique d'un dispositif de distribution selon une variante de réalisation, en position assemblée sur le réservoir,
• la figure 3 est une vue agrandie d'une partie de la figure 1, et
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'un organe de fixation des dispositifs des figures 1 et 2.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a dispensing device in the pre-assembled position on a reservoir,
• the figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of a dispensing device according to an embodiment variant, in assembled position on the reservoir,
• the figure 3 is an enlarged view of some of the figure 1 , and
• the figure 4 is a perspective view of a device fixing device Figures 1 and 2 .

A dispensing device 10 is attached to a reservoir 12, so as to deliver a product. In this example, the product is liquid and is intended for nasal sprays of liquid pharmaceutical product. The reservoir 12 comprises a neck 14 on which the device 10 can take a pre-assembled position, illustrated on the figure 1 , and an assembled position, illustrated on the figure 2 .

The device 10 comprises a pump 16, a dispensing nozzle 18, a protective cap 20, a clamp 22 and a fastener 24.

The pump 16 comprises a so-called fixed part and a so-called mobile part, sliding relative to one another, so as to eject the product stored in a dosing chamber 26 which defines a dosing volume, this product being dispensed during activation of the device. The fixed part of the pump 16 comprises a pump body 28, receiving a tube 30 of the product and carrying a piston, sliding in the chamber 26. The pump body is attached to the upper surface of the tank neck 14, a seal being interposed between the body 28 and the neck 14. The piston comprises a support 32 and a membrane 34 forming a non-return valve. On the figure 1 , the membrane forms a single piece with an elastomeric cylindrical skirt, carrying sliding sealing means in the chamber 26. On the figure 2 , the piston comprises in addition to the membrane a member 36 for fixing the membrane, which is a separate part of the membrane and which comprises the cylindrical skirt and the sliding sealing means. The fixed part of the pump 16 also comprises a sleeve 38, fixed in the pump body 28, for example by clamping, serving as a seat for a first spring 40. The sleeve 38 has one or more elastic tabs 42 to be passed through. force for product distribution, constituting a hard point of activation. The moving part of the pump 16 is also called the dispensing head. It comprises a first cylinder 44 slidably mounted inside the pump body 28, defining the metering chamber 26 with the piston. The dispensing head further comprises a second cylinder 46, possibly made in one piece with the first cylinder 44. A first needle valve 48 forming a non-return valve is slidably mounted inside the second cylinder 46, between a position resting and activated position, under the action of a second spring 50. The needle 48 is provided with a base, mounted in a sealed manner in the second cylinder 46, a rod configured to be able to close, in the position of rest of the pump, an orifice formed on the lower end of the second cylinder 46, and an end projecting slightly inside the metering chamber 26 when the needle 48 is in the activated position. The moving part of the pump 16 further comprises a support 52, or ejection tube, which comprises a tubular end 54, on which is fixed the dispensing nozzle 18. The support 52 is provided with an inner skirt 56 and an outer skirt, between which the spring 40 is housed. The moving part of the pump slides relative to the fixed part between a rest position and an activated position. The support 52 further comprises means ensuring the passage of the liquid from the metering chamber 26 to the dispensing tip 18, arranged in particular between the second cylinder 46 and the inner skirt 56 of the support 52.

The dispensing nozzle 18 comprises a casing 60, inside which are attached a base 62, a cylinder 64 in which is housed a second needle valve 66 forming a non-return valve, under the action of a third spring 68 This non-return valve ensures that the spray nozzle is impervious to contaminants. The envelope 60 comprises a support surface 70, in the form of two fins, for activation of the device by a user. The casing 60 also comprises a ring 72 for retaining the end piece, by cooperation with the fixing member 24. For this purpose, the ring 72 carries, at its lower end, a continuous annular rib 73. The envelope 60 also comprises a spray end 74, provided with a spray orifice 76 closed by the needle 66 under the action of the spring 68. The spray end 74 delimits, with the cylinder 64, a swirl chamber of distribution. The base 62 is an insert inside the casing 60, for example by clamping, and comprising a tubular portion 78 fixed to the portion 54, for example by clamping around the portion 54.

The fixing member 24 is made of plastic. It comprises, on its upper part, an inner ring 80 for centering the pump 16 on the reservoir 12 and an outer ring 82. The outer ring 82 carries, on its upper end, means 84 for retaining the dispensing nozzle. 18, cooperating by abutment with the casing 60. The means 84 comprise one or more retaining lugs, forming a stop for the rib 73. The outer ring 82 also bears on its outer surface an upper stop 83 for holding the collar 22. in its pre-assembly configuration of the device, as described below. The inner ring 80 assures a positioning of the pump 16 on the fastener 24. It furthermore comprises a zone 86 for reinforcing the elastic tab 42, illustrated on FIG. figure 3 , avoiding the plastic deformation of this paw. The member 24 further comprises a lower skirt 87 carrying means 88 for hooking the member around the neck 14, which can be slidably actuated by the collar 22 relative to the fixing member from a pre-assembly configuration to a assembly configuration. The attachment means 88, visible on the figure 4 , comprise resilient means which constitute a lower stop 90 for holding the clamp 22 in its pre-assembly configuration, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , and which are deformable so that they can be forced through the collar and that they can exert a restoring force on the collar 22 when in assembly configuration, visible on the figure 2 . This restoring force pushes the means 88 against the collar 22 and thus ensures a maintenance of the collar 22 in the assembly configuration. The fixing member 24 further includes lugs 89 for holding the member 24 in the pre-assembled position on the neck of the tank.

The clamp 22 is also made of plastic. It has a cylindrical shape so as to slide around the lower skirt 87 of the member 24. The collar 22 comprises detachable means 92 for locking the cover 20, for example an annular groove 92, cooperating with an annular rib of the 20. The collar 22 carries the cover 20 and is configured so that a bearing on the cover 20 is directly transmitted to the collar 22, so as to pass from its pre-assembly configuration to its assembly configuration. . For this purpose, the collar 22 has a bearing surface 94 for supporting the cap 20, in the form of an external collar 94 projecting from the collar 22.

The assembly of the device 10 on the reservoir 12 will now be described.

The device 10 is first assembled independently of the reservoir 12, for example in a first place, by assembling it in a pre-assembly configuration. More specifically, the fixing member 24 and the clamping collar 22 are reported around the pump body 28, then the fixed part of the pump 16 is assembled, by placing the piston, the tube 30 and the sleeve 38 on the body pump 28, as well as the movable portion of the pump, by bringing back on the fixed part the spring 40, the support 52 and the cylinders 44, 46 provided with the needle 48 and the spring 50. The dispensing nozzle 18 is then reported. on the pump 16 and in the member 24, on the one hand by inserting the rib 73 inside the ring 82, by force passage of the lugs 84, on the other hand by fixing the base 62 around the part 54. The cover 20 is then brought back onto the clamping collar 22. This produces a device in pre-assembly configuration, which can optionally be transported to a second location, in order to mount it on the reservoir 12, in pre-assembled position, as illustrated on the figure 1 .

Then, the transition from the pre-assembled position to the assembled position illustrated on the figure 2 is particularly simple. It suffices to press on the top of the cover 20, which has the effect of sliding the collar 22, which deforms the means 88 by sliding, by folding them inwards, so that they form a jaw around the neck of the reservoir 12. The collar 22 slides until its upper end abuts against a horizontal surface of the member 24, as seen on the figure 2 . This defines an assembled position of the device 10 on the reservoir 12, corresponding to an assembled configuration in which the collar 22 is permanently fixed relative to the member 24, because of the significant friction generated by the return force of the means. fastening 88 against the collar 22.

It is understood that the device 10 is particularly advantageous if it is used with the product without preservative. Indeed, the retention of the nozzle 18 by the means 84 provides an additional guarantee that the tip will not be detached from the device following a fall or manipulation of the user. Moreover, the user will not be able to disassemble the fastening means 88.

The device 10 is particularly indicated in an "airless" type system without air intake. Indeed, this type of pump is used in the case where it is important that no bacteria is in contact with the product, and the device 10 is an effective device to prevent the introduction of bacteria.

The structure and operation of the device 10 are not limited to what is previously described.

Note also that the dispensing device 10 described above could have the same functionality while being fixed differently on the neck of the tank. Indeed, the fastener could be fixed, not in the "snap-on" mode, but by crimping or screwing. In this case, similar parts are used, except that the device does not comprise a clamp, the cover being attached directly to the outer ring of the fastener, and that the fastener comprises, the place of the elastic fastening means on the neck, fastening means by crimping or screwing.

Claims (9)

1. Product dispensing device (10), to be attached to the neck (14) of a container (12), comprising:

   - a pump (16) comprising a metering chamber (26),

   - a dispensing end piece (18) attached to the pump, comprising a bearing surface (70) for activating the device when pressed by a user,

   - a cover (20) for protecting the device,

   - a clamping collar (22) carrying the cover, and

   - a member (24) for attaching the device to the neck (14) of the container, comprising means (88) for hooking the member around the neck, that can be activated by sliding the collar (22) relative to the attachment member (24) from a pre-assembly configuration to an assembly configuration, an inner ring (80) for centring the pump on the container, characterised in that the attachment member comprises an outer ring (82) carrying means (84) for retaining the dispensing end piece.
2. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the inner ring (80) for centring the pump comprises a zone (86) for reinforcing an elastic tab (42) which must be forcibly passed to dispense product.
3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing end piece (18) comprises a casing (60) carrying firstly the bearing surface (70) and secondly a ring (72) for retaining the end piece, slidably mounted relative to the outer ring (82) of the attachment member, preferably inside this ring (82) and cooperating by abutment with the retaining means (84) carried by the attachment member.
4. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the dispensing end piece comprises, apart from the ring (72) retaining the end piece, a base (62) attached to a movable part of the pump.
5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the retaining means comprise a retaining lug (84), forming a stop for an annular rib (73) provided on the retaining ring (72).
6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer ring (82) of the attachment member carries on its outer surface an upper stop (83) for holding the clamping collar (22) in its device pre-assembly configuration.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (88) for hooking the member around the neck comprise a lower stop (90) for holding the clamping collar in its device pre-assembly configuration.
8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping collar (22) is configured such that a press on the cover (20) is transmitted directly to the clamping collar so as to switch it from its pre-assembly configuration to its assembly configuration.
9. Assembly of a container (12) and a device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping collar (22) can take on the neck of the container a pre-assembled position and an assembled position, the means (88) for hooking the member around the neck comprising deformable means, which are not deformed in the pre-assembled position and which are deformed in the assembled position, being kept deformed by the clamping collar (22).

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