Adapter device for coupling to a medical vial
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024703942
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-02-08
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-17
Smart Images
Figure EP2024052731_15082024_PF_FP
Abstract
Description
[0001] Adapter device for coupling with a medical vial
[0002] The invention relates to an adapter device for coupling to a medical vial closed with a closure cap, comprising a housing with a first housing end, a second housing end opposite along a central longitudinal axis oriented in the axial direction, a housing recess arranged between the housing ends, and an insertion opening arranged at the first housing end for axially inserting the vial into the housing recess, and comprising a plurality of spring arms arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction around the central longitudinal axis in the housing recess and each extending longitudinally between a base end that is firmly connected to the housing and a locking end that is designed to lock with the closure cap, wherein the spring arms are each extending longitudinally from their base end radially in the direction of the central longitudinal axis and axially in the direction of the second housing end up to their locking end,whereby the spring arms can be deformed by axially inserting the vial into the housing recess in order to lock the locking ends axially and positively with the closure cap in the direction of the housing opening.
[0003] Such an adapter device is known from US 6,875,205 B2. In the known adapter device, the housing has a plurality of slots offset from one another in the circumferential direction. The slots extend axially from the first end, i.e. the insertion opening, towards the second end. The housing of the adapter device is therefore "open" or slotted in the circumferential direction and subdivided into a plurality of spring-elastic wall sections. The base ends of the spring arms in the known adapter device are each firmly connected to the spring-movable wall sections. Furthermore, the known adapter device is designed for coupling with medical vials of different sizes. The said spring arms are designed for coupling with a medical vial of a first size. The housing also has projections arranged in the housing recess, which are designed for locking with a vial of a larger second size.When coupled to the larger vial, the spring arms are bent to the side in a plastically deformed manner. To enable this plastic deformation, the spring arms have a reduced material cross-section in the area of their base ends. This is intended to ensure that the spring arms are plastically bent in the area of the base end as required when the larger second vial is inserted. The object of the invention is to provide an adapter device of the type mentioned above that has improved properties compared to the prior art and, in particular, allows for secure and reliable coupling.
[0004] This object is achieved in that the housing is closed all the way around at the axial height of the base ends, forming an annular section in the circumferential direction. The annular section that is closed in the circumferential direction counteracts radial deformation of the housing in the area of the base ends. This prevents the base ends from being moved radially outwards relative to the central longitudinal axis under bending loads acting on the spring arms and / or compressive loads acting in the direction of the base ends. This achieves particularly advantageous elastic deformation behavior of the spring arms. When coupled, the locking ends are each axially positively locked to the closure cap in the direction of the housing opening. An axial force acting on the locking ends in the direction of the housing opening consequently causes a compressive load on the spring arms in the direction of the base ends on the one hand and longitudinal bending on the other.If the vial is subjected to axial tensile stress in the locked state, i.e. pulled out of the insertion opening / housing recess, the spring arms are subjected to bending stress on the one hand due to their radial and axial longitudinal extent and to compression stress towards their base end on the other. The "rigid" design of the housing due to the ring section prevents radial evasive movement of the base ends and thus of the entire spring arms. This achieves particularly reliable locking of the spring arms and prevents unintentional release of the vial. In addition, the inventive design of the housing in combination with the longitudinal extent of the spring arms creates a self-reinforcing locking effect under axial tensile stress. This is because the locking ends move radially along an imaginary arc-shaped bending line in the direction of the central longitudinal axis.By bringing the locking ends closer to the central longitudinal axis, an additional radial force component can be generated on the vial, which further strengthens the locking mechanism. The position and / or direction specifications used in this description can be understood as follows: “Inside” means inward in relation to the radial direction and thus closer to the central longitudinal axis. “Outside” means outward in relation to the radial direction and thus further away from the central longitudinal axis. Terms such as “inner edge”, “inside”, “inner surface”, “outer edge”, “outside”, “outer surface” or the like are to be understood accordingly. It is further assumed that the vial is inserted along the central longitudinal axis with its closure cap first through the insertion opening into the housing recess for coupling to the adapter device.The medical vial to be coupled is a container for medicinal substances in liquid or dry form, as are generally known in the field of human or veterinary medicine. The design and function of such medical vials are sufficiently familiar to the relevant specialist, so that further explanations in this regard are unnecessary. Preferably, the vial to be coupled complies with the standards ISO 8362-1 and / or ISO 8536-1. It is understood that the medical vial to be coupled is not a component of the adapter device according to the invention. Preferably, the adapter device is designed for coupling with medical vials of different sizes. Different sizes here means in particular with different diameters and / or different axial lengths, in particular of the respective closure cap.In one embodiment, the plurality of spring arms can be moved outwards in a spring-elastic manner to different extents for coupling with vials of different sizes. In a further embodiment, different spring arms are provided for coupling with vials of different sizes. If features in this description are explained only in relation to one / the spring arm, the statements preferably apply, mutatis mutandis, to all spring arms. In one embodiment, the spring arms are evenly offset from one another in the circumferential direction. In a further embodiment, groups of spring arms, for example pairs, are offset from one another in the circumferential direction, in particular evenly. Preferably, at least three spring arms or three groups of spring arms are provided. Of course, more than three spring arms or groups of spring arms can also be provided, for example four, five, six, seven or even more.In a preferred embodiment, the ring section is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the ring section is circular.
[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, the spring arms each have a cross-sectional area that is maximum in the area of the base end. This allows the spring arms to bear maximum load in the area of their base end, thus counteracting plastic deformation and / or buckling in the area of the base end. This further improves the deformation behavior of the spring arms. The design with the maximum cross-sectional area at the base end also includes designs in which the spring arms have a constant cross-sectional area along their length.
[0006] In a further embodiment of the invention, the spring arms each have a cross-sectional area that varies along their length, with the cross-sectional area tapering from the base end towards the locking end. In this embodiment, too, the cross-sectional area is maximum at the base end. By tapering the cross-sectional area towards the locking end, a particularly load-adapted design and further improved deformation behavior of the spring arms is achieved. In a further embodiment of the invention, the spring arms each have a main extension axis which - starting from an imaginary orientation parallel to the central longitudinal axis - is inclined radially inward at an angle between 10° and 50°, preferably between 20° and 40°. The main extension axis is oriented obliquely with respect to the axial direction and the radial direction. The main extension axis can also be referred to as the longitudinal axis.Preferably, the main extension axes are each arranged in a plane spanned by the radial and axial directions. These planes are offset and / or rotated relative to each other around the central longitudinal axis. The angle ranges mentioned allow for particularly advantageous deformation behavior of the spring arms. In particular, the self-reinforcing effect mentioned can be particularly pronounced using a comparatively small angle.
[0007] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking ends are each bent radially inwards and have a first contact surface which is at least predominantly oriented axially in the direction of the second housing end, and a second contact surface which is at least predominantly oriented radially in the direction of the central longitudinal axis. As explained above, in the coupled state the locking ends are each axially positively locked to the closure cap in the direction of the housing opening. In this embodiment the first contact surface in the coupled state lies axially against a front end of the closure cap. In order to enable contact over the fullest possible area, the first contact surface is at least predominantly oriented axially in the direction of the second housing end - and thus in the coupled state in the direction of said front end of the closure cap. The second contact surface is at least predominantly radially oriented in the direction of the central longitudinal axis.In other words, the second contact surface faces radially inward. In the coupled state, the second contact surface preferably rests against a neck portion of the vial. The neck portion is axially spaced from the closure cap in the direction of the insertion opening. This orientation of the second contact surface enables contact over as full a surface as possible. The first contact surface and the second contact surface are preferably orthogonal to one another.
[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the ring section forms the first housing end, borders the insertion opening, and has a front-end support surface for setting up the adapter device. In other words, in this embodiment, the ring section forms a "lower" end of the adapter device. The adapter device can be placed on a table or other support with the front-end support surface of the ring section facing forward. In this embodiment, the base ends of the spring arms are consequently arranged directly at the first housing end. This also allows advantages to be achieved with regard to the deformation behavior of the spring arms and the housing as a whole.
[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing has a housing wall extending between the first housing end and the second housing end, which has a plurality of recesses arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction, which subdivide the housing wall into a plurality of wall sections and are bridged by the annular section in the region of the first housing end, wherein the spring arms are arranged in the recesses. Preferably, the housing has a cylindrical basic shape, wherein the housing wall extends both axially and in the circumferential direction and has a radial wall thickness. The recesses can also be referred to as openings or windows. The recesses each extend in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction. Preferably, the recesses extend substantially over the entire axial length / height of the housing. The recesses subdivide the housing walls into said plurality of wall sections.The wall sections are connected to one another circumferentially in the region of the first housing end by means of the ring section. The ring section bridges the recesses in the circumferential direction. In other words, the ring section forms an axial edge of the recesses. The spring arms are arranged in the recesses. This improves the visibility of the spring arms, allowing medical personnel to determine particularly easily and reliably whether the coupling to the vial to be coupled has been properly established. Furthermore, this embodiment enables material savings with regard to the housing. This allows resources to be saved in the production, storage, and disposal of the adapter device, resulting in associated cost savings.
[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the plurality of spring arms comprise first spring arms and different second spring arms, wherein the first spring arms are configured to lock with a first vial of a first size and wherein the second spring arms are configured to lock with a second vial of a larger second size. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the adapter device is configured for selective coupling with medical vials of different sizes. For example, the first vial can be a vial with a standardized diameter of 28 mm. The second vial can, for example, be a vial with a standardized diameter of 32 mm. Of course, other, preferably standardized, vial sizes are also conceivable and possible. The first spring arms and the second spring arms preferably differ in terms of their size, in particular their length.Alternatively or additionally, the first spring arms and the second spring arms can differ in their respective angle of inclination relative to the central longitudinal axis. If the housing is provided with recesses, a first spring arm and a second spring arm are preferably arranged together in one of the recesses.
[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first spring arms are longer than the second spring arms, whereby the locking ends of the first spring arms are positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis and closer to the second housing end than the locking ends of the second spring arms. This ensures that the first spring arms lock onto the closure cap of the first vial and the second spring arms lock onto the closure cap of the second vial as required. Preferably, the base ends of the first spring arms and the base ends of the second spring arms are arranged at a common axial height, i.e., in a common axial plane.
[0012] The invention further relates to an arrangement having an adapter device according to one of the two preceding embodiments and having a first vial of a first size and / or a second vial of a larger second size. The adapter device of the arrangement is—as explained with reference to the two preceding embodiments of the adapter device—configured for selective coupling to the first vial and the second vial and, for this purpose, has first spring arms and second spring arms. In a first coupling state of the arrangement, the adapter device is coupled to the first vial. In an alternative second coupling state, the adapter device is coupled to the second vial. With regard to the features of the first vial and the second vial, reference is made to the preceding description to avoid repetition. The first vial has a first closure cap. The second vial has a second closure cap.The first closure cap and the second closure cap are different. In particular, the first closure cap has a smaller diameter than the second closure cap. Alternatively or additionally, the first closure cap has a smaller axial height / length than the second closure cap. Dimensions of the closure caps can arise, in particular, from the standards already mentioned. In the first coupled state, the locking ends of the first spring arms are locked to the closure cap of the first vial, and the locking ends of the second spring arms rest against a section of the first vial that is axially spaced from the closure cap in the direction of the insertion opening and can also be referred to as the neck section.In the second coupling state, the locking ends of the second spring arms are locked to the closure cap of the second vial, and the locking ends of the first spring arms are elastically sprung radially outwards under the influence of the closure cap of the second vial and rest against a jacket surface of the closure cap of the second vial with radially inward preload. In the first coupling state, the second spring arms serve to (additionally) stabilize the locking connection between the first spring arms and the vial. In the second coupling state, the first spring arms serve to (additionally) stabilize the locking connection between the second spring arms and the second vial. Preferably, in the second coupling state, the first spring arms are at least predominantly elastically sprung radially outwards under the influence of the closure cap, i.e., without practically relevant plastic deformation components.
[0013] Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated with reference to the drawings.
[0014] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter device according to the invention,
[0015] Fig. 2 shows the adapter device according to Fig. 1 in a schematic plan view with axially directed viewing direction,
[0016] Fig. 3 shows the adapter device according to Figs. 1 and 2 in a schematic side view with a radially inward viewing direction,
[0017] Fig. 4, 5 different usage situations of the adapter device according to Figs. 1 to 3, in which the adapter device is coupled to form an arrangement with a first vial of a first size (Fig. 4) and a second vial of a second size (Fig. 5), and
[0018] Fig. 6 is an enlarged detailed view of the arrangement according to Fig. 5, showing details of a snap-in connection between the adapter device and the second vial.
[0019] According to Figs. 1 to 3, an adapter device 1 is configured for coupling to a medical vial V1, V2. In the coupled state, the adapter device 1 and said vial V1, V2 form an arrangement 100, 100', as shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6.
[0020] In the embodiment shown, the adapter device 1 is configured for coupling with vials of different sizes. Specifically, the adapter device 1 can be selectively coupled with a first vial V1 of a first size (see Fig. 4) and a second vial V2 of a second size. Such a feature of the adapter device for selectively coupling with vials of different sizes is not present in all embodiments and is therefore optional.
[0021] Vials are used to store medicinal substances in liquid or dry form and are widely used in human and veterinary medicine. Vials are also referred to as "ampoules," "phials," or "pierceable injection bottles." Vials are typically available in various standardized sizes, with different vial sizes having different capacities and different (standardized) dimensions. In this case, the vials V1 and V2 comply with ISO 8362-1 and / or ISO 8536-1.
[0022] The vials V1, V2 shown in Fig. 4, 5 and 6 each have a closure cap D1, D2 which is attached in a fluid-tight manner to a respective neck region N1, N2 of the vial V1, V2 in question in a known manner. The dimensions of the closure caps D1, D2 and the neck regions N1, N2 are also standardized. In the present case, the second vial V2 is larger than the first vial V1, wherein in particular an axial dimension (without reference symbol) and / or a diameter (without reference symbol) of the second closure cap D2 is larger than the respective dimension of the first closure cap D1. Furthermore, the closure cap can also be referred to as a “closure lid” or “crimp cap”. Since the basic structure and function of the vials V1, V2 are known to those skilled in the art, further explanations are unnecessary.
[0023] The adapter device 1 has a housing 2 and several spring arms 7, 8.
[0024] The housing 2 has a first housing end 3, a second housing end 4, a housing recess 5 and an insertion opening 6.
[0025] The first housing end 3 can also be referred to as the lower housing end or housing underside with reference to the drawing planes of Figs. 1 and 3. The second housing end 4 can accordingly be referred to as the upper housing end or housing top side. The first housing end 3 and the second housing end 4 are arranged opposite one another along a central longitudinal axis ML oriented in the axial direction A (see Figs. 2, 3). The housing 2 is therefore longitudinally extended in the axial direction A and / or along the central longitudinal axis ML.
[0026] The housing recess 5 is arranged between the two housing ends 3, 4. The housing recess 5 serves to accommodate sections of the vial V1, V2 in question. The insertion opening 6 is arranged at one end on the housing 2, more precisely at the first housing end 3, and opens into the housing recess 5. For the purpose of coupling with the adapter device 1, the vial V1, V2 in question can be inserted with its closure cap D1, D2 in front axially through the insertion opening 6 into the housing recess 5. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the housing recess 5 in each case accommodates at least one “upper” region of the vial V1, V2, which comprises the closure cap D1, D2 and the neck region N1, N2.
[0027] The plurality of spring arms 7, 8 are arranged offset in the circumferential direction of the housing 2 around the central longitudinal axis ML and each extends longitudinally between a base end 71, 81 and a locking end 72, 82. The base ends 71, 81 are each firmly connected to the housing 2. The locking ends 72, 82, in contrast, are "free" and serve to lock the respective vial V1, V2.
[0028] In the embodiment shown, the plurality of spring arms 7, 8 comprise first spring arms 7 and second spring arms 8. The first spring arms 7 primarily serve to couple to the first vial V1. The second spring arms 8 primarily serve to couple to the second vial V2. The first spring arms 7 and the second spring arms 8 are different for this purpose, in particular with regard to their length. Nevertheless, the first spring arms 7 and the second spring arms 8 are largely identical. Unless otherwise explained, features explained with reference to one of the first spring arms 7 also apply to the other first spring arms 7 and, mutatis mutandis, to the second spring arms 8. The same applies conversely to features explained with reference to one of the second spring arms 8.
[0029] In the embodiment shown, there are (exactly) three first spring arms 7, each offset by 120° around the central longitudinal axis ML. The same applies to the second spring arms 8.
[0030] In embodiments not shown in the figures, only two first spring arms and two second spring arms or more than three spring arms of one type are present, for example four, five, six or more first spring arms and a corresponding number of second spring arms.
[0031] The spring arms 7, 8 are each elongated between their base end 71, 81 and their locking end 72, 82. Starting from the respective base end 71, 81, the spring arms 7, 8 project inward in the radial direction R, i.e., in the direction of the central longitudinal axis ML, and axially in the direction of the second housing end 4 up to their respective locking end 72, 82. In other words, the spring arms 7, 8 project from their base end 71, 81 into the housing recess 5 in the axial insertion direction of the vial V1, V2.
[0032] The function of the spring arms 7, 8 when coupling the adapter device 1 with the respective vial V1, V2 is explained below:
[0033] To couple the adapter device 1 to the first vial V1, the central longitudinal axis ML is aligned coaxially with a longitudinal axis (without reference symbol) of the first vial V1. The insertion opening 6 points in the direction of the (first) closure cap D1. The first vial V1 is inserted with its (first) closure cap D1 first through the insertion opening 6 into the housing recess 5. The first spring arms 7 are deformed under the influence of the closure cap D1. In particular, the first spring arms 7 are elastically pressed outwards in the radial direction R. The locking ends 72 slide axially on a (first) outer surface M1 of the closure cap D1 and finally lock axially in the direction of the housing opening 6 with the closure cap D1 in a form-fitting manner. In particular, the first locking ends 72 lock on and / or axially behind a front end B1 of the first closure cap D1 (see Fig. 4).In the coupled state, the first vial V1 is held in a form-fitting manner in the radial direction R between the locking ends 72 of the plurality of first spring arms 7. A radial form-fitting connection with the second spring arms 8 can be provided alternatively or additionally.
[0034] When the first vial V1 is inserted, its closure cap D1 is also guided axially past the locking ends 82 of the second spring arms 8. As will be explained in more detail below, the second spring arms 8 are shorter than the first spring arms 7, so that the locking ends 82 of the second spring arms 8 are positioned radially further outward with respect to the central longitudinal axis ML (see Fig. 2) and axially closer in the direction of the housing opening 6 (see Fig. 3). When the adapter device 1 is coupled to the first vial V1, as shown in Fig. 4 and can also be referred to as the first coupling state, the locking ends 82 of the second spring arms 8 rest against the (first) neck region N1 of the first vial V1. This additionally stabilizes the coupling. The stabilization acts particularly in the radial direction R. In the present case, there is no positive connection between the spring arms 8 and the first vial V1 in the axial direction A.
[0035] Alternatively, the adapter device 1 can be coupled to the second vial V2. The adapter device 1 is joined to the second vial V2 in a similar way to the joining to the first vial V1. Reference is made to the above explanations. When the second closure cap D2 is inserted, it initially slides along the locking ends 82 of the second spring arms 8, so that these are elastically bent radially outwards. Upon further insertion, the second closure cap D2 also comes into contact with the locking ends 72 of the first spring arms 7, so that these are also elastically bent radially outwards. As soon as the second closure cap D2 is inserted axially far enough into the housing recess 5, the second spring arms 8 spring back radially inwards, whereby their locking ends 82 lock on / with the second closure cap D2.The locking connection is analogous to the locking connection between the first spring arms 7 and the first closure cap D1 along the central longitudinal axis ML in the direction of the insertion opening 6, thereby counteracting the second vial V2 from being pulled out of the housing recess 5. In the coupled state, the second vial V2 is held in a form-fitting manner in the radial direction R between the locking ends 82 of the plurality of second spring arms 8. A radial form-fitting connection with the first spring arms 7 can be provided alternatively or additionally. In the (second) coupled state shown in Fig. 5, the locking ends 72 of the first spring arms rest elastically prestressed against the (second) lateral surface M2 of the second closure cap D2. The elastic prestress acts radially inward. This achieves additional stabilization of the coupling. This stabilization acts primarily radially. There is no axial form-fitting connection between the first spring arms and the second vial 8.
[0036] In order to counteract unwanted decoupling, the housing 2 is circumferentially closed at the axial height of the foot ends 71, 81, forming an annular section 21.
[0037] The ring section 21 counteracts a radial evasive movement of the base ends 71, 81 under a compressive load and / or longitudinal bending load acting in the longitudinal direction of the spring arms 7, 8. Such a load on the spring arms 7, 8 occurs when an attempt is made to uncouple, i.e. to pull the respective vial V1, V2 out of the housing recess 5. In this case, the respective closure cap D1, D2 presses axially in the direction of the insertion opening 6 onto the locking end 72, 82 of the respective spring arm 7, 8. The spring arms 7, 8 are thereby subjected to compressive stress along their longitudinal direction. At the same time, they undergo longitudinal bending. The ring section 21 absorbs the compressive load on the spring arms 7, 8 in the region of their base ends 71, 81. Since the ring section is circumferentially closed in the circumferential direction U, the foot ends 71, 81 are not pressed radially outwards, but instead are stabilized against such an evasive movement and / or deformation.This is in contrast to adapter devices known from the prior art, in which the housing is provided with several axial slots offset from one another in the circumferential direction. In combination with the orientation of the spring arms 7, 8 protruding into the housing recess 5, the ring section 21 also allows a type of "self-locking" or "self-reinforcing effect." This effect additionally counteracts any unintentional withdrawal of the vial V1, V2 from the adapter device 1. This is because, as a result of the aforementioned longitudinal bending of the spring arms 7, 8 under the influence of the respective closure cap D1, D2, the respectively locked locking ends 72, 82 move radially inward along an imaginary arcuate bending line. As a result, the respective locking ends 72, 82 are pressed inward in the radial direction R against the respective neck section N1, N2, which additionally counteracts unintentional decoupling.
[0038] Further features, particularly of the spring arms 7, 8, are explained below. As already mentioned, explanations relating to one of the first spring arms 7 also apply to the other first spring arms and the second spring arms, and vice versa, unless otherwise stated.
[0039] Fig. 1 shows that the spring arms 7, 8 each have a cross-sectional area Q. The cross-sectional area Q is indicated by a hatched line in Fig. 1. The cross-sectional area Q is maximum in the area of the respective foot end 71, 81. This allows the spring arms 7, 8 to withstand maximum load at the foot end. This counteracts mechanical failure of the spring arms 7, 8 in the area of the foot ends 71, 81. In particular, it prevents the spring arms 7, 8 from bending and / or plastically deforming at the foot end.
[0040] The spring arms 7, 8 each have a main extension axis H (see Fig. 1). The main extension axis H can also be referred to as the longitudinal axis and defines an orientation of the main extension of the spring arms 7, 8. The
[0041] The main extension axis H is oriented obliquely with respect to the central longitudinal axis ML. In the embodiment shown, the main extension axis H lies in a plane spanned by the axial direction A and the radial direction R and extending through the central longitudinal axis ML. Starting from an imaginary orientation parallel to the central longitudinal axis ML, the main extension axis H is inclined radially inward by an angle (without reference symbol) between 10° and 50°. In the embodiment shown, the angle is between 20° and 40°, specifically approximately 30°.
[0042] In the embodiment shown, the spring arms 7, 8 have a non-constant cross-section and thus a variable cross-sectional area Q. In other words, the cross-sectional area Q changes along the main extension axis H. The cross-sectional area Q decreases toward the locking end 72, 82. This decrease is preferably continuous and / or monotonous.
[0043] In the embodiment shown, the locking ends 72, 82 are each bent radially inward. Consequently, the spring arms 7, 8 are inclined more strongly in the direction of the central longitudinal axis ML in the region of their respective locking ends 72, 82 than, for example, in a central region (without reference symbol) located between the respective foot end 71, 81 and the locking end 72, 82.
[0044] Furthermore, the locking ends 72, 82 each have a first contact surface 73, 83 and a second contact surface 74, 84 (see Fig. 2).
[0045] The first contact surface 73 of the first spring arms 7 is oriented at least predominantly axially in the direction of the second housing end 4. The same applies to the first contact surface 83 of the second spring arms 8. The first contact surface 73, 83 serves for an axial positive connection with the lower end B1, B2 of the respective vial V1, V2 (see Fig. 4, 5). In the first coupling state, the end B1 of the first closure cap D1 rests on the first contact surfaces 73 of the first spring arms 7. In the second coupling state, the end B2 of the second closure cap D2 rests on the first contact surfaces 83 of the second spring arms 8.
[0046] The second contact surface 74 of the first spring arms 7 is oriented at least predominantly radially inward. The same applies to the second contact surface 84 of the second spring arms 8. In the first coupling state (see Fig. 4), the second contact surfaces 84 of the second spring arms 8 rest against the neck region N1 of the first vial V1. In the second coupling state (Fig. 5), the second contact surfaces 74 of the first spring arms 7 rest against the outer surface M2 of the second closure cap D2, prestressed radially inward. This is shown in detail in Fig. 6, although Fig. 5 does not show the state shown in Fig. 6 in detail.
[0047] The first contact surface 73, 83 and the second contact surface 74, 84 are each flat.
[0048] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the locking ends of the spring arms have a different design. For example, instead of the contact surfaces described, a rounded or even spherical design can be provided.
[0049] In the embodiment shown, the housing 2 has a housing wall 22 extending between the first housing end 3 and the second housing end 4. The housing wall 22 extends in the axial direction A and in the circumferential direction U. A wall thickness of the housing wall 22, not specified in more detail, extends in the radial direction R. In the embodiment shown, the housing 2 and / or the housing wall 22 has a cylindrical basic shape.
[0050] In the present case, the housing wall 22 has a plurality of recesses C arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction U. The recesses C subdivide the housing wall 22 into a plurality of wall sections 221, 222, 223. In the embodiment shown, there are (exactly) three recesses C and consequently a corresponding number of wall sections 221, 222, 223.
[0051] In the present case, the recesses C extend essentially over the entire axial height / length of the housing wall 22.
[0052] The recesses C and thus also the wall sections 221, 222, 223 are evenly offset in the present case, so that with the present number an offset of 120° around the central longitudinal axis ML results.
[0053] The recesses C are bridged in the circumferential direction U by the ring section 21. In other words, the ring section 21 connects the wall sections 221, 222, 223 to one another in the circumferential direction.
[0054] The housing wall 22 delimits the housing recess 5 in the radial direction R. The recesses C extend in the radial direction R from the outside to the inside into the housing recess 5.
[0055] In the embodiment shown, the spring arms 7, 8 are arranged in pairs in the recesses C. Specifically, a first spring arm 7 and a second spring arm 8 are provided for each recess C. The arrangement of the spring arms 7, 8 in the recesses C enables improved visibility of the locking ends 72, 82. This allows medical personnel to easily determine whether a proper coupling has occurred or not.
[0056] In the embodiment shown, the wall sections 221, 222, 223 are connected to one another in the region of the first housing end 4 by an end wall 23 of the housing 2. The end wall 23 is radially extended and oriented parallel to the insertion opening 6 and / or the annular section 21. The recesses C extend radially inward into the end wall 23. The end wall 23 is optional and not present in all embodiments.
[0057] In the embodiment shown, the ring section 21 forms the first housing end 3. At the same time, the ring section 21 borders the insertion opening 6. Furthermore, the ring section 21 has a support surface 221. The support surface 221 is axially oriented. The adapter device 1 can be placed with the support surface 211 facing forward on a suitable horizontal base, for example, a table. In the coupled state, the support surface 211 rests on a section of the respective vial V1, V2 (see Figs. 4, 5, 6).
[0058] In the embodiment shown, the adapter device 1 is manufactured in one piece. The spring arms 7, 8 are thus integral components of the housing 2. In this case, a plastic construction is provided. In other embodiments, a multi-part construction may be provided.
Claims
Patent claims 1. An adapter device (1) for coupling to a medical vial (V1, V2) closed with a closure cap (D1, D2), comprising a housing (2) with a first housing end (3), a second housing end (4) opposite along a central longitudinal axis (ML) oriented in the axial direction (A), a housing recess (5) arranged between the housing ends (3, 4) and an insertion opening (6) arranged at the first housing end (3) for axially inserting the vial (V1, V2) into the housing recess (5), a plurality of spring arms (7, 8) arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction (U) around the central longitudinal axis (ML) in the housing recess (5) and each between a base end (71, 81) which is firmly connected to the housing (2) and a locking end (72, 82) which is designed to lock with the closure cap (D1, D2), are longitudinally extended, wherein the spring arms (7, 8) each extend from their base end (71,81) are elongated radially in the direction of the central longitudinal axis (ML) and axially in the direction of the second housing end (4) up to their locking end (72, 82), whereby the spring arms (7, 8) are deformable by axially inserting the vial (V1, V2) into the housing recess (5) in order to axially lock the locking ends (72, 82) in the direction of the housing opening (6) with the closure cap (D1, D2) in a form-fitting manner, characterized in that the housing (2) is circumferentially closed at the axial height of the foot ends (71, 81) to form an annular section (21) in the circumferential direction (U).
2. Adapter device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring arms (7, 8) each have a cross-sectional area (Q) which is maximum in the region of the foot end (71, 81).
3. Adapter device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring arms (7, 8) each have a cross-sectional area (Q) which is variable over their length, the cross-sectional area (Q) tapering from the foot end (71, 81) in the direction of the locking end (72, 82).
4. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring arms (7, 8) each have a main extension axis (H) which - starting from an imaginary orientation oriented parallel to the central longitudinal axis (ML) - is inclined radially inwards by an angle between 10° and 50°, preferably between 20° and 40°.
5. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking ends (72, 82) are each bent radially inwards and have a first contact surface (73, 83) which is oriented at least predominantly axially in the direction of the second housing end (4), and a second contact surface (74, 84) which is oriented at least predominantly radially in the direction of the central longitudinal axis (ML).
6. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring section (21) forms the first housing end (3), borders the insertion opening (6) and has a front-end support surface (211) for supporting the vial (V1, V2).
7. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) has a housing wall (22) extending between the first housing end (3) and the second housing end (4), which has a plurality of recesses (C) arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction (U), which subdivide the housing wall (22) into a plurality of wall sections (221, 222, 223) and are bridged by the ring section (21) in the region of the first housing end (3), wherein the spring arms (7, 8) are arranged in the recesses (C).
8. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of spring arms (7, 8) comprise first spring arms (7) and different second spring arms (8), wherein the first spring arms (7) are designed to lock with a first vial (V1) of a first size, and wherein the second spring arms (8) are designed to lock with a second vial (V2) of a larger second size.
9. Adapter device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first spring arms (7) are longer than the second spring arms (8), whereby the locking ends (72) of the first spring arms (7) are positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis (ML) and closer to the second housing end (4) than the locking ends (82) of the second spring arms (8).
0. An arrangement (100, 100') comprising an adapter device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, and a first vial (V1) of a first size and / or a second vial (V2) of a larger second size, wherein the adapter device (1) is coupled to the first vial (V1) in a first coupling state, and wherein the adapter device (1) is coupled to the second vial (V2) in an alternative second coupling state, wherein in the first coupling state, the locking ends (72) of the first spring arms (7) are locked to the closure cap (D1) of the first vial (V1) and the locking ends (82) of the second spring arms (8) bear against a section (N1) of the first vial (V1) that is axially spaced from the closure cap (D1) in the direction of the insertion opening (6),and wherein in the second coupling state, the locking ends (82) of the second spring arms (8) are locked to the closure cap (D2) of the second vial (V2) and the locking ends (72) of the first spring arms (7) are elastically spring-loaded radially outwards under the action of the closure cap (D2) and rest radially inwards against a lateral surface (M2) of the closure cap (D2) of the second vial (V2).