Drug delivery device having drug delivery piston and pressure or traction device operatively connected thereto

Abstract

The invention relates to an administration device (33) for preferably subcutaneous administration of a fluid, comprising a housing (20), a storage container (2) having a container interior (3), an infusion cannula (8) and a drive device (9), the housing (20) being formed in multiple parts and comprising a first housing part (14) and a second housing part (24), wherein the first housing part (14) and the second housing part (24) can preferably engage in exactly one assembly movement, in which an administration piston (5), which is positioned in the container interior (3) and is movable in a feed direction (4), is received in the storage container (2), and in which an infusion cannula (8) can be fluidly coupled to a front section (6) of the container interior (3), wherein the drive device (9) comprises a drive source (10) and a transmission system (11) which is drivingly coupled to the drug delivery piston (5), the transmission system (11) comprises a pressure or traction device (12) which is drivingly coupled to the drug delivery piston (5), and wherein the transmission system (11) comprises a rotationally driven drive element (17) which can be directly drivingly coupled to the pressure or traction device (12), wherein the drive element (17) is drivingly coupled to the drive source (10), and wherein the drug delivery device (33) can be brought into a functional state by coupling the first housing part (14) to the second housing part (24), in particular solely, by an assembly movement of the drug delivery device (33).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug delivery device, particularly an infusion pump, for administering a defined amount of fluid, particularly an infusion solution.

[0002] Portable infusion pumps (also known as patch pumps), the subject of the solutions presented and described below, are typically worn on the body and continuously or via a predetermined dose-time curve deliver a specific amount of infusion solution subcutaneously or intravenously into the body to achieve the desired concentration and thus produce the corresponding effect. Such fluids (especially infusion solutions) range from low to high viscosity, from simple low-molecular-weight substances of a few Daltons to high-molecular-weight substances of up to 1,000,000 Daltons. From simple saline solutions to highly complex bioactive ingredients such as peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies, various vaccines, and analgesics, the required amounts can be delivered precisely and safely to the appropriate location in the body using infusion pumps. However, not only immune, prophylactic, or therapeutic fluids or infusion solutions can be administered with such infusion pumps with the required precision and / or within the desired therapeutic and / or useful window, but also fluids important in analysis, as well as nutrient-containing fluids, and even combinations of all the aforementioned fluids, can be administered with such infusion pumps with the required precision and / or within the desired therapeutic and / or useful window.

[0003] Infusion pumps have been known since the 1970s, particularly for the treatment of diabetes. These pumps typically deliver a fluid consisting of water, excipients, and the peptide (hormone) insulin. Sometimes, such pumps also deliver one to three other fluids. Over the years, through continuous innovation, these infusion pumps, which deliver insulin-containing infusion solutions, have shrunk from the size of hiking backpacks to the most compact infusion pump currently available, measuring 52 × 39 × 14 mm (Omnipod® from Insulet, Acton, Massachusetts, USA). Between 1990 and 2015, pumps with infusion sets (simply put, tubes with a connector to the infusion pump at one end and an infusion port at the other, which typically provides direct access into the recipient's body) were common, while in recent years, patients have increasingly turned to particularly small pumps that are fixed to or adhered to the skin, known as patch pumps. Patch pumps are not only extremely compact and therefore often inconspicuous, but also offer the advantage in many cases that an infusion kit is no longer needed as an interface with the body. The disadvantages of the tubing in an infusion kit are that it can become tangled and, in the worst case, break, especially when used with children during play or exercise. Furthermore, the tubing can become kinked, allowing pressure to build up inside the tubing and / or the infusion pump, which can be suddenly released when the kink is reopened. Additionally, inaccurate infusion can be introduced by the tubing because the height difference between the infusion pump worn, for example, on the abdomen, and the infusion port attached to the upper arm creates counter-pressure. This counter-pressure, when generated in a taller person, produces a fluid column up to 1 meter high (equivalent to 10,000 Pa), acting on the mechanical structure of the infusion pump. If the recipient now moves to a horizontal position, such as while sleeping, the pressure generated by the aforementioned fluid column is eliminated. These positional changes, in turn, lead to variations in administration accuracy. In theoretical tests according to IEC 60601-2-24, such fluctuations in the accuracy of the infusion rate are not taken into account. Nevertheless, risk analysis regarding the hazards of infusion kits is often critical. Especially for young children, continuous and close monitoring is necessary when using infusion pumps with infusion kits.

[0004] Patch pumps are delivered either as ready-to-use (except for filling) infusion pumps or as a kit of several parts. After unpacking and assembly (if necessary), these infusion pumps are filled. Filling is typically done with a syringe, through which a portion of the contents of a vial containing, for example, 10 ml of infusion solution is transferred to the reservoir of the infusion pump. After filling, the patch pump is placed on the recipient's body, and an infusion cannula is connected directly or indirectly to the reservoir, with its second end connected to the body subcutaneously or intravenously. During filling, the user must take care to minimize the introduction of air bubbles into the reservoir. On the one hand, such air bubbles hinder controlled infusion because gases are much larger than fluids in terms of compressibility, and the resulting pressure differential creates an undefined infusion rate. On the other hand, the infusion cannula, directly or indirectly connected to the reservoir, may accidentally puncture a vein, and air bubbles can, in the worst case, lead to air embolism.

[0005] Prior art WO 88 / 05643 A1 relates to a portable infusion pump having a storage container with an internal space, and a drug delivery piston movable in the feed direction within the internal space. This drug delivery piston can be guided in a sealed manner along the inner surface of the storage container, dividing the internal space into a sealed front section for receiving fluid and a rear section for optionally collecting aspirated fluid. The known infusion pump also has an infusion cannula fluidly connected to the front section of the storage container.

[0006] To generate the feeding motion of the administration piston along the internal space of the storage container, the infusion pump has a drive mechanism comprising a drive source and a transmission system with several drive components that drive-couple the drive source to the administration piston. One of the drive components is a cable-like pressure or traction device, the first end of which is drive-coupled to the administration piston in the front section of the storage container and applies tension to the administration piston during operation. The cable is led out of the storage container at the front, then deflected, guided to its rear side outside the storage container, and then guided back into the storage container after another deflection, where the cable is attached at its second end to the administration piston in the rear section of the storage container. As another drive component, a spindle nut, linearly movable on a spindle, is drive-coupled to a cable section extending to the side of the storage container. The spindle is in turn rotated by the drive source.

[0007] One challenge is that known infusion pumps are relatively large and bulky due to the spindle drive, which extends alongside the storage container and is consequently uncomfortable to wear on the body.

[0008] Prior art EP 1 624 914 A1 relates to a portable infusion pump having a storage container with an internal space, and a drug delivery piston movable in the internal space along a feed direction. The drug delivery piston can be guided in a sealed manner along the interior of the storage container, dividing the internal space into a sealed front section for receiving fluid and a rear section for optionally collecting aspirated fluid. The known infusion pump also has an infusion cannula fluidly connected to the front section of the storage container. The infusion pump has a multi-part housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which can be engaged in an assembly movement parallel to the bottom surface of the housing.

[0009] In existing technology, when the two housing parts are joined, the second housing part acts directly on the infusion cannula. This necessitates that the infusion cannula must follow the movement of the second housing part toward the first housing part, and therefore must extend parallel to the movement of the housing parts. Because the infusion cannula typically must be displaced parallel to the bottom surface of the housing to establish a fluid connection between the infusion cannula and the storage container, the two housing parts must also be assembled parallel to the bottom surface of the housing during assembly. This limits the options for housing structure design and leaves limited freedom for the arrangement of internal components. Ultimately, the possibility of optimizing component arrangement for space utilization is relatively limited. However, optimal space utilization is crucial for reducing the external size of the infusion pump and ultimately improving wearing comfort and operability. One challenge here is to improve upon known existing technologies.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide an improved drug delivery device, or in particular an improved infusion pump.

[0011] This objective is achieved by the apparatus as claimed in the claim.

[0012] The drug delivery device, particularly the infusion pump, according to the invention is suitable for the preferred subcutaneous administration of fluids, particularly infusion solutions, and includes a housing, a storage container having an internal space, an infusion cannula, and a drive mechanism.

[0013] - The shell is formed in multiple parts and includes a first shell part and a second shell part.

[0014] -- The first housing portion and the second housing portion can preferably be joined in exactly one assembly movement.

[0015] - Wherein a drug delivery piston, positioned within the internal space of the container and movable in the feed direction, is received in a storage container.

[0016] -- The dosing piston is sealed relative to the inner surface of the container's internal space, dividing the container's internal space into a rear section and a sealed, particularly liquid-tight, front section for receiving fluid.

[0017] -- Furthermore, the infusion cannula is fluid-coupled or can be fluid-coupled with the front section of the container's internal space.

[0018] - And the driving device includes a driving source and a transmission system that is driven and coupled to the drug delivery piston.

[0019] -- The transmission system includes a pressure or traction device that is driven and coupled to the drug delivery piston.

[0020] -- And the transmission system includes a rotary drive element, which is directly driven coupled or can be directly driven coupled to a pressure or traction device, wherein the drive element is driven coupled to a drive source.

[0021] - Wherein the drug delivery device can be brought into a functional state by engaging the first housing portion with the second housing portion through the assembly movement of the drug delivery device (especially by means only the assembly movement of the drug delivery device).

[0022] Establishing a functional state may include, for example, establishing coupling between a drive element and a pressure or traction device.

[0023] In any case, the measures of the present invention have the effect of improving the safety of the drug delivery device against misoperation and preventing misoperation. Furthermore, it allows the components of each housing part to complement each other, such that, on the one hand, the relative displacement of the housing parts with respect to each other can be used for the functionality of the drug delivery device itself, and on the other hand, the number of components of the drug delivery device can be significantly reduced.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the drive source and, in particular, the drive element are formed as an integrated component of the second housing portion, the storage container is positioned or can be positioned in the first housing portion, and the drive element can be coupled to a pressure or traction device through assembly movement, so that the drive device functions in the assembled state of the second housing portion and the first housing portion, wherein the second housing portion is formed as a reusable unit.

[0025] In this context, "works" should be understood to mean that all components of the drive device are engaged or coupled such that, in the assembled state of the drug delivery device, the drug delivery piston is movable in the feed direction when actuated by the drive source.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be specified that the pressure or traction device is formed as a fine-threaded spindle, wherein the fine-threaded spindle passes through a through hole having mating threads that are complementary to the thread shape of the fine-threaded spindle, and preferably protrudes unsupported into the front section of the container interior space, wherein the fine-threaded spindle can be rotated during operation of the drive source by a drive element, particularly in the rear section of the container interior space, such that the drug delivery piston is movable in the feed direction.

[0027] According to an improved embodiment, a first surface with a mating threaded perforation and a second surface with a threaded fine-threaded spindle can have a material pairing and / or threaded form that seals the internal space of the container relative to the rear section of the storage container.

[0028] Alternatively, it may be specified that the pressure or traction device is formed in the form of strands, ropes, or lines, the longitudinal extension of which is many times the lateral extension of the pressure or traction device, wherein in particular the stranded pressure or traction device is formed as a filament and is formed primarily of a first material from a first material list, the first material list including PTFE, PEEK, fluoropolymers, Kevlar, aramid, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) such as Dyneema or Spectra, nylon, polypropylene PP, cyclic olefin polymers COP, cyclic olefin copolymers COC, blends thereof, and metals.

[0029] In addition to UHMWPE (which can be classified under the polyethylene PE group), other PEs with similar properties can also be used. In addition to nylon (which can be classified under the polyamide PA group), other PAs with similar properties can also be used.

[0030] Furthermore, it can be specified that the pressure or traction device has a sheath and a core, wherein the core is formed of a second material from a second material list, particularly fibers of the second material, the second material list including carbon fiber, aramid, Kevlar, glass fiber, UHMWPE and metal, and wherein the sheath is formed of a first material, particularly fibers of the first material.

[0031] The following embodiment may also be advantageous: according to this embodiment, the pressure or traction device may be specified to have an average diameter of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, particularly 0.9 mm to 1.5 mm, which is measured transversely to the longitudinal extension of the pressure or traction device.

[0032] By combining the proposed material selection for the filaments with their proposed geometry, it is advantageous to prevent the fibrillation or folding of peptide or protein molecules on the surface of the filaments, which are wetted by fluids, particularly insulin. Hydrophobic materials may not be suitable in this context. This, of course, subsequently also affects the material selection for storage containers, dosing pistons, any seals, or other fluid-wettable or wettable components of the dosing device.

[0033] Furthermore, by combining the proposed material selection for the filament with its proposed geometry, it is advantageously feasible, from a technical and economic perspective, to install a sealing element for sealing the internal space of a container via a pressure or traction device or a possible pressure or traction device channel opening in the filament. The sealing element here can be understood, for example, as an O-ring.

[0034] Regardless, the average diameter of the selected filament, combined with the choice of material or, in particular, the specific construction of the filament (e.g., as a core-sheath construction), ensures that the pressure or traction device (i.e., the filament) is stable under tension and compression within expected limits, thus ensuring safe (especially patient-safe) operation of the drug delivery device. Although the position of the drug delivery piston is monitored during continuous operation of the drug delivery device, thereby allowing adjustment or control of the feed rate of the drug delivery piston in the feed direction by correspondingly controlling the drive source, unforeseen pressure changes, such as those in the rear section of the storage container, may occur. Therefore, filaments that are as stable as possible under pressure or compression in terms of their elongation enhance safety and prevent undesirable changes in fluid dosage due to unintended displacement of the drug delivery piston.

[0035] Correspondingly, the tensile and compressive stability of the pressure or traction device is achieved, providing safety for potentially blocked infusion cannulas. In this scenario, pressures up to 3 bar may occur, and this pressure can be applied to the pressure or traction device via a drive mechanism. The proposed material selection, combined with the expected geometry of the pressure or traction device, provides appropriate safety in this scenario to prevent component failure.

[0036] According to an improved embodiment, the pressure or traction device can be formed in the form of a fabric strip, the longitudinal extension of which is a multiple of the height and width extension of the pressure or traction device, wherein the pressure or traction device is primarily formed of a first material from a first material list, the first material list including PTFE, PEEK, fluoropolymers, Kevlar, aramid, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) such as Dyneema or Spectra, nylon, polypropylene PP, cyclic olefin polymers COP, cyclic olefin copolymers COC and blends thereof.

[0037] In addition to UHMWPE (which can be classified under the polyethylene PE group), other PEs with similar properties can also be used. In addition to nylon (which can be classified under the polyamide PA group), other PAs with similar properties can also be used.

[0038] It is also advantageous to arrange a pressure generating device in the rear section of the storage container, through which the drug delivery piston can be displaced in the feed direction, and the pressure or traction device is configured to be operatively connected to the drive source as a holding device to prevent the drug delivery piston from being advanced in the feed direction by the pressure generating device, wherein the drive source is designed for the gradual release of the pressure or traction device in the feed direction.

[0039] In this context, it can be specifically specified that the rear section of the storage container is sealed relative to the rest of the housing and the environment, wherein the pressure generating device is, for example, a hydrogen-generating button cell or a spring-biased piston, such that the drug delivery piston is advanced in the feed direction by the pressure generating device. It can be specified that the pressure or traction device is formed as a filament according to the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the filament is designed to hold the drug delivery piston and is operatively connected to a drive source to progressively release the filament in the feed direction. As a drive source, for example, a mechanical escapement anchor with progressively released feed via gears can also be provided. Thus, controlled displacement is achieved while maintaining a space-saving design for the drug delivery device.

[0040] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the pressure or traction device to be fixed in position to the storage container at its first end, and to be guided through the internal space of the container along the longitudinal extension of the pressure or traction device and through the perforation through the administration piston in a sealed manner, wherein the drive element and, in particular the drive source, are formed in the rear section of the internal space of the container and adjacent to the administration piston as a plunger component, such that the administration piston is movable in the feed direction along the pressure or traction device by means of the plunger during operation of the drive source through the rotational movement of the drive element.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be specified that the pressure or traction device is fixed in position to the administration piston at its first end, guided along the longitudinal extension of the pressure or traction device through the internal space of the container and extending in a sealed manner through the pressure or traction device channel opening of the storage container, and the drive element operatively connected to the deflector is directly driven coupled or can be directly driven coupled to the section of the pressure or traction device extending to the outside of the storage container, wherein the drive element, in particular as a knurled drive, is coupled or can be coupled to the pressure or traction device, and the deflector is formed as a mating bearing for coupling, such that during operation of the drive source, a force can be applied to the administration piston in the feed direction by the pressure or traction device.

[0042] In addition, the drug delivery device may be specified to include a cannula advancement mechanism, wherein the storage container side end of the infusion cannula can be moved from an initial position (in which the infusion cannula is completely disposed outside the internal space of the storage container) to a puncture position (in which the storage container side end protrudes into the internal space of the container) by the cannula advancement mechanism, such that the infusion cannula is fluidly coupled to the internal space of the container at the puncture position.

[0043] From a safety perspective, it is advantageous that the puncture site can only be achieved after the casing is assembled. Therefore, the cannula advancement mechanism can be designed to be triggered by the controller of the drug delivery device, such that the internal space of the storage container can only, or will be, coupled with the infusion cannula fluid upon corresponding actuation of the cannula advancement mechanism.

[0044] According to a specific embodiment, the cannula advancement mechanism can be actuated by an assembly movement, causing the storage container side of the infusion cannula to be moved to the puncture position via the assembly movement.

[0045] According to other favorable improvements, it can be specified that the side end of the storage container can be displaced to the puncture position by the elastic deformation of the infusion cannula, especially by the elastic deformation of the central cannula section (particularly the curved section).

[0046] In particular, it may be advantageous for the infusion cannula to have a substantially straight insertion section extending toward the recipient's side, wherein the insertion section retains its position during assembly movements.

[0047] In addition, it can be specified that the cannulation advancement mechanism has a deflection rod, wherein the storage container side of the infusion cannula can be moved to the puncture position via the deflection rod.

[0048] Furthermore, it can be specified that the deflection rod is a pivotable deflection rod about a rod axis, and preferably, the deflection rod is mounted on the first housing portion.

[0049] The following embodiment may also be advantageous: According to this embodiment, the deflector rod can be pivoted by means of the second housing portion through assembly movement, particularly about the rod axis, so that the storage container side end of the infusion cannula can be moved to the puncture position by means of the deflector rod when the deflector rod is pivoted.

[0050] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the first housing portion to have a rigid retainer, and for the deflector to be latched or fixed in position to the rigid retainer when the storage container side of the infusion cannula is in the puncture position, and / or for a portion of the infusion cannula (particularly the curved section) to be guided through the rigid retainer as the storage container side of the infusion cannula moves from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0051] Furthermore, it can be specified that the drug delivery device has a monitoring device for monitoring the axial position of the drug delivery piston within the internal space of the storage container; preferably, the monitoring device has a Hall sensor on the storage container and a magnet on the drug delivery piston that interacts with the Hall sensor, and / or the monitoring device has an angle sensor for detecting the angular position of the drive element; and / or the monitoring device has a laser for detecting the position of the drug delivery piston by electro-optic distance measurement (especially laser triangulation or laser interferometry); and / or the monitoring device has a device for determining the axial position of the drug delivery piston based on the magnetoresistive effect and / or according to the vernier principle; and / or the monitoring device has a linear potentiometer; and / or the monitoring device has capacitive and / or inductive measuring sensors.

[0052] Furthermore, it can be specified that the first housing portion is formed as a disposable housing portion, and the second housing portion is formed as a reusable housing portion, wherein the storage container, along with the administration piston and pressure or traction device, and in particular the infusion cannula and / or deflector, are mounted on the disposable housing portion, which preferably together form a pre-assembled disposable unit; and / or the drive source and drive element, in particular the entire transmission system except for the pressure or traction device, are mounted on the reusable housing portion, which preferably together form a pre-assembled reusable unit.

[0053] The following embodiments are also advantageous: According to this embodiment, the storage container can be non-detachably connected to the housing, particularly to the disposable housing portion, or the storage container forms a replaceable or at least insertable cartridge in the housing portion. Preferably, the storage container can be installed as a pre-assembled unit with the disposable housing portion in a pre-filled state, or the replaceable cartridge can be installed in a pre-filled state.

[0054] Advantageously, the storage container can therefore exist as a replaceable or at least as a cartridge that can be inserted into the housing portion provided thereto, so that it can (if necessary, together with other structurally necessary components of the drug delivery device) be stored and inserted into the drug delivery device as a compact and optionally pre-filled or fillable module.

[0055] In this context, it is particularly noteworthy that the drug delivery device may include a second storage container, and accordingly, if applicable, a drive mechanism and infusion cannula associated with the second storage container. This may be particularly advantageous for administering two different drugs (i.e., different fluids contained in the storage containers). In any case, with respect to the disclosed invention, it should not be assumed that the drug delivery device is limited to embodiments comprising only one storage container.

[0056] According to other improvements, the second housing portion, particularly the reusable housing portion, may include a rechargeable power supply device and a display, wherein the first housing portion, particularly the disposable housing portion, includes an energy source, particularly a battery, wherein the rechargeable power supply device is rechargeable by the energy source in the assembled state.

[0057] Advantageously, in this context, it can be specified that the controller of the drug delivery device can be activated via electrical coupling of the power supply, wherein measures are initiated upon activation via the controller. As examples, these measures may include controlled recharging of the power supply, fluid coupling of the infusion cannula to the internal space of the container, flushing of the infusion cannula, or repositioning of the cannula insertion mechanism back to its initial state.

[0058] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the drug delivery device to have a user interface with a display and / or operating unit, particularly having one or more buttons, preferably the user interface being part of a reusable unit.

[0059] Furthermore, it can be specified that the assembly motion for establishing the assembled state of the drug delivery device includes a motion vector for engaging the housing portion, the main portion of which is along the feed direction, and in particular parallel to the feed direction.

[0060] Furthermore, it can be specified that the storage container is formed as a hollow cylinder or a hollow oval shape, having a first longitudinal extension along the central axis of the storage container, wherein the shell has a second longitudinal extension, wherein the second longitudinal extension is aligned with the first longitudinal extension, particularly parallel to the first longitudinal extension, wherein the second longitudinal extension is flush with the longitudinal axis of the Cartesian coordinate system, and the administration device (32) has no longitudinal extension longer than the second longitudinal extension in the transverse or normal direction of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0061] Therefore, the delivery device has a maximum longitudinal extension along the second longitudinal direction, wherein the maximum longitudinal extension in this context should be understood to mean that the housing does not have a dimension greater than the maximum longitudinal extension in any coordinate axis direction of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0062] In this context, it may be particularly advantageous if the first longitudinal extension of the storage container represents the maximum longitudinal extension of the storage container and extends simultaneously along the feed direction. As a result, it becomes possible to achieve or ensure high-quality coupling between the drive element and the filament, as well as high-quality coupling and sealing between the housing parts and each other.

[0063] Furthermore, the following aspects or embodiments of the drug delivery device may also be potentially advantageous in relation to the present invention.

[0064] For example, a drug delivery device, or particularly an infusion pump, for administering a defined amount of fluid (especially an infusion solution) can be conceived, wherein the infusion pump has a storage container with an internal space and a drug delivery piston movable in the feed direction within the container space. This drug delivery piston can be guided in a sealed manner along the inner side of the storage container, dividing the internal space into a rear section and a sealed front section for receiving the fluid. The infusion pump has an infusion cannula that is fluidly connected to or can be fluidly connected to the front section of the storage container. The infusion pump has a mechanism for generating the drug delivery piston along the inside of the storage container. A drive device for feeding motion in a space, wherein the drive device has a drive source and at least one or exactly one transmission system having several transmission components, the transmission system drivingly coupling the drive source to a drug delivery piston, wherein the transmission system has a pressure or traction device as one of the transmission components, the pressure or traction device being drivenly coupled to the drug delivery piston and applying a pulling force to the drug delivery piston during operation, wherein the transmission system has another transmission component having a rotatable or circumferentially movable drive element that can be directly or indirectly driven by the drive source, and the drive element being directly driven coupled to or directly driven coupled to the pressure or traction device.

[0065] The basic consideration is to directly move the pressure or traction device via a rotatable or circumferentially movable drive element, thereby displacing the dosing piston in its feed direction. Such a drive element occupies a relatively small installation space in cross-section, meaning it can be optimally placed inside the infusion pump with optimized space utilization. Furthermore, such a drive element is suitable for receiving drive-side torque, allowing torque typically generated by a drive motor to be directly converted into linear motion of the pressure or traction device via the drive element. Therefore, compared to existing technologies, the transmission component (drive element) receiving drive-side torque acts directly on the pressure or traction device and directly converts the torque into linear motion of the pressure or traction device through interaction with it. In existing technologies, this requires an additional transmission component, i.e., a spindle nut, to enable linear motion of the pressure or traction device. Overall, the proposed infusion pump design, particularly through its special drive kinematics, allows for a smaller overall size and / or a larger ratio of reservoir volume to device volume. This infusion pump is also particularly comfortable for the user to wear.

[0066] Specifically, a transmission system is proposed to have a rotatable or circumferentially movable drive element as another component of the transmission system, which can be directly or indirectly driven by a drive source, and the drive element is directly driven coupled to or can be directly driven coupled to a pressure or traction device.

[0067] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for drive technology coupling that the drive element and the pressure or traction device are brought into or can be brought into force-locking and / or form-locking engagement, and / or for drive technology coupling, the pressure or traction device is attached to the drive element.

[0068] This involves particularly preferred possibilities for the interaction between the drive element and the pressure or traction device in order to drively couple the drive element to the pressure or traction device. On one hand, force-locking and / or form-locking engagements can exist, i.e., the outer peripheral surface of the drive element, which rotates or moves circumferentially, introduces tension into the pressure or traction device through rolling contact with the surface of the pressure or traction device. However, it is also conceivable that the pressure or traction device is attached to the drive element with its longitudinal section, particularly its first end, for example, by screwing or gluing it to the drive element, and that such attachment is at least initially decisive for generating tension.

[0069] In addition, it may be specified that the infusion pump has a deflector that deflects the pressure or traction device, preferably at least 90°, more preferably at least 135°, and even more preferably at least or exactly 180°.

[0070] In addition, it can be specified that the deflector is rotatable or circumferentially movable, and preferably, the deflector moves together with the pressure or traction device during operation.

[0071] The following embodiment is also advantageous: according to this embodiment, the deflector is fixed, and preferably, the pressure or traction device is slidably guided along the deflector during operation.

[0072] In these advantageous embodiments, a deflector is defined that deflects the pressure or traction device relative to its previous direction of travel. In this way, the front section or tip of the pressure or traction device, guided past the drive element, can be directed into an area within the injection pump that would otherwise be unused (although this area exists for design purposes). In this way, the available installation space within the injection pump can be optimally utilized.

[0073] According to other improvements, the driving element can be formed separately from the deflector, or the driving element can be formed as part of the deflector.

[0074] Furthermore, it may be useful if the drive element and / or deflector are partially or completely arranged within the projection of the storage container extending along the feed direction.

[0075] In addition, it may be specified that the drive element and / or deflector is designed as a wheel or annular belt, and / or the drive element and / or deflector has at least a partially toothed or corrugated outer peripheral surface.

[0076] These aspects relate to the particularly preferred possibilities in the construction and arrangement of the drive element and deflector. In principle, the drive element and deflector can be separate components, but alternatively, they can be the same component. The latter is, for example, when the deflector, which deflects the pressure or traction device in another direction, represents a transmission component in the drive system that introduces force into the pressure or traction device to generate the feed motion of the drug delivery piston. The drive element and / or deflector are advantageously arranged within the projection of the storage container extending along the feed direction, which facilitates a compact design of the proposed infusion pump.

[0077] Furthermore, it can be specified that the drive element and the deflector each have a geometric axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of the drive element and the axis of rotation of the deflector extending parallel to each other or laterally, particularly orthogonally, and / or the axis of rotation of the drive element and / or the deflector extending laterally (particularly orthogonally) to or parallel to the geometric longitudinal axis of the pressure or traction device.

[0078] This involves a particularly preferred orientation of the geometric axes of the drive elements, deflectors, and pressure or traction devices, which can further optimize the installation space within the injection pump.

[0079] According to a specific embodiment, a pressure or traction device can be guided in the radial direction between the drive element and the deflector, preferably, the clamping force from the drive element and the deflector acts on the pressure or traction device.

[0080] According to other advantageous modifications, it can be specified that the pressure or traction device is guided through the deflector during operation, in particular a section of the pressure or traction device passes through the deflector, or the pressure or traction device is wound around the deflector during operation.

[0081] In particular, it may be advantageous for the pressure or traction device to be designed to be flexible, so that it can be deflected and, in particular, wound up, optionally flexurally slack, and / or the pressure or traction device to be a rope, especially a rope made of plastic, or a belt or wire, and / or the pressure or traction device to have a first end drivenly coupled to the administration piston and a second end decoupled from the administration piston and, in particular, spaced apart, preferably with no tension acting on the second end or with a tension acting on the second end that is smaller than that on the first end.

[0082] These aspects relate to the particularly preferred possibilities of the arrangement and construction of the pressure or traction device. In principle, the pressure or traction device can be guided between the drive element and the deflector, and where the drive element and the deflector are the same component, the pressure or traction device can also be wound around the deflector. The structural features defined herein support the compactness of the proposed infusion pump on the one hand, but also facilitate optimal force transmission to the drug delivery piston on the other.

[0083] Furthermore, it can be specified that the transmission system is divided into at least two parallel sub-transmission systems toward the administration piston, and each sub-transmission system has a pressure or traction device that is driven coupled to the administration piston and applies a pulling force to the administration piston during operation as one of the transmission system components. Preferably, each sub-transmission system has a rotatable or circumferentially movable drive element that can be driven by a drive source and directly driven coupled to or can be directly driven coupled to one of the associated pressure or traction devices as another of the transmission system components; or, the drive system has at least two transmission systems, each transmission system having several transmission system components, drivingly coupling the drive source or one of each drive source to the administration piston, and each transmission system has a pressure or traction device that is driven coupled to the administration piston and applies a pulling force to the administration piston during operation as one of the transmission system components. Preferably, each transmission system has a rotatable or circumferentially movable drive element that can be driven by a corresponding drive source and directly driven coupled to or can be directly driven coupled to the associated pressure or traction device as another of the transmission system components.

[0084] In addition, it can be specified that the injection pump has a deflector for each pressure or traction device, which deflects the corresponding pressure or traction device.

[0085] The following embodiment is also advantageous: According to this embodiment, multiple drive elements and / or multiple deflectors can be configured to be connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner via a connecting shaft.

[0086] According to the foregoing and particularly preferred embodiment, at least two pressure or traction devices can also act in parallel on the administration piston to generate the feed motion. In this way, the administration piston is optimally driven and guided without the risk of tilting. Furthermore, if several pressure or traction devices act on the administration piston, the risk of longitudinal expansion of the pressure or traction devices under tensile stress is minimized. In principle, it is conceivable here that the transmission system is divided into two parallel sub-transmission systems, i.e., force or torque is transmitted from the drive source to a transmission component, which then transmits the force or torque to two (or more) other transmission components acting in parallel, such that the force or torque is divided. Each sub-transmission system then terminates at an associated pressure or traction device. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide two (or more) transmission systems coupled to a common drive source. In this case, the force or torque generated by the drive source is directly divided and transmitted to the associated pressure or traction device via other routes of the respective transmission systems.

[0087] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the cross-section of the administration piston to be circular or non-circular, particularly elliptical or angled.

[0088] This relates to a particularly preferred cross-sectional shape of the administration piston. In particular, a non-circular cross-section has the advantage of optimally guiding the administration piston.

[0089] Furthermore, it can be specified that the infusion pump has a monitoring device for monitoring the axial position of the administration piston within the internal space of the storage container. Preferably, the monitoring device has a Hall sensor on the storage container and a magnet on the administration piston that interacts with the Hall sensor. And / or the monitoring device has an angle sensor for detecting the angular position of the drive element and / or deflector. And / or the monitoring device has a laser for detecting the position of the administration piston by electro-optic distance measurement (especially laser triangulation or laser interferometry). And / or the monitoring device has a device for determining the axial position of the administration piston based on the magnetoresistive effect and / or according to the vernier principle. And / or the monitoring device has a linear potentiometer. And / or the monitoring device has capacitive and / or inductive measuring sensors.

[0090] According to this particularly preferred embodiment, the infusion pump has a monitoring device for monitoring the axial position of the administration piston. Such a monitoring device can be designed in various ways and has the advantages of optimally adhering to a predetermined amount of fluid (especially an infusion solution) to be administered, and this predetermined amount of fluid is particularly independent of any play or slippage that may occur in the transmission system. Particularly preferred here is monitoring the administration piston itself, i.e., directly detecting its position, for example, by directly measuring its position using a laser beam-based measuring instrument (hereinafter referred to as a laser).

[0091] Furthermore, it can be specified that the infusion pump has a multi-part housing, preferably having a disposable housing portion and a reusable housing portion, more preferably, a storage container and a drug delivery piston and pressure or traction device, and in particular an infusion cannula and / or deflector, are mounted on the disposable housing portion, which preferably together form a pre-assembled disposable unit; and / or a drive source and drive elements, particularly all transmission components except the pressure or traction device, are mounted on the reusable housing portion, which preferably together form a pre-assembled reusable unit.

[0092] The following embodiments are also advantageous: According to this embodiment, the storage container can be non-detachably connected to the housing, particularly to the disposable housing portion, or the storage container can form a replaceable cartridge. Preferably, the storage container can be installed as a pre-assembled unit together with the disposable housing portion in a pre-filled state, or the replaceable cartridge can be installed in a pre-filled state.

[0093] These aspects relate to the housing of the infusion pump, in which various components are arranged, particularly the storage container, drive source, and transmission system. Particularly preferred here is a housing portion formed in multiple parts, having a portion on which disposable components (i.e., components not reused after the storage container has been emptied) are mounted, and another portion on which reusable components (i.e., components that can be reused after the storage container has been emptied) are arranged. Therefore, it is advantageous, particularly from an environmental and economic perspective, that the entire infusion pump does not need to be discarded after the storage container has been emptied. In principle, it is even envisioned that the storage container be designed as a replaceable cartridge, so that only the storage container is replaced after use, and if necessary, the infusion tubing and / or pressure or traction device is replaced as well.

[0094] According to other improvements, the infusion pump may have a primary or secondary battery that can be removed separately as an energy source, preferably, the energy source may be part of a disposable unit.

[0095] This is the preferred arrangement of the energy source, and the preferred arrangement of the user interface is defined below.

[0096] Finally, it may be advantageous for the infusion pump to have a user interface with a display and / or operating unit, which may have one or more buttons, preferably the user interface being part of a reusable unit.

[0097] Furthermore, the following aspects or embodiments of the drug delivery device are also considered advantageous in relation to the present invention.

[0098] For example, a drug delivery device, or particularly an infusion pump, for administering a defined amount of fluid (especially an infusion solution) can be envisioned, wherein the infusion pump has a storage container with an internal space and a drug delivery piston movable in the feed direction within the internal space of the container. The drug delivery piston can be guided in a sealed manner along the inner side of the storage container, dividing the internal space of the container into a rear section and a sealed front section for receiving the fluid. The infusion pump has an infusion cannula that is fluidly connected to or can be fluidly connected to the front section of the storage container. The infusion pump has a drive mechanism for generating the feed motion of the drug delivery piston along the inner side of the storage container. The drive mechanism has a drive source and at least one or exactly one transmission system having several transmission components that drively couple the drive source to the drug delivery piston. The infusion pump has multiple... The housing is a split housing having at least a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which can be engaged in at least one assembly movement, preferably exactly one assembly movement, wherein a storage container is arranged on the first housing portion, particularly inside it, wherein the infusion pump has a cannula advancement mechanism that, upon actuation, drives the storage container side of the infusion cannula in the advancement direction from an initial position (in which the infusion cannula is completely outside the internal space of the storage container) to a puncture position (in which the storage container side of the infusion cannula is inserted into the internal space of the container), and wherein one of the assembly movements is oriented transversely to, particularly orthogonally to, the advancement direction of the infusion cannula, and actuation of the cannula advancement mechanism is caused during engagement of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0099] Therefore, it may be useful to provide a device in which the second housing portion no longer acts directly on the infusion cannula, but rather through an intermediate mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the cannula advancement mechanism). The cannula advancement mechanism allows the force applied to the storage container side of the infusion cannula to be applied to the infusion cannula or its storage container side in a direction independent of the assembly movement. According to this proposal, the possibility of deflecting the force introduced into the housing portion during assembly in another direction (i.e., the direction of cannula advancement) is created. This deflectability allows the various components within the housing to be arranged relatively freely, thus allowing for a particularly space-saving arrangement and optimized space utilization. This, in turn, results in a smaller infusion pump, thereby improving wearing comfort and operability.

[0100] Specifically, it may be advantageous for the infusion pump to have a cannula advancement mechanism that, upon actuation, drives the storage container side of the infusion cannula from an initial position (in which the infusion cannula is completely disposed outside the internal space of the storage container) to a puncture position (in which the storage container side of the infusion cannula is inserted into the internal space of the container) along the advancement direction, and one of the assembly movements is oriented transversely to, and particularly orthogonally to, the advancement direction of the infusion cannula, and actuation of the cannula advancement mechanism is caused during the engagement of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0101] According to a specific embodiment, the assembly movement that causes the insertion and propulsion mechanism to actuate is oriented transversely to, and in particular orthogonally to, the bottom surface of the first housing portion.

[0102] This indicates the possible direction of the assembly movement, which is transverse to, and particularly orthogonal to, the bottom surface of the first housing portion. In the typical construction of an injection pump (a relatively flat design), if the assembly movement is in this direction, the assembly movement is particularly short, which improves the operability of the injection pump. It also allows for particularly large openings to provide optimal access to the components of the injection pump. On the other hand, if the assembly movement is parallel to the bottom surface of the first housing portion, the corresponding opening will be located on the narrow side of the injection pump housing, and therefore the opening will be relatively small, making access more difficult.

[0103] According to other advantageous embodiments, the cannulation advancement mechanism may be configured to bend a portion of the infusion cannula upon actuation, particularly to bend it significantly or exclusively elastically, thereby driving the storage container side end of the infusion cannula from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0104] According to this preferred embodiment, the infusion cannula is bent to enter the internal space of the storage container, i.e., only a section of the infusion cannula moves relative to the storage container, rather than the entire infusion cannula. This is a particularly simple method to deflect the movement of the infusion cannula introduced on the shell side.

[0105] In particular, it may be advantageous for the infusion cannula to have a substantially straight puncture section extending toward its storage container side end, which extends in the direction of advancement when the storage container side end of the infusion cannula is in the initial position and / or puncture position, and which shifts parallel to the direction of advancement as the storage container side end of the infusion cannula moves from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0106] Furthermore, it can be specified that the infusion cannula has a substantially straight insertion section extending toward its other infusion recipient side, which extends laterally, and particularly orthogonally, to the direction of advancement when the storage container side of the infusion cannula is in the initial and / or puncture position, and in particular, the insertion section maintains its position as the storage container side of the infusion cannula moves from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0107] In addition, it may be specified that the infusion cannula has a curved section adjacent to the puncture section and / or adjacent to the insertion section, which bends and / or twists in a portion of the section about a geometric axis deviating from the direction of advancement as the storage container side of the infusion cannula moves from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0108] The following embodiment is also advantageous: According to this embodiment, when the storage container side of the infusion cannula is in the initial position and / or the puncture position, the curved section has a substantially U-shaped orientation, and / or when the storage container side of the infusion cannula is in the initial position, the curved section extends at least partially in a first plane inclined relative to the direction of advancement, and when the storage container side of the infusion cannula is in the puncture position, the curved section extends partially or completely in a second plane different from it, particularly orthogonal to the direction of advancement.

[0109] These aspects define the different axial sections of the infusion cannula and their functions.

[0110] According to other improvements, the cannula advancement mechanism may have a deflection element that displaces a portion of the infusion cannula, particularly the puncture section, during the assembly movement that actuates the cannula advancement mechanism, thereby driving the storage container side of the infusion cannula from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0111] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the deflection element is a deflection rod pivotable about the geometric rod axis, preferably mounted on the first housing portion.

[0112] In addition, it can be specified that when the storage container side of the infusion cannula is in the initial position, the deflector rod is positioned at an angle relative to the direction of the assembly movement.

[0113] In addition, it can be specified that the deflection rod is deflected through the housing section of the second housing part during the assembly movement.

[0114] According to a specific embodiment, the deflector engages with a portion of the infusion cannula (particularly the puncture section and / or the bending section) during the assembly movement and drives the storage container side end of the infusion cannula from an initial position to a puncture position. Preferably, the deflector has a notch or protrusion in which the portion of the infusion cannula (particularly the puncture section and / or the bending section) is supported as the storage container side end of the infusion cannula moves from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0115] According to other advantageous improvements, the housing, particularly the first housing portion, may be provided with a rigid retainer, and the deflector rod may be latched onto the retainer when the storage container side of the infusion cannula is in the puncture position, and / or the retainer may guide a portion of the infusion cannula, particularly the curved section of the infusion cannula, as the storage container side of the infusion cannula moves from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0116] These specific embodiments specify a preferred configuration for the cannula advancement mechanism, which enables the movement of the infusion cannula introduced on the housing side to be deflected in a simple manner.

[0117] In particular, it may be advantageous for the first housing portion to be a disposable housing portion and the second housing portion to be a reusable housing portion. Preferably, the storage container, the administration piston, the infusion cannula, and in particular the deflection rod are mounted on the disposable housing portion, which preferably together form a pre-assembled disposable unit; and / or the drive source and in particular a plurality of transmission components are mounted on the reusable housing portion, which preferably together form a pre-assembled reusable unit.

[0118] In addition, the following can be useful: the storage container is non-detachably connected to the disposable shell portion or forms a replaceable cartridge case. Preferably, the storage container can be installed as a pre-assembled unit with the disposable shell portion in a pre-filled state, or the replaceable cartridge case can be installed in a pre-filled state.

[0119] These aspects relate to a particularly preferred embodiment in which the housing has a housing portion on which a disposable component (i.e., a component that is not reused after the storage container has been emptied) is mounted, and another housing portion on which a reusable component (i.e., a component that can be reused after the storage container has been emptied) is arranged. Therefore, it is advantageous, particularly from an environmental and economic perspective, if the entire infusion pump does not need to be discarded after the storage container has been emptied. In principle, it is even envisioned that the storage container be designed as a replaceable cartridge, so that only the storage container and the infusion tubing are replaced after use.

[0120] In addition, it can be specified that the infusion pump has a primary or secondary battery that can be removed separately as an energy source, preferably the energy source is part of a disposable unit.

[0121] The preferred arrangement of the energy source is defined above, and the preferred arrangement of the user interface is defined below.

[0122] Therefore, it can be advantageously specified that the infusion pump has a user interface with a display and / or operating unit, which may have one or more buttons, preferably, the user interface is part of a reusable unit.

[0123] To better understand the present invention, a more detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0124] The accompanying diagrams are each presented as highly simplified illustrations:

[0125] Figure 1 This is a possible first embodiment of a drug delivery device, particularly an infusion pump, wherein a) is arranged on the upper arm of the infusion recipient as intended for use, b) is a perspective view from the top, and c) is a perspective view from the bottom.

[0126] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a possible first embodiment of the infusion pump in the open state, the infusion pump being divided into two housing parts having correspondingly allocated functional components;

[0127] Figure 3 The driving device of the first embodiment of the proposed infusion pump, and a cross-sectional view according to section AA;

[0128] Figure 4 It is based on Figure 3 Representation of the alternative structure of the drive device for section AA;

[0129] Figure 5 This is a detailed view and a cross-sectional view of the cannula advancement mechanism of the first embodiment of the proposed infusion pump;

[0130] Figure 6 This is a possible second embodiment of the drug delivery device;

[0131] Figure 7 This is a possible third embodiment of the drug delivery device.

[0132] In this description, it should be noted that in the different embodiments described, the same components are given the same reference numerals or the same component names, and the disclosure contained throughout the description can be similarly applied to the same components having the same reference numerals or the same component names. Furthermore, the positional indications selected in the specification, such as top, bottom, side, etc., relate to the figures directly described and shown, and in the event of a change in position, these positional indications should be similarly transferred to the new position.

[0133] Figures 1 to 5The exemplary embodiments shown, and preferred in this respect, relate to a drug delivery device 33 for administering a limited amount of fluid, particularly an infusion solution, and in particular an infusion pump 1. For the definition and application areas of the infusion pump 1, refer to the introduction of the specification.

[0134] The infusion pump 1 has a storage container 2 with an internal space 3, and a drug delivery piston 5 movable in the internal space 3 along the feed direction 4. The drug delivery piston can be guided in a sealed manner along the inside of the storage container 2 and divide the internal space 3 into a rear section 7 and a sealed front section 6 for receiving fluid.

[0135] In addition, the infusion pump 1 has an infusion cannula 8 which is fluidly connected to or can be fluidly connected to the front section 6 of the storage container 2.

[0136] The infusion pump 1 also has a drive device 9 for generating a feed motion of the administration piston 5 along the inside of the storage container 2, wherein the drive device 9 has a drive source 10 and at least one or exactly one transmission system 11 having several transmission components that drively couples the drive source 10 to the administration piston 5, wherein the transmission system 11 has a pressure or traction device 12 as one of the transmission components that drively couples to the administration piston 5 and applies a pulling force to the administration piston 5 during operation.

[0137] like Figure 1 As shown, the infusion pump 1 can be worn by the infusion recipient 13 on the body under clothing, in particular in a fixed and / or adhesive state to the skin, and is therefore “portable” regardless of location.

[0138] The "administration" of the infusion solution is performed intravenously and / or subcutaneously, which corresponds to the direct delivery of the infusion solution to the tissues of the infusion recipient 13, and in particular to the human body.

[0139] exist Figure 2 The storage container 2 arranged in the housing portion 14 can be designed as a replaceable container (also called a cartridge) or as a functional component that is rigidly connected to the housing portion 14 of the infusion pump 1, and in particular integrally formed with the housing portion 14 of the infusion pump 1.

[0140] from Figure 3As can be seen, the administration piston 5 can be guided in a sealed manner inside the storage container 2, so that the administration piston 5 is in sealed contact with the inside of the storage container 2 during the guidance along the inside of the storage container 2. This is shown in the present case and is preferably achieved in this respect by one or more sealing elements (e.g., sealing lips, sealing rings, etc.), which are designed as components separate from the rest of the administration piston 5, or alternatively injection molded onto the administration piston 5 as a second component, or formed as an integrated part of the administration piston 5 itself.

[0141] Due to the sealing contact of the administration piston 5 in the storage container 2, a front section 6 is created, which is liquid-tightly sealed relative to the environment of the storage container 2, so that the infusion solution can only be discharged from it through the infusion cannula 8.

[0142] The term infusion cannula 8, as used herein, refers to a tube, preferably made of plastic or metal, particularly of stainless steel alloy or nickel-titanium alloy, which is fluidly connected to the storage container 2 directly or via another interface at its first end, or only during preparation for infusion (e.g., by puncturing the septum). In subcutaneous infusion, the second end is typically inserted directly into the body of the infusion recipient 13 or, more precisely, into their skin tissue. Preferably, the outer diameter of the infusion cannula 8 is less than 500 μm, more preferably less than 350 μm, and more preferably less than 300 μm.

[0143] In contrast, in intravenous infusion, the connection between the second tube end and the infusion recipient 13 can also be made using a fluid-interventional infusion kit, wherein an infusion cannula 8 can be present at the end of the infusion kit, which is directly inserted into the body of the infusion recipient 13, or connected to the body through another interface.

[0144] From a comprehensive observation Figures 1 to 4 It can be seen, and shown as a preferred variant in this respect, that the infusion cannula 8, in its simplest case, establishes a fluid connection with the body of the infusion recipient 13. Figure 1 The fluid / infusion solution is guided through the infusion cannula 8 to the body of the infusion recipient 13 and delivered to the body of the infusion recipient 13.

[0145] On the other hand, the infusion cannula 8 and the storage container 2 can be fluidly coupled ( Figures 2 to 4 This means that the connection can be established manually before the first administration or automatically during cartridge insertion, particularly through the insertion movement of the cartridge relative to the housing portion of the infusion pump 1.

[0146] exist Figure 3 Especially cross section AA and Figure 4As can be seen from the text, the term "driving-technical coupling" in the drive device 9 means that driving force, driving torque, and / or motion are transmitted, preferably directly. Specifically, the driving force of the drive source 10 is introduced into and transmitted from the transmission system 11 to the drug delivery piston 5, causing the drug delivery piston 5 to move in the feed direction 4. For this purpose, the pressure or traction device 12, as a transmission component of the transmission system 11, is preferably, and in this respect, attached to the drug delivery piston 5, particularly at its first end 15.

[0147] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 The drive source 10, which is shown only in a systematic manner, is preferably an electric drive motor, preferably a stepper motor, and like all transmission components of the transmission system 11 except for the pressure or traction device 12, the drive source 10 is arranged entirely outside the storage container 2.

[0148] The exception is Figure 3 The cross section AA and Figure 4 This becomes clear because, preferably, the pressure or traction device 12 extends through the internal space 3 of the container and is then guided in a sealed manner through and exits from the pressure or traction device channel opening 16 in the storage container 2. As previously described regarding the sealed contact between the administration piston 5 and the inside of the storage container 2, the pressure or traction device 12 is in sealed contact with the edge of the pressure or traction device channel opening 16, such that during operation of the infusion pump 1, i.e., when the drive device 9 is actuated to deliver, for example, a limited amount of infusion solution to the infusion recipient 13, the infusion solution can also only be discharged through the infusion cannula 8.

[0149] The operation of the aforementioned infusion pump 1 can be triggered autonomously via a control / operation unit (not shown in the figure), which is also integrated into the infusion pump 1. Programming of the desired on / off configuration can be performed directly on the infusion pump 1 by the infusion recipient 13 or a trained (professional) person.

[0150] If the infusion pump 1 has a corresponding communication interface, the triggering of the operating state can also be performed via a smart device application installed on a smart device, such as a multi-functional portable device, like a smartphone or smartwatch. Accordingly, control commands are sent from the smart device to the infusion pump 1 via radio communication, and / or in the opposite direction, sensor signals or other data are sent to the smart device via radio communication, or more precisely, to the smart device application.

[0151] What is now necessary is that the transmission system 11 has a rotatable or circumferentially movable drive element 17 as another component of the transmission system, which can be directly or indirectly driven by the drive source 10 and directly driven coupled to the pressure or traction device 12.

[0152] from Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen, another transmission component, namely the drive element 17 in the current figure, is formed separately from and engages with the pressure or traction device 12, such that the circumferential motion of the drive element 17 is converted into the linear tension motion of the pressure or traction device 12, and thus into the linear tension motion of the drug delivery piston 5. Preferably, the drive element 17 is a rotatable component, i.e., a body that rotates or pivots relative to the storage container 2 about a single geometric axis of rotation, and possibly alternatively also about a single geometric axis of rotation; for example, the drive element 17 is a wheel. Not shown in the figure, but still preferred, the drive element 17 may alternatively be a circumferentially movable component, i.e., a component movable along a track relative to the storage container 2, such as an annular belt. In this case, it operates about several (e.g., two) geometric axes of rotation.

[0153] from Figure 3 As can be seen from the perspective view, drive element 17 is a component that is driven by drive source 10 to perform circumferential or rotational motion. Drive source 10 thereby generates drive torque or drive force, which is directly transmitted to drive element 17. "Direct" means that drive source 10 is directly coupled to drive element 17, i.e., as shown here, drive element 17 is mounted on, for example, the output shaft (e.g., motor shaft) of drive source 10 in a form-locking and force-locking manner. Conversely, "indirect" transmission of drive torque or drive force, which also includes drive torque or drive force, means that other transmission components are driven between them; however, these other transmission components are not pressure or traction devices 12 or are not coupled to pressure or traction devices 12 by drive technology.

[0154] In the transmission system 11, the pressure or traction device 12 is directly driven by the drive element 17 during operation. This means that the drive element 17 is technically upstream of the pressure or traction device 12 and is directly driven coupled to it, wherein the movement of the pressure or traction device 12 that generates the feeding motion of the drug delivery piston 5 is decisively or exclusively caused by the drive element 17. The rotational motion of the drive element 17 is thus converted into the linear motion of the pressure or traction device 12.

[0155] Furthermore, it is preferably specified herein that, for drive technology coupling, the drive element 17 is brought into force-locking and / or form-locking engagement with the pressure or traction device 12, or may be brought into force-locking and / or form-locking engagement with the pressure or traction device 12, and / or (not shown herein) for drive technology coupling, the pressure or traction device 12 is attached to the drive element 17, for example, by screwing or welding to the drive element 17.

[0156] Preferably, the infusion pump 1 has a deflector 18 that deflects the pressure or traction device 12 preferably by at least 90°, more preferably by at least 135°, and even more preferably by at least 180°. In the exemplary embodiment shown and preferred in this respect, the pressure or traction device 12 is deflected exactly 180°. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0157] As described above with respect to drive element 17, deflector 18 can also be designed to be rotatable or circumferentially movable. This is based on Figure 3 The embodiments are provided as examples. Preferably, the deflector 18 moves together with the pressure or traction device 12 during operation, i.e., the deflector 18 follows the movement of the pressure or traction device 12.

[0158] like Figure 3 As shown, preferably, the deflector 18 is a rotatable body, i.e., a body that pivots relative to the storage container 2 about a single geometric axis of rotation, and possibly alternatively also about a single geometric axis of rotation; the deflector 18 is, for example, a wheel in this case. Not shown in the figures, but still preferred, the deflector 18 may alternatively be a circumferentially movable component, i.e., a component movable relative to the storage container 2 along a track, such as an annular belt, which then travels about several (e.g., two) geometric axes of rotation.

[0159] Alternatively, one could assume that the deflector 18 is fixed. This is based on... Figure 4 The embodiments are provided as examples. Preferably, the pressure or traction device 12 is slidably guided along the deflector 18 during operation.

[0160] In this context, and also Figure 4 As shown, "fixed" means that the deflector 18 is immovable relative to the storage container 2.

[0161] In the exemplary embodiment shown and preferred in this respect, the drive element 17 is provided to be formed separately from the deflector 18. Alternatively, and not shown here, the drive element 17 may also be provided to form the deflector 18. The latter is the case when the deflector 18 is a component of the transmission system 11 and thus forms the component that transmits driving force or driving torque directly or indirectly from the drive source 10 to the pressure or traction device 12 to move it.

[0162] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view, preferably, the drive element 17 and / or deflector 18 are partially or completely arranged within the projection of the storage container 2 extending along the feed direction 4. In this way, a particularly compact and flat design is achieved for the infusion pump 1, which increases wearing comfort.

[0163] As described above, the drive element 17 and / or deflector 18 can be designed as a wheel (as shown here) or as an annular belt (not shown here). The drive element 17 and / or deflector 18 can have at least partially toothed or corrugated outer peripheral surfaces. The corresponding outer peripheral surfaces, i.e., the surfaces that engage for drive coupling, are provided with teeth or corrugations in this example.

[0164] Furthermore, it is preferably specified here that the drive element 17 and the deflector 18 each have a geometric axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of the drive element 17 and the axis of rotation of the deflector 18 extending parallel to each other or laterally, particularly orthogonally, and / or the axis of rotation of the drive element 17 and / or the deflector 18 extending laterally, particularly orthogonally, to the geometric longitudinal axis of the force or traction device 12 or parallel to the geometric longitudinal axis of the pressure or traction device 12. Here, for a particularly compact and space-saving arrangement of the various transmission components of the transmission system 11, the axis of rotation of the drive element 17 and the axis of rotation of the deflector 18 extend parallel to each other, and the axis of rotation of the drive element 17 and the deflector 18 each extend orthogonally to the geometric longitudinal axis of the pressure or traction device 12.

[0165] The geometric axis of rotation refers to the axis around which the drive element 17 or deflector 18 moves during operation. The geometric longitudinal axis of the pressure or traction device 12 refers to the axis extending along the traction direction of the pressure or traction device 12.

[0166] In the exemplary embodiment shown and preferred in this respect, the pressure or traction device 12 is guided in the radial direction between the drive element 17 and the deflector 18. Preferably, the clamping force from the drive element 17 and the deflector 18 acts on the pressure or traction device 12, thereby optimally guiding the pressure or traction device 12 and further counteracting slippage of the pressure or traction device 12.

[0167] The term “radial” here refers to the geometric axis of rotation of the drive element 17 and / or the deflector 18.

[0168] Furthermore, it is preferably specified herein that the pressure or traction device 12 is guided through the deflector 18 during operation, wherein, as Figure 3In this configuration, the pressure or traction device 12 and the deflector 18 can move together, or the deflector 18 can be fixed and the pressure or traction device 12 can slide accordingly along the deflector 18, such as... Figure 4 In particular, a section of the pressure or traction device 12 passes through the deflector 18. Alternatively, it may be specified that the pressure or traction device 12 is wound around the deflector 18 during operation, i.e., without passing through the deflector 18. In this case, it is conceivable that the deflector 18 has a recess (groove) extending helically around its geometric axis of rotation, through which the pressure or traction device can be wound in a defined manner.

[0169] Preferably, the pressure or traction device 12 is designed to be flexible, deflectable, and particularly coilable, optionally flexible and relaxed. In particular, it is a rope or monofilament. Steel and / or plastic, as well as plastic-coated steel, are preferably envisioned as the material for the pressure or traction device 12. The pressure or traction device 12 is preferably a rope, particularly a rope made of plastic, preferably a rope made of tensile plastic to reduce elasticity. However, alternatively, the pressure or traction device 12 may also be a belt or wire. Plastic-coated steel cable has proven particularly advantageous here.

[0170] Particularly preferably, the pressure or traction device 12 has such high compressive strength or compression resistance in its extending direction that it forms a support column between the front of the storage container and the administration piston. Therefore, sudden overpressure outside the storage container (e.g., pressure in the ear during a rapid descent from a mountain to a valley) will not result in over-delivery, or at least not any significant over-delivery.

[0171] In this case, additionally or alternatively, it can be envisioned that the pressure or traction device 12 has a first end 15 and a second end 19, the first end being driven coupled to the administration piston 5 in the front section 6 of the storage container 2 to apply a pulling force to the administration piston 5, and the second end being decoupled from the administration piston 5 and, in particular, spaced apart, wherein preferably, no pulling force acts on the second end 19. However, it can also be envisioned that a low pulling force acts on the second end 19, provided that it is less than the pulling force on the first end 15. Thus, for example, it can be envisioned that a spring element acts on the second end 19 of the pressure or traction device 12 to facilitate the guidance of the second end 19 of the pressure or traction device 12 by means of its spring preload.

[0172] In principle, it can be stipulated that, as in this case, the transmission system 11 is divided into parallel partial transmission systems 21a and 21b, or the drive unit 9 has multiple transmission systems 11, each of which optionally has its own drive source 10.

[0173] Specifically, preferably, the transmission system 11 is divided into at least two parallel partial transmission systems 21a and 21b toward the administration piston 5, and each of the partial transmission systems 21a and 21b has a pressure or traction device 12 as one of the transmission system components, which is drivenly coupled to the administration piston 5 and applies a pulling force to the administration piston 5 during operation. Preferably, each of the partial transmission systems 21a and 21b has a rotatable or circumferentially movable drive element 17 as the other of the transmission system components, which can be driven by the drive source 10 (here via a common connecting shaft 22) and is directly driven coupled to or can be directly driven coupled to the associated pressure or traction device in the pressure or traction device 12.

[0174] However, according to an alternative embodiment not shown herein, as described above, two drive systems 11 may also be provided. Specifically, this is particularly the case where the drive device 9 has at least or exactly two drive systems 11, each drive system having a plurality of drive components that drively couple a drive source 10 or a corresponding drive source 10 to the administration piston 5, and each drive system 11 has a pressure or traction device 12 as one of the drive components that is drively coupled to the administration piston 5 and applies a pulling force to the administration piston 5 during operation. Preferably, each drive system 11 has a rotatable or circumferentially movable drive element 17 as the other of the drive components, which can be driven by the corresponding drive source 10 and directly driven coupled to or can be directly driven coupled to the associated pressure or traction device in the pressure or traction device 12.

[0175] In the case of providing two partial drive systems 21a, 21b or two separate drive systems 11, it is preferably specified that the infusion pump 1 has a deflector 18 for each pressure or traction device 12, which deflects the corresponding pressure or traction device 12. In this case, the plurality of drive elements 17 and / or the plurality of deflectors 18 are preferably connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner via a connecting shaft 22. This embodiment can be Figure 3 As seen in the perspective view, it is used to synchronize the rotational or circumferential motion of multiple drive elements 17 and / or multiple deflectors 18.

[0176] Furthermore, it is preferably specified that the cross-section of the administration piston 5 is circular or non-circular, particularly elliptical or angular.

[0177] The cross-section here extends orthogonally to the feed direction 4 of the administration piston 5. The administration piston 5, having a non-circular cross-section, can... Figure 3As can be seen in the perspective view. The advantage of this embodiment is that it enables the guidance of the drug delivery piston 5 within the storage container 2.

[0178] Preferably, the infusion pump 1 also includes a monitoring device 23 for monitoring the axial position of the administration piston 5 within the container interior space 3 of the storage container 2. Preferably, this monitoring device has a Hall sensor on the storage container 2 and a magnet on the administration piston 5 that interacts with the Hall sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring device 23 may also include an angle sensor for detecting the angular position of the drive element 17 and / or the deflector 18, and / or a laser for detecting the position of the administration piston 5 by electro-optic distance measurement (particularly laser triangulation or laser interferometry). In this context, for example, a combination of a semiconductor laser and a line sensor can be envisioned, which has proven to be an accurate and space-saving variation. In particular, for accurate position determination as part of the monitoring device 23, devices based on magnetoresistive effects (e.g., anisotropic magnetoresistive effect (AMR effect) or giant magnetoresistive effect (GMR effect)) and / or vernier principles (optical or inductive) to determine the axial position of the administration piston 5 are also suitable. The use of linear potentiometers and / or capacitive and / or inductive measuring sensors is also conceivable.

[0179] from Figure 3 The cross section AA and Figure 4 The axial position of the drug delivery piston 5, which is to be monitored by the monitoring device 23, can be seen. This means the position relative to the feed direction 4, that is, the position of the drug delivery piston 5 along the feed movement of the piston 5 within the container space 3 of the storage container 2.

[0180] Furthermore, it is preferably specified here that the infusion pump 1 has a multi-part housing 20, wherein the housing 20 preferably has a disposable housing portion 14 and a reusable housing portion 24. Preferably, the storage container 2, the administration piston 5, the pressure or traction device 12, and particularly the infusion cannula 8 and / or deflector 18 are mounted on the disposable housing portion 14, which preferably together form a pre-assembled disposable unit 25. Additionally or alternatively, the drive source 10 and the drive element 17, particularly all transmission components except the pressure or traction device 12, are mounted on the reusable housing portion 24, which preferably together form a pre-assembled reusable unit 26. The housing portions 14, 24 are preferably detachable or engageable from each other without tools to achieve a particularly simple separability between the disposable unit 25 and the reusable unit 26, preferably achieved using a latching connection between the housing portions 14, 24.

[0181] from Figure 2As can be seen, the disposable unit 25 is the user-facing unit during application. After its intended use, the disposable unit 25 is removed from the body, separated from the reusable unit 26, and then discarded.

[0182] The disposable unit 25 preferably consists of a disposable housing portion 14 and disposable components mounted thereon, such as a storage container 2 with a drug delivery piston 5, a pressure or traction device 12, and in particular an infusion cannula 8, a patch, and / or a deflector 18. Preferably, an energy source 29, such as a separately removable primary or secondary battery, is also part of the disposable unit 25, specifically stored in a battery compartment, and thus can be separated from the disposable unit 25 for individual disposal. Furthermore, the disposable unit 25 may have, for example, an adhesive patch for attaching the infusion pump 1 to the body. The disposable unit 25 preferably consists of no more than 20 components (individual parts).

[0183] Figure 2 The reusable unit 26 shown at the top is separated from the disposable unit 25 after the intended use of the disposable unit 25, as described above, and can then be placed on a new, unused disposable unit 25, because the reusable component mounted on the reusable unit 26 is reusable.

[0184] As a reusable component of the infusion pump 1, in addition to the drive source 10, drive element 17, and any other transmission components, preferably, the cannula insertion mechanism, electronic components, particularly control components, user interface 30 with display 31 and / or operating unit 32 (which may have one or more buttons), and optionally monitoring device 23 are also associated with the reusable unit 26 and mounted on the reusable housing portion 24. The display, as an example here, is a display that does not require continuous power supply, such as electronic paper or a memory-in-pixel display.

[0185] exist Figure 1 In (a), the portable infusion pump 1 is shown arranged according to its intended use, for example, on the upper arm of the infusion recipient 13. The housing 20 can be fixed or adhered to the skin.

[0186] from Figure 3 The cross section AA and Figure 4 As can be seen, in addition to the pressure or traction device channel opening 16, the storage container 2 also has a fluid opening 27, which serves as another opening for fluidly connecting the internal space 3 of the storage container 2 to the infusion cannula 8. Preferably, both openings 16 and 27 are provided on the front end of the storage container, which is assigned to the front section 6 of the storage container 2.

[0187] In this example, no other openings are provided in the storage container 2, particularly an opening for the piston rod to pass through. Preferably, the administration piston 5 itself does not have a piston rod, which helps to significantly reduce the overall size of the infusion pump 1 because the cylinder capacity of the piston rod is eliminated.

[0188] When a mechanical connection is established between the two housing parts, at least a force-locked connection is created, in addition to any form-locked connection. This ensures pressure build-up between the mating surfaces of the drive element 17, the pressure or traction device 12, and the deflector 18, and optionally also ensures the desired electrical connection between the electrical contacts 28.

[0189] Furthermore, it is preferably specified here that the storage container 2 is non-detachably connected to the housing 20, particularly the disposable housing portion 14, wherein, in particular, a classic filling port is provided on the storage container 2, or the storage container forms a replaceable cartridge. Preferably, this is the case where the storage container 2 can be installed as a pre-assembled unit together with the disposable housing portion 14 in a pre-filled state. However, according to another embodiment not shown here, it is also conceivable that the replaceable cartridge can be installed in a pre-filled state. It can then be attached to or inserted into the disposable housing portion 14.

[0190] In this context, the term "non-removably" refers to the connection between the storage container 2 and the housing 20, particularly the disposable housing portion 14, which cannot be disassembled in a non-destructive manner. "Pre-filled" here means that the storage container 2 is already filled with infusion solution prior to its first intended use.

[0191] Suitable materials for storage container 2 are, in particular, COC (cyclic olefin copolymer) or COP (cyclic olefin polymer) and glass-coated plastic. These materials are suitable during storage and prevent substances in the material from dissolving into the fluid to be infused or causing fluid changes (e.g., protein chains collapse upon contact with certain plastics, leading to insulin inactivation).

[0192] Figure 5 Detailed and sectional views of the cannulation advancement mechanism of the first embodiment of the proposed infusion pump 1 are now shown, each illustrated in a highly simplified schematic diagram.

[0193] It is now necessary that the infusion pump 1 has a cannula advancement mechanism 34, which, upon actuation, drives the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 along the advancement direction 42 from an initial position (in which the infusion cannula 8 is completely disposed outside the container interior space 3 of the storage container 2) to a puncture position (in which the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 is inserted into the container interior space 3, particularly into the front section 6 of the storage container 2, specifically via the diaphragm 43). In the puncture position, the infusion cannula 8 is then fluidly connected to the storage container 2. Furthermore, it is necessary that an assembly movement or one of the assembly movements is oriented transversely to, and particularly orthogonally to, the advancement direction 42 of the infusion cannula 8, and actuates the cannula advancement mechanism 34 during the engagement of the first housing portion 14 and the second housing portion 24.

[0194] The terms "initial position" and "puncture position" as used herein refer to positions relative to the first housing portion 14 and / or relative to the storage container 2.

[0195] Actuation of the cannula propulsion mechanism 34 is achieved via the storage container 2, which is as intended to be arranged on the first housing portion 14. Therefore, when the cannula propulsion mechanism 34 is actuated, the storage container 2 is in a position relative to the first housing portion 14 that allows engagement with the second housing portion 24. Specifically, this position is the final position set for application, meaning that the storage container 2 will not move further from this position during engagement of the first housing portion 14 and the second housing portion 24. However, in principle, according to another exemplary embodiment not shown herein, it is also conceivable that, through engagement of the first housing portion 14 and the second housing portion 24, the storage container 2 may still be displaced to its final position from which fluid application is provided.

[0196] The assembly motion that actuates the cannula propulsion mechanism 34 is preferably oriented laterally to, and in particular orthogonally to, the bottom surface of the first housing portion 14. "Laterally to" in this context means that the direction of the assembly motion intersects the plane of the bottom surface of the first housing portion 14.

[0197] The bottom surface is the side surface of the housing 14 formed in the fully assembled state when the two housing parts 14 and 24 are joined. This side surface faces the body of the infusion recipient 13 when the infusion pump 1 is worn or used by the infusion recipient 13. An adhesive patch for attaching the infusion pump 1 to the body of the infusion recipient 13 may also be provided on this side surface.

[0198] This is typically the case where the bottom surface of the first housing portion 14 is a side with a relatively large surface area. Therefore, if the assembly movement is oriented transversely to, and particularly orthogonally to, the bottom surface of the first housing portion 14, a particularly large opening or area can be provided on the opposite side of the first housing portion 14. This has the advantage of optimal accessibility to the components of the infusion pump 1, particularly the storage container 2, the infusion cannula 8, the energy source 29, and the drive unit 9. Furthermore, this is typically the case where, for comfortable wear, the extension of the housing 14 of the infusion pump 1 in the direction orthogonal to the bottom surface is advantageously smaller than its extension parallel to the bottom surface. Therefore, another advantage of the assembly movement being oriented transversely to, and particularly orthogonally to, the bottom surface of the first housing portion 14 is that the assembly movement is therefore particularly small (short). Thus, providing such an assembly movement ultimately also benefits the operability of the infusion pump 1.

[0199] Furthermore, it is preferably specified here that the cannula advancement mechanism 34, when actuated, bends a portion of the infusion cannula 8, particularly decisively or exclusively, elastically, thereby driving the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0200] To access the internal space 3 of the container, and specifically through the diaphragm 43, the infusion cannula 8 is bent via a provided cannula advancement mechanism 34. According to this proposal, to establish a fluid connection, only a section of the infusion cannula 8 moves relative to the storage container 2, rather than the entire infusion cannula 8. This allows the infusion cannula 8 and the storage container 2 to be pre-assembled on the first housing portion 14, and particularly pre-assembled inside it, and optimally aligned with each other before the cannula advancement mechanism 34 is actuated. Therefore, the two components are arranged on the same housing portion from the outset and do not move relative to each other as a whole during the engagement of the two housing portions 14, 24.

[0201] like Figure 5 As shown, the infusion cannula 8 has various axial sections, that is, sections arranged along its longitudinal direction, each with a different function and arranged in a special way for the proposed solution, which will be described below.

[0202] Therefore, preferably, the infusion cannula 8 has a substantially straight puncture section 44 extending toward its storage container side end 35 as an axial section that extends along the advancement direction 42 when the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 is in the initial position and / or puncture position, and that shifts parallel to the advancement direction 42 when the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 moves from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0203] The puncture section 44 forms an axial section of the infusion cannula 8, which is configured for insertion into the storage container 2 and, in particular, for puncturing the diaphragm 43 to establish a fluid connection.

[0204] Furthermore, preferably, the infusion cannula 8 has a generally straight insertion section 38 extending toward its other infusion recipient side 37 as another axial section, which extends laterally, particularly orthogonally, to the advance direction 42 when the storage container side 35 of the infusion cannula 8 is in the initial position and / or puncture position, and particularly when the storage container side 35 of the infusion cannula 8 moves from the initial position to the puncture position, the insertion section 38 remains in its position, i.e., does not shift.

[0205] Insertion section 38 forms an axial section of infusion cannula 8, which is configured for connection of infusion cannula 8 to the body of infusion recipient 13, optionally using a fluid-interventional infusion kit for connection of infusion cannula 8 to body of infusion recipient 13.

[0206] The insertion section 38 is removed from the bottom surface of the housing 20 or the first housing portion 14 to administer fluid. Since the insertion section 38 is specifically introduced into body tissue, it is preferably specified here that the insertion section 38 be spring-loaded to simplify withdrawal after fluid administration has occurred. In this way, when the insertion section 38 protrudes from the bottom surface of the housing 14, the insertion section 38 can be preloaded by the spring in the withdrawal direction. For this purpose, a spring element, preferably a leaf spring 45, preferably made of metal or plastic, can be provided, one end of which is mounted on the housing 20, particularly on the first housing portion 14, and the other end of which engages with the infusion cannula 8, particularly with the insertion section 38.

[0207] Furthermore, it is preferably specified here that the infusion cannula 8 has a curved section 36 adjacent to the puncture section 44 and / or adjacent to the insertion section 38 as another axial section, which bends and / or twists in a portion of the section about a geometric axis deviating from the direction of advancement 42 as the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 moves from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0208] The curved section 36 forms an axial section of the infusion cannula 8, which allows bending and ultimately enables the puncture section 44 to move relative to the insertion section 38 toward the storage container 2.

[0209] When the storage container side 35 of the infusion cannula 8 is in the initial position and / or puncture position, the curved section 36 here preferably has a basically U-shaped orientation, that is, it first extends in a first direction, then is deflected, for example, 160° to 200°, preferably 170° to 190°, and then returns in the opposite direction here.

[0210] Alternatively or additionally, it may be specified that when the storage container side 35 of the infusion cannula 8 is in the initial position, the curved section 36 extends at least partially in a first plane 46 inclined relative to the direction of advancement 42, and when the storage container side 35 of the infusion cannula 8 is in the puncture position, the curved section 36 extends partially or completely in a second plane 47 different from it, particularly orthogonal to the direction of advancement 42.

[0211] like Figure 5 As shown, the cannula advancement mechanism 34 preferably has a deflection element or deflection rod 39, which displaces a portion of the infusion cannula 8, particularly the puncture section 44, during the assembly movement that actuates the cannula advancement mechanism 34, thereby driving the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0212] The deflecting element or deflecting rod 39 is preferably designed in the form of a rod, which will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. As an alternative to such a rod-shaped deflecting element 39 (hereinafter referred to as deflecting rod 39), it may also be provided that, during the assembly movement that actuates the cannula advancement mechanism 34, a portion of the infusion cannula 8, particularly the puncture section 44, slides along the contact surface of the ramp-shaped housing section of the second housing portion 24, the surface extending obliquely relative to the direction of the assembly movement. Like the deflecting element 39, the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 can also be driven from the initial position to the puncture position thereby. In principle, both are also conceivable, i.e., providing the ramp-shaped housing section and the deflecting rod 39, and then the deflecting rod 39 sliding along the ramp-shaped housing section.

[0213] In this exemplary embodiment, it is now defined, as described above, that the deflection element 39 is a deflection rod 39 pivotable about the geometric rod axis 40. Preferably, the deflection rod 39 is mounted on the first housing portion 14. Preferably, the geometric rod axis 40 extends obliquely to the propulsion direction 42, and in this exemplary embodiment, in particular, the deflection rod 39 pivots in a plane extending parallel to the propulsion direction 42.

[0214] Preferably, when the storage container side 35 of the infusion cannula 8 is in the initial position, the deflector rod 39 is positioned obliquely relative to the direction of the assembly movement. This means that the longitudinal central axis of the deflector rod 39 (which extends through the geometric pivot axis to the distal end of the deflector rod 39) is obliquely aligned with respect to the direction of the assembly movement. Preferably, this is the case where, after adjustment, i.e., when the storage container side 35 of the infusion cannula 8 is in the puncture position, the deflector rod 39 is positioned parallel to the direction of the assembly movement. This means that the longitudinal central axis of the deflector rod 39 is aligned parallel to the direction of the assembly movement.

[0215] Furthermore, it is preferably specified here that the deflector 39 deflects through the housing section 48 of the second housing portion 24 during the assembly movement. This is preferably the case where the deflector 39 engages with a portion of the infusion cannula 8 (particularly the puncture section 44 and / or the bending section 36) during the assembly movement, driving the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 from the initial position to the puncture position. The deflector 39 preferably has a notch 49 or (not shown) a protrusion in which the portion of the infusion cannula 8 (particularly the puncture section 44 and / or the bending section 36) is fitted as the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 moves from the initial position to the puncture position.

[0216] In the exemplary embodiment shown herein and preferred in this respect, the housing 14, particularly the first housing portion 14, has a rigid retainer 41. When the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 is in the puncture position, the deflector 39 is latched to the retainer 41. Additionally or alternatively, during the movement of the storage container side end 35 of the infusion cannula 8 from the initial position to the puncture position, the retainer 41 guides a portion of the infusion cannula 8, particularly the curved section 36.

[0217] Furthermore, it is preferably specified here that the first housing portion 14 is a disposable housing portion, and the second housing portion 24 is a reusable housing portion. Preferably, the storage container 2, the administration piston 5, the infusion cannula 8, and in particular the deflection rod 39 are mounted on the disposable housing portion (here, therefore the first housing portion or lower housing portion 14), which preferably together form a pre-assembled disposable unit 25. Additionally or alternatively, the drive source 10 and in particular multiple transmission components are mounted on the reusable housing portion (here, therefore the second housing portion or upper housing portion 24), which preferably together form a pre-assembled reusable unit 26. The housing portions are preferably detachable or engageable from each other without tools to achieve a particularly simple separability between the disposable unit 25 and the reusable unit 26, preferably using a latching connection between the housing portions to achieve this particularly simple separability.

[0218] from Figure 1 As can be seen from c), the disposable unit 25 is the user-facing unit during application. After its intended use, the disposable unit 25 is removed from the body, separated from the reusable unit 26, and then discarded.

[0219] The disposable unit 25 preferably consists of a disposable housing portion (here, therefore the first housing portion or lower housing portion 14) and disposable components mounted thereon, such as a storage container 2 and a drug delivery piston 5, here a pressure or traction device 12, and an infusion cannula 8 and, in particular, a deflector 39. Preferably, an energy source 29, such as, in particular, a primary or secondary battery that can be removed separately, is also part of the disposable unit 25, specifically stored in a battery compartment, and thus can be separated from the disposable unit 25 for individual disposal. Furthermore, the disposable unit 25 has, for example, an adhesive patch for attaching the infusion pump 1 to the body. The disposable unit 25 preferably consists of no more than 20 components (individual parts).

[0220] Figure 2 The reusable unit 26 shown at the top is separated from the disposable unit 25 after the intended use of the disposable unit 25, as described above, and can then be placed on a new, unused disposable unit 25, because the reusable component mounted on the reusable unit 26 is reusable.

[0221] As a reusable component of the infusion pump 1, in addition to the drive source 10, particularly the multiple transmission components, preferably, the cannula insertion mechanism, electronic components, especially the control components, the user interface 30 with a display 31 and / or an operation unit 32 (which may have one or more buttons), and optionally the monitoring device are also associated with the reusable unit 26 and mounted on the reusable housing portion (here, therefore the second housing portion or the upper housing portion 24).

[0222] Display 31, as an example herein, is a display that does not require a continuous power supply, such as an electronic paper or pixel memory display.

[0223] exist Figure 1 In (a), the portable infusion pump 1 is shown arranged according to its intended use, for example, on the upper arm of the infusion recipient 13. The housing 20 can be fixed or adhered to the skin.

[0224] from Figure 3 The cross section AA and Figure 5 As can be seen, in addition to the pressure or traction device channel opening 16, the storage container 2 also has a fluid opening as another opening for fluidly connecting the internal space 3 of the storage container 2 to the infusion cannula 8. This fluid opening is specifically sealed with the diaphragm 43 described above before being punctured by the infusion cannula 8. Preferably, both openings are located on the front end of the storage container, which is assigned to the front section 6 of the storage container 2.

[0225] In this example, no other openings are provided in the storage container 2, particularly an opening for the piston rod to pass through. Preferably, the administration piston 5 itself does not have a piston rod, which helps to significantly reduce the overall size of the infusion pump 1 because the cylinder capacity of the piston rod is eliminated.

[0226] When the mechanical connection between the two housing parts 14, 24 is established, at least a force-locked connection is created, in addition to any form-locked connection, which also ensures the desired electrical connection between the electrical contacts.

[0227] Furthermore, it is preferably specified here that the storage container 2 is non-detachably connected to the housing 14 (here, the first housing portion or the lower housing portion 14), wherein, in particular, a classic filling port is provided on the storage container 2, or the storage container forms a replaceable cartridge. Preferably, the storage container 2 can be installed as a pre-assembled unit together with the first housing portion or the lower housing portion 14 in a pre-filled state. However, according to another embodiment not shown here, it is also conceivable that the replaceable cartridge can be installed in a pre-filled state. It can then be attached to or inserted into the first housing portion or the lower housing portion 14.

[0228] In this context, the term "non-removably" refers to the connection between the storage container 2 and the housing 14, particularly the first housing portion or the lower housing portion 14, which cannot be disassembled in a non-destructive manner. "Pre-filled" here means that the storage container 2 is already filled with infusion solution prior to its first intended use.

[0229] Suitable materials for storage container 2 are, in particular, COC (cyclic olefin copolymer) or COP (cyclic olefin polymer) and glass-coated plastic. These materials are suitable during storage and prevent substances in the material from dissolving into the fluid to be infused or causing fluid changes (e.g., protein chains collapsing upon contact with certain plastics, leading to insulin inactivation).

[0230] at last, Figure 6 and Figure 7 Other possible embodiments of the drug delivery device 33 are shown in a highly simplified schematic diagram.

[0231] from Figure 6It can be seen that a second embodiment of the drug delivery device 33 can be provided, wherein the pressure or traction device 12 is fixed in position to the storage container 2 with its first end 15, and is guided through the container interior space 3 along the longitudinal extension of the pressure or traction device 12 and is guided in a sealed manner through the opening through the drug delivery piston 5, wherein the drive element 17 and, in particular the drive source 10, are formed in the rear section 7 of the container interior space 3 and adjacent to the drug delivery piston 5 as a plunger component, such that the drug delivery piston 5 is movable in the feed direction 4 along the pressure or traction device 12 by means of the plunger to rotate the drive element 17 during operation of the drive source 10.

[0232] from Figure 7 It can be seen that the third embodiment of the drug delivery device 33 can be designed such that the pressure or traction device 12 is formed as a fine-threaded spindle, wherein the fine-threaded spindle passes through the drug delivery piston 5 through an opening having a mating thread that is complementary to the thread shape of the fine-threaded spindle, and preferably protrudes unsupported into the front section 6 of the container interior space 3, wherein the fine-threaded spindle can be driven to rotate by the drive element 17, particularly in the rear section 7 of the container interior space 3, during operation of the drive source 10, so that the drug delivery piston 5 is movable in the feed direction 4.

[0233] The first surface with a mating threaded opening and the second surface with a threaded fine threaded spindle can have a material pairing and / or threaded form that seals the internal space 3 of the container relative to the rear section 7 of the storage container 2.

[0234] The exemplary embodiments illustrate possible implementation variations, but it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specific implementation variations shown, but various combinations of the various implementation variations with each other are also possible, and the possibility of such variations is based on the teachings of the present invention on technical actions within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0235] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the specification and drawings are used to interpret the claims. Various features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent their own independent inventive solutions. The purpose on which an independent inventive solution is based can be understood from the description.

[0236] All statements regarding numerical ranges in this specification shall be understood to include any and all of their subranges. For example, the statement 1 to 10 shall be understood to include all subranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, that is, all subranges begin at the lower limit of 1 or greater and end at the upper limit of 10 or less, such as 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0237] For the sake of neatness, it should be noted that, in order to better understand the structure, components are not shown to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in some cases.

[0238] List of reference numerals

[0239] 1. Infusion pump

[0240] 2 Storage containers

[0241] 3. Container internal space

[0242] 4. Feed direction

[0243] 5. Drug delivery piston

[0244] 6 front section

[0245] 7. Rear Section

[0246] 8. Infusion cannulation

[0247] 9. Drive unit

[0248] 10 Driver Sources

[0249] 11 Transmission System

[0250] 12. Pressure or traction device

[0251] 13. Infusion Recipient

[0252] 14 First shell portion or disposable shell portion

[0253] 15 First End

[0254] 16. Openings in the passageway for pressure or traction equipment

[0255] 17. Driving Components

[0256] 18 Deflecting bodies

[0257] 19 Second End

[0258] 20. Housing

[0259] 21 Sub-drive system

[0260] 22 Connecting shaft

[0261] 23 Monitoring devices

[0262] 24. Second housing portion or reusable housing portion

[0263] 25 One-time unit

[0264] 26 Reusable Units

[0265] 27 Fluid opening

[0266] 28 electrical contacts

[0267] 29 Energy Sources

[0268] 30 User Interface

[0269] 31 Monitors

[0270] 32 operating units

[0271] 33 Drug delivery device

[0272] 34. Intubation and propulsion mechanism

[0273] 35. Side of storage container

[0274] 36. Curved Section

[0275] 37. Infusion recipient side

[0276] 38 Insertion segment

[0277] 39 Deflection rod

[0278] 40 rod axis

[0279] 41 Rigid retainer

[0280] 42. Direction of Advancement

[0281] 4.3 Diaphragm

[0282] 44 Puncture Section

[0283] 45 leaf spring

[0284] 46 Inclined plane

[0285] 47 Second plane

[0286] 48 Shell Section

[0287] 49 Notch

Claims

1. A drug delivery device (33), particularly an infusion pump (1), for preferably subcutaneous administration of fluid, particularly an infusion solution, said drug delivery device (33) comprising a housing (20), a storage container (2) having an internal space (3), an infusion cannula (8), and a drive device (9). - The housing (20) is formed in multiple parts and includes a first housing part (14) and a second housing part (24). -- Wherein the first housing portion (14) and the second housing portion (24) can preferably engage in exactly one assembly movement, - Wherein the drug delivery piston (5), which is located in the internal space (3) of the container and is movable in the feeding direction (4), is received in the storage container (2). -- The administration piston (5) is sealed relative to the inner surface of the container interior space (3) and divides the container interior space (3) into a rear section (7) and a sealed, particularly liquid-tight, front section (6) for receiving the fluid. -- and wherein the infusion cannula (8) is fluidly coupled or fluidly coupled to the front section (6) of the internal space (3) of the container, - And the drive device (9) therein includes a drive source (10) and a transmission system (11) that is driven and coupled to the drug delivery piston (5). -- The transmission system (11) includes a pressure or traction device (12) that is driven coupled to the drug delivery piston (5). -- And wherein the transmission system (11) includes a rotary drive element (17), the drive element being directly or directly driven coupled to the pressure or traction device (12), wherein the drive element (17) is driven coupled to the drive source (10), Its features are, The drug delivery device (33) can be brought into a functional state by, in particular by, only by the assembly movement of the drug delivery device (33) by engaging the first housing portion (14) with the second housing portion (24).

2. The drug delivery device (33) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive source (10) and, in particular, the drive element (17) are formed as an integrated component of the second housing portion (24); the storage container (2) is positioned or can be positioned in the first housing portion (14); and the drive element (17) is coupled to the pressure or traction device (12) by the assembly movement, such that the drive device (9) functions in the assembled state of the second housing portion (24) and the first housing portion (14), wherein the second housing portion (24) is formed as a reusable unit (26).

3. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pressure or traction device (12) is formed as a fine-threaded spindle, wherein the fine-threaded spindle passes through the administration piston (5) through a through hole having a mating thread that is complementary to the thread shape of the fine-threaded spindle, and preferably protrudes unsupported into the front section (6) of the container interior space (3); wherein the fine-threaded spindle can be rotated during operation of the drive source (10) by the drive element (17), particularly in the rear section (7) of the container interior space (3), such that the administration piston (5) is movable in the feed direction (4).

4. The drug delivery device (33) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pressure or traction device (12) is formed in the form of a strand or a line, the longitudinal extension of which is many times the lateral extension of the pressure or traction device (12), wherein the strand-shaped pressure or traction device (12) is formed in particular as a filament and is formed primarily of a first material from a first material list, the first material list including PTFE, PEEK, fluoropolymers, Kevlar, aramid, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) such as Dyneema or Spectra, nylon, polypropylene PP, cyclic olefin polymers COP, cyclic olefin copolymers COC, blends thereof, and metals.

5. The drug delivery device (33) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure or traction device (12) has a sheath and a core, wherein the core is formed of a second material from a second material list, particularly fibers of the second material, the second material list including carbon fiber, aramid, Kevlar, glass fiber, UHMWPE and metal, and wherein the sheath is formed of a first material, particularly fibers of the first material.

6. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pressure or traction device (12) has an average diameter of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, particularly 0.9 mm to 1.5 mm, which is measured transversely to the longitudinal extension of the pressure or traction device (12).

7. The drug delivery device (33) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pressure or traction device (12) is formed in the form of a fabric strip, the longitudinal extension of which is many times the height extension and width extension of the pressure or traction device (12), wherein the pressure or traction device (12) is formed primarily of a first material from a first material list, the first material list including PTFE, PEEK, fluoropolymers, Kevlar, aramid, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) such as Dyneema or Spectra, nylon, polypropylene PP, cyclic olefin polymers COP, cyclic olefin copolymers COC and blends thereof.

8. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 7, characterized in that, A pressure generating device is arranged in the rear section (7) of the storage container (2), through which the drug delivery piston (5) can be displaced in the feed direction (4); and the pressure or traction device (12) is configured to be operatively connected to the drive source (10) as a holding device to prevent the drug delivery piston (5) from being advanced in the feed direction (4) by the pressure generating device, wherein the drive source (10) is designed for the gradual release of the pressure or traction device (12) in the feed direction (4).

9. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 6, characterized in that, The pressure or traction device (12) is fixed in position to the storage container (2) at its first end (15), extends longitudinally through the internal space (3) of the container and extends in a sealed manner through a perforation through the administration piston (5); wherein the drive element (17) and, in particular, the drive source (10) are formed in the rear section (7) of the internal space (3) of the container and adjacent to the administration piston (5) as a plunger component, such that the administration piston (5) is movable in the feed direction (4) along the pressure or traction device (12) by the rotational movement of the drive element (17) during operation of the drive source (10).

10. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4 to 7, characterized in that, The pressure or traction device (12) is fixed in position to the administration piston (5) at its first end (15), guided along the longitudinal direction of the pressure or traction device (12) through the internal space (3) of the container and guided in a sealed manner through the pressure or traction device channel opening (16) of the storage container (2); and the drive element (17) operatively connected to the deflector (18) is directly driven coupled or can be directly driven coupled to the section of the pressure or traction device (12) extending outside the storage container (2), wherein the drive element (17) as a knurled actuator is coupled or can be coupled to the pressure or traction device (12), and the deflector (18) is formed as a mating bearing for coupling, such that during operation of the drive source (10), a force can be applied to the administration piston (5) in the feed direction (4) by the pressure or traction device (12).

11. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drug delivery device (33) includes a cannula advancement mechanism (34), wherein the storage container side end (35) of the infusion cannula (8) is movable from an initial position to a puncture position by the cannula advancement mechanism (34), in the initial position, the infusion cannula (8) is completely disposed outside the container interior space (3) of the storage container (2), and in the puncture position, the storage container side end (35) protrudes into the container interior space (3), such that the infusion cannula (8) is fluidly coupled to the container interior space (3) in the puncture position.

12. The drug delivery device (33) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cannula advancement mechanism (34) can be actuated by the assembly movement, so that the storage container side end (35) of the infusion cannula (8) can be moved to the puncture position by the assembly movement.

13. The drug delivery device (33) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The storage container side end (35) can be displaced to the puncture position by the elastic deformation of the infusion cannula (8), particularly by the elastic deformation of the central cannula section, particularly the curved section (36).

14. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The infusion cannula (8) has a generally straight insertion section (38) extending toward the recipient side (37), wherein the insertion section (38) remains in its position during the assembly movement.

15. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The cannula advancement mechanism (34) has a deflection rod (39), wherein the storage container side end (35) of the infusion cannula (8) can be moved to the puncture position by means of the deflection rod (39).

16. The drug delivery device (33) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The deflection rod (39) is a pivotable deflection rod (39) about the rod axis (40), and preferably, the deflection rod (39) is mounted on the first housing part (14).

17. The drug delivery device (33) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The deflector rod (39) is pivotable by means of the second housing portion (24) via the assembly movement, particularly about the rod axis (40), such that the storage container side end (35) of the infusion cannula (8) can be displaced to the puncture position via the deflector rod (39) when the deflector rod (39) is pivoted.

18. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, The first housing portion (14) has a rigid retainer (41), and when the storage container side end (35) of the infusion cannula (8) is in the puncture position, the deflection rod (39) is latched or fixed in position to the rigid retainer (41), and / or a portion of the infusion cannula (8), particularly the curved section (36), can be guided by the rigid retainer (41) as the storage container side end (35) of the infusion cannula (8) moves from the initial position to the puncture position.

19. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drug delivery device (33) has a monitoring device (23) for monitoring the axial position of the drug delivery piston (5) in the internal space (3) of the storage container (2); preferably, the monitoring device (23) has a Hall sensor on the storage container (2) and a magnet on the drug delivery piston (5) that interacts with the Hall sensor; and / or the monitoring device (23) has an angle sensor for detecting the angular position of the drive element (17); and / or the monitoring device (23) has a laser for detecting the position of the drug delivery piston (5) by electro-optic distance measurement, particularly laser triangulation or laser interferometry; and / or the monitoring device (23) has a device for determining the axial position of the drug delivery piston (5) based on the magnetoresistive effect and / or according to the vernier principle; and / or the monitoring device (23) has a linear potentiometer; and / or the monitoring device (23) has capacitive and / or inductive measuring sensors.

20. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first housing portion (14) is formed as a disposable housing portion (14), and the second housing portion (24) is formed as a reusable housing portion (24), wherein the storage container (2) is mounted on the disposable housing portion (14) along with the administration piston (5) and the pressure or traction device (12), and in particular the infusion cannula (8) and / or the deflector (18), which preferably together form a pre-assembled disposable unit (25); and / or the drive source (10) and the drive element (17), in particular the entire transmission system (11) except for the pressure or traction device (12), are mounted on the reusable housing portion (24), which preferably together form a pre-assembled reusable unit (26).

21. The drug delivery device (33) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The storage container (2) is non-detachably connected to the housing (20), particularly to the disposable housing portion (14), or the storage container (2) forms a replaceable cartridge. Preferably, the storage container (2) can be installed as a pre-assembled unit together with the disposable housing portion (14) in a pre-filled state, or the replaceable cartridge can be installed in a pre-filled state.

22. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second housing portion (24), particularly the reusable housing portion (24), includes a rechargeable power supply device and a display (31), wherein the first housing portion (14), particularly the disposable housing portion (14), includes an energy source (29), particularly a battery; The rechargeable power supply device is rechargeable in its assembled state via the energy source (29).

23. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drug delivery device (33) has a user interface (30) with a display (31) and / or an operating unit (32), the user interface having one or more buttons, preferably the user interface (30) being part of the reusable unit (26).

24. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The assembly motion for establishing the assembly state of the drug delivery device (33) includes a motion vector for engaging the housing portions (14, 24), the main portion of which is along the feed direction (4) and particularly parallel to the feed direction (4).

25. The drug delivery device (33) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The storage container (2) is formed as a hollow cylinder or hollow oval, having a first longitudinal extension along the central axis of the storage container (2); wherein the shell (20) has a second longitudinal extension, wherein the second longitudinal extension is aligned with the first longitudinal extension, particularly parallel to the first longitudinal extension, wherein the second longitudinal extension is flush with the longitudinal axis of the Cartesian coordinate system, and the drug delivery device (32) has no longitudinal extension longer than the second longitudinal extension in either the transverse or normal direction of the Cartesian coordinate system.

Images