Medicine box and medicine delivery device including medicine box

Abstract

A pillbox (12) for a drug delivery device (10) having a base unit (14) includes a longitudinal axis (16) defining a proximal direction (18) and a distal direction (20); a body (22) for receiving a drug container (44); a drug delivery member (46); and a cap (24) connected to the body (22) by a connecting structure (40) that closes the proximal end (42) of the body (22); wherein the connecting structure (40) is arranged to be disconnected by a distal force acting on the body (22) in the distal direction (20) relative to the cap (24) when the pillbox (12) is attached to the base unit (14). A drug delivery device (10) including a pillbox (12) is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a pill cartridge for a pharmaceutical delivery device. More specifically, this disclosure provides a pill cartridge for a pharmaceutical delivery device having a base unit, and a pharmaceutical delivery device including the pill cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Various medication delivery devices for self-administered medication are known. Some medication delivery devices include a base unit and a cartridge for connection to the base unit. The base unit typically includes a drive mechanism, such as an electric motor and / or a battery, and can therefore be reused for multiple medication deliveries, such as injections. The cartridge may contain or receive a medication container, such as a syringe, cartridge, etc., containing the medication to be delivered. When the medication delivery device is activated, the medication is expelled through a medication delivery component (e.g., a needle or nozzle). The cartridge can be discarded after medication delivery and replaced with a new one.

[0003] In some existing solutions, the user needs to insert the cartridge into the base unit and pull off the cap before medication delivery. If the user removes the cap before inserting the cartridge into the base unit, there is a risk of needle injury. This is especially true for autoinjectors activated by pressing the needle sheath against the injection site, where the cartridge is inserted into the base unit in the same direction as the direction the needle sheath is pressed for activation (e.g., distally). In such autoinjectors, the cap prevents the needle sheath from being pressed. Removing the cap prematurely (i.e., before inserting the cartridge into the base unit) also increases the risk of contamination of the medication delivery components.

[0004] WO 2019122946 A1 discloses an autoinjector device comprising a reusable electric drive assembly and a single-use, disposable drug delivery assembly. The drug delivery assembly includes an injector body, a needle, and a device cap. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In this disclosure, the term "distal direction" refers to the direction away from the dose delivery site during use of the drug delivery device. The term "distal portion / distal end" refers to the portion / end of the delivery device or its components that is furthest from the drug delivery site when the drug delivery device is in use. Correspondingly, the term "proximal direction" refers to the direction towards the dose delivery site during use of the drug delivery device. The term "proximal portion / proximal end" refers to the portion / end of the delivery device or its components that is closest to the drug delivery site when the drug delivery device is in use.

[0006] Furthermore, the terms "longitudinal," "axial," or their grammatical variations refer to the direction in which the device or its components extend from the proximal end to the distal end, generally along the longest extension direction of the device and / or its components.

[0007] Similarly, the term "horizontal" or its grammatical variations refer to a direction roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0008] In addition, the terms “circumferential”, “rotation” and their grammatical variations refer to a direction that is roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and extends at least partially around the longitudinal direction.

[0009] According to one aspect, a cartridge for a drug delivery device having a base unit is provided, the cartridge including a longitudinal axis defining a proximal direction and a distal direction; a body for receiving a drug container; a drug delivery member; and a cap connected to the body by a connecting configuration that closes the proximal end of the body; wherein the connecting configuration is arranged to be disconnected by a distal force acting on the body in the distal direction relative to the cap when the cartridge is attached to the base unit.

[0010] This distal force can be generated by the installation sequence of the cartridge to the base unit of the medication delivery device. This prevents the protective cap from being removed before the cartridge is installed into the base unit. Therefore, the risk of injury to the user from medication delivery components (such as needles) is reduced.

[0011] The distal force can be generated by an interface formed between the body and the base unit. For example, the body has a coupling member, and the base unit of the drug delivery device has a mating coupling member. This interface can be a cam interface, a threaded interface, or a bayonet interface.

[0012] The pillbox of the present invention can be designed to be compatible with commercially available and / or certain drug delivery devices manufactured by different pillbox manufacturers. These drug delivery devices should include a power unit with a base unit and be configured to connect to a pillbox that holds the drug container; the contained drug is driven, thereby being delivered by the power unit. Therefore, the interface between the body and the base unit depends on the structure of the base unit of the drug delivery device for attaching the pillbox.

[0013] The connecting members on the main body can be integrally formed with the main body or arranged on a detachable accessory for secure attachment to the main body. In the latter embodiment, the pillbox of the present invention is compatible with most drug delivery devices used in conjunction with the pillbox; because for different drug delivery devices on the market, the pillbox can be used with a variety of detachable accessories with different connecting members.

[0014] The connection structure is formed by a connector arranged on the cap and a mating connector arranged on the body. The connection structure is thus formed when the connector and the mating connector are aligned with each other.

[0015] When the protective cap is attached to the body via the connecting mechanism, the protective cap is locked to the body. When the connecting mechanism is disconnected, the protective cap is unlocked from the body. In addition to disconnecting the connecting mechanism, distal forces also cause the body to move distally relative to the protective cap. The relative movement between the body and the protective cap causes misalignment between the connector and the mating connector, thus disconnecting the connecting mechanism. When the connecting mechanism is disconnected, the protective cap can be removed from the body by moving it proximally. To remove the protective cap, the user can grasp and pull it.

[0016] This connection configuration is not permanent. Instead, it is arranged to prevent the user from removing the protective cap from the body before connecting the pillbox to the base unit, and to allow the user to remove the protective cap from the body after connecting the pillbox to the base unit.

[0017] The pillbox can be configured to be inserted into the base unit by moving it distally relative to the base unit. When the connection is disconnected, the cap can be configured to be removed from the pillbox by moving it proximally. Therefore, the direction of inserting the pillbox into the base unit is opposite to the direction of removing the cap from the pillbox. When the connection is connected and disconnected, the cap can be rotatably locked to the body.

[0018] The drug delivery component may be, for example, a needle or a nozzle. The body, drug delivery component, and / or cap may be substantially concentric or concentric with the longitudinal axis. The cap and / or body may be made of plastic.

[0019] The connection structure may include a snap-fit ​​engagement. In this case, the connector and / or mating connector may include one or more resilient components. These resilient components may be located within the body and / or the protective cap.

[0020] The connector may be a cap protrusion disposed on the cap. This cap protrusion may be a bump. Alternatively, the cap protrusion may be radially flexible. The cap protrusion itself may be made of an elastic material such as TPE, or the cap protrusion may be located on the edge of an elastic portion of the cap. In a latter example, the cap may have a distal portion made of an elastic material such as PE or PP, and this distal portion may have cutouts or slots so that the protrusion can bend radially or circumferentially outward when a radially outward force is applied to it.

[0021] The cap protrusion may extend laterally inward relative to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the connector may consist of multiple cap protrusions. In this case, each cap protrusion may be arranged in a common plane. This plane may be substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0022] The mating connector may be a body connection protrusion disposed on the body. This body connection protrusion may extend laterally outward relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0023] The main body connecting protrusion can be a flange. In this case, when connecting the connecting structure, the cap can snap onto the flange. To disconnect the connecting structure, the main body can be moved in a distal direction, causing the flange to skip over the main body connecting protrusion. The main body connecting protrusion can be flexible.

[0024] The cartridge may also include a sheath covering the drug delivery component, wherein the cap closes the sheath. Such a cartridge can be used in drug delivery devices comprised of autoinjectors. The sheath can be used to activate drug delivery, for example by pressing the sheath against the dosage delivery site. Various methods of activating drug delivery by pressing such a sheath against the dosage delivery site are known in themselves.

[0025] According to another example, the pillbox does not include a sheath. In such a pillbox, the medication delivery member can be moved proximally for medication delivery, for example, by means of movement driven by a motor in the base unit.

[0026] The cartridge may further include a cover with a cap engageable structure, wherein the cap includes a cap engaging structure arranged to engage with the cover engageable structure when the connection is broken, and wherein the cover is arranged to be removed by proximal movement of the cap when the connection is broken. The cover can provide a sterile barrier for the drug delivery component. In the case where the drug delivery component is a needle, the cover may include a flexible needle cover (FNS) and a rigid needle cover (RNS) that covers the flexible needle cover.

[0027] When the connecting structure is disconnected, the cap can be configured to move proximally before the cap engagement structure engages with the cover engagement structure. This creates a gap between the base unit and the cap when the cartridge is attached to the base unit and the connecting structure is disconnected. This gap provides the user with an indication that the cap can be pulled down. A force (e.g., using a spring) can be applied to the cap proximally so that the cap engagement structure contacts the cover engagement structure and creates the gap when the connecting structure is disconnected.

[0028] The cartridge may further include an isolated needle and a cartridge containing the medication. The isolated medication delivery component (e.g., the needle) is held securely by a needle hub. The needle hub includes an interaction structure arranged to interact with a mating interaction structure arranged on the inner portion of a cap. For example, the cap may have a gear arranged on its inner surface as a mating interaction structure; and the needle hub may have a set of racks arranged on its outer surface that meshes with the gears as the interaction structure, such that movement of the cap proximally causes movement of the needle hub and needle distally; thus, by removing the cap, the isolated medication delivery component can be installed onto the cartridge.

[0029] The protective cap can cover the main part of the medicine box. When the protective cap is attached to the body via a connecting structure, the protective cap can be positioned along the longitudinal axis for at least 50% of the length of the medicine box. Alternatively, the protective cap can cover the main part of the body.

[0030] According to another aspect, a medication delivery device is provided that includes a cartridge of the present disclosure. The medication delivery device may, for example, be an autoinjector. In this case, the cartridge may include a sheath for activating medication delivery.

[0031] The medication delivery device may further include a base unit arranged to drive medication out of a medication container within the medication cartridge when the cartridge is attached to the base unit. The medication cartridge may be disposable, while the base unit may be reusable.

[0032] The body may include a joining member (hereinafter referred to as the body joining structure), and the base unit may include a mating joining member (hereinafter referred to as the base engaging structure). When the body joining structure and the base engaging structure are engaged, the body joining structure and the base engaging structure may be arranged to generate the distal force by rotation of the body relative to the base unit about a longitudinal axis.

[0033] Therefore, the medication delivery device may include a cap unlocking mechanism, which includes a body engagement structure, a base engagement structure, and a connection structure. The cap unlocking mechanism can be configured to convert rotation of the medication cartridge about a longitudinal axis into movement of the body relative to the cap in a distal direction.

[0034] In addition to generating a distal force that causes the connection to break, rotation of the main body relative to the base unit can cause the cartridge to be attached to the base unit. Therefore, the protective cap can be unlocked by the sequence in which the cartridge is connected to the base unit.

[0035] An interface is formed between the main body joining structure and the base joining structure, thereby generating a distal force through the rotation of the main body relative to the base unit about the longitudinal axis when the main body joining structure and the base joining structure are engaged. This interface can be a cam interface, a threaded interface, or a bayonet interface.

[0036] The main body joining structure can be located in the distal region of the medicine box. This main body joining structure can be exposed when the cap is attached to the main body via the connecting structure. That is, the cap may not cover the main body joining structure.

[0037] The main body engagement structure can be integrally formed with the main body or disposed on a detachable accessory for secure attachment to the distal region of the main body. In the latter embodiment, the pillbox of the present invention is compatible with most drug delivery devices used in conjunction with the pillbox; because for different drug delivery devices on the market, the pillbox can be used with a variety of detachable accessories with different engagement members. The detachable accessory can be an annular or C-shaped component capable of clamping onto the distal portion of the main body, in which case the main body may not have an integral main body engagement structure.

[0038] When the interface is a cam interface, the base engagement structure and the body engagement structure include a cam profile and a cam follower arranged to follow the cam profile. The base engagement structure may include the cam profile, while the body engagement structure may include a cam follower arranged to follow the cam profile. Alternatively, the body engagement structure may include the cam profile, while the base engagement structure may include a cam follower arranged to follow the cam profile. In any case, when the cam follower engages with the cam profile and the cartridge rotates about its longitudinal axis, the body is forced to move in a distal direction, causing the connection to break. Therefore, the medication delivery device may include a cam interface comprising a cam profile and a cam follower.

[0039] Alternatively, the main engagement structure may include one or more main protrusions. Each main protrusion may project radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis. According to a variation, the main engagement structure includes two main protrusions, for example, two main protrusions arranged opposite each other relative to the longitudinal axis. These protrusions can act as a latch when the user connects the pillbox to the power unit.

[0040] Therefore, the cap unlocking mechanism may include a cam follower, a cam profile, and a connecting structure. Alternatively, the cap unlocking mechanism may include a linkage mechanism. Using this linkage mechanism, the cap unlocking mechanism can be configured to convert rotation of the pillbox about a longitudinal axis into movement of the main body relative to the cap in a distal direction. Such a linkage mechanism may be disposed in the pillbox or in the base unit. A portion of the linkage mechanism, or a portion of the main body that acts on the linkage mechanism when the pillbox is inserted into the base unit, may constitute a main body engagement structure. A portion of the linkage mechanism, or a portion of the base unit that acts on the linkage mechanism when the pillbox is inserted into the base unit, may constitute a base engagement structure.

[0041] As an alternative to the cam follower and cam profile, the cap unlocking mechanism may include a motorized clamp in the base unit. In this case, the base unit may include circuitry or a printed circuit board (PCB). The circuitry may include a switch or an information reader. The motorized clamp may be arranged to clamp and pull the body, thereby generating a distal force. In this case, the clamp can be triggered when the pillbox has been rotated relative to the base unit or inserted into the base unit and the switch is turned on; or when the information reader detects specific information on the pillbox body. This information about the pillbox body may be contained in an RFID tag, QR code, or barcode. In this embodiment, the distal force can be generated without the pillbox rotating relative to the base unit.

[0042] The base unit may include a proximal surface, while the cap may include a distal surface arranged to mate with the proximal surface when the cartridge is inserted into the base unit. In this case, the cap unlocking mechanism may also include both a proximal and a distal surface. Each of the proximal and distal surfaces may be substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Further details, advantages, and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic perspective side view of a drug delivery device including a cartridge and a base unit is shown.

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the medicine box is shown from the near side.

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic perspective close-side view of the main body of the medicine box is shown;

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic close-up view of the main body is shown.

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic perspective close-side view of the cap of the medicine box is shown;

[0049] Figure 6 A schematic close-up view of the cap is shown.

[0050] Figure 7 A schematic side view of the medicine box is shown.

[0051] Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the medicine box is shown.

[0052] Figure 9 Another cross-sectional side view of the medicine box is schematically shown;

[0053] Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of the base unit is shown from the far side.

[0054] Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional side view of the base unit is schematically shown;

[0055] Figure 12 A schematic side view of the drug delivery device is shown before the medicine cartridge is attached to the base unit;

[0056] Figure 13 A schematic side view of the drug delivery device is shown after the medicine cartridge is inserted into the base unit;

[0057] Figure 14 A schematic side view of the drug delivery device is shown after the cartridge has been rotated relative to the base unit;

[0058] Figure 15 A schematic side view of the agent delivery device is shown after the cap has moved proximally relative to the base unit and relative to the body;

[0059] Figure 16 A schematic side view of the drug delivery device after the protective cap has been removed;

[0060] Figure 17 schematically shown Figure 14 A partial cross-sectional side view of the medicine box; and

[0061] Figure 18 schematically shown Figure 15 A partial cross-sectional side view of the medicine box. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The following will describe a medicine cartridge for a medicine delivery device having a base unit, and a medicine delivery device including a medicine cartridge. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic perspective side view of the drug delivery device 10 is shown. The drug delivery device 10 includes a medicine cartridge 12 and a base unit 14. The medicine cartridge 12 is disposable, while the base unit 14 is reusable.

[0064] The pillbox 12 includes a longitudinal axis 16. The longitudinal axis 16 defines a proximal direction 18 and a distal direction 20 opposite to the proximal direction 18. The pillbox 12 is configured to be inserted into and then attached to the base unit 14 by moving relative to the base unit 14 along the distal direction 20.

[0065] The medicine box 12 includes a main body 22 and a protective cap 24. Figure 1 In the middle, the protective cap 24 is connected to the main body 22. The protective cap 24 is arranged near the side of the main body 22. Each of the main body 22 and the protective cap 24 is substantially concentric with the longitudinal axis 16. Figure 1 As shown, the cap 24 covers the main part of the medicine box 12 along the longitudinal axis 16, covering approximately 75% in this example.

[0066] The cap 24 includes a distal surface 26. The distal surface 26 lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16.

[0067] The body 22 of this example includes two cam followers 28. The cam followers 28 are arranged opposite to each other on the body 22 relative to the longitudinal axis 16. Each cam follower 28 is a projection and protrudes radially outward (relative to the longitudinal axis 16) from the body 22. Each cam follower 28 is an example of the body engagement structure of this disclosure. The cam followers 28 are located in the distal region of the body 22. Figure 1 As shown, the cam follower 28 is not covered by the cap 24.

[0068] The base unit 14 is arranged to drive the dispensing of medication from the medication container in the pillbox 12 when the pillbox 12 is attached to the base unit 14. The base unit 14 includes an opening 30. The opening 30 is located in the proximal end of the base unit 14. The opening 30 is arranged to receive the distal end of the body 22 when the pillbox 12 is inserted into the base unit 14. When the pillbox 12 is inserted into the base unit 14, the base unit 14 and its opening 30 are substantially concentric with the longitudinal axis 16.

[0069] The base unit 14 in this example also includes two slots 32. The slots 32 are arranged opposite to the longitudinal axis 16 on the base unit 14. Each slot 32 is a recess in the opening 30 and generally faces the longitudinal axis 16. Each slot 32 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 16. The slots 32 are located in the proximal region of the base unit 14.

[0070] The base unit 14 also includes a proximal surface 34. The proximal surface 34 lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16. The distal surface 26 of the pillbox 12 is arranged to mate with the proximal surface 34 of the base unit 14 when the pillbox 12 is inserted into the base unit 14.

[0071] Figure 2 A schematic perspective near-side view of the medicine box 12 is shown. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the body 22 includes a flange 36. The flange 36 lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16. The flange 36 extends radially outward from the body 22 (relative to the longitudinal axis 16). The flange 36 is an example of a body connecting protrusion of this disclosure.

[0072] The cap 24 in this example includes four cap protrusions 38. Each cap protrusion 38 is arranged in a common plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16. However, the cap 24 may include one, two, three, or more than four cap protrusions 38. Each cap protrusion 38 is illustrated herein as a bump extending radially inward relative to the longitudinal axis 16.

[0073] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, the cap protrusion 38 snaps onto the flange 36. This prevents the cap 24 from being removed from the body 22. The cap protrusion 38 and the flange 36 form a connection structure 40 that connects the cap 24 to the body 22. In this example, the connection structure 40 is a snap-fit ​​connection. The cap protrusions 38 are symmetrically arranged on the two halves of the cap 24. In a preferred embodiment, cutouts or slots are provided on the distal portion of the cap 24 and between the two halves of the cap 24 (from... Figure 5 As can be seen, because the cap 24 in this example is at least partially made of an elastic material (e.g., thermoplastic), the cut or slot allows the distal portion of the cap 24 to bend radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis 16 when a force is applied radially outward on the protrusion. Therefore, the cap protrusion 38 becomes somewhat "elastic" (or radially flexible), but stiff enough to prevent the user from separating the cap 24 from the body 22 by grasping the body 22 with one hand, the cap 24 with the other, and pulling the body 22 and cap 24 apart.

[0074] It should be noted that, alternatively, the incision or slot can be as follows: Figure 5 The pair shown could also simply be a cut or slot arranged on the distal portion of the cap. In this case, the protrusion can bend circumferentially when a force is applied radially outward on it.

[0075] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the main body 22 is shown. Figure 4 A schematic close-up view of the body 22 is shown. In this example, the body 22 is made of plastic. The body 22 can be injection molded as a single, integral part.

[0076] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of the cap 24 is shown from the side. Figure 6 A schematic close-up view of the cap 24 is shown. In this example, the cap 24 is made of plastic. The cap 24 can be injection molded as a single, integral part.

[0077] Figure 7 A side view of the medicine box 12 is shown schematically. Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the medicine box 12 is shown. Figure 9 Another cross-sectional side view of the medicine box 12 is schematically shown. (As shown) Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cap 24 encloses the proximal end 42 of the body 22. Furthermore, in this example, the cap 24 covers the main portion of the body 22, approximately 65% ​​of the length of the body 22 along the longitudinal axis 16.

[0078] Please refer to this together. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The medicine box 12 also retains a medicine container 44 containing the medicine. The medicine container 44 may be detachably attached to the medicine box 12. Alternatively, the medicine container 44 may be permanently attached to the medicine box 12. In either case, the medicine container 44 is housed within the body 22.

[0079] The medicine box 12 in this example also includes a needle 46. The needle 46 is an example of a drug delivery component of this disclosure. The needle 46 is concentric with the longitudinal axis 16.

[0080] The medicine box 12 in this example also includes a sheath 48. The sheath 48 covers the needle 46. The cap 24 seals the sheath 48.

[0081] The medicine box 12 in this example also includes a spring 50. The spring 50 pushes the sheath 48 in the proximal direction 18.

[0082] The medicine box 12 in this example also includes a shield 52. The shield 52 covers the needle 46 and provides a sterile barrier. The shield 52 in this example includes a flexible needle shield and a rigid needle shield outside the flexible needle shield.

[0083] like Figure 9 As shown, the cap 24 also includes a stop 54. The stop 54 is illustrated here as a radially inward (relative to the longitudinal axis 16) projecting collar. When the connecting structure 40 is engaged, a flange 36 is positioned between the cap protrusion 38 and the stop 54. Therefore, the stop 54 prevents the cap 24 from moving relative to the body 22 in the distal direction 20.

[0084] Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of the base unit 14 is shown from the far side. Figure 11A partial cross-sectional side view of the base unit 14 is schematically shown. Please refer to it. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In this example, the base unit 14 includes two cam profiles 56 (in... Figure 10 and 11 Only one of them is visible. Cam profile 56 is disposed in the proximal region of base unit 14. Cam profile 56 is arranged opposite to longitudinal axis 16 in opening 30 of base unit 14. Each cam profile 56 is an example of a base-engageable structure of the present disclosure. Each cam profile 56 extends helically relative to longitudinal axis 16. In this example, each cam profile 56 extends about longitudinal axis 16 at an angle of approximately 90°.

[0085] As the pillbox 12 is inserted into the base unit 14 in the distal direction 20, the cam follower 28 travels in the corresponding slot 32 of the base unit 14. As the pillbox 12 subsequently rotates relative to the base unit 14 about the longitudinal axis 16 to attach the pillbox 12 to the base unit 14, the cam follower 28 engages with the corresponding cam profile 56, thus forming an interface therebetween. This rotation of the pillbox 12 relative to the base unit 14 about the longitudinal axis 16, due to the interface between the cam follower 28 and the cam profile 56, results in a distal force on the body 22. This distal force acts on the body 22 in the distal direction 20.

[0086] Furthermore, when the pillbox 12 has been inserted into the base unit 14, the distal surface 26 of the pillbox 12 engages with the proximal surface 34 of the base unit 14. As the pillbox 12 is inserted into the base unit 14 and rotated, and the cam follower 28 engages with the corresponding cam profile 56, a distal force acts on the body 22 to push it along the distal direction 20. However, the engagement between the distal surface 26 and the proximal surface 34 prevents the cap 24 from moving along the distal direction 20. Therefore, the distal force acting on the body 22 acts relative to the cap 24, causing the body 22 to move relative to the cap 24 along the distal direction 20, causing the flange 36 to jump over the cap protrusion 38, and thus providing a radially outward force applied to the protrusion 38, which causes the protrusion 38 to bend radially outward. The connection structure 40 is thus disconnected. Therefore, the connection structure 40 is arranged to be disconnected by a distal force acting on the body 22 in the distal direction 20 relative to the cap 24.

[0087] The body 22 and the cap 24 are rotate-locked to prevent relative rotation between them about the longitudinal axis 16. The cam follower 28, cam profile 56, connecting structure 40, distal surface 26 and proximal surface 34 form an example of a cap unlocking mechanism configured to convert rotation of the pillbox 12 about the longitudinal axis 16 into movement of the body 22 relative to the cap 24 in the distal direction 20.

[0088] Figure 12 A schematic side view of the medication delivery device 10 is shown before the medication cartridge 12 is attached to the base unit 14. Figure 12 When the medicine delivery device 10 is in its normal state, the protective cap 24 cannot be easily removed from the medicine box 12 because the protective cap 24 is locked to the main body 22 by the connecting structure 40.

[0089] Figure 13 A schematic side view of the medication delivery device 10 is shown after the pill cartridge 12 has been inserted into the base unit 14. During insertion, the cam follower 28 travels within a corresponding slot 32 in the base unit 14. The pill cartridge 12 is inserted into the base unit 14 until the distal surface 26 of the cap 24 contacts the proximal surface 34 of the base unit 14. Figure 13 Even with the medicine delivery device 10 in operation, the protective cap 24 cannot be easily removed from the medicine box 12.

[0090] Figure 14 A schematic side view of the drug delivery device 10 is shown after the medicine cartridge 12 has been rotated relative to the base unit 14 about the longitudinal axis 16. Figure 14 In this configuration, the medicine box 12 is attached to the base unit 14. As the medicine box 12 rotates relative to the base unit 14, the connection 40 is disconnected, and the protective cap 24 is unlocked from the body 22. In this example, viewed from the distal direction 20, the medicine box 12 has rotated 90° clockwise.

[0091] As the pillbox 12 rotates, each cam follower 28 engages and follows an associated cam profile 56. The interaction between the cam follower 28 and the cam profile 56 results in a distal force acting in the distal direction 20, which acts on the body 22. Because the contact between the distal surface 26 and the proximal surface 34 prevents the cap 24 from moving in the distal direction 20, the distal force acting on the body 22 acts relative to the cap 24. The distal surface 26 thus acts as a counter-support.

[0092] The distal force acting on the body 22 relative to the cap 24 due to the rotation of the cartridge 12 causes the flange 36 to jump over the cap protrusion 38. The connection structure 40 is thus released. Further rotation of the cartridge 12 causes the body 22 to move further in the distal direction 20 until the flange 36 contacts the proximal surface 34. At the contact of the flange 36 with the proximal surface 34, the cartridge 12 cannot rotate further, and the body 22 cannot move further in the distal direction 20. Therefore, the cartridge 12 is attached to the base unit 14. The rotation of the cartridge 12 performs two functions: the connection structure 40 is disconnected, and the cartridge 12 is attached to the base unit 14. Therefore, the distal force used to release the connection structure 40 is generated by the installation sequence of the cartridge 12 to the base unit 14. In this way, premature removal of the cap 24 is prevented. That is, the medication delivery device 10 prevents the cap 24 from being removed before the cartridge 12 is attached to the base unit 14.

[0093] Figure 15 A schematic side view of the drug delivery device 10 is shown after the cap 24 has been moved proximally relative to the base unit 14 and relative to the body 22. This proximal movement is possible because the connection 40 between the cap 24 and the body 22 is disconnected. After the connection 40 is disconnected, the cap 24 can move slightly along the longitudinal axis 16. This creates a gap 58 between the cap 24 and the base unit 14. This gap 58 can be, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm. The presence of this gap 58 indicates to the user that the cap 24 can be freely removed. The cap 24 can now be completely removed by pulling it along the proximal direction 18.

[0094] Figure 16 A schematic side view of the drug delivery device 10 is shown after the cap 24 has been removed. The sheath 48 is now exposed. The removal of the cap 24 also results in the removal of the shield 52, as described below.

[0095] Therefore, by moving in the distal direction 20, the cartridge 12 is inserted into the base unit 14, and by moving in the proximal direction 18, opposite to the distal direction 20, the cap 24 is removed from the cartridge 12. This reduces the risk of injury to the user from the needle 46. As mentioned above, this risk may exist in medication delivery devices where the cap can be removed before the cartridge is inserted into the base unit.

[0096] By pressing the sheath 48 against the dosage delivery site, the sheath 48 overcomes the compressive force of the spring 50 and moves distally 20 relative to the drug delivery device 10. Simultaneously, the needle 46 inserts into the dosage delivery site. This distal movement of the sheath 48 activates drug delivery in a manner known per se. For example, the distal movement of the sheath 48 can activate a drive mechanism that rotatably drives a rotating body in the cartridge 12 to release a spring force that drives the drug through the needle 46 and into the dosage delivery site.

[0097] After injection, the user can place the cap 24 on the main body 22 as a tool to remove the cartridge 12 from the base unit 14. If the cap 24 is reattached to the cartridge 12, it adds an additional layer of safety to prevent needlestick injuries after use.

[0098] Figure 17 Schematic illustration of being in Figure 14 A partial cross-sectional side view of the medicine box 12 in its current state. (See attached image.) Figure 17 As shown, the cap 24 includes a cap engagement structure 60, and the cover 52 includes a cover engagement structure 62. In this example, the cap engagement structure 60 is a radially inward (relative to the longitudinal axis 16) projecting collar. In this example, the cover engagement structure 62 is a radially outward (relative to the longitudinal axis 16) projecting collar. Figure 17 As shown, the cap engagement structure 60 is located distally to the shroud engagement structure 62 in the distal direction 20. When the connection structure 40 is disconnected, the cap 24 moves freely in the proximal direction 18 until the cap engagement structure 60 contacts the shroud engagement structure 62.

[0099] Figure 18 Schematic illustration of being in Figure 15 A partial cross-sectional side view of the medicine box 12 in its current state. Figure 18 In the middle, the cap engagement structure 60 contacts the cover engagement structure 62. If the user is in Figure 18 If the medicine box 12 is disconnected from the base unit 14 in the state, the sterile barrier in the shield 52 will remain intact.

[0100] In this example, only the engagement between the cap engagement structure 60 and the shield engagement structure 62 prevents the cap 24 from being removed from the cartridge 12. Friction between the shield 52 and the needle 46 prevents the shield 52 from moving in the proximal direction 18. In this example, there is no additional force preventing the cap 24 from moving in the proximal direction 18.

[0101] The medicine box 12 may also include a spring (not shown) arranged to press the cap 24 along the proximal direction 18. In this way, a gap 58 will automatically appear when the connecting structure 40 is disconnected.

[0102] Further movement of the cap 24 in the proximal direction 18 causes the cap 24 and the shield 52 to be removed from the medicine box 12. More specifically, further movement of the cap 24 in the proximal direction 18 causes the cap engaging structure 60 to push the shield engaging structure 62, thereby forcing the shield 52 to move in the proximal direction 18. Therefore, when the cap 24 is removed from the medicine box 12, the shield 52 is also removed.

[0103] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the foregoing. For example, it should be understood that the dimensions of the components may vary as needed. Therefore, the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cartridge (12) for a medicament delivery device (10) having a base unit (14), the cartridge (12) comprising: - a longitudinal axis (16) defining a proximal direction (18) and a distal direction (20); - a main body (22) for accommodating a medicament container (44), the main body (22) comprising a cam follower (28) arranged oppositely on the main body (22) and protruding radially outwards from the main body (22) with respect to the longitudinal axis (16); - a medicament delivery member; and - a cap (24) connected to the main body (22) by a connection formation (40), the cap (24) enclosing a proximal end (42) of the main body (22); wherein the connection formation (40) is arranged to be broken by a distal force acting on the main body (22) relative to the cap (24) in the distal direction (20) when the cartridge (12) is attached to the base unit (14) when the cam follower (28) is engaged with a corresponding cam profile (56) on the base unit (14).

2. The cartridge (12) of claim 1, wherein the connection formation (40) comprises a snap fit.

3. The cartridge (12) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection formation (40) comprises a cap protrusion (38) arranged on the cap (24).

4. The cartridge (12) of claim 3, wherein the cap protrusion (38) is radially flexible.

5. The cartridge (12) of claim 3 or 4, wherein the cap protrusion (38) extends laterally inwards with respect to the longitudinal axis (16).

6. The cartridge (12) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection formation (40) comprises a main body connection protrusion arranged on the main body (22).

7. The cartridge (12) of claim 6, wherein the main body connection protrusion extends laterally outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis (16).

8. The cartridge (12) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the main body connection protrusion is a flange.

9. The cartridge (12) of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the main body connection protrusion is flexible.

10. The cartridge (12) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sheath (48) covering the medicament delivery member, wherein the cap (24) encloses the sheath (48).

11. A medicament delivery device (10) comprising the cartridge (12) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the medicament delivery device (10) further comprises a base unit (14) arranged to drive expulsion of medicament from the medicament container (44) in the cartridge (12) when the cartridge (12) is attached to the base unit (14). ​ 12. The medicament delivery device (10) of claim 11, wherein the main body (22) comprises a main body engagement structure (28), wherein the base unit (14) comprises a base engageable structure (56), and wherein an interface is formed between the main body engagement structure (28) and the base engageable structure (56) such that rotation of the main body (22) about the longitudinal axis (16) relative to the base unit (14) when the main body engagement structure (28) and the base engageable structure (56) are engaged generates the distal force.

13. The medicament delivery device (10) of claim 12, wherein the interface is a cam interface, a threaded interface, or a bayonet interface.

14. The medicament delivery device (10) of claim 13, wherein the interface is a cam interface; and wherein the base engageable structure (56) and the main body engagement structure (28) comprise a cam profile and a cam follower arranged to follow the cam profile.

15. The medicament delivery device (10) of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the base unit (14) comprises a proximal surface (34), and wherein the cap (24) comprises a distal surface (26) arranged to cooperate with the proximal surface (34) when the cartridge (12) is inserted into the base unit (14).

Images