FR3077486A1 - DEVICE FOR ASSISTING THE USE OF A DEVICE FOR DISTRIBUTING A PRODUCT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for assisting (1) the use of a device for dispensing a product, the dispensing device comprising a product reservoir, the assistance device (1) comprising: - means securing device (20) to the dispensing device, - detecting means of a cap, removably mounted relative to a product dispensing orifice between a protective position in which the dispensing orifice is inaccessible by the user and a position of use, the detection means comprising optical detection means, capable of providing a significant detection signal of the presence or absence of the cap in the protective position.

Description

Device for assisting in the use of a device for dispensing a product [0001] The invention relates to a device for assisting in the use of a device for dispensing a product in an organ of a topic. This is in particular a liquid product to be distributed in an organ, such as the eye, the nose or even an area of the skin. The invention also relates to a method of using the assistance device and a distribution kit comprising a device for dispensing a product and a device for assisting the use of the distribution device.

It has already been proposed in products placed on the market, dispensing devices comprising a reservoir, a product dispensing orifice and a cap intended to cover the dispensing orifice. The cap protects the dispensing opening when not in use. On the other hand, if the cap is not put back on after use, one could encounter difficulties in using the dispensing device after a certain time during which the dispensing orifice is exposed in the air. For example, this can cause crystallization of the residual product at the dispensing orifice.

The invention particularly aims to provide a device for assisting the use of a distribution device ensuring proper use of the distribution device by a user.

To this end, the invention relates to a device for assisting in the use of a device for dispensing a product, the dispensing device comprising a reservoir of product, the assisting device comprising:

- means of attachment to the distribution device,

- Detection means of a cap mounted removably relative to a product dispensing orifice between a protective position in which the dispensing orifice is inaccessible by the user and a position of use, the detection means comprising remote detection means, capable of providing a significant detection signal of the presence or absence of the cap in the protection position.

[0005] Thus, by detecting the absence of the cap in the protective position, it can be deduced therefrom that the cap is in the position of use and subsequently identify whether the user is using the dispensing device correctly. In particular, this makes it possible to identify whether the dispensing orifice is protected, subsequently preventing a malfunction due, for example, to crystallized product which stagnates in front of the dispensing orifice, or even ensuring better hygiene and better antimicrobial properties. at the dispensing orifice.

The use of remote detection means is particularly advantageous, since such means do not require mechanical deformation to be activated, hence improved robustness. In particular, compared to detection means which could include a contact sensor such as a switch, there is more reliability and less risk of breaking or damaging a component. In addition, the remote detection means do not require any additional effort on the part of the user to engage the cap in the protective position, thus reducing the risks of poor recapping.

The term “remote detection means” generally means non-contact detection means, in particular without contact with the cap in the protective position, ensuring their detection function by means of a wave or a field, for example an electromagnetic wave or a magnetic field. It is understood that the detection means are configured to detect the presence and / or absence of the cap in the protection position. It is further understood that the detection signal supplied by the detection means can include several pieces of information, such as for example information indicating the presence of the cap in the protection position, information indicating the absence of the cap in the protection position, or information indicating the change of state of the position of the cap.

The dispensing device can be used to dispense, for example, liquid product or even an inhalation powder. The dispensing device can be a device for dispensing a product in the form of drops, a spray, a device for dispensing an aerosol, or even a device for injecting a liquid or even solid product.

The assistance device may also include one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

- The assistance device comprises a system for processing the detection signal supplied by the detection means, capable of triggering means for indicating information to a user of the assistance device, the information being able to be indicated selectively according to the detection signal, for example visual means, sound means and / or tactile means, preferably visual means which light up when the cap is detected in the position of use.

This makes it possible to indicate to the user information relating to the presence or absence of the cap, for example a warning to make him think of putting the cap back on, or even one or more images forming a tutorial to indicate the correct use to be implemented by the user. The visual means may in particular comprise a screen for displaying information in alphanumeric form and / or light signals, for example of different color or shape.

- The assistance device comprises means for measuring a period during which the cap is in a position other than the protective position. This makes it possible for example to define a minimum time threshold before triggering indication means, in particular avoiding warning the user when the cap is removed only for dispensing product. This can also be used to indicate how long the cap has been in this other position.

- The detection means comprise a transmitter and a receiver configured so that the signal transmitted by the transmitter is received by the receiver when the cap is in the use position and that the signal transmitted by the transmitter is disturbed before it is received by the receiver when the cap is in the protective position. It is a simple and inexpensive way to detect the presence of the cap in the protective position. It is understood that a signal emitted by the transmitter and disturbed before its reception by the receiver can designate in particular the case of a signal which is not received at all by the receiver, because it has been cut by a barrier.

- The assistance device is intended to cooperate with a dispensing device ensuring the distribution of the product in the form of drops, the cap detection means being means for detecting the presence of a drop in the vicinity of the dispensing orifice of the dispensing device secured to the assistance device. Thus, the same detection means are used to make it possible to monitor the presence or absence of the cap and the correct distribution of product or even to estimate the quantity of product remaining in the tank. Indeed, ensuring the protection of the dispensing device is particularly relevant in the case of dispensing drops, since this often generates a little residual liquid at the dispensing orifice.

- The assistance device comprises a processing system capable of distinguishing the presence of a cap and the presence of a drop, for example as a function of the intensity of the detection signal supplied by the detection means. Thus, the indication of the information to the user is precise and correct, while using the same means to detect the presence of the cap and the presence of a drop.

- The detection means are optical detection means, for example comprising an infrared sensor. Other optical detection means can also be envisaged, such as a color detector or also called a colorimeter, making it possible to detect the cap by color detection. Such a detector is for example cited in the document WO2016183394, in particular in paragraph 66, pages 12-13 of this document.

- The detection means are Hall effect detection means.

The invention further relates to a method for monitoring the use of a device for dispensing a product, the dispensing device comprising a product reservoir, the monitoring method comprising a step of detecting a cap in protective position, the cap being removably mounted relative to a dispensing orifice between a protective position in which the dispensing orifice is inaccessible by the user and a position of use, the detection step being carried out by means of remote detection.

The monitoring method may also include, in particular, a step of measuring a period during which the cap is in a position other than the protective position, triggering a step of informing a user in the case where this duration is greater than a predefined threshold.

The invention finally relates to a product distribution kit, comprising a product distribution device and an assistance device as described above. Preferably, the assistance device and the distribution device are separate devices, attached to each other and removable, but it is conceivable that they are made in one piece, made from one material.

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

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assistance device secured to the dispensing device according to a first embodiment;

- Figures 2A and 2B are schematic sectional views along a plane Y of the assistance device of Figure 1 respectively with and without cap in the protective position;

- Figures 3A and 3B are schematic sectional views along a plane X of the assistance device of Figure 1 respectively with and without cap in the protective position;

- Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of the assistance device of the figure with a cap in the protective position;

- Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of the assistance device of the figure without cap in the protective position;

- Figure 6 is a graph illustrating the importance of the signal disturbance when using the assistance device of Figure 1;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of an assistance device secured to the dispensing device according to a second embodiment, with a cap in the protective position;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of the assistance device of Figure 7 without cap in the protective position;

- Figure 9 is a sectional view of an assistance device secured to the dispensing device according to a third embodiment, with a cap in the protective position;

- Figure 10 is a perspective view of the assistance device of Figure 7 without integral distribution device.

An assistance device according to a first embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 and designated by the reference 1 is configured to cooperate with a dispensing device 30 (visible in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B ) ensuring a distribution of the product in the form of drops. The assistance device 1 in this example comprises an upper part 10 intended to bear on an organ of a subject, for example the eye contour of a person. The assistance device 1 further comprises a lower part comprising fastening means 20 forming a box intended to receive the dispensing device 30 and to be secured to it. For example, the securing means 20 may contain a reservoir of ophthalmic product or eye drops and indication means 23 which are a display screen in this example.

Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B respectively illustrate a sectional view along a plane Y and a plane X of the upper part 10 of the assistance device 1, the planes Y and X being orthogonal to one 'other. As visible in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a dispensing device 30 is arranged inside the assistance device 1 and comprises a dispensing tip having a dispensing orifice 31 and a cap 40. The assisting device 1 comprises remote detection means 11, 12, for example optical detection means, comprising a transmitter 11 and a receiver

12. For example, the emitter 11 can be an infrared photoemissive diode and the receiver 12 can be a photosensitive transistor. The detection means 11, 12 are arranged on the inner wall of the upper part 10 of the assistance device 1, on either side of the dispensing orifice 31 when the assistance device 1 is secured to the distribution 30, being here diametrically opposite or on two opposite faces of this upper part 10. Thus, the photosensitive transistor 12 is opposite the infrared photoemissive diode 11 and is capable of receiving a signal emitted by the latter. The optical detection means are for example an optical sensor from the brand OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Inc. or from the brand Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division.

According to another embodiment not shown, the transmitter and the receiver are arranged on the same side of the dispensing orifice when the assistance device is secured to the dispensing device, the signal being received by reflection on an at least partially reflecting wall.

According to another embodiment not shown, the remote detection means are of the Hall effect type, for example from the brand Infineon. These Hall effect detection means may be used when the cap contains a metal additive capable of disturbing the magnetic field, the disturbance of the magnetic field being detectable by a Hall effect sensor.

To protect the dispensing orifice 31, the cap 40 is removably mounted relative to the dispensing orifice 31 between a protective position in which the dispensing orifice 31 is inaccessible by the user, such as 'illustrated in Figure 2A, 3A or 4, and a position of use as illustrated in Figure 2B, 3B or 5. When the detection means 11, 12 are activated, the transmitter 11 sends a signal (S ) towards the receiver 12. If the cap 40 is in the protective position, the signal (S) transmitted by the transmitter 11 is disturbed before it is received by the receiver 12, for example in the case of an optical signal, it is cut because the cap 40 which forms an obstacle. If the cap 40 is in the position of use, the signal (S) transmitted by the transmitter 11 is received by the receiver 12 without being disturbed. In this way, the detection means

11, 12 provide a significant detection signal of the presence or absence of the cap 40 in position position, depending on whether or not the signal (S) is received by the receiver 12.

The assistance device 1 may comprise a system for processing the detection signal supplied by the detection means 11, 12, for example a printed circuit of the PCB type (for “printed circuit board”), a set of transistors and / or a computer, housed inside the upper part 10 or the lower part 20. The processing system is capable of triggering means for indicating information to the user of the assistance device 1. In this example, the indication means are a display screen 23 used to display this information. The assistance device 1 can also include means for measuring a period during which the cap 40 is in a position other than the protective position, for example by means of a timer associated with the optical detection means 11,

12.

As mentioned above, the dispensing device 30 which is secured to the assistance device 1 provides a distribution of the product in the form of drops. As shown in Figure 5, each drop 32 is distributed at the outlet of the dispensing orifice 31 and falls vertically into the organ by gravity. According to a particularly advantageous option of the first embodiment, the detection means 11, 12 of the cap 40 are capable of also detecting the presence of a drop 32 in the vicinity of the dispensing orifice 31, since the passage of a drop 32 of product can disturb the reception of the signal (S) emitted by the transmitter 11.

To this end, the processing system of the assistance device 1 is able to distinguish the presence of a cap 40 and the presence of a drop 32, for example as a function of the intensity of the signal (S) received by the receiver 12. FIG. 6 illustrates a graph of the importance of the disturbance of the signal (S) during the use of the assistance device 1 and its processing by such a processing system: when the cap 40 is present in protective position, the signal (S) emitted by the transmitter 11 is disturbed to a maximum level, for example a level of index 3, or even stops at the level of the cap 40 when the latter is made of a material opaque in the case of an optical type signal; when the cap 40 is in the position of use, that is to say that it no longer covers the dispensing orifice 31 and that a drop 32 disturbs the signal (S), the signal (S) emitted is disturbed at an intermediate level, for example here an index level 1.5; when the cap 40 is in the use position and no drop 32 disturbs the signal (S), for example when the dispensing device 30 is put in the rest state or between two drop passages 32, the signal ( S) is not disturbed at all, which corresponds to a minimum disturbance level, for example here a level of index 0.

It is understood that a method for monitoring the use of the dispensing device 30 includes in particular a step of detecting the cap 40 in the protective position, the detection step being carried out by means of detection 11,

12. The method may further comprise a step of measuring a duration during which the cap 40 is in a position other than the protection position, triggering a step of informing the user in the event that this duration is greater. at a predefined threshold.

According to a second embodiment, the assistance device 2 as shown in FIG. 7, and designated by the reference 2, is configured to cooperate with a dispensing device 50 ensuring distribution of the product by axial activation, here as a spray. Axial activation is understood to mean activating the dispensing device 50 in the direction of the product dispensing axis, by exerting a force in this axial direction towards the reservoir. The dispensing device 50 as visible in section view in FIG. 9 more precisely comprises a reservoir 33 intended to contain a product to be dispensed, an applicator tip 52 intended to be brought into contact with or near a member of a subject, for example the nose of a person, the applicator tip 52 carrying a dispensing orifice 51 at its end. The dispensing device 50 also includes a pumping interface 53 connecting the applicator tip 52 to the reservoir 33 so that the product to be dispensed is transferred from the reservoir 33 to the dispensing orifice 51 by an axial activation exerted by the user . As in the first embodiment, a cap 60 is removably mounted relative to the dispensing orifice 51 to protect the dispensing orifice 51.

As shown in Figure 10, the assistance device 2 in this example may include a one-piece body having a central opening 25 allowing the passage of at least a portion of the dispensing device 50 and means securing (not detailed in the figures) to the distribution device 50. The securing means are for example complementary forms of engagement capable of mutually engaging to axially secure the assistance device 2 to the distribution device 50. According to chosen forms of engagement, the axial rotation of the assistance device 2 relative to the dispensing device 50 can be left free or blocked. The assistance device 2 also comprises, on the one-piece body, indication means 23 which are a display screen in this example. In order to transmit the force applied by the user to the pumping interface 53 of the dispensing device 50, the assistance device 2 has a support zone 26 intended to receive the fingers of a user and movable between a position of rest and an activated position in which it activates the dispensing device 50 to obtain the dispensing of product during a pressure exerted by the user on the support zone 26 in the axial direction towards the reservoir 33.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, the assistance device 2 comprises detection means 21, 22 for example optical detection means comprising a transmitter 21 and a receiver 22. The detection means 21, 22 may be the same as those used in the first embodiment. They are arranged at the periphery of the central opening 25, one close to the other and separated by the cap 60 when the latter is in the protective position, and are configured so that the receiver 22 can receive a signal (S) emitted by the transmitter 21 at least when the cap 60 is in the use position. In this example, the transmitter 21 and the receiver 22 are not arranged in opposite positions relative to the assistance device 2, but in close proximity to one another. This arrangement makes it possible to detect the absence of the cap 60 in the protection position, because when the cap 60 is absent from this position, the signal (S) can pass between the transmitter 21 and the receiver 22 without being disturbed by the cap 60. In addition, the transmitter 21 and the receiver 22 are configured so that the signal (S) can pass between them without being disturbed by a part of the dispensing device 50 such as the applicator tip 52 which passes through the central opening 25 and projects from the support zone 26.

The operation of the detection means 21, 22 is similar to that of the first embodiment: when the detection means 21, 22 are activated, the transmitter 21 sends a signal (S) towards the receiver 22. If the cap 60 is in the protective position as illustrated in FIG. 7, the signal (S) sent by the transmitter 21 is disturbed before it is received by the receiver 22, or even cut off. If the cap 60 is in the position of use as illustrated in FIG. 8, the signal (S) transmitted by the transmitter 21 is received by the receiver 22 without being disturbed. In this way, the detection means 21, 22 provide a significant detection signal of the presence or absence of the cap 60 in the protection position, depending on whether or not the signal (S) is received by the receiver 22. Information corresponding is then displayed on the display screen 23.

Advantageously, the assistance device 2 can comprise a lower housing 24 as illustrated in FIG. 9, configured to receive at least the reservoir 33 of the dispensing device 50. The lower housing 24 in this example forms the means of attachment to the dispensing device 50. The lower housing 24 is connected to the reservoir 33 by conventional fixing means such as snap-fastening, gluing or even gluing.

The method of monitoring the use of the distribution device 50 is similar to that of the distribution device 30.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is in particular possible to replace the display screen with any indication means such as an indicator light which, preferably, lights up when the cap is detected in the position of use. Other means of indication can be envisaged, such as a tactile or auditory indication. Means for additional detection of the cap can also be envisaged, for example mechanical detection means such as a switch, a contact area or even two electrodes connected to an electrical supply, the electrical supply and the electrodes forming an open electrical circuit configured to be closed and circulate an electric current when the cap is in the protective position.

Furthermore, the display means can also display the duration measured by the measuring means during which the cap has remained in the position of use. The display means can additionally provide additional information to the user in the event that this duration is greater than a predefined threshold.

Claims (11)

claims 1. Assistance device (1,2) for the use of a device for dispensing (30, 50) a product, the dispensing device (30, 50) comprising a reservoir (33) of product, the assistance device (1,2) comprising: - means for securing (20, 24) to the distribution device (30, 50), - Detection means (11, 12, 21, 22) of a cap (40, 60) mounted removably relative to a dispensing orifice (31, 51) of the product between a protective position in which the orifice distribution (31, 51) is inaccessible by the user and a position of use, the detection means (11, 12, 21, 22) comprising remote detection means (11, 12, 21,22), capable providing a significant detection signal of the presence or absence of the cap (40, 60) in the protection position. 2. Assistance device (1, 2) according to the preceding claim, comprising a system for processing the detection signal supplied by the detection means (11, 12, 21, 22), capable of triggering indication means ( 23) of information to a user of the assistance device (1,2), the information being able to be selectively indicated according to the detection signal, for example visual means, sound means and / or tactile means , preferably visual means that light up when the cap (40, 60) is detected in the position of use. 3. Assistance device (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for measuring a period during which the cap (40, 60) is in a position other than the protective position. 4. Assistance device (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the detection means (11, 12, 21, 22) comprise a transmitter (11, 21) and a receiver (12, 22 ) configured so that the signal sent by the transmitter (11,21) is received by the receiver (12, 22) when the cap (40, 60) is in the use position and the signal (S) sent by the transmitter (11,21) is disturbed before it is received by the receiver (12, 22) when the cap (40, 60) is in the protection position. 5. Assistance device (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, intended to cooperate with a distribution device (30) ensuring a distribution of the product in the form of drops (32), the detection means (11 , 12, 21, 22) of the cap being means for detecting the presence of a drop (32) in the vicinity of the dispensing orifice (31, 51) of the dispensing device (30, 50) secured to the device d assistance (1,2). 6. Assistance device (1, 2) according to the preceding claim, comprising a treatment system capable of distinguishing the presence of a cap (40, 60) and the presence of a drop (32), for example as a function of the intensity of the detection signal supplied by the detection means (11, 12, 21, 22). 7. Assistance device (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the detection means (11, 12, 21, 22) are optical detection means, preferably comprising an infrared sensor. 8. Assistance device (1,2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the detection means are Hall effect detection means. 9. Method for monitoring the use of a dispensing device (30, 50) of a product, the dispensing device (30, 50) comprising a product reservoir, the monitoring method comprising a step of detecting a '' a cap in the protective position, the cap being removably mounted relative to a dispensing orifice (31, 51) between a protective position in which the dispensing orifice (31, 51) is inaccessible by the user and a position of use, the detection step being carried out by means of remote detection means. 10. Monitoring method according to the preceding claim, comprising a step of measuring a duration during which the cap is in a position other than the protective position, triggering a step of informing a user in the event that this duration is greater than a predefined threshold. 11. Kit for dispensing a product, comprising a device for dispensing (30, 50) the product and an assistance device (1,2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.