Patent Publication Number: US-2021187215-A1

Title: Device for inhalation-synchronized dispensing of a fluid product

Description:
The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser device in which dispensing is synchronized with inhaling, and more particularly it relates to an inhaler device of the aerosol type synchronized with inhaling. 
     Breath actuated inhaler (BAI) devices are well known in the state of the art. The main advantage of this type of device is that the dispensing of fluid is synchronized with the patient inhaling, so as to guarantee that the fluid is properly dispensed into the airways. Thus, in the field of aerosol devices, i.e. devices in which the fluid is dispensed by means of a propellant gas, numerous types of breath actuated inhaler device have been proposed. However, those devices present the drawback of including a large number of parts, i.e. they are complicated and costly to manufacture and to assemble, which is obviously disadvantageous. It is also difficult to find the right balance between reliable triggering on each inhalation, without the actuation threshold being too high, and a latch that is robust enough to prevent accidental of unwanted actuation. Unfortunately, when the latch releases accidentally, the device is actuated automatically and the dose is dispensed, even when the user does not want it. 
     Documents WO 2004/028608, U.S. Pat. No. 3 456 646, US 5 119 806, NZ 562 769, US 2008/156321, WO 2008/070516, WO 2010/003846, and WO 2013/178951 describe prior-art devices. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device  that improves operational reliability by guaranteeing effective actuation on each inhalation. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that minimizes the risks of accidental or unwanted actuation. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that does not present an actuation threshold that is too high, thereby making it possible for people who are relatively weak, such as the sick or the elderly, to use the device in safe and reliable manner. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and to assemble. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that avoids the risks of the valve malfunctioning as a result of the valve chamber not filling properly after actuation. 
     The present invention thus provides an inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device comprising a body provided with a mouthpiece, a fluid reservoir containing a fluid and a propellant gas being mounted to slide axially relative to said body, a metering valve including a valve member being assembled by means of a fastener element, such as a crimping cap, on said reservoir for selectively dispensing the fluid, said device further comprising: 
     a blocking element that is movable and/or deformable between a blocking position in which said metering valve cannot be actuated, and an actuation position in which said metering valve can be actuated; 
     a trigger element that is movable and/or deformable between a locking position in which it blocks said blocking element in its blocking position, and a  release position in which it does not block said blocking element; and 
     an inhalation-controlled trigger system including an inhalation-sensitive member that is deformable and/or movable under the effect of inhaling, said inhalation-sensitive member co-operating with said trigger element, so that when said inhalation-sensitive member is deformed and/or moved, it moves and/or deforms said trigger element towards its release position, thereby making it possible to move and/or deform said blocking element from its blocking position towards its actuation position; 
     said device comprising a ring that includes an axial projection that co-operates with said blocking element, such that in the blocking position of said blocking element, said axial projection of said ring co-operates with an axial blocking extension of said blocking element, thereby preventing said reservoir from moving axially, and in the actuation position of said blocking element, said axial projection of said ring co-operates with an axial recess of said blocking element, thereby enabling said reservoir to move axially. 
     Advantageously, said ring is snap-fastened around said fastener element, a hoop being engaged around said ring. 
     Advantageously, said blocking element is mounted to pivot on the body about a pivot axis B, and said trigger element is mounted to pivot on the body about a pivot axis C, said axes B and C being parallel. 
     Advantageously, in the blocking position, the force F exerted by said ring on said axial blocking extension of said blocking element extends along an axis Y that is perpendicular to said pivot axis B of said blocking element. 
     Advantageously, said axis Y is spaced apart from said pivot axis B by a distance d that is not zero, said distance d being less than 2.4 millimeters (mm), advantageously less than 1 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm.  
     Advantageously, in the blocking position of said blocking element, said axial projection of said ring urges said blocking element towards its actuation position. 
     Advantageously, said blocking element includes a locking projection that, in the locking position of the trigger element, co-operates with a locking shoulder of said trigger element so as to define a latch that prevents said blocking element from moving and/or deforming out of its blocking position. 
     Advantageously, in the blocking position, the force F′ exerted by said locking projection of said blocking element on said locking shoulder of said trigger element extends along an axis Z that is perpendicular to said pivot axis C of said trigger element. 
     Advantageously, said axis Z is spaced apart from said pivot axis C by a distance d′ that is not zero, said distance d′ being less than 2 mm, advantageously less than 1 mm, preferably about 0.25 mm. 
     Advantageously, in the locking position of the trigger element, said latch forms a first contact point between said blocking element and said trigger element, said blocking element including a bearing projection that, in the locking position of the trigger element, co-operates with a bearing surface of said trigger element so as to form, in the locking position of the trigger element, a second contact point between said blocking element and said trigger element, said second contact point being, in the locking position of the trigger element, at a distance from said axis C of the trigger element that is greater than the distance between said axis C and said first contact point. 
     Advantageously, an actuator member is mounted to move axially, in particular in sliding, in said body between a rest position and a primed position, a spring being arranged between said actuator member and said reservoir or an element that is secured to said  reservoir, so that when said actuator member moves towards its primed position, said spring is compressed, so as to transmit an axial force to said reservoir. 
     Advantageously, a laterally-actuated pusher is mounted to move in pivoting and in translation on said body between a rest position and a working position, movement of said laterally-actuated pusher towards its working position moving said actuator member axially towards its primed position. 
     Advantageously, said laterally-actuated pusher includes a first bearing zone P 1  for bearing against said actuator member, and a second bearing zone P 2  for bearing against the body. 
     Advantageously, said first bearing zone P 1  is a pivot point, and said second bearing zone P 2  is a surface for radial sliding. 
     Advantageously, said device includes a blocking member that is movable and/or deformable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position, said blocking member, in its blocking position, co-operating with said trigger element so as to prevent it from moving towards its release position, said laterally-actuated pusher including a projection that co-operates with said blocking member when said laterally-actuated pusher is moved towards its working position, so as to move and/or deform said blocking member towards its non-blocking position. 
     Advantageously, said inhalation-sensitive member includes a deformable membrane that defines a deformable air chamber, said deformable membrane being fastened to said trigger element, said deformable membrane being deformed during inhaling, so that it moves said trigger element from its locking position towards its release position. 
     Advantageously, said mouthpiece includes an opening that is connected to the inside of the body, said opening being closed at the start of inhaling by a check valve,  such that the inhalation flow due to inhaling initially passes mainly to the trigger system. 
     Advantageously, said check valve is opened when said ring moves axially together with said reservoir. 
     These and other characteristics and advantages appear more clearly from the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded diagrammatic and fragmentary perspective view of a fluid dispenser device, in an advantageous embodiment; 
       FIG. 2  is a cut-away diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of the  FIG. 1  device, shown after assembly and in its rest position; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic section view of another portion of the  FIG. 1  device, shown after assembly and in its rest position; 
       FIG. 4  is a cut-away diagrammatic perspective view of the  FIG. 1  device, shown after assembly and in its rest position; 
       FIG. 5  is a view similar to the view in  FIG. 4 , shown after the actuator pusher has been actuated; 
       FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic section view of the  FIG. 1  device, shown in its rest position; 
       FIG. 7  is a view similar to the view in  FIG. 6 , shown after the actuator pusher has been actuated and before inhalation; 
       FIG. 8  is a larger-scale diagrammatic view of a detail of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic perspective view of the ring; 
       FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic perspective view of the trigger element;  FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic perspective view of the blocking element;  
       FIG. 12  is a view similar to the view in  FIG. 7 , shown at the start of inhalation; 
       FIG. 13  is a larger-scale diagrammatic view of a detail of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIGS. 14 to 17  are views similar to the view in  FIG. 13 , shown at various stages of an actuation cycle; 
       FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic and fragmentary side view in section of the  FIG. 1  device, shown in its rest position; 
       FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic and fragmentary front view in section of the  FIG. 1  device, shown in its rest position; 
       FIG. 20  is a view similar to the view in  FIG. 18 , shown after actuation; 
       FIG. 21  is a view similar to the view in  FIG. 11 , shown after actuation; and 
       FIGS. 22 to 24  are diagrammatic and fragmentary section views of the  FIG. 1  device, shown respectively in its rest position, during actuation, and during return towards its rest position. 
    
    
     In the description, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “upwards”, and “downwards” refer to the position of the device as shown in particular in  FIGS. 6 to 8 and 12 to 24 . The terms “axial” and “radial”, except when specified in some other way, are relative to the vertical central axis A of the valve shown in  FIG. 6 . The terms “proximal” and “distal” are relative to the mouthpiece. 
     The invention applies more particularly to inhaler devices of the aerosol-valve type for oral dispensing, as described in greater detail below, but it could also apply to other types of inhaler device, e.g. of the nasal type. 
     The figures show advantageous embodiments of the invention, but naturally one or more of the component parts described below could be made in some other way, while providing functions that are similar or identical.  
     With reference to the drawings, the device includes a body  10  provided with a mouthpiece  400 . 
     The body  10  may be made as a single piece or out of a plurality of parts that are assembled together. In the non-limiting examples shown, the body  10  comprises three portions, a central portion  10 ′, a bottom portion  10 ″, and a top portion  10 ′″. In the description below, the body is designated, in overall manner, by the numerical reference  10 . 
     The mouthpiece  400  defines a dispenser orifice through which the user inhales while the device is being used. The mouthpiece  400  may be made integrally with the body  10 . In the embodiments shown in the drawings, it is formed on the bottom body portion  10 ″. A removable protective cap (not shown) may be provided on said mouthpiece  400 , in particular while it is being stored, that the user removes before use. 
     The body  10  contains a reservoir  100  that contains the fluid to be dispensed and a propellant gas, such as a gas of the hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) type, a metering valve  200  being mounted on said reservoir  100  for selectively dispensing the fluid. The metering valve  200  comprises a valve body, and a valve member  210  that, during actuation, is axially movable relative to said valve body, and thus relative to said reservoir  100 . The metering valve  200  can be of any appropriate type. It is fastened to the reservoir  100  via a fastener element  5 , preferably a crimped cap, preferably with a neck gasket interposed therebetween. 
     Advantageously, during actuation, the valve member  210  is stationary relative to the body  10 , and it is the reservoir  100  that is moved axially relative to the body  10  between a distal position, which is the rest position, and a proximal position, which is the actuation position. 
     The outlet orifice of the valve member  210  of said metering valve  200  is connected via a channel to said mouthpiece  400  through which the user inhales the fluid  to be dispensed. In known manner, said valve member  210  is received in a valve well  700  that defines said channel, at least in part. 
     The device includes a ring  900  that is advantageously fastened around said fastener element  5 , e.g. by snap-fastening by means of snap-fastener tabs  905 . Advantageously, a hoop  950  is engaged around said ring  900 , so as to hold said snap-fastener tabs  905  in their snap-fastened position. The ring  900  includes an axial projection  901  having a function that is described below. 
     An actuator member  800  is advantageously assembled around the reservoir  100 . The actuator member  800  includes a hollow sleeve  801  that is arranged in the body  10  around the reservoir  100 , with a spring  850  arranged between the bottom of said hollow sleeve  801  and the reservoir  100  or an element that is secured to said reservoir  100 , such as the ring  900  or the hoop  950 . The hollow sleeve  801  is axially movable, in particular in sliding, relative to said reservoir  100  between a rest position and a primed position. Thus, when the user wishes to actuate the metering valve  200 , the user presses on said actuator member  800 . This moves said hollow sleeve  801  axially towards its primed position and thus compresses said spring  850 , which thus transmits an axial force F to said reservoir  100 , in particular via said hoop  950 , in the embodiment shown. The axial force F is substantially the same on each actuation. While the user continues to press on said actuator member  800 , said spring  850  is compressed and drives said reservoir  100  axially towards its actuated position. 
     A laterally-actuated pusher  20  is advantageously mounted to move in pivoting and in translation on the body  10 . When moved from its rest position shown in particular in  FIG. 6 , to its working position shown in particular in  FIG. 7 , the pusher  20  moves said actuator member  800  axially so as to compress the spring  850 .  
     The laterally-actuated pusher  20  advantageously includes a first bearing zone P 1  for bearing against said actuator member  800 , and a second bearing zone P 2  for bearing against the body  10 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first bearing zone P 1  is a pivot point, and the second bearing zone P 2  is a surface for radial sliding. While the pusher  20  is being actuated, the pivot point P 1  slides axially downwards relative to the body  10 , while the contact point in the zone P 2  moves radially inwards relative to the body  10 . 
     In this embodiment, the pusher  20  is thus movable both in pivoting and in translation. This makes it possible to reduce the force required from the user, while remaining compact. This reduction makes it possible to actuate the valve  200  with a force that is smaller than the force that would be required if the user had to press axially on the bottom of the reservoir  100 . In particular, in the embodiment shown, and as can be seen clearly in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the force required to actuate the valve  200  axially is typically in the range 40 newtons (N) to 45 N (depending on the stiffness of the spring  850 ), while the force required to actuate the laterally-actuated pusher  20  is only about  15  N. In this embodiment, the reduction is thus about a factor of three. It is possible to increase this ratio further, in particular by acting on the shapes of the various parts. 
     While the user continues to press on said pusher, said spring  850  is compressed and drives said reservoir  100  axially towards its actuated position. 
     After each actuation, when the user releases the pressure on the pusher  20 , which occurs naturally, said pusher returns automatically towards its rest position under the effect of the spring  850 . After the metering valve  200  has been actuated, this makes it possible to avoid the risk of said metering valve remaining in its actuated position, which could cause the valve chamber to  fill with air and the following dose to be incomplete, or it could cause the valve to leak. This is one of the problems that currently exist with devices that are currently on the market. The device includes a blocking element  500  that is movable and/or deformable between a blocking position in which said metering valve  200  cannot be actuated, and an actuation position in which said metering valve  200  can be actuated. In the rest position, said blocking element  500  is in the blocking position, and it is the user inhaling through the mouthpiece  400  that moves and/or deforms said blocking element  500  towards its actuation position. In other words, so long as the user does not inhale, it is impossible to actuate the metering valve  200 , and it is only when the user inhales that said metering valve  200  can be actuated, by moving the reservoir  100  axially in the body  10 . 
     As described in greater detail below, the blocking element  500 , in its blocking position, prevents the reservoir  100  from moving axially in the body  10 . During inhaling, the blocking element  500  is moved and/or deformed so that it no longer prevents the reservoir  100  from moving axially in the body  10 . Thus, after inhaling, such axial movement of the reservoir  100  causes the metering valve  200  to be actuated and a dose of fluid to be dispensed, synchronously with the inhaling. 
     Thus, in the absence of inhaling, there is no risk of an active dose of fluid being lost by accidental or incomplete actuation during which the user does not inhale. Actuating the valve  200  and expelling a dose of fluid are thus possible only when the user inhales and simultaneously actuates the actuator pusher  20 . In a variant, it is also possible to envisage that the user presses axially, directly on the bottom of the reservoir, or it is possible to use an automatic actuator system that would apply the axial pressure on the reservoir independently of the user.  
     The device includes a trigger system that is controlled by the user inhaling, and that is for moving and/or deforming said blocking element  500  from its blocking position towards its actuation position, when the user inhales through the mouthpiece  400 . 
     The trigger system includes an inhalation-sensitive member  60  that is deformable and/or movable under the effect of inhaling, the inhalation-sensitive member  60  being adapted, when it is deformed and/or moved, to make it possible to move and/or deform said blocking element  500  from its blocking position towards its actuation position. 
     As described in greater detail below, the inhalation-sensitive member may be made in the form of a deformable air chamber  60 , e.g. a bellows or a deformable pouch. 
     In this way, the inhalation-controlled trigger system is not situated in the user&#39;s suction flow but is formed by a specific chamber, namely the air chamber  60 . This differs from systems that operate by means of a flap that moves/deforms in the suction flow, in which systems, after triggering, the user sucks in the air that exists on each side of the flap. In this embodiment, the system operates under suction and the user sucks in only the small volume of air that was inside the air chamber  60  before it deformed. In the invention, the system is thus much more stable and effective. 
     The blocking element  500  is advantageously mounted to pivot about an axis B on the body  10 , between a blocking position and an actuation position. In the embodiment shown, said axis B may be formed by projections that are provided on a bottom surface of the body  10 , the blocking element  500  including complementary profiles  511  that are adapted to pivot on said projections. Other embodiments are also possible. 
     The blocking element  500  includes at least one, preferably two, blocking extensions  501 , each of which  co-operates in the blocking position with a respective axial projection  901  of said ring  900  that is secured to the reservoir  100 .  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the blocking element  500 . 
     When the blocking element  500  moves towards its actuation position, in particular by pivoting about the axis B, each blocking extension  501  moves out of contact with its respective axial projection  901 . In particular, adjacent to each blocking extension  501 , said blocking element  500  includes an axial recess  502  in which the respective axial projection  901  can slide axially, thereby enabling said reservoir  100  to slide axially in said body  10 , causing the valve  200  to be actuated and a dose of fluid to be dispensed. 
     The blocking element  500  is held in its blocking position by a trigger element  600 .  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the trigger element  600 . The trigger element  600  is advantageously mounted to pivot about an axis C on the body  10 , between a locking position in which it blocks said blocking element  500  in its blocking position, and a release position in which it no longer blocks said blocking element  500 . 
     Advantageously, the axes B and C are parallel. 
     The blocking element  500  and the trigger element  600  co-operate with each other to define a latch. In particular, said trigger element  600  includes a locking shoulder  610  that, in the locking position, co-operates with a locking projection  510  of the blocking element  500 , preventing said blocking element  500  from pivoting out of its blocking position. Thus, when said trigger element  600  is in its locking position, it prevents the blocking element  500  from moving towards its actuation position, thereby preventing the reservoir  100  from moving axially and the metering valve  200  from thus being actuated. 
     The blocking system of the present invention thus includes two stages: a first stage formed by the latch  between the blocking element  500  and the trigger element  600 , and a second stage formed by the blocking between the blocking element  500  and the reservoir  100 , via the ring  900 . The blocking system makes it possible to unlock a large force (typically about 40 N to 45 N) by means of a small force generated by inhaling. The blocking element  500  stops the reservoir  100  from moving in translation when it is subjected to a force F (e.g. of  45  N) by means of the user pressing on the actuator member  800 , preferably via the actuator pusher  20 . The blocking element  500  interacts with the trigger element  600 , and it is both blocked and released by said trigger element. The movement of said trigger element  600  is controlled by inhaling. 
     The shape of the blocking system enables very large amplification (locked force/unlocked force), typically of about  100 . 
     The blocking element  500  and the trigger element  600  preferably have two contact points that are spaced apart: 
     a first contact point, formed by the latch defined between the locking shoulder  610  and the projection  510 , is advantageously situated close to the pivot axis C of the trigger element  600 ; and 
     a second contact point at a distance from the first contact point, formed by the co-operation between a lateral projection  520  of the blocking element  500  and a bearing surface  620  of the trigger element  600 ; advantageously, in the locking position, the second contact point is at a distance from the axis C of the trigger element  600  that is greater than the distance between said axis C and the first contact point; advantageously, the second contact point is the first contact that is broken while actuating the device, when the user begins to inhale. 
     In the blocking position, the force F generated by the actuator member  800  pressing axially on the hoop  950   that is secured to the reservoir  100  is applied, via the axial projections  901  of the ring  900 , to the blocking element  500  at the extensions  501 , causing said blocking element to pivot in a direction S 1  that reinforces the closed position of the latch and makes it stable. In particular,  FIGS. 13 and 14  show this blocking position. 
     The unlocking force generated by inhaling is applied to the trigger element  600  by the deformable membrane  61 , preferably at a point  630  at a distance from the pivot axis C; the unlocking force seeks to pivot said trigger element  600  in the direction S 2  opposite to the direction S 1 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     The torque to which the blocking element  500  is subjected is controlled by the distance between the axis along which the force F is applied to the blocking extensions  501  of the blocking element, and the pivot axis B of said blocking element  500 . It is desirable for the distance d to be as small as possible, in order for the torque to be as small as possible. The distance d, shown in  FIG. 13 , is not zero, and is less than 2 mm, advantageously less than 1 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm. 
     The torque to which the trigger element  600  is subjected is controlled by the distance between the axis conveying the force F′ to which the trigger element  600  is subjected by the blocking element  500 , and the pivot axis C of said trigger element  600 . Once again, it is desirable for the distance d′ to be as small as possible, in order for the torque to be as small as possible. The distance d′, shown in  FIG. 14 , is not zero, and is less than 2 mm, advantageously less than 1 mm, preferably about 0.25 mm. 
     By means of this latch force system, the force necessary to cause the trigger element  600  to pivot is very small and may be generated by the deformable membrane  61 , that makes it possible to transform the suction generated by inhaling into unlocking force.  
     Advantageously, the mouthpiece  400  includes an opening  410  that is connected to the inside of the body  10 . The opening  410  is closed at rest and at the start of inhaling by a check valve  420 , so that the inhalation flow due to inhaling initially passes mainly to the trigger system, in this embodiment the deformable air chamber  60 . This makes it possible to optimize such triggering by inhaling. When the blocking element  500  moves towards its actuation position under the effect of inhaling, and thus the reservoir  100  moves axially relative to the body  10  so as to actuate the metering valve  200  in order to dispense a dose of fluid, said ring  900 , that is secured to the reservoir  100 , moves said check valve  420  towards its open position. When said openings  410  are thus opened, during actuation, air is drawn in, thereby making it possible to increase the inhalation flow. This optimizes synchronization between the user inhaling and dispensing the dose, and also promotes good dispensing of the dose into the user&#39;s lungs. 
     Advantageously, the trigger element  600  may be accessible from the outside of the body  10  and/or of the bottom body portion  10 ′. This makes it possible, if necessary, to move the trigger element  600  manually, so as to be able to actuate the metering valve  200  even without inhaling, e.g. when the person that needs to receive the dose of fluid is incapable of inhaling sufficiently. This is thus a safety measure. 
     In the embodiments shown in the figures, the inhalation-sensitive member  60  is made in the form of a deformable air chamber. Advantageously, the air chamber comprises a deformable membrane  61  that is connected firstly to said bottom body portion  10 ′ and secondly to said trigger element  600 . Advantageously, as can be seen in the figures, the membrane  61  is in the form of a bellows and forms a substantially airtight chamber. Other forms are possible, in particular a mere pouch or  diaphragm. A lug may fasten said membrane  61  to an orifice or edge  630  of said trigger element  600 . 
     During inhaling, the deformable membrane  61  deforms and/or contracts under the effect of the suction generated by inhaling, causing the trigger element  600  to move from its locking position towards its release position. This makes it possible to open the latch defined between the blocking element  500  and the trigger element  600 , and thus to move said blocking element  500  from its blocking position towards its actuation position. 
     The valve  200  is thus actuated only at the moment of inhaling, such that the dose of fluid is expelled out of the dispenser orifice simultaneously with inhaling. 
     Advantageously, the device includes a blocking member  980  that is movable and/or deformable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. In its blocking position, the blocking member  980  co-operates with the trigger element  600  so as to prevent it from moving towards its release position. The laterally-actuated pusher  20  advantageously includes a projection  29  that co-operates with said blocking member  980  when said laterally-actuated pusher  20  is moved towards its working position. This moves and/or deforms said blocking member  980  towards its non-blocking position. 
     Thus, when the user inhales without having pressed axially on the reservoir  100 , the latch is not unblocked, since the trigger element  600  cannot pivot. Since the air chamber  60  is substantially airtight, and the check valve  420  is closed in the opening  410 , the user very quickly realizes that it is not possible to inhale correctly through the mouthpiece, which reminds the user that it is necessary to actuate the pusher first before inhaling. When the user presses on the pusher  20 , the blocking member  980  is moved into its non-blocking position. Inhaling thus causes the trigger element  600   to pivot, and thus causes the device to be actuated, as explained above. 
     Advantageously, the blocking member  980  includes a resilient element (not shown), such as a torsion spring, that resiliently urges said blocking member  980  towards its blocking position, so that when the user releases the actuator pusher  20 , said blocking member  980  returns automatically into its blocking position. Advantageously, this also returns the trigger element  600  into its locking position, e.g. via an appropriate flexible blade  981 . 
     The blocking member  980  also advantageously includes a re-cocking extension  982  that co-operates with a re-cocking portion  582  of the blocking element  500 , so that when the blocking member  980  returns into its blocking position, it returns the blocking element  500  into its blocking position. 
     When the user wishes to use the device, the user places the mouthpiece  400  in the mouth, and exerts axial pressure manually on the actuator pusher  20 . The reservoir  100  is blocked and prevented from sliding axially in the body  10  by the blocking extensions  501  of the blocking element  500  that block the axial projections  901  of the ring  900  axially. In parallel, the trigger element  600  is no longer blocked as a result of the movement of the blocking member  980 , as can be seen in particular in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     When the user inhales through the mouthpiece  400 , the deformable membrane  61  deforms, and this causes the trigger element  600  that is fastened to said deformable membrane  61  to pivot. The movement of the trigger element  600  releases the latch formed between the locking shoulder  610  of the trigger element  600  and the projection  510  of the blocking element  500 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 14 to 17 . Under the effect of the axial force F transmitted by the reservoir  100 , the blocking element  500  pivots enabling the reservoir  100  to slide  axially in the body  10  towards its dispensing position, and the valve  200  thus to be actuated. In parallel, the ring  900  opens the check valve  14 . This dispensing position is shown in  FIGS. 17, 20, and 21 . 
     At the end of inhaling, when the user releases the pressure on the bottom of the reservoir  100 , in particular by releasing the pressure on the pusher  20 , said reservoir  100  rises axially in the body  10  towards its rest position under the effect of the return spring of the valve  200 , and the valve member  210  of the metering valve simultaneously returns to its rest position, once again filling the valve chamber with a new dose of fluid. The trigger element  600  is returned into its initial position, in particular by the springiness of the membrane  61  and/or the spring blade  981  of the blocking member  980 . The blocking element  500  returns into its blocking position, via the re-cocking extension  982  of the blocking member  980 . 
     The device is thus ready for another utilization. 
     It should be observed that the device could include an electronic dose counter, advantageously assembled in the body or in the pusher. In particular, the counter could detect the movements of the reservoir. In a variant, the counter could be connected to a sensor, in particular a membrane sensor, that detects the dose of fluid being dispensed, e.g. in the valve well. Such an electronic counter could be actuated in other ways, e.g. by detecting the movement of the valve member of the metering valve relative to the valve body. 
     The device could thus also include signal-transmitter means for communicating, in particular communicating remotely, information relating to the actuations of the device. In particular, the body and/or the pusher could include a signal-transmitter module, for communicating remotely with any base. Appropriate power supply means could advantageously be provided.  
     In particular, the electronic module could advantageously comprise a card that includes an electrical switch that sends a pulse. The module could also comprise a display and/or use a Bluetooth or Wifi connection for sending information to an accompanying peripheral. Appropriate sensors, such as flowrate and/or pressure sensors, could be provided for detecting various parameters of the inhalation flow. 
     The switch could be actuated by means of the movement of the blocking element. 
     Associated with a dose counter that counts each dose that is actually dispensed, and with the inhalation-synchronized device of the invention, the signal-transmitter means make it possible for each dose that has been dispensed to be transmitted in completely reliable manner, e.g. to a doctor or to any other person wishing to monitor the use of the inhaler device by the user. The inhalation-synchronized device guarantees that the user inhales each time the user actuates the device, and the counter records each dose that is dispensed, together with various associated parameters, such as a timestamp for each dispensing. In this way, the doctor can know very accurately the conditions of use of the device by the user. 
     The present invention applies, in particular, to treating asthma attacks or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by using formulations of the following types: salbutamol, aclidinium, formoterol, tiotropium, budesonide, fluticasone, indacaterol, glycopyrronium, salmeterol, umeclidinium bromide, vilanterol, olodaterol, or striverdi, or any combination of these formulations. 
     The present invention is described above with reference to advantageous embodiments and variants, but naturally any modification could be applied thereto by a person skilled in the art, without going beyond the ambit of the present invention, as defined by the accompanying claims.