SAFETY DEVICE FOR INJECTION DEVICES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an injection device having a mechanism for automatically dispensing a liquid product or medication. For the purposes of the invention, liquid medications include not only liquids in the narrower sense, but also paste- and gel-like medications, as long as such medications can only be delivered in a manner comparable to a liquid. In particular, the invention relates to a safety device for a needle protection device. EP1932558 and WO2009 / 040672 disclose injection devices having a needle protection device at their distal end and a rotatable rotating sleeve proximal to the needle protection device. The rotating sleeve can be rotated from a first position to a second position and has inclined surfaces which serve as gear means. The needle protection device has projections which, depending on the position of the needle protection device, rotate the rotating sleeve by means of the inclined surface.When the needle shield is in its distal position, the rotating sleeve is in its first position and blocks the movement of the drive mechanism. When the needle shield is pushed back proximally, the projection on the needle shield comes into contact with the inclined surface on the rotating sleeve and rotates the rotating sleeve from the first position to the second position, thereby releasing the drive mechanism for distal movement in the dispensing direction. At the same time, the rotating sleeve assumes a locking position for the needle shield when the drive mechanism is in its needle shielding position after injection.In order for the rotating sleeve to rotate from its first to its second position, the user must apply additional force to both tension the needle protection spring when pushing back the needle protection device and to overcome the static and sliding friction forces that arise between the projection and the inclined surface during the rotating movement of the rotating sleeve. Other prior art injection devices are known from: WO 2006 / 057604 A1, US 2009 / 254035 A1, WO 2009 / 040672 A2, EP 1 932 558 A1, WO 2011 / 123024 A1, US 2005 / 027255 A1, WO 2011 / 005177 A1, and WO 2007 / 083115 A1.

[0002] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an injection device in which the user can easily trigger an injection and at the same time activate a safety device for a needle protection device.

[0003] The object is achieved by the device according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0004] The invention is based on the injection device mentioned at the outset, which has a mechanism for automatically dispensing a product. The injection device preferably comprises a sleeve-shaped or cylindrical housing. The injection device further comprises a needle protection device at the distal end of the injection device or of the housing, i.e. at the end at which the injection needle is also located. The needle protection device is displaceable relative to the housing and preferably rotationally fixed with respect to the housing. For example, the needle protection device can be guided longitudinally on or in the housing. The mobility of the needle protection device is restricted or can be restricted, in particular blockable, depending on the operating state of the injection device. The needle protection device can be displaceable from its distal starting position into a proximal position in the housing.

[0005] In the distal starting position, the needle protection device preferably assumes a distal position in which it laterally surrounds the needle tip. In particular, the needle tip is located proximal to the distal end of the needle protection device. The needle protection device is preferably sleeve-shaped. The needle protection device can be arranged outside or preferably inside the housing. In the distal starting position, at least the distal end of the needle protection device preferably projects distally beyond the distal end of the housing. In a proximal position, the needle protection device is pushed back with respect to the housing. The needle protection device projects less beyond the distal end of the housing than in the distal starting position of the needle protection device or is flush with the housing.

[0006] Preferably, the needle protection device can be moved into the retracted or proximal position by pressing its distal end against an injection site, whereby the needle protrudes from the needle protection device and can penetrate the body tissue. By moving the needle protection device into the proximal position, the needle, which is fixed relative to the housing, can protrude from the needle protection device and / or a propulsion mechanism, e.g., containing a propulsion spring, can be triggered, which displaces at least the needle in the distal direction relative to the housing, whereby the needle protrudes from the needle protection device.

[0007] Preferably, the needle protection device is particularly locked against further movement in the distal and proximal directions at the end of the movement from the distal starting position into the retracted position and in the distal direction back into a needle protection position. Advantageously, after use of the device, the needle protection device is axially firmly locked, particularly with and / or relative to the housing. As a result, the needle protection device can no longer be retracted into the housing, preventing the needle from protruding from the distal end of the needle protection device and reducing the risk of injury posed by the needle.

[0008] In preferred embodiments, the injection device may further comprise a rotary knob that is movable, in particular rotatable, from a first non-rotated locking position. The rotary knob is preferably arranged at the proximal end of the injection device or the housing; in particular, the rotary knob is rotatable relative to the housing about its longitudinal axis and axially fixed.

[0009] In the locked position of the rotary knob, the needle guard is blocked from moving to the proximal position. In the released position of the rotary knob, however, the needle guard can be moved to a proximal position or a needle guard position. This prevents the needle from protruding beyond the distal end of the needle guard in the locked position, and allows the needle to protrude beyond the distal end of the needle guard in the released position.

[0010] In preferred embodiments, the needle protection device can have a locking rib with which the needle protection device can be blocked against being pushed back from the distal starting position into the proximal position, and a spring-mounted snap element with which the needle protection device can be blocked against being pushed back from the needle protection position into the proximal position.

[0011] If the needle guard is in its distal starting position, the locking rib is preferably in a locked position with a stop acting in the proximal direction. The stop acting in the proximal direction can also be referred to as the initial stop because it blocks movement of the needle guard from the distal starting position in the proximal direction. If an attempt is made to move the needle guard in the proximal direction, the locking rib is pressed against the initial stop. The movement of the needle guard from the distal starting position in the proximal direction can be unlocked. By turning the rotary knob from the locked position to the release position, the locking rib and the initial stop can be moved out of the stop. For example, the initial stop can be rotated relative to the locking rib.Because the locking rib and the initial stop no longer form a stop, the needle protection device can be moved into the proximal position.

[0012] Preferably, the snap element is resiliently deflectable radially by a guide, in particular a ramp, relative to the needle protection device when the needle protection device moves from its proximal position in the distal direction, i.e. when moving into the needle protection position, wherein the snap element can spring back from the deflected position in the needle protection position of the needle protection device. During the movement of the needle protection device into its distal needle protection position, the snap element can slide along the ramp and is tensioned transversely to the longitudinal axis. In the distal needle protection position of the needle protection device, the snap element springs radially towards the longitudinal axis of the injection device or away from it, i.e. in the opposite direction in which it was deflected and tensioned.The snap element reaches a stop acting in the proximal direction, which can also be referred to as an end stop, since it particularly blocks the needle protection device from moving from its distal needle protection position into a proximal position.

[0013] In alternative preferred embodiments, a snap element and / or a locking rib on a control sleeve can be deflected via a ramp transverse to the longitudinal axis by rotating a rotating sleeve from a first to a second position, whereby an end stop for the needle protection device is then formed in the needle protection position, which in particular blocks a pushing back of the needle protection device into a proximal position.

[0014] The rotating sleeve of the injection device is further provided with at least one initial stop for the needle protection device. The rotating sleeve can be rotated from a non-activated position to the first position during the movement of the rotary knob from the locking position to the release position. The initial stop is thereby moved away from the stop by the locking rib, allowing the needle protection device to be moved into the proximal position. Furthermore, the rotating sleeve has at least one profile designed as a gear surface.

[0015] Preferably, the needle protection device is a triggering device that can be moved into the housing or the proximal position to trigger the product release. This allows the drive device and / or drive means to be released to release the active ingredient.

[0016] The invention has been described with reference to several embodiments. Further preferred embodiments are described below with reference to figures. The features disclosed therein advantageously further develop the subject matter of the invention, both individually and in any combination of features. They show: Figure 1An exploded view of a first embodiment of an injection device, Figures 2 and 3Sectional views of the injection device in the initial state with the cap in place, wherein Figure 3 one opposite Figure 2 view rotated by 90° around the longitudinal axis, Figure 4Detail view from Figures 2 and 3wherein the needle protection device is in locking engagement with the rotating sleeve. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the injection device with the rotary knob in a locking position. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the injection device with the rotary knob rotated about its longitudinal axis and in the release position. Figure 7 shows a detailed view of a second embodiment of an injection device before completion of assembly. Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the injection device with the rotary sleeve rotated into its first position and the drive device locked toward the dispensing position. Figure 9 shows a sectional view of the injection device with the cap removed. Figures 10 and 11 show sectional views of the injection device with the drive device unlocked toward the dispensing position. Figure 12 shows a sectional view of the injection device with the needle protection device in the proximal position.and the rotating sleeve has been rotated about the longitudinal axis into its second position. Figures 13 and 14 show sectional views of the injection device, wherein the drive device is in the dispensing position and the click element has been released. Figures 15 to 16 show sectional views of the injection device in the final state, wherein the needle protection device is in the needle protection position and the rotating sleeve blocks the movement of the needle protection device. Figure 17 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment of an injection device. Figures 18 and 19 show sectional views of the injection device in the initial state with the cap in place. Figure 19 one opposite Figure 18 is a view rotated by 90° around the longitudinal axis, Figures 20 and 21 are sectional views of the injection device, wherein Figure 21 one opposite Figure 20Figure 22 is a sectional view of the injection device, with the rotary sleeve released for rotation from its first to its second position, rotated 90° around the longitudinal axis, with the cap removed, the needle protection device moved to its proximal position, and the drive device unlocked towards the dispensing position, Figure 23 is a sectional view of the injection device, with the rotary sleeve released for rotation from its first to its second position, Figure 24 is a sectional view of the injection device, with the drive device in the dispensing position and the click element released, Figure 25 is a sectional view of the injection device in the final state, with the needle protection device in the needle protection position and its movement locked by the rotary sleeve,Figure 26An exploded view of a fourth embodiment of an injection device according to the invention Figures 27 and 28Sectional views of the injection device in the initial state with the cap in place, wherein, Figure 28 one opposite Figure 27is a view rotated by 90° around the longitudinal axis, Figure 29 is a sectional view of the injection device, wherein the cap has been removed, the needle protection device has been moved to its proximal position and the drive device has been unlocked towards the dispensing position, wherein the rotation of the rotating sleeve about the longitudinal axis into its second position has been released, Figure 30 is a sectional view of the injection device, wherein the rotating sleeve has been released for rotation from its first to its second position, Figures 31 and 32 are sectional views of the injection device, wherein the drive device is in the dispensing position and the click element has been released, Figures 33 to 35 are sectional views of the injection device, wherein the needle protection device moves to its needle protection position and the rotating sleeve is rotated about the longitudinal axis, and the lock of the needle protection device is activated, Figure 36 is a sectional view of the injection device,The needle protection device is in the needle protection position and its movement is locked by the rotating sleeve.

[0017] First, with reference to Figure 1The individual components of an injection device are described. The injection device comprises a needle protection device 10, a sleeve-shaped housing 70, wherein the needle protection device is accommodated in the housing 70 so as to be longitudinally displaceable about the longitudinal axis L and simultaneously serves as a trigger element, a syringe holder 30 which is axially fixedly connectable to the housing 70 and into which an active ingredient container can be inserted, a drive device 50 which can act on the active ingredient container 110, in the form of a sleeve with a plate-like holder 52, and a drive means 60 in the form of a helical spring acting as a compression spring, which in particular supplies the energy for a dispensing sequence, a rotating sleeve 40 which holds the drive device 50 and the drive means 60 in a tensioned state until the injection device is triggered and which is axially fixedly connected, in particular snapped, to the housing 70.and which can block the axial movement of the needle protection device 10 before and after an injection, a needle protection spring 20 which can provide the energy for the displacement of the needle protection device 10 into the needle protection position or a second position, and a rotary knob 82 which can rotate the rotary sleeve 40, in particular from a non-activated position.

[0018] The Figures 2 to 16 describe an injection device which is adapted to automatically dispense a product contained in an active substance container 110. The injection is carried out manually, ie by hand. The device is inserted into the Figures 2 to 4 shown in its as-delivered state. The rotary knob 82 is in its first, non-rotated, locking position. The active ingredient container 110 is arranged in the syringe holder 30 and is supported by a shoulder arranged distally of the active ingredient container 110 against an inwardly directed shoulder 34 along the syringe holder 30.

[0019] The syringe holder 30 is axially fixedly connected, in particular snapped, to the housing 70 via the holding means 33 in the housing opening 72. A needle 95 is connected to the active ingredient container 110. In the as-delivered state of the device, the needle 95 protrudes beyond the distal end of the housing 70. The needle 95 is covered by a needle protection cap 101. The cap 100 of the device has a cap insert 90, which can be, for example, a claw made of metal or plastic or a sleeve. Thus, the cap is designed such that the needle protection cap 101 is removed from the device when the cap 100 is removed from the device by pulling it off.

[0020] The active ingredient container 110 comprises a piston 102, which is displaceable relative to the active ingredient container 110 for product dispensing. The piston 102 is displaceable by means of a drive device 50 arranged proximal to the piston 102. A drive means 60 is arranged between the drive device 50 and the housing 70. This drive means is preloaded in the delivery state of the device and can be used to drive the drive device 50 in the dispensing direction.

[0021] The drive device 50 comprises at least one, preferably two, mounting surfaces 54 which, in engagement with a support surface 47 on the rotary sleeve 40, prevent the drive means 60 from releasing the energy stored therein for propulsion to the drive device 50. The mounting surface 54 is formed on a plate-like mount 52 and protrudes therefrom. The rotary sleeve 40 is held axially relative to the housing by means of cams 49 in the mount slot 71 and is rotatably movable.

[0022] The device further comprises a needle protection device 10 in the form of a sleeve, which also serves as an actuating sleeve for product dispensing. The needle protection device 10 is axially displaceable relative to the housing 70 in a rotationally secured manner. In an initial state, the needle protection device 10 projects distally beyond the distal end of the housing 70 and beyond the distal end of the needle 95. A spring 20 is arranged between the needle protection device 10 and the active ingredient container 110 or the syringe holder 30. The spring 20 acts as a compression spring and can displace the needle protection device 10 from a proximal position to a distal position. The needle protection device 10 is held by stops 15 against falling out of the device in the distal direction via stops 32 on the syringe holder.

[0023] How best to Figure 4As can be seen, the rotating sleeve 40 has on its outer circumference at least one first guide rib 42, which runs in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis L, and at least one second guide rib 44. A first groove 43 is located between the first and the second guide rib, and a second groove 43a is located proximal to the second guide rib 44. A ramp 45 extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first guide rib 42 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, at least one initial stop 40a for locking the needle protection device 10 in the proximal direction is attached to the circumference of the rotating sleeve 40 transversely to the longitudinal axis L. The needle protection device 10 has at least one locking rib 14 on its inner circumference.

[0024] At least one resilient and, in particular, inwardly directed snap element 11 is mounted offset from the locking rib 14. Preferably, the locking rib 14 itself has a snap element 11 or is formed integrally with a snap element 11. In the delivery state, the needle protection device 10 is locked against axial displacement in the proximal direction by means of the locking rib 14 and the initial stop 40a on the rotating sleeve 40.

[0025] The rotary sleeve 40 further has at least one support surface 47 on its inner wall, whereby the mounting surface 54 of the plate-like mounting 52 of the drive mechanism 50 can rest before the injection device is released, and the drive means 60 acting on the drive mechanism 50 is held in the tensioned state. Radially offset from the support surface 47 of the rotary sleeve 40 is a first profile 41 which, after the injection device has been released, forms a gear with the second profile 51 on the drive mechanism 50. The first profile 41 is designed as an inclined surface, in particular as a web, which ends in the guide 48 and thus forms a ramp for the drive mechanism 50. The rotary sleeve 40 is formed at its proximal end with at least one claw 46 which interacts with a counter claw 81 on the rotary knob 82 to release the injection device.

[0026] To administer the product, the user unlocks the injection device by turning the knob 82 from a locked position ( Figure 5 ) into a release position ( Figure 6 ). The user can then remove the cap 100 of the device. It is also possible to first remove the cap 100 and then turn the rotary knob 82. By rotating the rotary knob 82, the rotary sleeve 40 is moved from a non-activated position ( Figure 5 ) turned into a first position ( Figure 6 ).

[0027] By rotating the rotary sleeve 40, the locking rib 14 and the snap element 11 on the needle protection device move into the first guide 40b of the rotary sleeve 40. As shown in the Figure 7As shown, the initial stop 40a can be designed as an inclined surface, in particular as a gear surface 140a. The rotation of the rotating sleeve 140 from a non-activated position into a first position occurs via an axial first displacement of the needle protection device 10 in the proximal direction, wherein the locking rib 114 rotates the rotating sleeve 140 via the gear surface 140a, so that the locking rib 114 and the snap element 111 move into the first guide 140b.

[0028] The drive device 50 is secured against rotation by the housing 70. Due to the rotational movement of the rotary sleeve 40 from the non-activated position to the first position, the first profile 41 and the second profile 51 come into contact and form the gear. The force of the drive means 60 acting in the dispensing direction is converted by the second profile 51 of the drive device 50 on the first profile 41 of the rotary sleeve 40 into a torque, which attempts to rotate the rotary sleeve 40 from its first position about the longitudinal axis L to its second position. Since the locking rib 14 and the snap element 11 of the needle protection device 10 are located in the first guide 40b, the rotational movement of the rotary sleeve 40 is blocked by the first and second guide ribs 42, 44 of the rotary sleeve 40. In contrast, the needle protection device 10 is in the Figure 8 shown position is no longer locked for axial displacement in the proximal direction.

[0029] To administer the product, the user grasps the housing 70 and presses the injection device with the distal end of the needle protection device 10 against the desired injection site. By pressing the housing 70 open, the components of the injection device, including the active ingredient container 110 and the needle 95, are displaced distally relative to the needle protection device 10, whereby the needle 95 penetrates the injection site.

[0030] An initial resistance is intended to ensure that the user's pressing force increases and the needle 95 is inserted with sufficient force. For this purpose, the needle protection device has at least one flexible snap-action catch 12, which is directed radially outward toward the inner surface of the housing. The housing 70 has at least one locking means 73 on its inner side. If the snap-action catch 12 is pressed against the locking means 73 during an attempt to push the needle protection device 10 back into the housing 70, the snap-action catch initially cannot overcome the resistance of the locking means 73.This initial resistance hinders the retraction of the needle protection device 10, so that when the injection device is pressed against the injection site, a certain contact pressure must first be applied to overcome the initial resistance, which suddenly disappears as soon as it has pressed the snap 12 out of engagement with the locking means 73, whereby the needle protection device 10 is suddenly retracted and the needle 95 is suddenly inserted.

[0031] Figures 10 to 12: When the needle protection device 10 moves into the proximal position, the snap element 11 is moved away from the first guide rib 42 and the locking rib 14 is moved away from the second guide rib 44, so that the snap element 11 is located at the first groove 43 and the locking rib 14 is located at the second groove 43a. In this state of the needle protection device 10, the rotational movement of the rotating sleeve 40 from the first position to the second position is released. The torque applied by the gear (by means of the profiles 41 and 51) rotates the rotating sleeve 40, whereby the support surface 47 of the rotating sleeve 40 is rotated away from the holding surface 54 of the drive device 50 and the holding surface 54 moves into the guide 48. The drive device 50 is thereby unlocked and can be driven in the dispensing direction by means of the drive means 60, whereby the active ingredient is dispensed from the active ingredient container 110.

[0032] At least one click element 53 on the holder 52 of the drive device 50 is deflected inwards on the guide 48 of the rotary sleeve 40. At the end of the dispensing sequence, ie the movement of the drive device 50 in the dispensing direction, the at least one click element 53 springs into the recess 55 formed on the rotary sleeve 40, whereby a clicking sound signals the end of the dispensing sequence. This state is indicated in the Figures 13 and 14 shown.

[0033] After the end of the dispensing sequence and after the user has optionally waited 1 to 30 seconds until the medication has distributed into the tissue, the user withdraws the injection device from the puncture site, whereby the needle protection spring 20 displaces the needle protection device 10 relative to the housing 70 in the distal direction until the needle protection device 10 is over the distal end of the needle 95 and thus assumes its needle protection position in which access to the needle 95 is prevented. As best seen from the Figures 15 and 16 As can be seen, the snap element 11 and the locking rib 14 move along the second guide 40c in the distal direction when the needle protection device 10 is moved into its needle protection position.

[0034] During, or particularly at the end of, the movement of the needle protection device 10 into the needle protection position, the snap element 11 springs along the ramp 45 and snaps into place in front of an end stop 45a located distal to the ramp 45. The end stop 45a acts as an axial stop against which the snap element 11 is pressed when an attempt is made to move the needle protection device 10 from its needle protection position in the proximal direction. Thus, the needle protection device 10 is blocked from being pushed back, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the user of the device.

[0035] In the needle protection position of the needle protection sleeve 10, the locking rib 14 is located in the second guide 40c, the so-called anti-rotation lock 40c, and is laterally enclosed by the first guide rib 42. Thus, the rotating sleeve 40 is secured against rotation about the longitudinal axis L in both directions.

[0036] In the Figures 17 to 25a further, third embodiment of an injection device according to the invention is shown.

[0037] In the Figure 17The individual parts of the injection device are shown. The injection device comprises a needle protection device 210, a sleeve-shaped housing 270, wherein the needle protection device 210 is received in the housing 270 so as to be longitudinally displaceable about the longitudinal axis L and simultaneously serves as a trigger element, a syringe holder 230 which is axially fixedly connectable to the housing 270 and into which an active ingredient container 110 can be inserted, a retaining ring 235 which is attached distally to the syringe holder 230 to secure the active ingredient container 110 in the syringe holder 230, a drive device 250 which can act on the active ingredient container 110, in the form of a sleeve which has at least one holding surface 252 on its outer wall, and a drive means 260 in the form of a helical spring acting as a compression spring, which in particular supplies the energy for a dispensing sequence, a rotating sleeve 240,which holds the drive device 250 and the drive means 260 in a tensioned state until the injection device is triggered and which is rotatably and axially movable in the housing 270, wherein the rotary sleeve 240 has at least one socket 242 on its outer circumference, at least one first guide rib 248b and at least one support surface 248a on its inner circumference, a needle protection spring 220 which supplies the energy for the displacement of the needle protection device 210 into the needle protection position or a second position, and a control sleeve 300 which is mounted axially movable and rotationally fixed in the housing and wherein the control sleeve 300 has at least one clamp 300a on its circumference, which has at least one locking rib 301 on its outer side and at least one clamp cam 302 on its inner side.

[0038] In the Figures 18 and 19The injection device is shown in its as-delivered state. As in the first embodiment, a cap 200 is arranged at the distal end of the injection device. This cap can be removed from the housing 270 and, when removed, engages a needle protection cap 290 covering the needle 295, carrying it along during the removal movement.

[0039] The distal end of the needle protection device 210 projects beyond the distal end of the housing 270 of the injection device. The drive means 260 is preloaded between the drive device 250 and the rotary sleeve 240. Displacement of the drive device 250 toward the dispensing position is prevented by the engagement of the support surface 248a on the rotary sleeve 240 with the mounting surface 252 of the drive device 250. The support surface 248a is held in engagement with the mounting surface 252 by the inside of the control sleeve 300. Axial movement of the control sleeve 300 is prevented by the pincer cam 302 on the control sleeve 300 engaging the socket 242 on the rotary sleeve 240. This engagement is secured by the locking rib 301 on the control sleeve 300 and the inner surface of the needle protection device 210.

[0040] The needle protection spring 220 is preloaded between the needle protection device 210 and the retaining ring 235. The needle protection device 210 is held in its distal starting position against falling out of the injection device by at least one stop 215 on the needle protection device 210 and at least one stop 232 on the syringe holder 230.

[0041] The Figures 20 and 21show the injection device in a triggered state. To trigger the injection device, first the cap 200 and the needle protection cap 290 are removed from the injection device. The user then grasps the housing 270 and presses the distal end of the needle protection device 210 against the injection site. This moves the needle protection device 210 in the proximal direction relative to the housing. This tensions the needle protection spring 220, i.e. the needle protection device 210 is moved in the proximal direction against the force of the needle protection spring 220. As a result, at least a first needle protection device recess 211 comes into contact with the locking rib 301 of the control sleeve 300, whereby the pincer cam 302 can be released from engagement with the socket 242 transversely to the longitudinal axis L and the axial movement of the control sleeve 300 is released.

[0042] The axial movement of the needle protection device 210 displaces the control sleeve 300 in the proximal direction, enabling movement transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the first guide rib 248b and the support surface 248a. By means of the force of the drive means 260, the support surface 248a disengages from the retaining surface 252 and releases the drive device 250 toward the dispensing position. The dispensing sequence is thus initiated.

[0043] In the Figure 22The injection device is shown shortly after the start of the dispensing sequence, with the rotating sleeve 240 in its first position. Due to the force of the drive means 260, the support surface 248a has disengaged from the holding surface 252. By means of the outer wall of the drive means 250, the forceps 248 with the support surface 248a and the first guide rib 248b are clamped outwardly transversely to the longitudinal axis L. Since the drive means 260 is clamped between the drive device and the rotating sleeve, the force of the drive means 260 pushes the rotating sleeve 240 in the proximal direction.

[0044] By means of at least one first profile 241 on the rotary sleeve 240 and at least one second profile 251 on the housing 270 or on an additional element on the housing 270, a gear is formed which, through the force of the drive means 260, rotates the rotary sleeve 240 to its second position, and the cam 253 enters the groove 254 of the housing 270. At the same time, the first guide rib 248b, which is stretched outwards transversely to the longitudinal axis L, is also rotated, as shown in the Figure 23 is recognizable.

[0045] As from the Figure 23As can also be seen, further proximal movement of the rotating sleeve 240 is prevented by the outwardly tensioned first guide rib 248b and the holding surface 303a on the control sleeve 300. Furthermore, as a result of the rotation of the rotating sleeve 240, at least one inwardly facing forceps projection 304 slides along the ramp 243 and moves outward transversely to the longitudinal axis L, whereby the forceps 300a also moves outward transversely to the longitudinal axis L and is tensioned, and whereby the locking rib 301 assumes a locking position for the needle protection device 210.

[0046] In the Figure 24The dispensing sequence is complete; the injection device is in a dispensing position. The piston 250a has reached the distal end of its travel. The active ingredient has been dispensed from the active ingredient container 110. The drive device 250 is dimensioned such that, at the end of the active ingredient dispensing, the proximal end of the drive device 250 is positioned axially at the level of the support surface 248a. Alternatively, the outer wall of the drive device 250 has a recess or a smaller diameter, which is positioned axially at the level of the support surface 248a at the end of the product dispensing.

[0047] As soon as the proximal end of the drive device 250 has passed the support surface 248a, the outwardly preloaded pliers 248 with the support surface 248a can relax again and snap radially inward due to the spring arrangement. The movement of the support surface 248a causes the first guide surface 248b to move out of engagement with the holding surface 303a of the control sleeve 300. This releases the rotary sleeve 240 for movement in the proximal direction. Due to the energy stored in it, the drive means 260 can move the rotary sleeve 240 relative to the control sleeve 300 in the proximal direction, whereby the cam 253 moves into its associated groove 254 until the cam 253 axially abuts one end of the groove 254 on the rotary sleeve 240 ( Figures 23 to 25 This stop produces a clicking sound, which informs the user of the device acoustically and / or tactilely that the active ingredient has been completely released.

[0048] The user then withdraws the device from the injection site, allowing the needle protection spring 220 to displace the needle protection device 210 distally relative to the housing 270. The needle protection device 210 is displaced until it has assumed its needle protection position, ie, it protrudes over the distal end of the needle 295 and thus protects the needle 295 from access ( Figure 25 ).

[0049] During displacement of the needle protection device 210 in the distal direction, the forceps 300a, which is bent outward transversely to the longitudinal axis L, remains bent radially inward toward the longitudinal axis L over the inner surface of the needle protection device, and the locking rib 301 remains bent radially inward toward the longitudinal axis L. As soon as the needle protection device 210 is in the needle protection position, the forceps 300a springs out of its tensioned position, and the locking rib 301 snaps into the second needle protection device recess 213 on the needle protection device 210. The needle protection device 210 can therefore no longer be displaced in the proximal direction. Alternatively, further pressing in of the needle protection device is prevented by allowing the proximal end of the needle protection device 210 to strike the locking rib 301.

[0050] In the Figures 26 to 36 a further fourth embodiment of an injection device is shown.

[0051] In the Figure 26The individual parts of the injection device are described. The injection device comprises a needle protection device 410, a sleeve-shaped housing 470, wherein the needle protection device 410 is received in the housing 470 so as to be longitudinally displaceable about the longitudinal axis L and simultaneously serves as a trigger element, a syringe holder 430 which is axially fixedly connected to the housing 470 and into which an active ingredient container 110 can be inserted, a retaining ring 435 which can be integrated into the housing 470 in order, in particular, to secure the active ingredient container 110 in the syringe holder 230, a drive device 450 which can act on the active ingredient container 110, in the form of a sleeve which has at least one holding surface 452 on its circumference, and a drive means 460 in the form of a helical spring acting as a compression spring, which supplies the energy for a dispensing sequence, a rotating sleeve 440,which holds the drive device 450 and the drive means 460 in a tensioned state until the injection device is triggered and which is rotatably and axially movable in the housing 470, wherein the rotary sleeve 440 has guide tracks on its inner circumference which are composed of at least a first profile 441a, a fourth profile 441b, a first guide 442, a second guide 443 and a locking track 444, a needle protection spring 420 which supplies the energy for the displacement of the needle protection device 410 and the rotary sleeve 440 into the needle protection position or a second position, a control sleeve 480 which is axially fixedly mounted in the housing 470 and wherein the control sleeve 480 has at least a second profile 480a and a third profile 480b on its outer wall and at least one inner trigger snap 480c on its inner wall, a compensating spring 31,which is supported on the proximal end of the active ingredient container 110 and via which the active ingredient container 110 is elastically supported on the housing 470 in and against the dispensing direction, and an end clicker 490 which generates an acoustic and / or tactile signal at the end of the dispensing sequence.

[0052] In the Figures 27 and 28The injection device is shown in its as-delivered state. As in the previous embodiments, a cap 400 is arranged at the distal end of the injection device. This cap can be removed from the housing 470 and, upon removal, engages with at least one claw 402 in a needle protection cap 401 covering the needle 495, taking the latter along during the removal movement. The claws 402 of the cap 400 are held radially inward toward the longitudinal axis L, in particular, by the retaining ring 435 integrated in the housing 470, whereby the claw 402 can engage in the needle protection cap 401 by force and form locking, taking the latter along when the cap 400 is removed.

[0053] The distal end of the needle protection device 410 protrudes distally beyond the distal end of the housing 470 of the injection device. The drive means 460 is preloaded and mounted between the drive device 450 and the end clicker 490. The end clicker 490 is held against proximal displacement by arm cams 491 at the distal end or at holding slots in the control sleeve 480, and the spring-loaded arm cams 491 are secured against radial inward movement by the drive device 450. Displacement of the drive device 450 toward the dispensing position is prevented by the engagement of at least one inner trigger snap 480c on the control sleeve 480 into the holder 452 of the drive device 450. The inner trigger snap 480c is held in engagement with the holder surface 452 by the inner wall of the control sleeve 480.An axial movement of the control sleeve 480 relative to the housing 470 is prevented by at least one cam 481 on the control sleeve 480 engaging, in particular snapping, into at least one mounting slot 471 in the housing 470.

[0054] The distal end of the rotating sleeve 440 and the proximal end of the needle protection device 410 rest axially on one another, but are not rotationally coupled. Alternatively, the rotating sleeve 440 and the needle protection device 410 can be a single component that is designed to be rotationally movable. The needle protection spring 420 is preloaded between the rotating sleeve 440 and the control sleeve 480. The needle protection device 410 is held in its distal starting position against falling out of the injection device by at least one stop 415 on the needle protection device 410 and at least one stop 432 on the syringe holder 430.

[0055] The active ingredient container 110 is arranged in the syringe holder 430 and rests with a shoulder arranged distally on the active ingredient container 110 on an inwardly directed shoulder 234 of the syringe holder 430. The syringe holder 430 is axially fixedly connected, in particular snapped, to the housing 470 via at least one retaining means 433 in the housing opening 472. The syringe holder 430 is encompassed at its distal end in the region of the shoulder 234 by the retaining ring 435 in the housing 470, whereby the active ingredient container 110 is secured by means of the retaining ring 435.

[0056] A specific initial resistance ensures that the user's contact force must exceed a certain value and the needle 495 is thus inserted with sufficient force. For this purpose, either the syringe holder 430 or the needle protection device 410 can have at least one flexible snap-in. If the snap-in devices are located on the syringe holder 430, they can be oriented radially outward toward the inner surface of the needle protection device (not shown), wherein the needle protection device 410 has at least one locking means (not shown) on the inner side. If the snap-in devices are located on the needle protection device 410, they can be oriented inward toward the outer surface of the syringe holder, wherein the syringe holder 430 has at least one locking means on the outer side.If, during an attempt to push the needle protection device 410 back into the housing 470, the latch is pressed against the locking means, the latch initially cannot overcome the resistance of the locking means. This initial resistance hinders the retraction of the needle protection device 410, so that when the injection device is pressed against the injection site, a specific contact force must first be applied to overcome the initial resistance. This contact force is suddenly lost as soon as it has pushed the latch out of engagement with the locking means, causing the needle protection device 410 to be retracted abruptly and the needle 495 to be inserted abruptly.

[0057] The Figures 29 and 30show the injection device in a triggered state. To trigger the injection device, the cap 400 and the needle protection cap 401 are first removed by pulling them off the injection device. The user then grasps the housing 470 and presses the distal end of the needle protection device 410 against the injection site. This displaces the needle protection device 410, together with the rotating sleeve 440, in a proximal direction relative to the housing. This tensions the needle protection spring 420, i.e., the needle protection device 410 is moved in a proximal direction against the force of the needle protection spring 420.

[0058] The axial movement of the needle protection device 410 displaces the rotary sleeve 440 in the proximal direction, whereby the inner wall of the control sleeve 480 and the first profile 441a on the rotary sleeve 440 are moved past the inner trigger snap 480c on the control sleeve 480 and whereby the movement of the inner trigger snap 480c outwards transversely to the longitudinal axis L is released.

[0059] Furthermore, via the axial movement of the control sleeve 480, at least a third profile 480b on the control sleeve 480 is moved from a proximal position, out of a first guide 442, into a distal position, thereby releasing the rotation of the rotating sleeve 440. By means of the force of the drive means 460, the inner trigger snap 480c disengages from the support surface 452 and releases the drive device 450 toward the dispensing position. Thus, the dispensing sequence is started; the drive means 460 drives the drive device 450 toward the dispensing position, the drive device moves the piston 450a in the distal direction, and the active ingredient is dispensed from the active ingredient container 110 via the needle 495.

[0060] The Figure 30shows the injection device shortly after the start of the dispensing sequence, with the rotating sleeve 440 in its first position. Due to the force of the drive means 460, the inner trigger snaps 480c have disengaged from the holding surface 452. On the outer circumference of the control sleeve 480, at least one second profile 480a is located on the same clamp as the inner trigger snaps 480c. By means of the outer wall of the drive device 450, the inner trigger snaps 480c and the second profile 480a are tensioned outwardly transversely to the longitudinal axis L. The first profile 441a on the rotating sleeve 440 and the second profile 480a on the control sleeve 480 rest directly on one another and can form a gear.

[0061] Preferably, the rotation of the rotary sleeve 440 into its locking position is enabled via the second profile 480a of the gear thus formed, which is stretched outwards transversely to the longitudinal axis L.

[0062] In the Figures 31 and 32The dispensing sequence is complete. The piston 450a has reached the distal end of its travel. The active ingredient has been dispensed from the active ingredient container 110. The drive device 450 is dimensioned such that, at the end of the active ingredient dispensing, a recess 453 is positioned axially at the level of the arm cam 491 of the end clicker 490. Alternatively, the drive device 450 has a smaller diameter, or the proximal end of the drive device 450 is positioned axially at the level of the arm cam 491 at the end of the product dispensing.

[0063] Once the proximal end of the drive device 450 has passed the arm cam 491, the arm cam 491 can move radially inward via its preloaded spring arrangement. The radial inward movement of the arm cam 491 releases the axial movement of the end clicker 490 in the proximal direction. Due to the energy stored therein, the drive means 460 can move the end clicker 490 relative to the control sleeve 480 and the housing 470 in the proximal direction until the end clicker 490 axially abuts the housing 470 or the control sleeve 480 ( Figure 32 This stop produces a clicking sound, which informs the user of the device acoustically and / or tactilely that the active ingredient has been completely released.

[0064] The user then withdraws the device from the injection site, allowing the needle protection spring 420 to displace the needle protection device 410 distally relative to the housing 470. The needle protection device 410 is displaced until it assumes its needle protection position, ie, extends over the distal end of the needle 495 and thus protects the needle 495 from access.

[0065] Due to the force of the needle protection spring 420, the needle protection device 410 and the rotating sleeve move in the distal direction. The first profile 441a on the rotating sleeve 440 and the second profile 480a on the control sleeve 480 form the gear mechanism, which, via the force of the needle protection spring 420, rotates the rotating sleeve 440 from a starting position until the third profile 480b on the control sleeve 480 is positioned in front of the second guide 443 on the rotating sleeve 440. This allows the axial movement of the needle protection device 410 to continue into its needle protection position, and the third profile 480b can slide through the second guide 443 due to the distal movement of the needle protection device. Figure 33 ).

[0066] As a result, the needle protection device 410 moves further in the distal direction into its needle protection position, with the third profile 480b located at the proximal end of the second guide 443. A fourth profile 441b is attached to the proximal end of the second guide. This forms a gear with the third profile 480b, whereby the rotating sleeve 440 is rotated again by the force of the needle protection spring 420 and the third profile 480b enters the locking track 444 ( Figure 35 ).

[0067] Through this rotation, the rotating sleeve 440 moves into a locked position. Furthermore, the centering cam 416 on the needle protection device 410 moves into a centering groove 446 on the rotating sleeve, preventing renewed rotation of the rotating sleeve 440. Furthermore, the needle protection device 410 can no longer be displaced in the proximal direction and is in its locked needle protection position, since the third profile 480b on the control sleeve 480 in the locking track 444 prevents renewed pressing of the needle protection device 410 ( Figure 36 ).

[0068] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the rotation of the rotating sleeve 440 from the start position to the locked position can be effected via a single profile on the control sleeve 480. For example, the second profile 480a on the control sleeve can rotate the rotating sleeve from the start position to such an extent that the axial movement of the rotating sleeve and the needle protection device 410 into their needle protection position can continue. A further profile can be attached to the proximal end of the rotating sleeve 440 and, using the same second profile 480a, form a gear, whereby the rotating sleeve 440 is rotated again by the force of the needle protection spring 420 and reaches the locked position. Reference symbol:

[0069] 10, 210, 410 Needle protection device 11, 111 Snap element 12 Snap 14, 114, 301 Locking rib 15, 215, 415 Stop 20, 220, 420 Needle protection spring 30, 230, 430 Syringe holder 31 Compensating springs 32, 232, 432 Stop 33, 433 Holding means 34, 234 Shoulder 235, 435 Retaining ring 40, 140, 240, 440 Rotating sleeve 40a Initial stop 40b, 140b First guide 40c Second guide / anti-reverse lock 41, 241, 441a First profile 42, 248b First guide rib 43 First groove 43a Second groove 44 Second guide rib 45 Ramp 45a End stop 46 Claw 47, 248a Support surface 48 Guide 49 Cam 50, 250, 450 Drive device 250a, 450a Piston 51, 251, 480a Second profile 52 Bracket 53 Click element, 253 Cam 54, 252, 452 Bracket surface 55 Recess 60, 260, 460 Drive means 70, 270, 470 Housing 71, 471 Bracket slot 72, 472 Housing opening 73 Locking means 80 Button 81 Counter claw 82 Rotary knob 90 Cap insert 95, 295, 495 Needle 100, 200, 400 Cap 101, 290,401 Needle protection cap 102 Plunger 110 Drug container 140a Gear surface 211 First needle protection device recess 213 Second needle protection device recess 242 Socket 243 Ramp 248 Forceps 254 Groove 300, 480 Control sleeve 300a Forceps 302 Forceps cam 303a Holding surface 304 Forceps projection 402 Claw 416 Centering cam 441b Fourth profile 442 First guide 443 Second guide 444 Locking track 446 Centering groove 453 Recess 480b Third profile 480c Inner release catch 481 Cam 490 End clicker 491 Arm cam L Longitudinal axis,

Claims

1. Injection device for automatic dispensing comprising: a) a housing (470) having a longitudinal axis (L), b) a needle protection mechanism (410) which is displaceable along the longitudinal axis (L) from a distal starting position to a proximal position and from the proximal position to a needle protection position, c) a drive mechanism (450) which is movable in the housing (470) and which is driven into a dispensing position by a drive means (460), d) a control sleeve (480) which is axially rigidly mounted in the housing (470), e) a syringe holder (430) having an inwardly directed shoulder (234) on which an active-substance container (110) arranged in the syringe holder is supported via a distally arranged shoulder, characterized in that the injection device has f) a retaining ring (435) integrated in the housing (470) for securing the active-substance container (110) in the syringe holder (430), the retaining ring (435) enclosing the syringe holder (430) in the region of the shoulder (234), and g) an end clicker (490) which, in the delivery state, is held in the control sleeve (480) against proximal displacement due to the stored energy of the drive means (460) by means of radially prestressed arm cams (491) of the end clicker (490), the arm cams (491), at the end of the active substance dispensation, moving radially inward and releasing a proximal movement of the end clicker (490) up to a stop on the housing (470) or control sleeve (480).

2. Injection device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the delivery state, the radially prestressed arm cams (491) are secured against radial inward movement by the drive mechanism (450), and in that at the end of the active substance dispensation, a recess (453), a smaller diameter, or a proximal end of the drive mechanism (450) is positioned axially at the height of the arm cams (491).

3. Injection device according to claim 1, characterized by a compensating spring (31) which is supported on a proximal end of the active substance container 110 and via which the active substance container (110) is resiliently supported on the housing (470).

4. Injection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control sleeve (480) has an inner release catch (480c) which, in the delivery state, engages in a holder (452) of the drive mechanism (450) and thereby prevents a displacement of the drive mechanism (450) in the direction of the dispensing position.

5. Injection device according to claim 4, characterized in that the engagement is secured by a rotating sleeve (440), which is displaced by an axial movement of the needle protection mechanism (410), as a result of which the movement of the inner release catch (480c) toward the outside transversely to the longitudinal axis L is released.

6. Injection device according to claim 1, characterized in that a cam (481) of the control sleeve (480) is snapped into a retaining slot (471) in the housing (470).