Adapter for connecting a drug delivery device to a connector

Abstract

An adapter (1) comprising a tubular body (2) having a proximal region (4) provided with engagement means for mounting the adapter (1) on a distal tip of said drug delivery device and a distal region (6) provided with connection means for connecting the adapter (1) to a connector. The distal region (6) has a distal end (15) delimiting a distal opening (16) so as to allow the introduction of the connector inside the distal region (6). The distal end (15) comprises clamping means so as to clamp the connector once said connector is introduced inside the tubular body (2). The clamping means comprise a deformable element (17) having a free end (18) configured to deform towards the proximal region (4) when the connector is introduced inside the tubular body (2).

Description

[0001] Case Analysis

[0002] This invention patent application is a divisional patent application. The original application of this divisional patent application is an invention patent application with an international filing date of March 27, 2018, international application number PCT / EP2018 / 057810, Chinese national application number 201880020951.1, and an invention title of "Adapter for Connecting a Drug Delivery Device to a Connector". Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an improved adapter, such as a Luer lock adapter, for connecting a drug delivery device to a connector (e.g., a needleless access device). The invention also relates to a drug delivery device equipped with such an improved adapter, a method of mounting a connector to said adapter, and a method of connecting the drug delivery device to a connector via such an adapter. Background Technology

[0004] Various medical devices, such as syringes, needle assemblies, infusion devices, and connectors, are known for transferring and / or storing medical fluids, including IV (intravenous), IM (intramuscular), subcutaneous connectors, and needle-free access devices. For safety reasons, it is crucial that these different medical devices be correctly and securely assembled together. The use of specific adapters between the various medical devices allows them to be assembled, ensures a sealed connection, and provides protection against contamination of the medical fluid products they contain.

[0005] Conventional drug delivery devices, such as hypodermic syringes, typically include a hollow body forming a container for the medical product. The distal end of the body forming the container usually includes a longitudinal tip, in which an axial channel is disposed, and through which the medical product is dispensed from the container into a connector.

[0006] In this application, the distal end of a component or device should be understood as the end furthest from the user's hand, and the proximal end should be understood as the end closest to the user's hand. Similarly, in this application, "distal direction" should be understood as relative to the injection direction of the drug delivery device on which the adapter of the present invention is intended to be mounted, while "proximal direction" should be understood as the direction opposite to the injection direction, i.e., the direction toward the user's hand.

[0007] To transfer medical products from a drug delivery device to a connector, the connection between the drug delivery device and the connector is typically accomplished using an adapter. Therefore, the adapter allows the medical product to be transferred from the drug delivery device to the connector.

[0008] Typically, an adapter intended for installation at the distal tip of a drug delivery device includes a collar that is secured to and surrounds the distal tip of the drug delivery device, the collar including means for connecting a connector to the adapter and thus to the drug delivery device.

[0009] A Luer lock adapter is a collar that is further provided with a locking or locking device, such as an internal thread, which can mate with a corresponding external thread on the connector, thereby optimizing the connection between the connector and the drug delivery device via the adapter.

[0010] The adapter can be used with drug delivery devices made of glass or plastic. When the drug delivery device is made of plastic, the collar around the distal tip can be integrally molded with the drug delivery device. However, drug delivery devices made of glass typically have a separate collar securely attached to their distal tip.

[0011] The adapter is typically first installed on the distal tip of the drug delivery device. Then, in a second step, the connector intended for connection to the drug delivery device (e.g., needle hub) can be screwed into the adapter.

[0012] However, the connector may spontaneously unfasten from its previously screwed-in adapter, resulting in the connector accidentally detaching from the drug delivery device. This phenomenon can be exacerbated when the drug delivery device and its distal tip are made of glass, as glass surfaces are naturally slippery. Furthermore, some connectors incorporate internal safety systems, typically including springs or valves that need to be displaced to establish connection with the drug delivery device and further allow access to the drug product. The presence of such springs and / or valves provides a high counterforce to the connector, which must be countered both when the connector is attached to the drug delivery device and during the connection via the adapter.

[0013] Therefore, an improved adapter is needed that ensures reliable assembly of the connector into the adapter without requiring excessive torque when screwing the needleless access device into the adapter. In fact, increasing the torque used to screw the needleless access device into the adapter mounted on the distal tip of the drug delivery device increases the risk of the adapter rotating around the distal tip. This rotation is undesirable because it weakens the adapter's hold at the distal tip and does not allow the user to determine whether the needleless access device is correctly screwed into the adapter. Summary of the Invention

[0014] A first aspect of the invention is an improved adapter for connecting a drug delivery device to a connector, which substantially limits the risk of the connector accidentally disengaging.

[0015] A first aspect of the invention is an adapter for connecting a drug delivery device to a connector, the adapter comprising a tubular body having a proximal region and a distal region, the proximal region being provided with an engagement means for mounting the adapter on a distal tip of the drug delivery device, the distal region being provided with a connecting element or connecting means for connecting the adapter to the connector, the distal region having a distal end defining a distal opening thereby allowing the connector to be introduced into the distal region of the tubular body, wherein the distal end includes a clamp or clamping device for clamping the connector once the connector is introduced into the tubular body, and wherein the clamp or clamping device includes at least one deformable element having a free end configured to deform toward the proximal region when the connector is introduced into the tubular body.

[0016] Thus, the adapter provides a reliable and easy connection.

[0017] In fact, the deformable element helps to guide the connector into the adapter while applying radial pressure and axial friction to prevent the connector from being removed axially. This increases the release torque. This significantly reduces the risk of the connector spontaneously detaching from the drug delivery device via the adapter.

[0018] Furthermore, the free end of the deformable element faces the proximal region of the adapter in the engaged position, while the connector is inserted into the distal region of the tubular body. Therefore, the free end acts as a ratchet element to prevent the connector from being removed. When the connector moves axially in the distal direction, the external thread of the connector does indeed encounter and rub against the free end of the deformable element. Therefore, the release torque increases.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connecting element or connecting device on the adapter includes an internal thread having a crest, and the free end of at least one deformable element extends inward in an idle position beyond a plane tangent to the crest, in which the connector is away from the adapter, for example, when the connector is not connected to the adapter.

[0020] This ensures that once the connector enters the distal region of the tubular body, an interference is created between the connector and the connecting device, thus making the connection more reliable.

[0021] In some embodiments, the clamp or clamping device is configured such that at least a portion of the connecting element or connecting device is visible to the user.

[0022] Therefore, users can easily and quickly engage the connector and the connection device in the remote area of ​​the adapter.

[0023] In some embodiments, the tubular body includes an inner wall, and the free end of at least one deformable element includes a lower sidewall configured to rest against the inner wall when the connector is introduced into the tubular body.

[0024] This feature increases the release torque required to disconnect the connector and adapter, thus limiting the risk of accidental disconnection.

[0025] In some embodiments, the distal end of the tubular body includes an axial shoulder, on which at least one deformable element abuts.

[0026] More precisely, the deformable element is secured to the axial shoulder. Resting the deformable element against the axial shoulder prevents it from being partially or even completely pulled out when the connector is inserted into the adapter. This results in a more reliable connection.

[0027] In some embodiments, the distal end of the tubular body includes an inner radial edge, and at least one deformable element abuts against the inner radial edge.

[0028] More precisely, the deformable element is fixed to the inner radial edge. As a result, when the connector is inserted into the adapter, the deformable element deforms while being held in place by the inner radial edge. The inner radial edge exerts a reaction force on the deformable element. This correspondingly increases the pressure exerted on the connector by the deformable element, thereby preventing accidental removal of the connector.

[0029] In some embodiments, the distal end of the tubular body includes a groove, and a portion of at least one deformable element is located in the groove.

[0030] This section can be a rib, with a shape that complements the shape of the groove. This groove better secures the clamping device to the tubular body. This limits the risk of pulling out the clamping device.

[0031] In some embodiments, in the idle position of the connector away from the adapter, the free end of at least one deformable element extends distally at an angle α relative to a plane that is generally parallel to the distal opening.

[0032] As a result, the increased pressure applied to the connector by the deformable element at the engagement position limits the risk of the connector detaching from the adapter.

[0033] In the unused position of the connector away from the adapter, the free end of at least one deformable element can extend outside the tubular body of the adapter. When the user wants to connect the connector to the drug delivery device via the adapter, the connector thus first contacts the deformable element. The deformable element then begins to bend before the connector engages the connecting element or connecting device. As a result, the user can still easily connect the connector to the adapter.

[0034] In the engagement position, the free end of at least one deformable element can extend fully inside the tubular body. Therefore, when the connector is engaged in the distal region of the tubular body, the deformable element cannot be accessed. This prevents unintentional destructive impacts on the deformable element.

[0035] In some embodiments, the free end of at least one deformable element includes a rounded or chamfered upper sidewall.

[0036] This feature makes it easy for users to insert the connector into the adapter while limiting the risk of accidental detachment between the connector and the adapter. In fact, at the engagement position, the contact area between the connector and the free end of the deformable element is larger, thus increasing friction.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one deformable element includes a base and a connecting portion, the base being fixed to the distal end of the tubular body of the adapter, the connecting portion connecting the base to a free end, and wherein the connecting portion is significantly thinner than the base and free end of at least one deformable element.

[0038] The advantage of this embodiment is that it makes it easy for the user to introduce the connector into the remote area of ​​the adapter.

[0039] The connector can be attached to the upper part of the base. Extending the connector from the lateral side of the upper part of the base increases the radial pressure applied to the connector by the deformable element, thus limiting the risk of accidental disengagement.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least one deformable element has a cross-sectional width that decreases inward at its free end. In other words, the deformable element becomes increasingly thinner toward its free end.

[0041] This embodiment also facilitates the insertion of the connector into the adapter without compromising the reliability of the connection between the connector and the adapter.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least the deformable element is elastically deformable.

[0043] This feature allows the adapter to be reused without compromising connection reliability.

[0044] Another aspect of the invention is a drug delivery device including a distal tip defining an axial channel for transferring a product contained in the drug delivery device, wherein the distal tip of the drug delivery device further includes an adapter as described herein.

[0045] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for connecting a connector to an adapter as described herein, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0046] - The connector is slidably engaged through the distal opening of the adapter, causing the free end of at least one deformable element to droop towards the proximal region of the adapter.

[0047] - Engage the outer wall of the connector, particularly the connecting element or connecting device (such as a thread), with the connecting element or connecting device in the distal region of the adapter to secure the connector to the adapter.

[0048] The step of drooping the free end by sliding the connector inside the adapter is preferably performed before the step of engaging the connector outer wall with the adapter's connection device.

[0049] The outer wall of the connector may include protrusions, such as threads, and the method includes inserting the connector into the adapter, at least until the free end is behind the protrusions, preferably until the proximal end of the connector reaches the contact point on the distal tip (e.g., when the inner diameter of the connector rests against the distal tip or a truncated conical distal tip). Thus, the free end acts as a ratchet element to limit the risk of accidental disengagement.

[0050] According to another aspect of the invention, an adapter for connecting a drug delivery device to a connector is provided. The adapter includes a tubular body having a proximal region and a distal region, wherein the proximal region is configured to engage a distal tip of the drug delivery device, and the distal region includes a connecting element for connecting the adapter to the connector. The distal region has a distal end defining a distal opening that allows the connector to be introduced into the distal region of the tubular body. The distal end includes at least one clamp configured to clamp the connector once it is introduced into the tubular body. The clamp includes at least one deformable element having a free end configured to deform toward the proximal region when the connector is introduced into the tubular body.

[0051] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a drug delivery device is provided. The drug delivery device includes a distal tip defining an axial channel for transferring a product contained within the drug delivery device, wherein the distal tip includes an adapter for connecting the drug delivery device to a connector. The adapter includes a tubular body having a proximal region and a distal region, wherein the proximal region is configured to engage the distal tip of the drug delivery device, and the distal region includes a connecting element for connecting the adapter to the connector, the distal region having a distal end defining a distal opening that allows the connector to be introduced into the distal region of the tubular body. The distal end includes at least one clamp configured to clamp the connector once it is introduced into the tubular body. The clamp includes at least one deformable element having a free end configured to deform toward the proximal region when the connector is introduced into the tubular body.

[0052] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for attaching a connector to an adapter for attaching a drug delivery device to the connector. The method includes providing an adapter. The adapter includes: a tubular body having a proximal region and a distal region, wherein the proximal region is configured to engage a distal tip of the drug delivery device, and the distal region includes a connecting element for attaching the adapter to the connector, the distal region having a distal end defining a distal opening that allows the connector to be introduced into the distal region of the tubular body. The distal end includes at least one clamp configured to clamp the connector once it is introduced into the tubular body. The clamp includes at least one deformable element having a free end configured to deform toward the proximal region when the connector is introduced into the tubular body. The method further includes: slidingly engaging the connector through the distal opening of the adapter such that the free end of the at least one deformable element droops toward the proximal region of the adapter; and engaging an outer wall of the connector with the connecting element of the distal region of the adapter to secure the connector to the adapter. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The invention and the advantages therefrom will become apparent from the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are as follows:

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view of the adapter.

[0056] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and 2 A cross-sectional view of the adapter.

[0057] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and 2 A cross-sectional view of the adapter, showing the connector inserted into the adapter.

[0058] Figure 4a and 4b yes Figure 4 Adapter details,

[0059] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top view of the adapter.

[0061] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 and 6 A cross-sectional view of the adapter.

[0062] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 and 6 A cross-sectional view of the adapter, showing the connector entering the adapter, to illustrate the interference between the deformable element and the connector;

[0063] Figure 8a yes Figure 8 Details of the adapter,

[0064] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a drug delivery device, adapter, and connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Reference Figure 1 and 9 The adapter 1 of the present invention is shown, which is used to connect the drug delivery device 100 to the connector 200.

[0067] The adapter 1 is intended to be mounted on the distal tip 101 of a drug delivery device 100 (e.g., a hypodermic syringe). The distal tip 101 defines an axial channel 102 for transferring a product contained in the drug delivery device 100. The adapter 1 has a longitudinal axis A aligned on the axial channel 102.

[0068] The distal tip 101 may be made of plastic or glass. In some embodiments, the distal tip 101 is made of glass. In another embodiment, the distal tip 101 and the drug delivery device 100 are made of a plastic material selected from crystalline transparent polymers (CCP), cyclic olefin polymers (COP), cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and combinations thereof.

[0069] The connector 200, which is connected to the drug delivery device 100 by means of the adapter 1 of the present invention, can be any device that can be connected to the adapter 1 to allow the transfer of product from the drug delivery device 1 to another medical device, such as a needle hub (subcutaneous tubing), a bag drip device, a vial, an IV (intravenous) line, an IM (intramuscular) line, or conversely, to safely close the filled drug delivery device 100 before its use and to prevent any contamination, such as a closure cap at the storage location of the drug delivery device.

[0070] Specifically, connector 200 may be a needleless access device intended to be connected to the adapter for allowing the transfer of a product from a drug delivery device to another medical device, such as a bag drip, vial, IV (intravenous) line, IM (intramuscular) line, SC (subcutaneous) line, catheter, or conversely, for safely closing a filled drug delivery device before its use and preventing any contamination, such as a closure cap at the storage location of the drug delivery device.

[0071] In the example shown, connector 200 is intended to be provided with a connecting element or connecting device, such as external thread 201, which can mate with a corresponding connecting element or connecting device located on adapter 1, as explained below. External thread 201 is provided with thread crests 203 projecting from outer wall 204. (Refer to...) Figure 4 Connector 200 defines an internal channel 205 to allow drug products contained in drug delivery device 100 to be transferred to connector 200 via adapter 1. When connected to connector 200, when adapter 1 is mounted to distal tip 101, channel 205 is aligned with longitudinal axis A and with axial channel 102 of distal tip 101.

[0072] For example, Figure 3 As shown, adapter 1 includes a tubular body 2 defining a central hole 3 extending around a longitudinal axis A. The tubular body 2 has a proximal region 4 and a distal region 6. The proximal region 4 of the tubular body 2 is intended to be mounted onto the distal tip 101 of the drug delivery device 100, while the distal region 6 of the tubular body 2 is configured to connect to connector 200. Figure 3 and 7 As shown, the diameter of the central hole 3 in the proximal region 4 is smaller than the diameter of the central hole 3 in the distal region 6.

[0073] The proximal region 4 may include an inner radial edge 7 that defines a proximal opening 8 leading to the central aperture 3. The inner radial edge 7 may expand radially to engage with the distal tip 101 of the drug delivery device 100 by friction. Figure 9 As shown, the distal tip 101 may be truncated conical. The inner radial edge 7 is configured to engage the drug delivery device 100 and / or form an engagement means for engaging the adapter 1 to the distal tip 101 of the drug delivery device 100. In other embodiments not shown, the inner edge may be presented in other alternative designs, as long as these designs allow the edge to engage or adhere to the distal tip of the drug delivery device by means of friction.

[0074] The tubular body 2 of the adapter 1 is made of a first material, such as a plastic material, for example, a material selected from polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene carbonate (PPC), polysulfone (PSU) and combinations thereof.

[0075] like Figure 1-2 As shown in Figures 5-6, the tubular body 2 includes an outer wall 10, which may have a plurality of protrusions 12, such as circumferentially distributed protrusions 12, or ribs generally along the axial direction. These protrusions 12 form grips or gripping devices for potentially improving the user's grip on the adapter 1.

[0076] Adapter 1 is a Luer lock adapter.

[0077] The distal region 6 has an inner cylindrical wall 13 with an internal thread 14. As can be seen from the following description, the internal thread 14 forms a connecting element or connecting device for connecting the adapter 1 to the connector 200 when using the drug delivery device 100.

[0078] The internal thread 14 of the adapter 1 may include a proximal portion defining a first main diameter, a distal portion defining a second main diameter that is strictly smaller than the first diameter, and a tapered portion connecting the proximal portion to the distal portion, wherein the main diameter of the tapered portion changes from the first diameter to the second diameter, as disclosed in the applicant's patent WO2015 / 011151.

[0079] In an embodiment not shown, the connecting element or connecting device of the adapter may be a groove provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall, and the lug of the connector may be clamped in the groove.

[0080] The distal region 6 of adapter 1 has a distal end 15 that defines a distal opening 16 that leads to a central hole 3, thereby allowing connector 200 to be introduced into the interior of adapter 1.

[0081] The distal end 15 includes at least one deformable element 17 that is deformable to radially compress the connector 200 once it is inserted into the adapter 1. The at least one deformable element 17 forms a clamp or clamping device for clamping the connector 200 once it enters the adapter 1.

[0082] like Figure 1 and 5 As shown, the clamp or clamping device may include a single deformable element 17. The deformable element 17 may be a deformable annular ring extending from the distal end 15, preferably extending in a substantially centripetal direction.

[0083] In some embodiments (not shown), the clamp or clamping device may include several deformable elements 17, which may be protrusions extending from the distal end 15 in a substantially centripetal direction. These deformable elements may be distributed circumferentially, preferably at regular intervals. For example, the clamp or clamping device may include two deformable elements 17 that are diametrically opposed.

[0084] The deformable element 17 is made of a second material, which is different from the first material of the rest of the adapter 1 and is less rigid than the first material. Therefore, when the connector engages the adapter, the clamp or clamping device will not damage the connector while still ensuring a secure connection between the connectors. The second material can be a plastically deformable material. In some embodiments, the second material can be an elastically deformable material, allowing the deformable element 17 and the adapter 1 to be reliably used a number of times. For example, the deformable element 17 can be made of any material that provides the required flexibility, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polystyrene (PS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), silicone resins, and rubber, and combinations thereof. The deformable element 17 can be an elastically deformable element. The deformable element 17 is advantageously overmolded onto the adapter 1.

[0085] The deformable element 17 includes a resilient free end 18, such as a lip, which is configured to deform and bend substantially toward the proximal region 4 once the connector 200 is introduced into the tubular body 2 of the adapter 1. Figure 4 , 4a As shown in 4b. In other words, in the mating position where the connector is inserted into the adapter 1, the free end 18 is configured to be oriented toward the proximal region 4. It should be noted that Figure 8 , 8a The connector, which is actually superimposed on the adapter 1, is shown to illustrate the interference portion of the deformable element 17. In the engaged position, the deformable element 17 generally droops towards the proximal region 4, and the free end 18 is tilted towards the proximal region 4.

[0086] Having a free end 18 pointing towards the proximal region 4 at the engagement position allows the free end 18 to act as a ratchet element resting on the thread 201, thereby resisting the removal movement of the connector 200 and increasing the release torque due to friction and / or contact forces.

[0087] The free end 18 extending inward, the central hole 3, and the tubular body 2 also protect the free end 18 from external destructive impacts that could cause the connector 200 to unintentionally detach.

[0088] like Figure 3 and 7As shown, the free end 18 can be configured to extend in a substantially centripetal direction in the idle position, in which the connector 200 is away from the adapter 1. In other words, in the idle position, the free end 18 points towards the central longitudinal axis A. Having a free end 18 pointing towards the longitudinal axis A in the idle position ensures that after the connector 200 moves inward into the adapter 1, and preferably before the connector 200 engages the threads 14 of the adapter 1, the connector 200 is pressed against the free end 18.

[0089] exist Figure 3 In the idle position shown, the free end 18 can be advantageously oriented at an angle to a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, such that the free end 18 also extends slightly distally in the idle position. This angle is preferably less than 50°, for example 45°, to facilitate insertion into the connector 200 overcoming deformation of the elastic free end 18.

[0090] In the idle position, the free end 18 can extend beyond the distal region 6 of the tubular body 2. In the engaged position, the free end 18 can extend fully into the distal region 6 of the tubular body 2, thus being protected from impact. In the idle position, the free end 18 can extend at the height of the distal opening 15, such as... Figure 7 As shown, or extending above the distal opening 15, as Figure 3 As shown.

[0091] like Figure 3 and 7 As shown, the internal thread 14 includes a thread crest 14a and a thread root 14b, which define alternating peaks and valleys in a cross-sectional view, respectively. In the idle position, the free ends 18 extend centripetally within a virtual cylinder defined by walls tangent to the peaks of the internal thread 14. Therefore, the diameter defined by the thread crest 14a can be smaller than the diameter defined between the two opposing free ends 18 of the deformable element 17 or between the two free end portions.

[0092] Figure 8a The free end 18 of the deformable element 17 is shown to define an interference portion that is expected to interfere with the connector 200. Therefore, the diameter between the diameter-opposite free ends 18 or free end portions of the deformable element 17 is smaller than the diameter of the outer cylindrical wall 204 of the connector 100.

[0093] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the deformable element 17 or its free end 18 is configured such that at least a portion of the internal thread 14 is visible when the user views the distal end 15 of the adapter 1 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the user can accurately and quickly engage the connector 200 with the internal thread 14. In other words, the clamp or clamping device defines a window that extends directly above the internal thread 14. Figure 6As shown, the free end 18 of the deformable element 17 can define an elliptical opening. In other embodiments not shown, the clamp or clamping device may alternatively include several spaced-apart deformable elements 17 distributed circumferentially around the distal opening 16.

[0094] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the deformable element 17 may include a base 19, which is fixed to the distal end 15 of the distal region 6. The deformable element 17 may also include a connecting portion 20 connecting the base 19 to the free end 18. Thus, the connecting portion 20 is located between the base 19 and the free end 18. The connecting portion 20 is significantly thinner than the base 19 and the free end 18, thus forming a portion with minimal width. This facilitates the deformation of the free end 18, causing the free end 18 to be oriented toward the proximal region 4. The connecting portion 20 is advantageously located above the base 19. For example, the connecting portion 20 is adjacent to the upper sidewall 19a of the base 19.

[0095] The free end 18 may have an inwardly decreasing cross-sectional width. For example, the free end may have a triangular, trapezoidal, or circular shape.

[0096] The free end 18 may include an upper sidewall 18a and a lower sidewall 18b. For example... Figure 4b As shown, the lower sidewall 18a is advantageously configured to abut against the inner wall 14b of the distal region 6 of the tubular body 2 at the engagement position, thereby increasing the loosening torque required to unscrew the connector 200 from the adapter 1. Figure 8a As shown, the upper sidewall 18a may have a rounded or chamfered shape to allow the free end 18 to deform easily.

[0097] In some embodiments, the distal end 15 includes a shoulder 21 facing distally. The deformable element 17, particularly the base 19, can be secured to this axial shoulder 21 to better resist insertion of the connector 200, such as... Figure 4a , 4b Or as shown in 8a.

[0098] For example, Figure 3 As shown, the distal end 15 preferably includes an inner radial edge 22. This inner radial edge 22 may define a distal opening 16. The deformable element 17 is secured to the inner radial edge 22 to increase the pressure applied by the deformable element 17 to the connector 200. The inner radial edge 22 may be adjacent to the axial shoulder 21, located distally above the axial shoulder 21.

[0099] Reference Figure 10The distal end 15 may include a circumferential groove 23 extending around the deformable element 17. The deformable element 17, for example, its base 19, includes ribs 170 inserted into the groove 23. This groove better secures the deformable element 17 to the tubular body, thereby avoiding the risk of pulling out the deformable element 17. The groove may be located inside the axial shoulder 21 or in the inner radial edge 22. The groove may be a retaining groove, such as a dovetail groove. As an alternative or supplementary embodiment, the deformable element 17 may also be secured to the tubular body 2 of the adapter 1, for example, by chemical bonding.

[0100] The shoulder 21, the inner radial edge 22, or the groove 23 form a retainer or retaining device to hold the deformable element 17 fixed to the distal end 15.

[0101] Figure 4 and 9 Different steps of a method for mounting connector 200 on adapter 1 as described herein or on the aforementioned drug delivery device 100 including adapter 1 are shown.

[0102] Reference Figure 9 The connector 200 is positioned in front of the distal opening 16 and moves along the longitudinal axis A toward the distal region 6 of the adapter 1. The connector 200 then begins to rest against the deformable element 17, more specifically on its free end 18. As the connector 200 is inserted into the tubular body 2 of the adapter 1, the free end 18 gradually droops inward against the tubular body and toward the proximal region 4. The deformable element 17 begins to apply radial pressure on the outer wall 204 of the connector 200, thereby limiting the risk of disengagement before the connector 200 engages the threads 14.

[0103] After the free end 18 bends toward the proximal region 4, the external thread 201 of the connector 200 engages the internal thread 14 of the adapter 1. The connector 200 is screwed into the adapter 1 to secure the connection. By doing so, the free end 18 extends behind the thread 201 and acts as a ratchet element, thereby further limiting the risk of the connector 200 disengaging from the adapter 1.

[0104] The adapter of this invention allows for reliable connection of the connector to the distal tip of a drug delivery device. The risk of the connector spontaneously and accidentally detaching from the adapter of this invention is very limited.

Claims

1. An adapter (1) for connecting a drug delivery device (100) to a connector (200), the adapter (1) comprising a tubular body (2) having a proximal region (4) and a distal region (6), the proximal region (4) being provided with engagement means for mounting the adapter (1) on a distal tip (101) of the drug delivery device (100), the distal region (6) being provided with an internal thread (14) for connecting the adapter (1) to the connector (200), the distal end (15) of the distal region (6) defining a distal opening (16) thereby allowing the connector (200) to be introduced into the distal region (6) of the tubular body (2), wherein, The distal end (15) includes a clamping device to clamp the connector (200) once it is introduced into the tubular body (2), and wherein the clamping device includes at least one deformable element (17) for radially compressing the connector (200) and has a free end (18) configured to deform toward the proximal region (4) when the connector (200) is introduced into the tubular body (2), and wherein the diameter defined by the thread crest (14a) of the internal thread (14) is smaller than the diameter between the two opposite free ends of the deformable element (17).

2. The adapter (1) according to claim 1, wherein, In the idle position of the connector (200) away from the adapter (1), the free end (18) of the at least one deformable element (17) extends inward beyond the plane tangent to the thread crest (14a).

3. The adapter (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping device is shaped such that at least a portion of the internal thread (14) is visible to the user.

4. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The tubular body (2) includes an inner wall (14b), and the free end (18) of the at least one deformable element (17) includes a lower sidewall (18b) configured to rest against the inner wall (14b) when the connector (200) is introduced into the tubular body (2).

5. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distal end (15) of the tubular body (2) includes an axial shoulder (21), wherein at least one deformable element (17) abuts against the axial shoulder (21).

6. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distal end (15) of the tubular body (2) includes an inner radial edge (22), wherein the at least one deformable element (17) abuts against the inner radial edge (22).

7. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distal end (15) of the tubular body (2) includes a groove (23), and a portion of the at least one deformable element (17) is located in the groove (23).

8. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the idle position of the connector (200) away from the adapter (1), the free end (18) of the at least one deformable element (17) extends distally at an angle relative to a plane that is generally parallel to the distal opening (16).

9. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The free end (18) of the at least one deformable element (17) includes a rounded or chamfered upper sidewall (18a).

10. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one deformable element (17) includes: a base (19) fixed to the distal end (15) of the tubular body (2) of the adapter (1); and a connecting portion (20) connecting the base (19) to the free end (18), wherein the connecting portion (20) is thinner than both the base (19) and the free end (18) of the at least one deformable element.

11. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The free end (18) of the at least one deformable element (17) has an inwardly decreasing cross-sectional width.

12. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one deformable element (17) is elastically deformable.

13. A drug delivery device (100) comprising a distal tip (101) defining an axial channel (102) for transferring a product contained in the drug delivery device (100), wherein, The distal tip (101) of the drug delivery device (100) further includes an adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for connecting a connector (200) to an adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or to a drug delivery device (100) according to claim 13, wherein, The method includes the following steps: - The connector (200) is slidably engaged through the distal opening (16) of the adapter (1), so that the free end (18) of the at least one deformable element (17) droops toward the proximal region (4) of the adapter (1). - Engage the outer wall (204) of the connector (200) with the internal thread (14) of the distal region (6) of the adapter (1) to secure the connector (200) to the adapter (1).

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