FR2854973A1 - Dose meter for liquid product dispenser, includes flexible metering tape which is fed from feeding ring to receiving ring each time the meter is activated, and carrying figures or symbols for indicating amount of dispensed product - Google Patents

Abstract

Dose meter includes a metering device (10) in the form of a flexible metering tape (11), feeding ring (12), and receiving ring (13). Tape, made from a plastic film, is fed from feeding ring to receiving ring each time the meter is activated. Figures or symbols are marked on the tape for indicating the amount of dispensed product.

Description

The present invention relates to a dose counter, and a device for

  dispensing of fluid product comprising such a counter.

  Dose counters are well known. There are different types.

  Thus, it is common to use rotary wheels driven in rotation at each actuation of the devices, and comprising numbers or other indicating elements on the periphery, which can be seen by the user through a window provided for this purpose in the device. This type of counter is not particularly suitable for counting a large number of doses. Indeed, the figures become too small to be easily identified by the user, or the rotary wheel becomes too large in size to allow the recording of all the figures. To avoid this problem, meters have been proposed comprising several rotating wheels, one being driven in rotation by the other at each complete revolution of the unit wheel, the display of the figure being carried out by a combination of the two wheels presses. This type of counter is relatively complex to manufacture and assemble, which involves a high blow.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a dose counter which does not reproduce the abovementioned drawbacks.

  More particularly, the present invention aims to provide a dose counter capable of counting any number of doses, while being of simple construction and assembly, and therefore inexpensive.

  The present invention also aims to provide such a counter which is reliable to use, and which avoids any over-counting or under-counting, even in the event of partial actuation of the device with which the counter is associated.

  The present invention also aims to provide such a counter 25 which allows a clear and readable display, regardless of the number of doses to be counted.

  The present invention therefore relates to a dose counter for a fluid dispenser comprising counting means, characterized in that said counting means comprise a flexible counting strip 30, strip feeding means and receiving means tape, said tape being moved from said supply means to said receiving means each time said counter is actuated.

  Advantageously, said flexible strip comprises numbers and / or symbols readable by the user.

  Advantageously, said flexible strip is produced from a plastic film.

  According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, said strip supply means comprise a first rotary ring on which said counting strip is wound, and from which said strip progressively unwinds each time the counter is actuated.

  Advantageously, said strip receiving means comprise a second rotary ring on which said strip is gradually wound up at each actuation of the counter.

  Advantageously, said first and second rings are arranged one above the other and rotate around the same axis.

  Advantageously, one of said rings is rotated on each actuation of the counter.

  Advantageously, it is the second ring on which the strip is wound which is driven in rotation each time the counter is actuated.

  Advantageously, guide means are provided for guiding said strip between said strip supply means and said strip receiving means.

  The present invention also relates to a fluid dispenser device comprising a body, a fluid reservoir and a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, and comprising a counter as described above.

  Advantageously, which said device comprises a viewing window in front of which said flexible strip takes place to allow the user to view the counting information recorded on said strip.

  Advantageously, the counter comprises actuating means comprising a fixed gear, a gear movable in rotation and in axial translation and an actuating element movable axially relative to the body of the device.

  Advantageously, the fixed gear is integral with the body, the movable gear being produced on the strip receiving means, and the actuating element being a pusher movable axially relative to the body.

  Advantageously, the actuating element cooperates with a pushing member adapted to cooperate with the reservoir to move it axially in the body during actuation of the device, said pushing member being on the one hand integral with said means for receiving band and cooperating on the other hand 10 with the fixed gear so that during actuation, the thrust member is first locked in rotation by the fixed gear and moves axially towards the reservoir under the effect of the axial displacement of the actuating element and, when the connection between the thrust member and the fixed gear is removed, the thrust member rotates around the axis of axial displacement, starting to rotate the tape receiving means and therefore actuating the counter.

  Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly during the following detailed description of a particular embodiment thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples and on which: Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid dispenser device incorporating a counter according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged detail view of the upper part of the device of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a counter according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 very schematically represents a counter according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention. This counter comprises counting means 10 which comprise a flexible counting strip 11, strip feeding means 12 and strip receiving means 13. The flexible strip is wound around or on the strip feeding means 12, which it can take place. Simultaneously, the flexible strip 11 can be wound around the receiving means 13. The example in FIG. 3 shows that the strip feeding means 12 and the strip receiving means 13 are advantageously formed by rotating rings. , a first rotary ring 12 on which the counting strip 11 is wound and from which said strip is progressively unwound with each actuation of the counter, and a second rotary ring 13 on which the strip 11 is progressively wound upon each actuation of the counter. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the two rotating rings are arranged one above the other, which guarantees a minimal space requirement. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this implementation, and it is for example conceivable to separate the two rotary rings or to arrange them around one another. Likewise, the example of FIG. 3 shows two rotary rings rotating around the same axis of rotation, which also simplifies the implementation of the counter, it being however here specified that this implementation is not compulsory .

  Figures 1 and 2 show a fluid dispenser device to which the counter of Figure 3 can be applied. Of course, this is only an application example here, which is in no way limitative, so that the counter shown in FIG. 3 could be used on all types of dispensing of fluid.

  Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a fluid dispenser device of the inhaler type. This device comprises a body 1 containing a reservoir 2 on which is assembled a valve 3 allowing each actuation 25 of the device the distribution of product contained in the reservoir 2 through a mouthpiece 6. The actuation of the device is achieved by displacement axial of the reservoir 2 relative to the body 1 and to the valve of the valve 3, which causes a distribution of the product by means of a propellant gas generally contained in the reservoir 2. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the counter is arranged on the upper part of the body 1, looking at FIG. 1, in a pusher 4 movable axially relative to the body 1. This pusher 4, which serves as an actuating element for the device for distributing fluid product is thus advantageously mounted to slide axially relative to the body 1 between a rest position and an actuation position. In the actuating position, the pusher 4 cooperates with a pushing element 30 which pushes the bottom of the tank 2 in order to actuate the valve 3.

  As shown more clearly in Figure 2, the counter is arranged in a position similar to that shown in Figure 3, namely with the two superimposed rotary rings 12 and 13 rotating around the same axis of rotation, which is l axis of axial displacement of the pusher 4. Advantageously, strip guide means 15 are provided for guiding the flexible strip 11 when it is located between the first rotary ring and the second rotary ring 13. Advantageously, a viewing window 5 is arranged opposite these guide means 15 in order to ensure a clear and visible display of the indication elements representing the counting of doses. These indications are not shown in the drawings, but generally include figures corresponding to the number of doses dispensed or the number of doses remaining to be dispensed. Optionally, these figures can be supplemented and / or replaced by symbols or other means making it possible to view the counting of doses from outside the device. Preferably the flexible strip of the counter is made from a plastic film. As an indication and in a nonlimiting manner, the ribbon can have a length greater than 2 meters, a width of approximately 4 millimeters, and a thickness of approximately 0.08 millimeters. These values are particularly suitable for allowing the counting of approximately 200 doses. With this type of strip, it is possible to provide an angle of rotation of the rotary receiving ring 13 of approximately 90 on each actuation of the counter, which corresponds to an advance of approximately 10 millimeters of the flexible band on each actuation. Of course, these values are given only by way of example, and any other implementation is possible.

  It should be noted that during the unwinding of the flexible strip, the winding diameter of the rotary receiving ring 13 can vary depending on the number of turns made. This variation is small, but it is preferable to take it into account so as not to have an offset in the display. This offset 5 can be provided from the outset when the flexible strip 11 is printed with the indication means (figures and / or symbols).

  We will hereinafter briefly describe the means of actuation of the counter shown in the drawings. Of course, this is also only a particular example among several possible embodiments, and the following description is therefore not limiting for the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the rotary supply ring 12 is arranged below the rotary reception ring 13. One of these two rings is preferably driven in rotation each time the device is actuated. In the example shown, it is the reception ring which is driven in rotation at each actuation, as will be described below, but it is entirely conceivable to provide the reverse, namely a drive in rotation of the feed ring 12.

  The counter actuation means preferably comprise a fixed gear 21 which can be produced on a part 20 fixed on the body 1 of the device. This fixed gear cooperates with a thrust element 30, also called a spindle, which is axially displaceable in the direction of the reservoir 2 in order to move it when the device is actuated. The cooperation between the pushing element 30 and the fixed gear 21 is intended to prevent rotation of this pushing member 30 at the start of actuation, that is to say at the start of movement of the pusher 4, when the user applies an axial force to it.

  The pushing member 30 is integral with the rotary receiving ring 13, and comprises a gear 25 intended to cooperate with the pusher 4. This gear 25 advantageously comprises teeth whose axial surface is oblique, and which cooperates with corresponding teeth 41 provided on the pusher 4.

  Thus, when the user begins to move the pusher 4 to actuate the device, the latter first moves axially downward (in the figures) until the teeth 41 come into contact with the gear 25 of the pushing member 30. The corresponding oblique surfaces rotate the pushing member 30, and therefore the receiving ring 13, which is integral with it, but these two elements are prevented from rotating by the 5 cooperation between the thrust member 30 and the fixed gear 21. The assembly consisting of the reception ring 13, the feed ring 12 and the thrust member 30 can therefore only move axially towards the bottom, which moves the pushing member 30 towards the tank 2, in order to actuate the device. This pre-stroke for bringing the pusher 4 into contact with the thrust member 30, then the thrust member 30 in contact with the reservoir 2 makes it possible to facilitate counting of the doses, in terms of tolerances, in a short stroke d actuation of the valve. From a predetermined threshold, corresponding for example to the minimum actuation capable of creating an expulsion, there is no longer any cooperation between the thrust member 30 and the fixed gear 21. For example, the member thrust 30 may include teeth cooperating with the teeth of the fixed gear 21, the teeth no longer cooperating with this gear when the thrust member 30 has moved over a distance corresponding to said predetermined threshold. From this moment, the oblique surfaces of the teeth between the pusher 4 and the gear 25 cause a rotation of the pusher member 20 and therefore of the reception ring 13, which causes a displacement of the flexible strip. and a winding of this strip on the reception ring 13, as described above. During the return, the user releases the pressure on the pusher 4. A spring (not shown) bearing on the fixed gear 21 pushes on the receiving ring 13 which rises until the teeth of the member 25 thrust 30 are blocked in the fixed gear 21. Another spring (not shown), positioned in the thrust member 30, can then return the pusher 4 to its rest position. The pushing member 30 no longer being blocked in rotation by the pusher 4, the teeth of the fixed gear 21, also oblique, cause a rotation of the pushing member 30, and therefore of the ring 30 for receiving 13 , which causes the end of displacement of the flexible strip and its winding on the reception ring. s

  Of course, the actuation means described above could be modified, for example to perform the counting only when the pusher goes to its actuation position or only when it returns to its rest position, after dispensing the dose. . Likewise, the double gear system s (gear 21 fixed relative to the body 1, and gear 25 provided on the thrust member 30, and therefore movable in rotation and axially relative to the body 1) also makes it possible to provide security means preventing any undercounting. In the event of partial actuation of the device, these safety means can for example be formed on the fixed gear whose shape is such that l0 when the predetermined threshold, from which the thrust member 30 no longer cooperates with this gear fixed 21, has been exceeded, any release of the pusher 4 causes a rotation of the pushing member 30 and therefore a counting of doses.

  It is also possible to block the actuation of the fluid dispenser device as long as the pusher 4 is not detached from the pusher member 30. Similarly, after expulsion of the dose, these actuation means can prevent a subsequent actuation in the event that the pusher has not been returned to its rest position between two actuations. This makes it possible to ensure that the counter count is restored before allowing a new dose to be expelled, the metering chamber of the valve 3 having been filled, in the event of a new actuation.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it is understood that a person skilled in the art can make any useful modifications to it, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (14)

claims   1.- Dose counter for a fluid dispenser comprising counting means (10), characterized in that said counting means comprise a flexible counting strip (11), strip feeding means (12) and tape receiving means (13), said tape (11) being moved from said supply means (12) to said receiving means (13) each time said counter is actuated.   2. A meter according to claim 1, wherein said flexible strip (11) comprises numbers and / or symbols readable by the user.   3. A counter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said flexible strip (11) is made from a plastic film.   4. A counter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said strip supply means (12) comprise a first rotary ring (12) on which said counting strip (11) is wound, and from which said strip (11) takes place gradually with each actuation of the counter.   5. A counter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said strip receiving means (13) comprise a second rotary ring (13) on which said strip (11) is gradually wound on each actuation of the counter.   6. A meter according to claims 4 and 5, wherein said first and second rings (12, 13) are arranged one above the other and rotate around the same axis.   7. A meter according to claims 4 and 5 or according to claims 4, 5 and 6, wherein one of said rings (12, 13) is rotated each time the meter is actuated.   8. A meter according to claim 7, wherein it is the second ring (13) on which the strip (11) is wound which is rotated upon each actuation of the meter.   9. Counter according to any one of the preceding claims, in which guide means (15) are provided for guiding said strip (11) between said strip supply means (2) and said strip receiving means. (13).   10.- Fluid product distribution device comprising a body (1), a fluid product reservoir (2) and a distribution member (3), such as a pump or a valve, characterized in that it comprises a counter according to any one of the preceding claims.   11.- Device according to claim 10, wherein said device comprises a display window (5) in front of which unfolds said flexible strip (11) to allow the user to view the counting information recorded on said strip (11 ).   12.- Device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the counter comprises actuating means comprising a fixed gear (21), a gear (25) movable in rotation and in axial translation and an actuating element (4) axially movable relative to the body (1) 15 of the device.   13.- Device according to claim 12, wherein the fixed gear (21) is integral with the body (1), the movable gear (25) being integral with the strip receiving means (13), and the element d actuation being a pusher (4) movable axially relative to the body (1).   14.- Device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the actuating element (4) cooperates with a thrust member (30) adapted to cooperate with the reservoir (2) to move it axially in the body (1) during actuation of the device, said pushing member (30) being on the one hand integral with said strip receiving means (13) and cooperating on the other hand with the fixed gear (21) so that during of the actuation, the thrust member is first locked in rotation by the fixed gear and moves axially in the direction of the reservoir (2) under the effect of the axial displacement of the actuating element (4) and, when the connection between the pushing member (30) and the fixed gear (21) is removed, the pushing member (30) rotates around the axis of axial movement, 2854973 it rotationally engaging the tape receiving means (13) and therefore actuating the counter. * * *