EP1299140A1

EP1299140A1 - Devices for dispensing powder products, such as medicines

Info

Publication number: EP1299140A1
Application number: EP01955418A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Henri Bocquee
Original assignee: CPI
Current assignee: CPI
Priority date: 2000-07-13
Filing date: 2001-07-12
Publication date: 2003-04-09
Also published as: FR2811576B1; BR0112423A; FR2811576A1; CA2415352A1; US20040016429A1; AU2001277588A1; WO2002005880A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for dispensing an active principle in powder form, comprising a box (2-104, 4-404); an adapter (6) for inhaling or blowing the active principle; a reservoir (10) for storing the active principle in powder form; a metering chamber (16, 116) enabling to draw a specific dose of the active principle, and integral with a part (12, 200) mobile between a drawing position wherein it communicates with the storage reservoir (10), and a position ready for use; means for driving (22, 24; 124) the metering chamber between its various positions; confinement means (32, 32a, 32b; 102b, 102c) for closing at least part of the metering chamber, in its ready position. In a position releasing the drawn dose of active principle, the metering chamber (16) is arranged to communicate, right through, on one side with an air supply chamber (34, 134), and on the other side with an inhalation opening (6), and the confinement means (32, 102) are mounted sliding relative to the box (2, 102; 4 104) and arranged to close the passage passing through said metering chamber, in ready-for-use position, and to open said passage into the releasing position of said metering chamber.

Description

DEVICES FOR DELIVERY OF POWDERY PRODUCTS, OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT TYPE

The present invention relates to the field of devices or apparatus for administering pulverulent active principles, of the drug type, by pulmonary, buccal or nasal route.

According to the present invention, the terms used below in the description and the claims have the following meaning:

- active ingredient means any product, in solid and divided form, in particular medication or vaccine, capable of being administered to a patient for the purpose of curative or preventive treatment, or for diagnosis;

- By dose, is meant a predetermined quantity of active principle capable of being separated or withdrawn from a reservoir, during an elementary use of the device or apparatus according to the invention, with a view to a treatment. Such devices are therefore suitable for administration by inhalation, or by insufflation, pulmonary, buccal or nasal. The administration of active ingredients in powder form is becoming more and more widespread and finds more and more wide fields of application. It is envisaged to provide a patient with an active ingredient in powder form for the treatment of certain diseases such as asthma or diabetes. For such applications, it is advisable to use devices or apparatus making it possible, on the one hand to ensure a precise dosage of the active ingredient and on the other hand to ensure a good delivery of the entire dose of the active ingredient to the zone of exchange and absorption which constitute the lungs, the oral or nasal mucosa of the patient. Inhalation devices have already been developed. It is known to produce an active principle administration device in powder form, comprising:

- A housing formed with a first part and a second part, capable of moving relative to each other in a relative movement;

- an inhalation or insufflation tip for the active ingredient mounted on the housing;

- a storage tank for the active ingredient, placed in the housing; - a dosing chamber for taking a determined dose of active ingredient, and belonging to a moving or sliding part between a sampling position in which it communicates with the storage tank, and a waiting position for use;

- Means for driving the metering chamber between its different positions, under the effect of the relative movement of the two parts of the housing;

- And containment means making it possible to close at least partially the metering chamber, filled with the dose withdrawn from the active principle, and in its standby position, said containment means being mounted in the housing. For example, document WO 97/37707 discloses a powder inhaler comprising an air supply chamber, a conduit communicating with the chamber through an orifice and opening into an inhalation mouthpiece, means for disposing a dose of powder in the conduit, and a detector of a suction created in the mouth.

Such a device has the drawback that it is very complex to produce and therefore very expensive. Another drawback of such a device lies in the use of cells, the filling of which with the active principle is ensured by gravity. Such filling can be affected by improper orientation or manipulation of the device.

The amount of active ingredient withdrawn each time the device is used may no longer be constant. In addition, the dose of active principle withdrawn is found in a communicating conduit, on the one hand with the supply chamber, and on the other hand with an inhalation mouthpiece. The active ingredient collected and intended for administration is therefore in contact with air and ambient humidity. Such contact risks altering the pulverulent consistency of the active ingredient and, consequently, its delivery to the lungs.

There is also known an administration device described in document US Pat. No. 5,857,457, which comprises a housing formed with a first part and a second part capable of moving relative to one another, in a relative movement in translation.

The device described also includes an inhalation or insufflation tip for the active ingredient, a storage tank for the active ingredient, a dosing chamber for taking a determined dose of active ingredient and movable between a sampling position in which it communicates with the storage tank and a position for releasing the dose withdrawn from the active ingredient, and means for driving the dosing chamber under the effect of the relative movement of the two parts of the housing. Such a device does not guarantee the maintenance of a precise dose of active principle in the dosing chamber, pending its release.

The document US Pat. No. 5,435,301 describes a device for administering an active principle in the form of powder, by pulmonary, buccal or nasal route, comprising a housing formed with a first part and a second part capable of being displaced relative to the other according to a relative movement, a nozzle for inhaling or insufflating the active principle, a reservoir for storing the active principle, a metering chamber making it possible to withdraw a determined dose of active principle, and movable between a position of sample in which it communicates with the storage tank, and a standby position for use, and means for driving the dosing chamber under the effect of the relative movement of the two parts of the housing.

The metering chamber is integrated in the second part, that is to say the movable part of the housing. The device described also comprises confinement means (in the form of a flexible blade) making it possible to close the dosing chamber containing the dose withdrawn, when said dosing chamber is in the waiting position. The confinement means described are mounted in the housing on the one hand, and retractable relative to the waiting position, on the other hand, so that a flexion of the confinement means makes it possible to release the dose contained in the chamber dosing.

Such a device has the disadvantage that the bending of the blade used as a means of containment is caused by the aspiration of the patient. Such aspiration can be problematic for patients suffering from respiratory disorders, or asthmatics. The subject of the present invention is a device suitable for the administration of pulverulent active principle, making it possible to precisely release, in all circumstances, a dose of active principle already taken from a reservoir.

In accordance with the present invention, in general, in a position for releasing the dose withdrawn from the active principle, the dosing chamber is arranged to communicate, so through, on one side with an air supply chamber, and on the opposite side with an inhalation or insufflation mouth. In correspondence, the confinement means, making it possible to close at least partially the metering chamber, filled with the dose withdrawn from the active principle, in the waiting position of said chamber, are slidably mounted in the housing, and arranged to close the through passage in the metering chamber, in the waiting position for use of said chamber, and to open this same passage in the release position of the same metering chamber. Two main and distinct embodiments of the present invention are considered.

According to a first embodiment, the positions of the dosing chamber, respectively for waiting for use and for releasing the dose of the active ingredient withdrawn are identical. In such a case, the confinement means are then independent of the moving or sliding part comprising the metering chamber, and are retractable and arranged so as to close the passage through said metering chamber, in a so-called waiting position for the aforementioned containment means, and to open this same passage, in a position for releasing the same containment means.

According to a second embodiment, on the one hand the positions of the dosing chamber, respectively waiting for use and for releasing the withdrawn dose, are separate, and on the other hand, in such cases, the means containment include the movable and sliding part incorporating the metering chamber, and a part of the housing, in relation or cooperating with the sliding movable part, completes the means for confining the metering chamber, in the standby position for use from said room.

According to the first embodiment, for example, the confinement means are provided with a push button, accessible outside the housing, allowing their manual actuation towards the release position of the metering chamber.

According to the second embodiment, for example, the movable or sliding part comprising the metering chamber, is provided with a push button accessible from outside the housing, allowing as in the previous case, its manual actuation towards the release position of the metering chamber.

By way of example, the moving part in which the metering chamber is formed slides in the housing in a direction perpendicular to the direction of relative movement of the two parts of the housing.

Optionally, according to the aforementioned second embodiment, a grid partially closes the metering chamber, on the side of the nozzle for inhalation or insufflation of the active principle. For example, the means for driving the moving or sliding part, comprising the metering chamber, comprise a drive arm mounted in the first part of the housing, and a groove integral with the second part of the housing, in which is engaged the drive arm. The first part of the housing may comprise an air supply chamber, on the one hand capable of being pressurized, compression means then being integrated in the housing, and on the other hand capable of communicating with the metering chamber, on the filling side, when the moving part is brought into the inhalation position. In such a case, the moving part comprises a cam, the end of which bears on an inclined plane inside the first part of the housing, to control its pivoting and a thrust on a valve controlling the air supply chamber, when this moving part is brought into the inhalation position; for example, the cam is pivotally mounted in the moving part, and has a part extending in the metering chamber.

As regards the storage tank, this can be integral with the first part of the housing, and have, on the one hand, a first open end, opening onto the moving part, and if necessary onto the metering chamber, and on the other hand, a second end into which is inserted a piston pushing the active ingredient towards the first end, under the effect of the restoring force of an elastic means. The latter is for example supported on the second part of the housing, so as to increase the compression of said elastic means, when the two parts of the housing move towards each other during the relative movement of the latter, in correspondence with the moving and filling the dosing chamber. The end of the piston in contact with the active ingredient may have a protuberance, protruding into the metering chamber when the storage tank is empty, so as to block any movement of the moving or sliding part, comprising the metering chamber.

The administration device according to the invention has the advantage of being able to fill the metering chamber with precision, regardless of its orientation or of its use in a place subject to shaking or vibration, and in particular in a vehicle. An advantage lies in the fact that the dose withdrawn remains confined in the dosing chamber until the administration of the active principle, directly by inspiration or under the effect of a charge of compressed air.

An important advantage is also obtained by the simple and reliable design of the device. Indeed, the component parts of the device are simple and easily interchangeable. It is also possible to modify the dosage of the active principle (quantity withdrawn at each use) by modifying the volume of the dosing chamber, and this by replacing the sliding part delimiting said dosing chamber. Its filling, other than by gravity, makes it possible to guarantee precise dosing of the active principle, regardless of the volume of said dosing chamber.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention lies in the delivery of a single dose of active principle regardless of the number of resets or activations (that is to say movements of the dosing chamber) carried out by the user. . The single dosing chamber, once filled, cannot in fact take more active ingredient. The device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to guarantee dosing precision.

An additional advantage of the device according to the invention lies in the fact that the filling of the storage tank takes place only at the very end of the manufacturing process, that is to say when the device is fully assembled. This assembly does not require the same aseptic conditions as filling with the active ingredient, and can therefore be carried out in a less expensive industrial environment, consequently reducing manufacturing costs. Other characteristics and advantages will also emerge from the detailed description of nonlimiting examples, given below with reference to the appended drawing in which:

- Figure 1 shows an axial and vertical sectional view of an administration device, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1, in its loading position;

- Figure 3 shows a sectional view along line III-III of the device of Figure 1;

- Figures 4 to 6 show a variant of the first embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 7 and 8 show enlarged details of Figures 4 to 6;

- Figure 9 shows another enlarged detail of the device shown in Figure 1;

- Figures 10 and 11 show other enlarged details of Figures 4 to 6;

- Figure 12 shows the administration device in the second embodiment according to the invention, seen in section; - Figure 13 shows a detail of Figure 12;

- Figure 14 shows a partial view, in section, of the device of Figure 12;

- Figure 15 shows another partial view, in section, of the device of Figure 12. The administration device shown in Figure 1 consists of a housing in two parts, namely a first housing part 2 and a second housing part 4, which are fitted one inside the other and capable of moving relative to each other, in a relative movement in translation, parallel to the general axis of the device.

The first housing part 2 has for example in cross section a circular or ellipsoidal shape, delimited by a peripheral wall 2a. The first housing part 2 also comprises an administration endpiece constituted in the present example by an inhalation mouthpiece 6. The latter is covered with a retractable cover 8. The first housing part 2 also defines inside a storage tank 10 for the active ingredient. The storage tank 10 is, for example, tubular in shape, like a well. The storage tank 10 is closed at one of its ends using a sliding part 12 or slide, which is mounted movable in translation in the first housing part 2, orthogonal to the axis of the device . The other end of the storage tank 10 is closed with a piston 14, permanently returned to the sliding part 12 by a spring 28.

The administration device according to the invention also comprises a dosing chamber 16 making it possible to withdraw a determined dose of active principle for its administration. This metering chamber 16, delimited and included in the movable or sliding part 12, is movable between a sampling position in which it communicates with the storage tank 10, and a waiting position. Figure 1 shows the metering chamber 16 in its standby position.

The second housing part 4 has, in a manner homologous to the first housing part 2, in cross section, a circular or ellipsoidal shape. The peripheral wall 4a of the second housing part 4 at least partially covers a peripheral wall 2a of the first housing part 2.

The peripheral wall 4a therefore slides over a portion of the peripheral wall 2a. The dimensions and the shape of the two corresponding and respective parts of housings 2, 4 have therefore been chosen accordingly.

The guiding of the relative sliding between the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 4 is also ensured inside the housing by means of a guide rod 18 integral with the first housing part 2 and a guide tube 20 integral with the second housing part 4, the rod 18 fittingly entering the tube 20.

During the relative movement of said first and second housing parts 2, 4, the guide rod 18 moves by sliding inside the guide tube 20. Means for limiting the sliding (not shown) can also be provided between the first and second housing part 2, 4. The sliding part 12 is movable in the housing by sliding and in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the relative movement of the two housing parts 2, 4. Driving means of the sliding part 12 and, consequently, of the metering 16, under the effect of the relative movement of the two housing parts 2, 4, are also provided. These drive means comprise a drive arm 22, projecting transversely and integral with the sliding part 12, which is engaged in a groove 24 integral with the second part of the housing 4. This groove 24 is for example a slot made in a longitudinal part 24a, integral with the second housing part 4. The drive arm 22 comprises for example a sliding axis in said groove 24, by means of a roller, as the two parts move relative housing 2, 4. The drive arm 22 is connected via a connecting piece 22a to the sliding piece 12.

A displacement of the second part of the housing 4 in the direction K and of the first part 2 in the direction I, thus makes it possible, via the previously described drive means, to drive the sliding part 12 in the direction J , also shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1. The sliding part 12 is guided in translation by means of a slide 26 formed in the first part of the housing 2. A displacement of the metering chamber 16 is thus obtained, in a perpendicular direction in the direction of relative movement of the two parts of the housing 2, 4, also in the direction J. The storage tank 10 secured to the first part of the housing 2 therefore has, on the one hand, a first open end leading to the sliding part 12 and, where appropriate, on the metering chamber 16, and on the other hand a second end into which is inserted the piston 14 pushing the powdered active principle stored towards the prem 1st end, under the effect of the return force of the spring 28 or an elastic means. The latter is supported on the second part of the housing 4, so as to increase its compression when the two housing parts 2, 4 move towards one another, during the relative movement of the latter, and this simultaneously with the displacement from the metering chamber 16 to the first end of the storage tank 10, for the filling phase of said metering chamber 16. The part sliding 12 thus makes it possible to close the storage tank 10 on the one hand, and to move the metering chamber 16 between a filling or sampling position, and a waiting position (the latter is shown in FIG. 1) on the other hand. The spring 28, mounted in compression, on the one hand on the piston 14 and, on the other hand on a plug 30 fixed intimately to the end face 4b of the second part of the housing 4. This plug 30 is preferably non-removable after its fixing and filling the storage tank 10. Such filling is carried out in the laboratory, under aseptic conditions required. The user therefore does not have access to the storage tank 10, without violating the device, which increases the safety of use of the latter.

The spring 28 has a length adapted to its introduction into the storage tank 10, and the piston 14 has a shape and dimensions enabling it to ensure, on the one hand, its sliding inside the storage tank 10 and, on the other hand the required tightness with respect to the storage tank 10.

The administration device according to the invention also comprises confinement means 32 making it possible to close the metering chamber 16 containing the dose taken from the active ingredient, and this when said metering chamber 16 is in its waiting position shown. in Figure 1. In its standby position, the metering chamber 16 is positioned between a registered expulsion opening 6a of the administration nozzle 6, and a registered air vent opening 34a opening into a air supply chamber 34, delimited in the first housing part 2. These two openings then define, in this waiting position, a passage passing right through the metering chamber 16.

The confinement means 32 therefore make it possible to close the expulsion opening 6a and the venting opening 34a, simultaneously, and therefore to close the passage through the metering chamber 16, to isolate and confine the dose. active ingredient contained in the latter in its standby position.

The confinement means 32 are mounted movable in translation in the housing on the one hand, and retractable relative to the waiting position on the other hand. The containment means 32 are mounted in the housing, so that their direction of movement is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the metering chamber 16, and in a plane orthogonal to the direction of the relative movements of the two housing parts 2, 4. The displacement of the confinement means 32 thus makes it possible to release the dose of active principle contained in the metering chamber 16. This release is carried out by means of an air flow obtained by any means, including by simple suction of the patient, and respectively passing through the opening 34a, the metering chamber 16, and the expulsion orifice 6a, thus causing the active principle, outside the housing, which is then absorbed by the patient.

The air flow is either generated by a source of compressed air, or directly by the patient's oral or nasal aspiration.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged detail of the administration device of FIG. 1, in which the storage tank 10 is empty. The end of the piston 14 usually in contact with the active ingredient has a protrusion 14a projecting into the metering chamber 16 when the storage tank 10 is empty. The spring 28 makes it possible to push the piston 14 at the end of the storage tank 10, so that the protuberance 14a penetrates at least partially into the metering chamber 16 and blocks any movement of the sliding part 12. It is thus impossible to use the administration device according to the invention when the storage tank 10 is empty, which constitutes a safety of use for the patient in the administration of an active principle.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the administration device according to the invention, the confinement means 32 are for example produced according to a hollow part or drawer having two walls 32a, 32b positioned on either side of the sliding part 12 for close the metering chamber 16 when the latter is in its standby position. The walls 32a, 32b are crossed by release orifices 36, coaxial and aligned with the axis of the air supply chamber 34, in the relative position of the confinement means 32 and of the sliding part 12, shown in the Figure 4. The release holes 36, shown in particular in Figures 7, 10 and 1 1, are set communication with the metering chamber 16 thanks to the displacement of said confinement means 32.

A specific slide 2c is provided for this purpose so as to slide said containment means 32, and put in communication the release orifices 36 with the expulsion orifice 6a and the air opening 34a respectively.

According to one embodiment of the administration device according to the invention, the confinement means 32 are associated with an elastic return means (not shown), under the control of an elastic push button accessible from outside the first part of the housing 2.

FIG. 2 represents the administration device according to the invention with the first and the second part of the housing 2, 4, in an extreme position corresponding to a position of loading or taking a dose of active ingredient. In this position, the metering chamber 16 is in communication with the storage tank 10, and the spring 28 is compressed so as to push the piston 14, thus contributing to the correct filling of the metering chamber 16, whatever or the orientation of the administration device. FIG. 2 also shows the drive arm 22 in a first extreme position in the groove 24, and the walls 32a, 32b constituting the confinement means 32 which are in their position of isolation from the sliding part 12 relative to the opening 34a for airing and relative to the expulsion orifice 6a. The loading or taking of the dose of active ingredient is done almost instantaneously, and the user of the administration device according to the invention can then impart a relative movement of separation between the first and the second housing part 2, 4, by manually releasing the compression between the two parts 2 and 4 of the housing, which move away from one another under the effect of the return of the elastic spring 28. This relative movement of spacing is shown with arrows G and H. When the spacing movement is finished, the administration device is found in its configuration of FIG. 1, in which the drive arm 22 is in a second extreme position in the groove 24, and the metering chamber 16 is isolated and confined between the walls 32a, 32b of the confinement means 32. The chamber 16 containing the dose of active principle taken from the storage tank 10 is then in a standby position, for use.

FIG. 3 represents an exemplary embodiment of the administration device of FIG. 1 according to a section along the line III-III. The air supply chamber 34 comprises for example a filter 38, allowing, in the case where the air flow transporting the active principle is generated by the direct suction of the patient, to filter the ambient air sucked. This filter 38 is mounted by any means inside the air supply chamber 34. The metering chamber 16 is also in a standby position, that is to say isolated from the opening 34a vent, and the expulsion orifice 6a, the release orifices 36 being offset with respect to the metering chamber 16.

FIG. 3 also shows the confinement means 32 with a push button 32d accessible from the outside of the first housing part 2.

In another alternative embodiment of the device according to the first embodiment of the invention, not shown in the figures, the confinement means 32 are devoid of release orifices but have walls 32a, 32b whose specific shape allows them to close the metering chamber 16 and to put said chamber 16 in communication with the expulsion orifice 6a as well as with the opening 34a.

Figures 4 to 6 show another embodiment of the administration device according to the first embodiment of the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the first housing part 2 comprises the air supply chamber 34, capable of being pressurized. Air compression means 42 are integrated in the housing parts 2, 4, and capable of communicating with the metering chamber 16, via one of the release orifices 36, when the latter communicates with the metering chamber 16.

An air compression chamber is thus produced with the air supply chamber 34, provided at one of its ends with air compression means 42, and at the other of its ends, with a valve 50 disposed in the vicinity of the opening 34a. The air compression means 42 comprise a complementary piston 44 capable of moving in the chamber supply air 34. The piston 44 is mounted on a rod 45 integral with the second part of the housing 4, thus allowing the complementary piston 44 to be displaced simultaneously with the displacement of the second part of the housing 4. The compression means air 42 are shown in more detail in FIG. 8, which shows in an enlarged manner the mounting of the piston 44 on the rod 45. The latter consists for example of a hollow rod having an annular shoulder 45c at its end engaged in the chamber supply air 34. The end 45a of the cylindrical rod 45, thus has a reduced diameter on which the piston 44 is mounted. The latter is engaged on said cylindrical end 45a of the rod 45. The internal diameter of the piston 44 is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the cylindrical end 45a so as to allow said piston 44 to slide on said cylindrical end 45a. This sliding takes place between the annular shoulder 45c and a stop 45b of the rod 45. The shoulder 45c and the stop 45b make it possible to drive the piston 44 respectively in one of the opposite directions of movement of the rod 45 .

Thus, when the rod 45 moves so as to compress the air in the air supply chamber 34 (arrow M), the seal 45 is pressed against the shoulder 45c, so as to prevent any escape of air. , via the clearance existing between said piston 44 and the cylindrical end 45a. The annular shoulder 45c of course has a sufficient dimension to ensure this seal. On the other hand, when the rod 45 moves in the opposite direction, that is to say that shown with the arrow N in FIG. 8, it is the stop 45b provided at the end of the cylindrical end 45a which causes the piston 44. The stop 45b however has a configuration of the collar or rib type, or any other means allowing, while pressing against the piston 44, to provide an air intake via the clearance existing between said piston 44 and the end cylindrical 45a. The air circulation from the outside to the inside of the air supply chamber 34 is shown by the arrows "F" in FIG. 8. The play existing between the piston 44 and the cylindrical end 45a is referenced by reference 45d. FIG. 7 also represents an enlargement of the administration device in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. It also represents a sectional view showing in particular the arrangement of the pressurization valve 50 in the air supply chamber 34.

The valve 50 has a shape of barrel 55 having a deformable wall 52, 53 at each of its ends. The first end wall 52 is pressed against the end of the air supply chamber 34. The opening 34a thus communicates with a well 51 formed in the valve 50. The latter is mounted in a mounting sleeve 60 having a air inlet 61 delimited by an annular edge 62 and against which the second end wall 53 of the valve 50 is capable of coming to bear. The first and second ends 52, 53 of the valve 50 constitute a first and a second deformable wall 52, 53 shown in FIG. 7.

The valve 50 is advantageously made of an elastically deformable material so as to allow detachment of the second wall 53 from the annular edge 62. Thus, when the piston 44 compresses the air contained in the air supply chamber 34, the valve 50 deforms under the effect of pressure, and allows the separation of the wall 53 from the annular edge 62. Air passages 67 are provided so as to also compress the air located around the barrel 55 so as to produce a compression chamber 56, within the air supply chamber 34. The latter communicates with the well 51 via an additional passage 57, produced by any means in the first end 52 of the valve 50. The compression chamber 56 and therefore of revolution extends around the barrel 55. Thus, when the pressure balance is reached between the air supply chamber 34 and the compression chamber 56, the second branch 53 d up again towards the annular edge 62 to regain its original shape is not elastically deformed. A compression chamber 56 is then obtained which is perfectly sealed with respect to the external environment, and the rod 45 can again move along the arrow "N" (cf. FIG. 8) so as to allow air to re-enter the air supply chamber 34 as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8.

The valve 50 thus makes it possible to store compressed air in the compression chamber 56, until the release orifice 36 correspondent is moved to come into communication with the opening 34a and the metering chamber 16, as shown in Figure 10. The pressure obtained by the administration device according to the invention is sufficient to expel the dose of active ingredient contained into the dosing chamber 16 and route it to the lungs, the oral or nasal mucosa. The air inlet 61 can also be associated with a filter 38, not shown.

Figures 4 to 6 show schematically the different phases of use of the administration device according to the first embodiment of the invention. Thus, FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically the pressurization of the compression chamber 56 by the displacement of the piston 44 and of the rod 45. FIG. 6 then shows the administration device ready to be used. Indeed, the compression chamber 56 is pressurized, despite the return of the piston 44 to its initial position. The air supply chamber 34 is then again at atmospheric pressure. It then suffices to apply pressure or to move the confinement means 32 to release the compressed air stored in the compression chamber 56.

According to an exemplary embodiment not shown in the figures, the pressurization valve 50 can also consist of a piston mounted against a return force of a spring, which is disposed between said piston and the end of the chamber air supply 34. The piston then comes to rest in the rest position, against the annular edge 62.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first housing part 2 comprises a rack 80 on which engages the end of a flexible arm 81 secured to the second housing part 4 (see Figure 4 by example). The engagement of the end of the flexible arm 81 on the rack 80 allows each arming of the device, that is to say the loading of the metering chamber 16, to generate an audible signal.

The end of the flexible arm 81 is also capable of coming to bear against a stop 82 integral with the first housing part 2, thus constituting an end of travel of the relative movements of the housing parts 2, 4. Other known devices which make it possible to obtain compressed air can also be used in an administration device according to the invention.

In the following description, and more precisely according to the second embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the functionally identical parts and elements retain their name, but have references increased by 100.

The unchanged operation, compared to Figures 1 to 1 1, is no longer described. Reference may be made to the description of said figures 1 to 1 1. The parts which are structurally and / or functionally unchanged are no longer described or retain their name with the same reference, except where duly mentioned.

The device according to the invention, shown in FIG. 12 comprises a movable or sliding part 200, movable orthogonally to the displacement of the two parts of the housing 102, 104. The sliding part 200 comprises a cam 201, pivotally mounted in said sliding part 200 The latter also has a through cavity delimiting the metering chamber 116, which is thus also movable with the part 200, by sliding in the housing 102, in a direction orthogonal to the direction of relative movement of the two housing parts 102, 104. The cam 201 partly extends in the metering chamber 1 16. The dose of active principle withdrawn thus fills the metering chamber 1 16 on either side of the cam 200.

FIG. 13 shows for reasons of clarity a partial filling of the metering chamber 1 16. A grid 173 partially closing the metering chamber 1 16 on the end of the end piece 6, and containment walls 102b and 102c belonging to the first part 102 of the housing closes the metering chamber 1 16 on the side of its filling, when said metering chamber 1 16 is in its standby position (cf. FIG. 14). The grid 173 is advantageously split in its center to allow pivoting of the cam 201. The latter is also displaced by a translation linked to the sliding of the part 200.

In an extreme position of the sliding part 200, corresponding to the release of the dose withdrawn from the active principle, represented in FIG. 15, the end 202 of the cam 201 is supported on an inclined plane inside the first part of housing 102, for control its pivoting and a push on the valve 150. This extreme position corresponds to an inhalation position and to a release of the compressed air stored in the compression chamber 156. The valve 150 whose operation is similar to that of the valve 50, is for example made of two valves 150a, 150b, brought together by a compression spring 150c recalling them in opposite directions respectively; the valve 150a closes the compression chamber 156, by means of an appropriate seat, towards the mouth 106, and the valve 150b towards the air supply chamber 134. The sliding or movable part 200 symmetrically has two arms of drive 122 engaged in corresponding inclined grooves 124, integral with the second housing part 104. The drive arms 122 and the inclined grooves 124 thus form the drive means of the part 200. During the relative movement of the two parts of housing 102, 104, these are the inclined grooves 124 which make it possible to move the sliding part 200, and consequently the metering chamber 1 16 between a sampling position (cf. FIG. 12) and a waiting position (cf. FIG. 14).

In this waiting position, the confinement of the dose withdrawn is ensured, and the confinement means 102b, 102c are rendered inoperative only with action or pressure on the sliding part 200 according to the arrow "P", on the part of the user. Such an action causes a complementary displacement of the metering chamber 116 from its standby position towards the position of release of the dose withdrawn from the active principle, and therefore of inhalation (cf. FIG. 15), in which a projecting part 203 of the cam 201 presses on the valve 150a, thus releasing the compressed air available in the chamber 156. The flow of air released then drives the active principle contained in the metering chamber 116 through the grid 132a in the nozzle. 106. The complementary movement of the sliding or moving part 200 from the standby position to the inhalation position is made possible by the shape of the inclined grooves 124. The latter thus comprise at one of their ends, a portion 124a at a right angle allowing complementary sliding of the drive arms 200a, under the effect of a manual push on the sliding part 200. The operation of the administration device shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 is specified below.

The user withdraws a dose of active principle by bringing the two housing parts 102, 104 as close as possible by relative sliding, as shown in FIG. 12. The metering chamber 116 (not visible) thus has its opening. filling in communication with the storage tank 10. Maximum spacing back from the two housing parts 102, 104 (cf. FIG. 14) puts the metering chamber 1 16 in the standby position, and thus ensures the containment of the dose taken. A manual push on the sliding part 200 according to the arrow "P" (cf. FIG. 14) then makes it possible, via cam 201, to release the stored compressed air and to generate an air flow conveying the active principle through of the metering chamber 1 16.

When the user no longer exerts pressure on the sliding part 200, the latter rises slightly in the opposite direction to the thrust, thanks to the pressurization valve 150a, which exerts an elastic restoring force on the end 202 of the cam 201, resting on the inclined plane 102a.

This causes the drive arms 122 to rise in the right-angled guide portion 124a. After this rise, it is the inclined grooves 124, via a new relative movement of approximation of the two housing parts 102, 104, which allow the sliding part 200 and therefore the metering chamber 1 16 to be brought back to its position. direct debit. In summary, the two embodiments of the invention have in common the characteristic that, in the position of release of the dose withdrawn from the active ingredient, the dosing chamber 16 or 116 is arranged to communicate, in a completely through, on one side with the air supply chamber 34 or 134, or more precisely the compression chamber 56 or 156, and on the opposite side with a mouth 6 or 106 for inhalation or insufflation. In correspondence, the containment means 32 or 102b-c are slidably mounted relative to the housing 2-4, or 102-104, or vice versa, and arranged so as to close the passage through the aforementioned metering chamber, in the waiting position for use of the moving part 12 or 200, and to open this same passage in the position for releasing the aforementioned dosing chamber, more specifically of the moving part 12 or 200.

According to the first embodiment, the positions of the metering chamber 16, respectively for waiting for use (cf. FIG. 1) and for releasing the withdrawn dose (cf. FIG. 6) are identical. Then, the confinement means 32 are independent of the movable or sliding part 12, and are retractable and arranged so as to close the passage through the metering chamber 16, in a first position, called waiting (cf. FIG. 3) the abovementioned confinement means, and to open the same through passage, in a second so-called release position (cf. FIG. 4) of the same confinement means.

According to the second embodiment of the invention, the positions of the metering chamber 116, waiting for use (cf. FIG. 14) and for releasing (cf. FIG. 15) of the dose withdrawn, are respectively distinct. And then, a part 102b-102c of the housing 102, in relation to the movable part 200, sliding, completes the means of confinement of the chamber 116, in the waiting position for use of the latter.

By "confinement" is meant at least partial isolation of the metering chamber.

Claims

1. Device for administering an active principle in powder form, by pulmonary, buccal or nasal route, comprising: - a casing, consisting of a first part (2, 102), and a second part (4, 104 ), likely to move relative to each other, according to a relative movement;

- a mouthpiece (6) for inhalation or insufflation of active ingredient mounted on the housing; - a storage tank (10) of the active principle in powder form, placed in the housing;

a metering chamber (16, 1 16) making it possible to take a determined dose of the active principle, and belonging to a part (12, 200) movable between a taking position in which it communicates with the storage tank (10), and a standby position for use;

- drive means (22, 24; 124) of the metering chamber between its different positions;

- And containment means (32, 32a, 32b; 102b, 102c) making it possible to close at least partially the metering chamber, filled with the dose withdrawn from the active ingredient, in its waiting position; characterized in that, in a position for releasing the dose withdrawn from the active principle, the dosing chamber (16,1 16) is arranged to communicate, through, on one side with a supply chamber (34,134) in air, and on the other side with a mouth (6, 106) for inhalation or insufflation, and the containment means (32, 102) are slidably mounted relative to the housing (2, 102; 4 , 104) and arranged so as to close the passage through said metering chamber, in the standby position for use, and to open said passage in the release position of said metering chamber.

2. Device according to claim 1, according to which the positions of the dosing chamber (16), respectively for waiting for use and for releasing the withdrawn dose, are identical, characterized in that the confinement means (32) are independent of the moving part (12), and are retractable and arranged so as to close the passage through said metering chamber, in a position for waiting for said confinement means, and to open said passage, in a position release of said containment means.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that on the one hand, the positions of the metering chamber (1 16), waiting for use and release of the withdrawn dose, are respectively distinct, and on the other hand, the confinement means comprise the movable and sliding part (200), a part (102b, 102c) of the housing (102), in relation to said movable part (200) completing the confinement means of the metering chamber ( 1 16), in the standby position for using the latter.

4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the confinement means (32) are provided with a push button, accessible outside the housing, allowing their manual actuation towards the release position of the metering chamber ( 16).

5. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the movable part (12) is provided with a push button, accessible outside the housing, allowing its manual actuation towards the release position of the metering chamber (1 16).

6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable part (12, 200) slides in the housing in a direction perpendicular to the direction of relative movement of the two housing parts (2-4, 102-104).

7. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that a grid (173) partially closes the metering chamber (1 16) on the side of the nozzle (106).

8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for driving the moving part (12, 200) comprise a drive arm (22, 122) mounted in the first part (2) of the housing, and a groove (24, 124) integral with the second part (4) of the housing, in which said drive arm is engaged.

9. Administration device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first housing part (2,102) comprises an air supply chamber (34,134), on the one hand capable of being pressurized, compression means d air (42,142) being integrated in the housing, and on the other hand capable of communicating with the metering chamber (16,1 16), on the filling side, when the moving part (12,200) is brought into the position d 'inhalation.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the movable part (200) comprises a cam (201) whose end (202) is supported on an inclined plane (102a) inside the first housing part (102), to control its pivoting and a push on a valve (150) controlling the air supply chamber (134), when said moving part (200) is brought into the inhalation position.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the cam (201) is pivotally mounted in the moving part (200), and has a portion extending in the metering chamber (1 16).

12. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage tank (10) is integral with the first housing part (2,102) and has, on the one hand a first open end, opening onto the moving part (12,200) , and if necessary on the metering chamber (16,1 16), and on the other hand, a second end into which is inserted a piston (14,1 14) pushing the active ingredient towards the first end, under the effect of the restoring force of an elastic means (28,128).

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the elastic means (28,128) bears on the second housing part (4,104), so as to increase the compression of said elastic means, when the two housing parts (2-4,102 -104) move towards each other during the relative movement of the latter, in correspondence with the displacement and the filling of the metering chamber (16,1 16).

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the end of the piston (14,1 14), in contact with the active ingredient has a protuberance (14a, 1 14a), projecting into the metering chamber (16,116) when the storage tank (10) is empty, so as to block any movement of the moving part (12,200), and therefore of the metering chamber (16,1 16).

15. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mouthpiece (6,106) constitutes an inhaler or an oral insufflator.

16. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a nasal adapter to constitute a nasal insufflator.