Housing with syringe holding function

Abstract

A fixture for an injection device for receiving a syringe, the syringe comprising a proximal end portion having a radially outwardly projecting flange, the fixture having: a body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; an opening for receiving the syringe; the invention relates to a syringe comprising a distal end surface, an outer surface, and a proximal end surface for contacting a distally facing surface of the syringe when the syringe is distally advanced, thereby preventing further advancement. The fixed arm comprises a free end; a base end fixed to the outer surface; a first portion extending radially outward from the base end to allow passage of the flange; and a second portion extending radially inward in a rest position so as to contact the flange as the syringe is advanced. The securing arm is resiliently flexible to allow the free end to move radially outward to allow passage of the advanced flange and biased to the rest position to secure the flange and syringe against proximal movement.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 201880063857.4, filed on October 1, 2018, entitled "Housing with Syringe Holding Function". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of syringe housings, and more particularly to a mechanism for securing a syringe within the body of the housing. Background Technology

[0003] Existing devices in which the syringe is fixed inside the housing rely on the adapter and / or friction between the adapter or housing and the body of the syringe, and are typically configured to fix a single-sized syringe. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Briefly, an example of a fixing device for receiving an injection apparatus is described. The syringe has a syringe barrel with a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion having a radially outwardly projecting flange, wherein the flange has a proximal-facing surface and a distal-facing surface. The fixing device includes a hollow body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The body has an opening in the proximal portion for access to the interior of the body to receive the syringe. The body has a radially outwardly facing outer surface and a proximal surface. The proximal surface of the body is configured to contact the distal-facing surface of the syringe flange when the syringe is advanced distally into the opening, such that the flange does not move distally across the proximal surface of the body. The fixing arm has a free end, a base end, a first portion, and a second portion. The base end is fixed to the outer surface of the body. The first portion extends radially outwardly from the base end beyond the proximal surface of the body to form a radial flange gap that allows the flange to pass through the second portion as the syringe is advanced distally into the opening. The first portion extends proximally beyond the proximal surface from the base end to form a flange gap between the proximal surface of the body and the distally facing surface of the second portion. The second portion is located proximally relative to the flange gap and extends at least partially radially inward toward the free end in the rest position of the fixed arm. As the syringe is advanced distally into the opening, the second portion contacts the flange. The fixed arm is elastically flexible to allow at least radial outward pivoting of the second portion relative to the body, thereby allowing the flange to pass through the second portion as the syringe is advanced distally into the opening. The fixed arm is biased to the rest position such that after the flange has passed the second portion, the distally facing surface of the second portion is configured to contact the proximally facing surface of the flange to prevent the flange from moving proximally past the fixed arm.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first portion of the fixing arm extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, and the second portion of the fixing arm extends substantially parallel to the proximal surface of the body.

[0006] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the second portion of the fixed arm is bent with a radius of curvature that extends substantially radially into the body.

[0007] In some embodiments, the fixed arm has a first flexibility in radially outward movement relative to the body with respect to the free end of the fixed arm, and a second flexibility in proximal movement relative to the body with respect to the free end of the fixed arm, and the first flexibility is greater than the first flexibility.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first portion of the fixing arm has a first portion length parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, and the second portion of the fixing arm has a second portion length parallel to the proximal surface of the body, wherein the second portion length is approximately 2 to 3 times the first portion length.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first portion of the second fixing arm has a first portion length parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, and the second portion of the second fixing arm has a second portion length parallel to the proximal surface of the body, wherein the second portion length is at least 2 to 3 times the first portion length.

[0010] In some embodiments, the retaining arm has a free end, a base end, a first portion, and a second portion. The base end is fixed to an outer surface of the body. The first portion extends radially outward from the base end beyond the proximal surface of the body to form a radial flange gap that allows the flange to pass through the second portion as the syringe is advanced distally into the opening. The first portion further extends proximally from the base end beyond the proximal surface to form a flange gap between the proximal surface of the body and the distally facing surface of the second portion. The second portion is located proximally relative to the flange gap and extends at least partially radially inward toward the free end in the rest position of the retaining arm. As the syringe is advanced distally into the opening, the second portion contacts the flange. The retaining arm is resiliently flexible to allow at least radially outward pivoting of the second portion relative to the body to allow the flange to pass through the second portion as the syringe is advanced distally into the opening. The retaining arm is biased to a rest position such that after the flange has passed the second portion, the distally facing surface of the second portion is configured to contact the proximal facing surface of the flange to prevent the flange from moving proximally past the retaining arm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the retaining arm has a contoured surface for contacting the flange as the syringe is advanced distally. The contoured surface is configured such that at least the free end of the retaining arm moves radially outward to allow the flange of the advancing syringe to pass through.

[0012] In some embodiments, the contoured surface includes a bevel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the distal-facing surface of the second portion of the fixed arm is configured such that a first portion of the distal-facing surface closer to the free end of the fixed arm is positioned distally relative to a second portion of the distal-facing surface closer to the base.

[0014] A handheld injection device capable of receiving a syringe pre-filled with medication and having a needle includes a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The body has an opening in the proximal portion for access to the interior of the body to receive the syringe. The body has a radially outward-facing outer surface and a proximal surface. The proximal surface of the body is configured to contact the distally-facing surface of a syringe flange as the syringe is advanced distally into the opening, such that the flange does not move distally across the proximal surface of the body. A retaining arm has a free end, a base end, a first portion, and a second portion. The base end is fixed to the outer surface of the body. The first portion extends radially outward from the base end beyond the proximal surface of the body to form a radial flange gap that allows the flange to pass through the first portion as the syringe is advanced distally into the opening. The first portion further extends proximally from the base end beyond the proximal surface to form a flange gap between the proximal surface of the body and the distally-facing surface of the second portion. The second portion is located proximally relative to the flange gap and extends at least partially radially inward toward the free end in the rest position of the fixed arm. As the syringe is advanced distally into the opening, the second portion contacts the flange. The fixed arm is elastically flexible to allow at least radially outward movement of the free end relative to the body, thereby allowing the flange to pass through the first portion as the syringe is advanced distally into the opening. The fixed arm is biased to the rest position. After the flange has passed the second portion, the distally facing surface of the second portion is configured to contact the proximally facing surface of the flange to prevent proximal movement of the flange past the fixed arm. The needle guard is movable proximally relative to the body from the first position. The needle guard extends distally from the body to the second position to be configured to cover the needle as the needle extends distally from the lower housing when the syringe is secured in the body, wherein the needle guard retracts relative to the tip of the needle to expose the tip of the needle. The upper housing is supported relative to the lower housing. The upper housing is configured to receive manual force and, in response to the manual force, move distally relative to the lower housing from a pre-use position to a dispensing position. A plunger rod is carried by and moves with the upper housing to advance relative to the syringe as the upper housing moves distally. This advancement of the plunger rod relative to the syringe causes the syringe to deliver medication through the needle.

[0015] In some embodiments, a pre-filled syringe is provided for insertion into the body to be secured by the fixing device. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The foregoing overview and the following detailed description of examples of the device according to the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show currently preferred embodiments. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and means shown. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1This is a right front view of a fixing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and a syringe to be fixed by the fixing device before the syringe is inserted into the fixing device;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Right front perspective view of the fixing device, in which Figure 1 The syringe is fixed inside; and

[0019] Figure 3 This refers to the period during syringe insertion, before the syringe flange has contacted the retaining device. Figure 1 Enlarged perspective view of the right front part of the fixing device;

[0020] Figure 4 This occurs during syringe insertion when the syringe flange is passing and contacting the two retaining arms of the retaining device. Figure 1 Enlarged perspective view of the right front part of the fixing device;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Top plan view of the fixing device, wherein, as shown Figure 4 The flange of the syringe shown is passing through and contacting the two fixing arms of the fixing device;

[0022] Figure 6 This occurs after the syringe flange has advanced distally past the retaining arm. Figure 1 The top plan view of the fixing device, wherein the fixing arm is in a stationary position to prevent the flange from moving to the distal side;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a right front partial enlarged perspective view of a second embodiment of a fixation device with a fixation arm tilted distally, shown during syringe insertion before the syringe flange has contacted the fixation device;

[0024] Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 A sectional view of the second part 88 of the fixed arm 80, taken by line AA in the figure;

[0025] Figure 9 It is a view of the mathematical model of the resistance of a beam to loads when it bends;

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged perspective view of the fixing device; and

[0027] Figure 11 It is integrated into a handheld injection device Figure 1 A perspective view of the fixing device. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description, certain terms are used for convenience only and not for limitation. The terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” “rear,” and “rear” refer to directions in the referenced figures. According to this disclosure, the terms “inward” and “outward” refer to directions toward and away from the geometric center of the component in question and its designated portion, respectively. Unless expressly stated herein, the terms “a / an” and “described” are not limited to a single element but should be interpreted as meaning “at least one.” Sometimes “at least one” is used for clarity or readability, but such use does not alter the interpretation of “a / an” and “described.” The terms include the words indicated above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings. A reference to a component extending, moving, or bending in a particular direction means a component that extends, moves, or bends at least partially in that particular direction; including extension, movement, or bending with any component of movement in that particular direction.

[0029] refer to Figures 1 to 6 An example of a fixation device 10 for use with a syringe 20 is disclosed, the syringe 20 having a syringe 22 with a proximal portion 24 and a distal portion 26, the proximal portion 24 having a radially outwardly projecting flange 28, wherein the flange 28 has a proximal-facing surface 30 and a distal-facing surface 32. The flange 28... Figures 1 to 6 The syringe 20 depicted herein has a uniform circular shape over its entire circumference. As is known in the art, the fixation device 10 disclosed herein is also compatible with a “cut” flange having one or more flat portions. The proximal-facing surface 30 can be flat or curved, and can include a combination of curved and flat surfaces, and can include any curved or at least partially proximal-facing outer surface of the flange 28, including, for example, in… Figure 3 and Figure 4 The surface portion 30a is identified herein. As described herein, the distal surface 32 may be beveled, sloped, curved, or otherwise contoured, and may be configured to facilitate radially outward movement of the retaining arm 80 or a portion thereof. The distal surface 32 may include any outer surface of the flange 28 that is curved or angled or at least partially distally oriented.

[0030] The fixation device is included in the injection device 10 and includes a body 50 having a proximal portion 52 and a distal portion 54. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the body 50 has an opening 56 in its proximal portion 52 for access to the interior 58 of the body 50 to receive the syringe 20. The body 50 preferably has a radially outward-facing outer surface 60 extending over the entire outer portion of the body 50. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The body 50 also has a proximal surface 62. The proximal surface 62 of the body 50 is configured to contact the distally facing surface 32 of the flange 30 of the syringe 20 when the syringe 20 is advanced distally into the opening 56, such that the flange 28 does not move distally across the proximal surface 62 of the body 50. The body 50 may be a syringe housing or a portion thereof, and may include or cooperate with a needle cap to prevent accidental needlestick injuries.

[0031] Two fixing arms 80 are depicted in the figures, but embodiments including additional fixing arms 80 or only a single fixing arm 80 are also within the scope of this disclosure. A single fixing arm 80 will now be described. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As best seen in the image, the fixed arm 80 has a free end 82, a base end 84, a first portion 86, and a second portion 88. The base end 84 is preferably fixed to the outer surface 60 of the body.

[0032] The first portion 86 of the fixed arm 80 can extend radially outward from the base end 84 beyond the proximal surface 62 of the body 50 to form a radial flange gap 90. Figure 5 As the syringe 20 is advanced distally into the opening 56, the radial flange gap 90 allows the flange 28 to pass through the first portion 86. It should be noted that the first portion 86 does not necessarily extend only in a radially outward direction, but extends radially outward and proximally as depicted. The first portion 86 further extends proximally from the base end 84 beyond the proximal surface 62 to form a flange gap 92 between the proximal surface 62 of the body 50 and the distally facing surface 89 of the second portion 88 of the retaining arm 80. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (Best visible in the middle). As described above with respect to the distal surface 32 of flange 28, the distal surface 89 of retaining arm 80 may be similarly curved and may include any curved or at least partially distally facing outer surface of retaining arm 80. The second portion 88 is located proximally relative to flange gap 92 and extends at least partially radially inward toward free end 82 in the rest position of retaining arm 80. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As syringe 20 is advanced distally into opening 56, second portion 88 contacts flange 28. The fixed arm 80 is elastically flexible, and the free end 82 moves due to a combination of pivoting and elastically bending of the fixed arm 92 about base 84. The arm 80 pivots and bends such that when flange 28 contacts fixed arm 80, free end 82 is in a rest position (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 (as shown) and the second position ( Figure 4and Figure 5 The free end 82 of the fixed arm 80 moves radially outward through the bending of the second portion 88 and / or other deformation of the fixed arm 80, allowing the flange 28 to pass through the second portion 88 as the syringe 20 is advanced distally into the opening 56. As the flange 28 is advanced distally, the free end 82 and the fixed arm 80 also move distally in response to the force exerted by the distally facing surface 32 of the flange 28, but the fixed arm 80 is preferably configured such that the radial movement of the fixed arm relative to the free end 82 is more flexible than the distal movement relative to the free end 82, and therefore the free end 82 moves radially outward further than it moves distally.

[0033] The fixed arm 80 and the second portion 88, as shown, preferably include a proximal contact portion 96. The proximal contact portion 96 is constructed by beveling, sloped, or otherwise contouring such that as the flange 28 is advanced distally, the distally facing surface 32 of the flange 28 contacts the proximal contact portion 96. Furthermore, the proximal contact portion 96 is configured such that the interaction between the distally facing surface 32 and the proximal contact portion 96, through bending of the second portion 88 and / or other elastic deformation of the fixed arm 80 (including deformation of the first portion 84), causes the free end 82 of the fixed arm 80 to move radially outward, thereby allowing the flange 28 to pass through the fixed arm 80. The fixed arm 80 is biased to a rest position such that after the flange 28 has advanced and passed through the second portion 88, the distally facing surface 89 of the second portion 88 is configured to contact the proximally facing surface 30 of the flange 28 to prevent the flange 28 from moving proximally past the fixed arm 80. Therefore, the syringe 20 is fixed to the body 50. When the fixing arm 80 has returned to the rest position and is fixing the syringe 20, the fixing arm 80 is preferably under very little or no elastic stress.

[0034] The first part 86 of the fixed arm 80 can be positioned relative to the longitudinal axis 64 of the main body. Figure 1 The second portion 88 of the fixing arm 80 extends substantially parallel to the proximal surface 62 of the body 50. The inner surface 94 of the second portion 88 of the fixing arm 80... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second portion 88 may preferably be curved with a radius of curvature that extends substantially radially into the body 50. For example, the second portion 88 may extend generally circumferentially around the opening 56 in the body, but with a slightly different curvature, such that the free end 82 of the fixed arm 80 or at least a portion of the second portion 88 is in a rest position, preferably in direct contact with a portion of the proximal surface 62 of the body 50.

[0035] In some embodiments, the fixed arm 80 may utilize the fact that a beam, based on its geometry, can be more flexible relative to bending in one plane, while being more resistant to bending (more rigid) is a different plane. For example, the fixed arm 80 may have a generally rectangular cross-section. Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 Furthermore, it can have a larger cross-sectional dimension h in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 64 of the main body 50 and a smaller dimension b in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 64. The approximate stiffness of the second part 88 can be calculated, where the second part 88 is considered as a rectangular beam with a bending torque applied through its center, either in the proximal-distal direction or in the radial direction. The stiffness of the second part 88 against proximal / distal bending can be calculated as I. XC =b*h 3 / 12, and the stiffness of the second part 88 against radial bending can be calculated as I. YC =h*b 3 / 12. If h = 2b, then we can calculate I. XC =8*I YC In other words, the beam is (approximately) about eight times stiffer in proximal-distal bending than in radial bending. Similarly, the second part 88 is generally stiffer in the proximal-distal direction than in the radial direction. Furthermore, the dimensions of the fixing arms 80, 180 at or near the base ends 84, 184 can be selected to control the resistance of the fixing arms 80, 180 to bending in the radial direction or in the proximal-distal direction. For example, see reference... Figure 10 The fixed arm 180 has a radial thickness 184a and a lateral width 184b in its base end 184. The radial thickness 184a and lateral width 184b can be preferably selected such that the movement of the fixed arm 180 in the proximal-distal direction relative to the free end 182 is substantially more rigid than its movement in the radial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial thickness 184a can be approximately 1 mm, and the lateral width approximately 2 mm. Similar selections can be made to control the resistance of the fixed arm 80 to movement of the free end 82 in both the proximal-distal and radial directions.

[0036] In some embodiments, including but not limited to the fixed arms 80, 180 of the second portions 88, 188, the fixed arms may have less resistance to radial outward movement of the free ends 82, 182 than to distal or proximal movement of the free ends 82, 182.

[0037] In some embodiments, for example, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the first portion 86 of the fixing arm 80 may have a first portion length 86a parallel to the longitudinal axis 64 of the body 50, and the second portion 88 of the fixing arm 80 may have a second portion length 88a parallel to the proximal surface 62 of the body 50, wherein the second portion length 88a is approximately 2 to 3 times the first portion length 86a. In one embodiment, the first portion length 86a is approximately 4.3 mm, and the second portion length 88a is approximately 8.3 mm, wherein the ratio between the first portion length 86a and the second portion length 88a is approximately 1.9.

[0038] As described above and as shown in the figure, the fixing device may include a second fixing arm 80, 180 located on the side opposite to the first fixing arm 80, 180 at the opening 56 of the main body 50.

[0039] Preferably, the dimensions of the retaining arms 80, 180, or each retaining arm 80, 180 in the case of multiple retaining arms, are chosen such that at least the second portion 88, 188 of the retaining arms 80, 180 is more flexible when pivoting radially outward at the free end 82, 182 than when pivoting proximally at the proximal end surface 62 of the free end 82, 182 away from the body 50. Therefore, only a relatively small force is required to advance the syringe 20 distally into the opening 56 of the body 50, while the retaining arms 80, 180, once returned to the rest position, resist proximal movement of the syringe 20, thus securing the syringe 20 to the body 50 and limiting the possibility of removal therefrom. The retaining arms 80, 180, as described herein, have the advantage of not relying on friction between the body 50 or the opening 56 and the syringe 20 or a separate adapter into which the syringe 20 must be placed. As a result, the retaining arms 80, 180 function reliably without requiring the highly precise dimensions, surface characteristics, or contamination-free nature required in friction-based retaining devices.

[0040] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 10 The alternative embodiment of the fixed arm 180 is structurally and functionally similar to... Figures 1 to 6 The retaining arm 80 is substantially the same, except as described herein. A first portion 186 of the retaining arm 180 may extend radially outward from the base end 184 beyond the proximal surface 62 of the body 50 to form a radial flange gap 190, which allows the flange 28 to pass through the first portion 186 as the syringe 20 is advanced distally into the opening 56.

[0041] The first portion 186 does not necessarily extend only in a radially outward direction, but extends radially outward and proximally as depicted. The first portion 186 further extends proximally from the base end 184 beyond the proximal surface 62 to form a flange gap 192 between the proximal surface 62 of the body 50 and the distally facing surface 189 of the second portion 188 of the fixing arm 180. In some embodiments, the first portion 186 of the fixing arm 180 may have a first portion length 186a parallel to the longitudinal axis 64 of the body 50, and the second portion 188 of the fixing arm 180 may have a second portion length 188a parallel to the proximal surface 62 of the body 50, wherein the corresponding lengths 186a and 188a are related to the fixing arm 80 as described above. The second portion 188 may have an inner surface 194, and the inner surface 194 may preferably extend substantially radially to a radius of curvature bend within the body 50. As described above regarding the distal surface 32 of flange 28, the distal surface 189 of retaining arm 180 may similarly form a profile and may include any curved or at least partially distally oriented outer surface of retaining arm 180.

[0042] The distal surface 189 may be inclined distally over at least a portion of the length of the second portion 188 from the base end 184 to the free end 182. The second portion 88 is located proximally relative to the flange gap 192 and extends radially inward at least partially toward the free end 182 in the rest position of the fixed arm 180, as discussed with respect to the fixed arm 80. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As syringe 20 is advanced distally into opening 56, second portion 188 contacts flange 28. Fixing arm 180 is elastically flexible and is in a resting position when flange 28 contacts fixing arm 180 (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 (as shown) and the second position ( Figure 4 and Figure 5The flange 28 is radially pivoted between the second portion 188 and / or other deformations of the fixed arm 180, thereby causing the free end 182 of the fixed arm 180 to move radially outward, allowing the flange 28 to pass through the second portion 188 as the syringe 20 is advanced distally into the opening 56. The fixed arm 180 and the second portion 188, as shown, preferably include a proximal contact portion 196. The proximal contact portion 196 is constructed by beveling, sloped, or otherwise contouring such that the distally facing surface 32 of the flange 28 contacts the proximal contact portion 196 as the flange 28 is advanced distally. Furthermore, the proximal contact portion 196 is configured such that the interaction between the distally facing surface 32 and the proximal contact portion 196, caused by the bending of the second portion 188 and / or other elastic deformations of the fixed arm 180, causes the free end 182 of the fixed arm 180 to move radially outward, thereby allowing the flange 28 to pass through the fixed arm 180. The retaining arm 180 is biased to a rest position such that, after the flange 28 has advanced and passed the second portion 188, the distally facing surface 189 of the second portion 188 is configured to contact the proximally facing surface 30 of the flange 28 to prevent the flange 28 from moving proximally past the retaining arm 180. In the retaining arm 180, the distally facing surface 189 of the second portion 188 is configured such that a first portion 189a of the distally facing surface closer to the free end of the retaining arm is positioned distally relative to a second portion 189b of the distally facing surface closer to the base 184; this configuration helps to secure the syringe 20, which has flanges 28 of varying thicknesses. Therefore, the syringe 20 is secured to the body 50.

[0043] The fixing device described herein can be advantageously used with devices of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,216,256 and 9,233,213 to Olsen et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] refer to Figure 11 An exemplary handheld injection device 200 includes an upper housing 205 configured to receive hand force via a grip cap 228 and, relative to a lower housing, a body 50, to move distally from a pre-use position to a dispensing position in response to hand force. A needle protector 208 is movable proximally relative to the body 50 from a first position. The needle protector 208 extends distally from the body 50 to a second position so as to be configured to, when the syringe (in...) Figure 11When the visible flange 30 is fixed in the body 50, it covers the needle as the needle extends distally from the lower housing, wherein the needle guard 208 retracts relative to the tip of the needle to expose the tip. The upper housing 205 is supported relative to the lower housing and the body 50. The plunger rod 215 is carried by the upper housing 205 and is movable with the upper housing 205 so as to advance relative to the syringe when the upper housing 205 moves distally. The advancement of the plunger rod 215 relative to the syringe causes the syringe to deliver medication through its needle.

[0045] The devices and components described herein may be made of polymers or other materials having sufficient strength, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and other properties to support the operation of the devices and components as described herein. Suitable materials are known in the art.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept of the embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An injection device configured to receive a syringe, the syringe comprising: A syringe containing a drug, the syringe having a radially outwardly projecting flange defining a proximal surface and a distal surface; The injection device includes a needle in fluid communication with the syringe, and the injection device comprises: A lower housing, the lower housing including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion defining an opening configured to receive the syringe; the distal portion including: The radially outward-facing outer surface; and The proximal surface of the lower housing is configured to contact the distally facing surface of the flange of the syringe when the syringe is advanced distally into the opening, in order to prevent the flange from moving distally past the proximal surface of the lower housing. A first fixing arm and a second fixing arm are each fixed to the lower housing. The first fixing arm and the second fixing arm each include: Free end; The base end is fixed to the radially outward outer surface of the lower housing; A first portion, extending radially outward from the base end beyond the radially outward-facing outer surface of the lower housing, forms a radial flange gap that allows the flange to pass through when the syringe is advanced distally into the opening; and The second portion extends generally circumferentially around the opening in the lower housing from the first portion toward the free end, the second portion including a distally facing surface that defines a flange gap between the proximal surfaces of the lower housing, the flange gap being configured to receive the flange of the syringe when the syringe is received in the opening of the proximal portion of the lower housing; An upper housing, including a plunger rod, configured to move relative to the lower housing from a pre-use position to a dispensing position, and wherein, when the upper housing moves from the pre-use position to the dispensing position with the syringe received within the opening of the lower housing, the plunger rod is configured to advance within the syringe to expel the drug from the syringe through the needle; and Needle protector, the needle protector being movable relative to the lower housing from a first position to a proximal position, wherein: The first and second fixing arms are each elastically flexible to allow radially outward movement relative to the lower housing, thereby allowing the flange to pass through the second portion of each of the first and second fixing arms when the syringe is advanced distally into the opening. The first and second fixing arms are each biased to a rest position such that, after the flange passes through the second portion of the second fixing arm, the distally facing surface of the second portion of each of the first and second fixing arms, the first and second fixing arms, are configured to secure the syringe within the lower housing and prevent the flange from moving proximally past the second fixing arm. When the syringe is secured within the lower housing, the needle extends distally from the lower housing. When the syringe is secured within the lower housing, the needle protector in the first position covers the needle extending distally from the lower housing, and When the syringe is secured within the lower housing, the needle guard in the second position exposes the needle extending distally from the lower housing.

2. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the second portion of each of the first and second fixing arms extends generally circumferentially around the opening in the lower housing and has a curvature different from that of the opening.

3. The injection device according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion of each of the first and second fixed arms extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower housing, and The second portion of each of the first and second fixing arms extends substantially parallel to the proximal surface of the lower housing.

4. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the second portion of each of the first and second fixing arms is bent with a radius of curvature extending substantially radially into the lower housing.

5. The injection device according to claim 1, wherein: The first fixed arm and the second fixed arm each have: A first flexibility relating to the radially outward movement of the respective free end of each of the first and second fixed arms relative to the lower housing; and Regarding the second flexibility of the respective free ends of the first and second fixed arms moving proximally relative to the lower housing, and The first flexibility is greater than the second flexibility.

6. The injection device according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion of each of the first and second fixed arms defines a first portion length parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower housing. The second portion of each of the first and second fixing arms has a second portion length parallel to the proximal surface of the lower housing, and The length of the second part is approximately 2 to 3 times the length of the first part.

7. The injection device according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second fixing arms each further include a contoured surface for contacting the flange as the syringe is advanced distally, and The contoured surface is configured such that when the syringe is inserted into the opening of the lower housing, at least the respective free ends of the first and second retaining arms move radially outward to allow the flange to pass through.

8. The injection device of claim 7, wherein the contour surface of each of the first fixing arm and the second fixing arm is a slope.

9. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the distal-facing surface of the second portion of each of the first and second fixed arms is configured such that a first portion of each respective distal-facing surface is closer to the respective free end of the first and second fixed arms, and a second portion of each respective distal-facing surface closer to the respective base end of the first and second fixed arms is positioned distally relative to a second portion of each respective distal-facing surface closer to the respective base end of the first and second fixed arms.

10. The injection device according to claim 1, further comprising the syringe fixed within the opening by the first fixing arm and the second fixing arm.

11. The injection device of claim 1, wherein the interaction between the distally facing surface of the flange and the second portion of each of the first and second fixed arms is configured to cause elastic deformation of the first and second portions of each of the first and second fixed arms, such that the respective free ends of each of the first and second fixed arms move radially outward, thereby allowing the flange to pass through the first and second fixed arms.

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