Adapter device for coupling to medical vials of different sizes

Abstract

1. Adapter device for coupling with medical vials of different sizes. 2.1 Such an adapter device comprising a housing with an axially oriented central longitudinal axis and an inner circumference located radially inside, several first locking sections, each arranged on the inner circumference and configured for locking with a first closure cap of a vial of a first size, and several second locking sections, each arranged on the inner circumference and configured for locking with a second closure cap of a vial of a second size, wherein the first closure cap has a first diameter and the second closure cap has a larger second diameter, is known. 2.2 According to the invention, the housing has several strut sections arranged axially offset from one another in the circumferential direction of the housing, as well as spring-elastic spring arm sections extending between the strut sections, on which at least the first locking sections are arranged. Under axial influence of the second closure cover, the housing can be elastically deformed from a first deformation state, in which the spring arm sections together with the first locking sections are arranged relative to the central longitudinal axis for locking with the first closure cover, to a second deformation state, in which the spring arm sections together with the first locking sections are displaced radially outwards relative to the central longitudinal axis in a spring-elastic manner to enable a locking connection between the second locking sections and the second closure cover. 2.3 Use in infusion therapy.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adapter device for coupling with medical vials of different sizes, comprising a housing with an axially oriented central longitudinal axis and an inner circumference located radially inside, several first locking sections, each arranged on the inner circumference and configured for locking with a first closure cap of a vial of a first size, and several second locking sections, each arranged on the inner circumference and configured for locking with a second closure cap of a vial of a second size, wherein the first closure cap has a first diameter and the second closure cap has a larger second diameter.

[0002] Such an adapter device is known from US 6,875,205 B2. The known adapter device has a housing with an inner circumference on which several first locking sections and second locking sections are arranged. The first locking sections are designed to engage with a closure cap of a first diameter. The second locking sections are designed to engage with a second closure cap of a larger second diameter. To couple the adapter device with the larger second closure cap, the first locking sections are plastically bent in the axial direction under the influence of the second closure cap and thereby pressed against the inner circumference of the housing. The plastic bending of the first locking sections allows the second locking sections to engage with the second closure cap and engage with it.The housing of the known adapter device is designed to be dimensionally stable compared to the first locking sections. For this purpose, the material thicknesses in the area of ​​the first locking sections and in the area of ​​the inner circumference of the housing are specifically matched. This is intended to ensure that only the first locking sections, and not the entire housing, are deformed.

[0003] Furthermore, DE 10 2020 210 898 A1 discloses an adapter device adaptable to different vial sizes, comprising a housing and elastically spring-loaded spring arm sections. The spring arm sections are spring-loaded to varying degrees radially inwards and / or outwards to adapt the adapter device to vials of different sizes. Each spring arm section is provided with a detent section, which is used regardless of the size of the vial to be connected. US 2002 / 0127150 A1 discloses another adapter device.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an adapter device of the type mentioned above, which has improved properties compared to the prior art and, in particular, allows simple and reliable coupling with vials of different sizes. The invention is defined in claim 1.

[0005] This problem is solved by the housing having several strut sections arranged axially offset from one another in the circumferential direction of the housing, as well as spring-elastic spring arm sections extending between the strut sections, on which at least the first detent sections are arranged, wherein the housing, under axial influence of the second closure cover, can be elastically deformed from a first deformation state, in which the spring arm sections together with the first detent sections are arranged relative to the central longitudinal axis for locking with the first closure cover, into a second deformation state, in which the spring arm sections together with the first detent sections are displaced radially outwards relative to the central longitudinal axis in a spring-elastic manner to enable a locking connection between the second detent sections and the second closure cover.The solution according to the invention allows the adapter device to be coupled to either a first-size or a second-size vial in a simple and reliable manner. For this purpose, the housing of the adapter device is designed according to the invention and comprises the aforementioned strut sections and spring arm sections. The first locking sections for engaging with the (smaller) first cap are arranged on the spring arm sections. Under the influence of the (larger) second cap, the spring arm sections, together with the first locking sections arranged on them, spring radially outwards relative to the central longitudinal axis. This enables a locking connection between the second locking sections and the second cap. In different embodiments of the invention, the second locking sections are arranged at different locations on the inner circumference of the housing.In some embodiments, the second locking sections are arranged on the strut sections. In other embodiments, the second locking sections are arranged on the spring arm sections. Different embodiments of the invention provide a different number of strut sections and / or spring arm sections. For example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or even more than eight strut sections are present. The strut sections are arranged offset from one another circumferentially. Preferably, the strut sections are arranged uniformly offset from one another about the central longitudinal axis. Preferably, what has been said about the number and / or arrangement of the multiple strut sections also applies, mutatis mutandis, to the multiple spring arm sections. The strut sections each extend axially, preferably parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the housing. The spring arm sections each extend between the strut sections.The spring arm sections are each extended longitudinally in the circumferential direction of the housing.

[0006] Thus, the spring arm sections each extend longitudinally between a first end and a second end, with at least one of the two ends being connected to one of the several strut sections. In this way, both ends are connected to one

[0007] The strut section is connected so that the housing is closed in a ring shape in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the housing is undeformed in the first deformation state, with the second closure cap being particularly unaffected. In the second deformation state, at least the spring arm sections are elastically deformed. In some embodiments, the strut sections are also elastically deformed in the second deformation state. In further embodiments, there is no, or at least no significant, elastic deformation of the strut sections in the second deformation state. The medical vials of different sizes, in particular their closure caps, are not part of the adapter device according to the invention.The medical vials to be coupled are containers for medical substances in liquid or dry form, such as those widely used and generally known in human and / or veterinary medicine. The design and function of medical vials are sufficiently familiar to those skilled in the art, so that further explanations in this regard are unnecessary. Preferably, the vials to be coupled, of different sizes, conform to standards ISO 8362-1 and / or ISO 8536-1.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing—viewed along its central longitudinal axis—has, at least in the first deformation state, several radial indentations arranged circumferentially offset from one another. These radial indentations are each formed by a radially curved wall section of the spring arm sections and are less pronounced in the second deformation state. The radial indentations and / or radially curved wall sections support the required elastic deformability of the housing. The radial indentations and / or radially curved wall sections are convex with respect to the inner circumference. With respect to an outer circumference of the housing located radially outward, the radial indentations and / or radially curved wall sections are concave. Due to the radially curved design, the housing is not rotationally symmetrical about its central longitudinal axis.In the area of ​​the radial indentations and / or radially curved wall sections, the inner diameter of the housing—at least in the first deformation state—is smaller than away from the radial indentations and / or radially curved wall sections, particularly in the area of ​​the strut sections. In the second deformation state, the radial indentations and / or radially curved wall sections are displaced radially outwards and consequently less curved and / or less pronounced. In some embodiments, there is no, or at least no significant, radial indentation of the housing in the second deformation state. In other embodiments, there is a radial bulge of the housing in the second deformation state, with the aforementioned wall sections correspondingly bulging radially.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first locking sections are each arranged on one of the radially concave wall sections and / or at a vertex of the radial concaves. In this embodiment, during elastic deformation of the housing in the direction of the second deformation state, the first locking sections are displaced radially outwards together with the radially concave wall sections. By arranging the first locking sections at the vertex of the respective radial concave, it is particularly ensured that the respective first locking section is displaced radially outwards while maintaining its orientation in the direction of the central longitudinal axis. An arrangement away from the vertex would result in a change of orientation with respect to the central longitudinal axis in addition to the radial displacement. In further embodiments, the second locking sections are also arranged on the radially concave wall sections.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing—viewed radially—has several axial indentations arranged circumferentially offset from one another. These indentations are designed to facilitate the insertion of the respective closure cap. Each axial indentation is formed by an axially concave upper edge of the spring arm sections. The axial indentations and / or axially concave upper edges enable simplified insertion of the respective closure cap into the housing. Under the influence of an axial force, for example, from the second closure cap, the axially concave upper edges of the spring arm sections generate a radial force component. This radial force component causes and / or assists the elastic deformation of the housing in the direction of the second deformation state, i.e., in particular, the radially outward springing of the spring arm sections.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second locking sections are moved closer together in the radial and / or circumferential direction of the housing in the second deformation state relative to the first deformation state. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly reliable locking of the second locking sections with the second closure cover. In other words, by bringing the second locking sections closer together in the radial and / or circumferential direction, the second closure cover is additionally secured against unintentional loosening of the locking connection by the action of the second locking sections. In this embodiment of the invention, the second locking sections are each arranged either on one of the strut sections or on one of the spring arm sections.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing is circumferentially closed in a ring-shaped manner for tensile force transmission, with the spring arm sections each being connected at their opposite ends to one of the several strut sections, and the second locking sections each being arranged on one of the several strut sections. In this embodiment of the invention, the spring arm sections are connected at their respective opposite ends to one of the several strut sections. Due to the connection of the spring arm sections to the strut sections on both sides, the housing is circumferentially closed in a ring-shaped manner. In an alternative embodiment, the spring arm sections are only connected at one end to one of the several strut sections, so that the housing is open circumferentially (at several points). The second locking sections are each arranged on one of the several strut sections.Preferably, each of the strut sections has one of the several second resting sections.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the strut sections, together with the second locking sections arranged on them, are bent radially inwards in the second deformation state and relative to the first deformation state. This results in the second locking sections being positioned at a smaller distance from the central longitudinal axis in the second deformation state than in the first deformation state. The bending deformation of the strut sections occurs under the influence of the spring arm sections connected to them. If these are displaced radially outwards from the first deformation state towards the second deformation state, a radially inward bending stress occurs in the strut sections due to the circumferentially closed, annular design of the housing, which transmits tensile forces.As a result of this bending stress, the strut sections, together with the second locking sections, are bent radially inwards in the direction of the central longitudinal axis. The strut sections are bent along their respective longitudinal directions. Preferably, the second locking sections are arranged at one end of the respective strut section.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second locking sections are each arranged on one of the spring arm sections. Preferably, each of the several spring arm sections has at least one of the several second locking sections.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second locking sections are oriented away from the central longitudinal axis in the first deformation state to enable a locking connection between the first locking sections and the first closure cover. In the second deformation state, the second locking sections, together with the spring arm sections, are displaced radially outwards and oriented towards the central longitudinal axis to engage with the second closure cover. Consequently, when the housing is deformed in the direction of the second deformation state, the radial position of the second locking sections changes. Simultaneously, their orientation and / or alignment with respect to the central longitudinal axis also changes.Due to the changing orientation of the second detent sections resulting from the deformation of the spring arm sections, these sections are moved closer together in the circumferential direction of the housing during deformation in the direction of the second deformation state. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous in combination with the preceding embodiment in which the spring arm sections each have a radially concave wall section. Preferably, the second detent sections are each arranged on one of the radially concave wall sections. The radially concave wall sections change their curvature and / or curvature during deformation in the direction of the second deformation state. As a result of the change in curvature and / or curvature, the orientation of the second detent sections arranged on the spring arm sections changes with respect to the central longitudinal axis.In the first deformation state, the second locking sections point away from the central longitudinal axis and / or radially past it. In other words, in the first deformation state, the second locking sections are extended longitudinally at least substantially perpendicular to the radial direction and / or tangentially to the inner circumference. This allows the first locking cover to engage with the first locking sections without collision. In the second deformation state, the second locking sections are, in contrast, oriented in the direction of the central longitudinal axis and / or extended radially inwards. This enables the second locking sections to engage with the second locking cover as required.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, two of the second locking sections are arranged in pairs on one of the spring arm sections and on both sides of the first locking section therein. Preferably, the first locking section is arranged centrally in the respective spring arm section, with the two second locking sections preferably arranged directly adjacent to each other on circumferentially opposite sides of the first locking section. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous in combination with the preceding embodiment in which the first locking sections are each arranged on one of the radially concave wall sections and / or at the apex of the radial concavities. In this case, the paired second locking sections are preferably arranged circumferentially directly adjacent to the apex of the radial concavity.Due to the deformation-induced change in curvature and / or curvature of the radially curved wall sections, the orientation of the longitudinal extent of the second locking sections is variable. Put simply, when the pair of second locking sections is displaced in the direction of the second deformation state, it pivots towards each other about an imaginary pivot axis extending through the apex and axially aligned.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing has three strut sections which are arranged offset from each other by 120° with respect to the central longitudinal axis. This number and arrangement of the strut sections supports the elastic deformation behavior of the housing according to the invention. Preferably, each of the three strut sections has one of the second locking sections. In this case, advantageous statically determinate force ratios result when locking with the second cover.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing has three spring arm sections which are arranged offset from each other by 120° with respect to the central longitudinal axis. This number and arrangement of the spring arm sections supports the elastic deformability of the housing according to the invention. Preferably, each of the three spring arm sections has one of the first detent sections. When locked with the first closure cover, advantageous statically determinate force ratios result.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first and second locking sections are positioned differently in the axial direction of the housing to accommodate the different axial dimensions of the closure covers. For example, the first closure cover is less high in the axial direction than the second closure cover. The first and second locking sections are positioned accordingly to enable a defined axial coupling with the respective closure cover.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing is manufactured in one piece from a plastic material. This enables cost-effective production in large quantities.

[0021] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter device according to the invention, Fig. 2 the adapter device according to Fig. 1 in a schematic top view and together with a medical vial of a first size, Fig. 3 shows a further schematic perspective view of the adapter device according to the Figs. 1 and 2 , Fig. 4 the adapter device according to the Figs. 1 to 3 In a further schematic view and together with a medical vial of a second size, Fig. 5 shows a highly simplified schematic view of the adapter device according to the Figs. 1 to 4 , wherein its housing assumes a first state of deformation, Fig. 6 a further schematically simplified top view of the adapter device according to the Figs. 1 to 5, wherein the housing assumes a second deformation state, Fig. 7 in a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of an adapter device according to the invention, Fig. 8 a schematic top view of the adapter device according to Fig. 7 together with a medical vial of a first size, Fig. 9 a further schematic perspective view of the adapter device according to the Figs. 7 and 8 , Fig. 10 another schematic top view of the adapter device according to the Figs. 7 to 9 together with a medical vial of a second size, Fig. 11 a schematically simplified top view of the adapter device according to the Figs. 7 to 10 , wherein its housing assumes a first state of deformation, Fig. 12 a further schematically simplified top view of the adapter device according to the Figs. 7 to 11 , wherein the housing assumes a second deformation state, Fig. 13 the adapter device according to the Figs. 7 to 12in a schematic side view, and Fig. 14 the adapter device according to the Figs. 7 to 13 in a schematically simplified side view to illustrate further features of the housing.

[0022] According to the Figs. 1 to 6 is an adapter device 1 for coupling with medical vials V1, V2 ( Fig. 2 , 4 ) of different sizes.

[0023] The medical vials V1 and V2 of different sizes to be coupled conform to ISO 8362-1 and / or ISO 8536-1. Such vials are used to store medical substances in liquid or dry form and are commonly used in human and / or veterinary medicine. Vials are sometimes also referred to as "ampoules," "vials," or "pierceable injection bottles." The vials V1 and V2 of different sizes are subsequently referred to as the first vial V1 and the second vial V2. The vials V1 and V2 have different capacities and, accordingly, different (standardized) dimensions. In particular, the vials V1 and V2 have caps VD1 and VD2 with different diameters, with the diameter of the (second) cap VD2 of the second vial V2 being larger than the diameter of the (first) cap VD1 of the first vial V1. The two closure caps VD1 and VD2 are in the Fig. 5, 6 Each is shown in a highly simplified schematic representation. These types of closure caps are also sometimes referred to as "closure caps" or "crimp caps." Since the basic structure and function of vials V1 and V2 are generally known to those skilled in the art, further explanation is unnecessary.

[0024] The adapter device 1 has a housing 2 and, in this case, also an optional carrier plate 100.

[0025] The carrier plate 100 is not essential to the present invention and is therefore not provided in all embodiments. The carrier plate 100 has a generic shape in this case, which is to be understood as purely exemplary.

[0026] The adapter device is available in different embodiments for different uses and is designed accordingly. For example, in one embodiment, the adapter device is designed as a so-called extraction spike. In this case, the adapter device has a hollow mandrel axially aligned in the center of the housing, which is designed to pierce the aforementioned closure caps in a manner known to those skilled in the art and is fixed at one end to the carrier plate. In another embodiment, the adapter device is designed as a Closed System Transfer Device (CSTD) and is intended for use in connection with hazardous medical substances. In this case, too, the adapter device has a hollow mandrel and optionally other components, which may be arranged, for example, on the carrier plate and / or the housing.The features associated with a specific use of the adapter device are not the focus here and are not essential to the invention. Instead, the focus is on the housing 2 and its design and function for coupling with the differently sized vials V1 and V2.

[0027] The housing 2 has a central longitudinal axis ML oriented in the axial direction A and an inner circumference U located in the radial direction R. Several first detent sections 3 and several second detent sections 4 are arranged on the inner circumference U of the housing 2.

[0028] The locking sections 3 are for locking with the first closure cover VD1 (see in particular Fig. 5 ) of the first vial V1. The second locking sections 4 are designed to lock with the second closure cap VD2 of the second vial V2 (see in particular Fig. 6 ).

[0029] Furthermore, the housing 2 has several strut sections 5 and several spring arm sections 6. The several strut sections 5 are arranged in the circumferential direction U of the housing 2 and / or offset from one another about the central longitudinal axis ML. In addition, the several strut sections 5 each extend axially. In the embodiment shown, the strut sections 5 each extend straight and parallel to the central longitudinal axis ML. Furthermore, the several strut sections 5 are each connected at one end to the support plate 100, which, however, as already explained, is not necessarily the case.

[0030] In the embodiment shown, the multiple strut sections 5 are each identically designed. Where material and / or functional features of the multiple strut sections are subsequently explained with reference to only one strut section, the information disclosed in this respect naturally also applies to the other strut sections.

[0031] The multiple spring arm sections 6 extend between the strut sections 5 and are resilient at least in the radial direction R. In this case, the spring arm sections 6 are arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction U of the housing 2 and / or about the central longitudinal axis ML. Furthermore, the spring arm sections 6 are connected at their longitudinally opposite ends to one of the strut sections 5. The longitudinal direction (without reference numeral) of the spring arm sections 6 is oriented transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the central longitudinal axis ML and / or along the circumferential direction U of the housing 2.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the several spring arm sections 6 are identically designed. Where material or functional features are subsequently explained with reference to only one of the spring arm sections, the statements made naturally also apply to the other spring arm sections.

[0033] The first locking sections 3 are arranged on the spring arm sections 6, wherein in this case each spring arm section 6 has a first locking section 3.

[0034] In the embodiment according to the Figs. 1 to 6 The second locking sections 4 are each arranged on one of the several strut sections 5. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, each strut section 5 has a second locking section 4.

[0035] The housing 2 is elastically deformable for optional coupling with either the (smaller) first vial V1 or the (larger) second vial V2 in a manner described in more detail below. This allows either the first locking sections 3 to engage with the first closure cap VD1 or the second locking sections 4 to engage with the second closure cap VD2.

[0036] Specifically, the housing 2 is subjected to axial action by the second closure cover VD2, starting from a first state of deformation (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 , Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 ) elastically deformable into a second deformation state DZ2 (see Fig. 4 , 6 ).

[0037] In the first deformation state DZ1, the spring arm sections 6, together with the first detent sections 3 arranged on them, are positioned relative to the central longitudinal axis ML for detent engagement with the first closure cover VD1. The first deformation state DZ1 can also be referred to as the undeformed state or initial state.

[0038] In the second deformation state DZ2, the spring arm sections 6 together with the first detent sections 3 arranged on them are displaced elastically in the radial direction R towards the outer edge relative to the central longitudinal axis ML, so that a detent connection between the second detent sections 4 and the second closure cover VD2 is enabled.

[0039] The inner diameter of the housing 2 changes due to its spring-elastic deformation (without reference numeral). This inner diameter is smaller in the first deformation state DZ1 than in the second deformation state DZ2 and / or varies depending on the spring-elastic deflection of the spring arm sections 6 together with the first detent sections 3.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring arm sections 6 are not straight or, for example, longitudinally extended in the form of a circular cylinder segment. Rather, the spring arm sections 6 have a specific shape which supports their spring-like elasticity and thus the elastic deformability of the housing 2.

[0041] In the present case, the spring arm sections 6 each have a radially curved wall section 61 (see Fig. 2The radially curved wall section 61 is curved radially in the direction of the central longitudinal axis ML and is therefore convex with respect to the inner circumference U of the housing. With respect to an outer circumference (without reference numeral) of the housing 2, a concave shape is consequently obtained. The radially curved wall sections 61 of the spring arm sections 6 each form a radial indentation 21 of the housing 2 (see Fig. 2 , 5 ).

[0042] The radially curved shape of the wall sections 61, and thus the radial indentations 21 of the housing 2, are present at least in the first deformation state DZ1. In the second deformation state DZ2, the radial indentations 21 are either not present or at least less pronounced than in the first deformation state DZ1. Accordingly, the wall sections 61 that are radially curved in the first deformation state DZ1 are not radially curved in the second deformation state DZ2, or at least are radially curved with a lesser degree of curvature. Fig. 6 This shows that radial bulges 21' are present in the second deformation state DZ2, which in this case are "protrusions". Consequently, the bulges 21' in the second deformation state DZ2 are directed radially outwards and are concave with respect to the inner circumference U and convex with respect to the outer circumference.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking sections 3 are each arranged on the respective radially concave wall section 61 of the respective spring arm section 6. The locking sections 3 are arranged centrally on the radially concave wall section 61 in the longitudinal direction of the respective spring arm section 6.

[0044] During the spring-elastic deformation of the spring arm sections 6, the first locking sections 3 themselves experience no, or at least no practically significant, elastic deformation. Rather, the first locking sections 3 are merely moved outwards in the radial direction R. This movement of the first locking sections 3 is a rigid body movement without any appreciable deformation.

[0045] To further illustrate the spring movement of the spring arm sections 6, see below. Fig. 1 Reference is made. The one in the foreground of the drawing plane of the Fig. 1The arranged spring arm section 6 is elastically movable radially inwards and / or outwards along the arrow P1 shown there. The resulting displacement of the spring arm section 6 can be understood as a longitudinal bending about the indicated bending axes S1 in the area of ​​the strut sections 5 arranged on both sides of the spring arm section 6. The bending axes S1 are in this case parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strut sections 5 and / or the central longitudinal axis ML. If the second closure cover VD2 is moved from, for example, the Fig. 1 In the situation shown (first deformation state DZ1), the spring arm sections 6 are axially attached to the housing 2 and pressed along the axial direction A towards the support plate 100, i.e. downwards, under the influence of the second closure cover VD2, they are pressed radially elastically outwards (see arrows P2 in the Fig. 3, 4). This elastically increases the inner diameter of the housing 2 to accommodate the second closure cover VD2 and enables a locking engagement between the second locking sections 4 and the second closure cover VD2.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the second deformation sections 4 are moved closer together in the radial direction R in the second deformation state DZ2 than in the first.

[0047] Deformation state DZ1. This is determined in particular by an adjustment of the Figs. 5 and 6 This is illustrated. In other words, the strut sections 5, together with the second detent sections 4 arranged on them, are pulled inwards in the radial direction R by the action of the radially outwardly springing spring arm sections 6. This is shown in the Figs. 3 and 4The arrows P3 illustrate this. The radially curved wall sections 61 and / or the indentations 21 – which are present in the first deformation state DZ1 – cause the strut sections 5 connected to the spring arm sections 6 to be subjected to corresponding bearing or reaction forces. These forces cause the strut sections 5, together with the second detent sections 4 arranged on them, to bend inwards in the radial direction R. In this case, the bending is a longitudinal bending along the respective longitudinal axis of the respective strut section 5.

[0048] Due to the specific design of the adapter device 1 with the support plate 100, the strut sections 5 are each rigidly supported at one end and free at the other, so that the deformation behavior of the strut sections 5 is, in the broadest sense, comparable to that of a beam rigidly supported at one end and free at the other. With a different design of the adapter device, which, for example, provides support for the strut sections on both sides, the deformation behavior may differ accordingly.

[0049] For the deformation behavior of the strut sections 5 in the embodiment according to the Figs. 1 to 6 It is essential that the spring arm sections 6 are each connected on both sides to one of the several strut sections 5 in a way that transmits tensile force, so that the housing has a ring-shaped, completely closed form.

[0050] The bending movement of the strut sections 5 described above and the resulting radially inward displacement of the second locking sections achieves a particularly reliable locking action with the second closure cover VD2 in the second deformation state DZ2.

[0051] During the Figs. 1 to 6 In the embodiment shown, the housing 2 has a total of three strut sections 5. In addition, a total of three spring arm sections 6 are provided. The strut sections 5 are arranged offset from each other by 120° with respect to the central longitudinal axis ML. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to the spring arm sections 6.

[0052] In further embodiments, the housing has only two strut sections or more than the three strut sections shown here, for example four, five, six, seven, eight or more strut sections. Regardless of the number of strut sections, these are preferably arranged at equal angular intervals around the central longitudinal axis.

[0053] In embodiments not shown in the figures, there are only two or more spring arm sections than the three shown here. For example, there may be four, five, six, seven, eight, or more spring arm sections. The spring arm sections are preferably arranged at equal angular intervals around the central longitudinal axis.

[0054] As mentioned at the outset, vials V1 and V2 have different capacities and consequently different dimensions. In particular, the end caps VD1 and VD2 of vials V1 and V2 have the aforementioned different diameters. Additionally, the end caps VD1 and VD2 have different axial dimensions, i.e., thicknesses. The first locking sections 3 and the second locking sections 4 are positioned differently in the axial direction A of the housing 2 with respect to the different axial dimensions of the end caps VD1 and VD2. This ensures that the respective end cap VD1 and VD2 are fixed to the adapter device 1 in a defined manner in the axial direction A.

[0055] In this case, the first locking sections 3 are positioned closer to the carrier plate 100 in the axial direction A than the second locking sections 4. This positioning takes into account the fact that the first closure cover VD1 is thinner in the axial direction A than the second closure cover VD2.

[0056] In this case, housing 2 is manufactured in one piece from a plastic material K. This enables cost-effective production in large quantities.

[0057] Based on the Figs. 7 to 14 Another embodiment of an adapter device 1a according to the invention is shown. The adapter device 1a according to the Figs. 7 to 14 is largely identical in its design and function to adapter device 1 according to the Figs. 1 to 6 Components and / or sections of the adapter device 1a, whose design and / or function is essentially identical to the adapter device 1 according to the Figs. 1 to 6These are therefore not explained separately. Instead, reference is made to the relevant disclosure concerning adapter device 1 according to the Figs. 1 to 6 References and explicit references are made to the reference numbers of the essentially identical components and / or sections. The lowercase letter "a" is added to these reference numbers. To avoid repetition, only the essential differences between adapter device 1a and adapter device 1 are listed below. Figs. 1 to 6 explained.

[0058] The adapter device 1a according to the Figs. 7 to 14 differs essentially in the arrangement of the second locking sections 4a from the adapter device 1 according to the Figs. 1 to 6 .

[0059] In adapter device 1a, the second locking sections 4a are arranged on the spring arm sections 6a. This means that the second locking sections 4a – unlike the locking sections 4 of adapter device 1 – are located according to the Figs. 1 to 6- movable together with the spring arm sections 6a in the event of a deformation of the housing 2a.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the several spring arm sections 6a has two second locking sections 4a. The locking sections 4a are arranged in pairs on the spring arm sections 6a. Specifically, the paired second locking sections 4a are each arranged in the region of the respective radially curved wall section 61a of the spring arm sections 6a.

[0061] The first locking sections 3a are arranged centrally along the longitudinal direction of the spring arm sections 6a. The second locking sections 4a are each arranged circumferentially U directly on both sides of the respective first locking section 3a. In other words, two second locking sections 4a flank each first locking section 3a.

[0062] Based on the Fig. 8 and 11It has been shown that the second rest sections 4a in the first deformation state DZ1 are oriented away from the central longitudinal axis ML. The second rest sections 4a each extend longitudinally along an unspecified longitudinal axis. The said longitudinal axes are in the Fig. 8 and 10 The dashed lines represent two of the several second rest sections 4a shown as examples. In the first deformation state DZ1 (see Fig. 8 The longitudinal axes of the second deformation sections 4a point away from the central longitudinal axis ML. In other words, the second deformation sections 4a and / or their longitudinal axes in the first deformation state DZ1 are not radially inward-pointing, but instead are at least substantially tangential and / or orthogonal to the radial direction R.

[0063] During a shift towards the second deformation state DZ2, the paired second detent sections 4a are moved closer together in the circumferential direction of the housing 2. This changes the orientation of the second detent sections 4a and / or the orientation of their respective longitudinal axes radially towards the central longitudinal axis ML. In the second deformation state DZ2 (see in particular Fig. 10 The second locking sections 4a each point towards the central longitudinal axis ML. The second locking sections 4a and / or their respective longitudinal axes are at least substantially radially oriented.

[0064] In the first deformation state DZ1, the second locking sections 4a, which point tangentially or laterally away from the central longitudinal axis ML, enable the first locking sections 3a to lock with the first closure cover VD1 (see Fig. 8 , 11In the second deformation state DZ2, the radially inward-pointing orientation of the second locking sections 4a enables them to lock into the second closure cover VD2 (see Fig. 10 , 12 The first resting sections 3a are positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis ML in the radial direction R than the second resting sections 4a in the first deformation state DZ1. In the second deformation state DZ2, the opposite is true: The second resting sections 4a are positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis ML in the radial direction R relative to the first resting sections 3a.

[0065] During the deformation of the housing 2a in the direction of the second deformation state DZ2, the second detent sections 4a are not, or at least not significantly, elastically deformed as such. Instead, the second detent sections 4a are each displaced radially outwards in the direction R together with the respective spring arm section 6a and, in addition, are pivoted in the direction of the central longitudinal axis ML due to the deformation-induced change in the curvature of the radially concave wall sections 61a of the spring arm sections 6a. This pivoting movement is indicated by the arrows P3a in Fig. 9 clarifies.

[0066] Based on the schematically simplified side view in Fig. 14It is shown that the housing 2a has several axial indentations 22. The axial indentations 22 are formed by a special design of the upper edges 62a of the spring arm sections 6a. The upper edges 62a are each axially indented. The indented upper edges 62a facilitate the insertion of the respective closure covers VD1, VD2. Under axial compressive force exerted by the closure covers VD1, VD2, reaction forces acting outwards in the radial direction R are generated, which support the required elastic deformation of the housing 2a in the direction of the second deformation state DZ2. The indented or inclined upper edges 62a facilitate the sliding of the closure covers VD1, VD2 towards their respective locking positions.

[0067] How to proceed, particularly based on the Figs. 13 and 14As shown, the spring arm sections 6a have different dimensions along their length in the axial direction A. In the middle, i.e., in the area of ​​the respective first detent section 3a, the spring arm sections 6a are relatively narrow. At their opposite ends, in the area of ​​the respective strut section 5a, the spring arm sections 6a are relatively wide. This design supports the required elastic spring movement of the spring arm sections 6a in the radial direction. At the same time, sufficient load-bearing capacity in the axial direction A is ensured when the respective closure cover VD1, VD2 is attached.

[0068] Based on the Figs. 13 and 14 The additional features described with regard to housing 2a are also present in housing 2 of the adapter device 1 according to the Figs. 1 to 6 available.

Claims

1. An adapter device (1, 1a) for coupling with medical vials (V1, V2) of different sizes, comprising a housing (2, 2a) with a center longitudinal axis (ML) oriented in the axial direction (A) and an inner circumference (U) lying on the inside in the radial direction (R), multiple first latching portions (3, 3a) which are each arranged on the inner circumference (U) and configured for latching with a first closing cover (VD1) of a vial (V1) of a first size, and multiple second latching portions (4, 4a) which are each arranged on the inner circumference (U) and configured for latching with a second closing cover (VD2) of a vial (V2) of a second size, wherein the first closing cover (VD1) has a first diameter and the second closing cover (VD2) has a larger second diameter, wherein the housing (2, 2a) has multiple web portions (5, 5a) which are offset to one another in the circumferential direction of the housing (2, 2a) and each extend axially, and spring-elastic spring arm portions (6, 6a) which extend between the web portions (5, 5a) and on which at least the first latching portions (3, 3a) are arranged, wherein under the axial action of the second closing cover (VD2), the housing (2, 2a) is elastically deformable starting from a first deformation state (DZ1), in which the spring arm portions (6, 6a) with the first latching portions (3, 3a) are arranged relative to the center longitudinal axis (ML) for latching with the first latching cover (VD1), into a second deformation state (DZ2), in which the spring arm portions (6, 6a) with the first latching portions (3, 3a) are spring-elastically shifted radially outward relative to the center longitudinal axis (ML) to allow a latching connection between the second latching portions (4, 4a) and the second closing cover (VD2), characterized in that the spring-elastic spring arm portions (6, 6a) are each extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are each connected to one of the multiple web portions (5), such that the housing (2) is closed as a ring in the circumferential direction.

2. The adapter device (1, 1a) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least in the first deformation state (DZ1), the housing (2, 2a) - viewed in a direction oriented along the center longitudinal axis (ML) - has multiple radially inward bulges (21, 21a) offset to one another in the circumferential direction, wherein the radially inward bulges (21, 21a) are each formed by a radially inwardly curved wall portion (61, 61a) of the spring arm portions (6, 6a) and are less pronounced in the second deformation state (DZ2).

3. The adapter device (1, 1a) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the first latching portions (3, 3a) are each arranged on one of the radially inwardly curved wall portions (61, 61a) and / or at an apex point of the radially inward bulges (21, 21a).

4. The adapter device (1, 1a) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2, 2a) - viewed in the radial direction - has multiple axially inward bulges (22a) offset to one another in the circumferential direction and configured for allowing simplified insertion of the respective closing cover (VD1, VD2), wherein the axially inward bulges (22a) are each formed by an axially inwardly curved upper edge (62a) of the spring arm portions (6a).

5. The adapter device (1, 1a) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second deformation state (DZ2), the second latching portions (4, 4a) are moved closer together in the radial direction (R) and / or in the circumferential direction of the housing (2, 2a) relative to the first deformation state (DZ1).

6. The adapter device (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second latching portions (4) are each arranged on one of the multiple web portions (5).

7. The adapter device (1) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that in the second deformation state (DZ2), the web portions (5) with the second latching portions (4) arranged thereon are each bent inward in the radial direction (R) relative to the first deformation state (DZ1).

8. The adapter device (1a) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second latching portions (4a) are each arranged on one of the spring arm portions (6a).

9. The adapter device (1a) as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that in the first deformation state (DZ1), the second latching portions (4a) are oriented pointing away from the center longitudinal axis (ML) to allow a latching connection between the first latching portions (3a) and the first closing cover (VD1), and that in the second deformation state (DZ2), the second latching portions (4a) with the spring arm portions (6a) are shifted radially outward and are oriented pointing towards the center longitudinal axis (ML) for latching to the second closing cover (VD2).

10. The adapter device (1a) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that in each case two second latching portions (4a) are arranged in pairs on one of the spring arm portions (6a) and on both sides of the first latching portion (3a) there.

11. The adapter device (1, 1a) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2, 2a) has three web portions (5, 5a) which are offset to one another by 120° around the center longitudinal axis (ML).

12. The adapter device (1, 1a) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2, 2a) has three spring arm portions (6, 6a) which are offset to one another by 120° around the center longitudinal axis (ML).

13. The adapter device (1, 1a) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first latching portions (3, 3a) and the second latching portions (4, 4a) are positioned differently in the axial direction (A) of the housing (2, 2a) so as to match different axial dimensions of the closing covers (VD1, VD2).

14. The adapter device (1, 1a) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2, 2a) is made as one piece from a plastic material (K).

Images