Filling apparatus and method for filling a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filling apparatus for filling a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device, the filling apparatus comprising: a receiving portion for a reusable reservoir; a supply container for containing a liquid medicament; a first connection port for fluidly connecting the interior volume of the reusable reservoir with the supply container; and a sterilization device configured to sterilize the interior volume of the reusable reservoir. In order to provide improved sterilization, the filling apparatus further comprises a discharge device for discharging deposits from the inner volume of the inner volume, where the sterilization device comprises a radiation source for providing radiation for sterilizing the reusable reservoir. The reusable reservoir is housed in a radiation chamber.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling device for filling a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device, the filling device comprising: a receiving portion configured to hold the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device; a supply container configured to contain a liquid drug; a first connecting port configured to connect the internal volume of the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device to the fluid of the supply container; and a sterilizing device configured to sterilize the internal volume of the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device.

[0002] The medical dispensing devices known so far include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid drug. During use of the medical dispensing device, the liquid drug is dispensed from the reservoir through an opening in the reservoir and administered to a patient. However, after exhaustion, the empty reservoir is disposed of, thereby increasing the amount of waste and placing a strain on the environment.

[0003] When a reusable reservoir is provided instead of a disposable reservoir, less waste is generated. However, care must be taken that the refilled reservoir can be used without problems and is not, for example, contaminated (which could harm the user of the medical dispensing device).

[0004] US 8,839,828 B2 discloses a system for filling a reusable medical reservoir of a drug administration device. The filling device further includes a purification device, which allows the reusable drug reservoir to be sterilized and cleaned before refilling the reusable drug reservoir with the drug. For sterilization and cleaning, a cleaning agent, such as an isotonic saline solution or an alcohol solution, is provided in a container or supply tank of the filling device. The disadvantage of this design is that after cleaning, a residual amount of drug and / or a residual amount of cleaning agent may remain in the reusable medical reservoir. When the medical reservoir is refilled, the residual amount of cleaning agent and / or the residual amount of liquid drug mixes with the newly filled drug. This reduces the quality of the refilled reusable medical reservoir and makes the refilling of the reusable medical reservoir less attractive to users.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a filling device which avoids at least one of the problems associated with filling apparatuses known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved filling apparatus for sterilizing a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device.

[0006] At least one of the above objects is solved by providing the subject matter disclosed in the claims and throughout the specification.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a filling device for filling a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device is provided. The filling device includes: a receiving portion configured to hold a medical dispensing device reservoir; a supply container configured to contain a liquid drug; a first connection port configured to fluidly connect the internal volume of the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device to the supply container; and a sterilizing device configured to sterilize the internal volume of the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device. The filling device further includes a discharge device configured to discharge sediment from the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device during use of the filling device. The discharge device is configured to fluidly connect the internal volume of the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device to the discharge device. This sterilizing device includes a radiation chamber configured to accommodate the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device. The radiation chamber includes an access opening configured to be opened and closed and a protective barrier configured to prevent radiation from leaving the radiation chamber. This sterilizing device further includes a radiation source configured to provide radiation in the radiation chamber.

[0008] During use, the reusable reservoir is inserted into the radiation chamber of the filling device via the access opening of the radiation chamber. The access opening of the radiation chamber is constructed so that it can be opened and closed to place the reusable reservoir in the radiation chamber and to remove the reusable reservoir from the radiation chamber. The sterilization device may further include a safety mechanism, such as a safety switch, which prevents radiation from propagating in the radiation chamber when the access opening of the radiation chamber is opened. If the access opening of the radiation chamber is open, the safety mechanism can shut down and / or prevent the activation of the radiation source so that no radiation is generated and / or no radiation is provided to the radiation chamber. The safety mechanism increases the safety of organisms and the environment near the filling device by at least preventing the organisms and the environment from being overly exposed to radiation leaving the radiation chamber.

[0009] When the reusable reservoir is placed in the radiation chamber, the reusable reservoir engages with the receiving portion. The receiving portion holds the reusable reservoir in a predetermined position in the radiation chamber. The connection port is connected to the opening of the reusable reservoir, thereby connecting the internal volume fluid of the reusable reservoir to a supply container. The supply container is constructed to store liquid medicine so that the reusable reservoir can be filled or refilled with the liquid medicine from the supply container, respectively. Liquid medicine in the context of the present invention refers to liquid medicine or a pharmaceutically effective solution. For example, the liquid medicine can be insulin, or a solution containing insulin.

[0010] By way of example only, the supply container can be a replaceable supply container and / or a refillable supply container that is fixedly integrated into the filling device. The replaceable container can be disposable or reusable. The replaceable disposable supply container may include a tamper-evident closure that indicates the first opening or first use of the disposable supply container. Alternatively or additionally, the tamper-evident closure of the disposable supply container may prevent the refilling of the disposable supply container. These designs of supply containers help provide a larger amount of liquid medication for filling and refilling the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device in a safe and convenient manner. The tamper-evident closure can prevent the use of a fraudulent / manipulated user reservoir, further improving patient safety.

[0011] After the reusable reservoir is used and exhausted by the medical dispensing device, sediment may still be present in the reusable reservoir. Therefore, before refilling, the sediment that may be included in the reusable reservoir is removed from the reusable reservoir by the discharge device of the filling device. In the context of the present invention, sediment refers to one or more of the residual amount of liquid medicine, the residual amount of cleaning agent, the residual amount of body fluids and / or the residual amount of contaminants in the reusable reservoir and a combination thereof.

[0012] The radiation chamber is part of a sterilization device included in a filling device and includes a protective barrier configured to prevent radiation from leaving the radiation chamber. The protective barrier helps to protect organisms near the filling device, in particular users of the filling device, from radiation generated by a radiation source used to sterilize the reusable reservoir during use of the sterilization device. The protective barrier limits the presence of radiation generated by the radiation source outside the filling device and which may harm the user of the filling device or the environment close to the filling device. The choice of the radiation source depends on the choice of the protective barrier, and vice versa. For example, the radiation source may include or form a UV-C radiation source and / or a gamma radiation source and / or an X-ray radiation source. Therefore, the protective barrier may be configured to prevent corresponding UV-C radiation and / or gamma radiation and / or X-ray radiation provided by the radiation source passing through the protective barrier of the radiation chamber during use of the filling device.

[0013] In the meaning of the present invention, UV-C radiation refers to electromagnetic waves with a wavelength in the range between equal to or greater than 100 nm and equal to or less than 280 nm. In one variant, the radiation source is configured to generate UV-C radiation in the range between equal to or greater than 265 nm and equal to or less than 270 nm. According to an embodiment, the radiation source is configured to provide a median radiant efficiency of UV-C radiation in the radiation chamber in the range of equal to or greater than 10 J / m 2 Equal to or less than 450 J / m 2 Alternatively, the median radiation source is configured to provide a radiation source within the radiation chamber at a level equal to or greater than 10 J / m2 Equal to or less than 50J / m 2 The median radiation efficiency is in the range between .

[0014] In the meaning of the present invention, a gamma radiation source is a radiation source configured to provide electromagnetic waves having a wavelength equal to or less than 0.005 nm and greater than 0 nm.

[0015] In the meaning of the present invention, an X-ray radiation source is a radiation source configured to provide electromagnetic waves having a wavelength in the range between equal to or greater than 0.1 nm and equal to or less than 10 nm.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the respective radiation source is configured to provide a median radiation dose within the radiation chamber, the median radiation dose being a dose that achieves 10 -6 The median radiation dose in the irradiation chamber describes the sterility assurance level required to achieve the above 10 -6 For example, the corresponding radiation source is configured to provide a median radiation dose of UV-C radiation and / or gamma radiation and / or X-ray radiation in the radiation chamber, which ranges between equal to or greater than 25 kJ / kg and equal to or less than 32 kJ / kg.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the protective barrier is integrated into a housing element forming the radiation chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the protective barrier forms a housing element of the radiation chamber or forms at least a circumferential layer of a housing element of the radiation chamber. In the meaning of the present invention, housing elements refer in particular to wall elements and door elements defining a closed dosing chamber. "Closed" in the context of the present invention does not exclude the presence of supply lines, connectors and pipes for operating the radiation chamber as parts of the filling device. Preventing radiation from leaving the closed radiation chamber is achieved when the corresponding median radiation dose of the radiation generated by the corresponding radiation source outside the radiation chamber at a distance of 1 cm from the closed access opening of the radiation chamber is less than 5%, preferably less than 1%, of the median radiation dose inside the radiation chamber.

[0018] The radiation source may be housed within the radiation chamber or placed outside the radiation chamber. When placed outside the radiation chamber, the radiation source may include an additional protective barrier that prevents radiation from leaving the filling device. In any case, the sterilization device is configured so that during use of the filling device, radiation originating from the radiation source propagates within the radiation chamber for sterilizing the reusable reservoir.

[0019] The medical dispensing device is a device for dispensing a drug, preferably a liquid drug, to a patient. For example, the medical dispensing device can be a medical infusion pump for infusing a liquid drug into a patient. For example, the medical infusion pump can be a body-worn infusion pump. Therefore, the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device can be a reusable reservoir of the medical infusion pump. In an embodiment, the medical dispensing device is an insulin patch pump, and the reusable reservoir is a reusable reservoir of the insulin patch pump.

[0020] In an embodiment, the discharge device includes a waste container configured to store sediment that is discharged from a reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device during use of the discharge device. For example, the waste container is a removable and disposable container. The sediment discharged from the reusable reservoir is stored in the waste container and can therefore be disposed of in a clean and sterile manner together with the waste container.

[0021] The filling device may further include a drive mechanism that is configured to actuate the discharge mechanism of the reusable reservoir. For example, the discharge mechanism of the reusable reservoir may include a plunger that is movably arranged in the internal volume of the reusable reservoir, wherein when the plunger is moved in the reusable reservoir, the internal volume may be increased or decreased. When the internal volume of the reusable reservoir is reduced, the sediment or contents in the reusable reservoir are discharged from the reusable reservoir to, for example, a waste container of a discharge device. Similarly, when the internal volume of the reusable reservoir is increased, liquid medicine can be delivered to the reusable reservoir from a supply container via a connection port.

[0022] In an embodiment, the discharge device includes a heating module configured to evaporate the deposit in the interior volume of the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device. For example, the heating module may include a heating coil and / or a heating lamp. Once the deposit is evaporated by the heating module, the evaporated gaseous deposit can be easily discharged from the reusable reservoir during use of the filling device.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the first connection port is configured to alternately fluidly connect the internal volume of the reusable reservoir with a supply container and fluidly connect the internal volume of the reusable reservoir with a waste container of a discharge device. The connection port may include a valve configured to be operated in a discharge state and a supply state. In the discharge state, the valve of the connection port connects the internal volume fluid of the reusable reservoir to the waste container. In the supply state, the valve of the connection port connects the internal volume fluid of the reusable reservoir to the supply container. The connection port comprising a valve helps to provide a compact and easy-to-use filling device, and the valve is configured to alternately fluidly connect the internal volume of the reservoir to a waste container or a supply container.

[0024] The filling device may further include a detergent container configured to contain a detergent for cleaning the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device. During use of the filling device, the detergent container is fluidly connected to the internal volume of the reservoir. For example, the detergent is one or more of isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, distilled water, or ethylene oxide gas.

[0025] If respectively exist, supply container and / or waste container and / or detergent container can be fluidly connected to the first connection port, so that during the use of filling device, the corresponding container is fluidly connected to the internal volume of reusable reservoir by the first connection port. In order to connect the corresponding container alternately to the internal volume of reusable reservoir, the first connection port may include a valve, which is configured to connect one of the corresponding containers alternately to the internal volume of reusable reservoir. Alternatively, filling device may include a second connection port and / or a third connection port, which is configured to connect the waste container fluid to the internal volume of reusable reservoir, and the third connection port is configured to connect the detergent container fluid to the internal volume of reusable reservoir. Similarly, reusable reservoir may include a first opening, which is configured to connect the internal volume of reusable reservoir to the first connection port. Additionally, reusable reservoir may include a second opening, which is configured to connect the internal volume of reusable reservoir to the second connection port. The second connection port can be configured to connect the internal volume fluid of the reusable reservoir to a waste container and / or a detergent container via the second opening of the reusable reservoir. Further additionally, the reusable reservoir may include a third opening, which is configured to connect the internal volume of the reusable reservoir to the third connection port. The third connection port can be configured to connect the internal volume fluid of the reusable reservoir to the detergent container via the third opening of the reusable reservoir.

[0026] In an embodiment, cleaning device and discharge device are connected to the internal volume of reusable reservoir by two different connection port fluids.For example, detergent container can be connected to the internal volume of reusable reservoir via the first connection port fluid, and the waste container of discharge device is connected to the internal volume of reusable reservoir via the second connection port fluid.During the use of filling equipment, the internal volume of reusable reservoir is rinsed by a detergent provided by detergent container in two connection ports, and detergent is removed from the internal volume of reusable reservoir via another connection port in two connection ports.Thus, the flow direction of detergent from one connection port to another connection port is realized in the internal volume of reusable reservoir.For example, during use, detergent from detergent container flows into the internal volume of reusable reservoir by the first connection port, and flows into waste container from the internal volume of reusable reservoir via the second connection port.The flow of detergent in the internal volume of reusable reservoir from one connection port to another connection port allows detergent to flow continuously through the reservoir, which can sweep bubbles and deposit the internal volume of the reservoir. In an embodiment, the two connection ports are arranged such that, in a state where the filling device is placed on a table ready for use, the connection port that is fluidically connected to the cleaning agent container is closer to the geometric center than the connection port that is fluidically connected to the waste container. As a result, the flow of cleaning agent within the internal volume is at least partially directed against gravity, so that bubbles that may be included in the internal volume of the reusable reservoir during cleaning of the internal volume already naturally tend to rise in the direction in which the connection port is fluidly connected to the waste container.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the filling device further comprises a charging device for charging the rechargeable battery of the reusable reservoir and / or for charging the rechargeable battery of the medical dispensing device. The filling device may comprise a docking station configured for electrically connecting the charging device to the rechargeable battery of the medical dispensing device.

[0028] The present invention further relates to a medical dispensing device system comprising a reusable reservoir for a medical dispensing device, and a filling device for filling the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device, the filling device comprising:

[0029] a receiving portion configured to hold a reservoir of a medical dispensing device;

[0030] a supply container configured to contain a liquid medication;

[0031] a first connection port configured to fluidly connect an interior volume of a reservoir of a medical dispensing device with a supply container;

[0032] A sterilization device configured for sterilizing the interior volume of a reservoir of a medical dispensing device, wherein

[0033] The filling device further comprises a discharge device configured to discharge sediment from the reusable reservoir of the medical dispensing device during use of the filling device

[0034] o a discharge device configured to fluidly connect an interior volume of a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device to the discharge device;

[0035] and further wherein the sterilization device comprises a radiation chamber configured to receive a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device; the radiation chamber comprising

[0036] o an access opening configured to be opened or closed; and

[0037] o a protective barrier configured to prevent radiation from leaving the radiation chamber;

[0038] and wherein the sterilization device comprises a radiation source configured to provide radiation within the radiation chamber.

[0039] In an embodiment, the reusable reservoir includes an opening configured to connect the internal volume fluid of the reusable reservoir to the first connection port. The reusable reservoir may further include a removable plug portion including a septum, which, when inserted into the opening, tightly seals the opening fluidically, but still allows access to the internal volume of the reusable reservoir through the septum, such as through a connection needle of a medical dispensing device. When removed, at least one opening allows access to the internal volume of the reservoir via the first connection port.

[0040] The reusable reservoir can be a reusable reservoir of a body-worn insulin infusion pump (e.g., an insulin patch pump), wherein the medical dispensing device system includes a medical dispensing device that is a body-worn insulin infusion pump. In an embodiment, the radiation chamber is configured to accommodate the body-worn insulin infusion pump alone, or in a state separated from the reusable reservoir, or in a state including the reusable reservoir.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the radiation source of the filling device of the medical dispensing device system includes or is one or more of a UV-C radiation source, a gamma radiation source or an X-ray radiation source, wherein the reusable reservoir is constructed to be transparent to the corresponding radiation provided by the radiation source. In the meaning of the present invention, being transparent to the corresponding radiation provided by the radiation source means that when the radiation provided by the radiation source encounters the reusable reservoir, almost all, preferably at least 70%, of the radiation passes through the reusable reservoir into the internal volume of the reusable reservoir. In an embodiment, the reusable reservoir is at least partially made of glass and / or a transparent plastic material, which is transparent to electromagnetic waves with a wavelength in the range of equal to or greater than 400nm and equal to or less than 780nm. This design not only allows visible inspection of the internal volume of the reservoir by the human eye, but also allows the radiation generated by the corresponding radiation source to reach the internal volume of the reservoir through the material of the reusable reservoir.

[0042] Thus far, as reference is made to a filling device or a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device in the above and below detailed description of the embodiments and claims of a filling device for filling a reusable reservoir, the features described therein also apply to a filling device as part of a medical dispensing device system or a reusable reservoir as part of a medical dispensing device system, respectively.

[0043] The invention further relates to a method for filling a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device, the method being configured to be performed by the filling apparatus of the invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0044] o discharging the sediment from the reusable reservoir through a discharging device of the filling apparatus;

[0045] o sterilizing the inner volume of the reusable reservoir by providing radiation within a radiation chamber by a radiation source of a sterilization device of the filling apparatus; and

[0046] o Filling the inner volume of the reusable reservoir by providing liquid medicament from a supply container of the filling device via a first connection port of the filling device.

[0047] First, the sediment that may still be included in the inner volume of the reusable reservoir is removed by the discharge device of the filling device. The sediment is discharged from the inner volume of the reusable reservoir into a waste container and can therefore be disposed of in a clean and simple manner. The emptied reusable reservoir is then sterilized by providing radiation in the radiation chamber by the radiation source of the sterilization device of the filling device to sterilize the inner volume of the reusable reservoir. The liquid drug of the supply container of the filling device is then filled into the inner volume of the reusable reservoir via the first connection port of the filling device.

[0048] The method for filling a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device may further comprise the step of evaporating residual deposits in the inner volume of the reusable reservoir by means of a heating module of the filling apparatus.

[0049] Further optionally, the method for filling a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device may include the step of cleaning the interior volume of the reusable reservoir by flushing the interior volume of the reusable reservoir with a cleaning agent provided by a cleaning agent container of the filling device. Flushing the interior volume of the reusable reservoir helps to completely clear the interior volume of the reusable reservoir of residual deposits and thus helps to provide a safe reusable reservoir.

[0050] In an embodiment, a method for filling a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device comprises the steps of charging a rechargeable battery of the reusable reservoir and / or charging a rechargeable battery of the medical dispensing device by a charging device of a filling apparatus.

[0051] Thus far, as described above and in detail below in the embodiments and claims of the method for filling a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device by means of the filling device of the present invention, reference is made to a filling device or a reusable reservoir of a medical dispensing device, and the features described therein apply to a filling device alone and as part of a medical dispensing device, or to a reusable reservoir alone and as part of a medical dispensing device, respectively.

[0052] Further advantages, features and technical effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a medical dispensing device system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a medical dispensing device system according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0055] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a medical dispensing device system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0056] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a medical dispensing device system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The medical dispensing device system 1 includes a reusable reservoir 2 for a medical dispensing device and a filling device 1a, which is configured to: discharge sediment that may be included in the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2; sterilize the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2; and fill the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 with liquid medicine so that the reusable reservoir 2 can be reused in a medical dispensing device 3 (not shown).

[0057] The medical dispensing device system 1 further comprises a pump base (not shown) which together with the reusable reservoir 2 forms a medical dispensing device 3 (not shown).

[0058] The filling device 1a comprises a discharge device 8, which is configured to discharge sediment from the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 during use of the filling device 1a. The discharge device 8 comprises a waste container 15, which is configured to store the sediment discharged from the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2. The waste container 15 is a disposable, removable container that can be disposed of together with the sediment discharged from the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2. The discharge device 8 is fluidically connected to the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 via a first connection port 6. The first connection port 6 provides a passage into the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 via an opening of the reusable reservoir 2.

[0059] The filling device 1a further comprises a sterilizing device 7, which is configured to sterilize the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2. The sterilizing device 7 comprises a radiation chamber 9, which receives the reusable reservoir 2 when the reusable reservoir 2 is received in the receiving part 4 of the filling device 1a. The receiving part 4 holds the reusable reservoir 2 in place within the radiation chamber 9 during the draining, sterilization and filling of the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2. In order to sterilize the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2, the sterilizing device 7 further comprises a radiation source 12, which is configured to provide radiation within the radiation chamber 9 during use of the filling device. The radiation provided by the radiation source 12 is selected to achieve 10 -6 However, in order to protect the organisms close to the filling device 1a from the radiation provided by the radiation source 12, the radiation chamber 9 includes a protective barrier 11. The protective barrier 11 prevents the radiation from leaving the radiation chamber 9. The radiation chamber 9 includes an access opening 10 configured to be opened and closed. When open, the access opening 10 allows the reusable reservoir 2 to be inserted into the radiation chamber 9 and removed from the radiation chamber 9. When the access opening 10 is closed, the closed access opening 10 together with the protective barrier 11 prevents the radiation from leaving the radiation chamber 9.

[0060] After sterilization, the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 is filled with liquid medicine. The filling device 1a comprises a replaceable supply container 5 configured to contain the liquid medicine. The supply container 5 is fluidically connected to the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 via a first connection port 6. In order to discharge the sediment in the inner volume 2a from the reusable reservoir 2 or to fill the liquid medicine from the reusable reservoir into the inner volume 2a, the first connection port 6 is fluidically connected to a valve 19. The valve 19 is configured to fluidly connect the first connection port 6 alternately to the supply container 5 or the waste container 15.

[0061] The filling device (1a) is thus configured to carry out a method for filling a reusable reservoir (2) of a medical dispensing device (3), the method comprising the following steps: discharging sediment from the reusable reservoir (2) by means of a discharging device (8) of the filling device; sterilizing the inner volume (2a) of the reusable reservoir (2) by providing radiation in a radiation chamber (9) by means of a radiation source (12) of a sterilizing device (7) of the filling device (1a); and filling the inner volume (2a) of the reusable reservoir (2) by providing liquid medicament from a supply container (5) of the filling device (1a) via a first connection port (6) of the filling device (1a). The method is thus configured to be carried out by the filling device (1a).

[0062] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a medical dispensing device system 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment of the medical device system 1 is different from the embodiment according to Figure 1 The embodiment of the medical device dispensing device system 1 differs in that the filling apparatus 1a additionally comprises a drive mechanism 20. Furthermore, the reusable reservoir 2 further comprises a plunger 2b and a plunger rod 2c.

[0063] During use of the filling device 1a, the plunger rod 2c is operably connected to the drive mechanism 20. The drive mechanism 20 is configured to actuate the plunger rod 2c, which in turn is configured to move the plunger 2b in the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2. By moving the plunger 2b in the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2, the internal volume 2a is increased or reduced. By reducing the internal volume 2a, sediments that may be present in the internal volume 2a will be discharged into the waste container 15 via the first connection port 6. Similarly, when the plunger 2b is moved in the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 to increase the internal volume 2a, the liquid drug from the supply container 5 can be delivered to the internal volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 via the first connection port 6.

[0064] The first connection port 6 and / or the valve 19 according to the present embodiment further comprises a vent configured to fluidically connect the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 to the ambient air, thereby allowing the plunger 2b to be moved within the inner volume 2a without discharging the sediment to the waste container 15 and without filling the inner volume 2a with liquid drug from the supply container 5. This design allows providing an empty inner volume 2a of its maximum volume, so that radiation can pass through the inner volume 2a of the reservoir 2 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the plunger 2b without being substantially blocked by the plunger 2b and / or the plunger rod 2c.

[0065] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a medical dispensing device system 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The embodiment of the medical dispensing device system 1 shown is similar to Figure 1 The embodiment of the medical dispensing device system 1 shown differs in that it includes a first connection port 6 configured to fluidically connect the interior volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 to the waste container 15. The supply container 5 is fluidically connected to the interior volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 via the second connection port 21. Thus, the second connection port 21 is configured to fluidically connect the interior volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 to the supply container 5. In addition, the second connection port 21 is also configured to fluidically connect the interior volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 to the cleaning agent container 16.

[0066] The detergent container 16 provides a detergent for cleaning the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2. For example, the detergent from the detergent container 16 can be delivered to the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2 via the second connection port 21 to flush the inner volume 2a. In order to prevent the liquid drug from accidentally flowing into the detergent container and / or to prevent the detergent from flowing from the detergent container 16 into the supply container 5, a valve 19 is set. The valve 19 is configured to alternately connect the supply container 5 to the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir or to connect the detergent container 16 to the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2.

[0067] The discharge device 8 further comprises a heating module 17, which is configured to evaporate the sediment in the inner volume 2a of the reusable reservoir 2. The evaporated sediment can then be discharged from the reusable reservoir 2a of the reusable reservoir 2. The evaporated sediment can be discharged into the ambient air or into a waste container 15 via a vent (not shown).

[0068] Furthermore, the filling device 1 a comprises a charging device 22 which is designed to charge a rechargeable battery of the reusable reservoir 2 and / or a rechargeable battery of the medical dispensing device 3 .

[0069] Reference numerals list

[0070] 1 Medical dispensing device system

[0071] 1a Filling equipment

[0072] 2 Reusable reservoir

[0073] 2a Internal volume of the reusable reservoir

[0074] 2b Plunger

[0075] 2c Plunger rod

[0076] 3 Medical dispensing devices

[0077] 4 Acceptance

[0078] 5 Supply container

[0079] 6 First connection port

[0080] 7 Sterilization device

[0081] 8 Discharge device

[0082] 9 Radiation Room

[0083] 10 Access openings

[0084] 11. Protective Barrier

[0085] 12 Radiation Source

[0086] 13 Security Agency

[0087] 14 Tamper-evident closures

[0088] 15 Waste container

[0089] 16 Cleaning agent container

[0090] 17 Heating module

[0091] 19 Valve

[0092] 20 Driving mechanism

[0093] 21 Secondary port

[0094] 22 Charging device

Claims

1. A filling device (1a) for filling a reusable reservoir (2) of a medical dispensing device (3), the filling device (1a) comprising: a receiving portion (4) configured to hold a reusable reservoir (2) of a medical dispensing device (3); A supply container (5) configured to contain a liquid drug; a first connection port (6) configured for fluidly connecting the inner volume (2a) of the reservoir (2) of the medical dispensing device (3) with the supply container (5); A sterilizing device (7) configured for sterilizing the inner volume (2a) of the reservoir (2) of the medical dispensing device (3), characterized in that The filling device (1) comprises a discharge device (8) configured to discharge sediment from the reusable reservoir (2) of the medical dispensing device (3) during use of the filling device (1a); o the discharge device (8) is configured to fluidly connect the inner volume (2a) of the reusable reservoir (2) of the medical dispensing device (3) with the discharge device (8); and that the sterilization device (7) comprises a radiation chamber (9) configured to receive the reusable reservoir (2) of the medical dispensing device (3); the radiation chamber (9) comprises o an access opening (10) configured to be open or closed; and o a protective barrier (11) configured to prevent radiation from leaving the radiation chamber (9); And further, the sterilization device (7) comprises a radiation source (12) configured to provide radiation in the radiation chamber (9).

2. The filling device (1a) according to claim 1, characterized in that The sterilization device (7) comprises a safety mechanism (13) which shuts down and / or prevents activation of the radiation source (12) when the access opening (10) of the radiation chamber (9) is open.

3. Filling device (1a) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The radiation source (12) includes or is one or more of a UV-C radiation source, a gamma radiation source or an X-ray radiation source.

4. The filling device (1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The supply container (5) is a disposable and replaceable supply container including a tamper-evident closure (14) configured to indicate a first opening of the supply container and / or configured to prevent refilling of the disposable, replaceable supply container (5).

5. The filling device (1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The discharge device (8) comprises a waste container (15) configured to store sediment discharged from the reusable reservoir (2) of the medical dispensing device (3) during use of the filling apparatus (1a).

6. Filling device (1a) according to claim 5, characterized in that The waste container (15) is a removable and disposable container.

7. Filling device (1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The filling device (1a) comprises a drive mechanism (20) configured to actuate a discharge mechanism of the reusable reservoir (2).

8. Filling device (1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The filling device (1a) comprises a cleaning agent container (16) which is configured to contain a cleaning agent for cleaning an inner volume (2a) of the reusable reservoir (2) of the medical dispensing device (3), wherein, during use of the filling device (1a), the cleaning agent container (16) is fluidically connected to the inner volume (2a) of the reusable reservoir (2) of the medical dispensing device (3).

9. Filling device (1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The discharge device (8) comprises a heating module (17) configured to evaporate deposits in the inner volume (2a) of the reusable reservoir (2) of the medical dispensing device (3).

10. Filling device (1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The filling device (1a) comprises charging means (22) for charging a rechargeable battery of the reusable reservoir (2) and / or a rechargeable battery of the medical dispensing device (3).

11. A medical dispensing device system (1) comprising a reusable reservoir (2) for a medical dispensing device (3) and a filling device (1a) for filling the reusable reservoir (2) of the medical dispensing device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for filling a reusable reservoir (2) of a medical dispensing device (3), the method being configured to be performed by a filling apparatus (1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the following steps: o discharging sediment from the reusable reservoir (2) by means of said discharging device (8) of said filling device (1a); o sterilizing the inner volume (2a) of the reusable reservoir (2) by providing radiation in the radiation chamber (9) by a radiation source (12) of a sterilization device (7) of the filling apparatus (1a); as well as o Filling the inner volume (2a) of the reusable reservoir (2) by providing liquid medicament from the supply container (5) of the filling device (1a) via the first connection port (6) of the filling device (1a).

13. Method for filling a reusable reservoir (2) of a medical dispensing device (3) according to claim 12, characterized in that The method further comprises the following steps: • Evaporation of residual deposits in the inner volume (2a) of the reusable reservoir (2) by means of a heating module (17) of the discharge device (8) of the filling apparatus (1a).

14. Method for filling a reusable reservoir (2) of a medical dispensing device (3) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The method further comprises the following steps: • Cleaning the inner volume (2a) of the reusable reservoir (2) by flushing it with a cleaning agent provided by a cleaning agent container (16) of the filling device (1a).

15. Method for filling a reusable reservoir (2) of a medical dispensing device (3) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The method further comprises the following steps: Charging the rechargeable battery of the reusable reservoir (2) and / or charging the rechargeable battery of the medical dispensing device (3) by means of the charging device (22) of the filling device (1a).

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