Adapter device for coupling to a medical vial

Abstract

An adapter device is known having a main part, a receiving recess which is arranged on the main part so as to extend along an axial central longitudinal axis and which is designed to at least partly receive the vial, and multiple latching sections which are arranged on the receiving recess in an offset manner to one another in the circumferential direction about the central longitudinal axis, each latching section being designed to latch with a closure cap of the vial. According to the invention, a plurality of joint mechanisms are provided, wherein each of the plurality of latching sections is paired with one of the plurality of joint mechanisms, and each of the plurality of joint mechanisms has a plurality of links which are connected together and to the main part in an articulated manner and which can be moved in an articulated manner relative to one another and relative to the main part on a radially and axially extending movement plane. Each of the latching sections can be moved radially relative to the central longitudinal axis by means of a movement of the links of the respective joint mechanism in order to latch with the closure cap. The invention also relates to a use thereof in infusion therapy.

Description

[0001] Adapter device for coupling with a medical vial

[0002] The invention relates to an adapter device for coupling to a medical vial, comprising a base body, a receiving recess which is arranged longitudinally along an axial central longitudinal axis on the base body and is designed to receive the vial at least in sections, and a plurality of locking sections which are arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction around the central longitudinal axis on the receiving recess and are each designed to lock with a closure cap of the vial.

[0003] Such an adapter device is known from DE 10 2020 210 898 A1. The known adapter device has a base body in the form of a housing. The housing has the receiving recess. The known adapter device has two spring arms arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction around the central longitudinal axis on the receiving recess. Each of the spring arms carries one of the locking sections at one end and is firmly connected to the housing at the other end. To lock the locking sections to the vial's closure cap, the spring arms can each be bent radially outward.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an adapter device of the type mentioned above which offers advantages over the prior art.

[0005] This object is achieved in that a plurality of joint mechanisms are provided, wherein the plurality of locking sections are each assigned to one of the plurality of joint mechanisms, wherein the plurality of joint mechanisms each have a plurality of links which are connected to one another and to the base body in an articulated manner and which are articulated relative to one another and relative to the base body in a radially and axially extended plane of movement, and wherein the locking sections are each radially movable relative to the central longitudinal axis by means of a movement of the links of the respective joint mechanism for locking to the closure cap. The joint mechanisms in particular allow precise movement guidance of the locking sections. As a result, the locking connection to the closure cap can be produced in a particularly reliable manner. The joint mechanisms each have a plurality of links.The joint mechanisms are therefore each multi-linked and have at least two links. In different embodiments, different numbers of links are provided, for example two, three, four or more than four links per joint mechanism. The joint mechanisms each have a plane of movement in which the respective links and the respectively associated locking section are movable. The planes of movement each extend radially and axially. Preferably, the planes of movement are each parallel to the central longitudinal axis and / or extend through the central longitudinal axis. The links of the joint mechanisms are movable in the respective plane of movement. The links are movable relative to one another on the one hand and relative to the base body, the receiving recess and / or the central longitudinal axis on the other. At least one of the links in each joint mechanism is articulated to the base body.At least one further link is articulated to said link. The articulated connections allow said movement within the planes of movement. The articulated connections are designed differently in different configurations. One configuration provides solid-state joints and / or film hinges. Another configuration provides pivot joints with an axle element and an axle receptacle. In the locked state, the locking sections are axially positively locked to the closure cap, so that the vial is secured against axial withdrawal from the receptacle recess. In one configuration, the locking connection is detachable and / or over-lockable. In a preferred configuration, the locking connection is non-detachable. Each of the joint mechanisms has one of the plurality of locking sections.Preferably, the locking sections are each arranged and / or formed on one of the links of the respective joint mechanism. The medical vial to be coupled is a container for medical substances in a liquid or dry state, as are generally known in the field of human or veterinary medicine. The design and function of such medical vials are 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 specifically mean different diameters and / or different axial lengths, especially of the respective closure caps. If features are explained in this description only with reference to one of the several joint mechanisms, the above preferably applies, mutatis mutandis, to all joint mechanisms.

[0006] In one embodiment of the invention, the joint mechanisms are each designed such that, upon axial insertion of the vial into the receiving recess under the axial compressive force of the closure cap, the respective links execute a radially outward deflection movement within the respective plane of movement. As a result of said deflection movement, the locking sections are each displaced radially outward relative to the central longitudinal axis. The receiving recess is thereby released to receive the vial or at least the closure cap. In one embodiment, the joint mechanisms are each elastically preloaded against the deflection movement. For the purpose of elastic preload, a separate spring element is provided in one embodiment. In a further embodiment, at least one of the links functions as a spring element and, for this purpose, is flexurally elastic in the respective plane of movement.In a further embodiment, no elastic preload is provided against the evasive movement.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the invention, the joint mechanisms are each designed such that - when locked to the closure cap - an axial tensile force acting on the respective locking section of the closure cap causes the links to move into a locked position, in which further movement is positively blocked by contact of one of the links with a stop firmly connected to the base body. This embodiment of the invention allows a permanent coupling of the vial. Once the closure cap is locked, it can no longer be released from the locking sections. The locking function required for this is achieved by a corresponding design of the joint mechanisms and several stops firmly connected to the base body, wherein one of the stops is assigned to one of the joint mechanisms. Under the tensile force acting on the closure cap, ieIf an attempt is made to pull the vial out of the receiving recess, the links of the joint mechanisms are moved into the aforementioned locking position in the respective movement plane. In this locking position, at least one of the links of each joint mechanism contacts the corresponding stop. The stops are firmly connected to the base body and can, for example, be formed by a section of the base body.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, each joint mechanism is assigned a stop support which is at least predominantly axially elongated between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is fixedly connected to the base body, and wherein the second end has the respective stop. The stop supports are therefore arranged on the base body offset from one another in the circumferential direction about the central longitudinal axis. The stop supports are each at least predominantly axially elongated. Preferably, the stop supports are each elongated parallel to the central longitudinal axis. At one end, the stop supports are each fixedly connected to the base body. At the other end, the stop supports each have one of the stops. Preferably, the stops are each axially oriented.In the locked position, the contact between the joint mechanisms and the stops therefore preferably acts axially and thus preferably parallel to the axial tensile force acting on the closure cap. The stop supports are preferably each subjected to axial pressure. In a further embodiment of the invention, the joint mechanisms are each two-part and each have a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is connected to the base body in an articulated manner about a first joint axis, and wherein the second part is connected to the first part in an articulated manner about a second joint axis and has the respective locking section at one end. The first joint axis and the second joint axis are parallel. The first joint axis and the second joint axis are orthogonal to the respective plane of movement. The first part is pivotable about the first joint axis relative to the base body in the plane of movement.The second link, together with the first link, is pivotable about the first joint axis relative to the base body in the plane of movement. Furthermore, the second link is pivotable about the second joint axis relative to the first link in the plane of movement. This design allows for a particularly simple construction of the joint mechanisms.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member has a contact section at the other end, which is configured for positive engagement with the respective stop. In the locked position, the contact section contacts the respective stop. This contact positively locks the joint mechanism against further movement. The contact section is preferably axially oriented.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first link is elongated at least predominantly axially between a first end and a second end, with the first joint axis being arranged at the first end and the second joint axis being arranged at the second end. Although the first link is oriented differently in different positions of the respective joint mechanism, it is always predominantly axially oriented. The first link is elongated in or at least parallel to the respective plane of movement. In this embodiment, the first link can be referred to in particular as a rocker arm or pendulum support.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first member is resiliently prestressed against a radially outward movement about the first joint axis. The resilient prestress particularly supports automatic locking of the locking sections. The resilient prestress is achieved in different ways in different embodiments. In one embodiment, a separate spring element is present and operatively connected to the first member. In a preferred embodiment, the first member itself is elastic, preferably flexurally elastic. In a further embodiment, the first joint axis is alternatively or additionally resiliently prestressed. For this purpose, for example, the first joint axis can be provided with a separate spring element or be formed by a solid-state joint or a film hinge with elastic properties.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first link has two link sections offset circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis, which are hinged to opposite sides of the second link in the region of the second hinge axis. The two link sections are thus spaced apart, with the distance approximately corresponding to a circumferential dimension of the respective second link. The two-part design of the first link allows, in particular, improved support and guidance of the first link in the plane of movement.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member is at least predominantly radially elongated between a first end and a second end, wherein the locking portion is arranged at the first end, and wherein the second joint axis is arranged between the first end and the second end. If the second member has a contact portion, this is preferably arranged at the second end. In different positions of the joint mechanisms, the respective second member is differently, but always predominantly radially elongated. The second member is elongated in the respective plane of movement or at least parallel to it. The first end is radially closer to the central longitudinal axis than the second end. The second joint axis is preferably positioned approximately centrally between the first end and the second end of the second member.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member has a contact surface that is inclined radially from the outside to the inside relative to the central longitudinal axis and is designed for sliding engagement with the closure cap. The inclination of the contact surface centers the closure cap with respect to the central longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the inclination causes the axial compressive force of the closure cap to exert a radially outward-directed force component on the second member upon insertion into the receiving recess. The contact surfaces of the multiple joint mechanisms together form a funnel-shaped geometry. This funnel-shaped geometry allows for simplified insertion of the closure cap. Furthermore, the funnel-shaped geometry centers the closure cap with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member has a wedge shape with a cross-section that increases radially from the inside to the outside. Under the action of axial tensile force from the closure cap, the second member is subjected to bending stress. The wedge shape with the cross-section that increases radially outwards is therefore particularly suitable for this stress. In a further embodiment of the invention, at least the members of the joint mechanisms are made of plastic and are connected to one another and / or to the base body in an articulated manner by means of solid-state joints and / or film hinges. This allows for particularly simple and cost-effective production. If the joint mechanisms are each designed as two-membered joints with a first and a second joint axis, both joint axes are preferably designed in the form of a solid-state joint and / or film hinge.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least three joint mechanisms are provided, offset by 120°, preferably six by 60°, from each other. Three joint mechanisms allow for a statically determined coupling. Six joint mechanisms allow for a particularly resilient coupling.

[0017] The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising an adapter device according to the preceding description and a first vial of a first size and / or a second vial of a second size, wherein the adapter device can be coupled selectively to the first vial or to the second vial, wherein the links of the joint mechanisms, when coupled to the first vial, each assume a first configuration within the respective plane of movement, and wherein the links of the joint mechanisms, when coupled to the second vial, each assume a second configuration within the respective plane of movement. The joint mechanisms are thus configured for coupling to different vials, more precisely to vials of different sizes. 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.The first vial has a first closure cap. The second vial has a second closure cap. The first vial and the second vial differ at least with regard to the dimensions of the closure cap. 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 be derived, in particular, from the aforementioned standards.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter device according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows the adapter device according to Fig. 1 in a schematic plan view with axially directed viewing direction,

[0020] Fig. 3 is an enlarged schematic side view of a joint mechanism of the adapter device according to Figs. 1 and 2,

[0021] Fig. 4, 5, 6 the joint mechanism according to Fig. 3 in different movement positions during coupling with a vial of a first size and

[0022] Fig. 7, 8, 9 the joint mechanism according to Fig. 3 in different movement positions during coupling with a vial of a second size.

[0023] According to Figs. 1 and 2, an adapter device 1 is configured for coupling to a medical vial.

[0024] 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 Figs. 4, 5, 6) and a second vial V2 of a second size (see Figs. 7, 8, 9). Such a feature of the adapter device 1 for selectively coupling with vials of different sizes is not present in all embodiments and is therefore optional.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The vials V1, V2 shown in Figs. 4 to 9 each have a closure cap D1, D2, which is attached in a known manner in a fluid-tight manner to a respective neck region N1, N2 of the respective vial V1, V2. The dimensions of the closure caps D1, D2 and the neck regions N1, N2 are also standardized.

[0027] In this case, the second vial V2 is larger than the first vial V1, with an axial dimension (without reference symbol) and / or a diameter (without reference symbol) of the second closure cap D2 being larger than the corresponding 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 and V2 are known to those skilled in the art, further explanations are unnecessary.

[0028] The adapter device 1 has a base body 2, a receiving recess 3 and several locking sections 4.

[0029] In the embodiment shown, the base body 2 is designed in the form of a circular ring. The shape shown is to be understood as purely exemplary. In embodiments not shown in the figures, the base body therefore has a different design.

[0030] The receiving recess 3 is arranged longitudinally on the base body 2 along a central longitudinal axis ML oriented in the axial direction A. The receiving recess 3 serves to at least partially receive the vial V1, V2 to be coupled. In the coupled state, at least the respective closure cap D1, D2 is arranged in the receiving recess 3.

[0031] The plurality of locking sections 4 are arranged offset from one another in a circumferential direction U (see Fig. 2) around the central longitudinal axis ML on the receiving recess 3. The locking sections 4 are each configured to engage with the closure cap D1, D2. The locking sections 4 are each spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis ML in the radial direction R.

[0032] The axial direction A, the radial direction R and the circumferential direction U are oriented orthogonally to each other.

[0033] In the coupled state, the locking sections 4 engage behind the closure cap D1, D2 in the axial direction A, so that the respective vial V1, V2 is positively secured against axial withdrawal from the receiving recess 3. In addition, the respective closure cap D1, D2 and / or the respective neck region N1, N2 are held in a positively locking manner in the radial direction R between the offset locking sections 4.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the adapter device 1 has (exactly) six locking sections 4. The locking sections 4 are evenly offset from one another in the circumferential direction U, resulting in an angular offset of 60°. In embodiments not shown in the figures, a different number of locking sections is present, for example, three, four, five, or more than six. The number shown is to be understood as exemplary.

[0035] The adapter device 1 also has a plurality of joint mechanisms 5. The locking sections 4 are each assigned to one of the plurality of joint mechanisms 5. In other words, each of the joint mechanisms 5 has one of the locking sections 4. The plurality of joint mechanisms 5 each have a plurality of links 6, 7 (see in particular Fig. 3). The plurality of links 6, 7 are connected to one another and to the base body 2 in an articulated manner and are articulated relative to one another and relative to the base body 2 in a movement plane E spanned by the radial direction R and the axial direction A. The locking sections 4 are each at least radially movable relative to the central longitudinal axis ML by means of a movement of the links 6, 7 of the respective joint mechanism 5 for locking to the closure cap D1, D2.

[0036] The number of joint mechanisms 5 corresponds to the number of locking sections 4, so that in this case (exactly) six joint mechanisms 5 are present. Accordingly, the joint mechanisms 5 are also offset relative to one another in the circumferential direction U around the central longitudinal axis ML. The angular offset is also 60°. Embodiments with a different number of locking sections have a different number of joint mechanisms.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows one of the joint mechanisms 5 in detail. The multiple joint mechanisms 5 are designed identically. The explanations below with reference to Fig. 3 therefore also apply, mutatis mutandis, to the other joint mechanisms.

[0038] The said plane of motion E is shown as an example in Fig. 3 and extends axially and radially. The plane of motion E is spanned by the axial direction A and the radial direction R. The plane of motion E encompasses the central longitudinal axis ML. In other words, the central longitudinal axis ML lies in the plane of motion E. The planes of motion of the joint mechanisms 5 are each angularly offset from one another by 60° around the central longitudinal axis ML.

[0039] The joint mechanism 5 allows a (planar) movement of its links 6, 7 and the associated locking section 4 in the movement plane E. As will be explained in more detail below, the joint mechanism 5 allows a radial movement of the locking section 4. In the present case, an axial movement of the locking section 4 is also provided and possible. Before the function of the joint mechanism 5 when coupling to the respective vial V1, V2 is discussed in detail with reference to Figs. 4 to 9, the specific structure of the present embodiment will first be explained with reference to Fig. 3.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, the joint mechanism 5 is two-part and comprises a first link 6 and a second link 7. The first link 6 is connected to the base body 2 in a manner articulated about a first joint axis G1. The second link 7 is connected to the first link 6 in a manner articulated about a second joint axis G2. The locking section 4 is arranged and / or formed at one end on the second link 7.

[0041] The first joint axis G1 and the second joint axis G2 are parallel. Furthermore, the first joint axis G1 and the second joint axis G2 are each orthogonal to the plane of motion E.

[0042] When the joint mechanism 5 moves, the first link 6 pivots in the movement plane E about the first joint axis G1 relative to the base body 2. The second link 7, together with the first link 6, pivots about the first joint axis G1 relative to the base body 2. In addition, the second link 7 pivots about the second joint axis G2 relative to the first link 6 in the movement plane E.

[0043] During a movement of the joint mechanism 5, the first joint axis G1 is stationary with respect to the base body 2 and / or the central longitudinal axis ML. The second joint axis G2 moves within the plane of motion E relative to the base body 2 and / or the central longitudinal axis ML. Specifically, the second joint axis G2 moves on a circular arc-shaped trajectory extending around the first joint axis G1 within the plane of motion E. Its radius is determined by an unspecified distance between the first joint axis G1 and the second joint axis G2. In this case, the distance corresponds approximately to the length of the first link 6.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the first link 6 is elongated between a first end 61 and a second end 62. The first link 6 is elongated substantially along the axial direction A. During the movement of the joint mechanism 5, the orientation of the first link 6 changes with respect to the axial direction, which can also be seen from Figs. 4 to 9. However, the orientation of the first link 6 is always predominantly axial. The first joint axis G1 is arranged at the first end 61 of the first link 6. The second joint axis G2 is arranged at the second end 62 of the first link 6.

[0045] The first member 6 is in the present case elongated straight between its ends 61, 62.

[0046] The first end 61 of the first member 6 is positioned axially closer to the base body 2 than the second end 62. Conversely, the second end 62 of the first member 6 is positioned axially closer to the second member 7 than the first end 61.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the first link has two link sections 6', 6". This is shown in detail in particular in Fig. 1. The link sections 6', 6" are offset in the circumferential direction U about the central longitudinal axis ML and spaced from one another by a distance not specified in more detail. The said distance between the link sections 6', 6" corresponds approximately to a width of the second link 7. In the region of the second end 62, the two link sections 6', 6" are articulated on opposite sides of the second link 7. Such a design is advantageous, but not present in all embodiments.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, the second link 7 is elongated between a first end 71 and a second end 72. In the present case, the second link 7 is elongated predominantly in the radial direction R. During a movement of the joint mechanism 5, the second link 7 changes its orientation with respect to the radial direction R, which can also be seen from Figs. 4 to 9. However, the orientation is always predominantly radial. The first end 71 is closer to the central longitudinal axis ML in the radial direction R than the second end 72. The locking section 4 is arranged and / or formed at the first end 71. The second joint axis G2 is arranged between the first end 71 and the second end 72.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the joint mechanism 5 is also assigned a stop support 8. The stop support 8 is firmly connected to the base body 2. The stop support 8 has a stop 83. The stop 83 serves to positively lock the mobility of the joint mechanism 5. The locking occurs after a locking position is reached (see Figs. 6, 9). As will be explained in more detail below, said locking mechanism allows a permanent coupling to the respective vial V1, V2.

[0050] In the locked position, the stop 83 contacts a contact section 73 of the joint mechanism 5. In the embodiment shown, the contact section 73 is assigned to the second link 7. In this case, the contact section 73 is arranged between the first end 71 and the second end 72 of the second link 7 and faces the stop 83. Contact between the contact section 73 and the stop 83 only occurs in the said locked position. Away from the locked position, the contact section 73 is lifted from the stop 83, so that no contact exists.

[0051] Said stop support 8 is elongated between a first end 81 and a second end 82. The first end 81 is fixedly connected to the base body 2. The second end 82 has the stop 83. The stop 83 is oriented in the axial direction A.

[0052] The stop support 8 is oriented essentially parallel to the central longitudinal axis ML.

[0053] It is understood that several stop supports 8 with corresponding stops 83 are provided (see Fig. 1, 2). The number of stop supports 8 corresponds to the number of joint mechanisms 5.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the second member 7 also has a stop surface 74. The stop surface 74 is inclined radially from the outside to the inside relative to the central longitudinal axis ML. The stop surface 74 allows centering of the respective closure cap D1, D2 with respect to the central longitudinal axis ML. The stop surfaces 74 of the joint mechanisms, which are offset from one another in the circumferential direction, form a funnel-shaped insertion geometry for simplified insertion of the closure cap D1, D2 into the receiving recess 3. Due to the aforementioned inclination of the stop surface 74, the first member 7 protrudes higher in the axial direction A in the region of its second end 72 than in the region of its first end 71.

[0055] The contact surface 74 extends between the first end 71 and the second end 72 of the second link 7. In this case, the contact surface 74 is flat and straight. The locking portion 4 and the contact surface 74 are located on axially opposite sides of the second link 7. The contact portion 73 and the contact surface 74 are located on axially opposite sides of the second link 7. In this case, the locking portion 4 and the contact portion 73 are located on a common side of the second link 7.

[0056] Furthermore, the second member 7 in the embodiment shown has a wedge shape K. This is at least in a direction of view directed toward the movement plane E. Due to the wedge shape K, the second member 7 has a cross-section (without reference symbol) that increases radially from the inside to the outside.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the two joint axes G1, G2 are each formed by a solid-state joint 9. Specifically, film hinges 10 are provided as solid-state joints 9. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the joint axes can be formed by pivot bearings with a pivot axis and an axis mount.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the entire adapter device 1 is made of plastic. Production is preferably carried out by injection molding. The illustrated geometry of the joint mechanisms 5 allows for particularly simple production. In particular, a simple design of the injection molding tools used can be achieved. Due to the design shown, tools with sliders can be dispensed with. Instead, a design as an "open-close tool" is sufficient.

[0059] The movement of the joint mechanism 5 - and thus also that of the other joint mechanisms - when coupling the adapter device 1 with the first vial V1 is explained below with reference to Figs. 4 to 6:

[0060] For the purpose of coupling, the first vial V1, with its closure cap D1 leading, is brought towards the receiving recess 3 along the central longitudinal axis ML. The first vial V1 is aligned coaxially to the central longitudinal axis ML if possible. The first vial V1 is then moved along the central longitudinal axis ML into the receiving recess 3. The movement takes place - with reference to the plane of the drawing in Figs. 3 to 9 - from top to bottom along the axial direction A. The (first) closure cap D1 of the first vial V1 comes to rest against the contact surface 74. This exerts a compressive force FD on the joint mechanism 5 and in particular on its second link 7 (see Fig. 4). The compressive force FD causes the second link 7 to rotate counterclockwise about the second joint axis G2 relative to the first link 6.At the same time, the first link 6 rotates together with the second link 7 clockwise about the first joint axis relative to the base body 2. The joint mechanism 5 performs a radial evasive movement. This radial evasive movement is directed from the inside outwards with respect to the central longitudinal axis ML and results in the receiving recess 3 being released. In other words, the locking section 4 is displaced radially outwards with respect to the central longitudinal axis ML. Fig. 5 shows a movement position of the joint mechanism in which this evasive movement is completed. In this movement position, the (first) closure cap D1 has been moved completely along the contact surface 74 up to beyond the first end 71 of the second link 7. The first end 71 rests against an unspecified outer circumference of the closure cap D1.This outer periphery slides along the first end 71 upon further axial movement of the first vial V1 from top to bottom. During insertion of the first vial V1, the contact portion 73 is spaced from the stop 83. There is no contact. This is shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

[0061] As soon as the (first) closure cap (D1) has been completely guided axially past the first end 71, the locking section 4 engages the closure cap D1. The locking section 4 rests positively against the closure cap D1 from bottom to top in the axial direction A. Furthermore, the first end 71 rests positively against the neck section N1 in the radial direction R.

[0062] In the embodiment shown, the joint mechanism 5 is elastically prestressed against the aforementioned radial deflection movement. In the embodiment shown, the elastic prestress is realized by the solid-state joints 9 and / or film hinges 10. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, a separate spring element is provided instead. The aforementioned spring element can, for example, be arranged radially between the stop support and the first member and press the first member radially inward against the radial deflection movement. In the present case, the radial deflection movement leads to an elastic deformation of the joint mechanism 5 in the region of the joint axes G1, G2, more precisely: the solid-state joints 9 / film hinges 10. The elastic deformation causes the aforementioned prestress and supports the automatic locking of the locking sections 4 with the corresponding closure cap D1, D2.

[0063] An attempt to pull the (first) vial V1 out of the receiving recess 3 results in the locking section 4 being subjected to tensile stress. Specifically, a tensile force FZ acts on the locking section 4. The tensile force FZ acts counter to the previous compressive force FD. The tensile force FZ causes the contact section 73 to be pressed onto the stop 83. In the process, the second link 7 is displaced clockwise around the second joint axis G2 relative to the first link 6 and also the base body 2 under the influence of the (first) closure cap D1. In the locked position (Fig. 6) and under the influence of the tensile force FZ, the stop support 8 is consequently subjected to axial compressive stress. The first link 6 is instead subjected to tensile stress. The second link 7 is subjected to bending stress. Once locked, the first vial V1 can no longer be released from the receiving recess. The coupling is therefore non-detachable.

[0064] 7 to 9 show the movement of the joint mechanism 5 when coupling with the larger second vial V2. The movement kinematics here are identical to the movement kinematics explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 when coupling with the first vial V1. Due to the larger diameter of the second closure cap D2 compared to the first closure cap D1, the joint mechanism 5 executes an evasive movement that extends further radially outwards. This can be seen by comparing FIGS. 8 and 5. In the movement position shown in FIG. 8, the first member 6 is moved completely towards the stop support 8. In the locked position according to FIG. 9, the second member 7 is moved further radially outwards than in the locked position according to FIG. 6. The stop 83 rests further inwards on the contact section 73 of the second member 7 with respect to the radial direction R.

Claims

Patent claims 1. An adapter device (1) for coupling to a medical vial (V1, V2), comprising a base body (2), a receiving recess (3) arranged longitudinally along an axial central longitudinal axis (ML) on the base body (2) and configured to receive the vial (V1, V2) at least in sections, and a plurality of locking sections (4) arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction (U) about the central longitudinal axis (ML) on the receiving recess (3) and each configured to lock with a closure cap (D1, D2) of the vial (V1, V2), characterized in that a plurality of joint mechanisms (5) are provided, wherein the plurality of locking sections (4) are each assigned to one of the plurality of joint mechanisms (5), wherein the plurality of joint mechanisms (5) each have a plurality of links (6, 7),which are articulated to one another and to the base body (2) and which are articulated relative to one another and relative to the base body (2) in a radially and axially extending plane of movement (E), and wherein the locking sections (4) are each radially movable relative to the central longitudinal axis (ML) by means of a movement of the links (6, 7) of the respective articulated mechanism (5) for locking to the closure cap (D1, D2).

2. Adapter device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint mechanisms (5) are each designed in such a way that the respective links (6, 7) execute a radially outwardly directed evasive movement within the respective plane of movement (E) when the vial (V1, V2) is axially inserted into the receiving recess (3) under the action of an axial compressive force (FD) of the closure cap (D1, D2).

3. Adapter device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the joint mechanisms (5) are each designed such that - in a locked state with the closure cap (D1, D2) - an axial tensile force action (FZ) of the closure cap (D1, D2) on the respective locking section (4) causes a movement of the links (6, 7) into a locked position, in which a further movement is positively locked by a contact of one of the links (6, 7) with a stop (83) firmly connected to the base body (2).

4. Adapter device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the joint mechanisms (5) are each assigned a stop support (8) which is arranged at least predominantly axially between a first end (81) and a second end (82) is elongated, wherein the first end (81) is fixedly connected to the base body (2), and wherein the second end (82) has the respective stop (83).

5. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint mechanisms (5) are each two-part and each have a first member (6) and a second member (7), wherein the first member (6) is connected to the base body (2) in an articulated manner about a first joint axis (G1), and wherein the second member (7) is connected to the first member (6) in an articulated manner about a second joint axis (G2) and has the respective locking section (4) at one end.

6. Adapter device (1) according to claim 5 and 3 or 4, characterized in that the second member (7) has at the other end a contact section (73) which is designed for positive engagement with the respective stop (83).

7. Adapter device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first member (6) is elongated at least predominantly axially between a first end (61) and a second end (62), wherein the first joint axis (G1) is arranged at the first end (61), and wherein the second joint axis (G2) is arranged at the second end (62).

8. Adapter device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first member (6) is resiliently prestressed against a radially outwardly directed movement about the first joint axis (G1).

9. Adapter device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first link (6) has two link sections (6', 6") offset in the circumferential direction about the central longitudinal axis (ML), which are articulated in the region of the second articulation axis (G2) on opposite sides of the second link (7).

10. Adapter device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the second member (7) is elongated at least predominantly radially between a first end (71) and a second end (72), wherein the locking section (4) is arranged at the first end (71), and wherein the second joint axis (G2) is arranged between the first end (71) and the second end (72), in particular wherein the contact section (73) is arranged at the second end (72).

11. Adapter device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the second member (7) has a contact surface (74) which is inclined radially from the outside to the inside relative to the central longitudinal axis (ML) and is designed for sliding cooperation with the closure cap (D1, D2).

12. Adapter device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the second member (7) has a wedge shape (K) with a cross-section increasing radially from the inside to the outside.

13. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the members (6, 7) of the joint mechanisms (5) are made of plastic and are connected to one another and / or to the base body (2) in an articulated manner by means of solid joints (9) and / or film hinges (10).

14. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least three joint mechanisms (5) arranged offset by 120°, preferably six by 60°, from one another are present.

15. Arrangement comprising an adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a first vial (V1) of a first size and / or a second vial (V2) of a second size, wherein the adapter device (1) can be coupled selectively to the first vial (V1) or to the second vial (V2), wherein the links (6, 7) of the joint mechanisms (5) - in a state coupled to the first vial (V1) - each assume a first configuration within the respective plane of movement (E), and wherein the links (6, 7) of the joint mechanisms (5) - in a state coupled to the second vial (V2) - each assume a second configuration within the respective plane of movement (E).

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