EP1661070B1 - Indicator of doses for a liquid product distribution device - Google Patents

Indicator of doses for a liquid product distribution device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1661070B1
EP1661070B1 EP04767789A EP04767789A EP1661070B1 EP 1661070 B1 EP1661070 B1 EP 1661070B1 EP 04767789 A EP04767789 A EP 04767789A EP 04767789 A EP04767789 A EP 04767789A EP 1661070 B1 EP1661070 B1 EP 1661070B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
actuator
indicator
teeth
indicator according
flexible tab
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP04767789A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1661070A1 (en
Inventor
Fabio Stradella
Giuseppe Stradella
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Aptar France SAS
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Aptar France SAS
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Publication of EP1661070A1 publication Critical patent/EP1661070A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06M—COUNTING MECHANISMS; COUNTING OF OBJECTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06M1/00—Design features of general application
    • G06M1/04—Design features of general application for driving the stage of lowest order
    • G06M1/041—Design features of general application for driving the stage of lowest order for drum-type indicating means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06M—COUNTING MECHANISMS; COUNTING OF OBJECTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06M1/00—Design features of general application
    • G06M1/08—Design features of general application for actuating the drive
    • G06M1/083—Design features of general application for actuating the drive by mechanical means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06M—COUNTING MECHANISMS; COUNTING OF OBJECTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06M1/00—Design features of general application
    • G06M1/22—Design features of general application for visual indication of the result of count on counting mechanisms, e.g. by window with magnifying lens
    • G06M1/24—Drums; Dials; Pointers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dose indicator, as well as to a fluid dispenser device having such an indicator.
  • Indicators or dose counters are well known for fluid dispensing devices, and in particular dispensers for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or the field of perfumery. Such a dose counter is described in the document DE 10061723 . They can be associated with pump devices or valve devices, in which the product is dispensed by means of a propellant. An important requirement, especially for drug distributors, is to avoid any risk of under-counting. To do this, it is necessary to count the dose distribution at the start of the actuating stroke of the pump or the valve, in particular to avoid that, in the case of partial actuation, a dose, even if partially dispensed, is not not counted by the meter.
  • Another requirement is to make a counter with a minimum of component parts, which makes the manufacture and assembly of it less complicated and therefore less expensive, and which reduces the risk of malfunction of the meter.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a dose indicator which makes it possible to count the dose at the beginning of the actuating stroke of the pump or of the valve of the device, while being of reliable operation.
  • the present invention also aims to provide a dose indicator which comprises a minimum of component parts.
  • the present invention also aims to provide a dose indicator that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.
  • the present invention also aims to provide a dose indicator that can count a large number of doses.
  • the subject of the present invention is therefore a dose indicator for a fluid dispenser device according to claim 1.
  • said indication element is disposed around said actuator, said toothing being made in the inner peripheral wall of said indication element.
  • said first and second axes are identical.
  • a covering element integral with said body, is arranged around said indicating element, said covering element comprising a window for displaying said means for indicating said indication element.
  • one of the indication element and the covering element comprises guiding means cooperating with complementary guiding means provided on the other element.
  • said guide means comprise at least one guide groove and said complementary guide means comprise at least one guide projection.
  • said guide groove which may in particular be helical, makes several turns around said indication element, respectively around said cover element, allowing the indicator to count a number of doses greater than the number of teeth provided in the toothing. of the indication element.
  • one of the actuator and the actuating means comprises at least one actuating member at least partially oblique with respect to the direction of translational movement of said actuating means, said at least one cooperating actuating member with at least one additional actuating member provided on the other of the actuator and the actuating means, so that a translation of the actuating means is converted into rotation of said actuator.
  • said at least one actuating member is an actuating groove and said at least one complementary actuating member is an actuating projection.
  • said drive means of the actuator comprise a flexible tab supporting a driving projection cooperating with the teeth of the toothing of the indication element.
  • said flexible tab comprises a first flexible tab portion and a second flexible tab portion, the first flexible tab portion supporting the drive projection and the second flexible tab portion connecting said first flexible tab to said actuator.
  • the angle of rotation of the actuator is greater than the angle defined by a tooth of the toothing of the indicating element, the body comprising stop means for blocking the rotation of the indicating member after rotation on a tooth of the toothing, the additional rotation of the actuator being compensated by a bending of the second flexible tab portion of the drive means.
  • said body comprises an at least partially cylindrical wall portion disposed between said actuator and said element. indicating, said wall portion having a cutout forming a passage for the driving means of the actuator towards the toothing of the indicating element.
  • an edge of said cutout forms said abutment means.
  • said body comprises non-return means for the indication element, preventing it from rotating in the opposite direction to that which is imparted to it by the actuator.
  • said non-return means comprises a flexible tab comprising a non-return projection cooperating with said toothing.
  • elastic means are provided for biasing said actuator towards its rest position when the actuating means return to their rest position.
  • said resilient means comprise at least one elastic blade integral with said actuator, said at least one elastic blade being elastically deformed during actuation of the device.
  • the present invention also relates to a fluid dispenser device comprising a reservoir containing the fluid, a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve, and a dispensing head incorporating a dispensing orifice, said device comprising a dose indicator according to claim 1.
  • the body is a part of said head, said actuating means being integral with said head.
  • said actuating means are formed on an insert inserted into said head upstream of said dispensing orifice.
  • the device comprises a reservoir 100 on which is mounted a dispensing member 200 such as a pump or a valve.
  • the dispensing member is a pump 200, which can be fixed to the reservoir for example by means of a fixing ring 19.
  • the device further comprises a dispensing head 6 incorporating a dispensing orifice (not shown).
  • the head 6 is axially displaceable relative to the pump 200 to actuate it and distribute the product contained in the reservoir 100.
  • the dispensing head 6 is of the nasal type, but it is understood that any other type of head is also applicable to the present invention.
  • the head 6 comprises a body 4, preferably made integrally with the head, said body 4 being adapted to receive an indicator or dose counter as will be described below.
  • This counter or dose indicator comprises an actuator 1 which is rotatably mounted relative to said body 4 about a first axis.
  • this axis of rotation corresponds to the central axis of the device.
  • said actuator 1 rests on the fixing ring 19, which keeps it axially fixed during actuation of the device.
  • a cylindrical indication element 2 is also rotatably mounted relative to the body 4 about a second axis.
  • this second axis is identical to the first axis of rotation of the actuator and therefore also preferably corresponds to the central axis of the device.
  • the indication element 2 comprises a toothing 21 which cooperates with drive means 14, 15 of the actuator 1.
  • the toothing 21 is formed in the inner peripheral wall of the indication element 2, the latter being arranged around the actuator 1.
  • the drive means 14, 15 of the actuator 1 advantageously comprise a flexible tab 15 supporting a drive projection 14 which cooperates with the teeth of the toothing 21 of the indicating element 2, to drive this indicating element 2 in rotation each time the actuator 1 rotated.
  • the indication element 2 supports indication means 25, such as numbers or symbols, to enable the user to visualize the number of doses dispensed or remaining to be dispensed from said dispensing device.
  • the actuator 1 cooperates with actuating means 7 which are integral with the body 4 and which are movable in translation at each actuation of the dispensing device.
  • This displacement in translation of the actuating means 7 is transformed into rotation of said actuator, so that each actuation of the device causes a rotation of the indication element 2 by means of the actuator 1, to count a dose.
  • either the actuator 1 or the actuating means 7 comprise actuating members 8, advantageously formed by at least one actuating groove 8.
  • the other of these two elements comprises complementary actuating members 17, advantageously produced by at least one actuating projection 17 cooperating with said at least one actuating groove 8.
  • the actuating means 7 which comprise two diametrically opposite grooves 8
  • the actuator 1 comprises two diametrically opposite projections 17 sliding in said grooves 8.
  • these grooves 8 are at least partially oblique with respect to the direction of translational movement of the actuating means 7.
  • a translational movement of the actuating means 7 causes a rotation of the actuator 1 by means of said projections 17 which slide in said grooves and which, at the moment when the oblique portion of said grooves 8, drives the actuator 1 in rotation.
  • a covering element 3 disposed around the indication element 2.
  • This covering element 3 is preferably integral with the body 4 and comprises a window 24 making it possible to display the indication means 25 of the indication element 2.
  • the indication element 2 may comprise means a guide groove 22, advantageously formed by at least one guide groove 22.
  • These guiding means 22 cooperate with complementary guiding means 23, advantageously provided by at least one guiding projection 23 provided in the covering element 3.
  • the guide means 22 could be arranged in the covering element 3 and the complementary guide means 23 on the indication element 2.
  • the guide groove 22 is advantageously helical, and advantageously has several turns around it.
  • the element of indication 2 which allows the indicator to count a number of doses greater than the number of teeth provided in the toothing 21 of the indication element 2.
  • the element of indication 2 thus comprises sixty teeth and the guide groove 22, which in the example of the figure 6 makes two rounds, so allows to count one hundred twenty doses.
  • this groove guide 22 is not necessarily helical, but could be made by parallel circular parts connected to each other by oblique ramps. Fractions of circular and / or oblique towers interconnected could be provided.
  • the indication element 2 thus moves in rotation and possibly in translation with respect to said covering element 3 as the projection 23 slides in the groove 22.
  • the actuating means 7 may be integral with an insert 5 which is inserted inside the head 6. This insert 5 serves in particular to limit the dead volume of the expulsion channel for the product and to form a spray spray at the dispensing orifice.
  • the actuating means 7 could be made on a fixed part of the head 6 or on another reported part.
  • the actuating groove 8 advantageously comprises a rectilinear initial part which allows the assembly of the device, then an oblique part which allows the counting of the dose, and finally again a part rectilinear which allows to continue the actuation stroke of the device.
  • the actuating means 7 are formed on an insert 5, advantageously positioning fins 9 cooperating with corresponding positioning grooves 10 in the head 6 to prevent rotation of said insert 5 relative to the head 6.
  • the actuating means 7 are intended to exert only a translational movement, and any rotation of these actuating means must be avoided.
  • the actuator 1 advantageously comprises a sleeve 16 which surrounds the actuating means 7, as visible on the Figures 10 and 11 .
  • the unit formed by the head 6, the insert 5 (if provided), the indicating element 2 and the covering element 3 moves axially with respect to the actuator 1 and to the reservoir 100.
  • the actuator 1 is held axially in position while resting on the fixing ring 19.
  • the helical actuating grooves or at least partially oblique 8 cause a rotation of the actuator 1 by means of actuating projections 17 which slide in said actuating grooves 8 during actuation of the device.
  • the actuating grooves 8 are made in such a way as to cause a rotation greater than that corresponding to the angle formed by a tooth of the toothing 21
  • the toothing comprises sixty teeth, so that each tooth defines an angle of six degrees.
  • the actuator 1 performs a rotation greater than these six degrees, for example nine degrees over the entire actuating stroke. This over-rotation makes it possible to compensate for possible manufacturing tolerances and guarantees a count each time it is actuated.
  • means are provided for blocking the rotation of the indication element 2 after the rotation of a tooth, that is to say of six degrees.
  • this flexible tab 15 may comprise a first flexible tab portion 15a and a second flexible tab portion 15b .
  • the first flexible leg portion 15a supports the drive projection 14 while the second leg portion 15b connects the first leg portion 15a to the actuator 1.
  • FIG. figure 9 the operation of the system appears more clearly.
  • the driving projection 14 comes into abutment with the abutment 13 of the body 4.
  • This stop 13 is advantageously formed in the body 4 at a cutout 40 provided in an at least partially cylindrical wall portion and which extends around the actuator 1 but within the indication element 2.
  • This cutout 40 serves in particular to the passage of the flexible lug 15 and the drive projection 14 towards the toothing 21.
  • this body 4 may also include non-return means which may be formed by a flexible lug 11 supporting an anti projection. -return 12 also cooperating with said toothing 21. These non-return means prevent any rotation of the indicating element 2 in the direction opposite to that which is imparted to it by the actuator 1.
  • the drive projection 14 can slide against the teeth of the toothing 21 by bending the first portion of the flexible tab 15a. As explained above, there is no risk that the indication element is rotated by this operation, thanks to the non-return means provided on the body 4.
  • resilient means 18 are provided for biasing the actuator 1 towards its rest position when the actuating means 7 return to the rest position. More precisely, these elastic means 18 urge the actuator 1 to abut against the fixing ring 19, and thus prevents the actuator 1 from being displaced axially with the actuating means 7 when they are moving back to their rest position for example by friction.
  • These elastic means 18 can be made in any way, but advantageously the examples shown show two resilient blades 18 integral with the actuator 1 which are elastically deformed during actuation of the device. Of course, separate elastic means of the actuator could be envisaged.
  • the figures 2 , 4 and 8 describe elements of a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the dispensing head 6 is not nasal but oral, and for which the dispensing member 200 may be a valve rather than a pump.
  • the indicator operates in a very similar manner to that described above, and the difference lies in the fact that the head 6 has no insert 5, the actuating means 7 being made directly in said head 6, as visible on the figure 4 .
  • the covering element 3 has lateral fins enabling it to be attached to the oral distribution head 6 as visible on the figure 2 .
  • the shape and the length of the actuating members 8 and / or the complementary actuating members 17 provided in the actuating means 7 can be modified to adapt the device to different pump or valve strokes and / or to compensate for the overall tolerances of the system.
  • the one or more actuating grooves 8 could be replaced by one or more corresponding ribs cooperating with complementary complementary actuating means 17.
  • the guide groove or grooves 22 could be replaced by one or more corresponding ribs, cooperating with appropriate complementary guide means 23.
  • the actuating members 8 may also be formed on a sleeve that could be separated from the insert 5 even when using such an insert.
  • This sleeve could be a part of the head 6 or a separate component.
  • the maximum number of doses that the system can count may also vary simply by adapting the number of teeth of the toothing 21 and / or the turns or fractional turns of the guide means 22 of the indication element 2.
  • the shape of said guiding means 22 and / or complementary guiding means 23 may be any provided that it allows radial and / or vertical guidance of the indicating element 2 with respect to the covering element 3.
  • the covering element 3 comprises in the drawings a single guide projection 23 cooperating with the guide groove 22, but the system could use several guide projections, or complementary guide means having different shapes from those shown.

Description

La présente invention concerne un indicateur de doses, ainsi qu'un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide comportant un tel indicateur.The present invention relates to a dose indicator, as well as to a fluid dispenser device having such an indicator.

Les indicateurs ou compteurs de doses sont bien connus pour les dispositifs de distribution de produit fluide, et notamment les distributeurs de produits pharmaceutiques, cosmétiques ou du domaine de la parfumerie. Un tel compteur de doses est décrit dans le document DE 10061723 . Ils peuvent être associés à des dispositifs à pompe ou des dispositif à valve, dans lesquels le produit est distribué au moyen d'un gaz propulseur. Une exigence importante, notamment pour les distributeurs de médicaments, est d'éviter tout risque de sous-comptage. Pour ce faire, il est nécessaire de compter la distribution de la dose en début de course d'actionnement de la pompe ou de la valve, notamment pour éviter qu'en cas d'actionnement partiel, une dose, même partiellement distribuée, ne soit pas comptée par le compteur. Une autre exigence est de réaliser un compteur comportant un minimum de pièces constitutives, ce qui rend la fabrication et l'assemblage de celui-ci moins compliqués et donc moins coûteux, et qui diminue les risques de disfonctionnement du compteur. De même, il est souvent souhaitable de disposer d'un compteur capable de compter un grand nombre de doses, par exemple cent vingt ou deux cents doses, sans avoir besoin de réaliser un compteur extrêmement complexe ou ayant des dimensions trop importantes.Indicators or dose counters are well known for fluid dispensing devices, and in particular dispensers for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or the field of perfumery. Such a dose counter is described in the document DE 10061723 . They can be associated with pump devices or valve devices, in which the product is dispensed by means of a propellant. An important requirement, especially for drug distributors, is to avoid any risk of under-counting. To do this, it is necessary to count the dose distribution at the start of the actuating stroke of the pump or the valve, in particular to avoid that, in the case of partial actuation, a dose, even if partially dispensed, is not not counted by the meter. Another requirement is to make a counter with a minimum of component parts, which makes the manufacture and assembly of it less complicated and therefore less expensive, and which reduces the risk of malfunction of the meter. Similarly, it is often desirable to have a counter capable of counting a large number of doses, for example one hundred twenty or two hundred doses, without the need to make an extremely complex meter or having too large dimensions.

La présente invention a pour but de fournir un nouvel indicateur de doses pour dispositif de distribution de produit fluide qui remplit de manière optimale toutes les exigences susmentionnées.It is an object of the present invention to provide a new dose indicator for a fluid dispensing device which optimally fulfills all of the above requirements.

En particulier, la présente invention a pour but de fournir un indicateur de doses qui permet de compter la dose en début de course d'actionnement de la pompe ou de la valve du dispositif, tout en étant de fonctionnement fiable.In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a dose indicator which makes it possible to count the dose at the beginning of the actuating stroke of the pump or of the valve of the device, while being of reliable operation.

La présente invention à également pour but de fournir un indicateur de doses qui comporte un minimum de pièces constitutives.The present invention also aims to provide a dose indicator which comprises a minimum of component parts.

La présente invention a encore pour but de fournir un indicateur de doses qui soit simple et peu coûteux à fabriquer et à assembler.The present invention also aims to provide a dose indicator that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

La présente invention a également pour but de fournir un indicateur de doses qui permet de compter un grand nombre de doses.The present invention also aims to provide a dose indicator that can count a large number of doses.

La présente invention a donc pour objet un indicateur de doses pour dispositif de distribution de produit fluide selon la revendication 1.The subject of the present invention is therefore a dose indicator for a fluid dispenser device according to claim 1.

Avantageusement, ledit élément d'indication est disposé autour dudit actionneur, ladite denture étant réalisée dans la paroi périphérique interne dudit élément d'indication.Advantageously, said indication element is disposed around said actuator, said toothing being made in the inner peripheral wall of said indication element.

Avantageusement, lesdits premier et second axes sont identiques.Advantageously, said first and second axes are identical.

Avantageusement, un élément de recouvrement, solidaire dudit corps, est disposé autour dudit élément d'indication, ledit élément de recouvrement comportant une fenêtre pour visualiser lesdits moyens d'indication dudit élément d'indication.Advantageously, a covering element, integral with said body, is arranged around said indicating element, said covering element comprising a window for displaying said means for indicating said indication element.

Avantageusement, l'un parmi l'élément d'indication et l'élément de recouvrement comporte des moyens de guidage coopérant avec des moyens de guidage complémentaires prévus sur l'autre élément.Advantageously, one of the indication element and the covering element comprises guiding means cooperating with complementary guiding means provided on the other element.

Avantageusement, lesdits moyens de guidage comportent au moins une rainure de guidage et lesdits moyens de guidage complémentaires comportent au moins une projection de guidage.Advantageously, said guide means comprise at least one guide groove and said complementary guide means comprise at least one guide projection.

Avantageusement, ladite rainure de guidage, qui peut notamment être hélicoïdale, fait plusieurs tours autour dudit élément d'indication, respectivement autour dudit élément de recouvrement, permettant à l'indicateur de compter un nombre de doses supérieur au nombre de dents prévues dans la denture de l'élément d'indication.Advantageously, said guide groove, which may in particular be helical, makes several turns around said indication element, respectively around said cover element, allowing the indicator to count a number of doses greater than the number of teeth provided in the toothing. of the indication element.

Avantageusement, l'un parmi l'actionneur et les moyens d'actionnement comporte au moins un organe d'actionnement au moins partiellement oblique par rapport à la direction de déplacement translatif desdits moyens d'actionnement, ledit au moins un organe d'actionnement coopérant avec au moins un organe d'actionnement complémentaire prévu sur l'autre parmi l'actionneur et les moyens d'actionnement, de sorte qu'une translation des moyens d'actionnement est transformée en rotation dudit actionneur.Advantageously, one of the actuator and the actuating means comprises at least one actuating member at least partially oblique with respect to the direction of translational movement of said actuating means, said at least one cooperating actuating member with at least one additional actuating member provided on the other of the actuator and the actuating means, so that a translation of the actuating means is converted into rotation of said actuator.

Avantageusement, ledit au moins un organe d'actionnement est une rainure d'actionnement et ledit au moins un organe d'actionnement complémentaire est une projection d'actionnement.Advantageously, said at least one actuating member is an actuating groove and said at least one complementary actuating member is an actuating projection.

Avantageusement, lesdits moyens d'entraînement de l'actionneur comportent une patte flexible supportant une projection d'entraînement coopérant avec les dents de la denture de l'élément d'indication.Advantageously, said drive means of the actuator comprise a flexible tab supporting a driving projection cooperating with the teeth of the toothing of the indication element.

Avantageusement, ladite patte flexible comporte une première partie de patte flexible et une seconde partie de patte flexible, la première partie de patte flexible supportant la projection d'entraînement et la seconde partie de patte flexible reliant ladite première patte flexible audit actionneur.Advantageously, said flexible tab comprises a first flexible tab portion and a second flexible tab portion, the first flexible tab portion supporting the drive projection and the second flexible tab portion connecting said first flexible tab to said actuator.

Avantageusement, pour assurer un comptage à chaque actionnement et compenser les tolérances de fabrication, l'angle de rotation de l'actionneur est supérieur à l'angle défini par une dent de la denture de l'élément d'indication, le corps comportant des moyens de butée pour bloquer la rotation de l'élément d'indication après rotation sur une dent de la denture, la rotation supplémentaire de l'actionneur étant compensée par une flexion de la seconde partie de patte flexible des moyens d'entraînement.Advantageously, to ensure a counting at each actuation and to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, the angle of rotation of the actuator is greater than the angle defined by a tooth of the toothing of the indicating element, the body comprising stop means for blocking the rotation of the indicating member after rotation on a tooth of the toothing, the additional rotation of the actuator being compensated by a bending of the second flexible tab portion of the drive means.

Avantageusement, ledit corps comporte une partie de paroi au moins partiellement cylindrique disposée entre ledit actionneur et ledit élément d'indication, ladite partie de paroi comportant une découpe formant un passage pour les moyens d'entraînement de l'actionneur vers la denture de l'élément d'indication.Advantageously, said body comprises an at least partially cylindrical wall portion disposed between said actuator and said element. indicating, said wall portion having a cutout forming a passage for the driving means of the actuator towards the toothing of the indicating element.

Avantageusement, un bord de ladite découpe forme lesdits moyens de butée.Advantageously, an edge of said cutout forms said abutment means.

Avantageusement, ledit corps comporte des moyens anti-retour pour l'élément d'indication, empêchant celui-ci de tourner dans le sens inverse de celui qui lui est imparti par l'actionneur.Advantageously, said body comprises non-return means for the indication element, preventing it from rotating in the opposite direction to that which is imparted to it by the actuator.

Avantageusement, lesdits moyens anti-retour comporte une patte flexible comportant une projection anti-retour coopérant avec ladite denture.Advantageously, said non-return means comprises a flexible tab comprising a non-return projection cooperating with said toothing.

Avantageusement, des moyens élastiques sont prévus pour solliciter ledit actionneur vers sa position de repos lorsque les moyens d'actionnement reviennent vers leur position de repos.Advantageously, elastic means are provided for biasing said actuator towards its rest position when the actuating means return to their rest position.

Avantageusement, lesdits moyens élastiques comportent au moins une lame élastique solidaire dudit actionneur, ladite au moins une lame élastique étant élastiquement déformée lors de l'actionnement du dispositif.Advantageously, said resilient means comprise at least one elastic blade integral with said actuator, said at least one elastic blade being elastically deformed during actuation of the device.

La présente invention a également pour objet un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide comportant un réservoir contenant le produit fluide, un organe de distribution, tel qu'une pompe ou une valve, et une tête de distribution incorporant un orifice de distribution, ledit dispositif comportant un indicateur de doses suivant la revendication 1.The present invention also relates to a fluid dispenser device comprising a reservoir containing the fluid, a dispensing member, such as a pump or a valve, and a dispensing head incorporating a dispensing orifice, said device comprising a dose indicator according to claim 1.

Avantageusement, le corps est une partie de ladite tête, lesdits moyens d'actionnement étant solidaire de ladite tête.Advantageously, the body is a part of said head, said actuating means being integral with said head.

Avantageusement, lesdits moyens d'actionnement sont formés sur un insert inséré dans ladite tête en amont dudit orifice de distribution.Advantageously, said actuating means are formed on an insert inserted into said head upstream of said dispensing orifice.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description détaillée suivante de deux modes de réalisation de celle-ci, faite en référence aux dessins joints, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective éclatée d'un dispositif de distribution de produit fluide selon un premier mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1 montrant un second mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une partie du dispositif de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 3, montrant une partie du dispositif de la figure 2.
  • la figure 5 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un actionneur selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de la présente invention ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un élément d'indication selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de la présente invention ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un élément de recouvrement adapté au premier mode de réalisation de l'invention représenté sur la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un élément de recouvrement adapté pour le second mode de réalisation décrit sur la figure 2 ;
  • la figure 9 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une partie de l'indicateur selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de la présente invention ;
  • la figure 10 est une vue schématique en perspective partiellement découpée d'un dispositif de distribution incorporant un indicateur selon le premier mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 1 ; et
  • la figure 11 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 10 prise selon un autre angle de vue.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly in the following detailed description of two embodiments thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, and in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic perspective exploded view of a fluid dispenser device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
  • the figure 2 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 showing a second embodiment of the present invention;
  • the figure 3 is a schematic view in perspective of a part of the device of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 4 is a view similar to that of the figure 3 , showing part of the device of the figure 2 .
  • the figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an actuator according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention;
  • the figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of an indication element according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention;
  • the figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a covering element adapted to the first embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. figure 1 ;
  • the figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a covering element adapted for the second embodiment described on the figure 2 ;
  • the figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the indicator according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention;
  • the figure 10 is a schematic perspective view partially cut away of a distribution device incorporating an indicator according to the first embodiment shown in the figure 1 ; and
  • the figure 11 is a view similar to that of the figure 10 taken from another angle of view.

L'invention va être décrite ci-après en référence à deux modes de réalisation, représentée respectivement sur les figures 1 et 2, mais il est entendu que la présente invention a une application beaucoup plus large, et s'applique à tous types de dispositif de distribution de produit fluide.The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to two embodiments, represented respectively on the Figures 1 and 2 , but it is understood that the present invention has a much wider application, and applies to all types of fluid dispenser device.

En se référant plus particulièrement à la figure 1, le dispositif comporte un réservoir 100 sur lequel est monté un organe de distribution 200 tel qu'une pompe ou une valve. Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, l'organe de distribution est une pompe 200, qui peut être fixée sur le réservoir par exemple au moyen d'une bague de fixation 19. Le dispositif comporte en outre une tête de distribution 6 incorporant un orifice de distribution (non représenté). La tête 6 est déplaçable axialement par rapport à la pompe 200 pour actionner celle-ci et distribuer le produit contenu dans le réservoir 100. Dans l'exemple représenté sur la figure 1, la tête de distribution 6 est du type nasale, mais il est entendu que tout autre type de tête est également applicable à la présente invention. La tête 6 comporte un corps 4, de préférence réalisé de manière monobloc avec la tête, ledit corps 4 étant adapté à recevoir un indicateur ou compteur de doses comme cela sera décrit ci-après. Ce compteur ou indicateur de dose comporte un actionneur 1 qui est monté rotatif par rapport audit corps 4 autour d'un premier axe. De préférence, cet axe de rotation correspond à l'axe central du dispositif. Avantageusement, comme visible sur les figures 10 et 11, ledit actionneur 1 repose sur la bague de fixation 19, ce qui le maintient axialement fixe lors de l'actionnement du dispositif. Un élément d'indication cylindrique 2 est également monté rotatif par rapport au corps 4 autour d'un second axe. De préférence, ce second axe est identique au premier axe de rotation de l'actionneur et correspond donc également de préférence à l'axe central du dispositif.With particular reference to the figure 1 , the device comprises a reservoir 100 on which is mounted a dispensing member 200 such as a pump or a valve. In the example of the figure 1 , the dispensing member is a pump 200, which can be fixed to the reservoir for example by means of a fixing ring 19. The device further comprises a dispensing head 6 incorporating a dispensing orifice (not shown). The head 6 is axially displaceable relative to the pump 200 to actuate it and distribute the product contained in the reservoir 100. In the example shown in FIG. figure 1 , the dispensing head 6 is of the nasal type, but it is understood that any other type of head is also applicable to the present invention. The head 6 comprises a body 4, preferably made integrally with the head, said body 4 being adapted to receive an indicator or dose counter as will be described below. This counter or dose indicator comprises an actuator 1 which is rotatably mounted relative to said body 4 about a first axis. Preferably, this axis of rotation corresponds to the central axis of the device. Advantageously, as visible on Figures 10 and 11 said actuator 1 rests on the fixing ring 19, which keeps it axially fixed during actuation of the device. A cylindrical indication element 2 is also rotatably mounted relative to the body 4 about a second axis. Preferably, this second axis is identical to the first axis of rotation of the actuator and therefore also preferably corresponds to the central axis of the device.

L'élément d'indication 2 comporte une denture 21 qui coopère avec des moyens d'entraînement 14, 15 de l'actionneur 1. Avantageusement, comme visible sur les figures 1, 2 et 6, la denture 21 est formée dans la paroi périphérique interne de l'élément d'indication 2, celui-ci étant disposé autour de l'actionneur 1. Les moyens d'entraînement 14, 15 de l'actionneur 1 comportent avantageusement une patte flexible 15 supportant un projection d'entraînement 14 qui coopère avec les dents de la denture 21 de l'élément d'indication 2, pour entraîner cet élément d'indication 2 en rotation à chaque fois que l'actionneur 1 entraîné en rotation. L'élément d'indication 2 supporte des moyens d'indication 25, tels que des nombres ou des symboles, pour permettre à l'utilisateur de visualiser le nombre de doses distribuées ou restant à distribuer dudit dispositif de distribution.The indication element 2 comprises a toothing 21 which cooperates with drive means 14, 15 of the actuator 1. Advantageously, as visible on the Figures 1, 2 and 6 , the toothing 21 is formed in the inner peripheral wall of the indication element 2, the latter being arranged around the actuator 1. The drive means 14, 15 of the actuator 1 advantageously comprise a flexible tab 15 supporting a drive projection 14 which cooperates with the teeth of the toothing 21 of the indicating element 2, to drive this indicating element 2 in rotation each time the actuator 1 rotated. The indication element 2 supports indication means 25, such as numbers or symbols, to enable the user to visualize the number of doses dispensed or remaining to be dispensed from said dispensing device.

Le principe de fonctionnement de l'indicateur de la présente invention est le suivant : l'actionneur 1 coopère avec des moyens d'actionnement 7 qui sont solidaires du corps 4 et qui sont déplaçables en translation à chaque actionnement du dispositif de distribution. Ce déplacement en translation des moyens d'actionnement 7 est transformé en rotation dudit actionneur, de sorte que chaque actionnement du dispositif provoque une rotation de l'élément d'indication 2 par l'intermédiaire de l'actionneur 1, pour compter une dose.The principle of operation of the indicator of the present invention is as follows: the actuator 1 cooperates with actuating means 7 which are integral with the body 4 and which are movable in translation at each actuation of the dispensing device. This displacement in translation of the actuating means 7 is transformed into rotation of said actuator, so that each actuation of the device causes a rotation of the indication element 2 by means of the actuator 1, to count a dose.

De préférence, soit l'actionneur 1, soit les moyens d'actionnement 7 comportent des organes d'actionnement 8, réalisés avantageusement par au moins une rainure d'actionnement 8. L'autre de ces deux éléments comporte des organes d'actionnement complémentaires 17, réalisés avantageusement par au moins une projection d'actionnement 17 coopérant avec ladite au moins une rainure d'actionnement 8. Dans les exemples représentés sur les figures, ce sont les moyens d'actionnement 7 qui comportent deux rainures 8 diamétralement opposées, et l'actionneur 1 comporte deux projections 17 diamétralement opposées coulissant dans lesdites rainures 8. Comme visible notamment sur la figure 3, ces rainures 8 sont au moins partiellement obliques par rapport à la direction de déplacement translatif des moyens d'actionnement 7. Ainsi, un déplacement translatif des moyens d'actionnement 7 provoque une rotation de l'actionneur 1 par l'intermédiaire desdites projections 17 qui coulissent dans lesdites rainures et qui, au moment où arrive la partie oblique desdites rainures 8, entraînent l'actionneur 1 en rotation. L'actionneur 1, par l'intermédiaire de la patte flexible 15 et de la projection d'entraînement 14, entraîne alors l'élément d'indication 2 également en rotation pour compter une dose.Preferably, either the actuator 1 or the actuating means 7 comprise actuating members 8, advantageously formed by at least one actuating groove 8. The other of these two elements comprises complementary actuating members 17, advantageously produced by at least one actuating projection 17 cooperating with said at least one actuating groove 8. In the examples shown in the figures, it is the actuating means 7 which comprise two diametrically opposite grooves 8, and the actuator 1 comprises two diametrically opposite projections 17 sliding in said grooves 8. As visible in particular on the figure 3 these grooves 8 are at least partially oblique with respect to the direction of translational movement of the actuating means 7. Thus, a translational movement of the actuating means 7 causes a rotation of the actuator 1 by means of said projections 17 which slide in said grooves and which, at the moment when the oblique portion of said grooves 8, drives the actuator 1 in rotation. The actuator 1, via the flexible tab 15 and the drive projection 14, then drives the indication element 2 also in rotation to count a dose.

Avantageusement, il est prévu un élément de recouvrement 3 disposé autour de l'élément d'indication 2. Cet élément de recouvrement 3 est de préférence solidaire du corps 4 et comporte une fenêtre 24 permettant de visualiser les moyens d'indication 25 de l'élément d'indication 2. Comme visible notamment sur la figure 6, l'élément d'indication 2 peut comporter des moyens de guidage 22, réalisés avantageusement par au moins une rainure de guidage 22. Ces moyens de guidage 22 coopèrent avec des moyens de guidage complémentaires 23, réalisés avantageusement par au moins une projection de guidage 23 prévue dans l'élément de recouvrement 3. En variante, on pourrait disposer les moyens de guidage 22 dans l'élément de recouvrement 3 et les moyens de guidage complémentaires 23 sur l'élément d'indication 2. De préférence, la rainure de guidage 22 est avantageusement hélicoïdale, et fait avantageusement plusieurs tours autour de l'élément d'indication 2 ce qui permet à l'indicateur de compter un nombre de doses supérieur au nombre de dents prévues dans la denture 21 de l'élément d'indication 2. Dans les exemples représentés, l'élément d'indication 2 comporte ainsi soixante dents et la rainure de guidage 22, qui dans l'exemple de la figure 6 fait deux tours, permet donc de compter cent vingt doses. Pour augmenter le nombre de doses que l'indicateur peut compter, il suffit d'augmenter le nombre de dents dans la denture 21 et/ou d'augmenter le nombre de tours pour la rainure de guidage 22. Il est à noter que cette rainure de guidage 22 n'est pas nécessairement hélicoïdale, mais pourrait être réalisée par des parties circulaires parallèles reliées les une aux autres par des rampes obliques. On pourrait prévoir des fractions de tours circulaires et/ou obliques reliées entre elles. L'élément de recouvrement 3 étant fixe par rapport au corps 4, l'élément d'indication 2 se déplace donc en rotation et éventuellement en translation par rapport audit élément de recouvrement 3 au fur et à mesure que la projection 23 coulisse dans la rainure de guidage 22. Comme visible sur les figures 1 et 3, les moyens-d'actionnement 7 peuvent être solidaires d'un insert 5 qui est inséré à l'intérieur de la tête 6. Cet insert 5 sert notamment à limiter le volume mort du canal d'expulsion pour le produit et à former un spray de pulvérisation au niveau de l'orifice de distribution. En variante, les moyens d'actionnement 7 pourraient être réalisés sur une partie fixe de la tête 6 ou sur une autre partie rapportée. Comme visible sur la figure 3, la rainure d'actionnement 8 comporte avantageusement une partie initiale rectiligne qui permet l'assemblage du dispositif, puis une partie oblique qui permet le comptage de la dose, et enfin à nouveau une partie rectiligne qui permet de poursuivre la course d'actionnement du dispositif. Ainsi, en disposant la partie oblique en tout début de course d'actionnement du dispositif, on assure un comptage sure et fiable des le début de la course d'actionnement, et on évite ainsi tout risque de sous-comptage. Dans l'hypothèse où les moyens d'actionnement 7 sont formés sur un insert 5, on prévoit avantageusement des ailettes de positionnement 9 coopérant avec des rainures de positionnement 10 correspondantes dans la tête 6 pour éviter toute rotation dudit insert 5 par rapport à la tête 6. En effet, les moyens d'actionnement 7 sont destinés à n'exercer qu'un mouvement de translation, et toute rotation de ces moyens d'actionnement doit donc être évitée.Advantageously, there is provided a covering element 3 disposed around the indication element 2. This covering element 3 is preferably integral with the body 4 and comprises a window 24 making it possible to display the indication means 25 of the indication element 2. As can be seen in particular on the figure 6 the indication element 2 may comprise means a guide groove 22, advantageously formed by at least one guide groove 22. These guiding means 22 cooperate with complementary guiding means 23, advantageously provided by at least one guiding projection 23 provided in the covering element 3. As a variant the guide means 22 could be arranged in the covering element 3 and the complementary guide means 23 on the indication element 2. Preferably, the guide groove 22 is advantageously helical, and advantageously has several turns around it. of the indication element 2 which allows the indicator to count a number of doses greater than the number of teeth provided in the toothing 21 of the indication element 2. In the examples shown, the element of indication 2 thus comprises sixty teeth and the guide groove 22, which in the example of the figure 6 makes two rounds, so allows to count one hundred twenty doses. To increase the number of doses that the indicator can count, simply increase the number of teeth in the toothing 21 and / or increase the number of revolutions for the guide groove 22. It should be noted that this groove guide 22 is not necessarily helical, but could be made by parallel circular parts connected to each other by oblique ramps. Fractions of circular and / or oblique towers interconnected could be provided. The covering element 3 being fixed with respect to the body 4, the indication element 2 thus moves in rotation and possibly in translation with respect to said covering element 3 as the projection 23 slides in the groove 22. As visible on the figures 1 and 3 , the actuating means 7 may be integral with an insert 5 which is inserted inside the head 6. This insert 5 serves in particular to limit the dead volume of the expulsion channel for the product and to form a spray spray at the dispensing orifice. Alternatively, the actuating means 7 could be made on a fixed part of the head 6 or on another reported part. As visible on the figure 3 , the actuating groove 8 advantageously comprises a rectilinear initial part which allows the assembly of the device, then an oblique part which allows the counting of the dose, and finally again a part rectilinear which allows to continue the actuation stroke of the device. Thus, by arranging the oblique part at the very beginning of the actuating stroke of the device, reliable and reliable counting of the beginning of the actuating stroke is ensured, and thus any risk of under-counting is avoided. In the event that the actuating means 7 are formed on an insert 5, advantageously positioning fins 9 cooperating with corresponding positioning grooves 10 in the head 6 to prevent rotation of said insert 5 relative to the head 6. Indeed, the actuating means 7 are intended to exert only a translational movement, and any rotation of these actuating means must be avoided.

L'actionneur 1 comporte avantageusement un manchon 16 qui entoure les moyens d'actionnement 7, comme visible sur les figures 10 et 11. Lors de l'actionnement, et donc du déplacement axial de la tête de distribution 6 par rapport au récipient 100, l'unité formée par la tête 6, l'insert 5 (s'il est prévu), l'élément d'indication 2 et l'élément de recouvrement 3 se déplace axialement par rapport à l'actionneur 1 et au réservoir 100. L'actionneur 1 est maintenu axialement en position en reposant sur la bague de fixation 19. Les rainures d'actionnement hélicoïdales ou au moins partiellement obliques 8 provoquent une rotation de l'actionneur 1 par l'intermédiaire des projections d'actionnement 17 qui coulissent dans lesdites rainures d'actionnement 8 lors de l'actionnement du dispositif. Avantageusement, pour éviter tout risque de sous-comptage et notamment pour compenser les tolérances de fabrication, on réalise les rainures d'actionnement 8 de telle manière à provoquer une rotation supérieure à celle correspondant à l'angle formé par une dent de la denture 21. A titre d'exemple, dans les exemples représentés, la denture comporte soixante dents, de sorte que chaque dent définit un angle de six degrés. Ainsi, on prévoit de préférence que l'actionneur 1 réalise une rotation supérieure à ces six degrés, par exemple neuf degrés sur l'ensemble de la course d'actionnement. Cette sur-rotation permet de compenser les tolérances de fabrication éventuelles et garantit un comptage à chaque actionnement. Bien entendu, des moyens sont prévus pour bloquer la rotation de l'élément d'indication 2 après la rotation d'une dent, c'est-à-dire de six degrés. Ces moyens comportent avantageusement une butée 13 formée sur le corps 4 et qui coopère avec la patte flexible 15 de l'actionneur 1. Plus précisément, cette patte flexible 15 peut comporter une première partie de patte flexible 15a et une seconde partie de patte flexible 15b. Comme visible sur la figure 5, la première partie de patte flexible 15a supporte la projection d'entraînement 14 alors que la seconde partie de patte 15b relie la première partie de patte 15a à l'actionneur 1. En se référant à la figure 9, le fonctionnement du système apparaît plus clairement. Ainsi, après avoir provoqué la rotation de six degrés de l'élément d'indication 2, la projection d'entraînement 14 vient en butée avec la butée 13 du corps 4. La sur-rotation de l'actionneur 1 est alors compensée par la seconde partie de patte flexible 15b, qui peut se plier et permettre donc une poursuite de la rotation de l'actionneur 1 tout en maintenant bloquée la projection d'entraînement 14 et donc l'élément d'indication 2. Cette butée 13 est avantageusement formée dans le corps 4 au niveau d'une découpe 40 prévue dans une partie de paroi au moins partiellement cylindrique et qui s'étend autour de l'actionneur 1 mais à l'intérieur de l'élément d'indication 2. Cette découpe 40 sert notamment au passage de la patte flexible 15 et de la projection d'entraînement 14 en direction de la denture 21. Par ailleurs, ce corps 4 peut également comporter des moyens anti-retour qui peuvent être formés par une patte flexible 11 supportant une projection anti-retour 12 coopérant également avec ladite denture 21. Ces moyens anti-retour empêchent toutes rotation de l'élément d'indication 2 dans le sens opposé à celui qui lui est imparti par l'actionneur 1.The actuator 1 advantageously comprises a sleeve 16 which surrounds the actuating means 7, as visible on the Figures 10 and 11 . When actuating, and therefore the axial displacement of the dispensing head 6 relative to the container 100, the unit formed by the head 6, the insert 5 (if provided), the indicating element 2 and the covering element 3 moves axially with respect to the actuator 1 and to the reservoir 100. The actuator 1 is held axially in position while resting on the fixing ring 19. The helical actuating grooves or at least partially oblique 8 cause a rotation of the actuator 1 by means of actuating projections 17 which slide in said actuating grooves 8 during actuation of the device. Advantageously, to avoid any risk of under-counting and in particular to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, the actuating grooves 8 are made in such a way as to cause a rotation greater than that corresponding to the angle formed by a tooth of the toothing 21 By way of example, in the examples shown, the toothing comprises sixty teeth, so that each tooth defines an angle of six degrees. Thus, it is preferably provided that the actuator 1 performs a rotation greater than these six degrees, for example nine degrees over the entire actuating stroke. This over-rotation makes it possible to compensate for possible manufacturing tolerances and guarantees a count each time it is actuated. Of course, means are provided for blocking the rotation of the indication element 2 after the rotation of a tooth, that is to say of six degrees. These means advantageously comprise a stop 13 formed on the body 4 and which cooperates with the flexible tab 15 of the actuator 1. More specifically, this flexible tab 15 may comprise a first flexible tab portion 15a and a second flexible tab portion 15b . As visible on the figure 5 the first flexible leg portion 15a supports the drive projection 14 while the second leg portion 15b connects the first leg portion 15a to the actuator 1. Referring to FIG. figure 9 , the operation of the system appears more clearly. Thus, after provoking the six-degree rotation of the indication element 2, the driving projection 14 comes into abutment with the abutment 13 of the body 4. The over-rotation of the actuator 1 is then compensated by the second portion of flexible lug 15b, which can bend and thus allow a continuation of the rotation of the actuator 1 while maintaining locked the drive projection 14 and thus the indication element 2. This stop 13 is advantageously formed in the body 4 at a cutout 40 provided in an at least partially cylindrical wall portion and which extends around the actuator 1 but within the indication element 2. This cutout 40 serves in particular to the passage of the flexible lug 15 and the drive projection 14 towards the toothing 21. Furthermore, this body 4 may also include non-return means which may be formed by a flexible lug 11 supporting an anti projection. -return 12 also cooperating with said toothing 21. These non-return means prevent any rotation of the indicating element 2 in the direction opposite to that which is imparted to it by the actuator 1.

Après actionnement, lorsque le système revient vers sa position de repos, la projection d'entraînement 14 peut glisser contre les dents de la denture 21 grâce à la flexion de la première partie de la patte flexible 15a. Comme expliqué précédemment, il n'y a aucun risque que l'élément d'indication ne soit entraîné en rotation par cette opération, grâce aux moyens anti-retour prévus sur le corps 4.After actuation, when the system returns to its rest position, the drive projection 14 can slide against the teeth of the toothing 21 by bending the first portion of the flexible tab 15a. As explained above, there is no risk that the indication element is rotated by this operation, thanks to the non-return means provided on the body 4.

Avantageusement, on prévoit des moyens élastiques 18 pour solliciter l'actionneur 1 vers sa position de repos lorsque les moyens d'actionnement 7 reviennent vers la position de repos. Plus précisément, ces moyens élastiques 18 sollicitent l'actionneur 1 en butée contre la bague de fixation 19, et évite donc que l'actionneur 1 ne soit déplacé axialement avec les moyens d'actionnement 7 lorsque ceux-ci remontent vers leur position de repos, par exemple par frottement. Ces moyens élastiques 18 peuvent être réalisés de manière quelconque, mais avantageusement les exemples représentés montrent deux lames élastiques 18 solidaires de l'actionneur 1 qui sont élastiquement déformées lors de l'actionnement du dispositif. Bien entendu, des moyens élastiques séparés de l'actionneur pourraient être envisagés.Advantageously, resilient means 18 are provided for biasing the actuator 1 towards its rest position when the actuating means 7 return to the rest position. More precisely, these elastic means 18 urge the actuator 1 to abut against the fixing ring 19, and thus prevents the actuator 1 from being displaced axially with the actuating means 7 when they are moving back to their rest position for example by friction. These elastic means 18 can be made in any way, but advantageously the examples shown show two resilient blades 18 integral with the actuator 1 which are elastically deformed during actuation of the device. Of course, separate elastic means of the actuator could be envisaged.

Les figures 2, 4 et 8 décrivent des éléments d'un second mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans lequel la tête de distribution 6 n'est pas nasale mais buccale, et pour lesquels l'organe de distribution 200 peut être une valve plutôt qu'une pompe. L'indicateur fonctionne de manière très similaire à celui décrit précédemment, et la différence ne réside dans le fait que la tête 6 ne comporte pas d'insert 5, les moyens d'actionnement 7 étant donc réalisés directement dans ladite tête 6, comme visible sur la figure 4. De même, l'élément de recouvrement 3 comporte des ailettes latérales lui permettant de se fixer à la tête de distribution buccale 6 comme visible sur la figure 2.The figures 2 , 4 and 8 describe elements of a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the dispensing head 6 is not nasal but oral, and for which the dispensing member 200 may be a valve rather than a pump. The indicator operates in a very similar manner to that described above, and the difference lies in the fact that the head 6 has no insert 5, the actuating means 7 being made directly in said head 6, as visible on the figure 4 . Similarly, the covering element 3 has lateral fins enabling it to be attached to the oral distribution head 6 as visible on the figure 2 .

Bien que la présente invention ait été décrite en référence à deux modes de réalisation, il est clair que diverses modifications sont envisageables. Ainsi par exemple la forme et la longueur des organes d'actionnement 8 et/ou des organes d'actionnement complémentaires 17 prévus dans les moyens d'actionnement 7 peuvent être modifiés pour adapter le dispositif à des courses de pompe ou de valve différentes et/ou pour compenser les tolérances globales du système. La ou les rainures d'actionnement 8 pourraient être remplacées par une ou des nervures correspondantes, coopérant avec des organes d'actionnement complémentaires 17 appropriés. De même, la ou les rainures de guidage 22 pourraient être remplacées par une ou des nervures correspondantes, coopérant avec des moyens de guidage complémentaires 23 appropriés. Les organes d'actionnement 8 peuvent également être formés sur un manchon qui pourrait être séparé de l'insert 5 même en cas d'utilisation d'un tel insert. Ce manchon pourrait être une partie de la tête 6 ou un composant séparé. Le nombre maximal de doses que le système peut compter peut également varier simplement en adaptant le nombre de dents de la denture 21 et/ou les tours ou fractions de tours des moyens de guidage 22 de l'élément d'indication 2. La forme desdits moyens de guidage 22 et/ou des moyens de guidage complémentaires 23 peut être quelconque à condition qu'elle permette un guidage radial et/ou vertical de l'élément d'indication 2 par rapport à l'élément de recouvrement 3. De même, l'élément de recouvrement 3 comporte sur les dessins une seule projection de guidage 23 coopérant avec la rainure de guidage 22, mais le système pourrait utiliser plusieurs projections de guidage, ou des moyens de guidage complémentaires ayant des formes différentes de celles représentées.Although the present invention has been described with reference to two embodiments, it is clear that various modifications are possible. Thus, for example, the shape and the length of the actuating members 8 and / or the complementary actuating members 17 provided in the actuating means 7 can be modified to adapt the device to different pump or valve strokes and / or to compensate for the overall tolerances of the system. The one or more actuating grooves 8 could be replaced by one or more corresponding ribs cooperating with complementary complementary actuating means 17. Similarly, the guide groove or grooves 22 could be replaced by one or more corresponding ribs, cooperating with appropriate complementary guide means 23. The actuating members 8 may also be formed on a sleeve that could be separated from the insert 5 even when using such an insert. This sleeve could be a part of the head 6 or a separate component. The maximum number of doses that the system can count may also vary simply by adapting the number of teeth of the toothing 21 and / or the turns or fractional turns of the guide means 22 of the indication element 2. The shape of said guiding means 22 and / or complementary guiding means 23 may be any provided that it allows radial and / or vertical guidance of the indicating element 2 with respect to the covering element 3. Similarly, the covering element 3 comprises in the drawings a single guide projection 23 cooperating with the guide groove 22, but the system could use several guide projections, or complementary guide means having different shapes from those shown.

D'autres modifications sont également envisageables pour l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention tel que défini par les revendications annexées.Other modifications are also conceivable for those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (21)

  1. A dose indicator for a fluid dispenser device, said indicator comprising:
    • a body (4);
    • an actuator (1) that is mounted to turn relative to said body (4) about a first axis, and including drive means (14, 15); and
    • a cylindrical indicator element (2) that is mounted to turn relative to said body (4) about a second axis and including a set of teeth (21) that co-operate with said drive means (14, 15) of said actuator (1) so as to turn each time the dispenser device is actuated, said indicator element (2) further including numeric and/or symbolic indicator means (25) so as to indicate to the user the number of doses that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from said dispenser device;
    • said actuator (1) co-operating with actuator means (7) secured to said body (4), said actuator means (7) being displaced in translation each time the dispenser device is actuated, and co-operating with said actuator (1) so as to transform the translation of said actuator means (7) into said actuator (1) turning, said indicator being characterized in that
    • one amongst the actuator (1) and the actuator means (7) includes at least one actuator member (8) that is partially oblique relative to the direction of displacement in translation of said actuator means (7), said at least one actuator member (8) co-operating with at least one complementary actuator member (17) provided on the other one amongst the actuator (1) and the actuator means (7), so that a displacement in translation of the actuator means (7) is transformed into said actuator (1) turning,
    • and in that said actuator member (8) comprises an oblique portion that enables the dose to be counted, and a rectilinear portion disposed after said oblique portion in the actuation direction of said actuator means (7), said rectilinear portion enabling the actuation stroke of the device to be continued after the dose has been counted.
  2. An indicator according to claim 1, in which said indicator element (2) is disposed around said actuator (1), said set of teeth (21) being formed on the inside peripheral wall of said indicator element (2).
  3. An indicator according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which said first and second axes are identical.
  4. An indicator according to any preceding claim, in which a cover element (3), secured to said body (4), is disposed around said indicator element (2), said cover element (3) including a window (24) in order to see said indicator means (25) of said indicator element (2).
  5. An indicator according to claim 4, in which one amongst the indicator element (2) and the cover element (3) includes guide means (22) that co-operate with complementary guide means (23) provided on the other element (3, 2).
  6. An indicator according to claim 5, in which said guide means (22) comprise at least one guide groove (22), and said complementary guide means comprise at least one guide projection (23).
  7. An indicator according to claim 6, in which said guide groove (22), which may in particular be helical, winds around said indicator element (2) in a plurality of turns, or alternatively around said cover element (3), enabling the indicator to count a number of doses that is greater than the number of teeth provided in the set of teeth (21) of the indicator element (2).
  8. An indicator according to any preceding claim, in which said oblique portion is provided at the start of the actuation stroke of the device.
  9. An indicator according to any preceding claim, in which said at least one actuator member (8) is an actuator groove (8), and said at least one complementary actuator member (17) is an actuator projection (17).
  10. An indicator according to any preceding claim, in which said drive means (14, 15) of the actuator comprise a flexible tab (15) supporting a drive projection (14) that co-operates with the teeth of the set of teeth (21) of the indicator element (2).
  11. An indicator according to claim 10, in which said flexible tab (15) comprises a first flexible tab portion (15a), and a second flexible tab portion (15b), the first flexible tab portion (15a) supporting the drive projection (14), and the second flexible tab portion (15b) connecting said first flexible tab (15a) to said actuator (1).
  12. An indicator according to claim 11, in which, in order to ensure a count at each actuation, and in order to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, the angle through which the actuator (1) turns is greater than the angle defined by a tooth in the set of teeth (21) of the indicator element (2), the body (4) including abutment means (13) to prevent the indicator element (2) from turning through more than one tooth in the set of teeth (21), the additional amount through which the actuator (1) turns being compensated by the second flexible-tab portion (15b) of the drive means (14, 15) flexing.
  13. An indicator according to any preceding claim, in which said body (4) includes a wall portion (4) that is cylindrical, at least in part, and that is disposed between said actuator (1) and said indicator element (2), said wall portion having a cut-out (40) forming a passage for passing the drive means (14, 15) of the actuator (1) to the set of teeth (21) of the indicator element (2).
  14. An indicator according to claim 12 and claim 13, in which an edge (13) of said cut-out (40) forms said abutment means (13).
  15. An indicator according to claim 12 or claim 13, in which said body (4) includes anti-return means (11, 12) for the indicator element (2), said anti-return means preventing said element from turning in the direction opposite to the direction imparted thereto by the actuator (1).
  16. An indicator according to claim 15, in which said anti-return means (11, 12) comprises a flexible tab (11) including an anti-return projection (12) that co-operates with said set of teeth (21).
  17. An indicator according to any preceding claim, in which resilient means (18) are provided so as to urge said actuator (1) towards its rest position while the actuator means (7) are returning to their rest position.
  18. An indicator according to claim 17, in which said resilient means (18) comprise at least one resilient blade (18) that is secured to said actuator (1), said at least one resilient blade (18) being elastically deformed while the device is being actuated.
  19. A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (100) containing the fluid; a dispenser member (200), such as a pump or a valve; and a dispenser head (6) incorporating a dispenser orifice, said device being characterized in that it further comprises a dose indicator according to any preceding claim.
  20. A device according to claim 19, in which the body (4) is a portion of said head (6), said actuator means (7) being secured to said head (6).
  21. A device according to claim 19 or claim 20, in which said actuator means (7) are formed on an insert (5) that is inserted into said head (6) upstream from said dispenser orifice.
EP04767789A 2003-08-12 2004-07-27 Indicator of doses for a liquid product distribution device Active EP1661070B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0309886A FR2858867B1 (en) 2003-08-12 2003-08-12 DOSING INDICATOR FOR FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING DEVICE
PCT/FR2004/002007 WO2005020138A1 (en) 2003-08-12 2004-07-27 Indicator of doses for a liquid product distribution device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1661070A1 EP1661070A1 (en) 2006-05-31
EP1661070B1 true EP1661070B1 (en) 2012-09-19

Family

ID=34112742

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04767789A Active EP1661070B1 (en) 2003-08-12 2004-07-27 Indicator of doses for a liquid product distribution device

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US7510100B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1661070B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4676433B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100557629C (en)
FR (1) FR2858867B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005020138A1 (en)

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GB0425518D0 (en) 2004-11-19 2004-12-22 Clinical Designs Ltd Substance source
GB0428204D0 (en) 2004-12-23 2005-01-26 Clinical Designs Ltd Medicament container
GB0518400D0 (en) 2005-09-09 2005-10-19 Clinical Designs Ltd Dispenser
GB0706999D0 (en) * 2007-04-11 2007-05-16 Ivax Pharmaceuticals Ireland Metered-dose inhaler
DE102007045438B4 (en) * 2007-09-22 2016-09-01 Boehringer Ingelheim International Gmbh Inhale device
DE102008044770A1 (en) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-25 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma Gmbh & Co. Kg Drive unit for dose counter
GB0904059D0 (en) 2009-03-10 2009-04-22 Euro Celtique Sa Counter
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DE102014114462A1 (en) * 2013-10-15 2015-04-16 Alfred Von Schuckmann Counter and handset with counter
FR3077495B1 (en) * 2018-02-07 2023-04-14 Aptar France Sas FLUID PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SET.

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070194041A1 (en) 2007-08-23
EP1661070A1 (en) 2006-05-31
CN1839400A (en) 2006-09-27
JP2007502457A (en) 2007-02-08
CN100557629C (en) 2009-11-04
JP4676433B2 (en) 2011-04-27
FR2858867A1 (en) 2005-02-18
WO2005020138A1 (en) 2005-03-03
US7510100B2 (en) 2009-03-31
FR2858867B1 (en) 2005-11-04

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