Injection device for injecting pharmaceutical substance, and injection loading part for such injection device

Abstract

To provide an injection device for injecting a pharmaceutical substance.SOLUTION: An injection device (1) comprises: a proximal part (5) which has a drive to perform an injection; and a distal part (13) which is configured to accommodate an injection loading part (3). The injection loading part (3) has packaging means receiving part (17) and a primary packaging means (23) which is held in the packaging means receiving part (17) and in which a pharmaceutical substance is received. The pharmaceutical substance can be injected from the injection loading part (3) when the injection loading part (3) is arranged in the distal part (13). The distal part (13) is configured such that the injection loading part (3) can be inserted axially into the distal part (13). The injection device (1) has a screen (15) which is configured and arranged such that an injection needle (25) of the injection loading part (3) is concealed from a user during use of the injection device (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection device for injecting medicinal substances, and to a syringe loader for use in such an injection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Injection devices of the type described herein are used in particular for one-time or repeated injections of medicinal substances. In a particularly simple configuration, such as a conventional pen, a cartridge can have a drive device to which it can be replaceably attached. A needle can then be connected to the cartridge. The drive device can displace a piston in the cartridge in order to perform the injection and release the medicinal substance through the needle. When the pen is in use, the needle is visible to the user. This can cause psychological and / or physical defense reactions, which can ultimately have a negative effect on compliance with the treatment plan. Such pens can be reused by separating the empty cartridge from the drive device and replacing it with a new one. Pens can also be provided for a single injection, with the entire pen, including the drive device, being discarded after the injection. Such pens are constructed in one piece. Therefore, they cannot be adapted to different primary packaging of medicinal substances and / or have to be newly developed for each application. In addition, the use of such disposable pens is expensive and therefore is only considered for expensive medicinal substances. BETACONNECT®, manufactured by Bayer, is a known injection device in which a specially constructed syringe can be loaded. The injection device is reusable and has a screen so that the needle of the syringe loaded in the injection device is hidden from the user during use. The use of the injection device is relatively complicated. In particular, the syringe must be inserted into the device by opening the injection device and inserting the syringe from the side. In addition, as mentioned above, the injection device is configured for use with a specific type of syringe and therefore cannot be used with other primary packaging materials. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention aims to create an injection device and also a syringe loading part for such an injection device, which do not suffer from the disadvantages mentioned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This object is achieved by drawing on the present technical teachings, in particular the teachings of the independent and dependent claims and the embodiments disclosed in the specification.

[0005] This object is achieved by creating an injection device that is configured in particular for injecting a medicinal substance. The injection device has a proximal part with a drive part configured to perform the injection. The injection device also has a distal part configured to receive an injection load, which has a packaging means receiving part and a primary packaging means held in the packaging means receiving part. The medicinal substance is held in the primary packaging means and when the injection load is placed in the distal part, it is possible to inject the medicinal substance from the injection load. The distal part is configured such that the injection load is axially insertable into it. The injection device has a screen that is configured and arranged such that the injection needle of the injection load is hidden from the user during use of the injection device. With a proximal part and a distal part, the injection device has a simple and in particular clearly structured design. In particular, a functional separation is provided between the proximal part and the distal part, the proximal part being provided with the drive part and the distal part serving to accommodate the injection load. As a result, compared to the proximal part, the distal part can be constructed in a simple and cost-effective manner, which also ultimately reduces the overall complexity and overall costs in the manufacture of the injection device. Depending on the specific design, the known proximal part, i.e. the drive mechanism, of a conventional pen can also be used, supplemented by the distal part, so that the injection device can be provided particularly easily and with little fine-tuning and / or manufacturing complexity. In addition, the injection device is easy to operate and its function is easy for the user to understand.

[0006] The fact that the distal part is configured to accommodate the injection loading part and thus the primary packaging means means that the injection device can be easily adapted to different primary packaging means. All that is required is for the injection loading part to be adapted to the corresponding primary packaging means, such that the primary packaging means can be accommodated in the injection loading part and the injection loading part can be accommodated in the distal part. Thus, the injection device can be flexibly adapted to different applications.

[0007] In a preferred configuration, the injection device, in particular the distal and proximal parts, are configured for repeated injections of a medicinal substance and can be configured as a reusable injection device, in particular to be reloadable. In particular, the distal and proximal parts are configured as parts that can be used multiple times. A used injection loading part can then simply be replaced with a new injection loading part. The injection loading part is preferably configured as a disposable part.

[0008] However, the injection device can also be used for a single injection of a medicinal substance, in particular after which it can be disposed of together with the used injection charge. Nevertheless, the advantage remains that due to the multi-part structure with a proximal part, a distal part and an injection charge, the simplicity of adaptation to different primary packaging means and therefore the option of different applications is possible.

[0009] The screen advantageously enables the user of the injection device to avoid seeing the needle, thereby preventing the associated physical and / or psychological defensive reactions, which in turn increases compliance with use of the injection device.

[0010] Advantageously, the screen is also a puncture protection such that the needle remains not only visually but also tactilely hidden from the user while the injection device is in use, preventing unnecessary puncture injuries beyond the actual injection that is performed when using the injection device.

[0011] By screen is meant in particular a device or element constructed and arranged to hide the needle, in particular from view, but preferably also from unintentional contact by the user.

[0012] The fact that the injection needle is hidden from the user while the injection device is in use means that the injection needle is hidden from view and preferably from unwanted contact by the user, in particular while the injection is being performed, preferably while the injection loading portion is being loaded into the distal portion and during the injection, and particularly preferably also while the injection loading portion is being removed.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the screen does not prevent the user from observing the progress of the injection or the fill level of the primary packaging. In particular, an observation window is preferably formed in the peripheral wall of the distal part, through which the user can observe the progress of the injection and / or the fill level of the primary packaging means, in particular while the injection is being performed.

[0014] A medicinal substance will be understood to mean in particular a substance or mixture of substances which produces a medicinal or medical effect and / or is injected for medicinal and / or medical purposes. Such a medicinal substance may in particular have at least one active substance and / or auxiliary substance, in particular at least one drug.

[0015] Here and below, "proximal" refers in particular to a direction in the coordinate system of the injection device and / or injection loading part that is intended to face away from the injection site where an injection is made using the injection device. Correspondingly, "distal" refers to a direction in the coordinate system of the injection device and / or injection loading part that is intended to face the injection site. Correspondingly, the proximal part of the injection device faces away from the injection site during intended use, and the distal part faces the injection site during intended use.

[0016] The proximal part is in particular the rear end of the injection device. In particular, this can be the conventional rear end of an injection pen known per se.

[0017] The distal part is in particular the front end of the injection device.

[0018] The distal portion can be or is mechanically connectable to the proximal portion, and in a preferred embodiment, the distal portion can be integrally formed with the proximal portion.

[0019] The drive is preferably configured as a mechanical drive or an electrical drive. A mechanical drive is in particular a drive that can be operated manually by a user. The drive is preferably configured to perform the injection automatically, in particular as an electrical drive. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal part comprises a control device configured to control the drive to perform the injection.

[0020] The fact that the drive is configured to perform an injection means in particular that actuation of the drive can cause the release of a medicinal substance, thus triggering an injection.

[0021] The injection loading part is in particular insertable into and preferably removable from the distal part, the part which holds the primary packaging means, i.e. the medicinal substance. In particular, the injection loading part is preferably capable of being replaceably accommodated in the distal part.

[0022] The primary packaging means is in particular configured to hold the medicinal substance directly therein. In particular, the primary packaging means is preferably configured as a syringe or a cartridge. The primary packaging means preferably has an injection needle, which is in particular arranged at the distal end of the primary packaging means and which can in particular be connected to the primary packaging means in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

[0023] The distal part preferably has a well-defined direction of extension, the extension of which is greater than the extension in the two directions perpendicular to the well-defined direction of extension. This well-defined direction of extension is called the axial direction. Thus, the distal part is configured to be elongated in particular along the axial direction. The term "axial direction" refers in particular to this axial direction. The circumferential direction coaxially includes the axial direction. The radial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0024] The fact that the injection loading part is axially insertable into the distal part preferably means that the injection loading part can be axially inserted into the distal part, in particular at the front part, and preferably can be removed from the distal part as well.

[0025] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the drive of the proximal part is the only drive of the injection device. In particular, it is preferred that no further drives are provided, regardless of the possible purpose of this further drive. The drive of the proximal part preferably acts on the piston rod of the injection device in order to displace the piston rod axially, in particular to expel the medicinal substance from the injection charge, and to move the piston rod back in the opposite direction after the injection has been performed. The injection device is preferably configured in such a way that at least one other mechanical function of the injection device is performed by the displacement of the piston rod. In this way, the drive performs at least one additional function in addition to actually driving the injection. This results in a particularly economical and simple configuration of the injection device.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one further mechanical function is selected from the group consisting of: inserting an injection needle into the injection site below the screen, in particular locking the injection loader and / or the screen in an injection position to perform an injection or in a rest position to prevent unwanted injections, in particular unlocking the injection loader and / or the screen to allow the injection needle to be inserted into the injection site.

[0027] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the injection device is configured as a pen or automatic injector. In this way, the injection device is configured in a known manner from other conventional injection devices. Their operation is generally known. Therefore, the user does not have any major problems in using the injection device. In particular, the injection device is advantageously configured for self-injection of medicinal substances by the patient, so that a medical professional is not required to use the injection device.

[0028] On the one hand, the further developments and preferred configurations disclosed below independently of one another further refine the invention, on the other hand, they are preferably combined with one another to form a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0029] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the distal part is detachably connected to the proximal part. In this way, the distal part and the proximal part can advantageously be processed and operated independently of each other. In particular, in this way it is possible to provide an injection device for a conventional pen using a conventional rear end and to provide the injection device by connecting the essentially known rear end to the distal part configured according to the invention. In this case, the distal part can in particular be connected to the rear end instead of the cartridge, which is conventionally connected to the rear end. Naturally, however, it is also possible that the proximal part is specially configured and provided for the injection device according to the invention.

[0030] If the distal part is detachably connected to the proximal part, the proximal part can in particular be separated from the distal part. Such separation of the distal part from the proximal part can in particular be provided for introducing an injection load into the distal part and / or for maintenance or repair purposes.

[0031] The injection device preferably comprises a connection mechanism configured for detachably connecting the distal part to the proximal part. According to a preferred embodiment the connection mechanism may be configured as a plug-in / rotary connection, in particular as a bayonet lock.

[0032] However, it is alternatively possible for the distal part to be permanently connected to the proximal part, the term "permanently" meaning in particular that the distal part cannot be separated from the proximal part without being destroyed, or at least without the application of a force.

[0033] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the screen is fixedly provided or arranged on the distal part. In this case, the screen cannot be displaced relative to the distal part. The screen is preferably formed integrally with the distal part, preferably of the same material. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the screen is formed by the distal part. This means in particular that the distal part itself constitutes the screen, at least in certain areas. In a particularly simple and functionally reliable manner, the injection needle remains hidden from the user's view through the distal part, which preferably also prevents the user from accidentally touching the injection needle. The distal part also serves as a puncture protection.

[0034] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the proximal end face of the distal part has a loading opening through which the injection loading part can be inserted into the distal part. The loading opening is thus arranged and configured to allow the injection loading part to be inserted into the distal part. The injection loading part is inserted into the distal part from the side that is remote from the injection site during intended use. Similar to the conceptual description of a firearm, the injection device according to this embodiment is configured as a breech-loading type.

[0035] To allow the injection loader to be inserted into the distal portion, the distal portion is preferably detached from the proximal portion to provide access to the proximal end face of the distal portion, and therefore in this configuration the distal portion is preferably detachably connected to the proximal portion.

[0036] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that a spring device is arranged in the distal part, on which an injection loading part is placed, which, when arranged in the distal part, can be displaced in the distal part against its spring force in the distal direction in order to perform an injection. Thus, in order to perform an injection, the injection loading part is displaced in the distal part in the direction of the injection site relative to the distal part. In a preferred embodiment, in order to perform an injection, the distal end face of the distal part is placed on the patient's skin in the region of the injection site and the injection loading part is displaced in the distal part in the distal direction relative to the distal part, so that the injection needle pierces the patient's skin and the injection can be performed. The injection loading part is then pushed back again by the spring force of the spring device, so that the injection needle is also again completely arranged in the distal part. The distal part preferably serves as a screen and at the same time as a puncture protection.

[0037] The spring device is preferably supported by its distal end against a shoulder of the distal part, while the syringe loader abuts against a proximal end of the spring device. In a preferred embodiment, the spring device is configured as a spring, in particular as a helical spring.

[0038] The displacement of the syringe load in the distal part is preferably achieved by the piston rod of the proximal part, i.e. simultaneously by its drive.

[0039] In particular, the injection loading part is displaceable in the distal part between a protection position, in which the injection needle is completely disposed within the distal part, and an injection position, in which the injection needle projects beyond a distal end face of the distal part and an injection is performed. To perform an injection, the injection loading part is displaced axially from the protection position to the injection position against the spring force of the spring device. After the injection has been performed, in particular when the piston rod is retracted, the spring device pushes the injection loading part back from the injection position to the protection position.

[0040] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the injection device has a locking part that can be inserted into the distal part through a loading opening of the distal part and is configured to rest on a proximal contact surface of the injection loading part. The locking part has a base and at least one locking element pivotally connected on the base. The locking part can be displaced in the distal part between a first axial position, also called unlocked position, and a second axial position, also called locked position. In the first axial position, the locking part is arranged at a distance from a locking opening formed in the peripheral wall of the distal part. In the second axial position, the locking part is arranged at the height of the locking opening. When the locking part is arranged in the first axial position, the locking element is pivoted towards the base. When the locking part is arranged in the second axial position, the locking element can be pivoted out, in particular through the locking opening, in order to lock the axial displacement of the injection loading part relative to the distal part. This advantageously prevents the injection needle from penetrating too deeply into the patient's body, unless this has already been prevented by the spring device, in particular by the spring device moving against a limit stop, and on the other hand also prevents the injection charge from being pushed back too far in the direction of the protective position by the force of the spring device during injection, so that the injection needle does not penetrate deep enough into the patient's body or can completely slip out of the injection site. In this way, advantageously, the locking effected by the locking element preferably prevents axial displacement of the injection charge both in the distal and proximal directions while the injection is being performed. It is possible to match the locking element and the locking opening to one another so that there is a certain tolerance for the axial displacement of the injection charge in the distal part, where the locking opening provides a stop, in particular an axial stop, for the locking element both in the proximal and distal directions. The possible axial displacement of the injection charge during injection is thus limited by the locking opening.

[0041] At least one locking element is preferably L-shaped, in particular having two legs which are connected to one another and which are preferably made of one piece and / or of the same material, and which are preferably articulated on the base body of the locking part in the connection region of the two legs.

[0042] The locking part is preferably attached to the proximal part. Advantageously, when the distal part is separated from the proximal part, in particular for inserting the injection loading part into the distal part, the locking part cannot fall off. However, it is also possible for the locking part to exist as a separate element. In this case, in order to insert the injection loading part into the distal part, the locking part is preferably manually removed from the distal part, the injection loading part is inserted into the distal part and then the locking part is reinserted into the distal part also via the proximal loading opening.

[0043] The locking elements are preferably pivotally connected on the base body of the locking part. In a particularly preferred embodiment, there are two locking elements. The locking elements are preferably connected uniformly on the base body, i.e. at equal angular distances from each other when viewed in the circumferential direction. If two locking elements are provided, they are preferably diametrically opposed. The peripheral wall of the distal part preferably has at least as many, preferably exactly the same number of locking openings as the locking part has locking elements, and the positions of the locking openings when viewed in the circumferential direction preferably coincide with the positions of the locking elements, so that the locking elements can engage in the locking openings in the locked position. In a particularly preferred embodiment, two diametrically opposed locking openings are provided in the peripheral wall of the distal part.

[0044] According to a refinement of the invention, the locking part has an axial passage opening for the piston rod, the locking part being configured such that at least one locking element engages with the passage opening in a first axial position, such that the passage opening is locked for the piston rod and the locking part can be displaced by the piston rod, in particular together with the injection loading part, i.e. simultaneously with the primary packaging means, while in a second axial position the locking element does not lock the passage opening, such that the piston rod can pass through the passage opening and can be displaced relative to the locking part, in particular to displace the piston of the primary packaging means relative to the injection needle in the primary packaging means, so that the medicinal substance is released from the primary packaging means. In this way, the locking element provides a limit stop for the piston rod in the release position, such that the piston rod can displace both the locking part and the injection loading part in the distal direction until the locking part reaches the second axial position and thus the locked position. The locking element can then be pivoted out, in particular by the piston rod so that the locking element passes through the locking opening, and at the same time releases the passage opening so that the piston rod can move past the locking element and pass through the locking part and act on the piston of the primary packaging means. In particular, in the release position, the L-shaped locking element engages with the inner leg of its two legs at the passage opening, such that the piston rod abuts against the inner leg. When the locking part moves into the area of ​​the locking opening, the outer leg of the two legs can puncture the locking opening and the inner leg pivots out of the passage opening, thus freeing the passage of the piston rod through the passage opening. When the plunger rod is withdrawn from the passage opening after the injection is completed, the locking part is pushed proximally by the force of the spring device, allowing the locking element to pivot back to the base. After that, the locking element no longer reaches through the locking opening and the locking part can be displaced proximally together with the injection load.

[0045] Here we end up with an improved and preferred configuration which, when combined with one another, preferably forms the first embodiment.

[0046] Further developments and preferred configurations disclosed below further develop the invention independently of one another, whereas on the other hand they are preferably combined with one another to form a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0047] According to a further refinement of the invention, it is provided that the screen is displaceably held at the distal part. In particular, the screen is movable between a rest position and an exposed position. In the rest position, the injection needle is hidden unless an injection is being performed, whereas in the exposed position, the injection needle is exposed for injection. The screen can be moved in particular axially. The screen preferably has a radial projection on its outer circumferential surface, which, in its most exposed position, i.e. in the maximum possible displacement in the proximal direction, abuts against the distal end face of the distal part or against an adjustable limit stop. In this way, the displacement of the screen in the proximal direction is advantageously limited.

[0048] The screen is preferably preloaded to a rest position and is displaceable against the preload from the rest position to the exposed position. For this purpose, the distal part preferably comprises a preload device configured to preload the screen to the rest position. The preload device is preferably configured as a helical spring arranged in the distal part, which interacts with the screen and biases it to the rest position.

[0049] When the injection device is placed on the patient's body and pressed against the patient's body to perform an injection, the screen is preferably displaced to an exposed position. As the screen moves to the exposed position, the injection needle can pierce the patient's body. The part of the injection needle that is not piercing the patient's body is always covered by the screen, so that the injection needle always remains hidden from the user's view.

[0050] In a configuration of the injection device in which the screen is displaceably held in the distal part, it is possible, in particular, for the distal part to be permanently connected to the proximal part, as explained above in relation to the first embodiment, however, it is also possible, as also explained above, for the distal part to be detachable from the proximal part, in particular for repair or maintenance purposes.

[0051] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the distal end face of the distal part is provided with a loading opening through which the injection loading part can be inserted into the distal part. In this case, the injection loading part is inserted into the distal part from the side intended to face the injection site. In this respect, the injection device is configured as a kind of front-loading. In particular, it is preferred that the injection loading part is inserted into the distal part through a screen.

[0052] The injection charge can preferably be rotated, in particular screwed, into the distal part. For this purpose, the distal part on the one hand and the injection charge on the other hand each have a complementary thread. It is particularly preferred that at least one thread, in particular a right-hand thread, is formed on the distal part. In a particularly simple configuration, a thread projection is arranged on the injection charge, which is configured to closely interact with the thread and to be screwed into it. This makes it possible to particularly simplify the construction, since it is not necessary to form a separate thread on the injection charge. Two such threads are preferably arranged on the distal part, which correspondingly has two thread projections at the same time.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the injection charge can preferably be arranged in an axially fixed manner on the distal part. In this way, a safe and stable axial position for the injection charge on the distal part can be provided, the injection charge being held on the distal part and axially fixed thereto. In particular, at least one thread can have a partial thread that defines the axial position of the injection charge. Alternatively, the distal part and the injection charge can have a fixing mechanism, for example a bayonet lock.

[0054] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the distal part has a screen locking mechanism which is adapted to lock, preferably lock, the screen in the locked position against axial displacement, in particular against displacement between the rest position and the exposed position, and to allow displacement of the screen when in the released position. Advantageously, the screen locking mechanism can prevent the screen from being inadvertently moved to the exposed position, thus preventing exposure of the needle when no injection is being performed. Unintentional exposure of the needle, or even worse, unintentional needle pricks, can be prevented in a particularly safe manner.

[0055] The screen locking mechanism is preferably configured to unlock when the injection loading part is inserted, in particular when the injection loading part is rotated or screwed into the distal part. In particular, the screen locking mechanism is configured to unlock by inserting, in particular rotating or screwing, the injection loading part into the distal part. "Unlocked" means that the displacement of the screen from the rest position to the exposed position is permitted. Thus, in a simple manner and without any additional effort for the user, the intended insertion of the injection loading part into the distal part allows the corresponding displacement of the screen.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the screen locking mechanism is preferably configured to be locked by a piston rod assigned to the drive. In this way, the screen can advantageously be locked again automatically when or after the injection has been performed, without any further additional intervention by the user. The screen locking mechanism is preferably locked by an axial displacement of the piston rod in the distal direction, i.e. when the injection is performed. This approach very reliably prevents accidental punctures at the moment after the injection has been performed, when the user's attention is typically less than before the injection has been performed.

[0057] According to a further refinement of the invention, it is provided that the screen locking mechanism has a rotating disk arranged in the distal part so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the distal part between a locked position and a released position, the rotating disk having at least one recess passage, the rotating disk having at least one recess passage being constructed and arranged so that the locking projection of the screen can be displaced through the recess passage in the released position, the locking projection abutting the rotating disk in the locked position, in particular from the distal side. The rotating disk provides a simple and functionally reliable lock for the screen. When the rotating disk is arranged in the locked position, the recess passage is in particular turned away from the locking projection so that it cannot be pushed through the recess passage, and therefore abuts instead against the rotating disk so that the screen cannot be displaced from the rest position to the exposed position. On the other hand, in the released position, the rotating disk having at least one recess passage is pivoted to expose the displacement passage of the locking projection so that the locking projection can pass through the recess passage. The screen can then be displaced from the rest position to the exposed position, so that an injection can be performed.

[0058] The passage recess is preferably configured as an open-end recess in the rotating disc, in particular as a radially offset area on the outer periphery of the rotating disc.

[0059] The locking projection preferably has a beveled shape that is inclined downwards in the distal direction and is arranged on or is part of the spring tongue. This has the advantage that when the rotating disk is arranged in the locked position, the screen can also be returned from the exposed position to the rest position. For example, if the screen locking mechanism, in this case the rotating disk, is displaced from the release position to the locked position by the piston rod during its axial displacement, this usually occurs with the screen still arranged in the exposed position. In particular, when the injection device is subsequently removed from the patient's skin, the screen is biased to return from the exposed position to the rest position. The locking projection can then pivot radially outward against the preload force of the spring tongue of which it is part or of which it is arranged, and thus, due in particular to the configuration of its beveled shape, it can slide past the rotating disk, in particular the circumferential line of the rotating disk. Conversely, precisely due to the beveled or wedge-shaped design of the locking projection, it cannot slide past the rotating disk in the locked position when attempting to move the screen from the rest position to the exposed position. In particular, the ramp-shaped design of the locking protrusion on the spring tongue allows it to pass from the proximal side of the rotating disc to its distal side when the rotating disc is in the locked position, but not in the opposite direction.

[0060] At the distal part, at least two latch positions are preferably provided for the rotating disk, the rotating disk in particular engaging with one of the latch positions in the locked position and with the other of the latch positions in the released position and thus being held firmly with respect to its angular position.

[0061] According to a further refinement of the invention, it is provided that the rotating disk has at least one drive surface configured to interact with a driver of the injection loader such that the rotating disk rotates from a locked position to a released position when the injection loader is rotated, in particular screwed, into the distal part, which represents a simple and functionally reliable way of actuating the rotating disk by the injection loader when the injection loader is screwed.

[0062] At least one drive surface is preferably formed on a drive projection extending on the rotary disk and starting from an end face of the rotary disk in the axial direction, in particular in the distal direction. The driver is preferably configured in a complementary manner as a drive projection on the injection loading part, in particular on the functional sleeve, where the driver in particular starts from the distal end face of the injection loading part and extends in the proximal direction.

[0063] The drive surface and the driver preferably together form an articulating joint.

[0064] The rotating disk preferably has two drive surfaces, in particular two drive lugs, which are particularly preferably diametrically opposed to one another. Correspondingly, the injection loading part preferably has two drivers, each driver interacting with one drive surface of the rotating disk.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the rotating disc preferably has at least one outflow surface on which the actuating structure of the piston rod is movable, such that the rotating disc rotates from the released position to the locked position when the piston rod moves axially relative to the rotating disc in a particular direction, i.e. proximally or distally. In this way, the displacement of the rotating disc from the released position to the locked position can be actuated by the piston rod in a simple and functionally reliable manner.

[0066] The actuation structure is preferably configured as an actuator projection or pin that originates from the outer circumferential surface of the piston rod and extends radially outwardly.

[0067] The rotating disc preferably has two such outflow surfaces and the piston rod has two actuating structures, each of which interacts with one of the outflow surfaces. The outflow surfaces, and correspondingly the actuating structures, are preferably arranged diametrically opposite one another.

[0068] In particular, the at least one outflow surface is configured such that the rotating disc rotates when the piston rod with the actuation structure is axially displaced in the distal direction relative to the rotating disc, in particular when the actuation structure moves, in particular slides, in the distal direction along the outflow surface, which means that in particular when an injection is achieved by the piston rod and the medicinal substance is expelled from the injection load, the rotating disc preferably rotates from the released position to the locked position.

[0069] The passage window is preferably arranged circumferentially adjacent to at least one outflow surface. The actuating structure can pass through this passage window without displacing the rotary disk in the event of a reverse axial displacement of the piston rod. In particular, the actuating structure can pass through the passage window when the piston rod is axially displaced in the proximal direction relative to the rotary disk. Rotation of the rotary disk in the event of a reverse axial displacement of the piston rod, in particular a proximal displacement of the piston rod, is thus prevented. In particular, the functions of locking on the one hand and unlocking on the other hand are separated with respect to the rotary disk. When the injection charge is screwed in, the rotary disk is unlocked, i.e. rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the piston rod is axially displaced in a certain direction, in particular in the distal direction, relative to the rotary disk, the rotary disk is locked, i.e. rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0070] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the injection device, in particular the distal part, has an adjustable limit stop for the displaceable screen. The screen preferably abuts against the adjustable limit stop in the exposed position. The penetration depth of the injection needle into the patient's body can be advantageously adjusted, in particular predefined, by means of the adjustable limit stop. If the adjustable limit stop is configured such that the screen abuts against the adjustable limit stop in the exposed position, the position of the screen can be directly changed relative to the distal part during injection, which naturally changes the penetration depth of the injection needle.

[0071] Here we end up with an improved and preferred configuration which, when combined with one another, preferably forms the second embodiment.

[0072] This object is also achieved by creating an injection loading part that is configured for use with an injection device according to the invention or with an injection device according to any of the above embodiments. The injection loading part has a packaging means receiving part in which a primary packaging means is held, in which the medicinal substance is arranged. In particular, the injection loading part is configured to be accommodated in a distal part of the injection device. The advantages already described in the context of the injection loading part are achieved in particular with the injection device.

[0073] The injection loading portion is preferably configured in a manner already described, either explicitly or implicitly, in connection with the injection device.

[0074] According to a further refinement of the invention, it is provided that the package receiving part has a functional sleeve and a holding part, the primary package being received in the functional sleeve and the primary package being fastened and preferably fixed to the functional sleeve by the holding part. The functional sleeve is preferably configured to guide and hold the injection loading part in the distal part of the injection device. Alternatively or additionally, in particular in relation to the second embodiment, the functional sleeve is configured to unlock the screen lock mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the functional sleeve is preferably configured to expose the needle protection part for manual removal when the injection loading part is or is being placed in the distal part.

[0075] The fact that the primary packaging is received and fixed in the functional sleeve means in particular that the primary packaging is held in the functional sleeve, which in turn means in particular that the primary packaging means cannot fall out of the functional sleeve or be unintentionally released or separated from the functional sleeve.

[0076] The holding portion is preferably configured as a clamping ring, clip portion or clip ring which is clamped or clipped to the functional sleeve when the primary packaging means is placed in the functional sleeve in order to fasten, in particular fix, the primary packaging means to the functional sleeve.

[0077] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the injection loading part has a needle protection part which is removably connected to the functional sleeve and which hides the injection needle of the primary packaging means when the needle protection part is connected to the functional sleeve. This has the advantage that the injection needle is hidden even if the injection loading part is not arranged in the distal part of the injection device. In order to perform the injection, the needle protection part needs to be removed from the functional sleeve, in particular it needs to be pulled out from the functional sleeve.

[0078] The fact that the needle protection part is detachably connected to the functional sleeve means in particular that the needle protection part is directly connected to the functional sleeve and / or that the needle protection part is indirectly connected to the functional sleeve via the primary packaging means. Direct connection to the primary packaging means is also possible. However, the primary packaging means is then connected to the functional sleeve, so that the needle protection part is then also at least indirectly connected to the functional sleeve.

[0079] The fact that the needle guard hides the needle means in particular that it hides the needle optically and tactilely so that the user does not see it, and also prevents accidental puncture injuries due to contact with the needle, since the needle is visually and tactilely inaccessible when the needle guard is connected to the functional sleeve.

[0080] According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the needle protection part has an outer gripping sleeve and an elastic protective element arranged inside the gripping sleeve so as to be movable therewith. The injection needle is accommodated in the elastic protective element when the needle protection part is connected to the functional sleeve. The protective element can in particular be made of or consist of medical rubber or a similar material. The user can grip the needle protection part on the outer gripping sleeve and pull it out of the functional sleeve when it is desired to perform an injection. The needle protection part with the outer gripping sleeve preferably protrudes from the distal part, in particular protrudes beyond the screen, when the injection loading part is accommodated in the distal part, so that the user can easily grip the outer gripping sleeve of the needle protection part and pull the needle protection part out of the functional sleeve.

[0081] The fact that the elastic protective element is arranged in the gripping sleeve such that it can move together with the gripping sleeve means in particular that the elastic protective element is withdrawn from the injection needle when the outer gripping sleeve is withdrawn from the functional sleeve.

[0082] According to a further refinement of the invention, it is provided that the injection loading part has at least one driver configured to interact with a drive surface of the rotating disk of the screen locking mechanism such that the rotating disk rotates from its locked position to its released position when the injection loading part is inserted into the distal part. The driver preferably extends in the proximal direction and is configured as an axial protrusion on the injection loading part, in particular on the functional sleeve. The injection loading part preferably has two such drivers. These two drivers are preferably formed diametrically opposite each other on the injection loading part.

[0083] According to a refinement of the invention, it is preferably provided that the needle protection part is locked to the functional sleeve, in such a way that it can only be separated from the functional sleeve when the injection loading part is arranged on the distal part. Advantageously, the injection loading part is arranged outside the distal part, so that the needle protection part cannot be inadvertently separated from the functional sleeve, unless an injection is intended to be performed. In this way, puncture injuries to the user can be prevented in a particularly efficient way.

[0084] The fact that the needle protection is locked to the functional sleeve also means in a preferred embodiment that the needle protection is clamped to the functional sleeve. It is therefore not necessary at all for there to be a positive connection between the needle protection and the functional sleeve. It is nevertheless possible to provide such a positive connection.

[0085] The fact that the needle protection part can only be separated from the functional sleeve when the injection loading part is arranged in the distal part means, in particular, that the needle protection part, in its configuration, can only be separated from the functional sleeve in a non-destructive manner, in particular without the use of force.

[0086] The functional sleeve has at least one spring arm, preferably two spring arms, which are elastically preloaded radially outwardly, and at least one spring arm holds the needle protection part. The at least one spring arm is biased radially inwardly against its preload and thus releases the needle protection part when the injection loading part is placed in the distal part. In particular, the spring arm is then biased radially inwardly by the inner circumferential surface of the distal part.

[0087] At least one spring arm is preferably configured as a clamping arm or a locking arm.

[0088] At least one actuation lug is preferably disposed on the spring arms which then interacts with the distal portion such that, when the injection charge is disposed on the distal portion, the spring arms are biased radially inwardly against the preload. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0089] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a first embodiment of an injection device and a first embodiment of a syringe loading part for an injection device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection device with the loading part according to FIG. 1 in a first functional position. [Diagram 3] 2 shows the injection device and loading part according to FIG. 1 in a second functional position. [Figure 4] 2 shows the injection device and loading part according to FIG. 1 in a third functional position. [Diagram 5] 2 shows a second embodiment of an injection device and a second embodiment of an injection loading part. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of an injection device having an injection loading part according to FIG. 5; [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of an injection device having an injection loading part according to FIG. 5 in a first functional position. [Figure 8] 6 shows the injection device and injection loader according to FIG. 5 in a second functional position. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a further detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection device and the injection loading part according to FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the injection device and the injection loader according to FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0090] FIG. 1 shows a) a first embodiment of an injection device 1 and b) a first embodiment of an injection loading part 3 configured for use with the injection device 1 and in particular for use with the injection device 1.

[0091] The injection device 1 is configured for injecting a medicinal substance and has a proximal part 5, also called rear end. The proximal part 5 has a drive part 7 located inside and configured for realizing the injection. It is only shown here diagrammatically and is not particularly visible to the observer. The drive part 7 can for example have an electric motor acting on a piston rod (not shown in FIG. 1 ) for displacing the piston rod axially. The drive part 7 can be supplied with energy from an accumulator or a battery. The drive part 7 can be operatively connected to the piston rod via a gear.

[0092] The injection device 1 preferably also comprises a control unit, which is also not shown in Fig. 1 but is in particular arranged inside the proximal part 5. The control unit is configured to activate the drive unit 7. Generally, it is preferably configured to control the injection device 1 and to perform the injection. The control unit can be connected to at least one sensor in order to enable the injection to be performed depending on at least one parameter detected by the sensor.

[0093] The proximal part 5 in particular comprises an activation button 9 which is preferably operably connected to a control device and configured such that an injection can be started and / or ended by activating the activation button 9 .

[0094] Furthermore, the proximal part 5 preferably has a display device 11, in particular a display, which is also connected to the control device and is preferably configured to display instructions to the user, in particular step-by-step instructions, parameter values ​​and / or the course of the injection.

[0095] The proximal portion 5 may be configured as a conventional rear end of a conventional injection pen.

[0096] The injection device 1 also has a distal part 13, also called the front end, which is configured to receive the injection load 3. The distal part 13 is configured such that the injection load 3 can be axially inserted into the distal part 13.

[0097] The axial direction in this case is in particular the direction of greatest extension of the injection device 1, preferably also towards the distal part 13, in particular the direction of vertical extension in FIG. 1a). The circumferential direction coaxially includes the axial direction. The radial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0098] The injection device 1 also comprises a screen 15 which is constructed and arranged such that the injection needle (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of the injection loading part 3 is hidden from the user when the injection device 1 is in use, thereby making the injection, in particular psychologically, more pleasant. At the same time, puncture protection is preferably provided by the screen 15, which prevents the user from inadvertently hurting himself with the injection needle.

[0099] The term "distal" in this case refers to the direction on the injection device 1 that is intended to face the injection site, in particular the patient's skin, i.e. in FIG. 1a), in particular the lower end. The term "proximal" on the other hand refers to the direction on the injection device 1 that is away from the injection site, in FIG. 1a), thus in particular the upper end of the injection device 1.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the distal part 13 is detachably connected to the proximal part 5. For this purpose, a connection mechanism is particularly provided which can be configured, for example, as a bayonet lock.

[0101] The injection device 1 preferably has as the only drive the drive 7. The injection device 1 is preferably configured in such a way that at least one other mechanical function of the injection device is performed by displacement of the piston rod, in particular by the piercing action of the injection needle under the screen 15 and / or by locking and / or unlocking of the injection loader 3 and / or the screen 15.

[0102] The injection device 1 is preferably configured as a pen or an autoinjector.

[0103] The injection loading part 3 has a packaging means receiving part 17 in which a primary packaging means, hidden in FIG. 1b), is held. A medicinal substance for injection is placed in the primary packaging means. When the injection loading part 3 is placed in the distal part 13, the medicinal substance can be injected from the injection loading part 3.

[0104] The packaging receiving part 17 preferably has a functional sleeve 19 in which the primary packaging is received. In addition, the packaging receiving part 17 has a holding part, not shown in FIG. 1, by means of which the primary packaging is clamped, in particular fixed, to the functional sleeve 19.

[0105] The injection loading part 3 comprises a needle guard 21 which is detachably connected to the functional sleeve 19 and which, when the needle guard 21 is connected to the functional sleeve 19, hides the injection needle of the primary packaging means.

[0106] FIG. 2 is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an injection device 1 with a first embodiment of an injection loading part 3 according to FIG. 1, which is accommodated in a distal part 13 .

[0107] Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference signs, and reference is made in this respect to the preceding description.

[0108] In the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 one can see the primary packaging means 23 housed in the functional sleeve 19, which is configured in particular as a syringe or cartridge. The primary packaging 23 has an injection needle 25, which in this case is fixed to a wrapper 26 of the primary packaging 23, in particular glued to the distal end of the wrapper 26. A medicinal substance (not shown) is arranged in the primary packaging means 23, as is a stopper or plunger 27 which can be axially displaced in the primary packaging means 23. When displaced, the medicinal substance can be released from the primary packaging means 23 in a manner known per se.

[0109] In this case, connected to the functional sleeve 19 is a holding part 29 which holds the primary packaging means 23 firmly and stably in the functional sleeve 19. The holding part 29 is preferably configured as a clamping ring, as a clip part or as a clip ring.

[0110] The needle guard 21 comprises an outer gripping sleeve 31 and an elastic protective element 33, preferably made of medical rubber, arranged in the gripping sleeve 31 so as to be movable together with the gripping sleeve 31. The injection needle 25 is accommodated in the elastic protective element 33 when the needle guard 21 is connected to the functional sleeve 19. The user can grasp the needle guard 21 on the outer gripping sleeve 31 and pull the needle guard 21 out of the functional sleeve 19. At the same time, the elastic protective element 33 is moved together with the needle guard 21 and is pulled out of the injection needle 25. As a result, the injection needle 25 is exposed so that an injection can be made. The gripping sleeve 31 projects, in particular in the distal direction, beyond the distal end face 35 of the distal part 13, so that the gripping sleeve 31 can be easily grasped and pulled out by the user. Even after the gripping sleeve 31 and the elastic protective element 33 have been withdrawn, the injection needle 25 is at least initially still located within the screen 15 and is therefore both visually and preferably tactilely hidden from the user.

[0111] In the first embodiment, the screen 15 is rigid on the distal part 13. In particular, the screen 15 is formed by the distal part 13. The screen 15 is in this case in particular part of the peripheral wall 61 of the distal part 13.

[0112] The proximal end face 37 of the distal part 13 has a loading opening 39 through which the injection loading part 3 can be inserted into the distal part 13. For this purpose, the user can first detach the distal part 13 from the proximal part 5 and then insert the injection loading part 3 into the distal part 13. The distal part 13 can then be reconnected to the proximal part 5.

[0113] As can be seen in FIG. 2, a piston rod 41 of the proximal part 5 , which when connected to the proximal part 5 can be axially displaced by the drive part 7 , also projects through the loading opening 39 into the distal part 13 .

[0114] The spring device 43 is arranged in the distal part 13 and is preferably configured in this case as a helical spring. The injection charge 3 is supported by a flange 44 at the proximal end of the spring device 43. The spring device 43 is then supported by its distal end on a shoulder 45 of the distal part 13. The injection charge 3 is shown in FIG. 2 in a protective position. In the protective position, the injection needle 25 is arranged completely in the distal part 13 and thus in particular in the screen 15. The injection charge 3 can be displaced in the distal part 13 against the spring force of the spring device 43 in the distal direction into an injection position. In the injection position, the injection needle 25 partially projects from the distal part 13, in particular beyond the distal end face 35. In this injection position, an injection can be performed. The displacement of the injection charge 3 in the distal part 13 is brought about by a piston rod 41, as will be explained below.

[0115] The injection device 1 has a locking portion 47 which can be inserted into the distal part 13 through the loading opening 39. The locking portion 47 is configured to rest on a proximal contact surface 49 of the injection loading part 3. The locking portion 47 has a base 51 and at least one locking element 53 pivotally coupled to the base 51, in the embodiment shown here two diametrically opposed locking elements 53 pivotally coupled to the base 51. The function of the locking portion 47 in relation to the performance of an injection will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0116] The locking part 47 can be attached to the proximal part 5 so that it can move with the proximal part 5, and at the same time can be displaceable relative to the proximal part 5 so that the piston rod 41 can be displaced relative to the locking part 47 at the same time. This configuration has the advantage that the locking part 47 is easy to handle and cannot be lost. However, alternatively, the locking part 47 can also be configured as a separate element that is inserted through the loading opening 39, in particular after the injection loading part 3 has been inserted into the distal part 13. The locking part 47 can then be removed again from the distal part 13 via the loading opening 39 in order to remove the injection loading part 3 after the injection has been performed.

[0117] The locking element 53 is L-shaped and has an inner leg 55 and an outer leg 57, and the locking element 53 is pivotally connected on the base body 51 in the region of the connection or intersection between the inner leg 55 and the outer leg 57. The inner leg 55 and the outer leg 57 are preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0118] The distal part 13 has at least one locking opening 59, in this case in particular two locking openings 59 diametrically opposite one another, which are configured in particular as windows in a peripheral wall 61 of the distal part 13. One of the locking openings 59 is also shown in FIG. 1 a).

[0119] 2, the locking portion 47 is shown in a first axial position within the distal portion 13, also referred to as the unlocked position, in which the locking portion 47 is axially spaced from the locking opening 59. In this first axial position and the unlocked position, the locking element 53 pivots towards the base 51.

[0120] The locking part 47 has an axial passage opening 63 for the piston rod 41. The passage opening 63 pierces the base body 51 such that the piston rod 41 can pierce the base body 51 through the passage opening 63 at least in the functional position of the locking part 47.

[0121] In the first axial position shown in FIG. 2, i.e. the release position, the passage opening 63 is locked for the piston rod 41, in this case by the inner leg 55 of the locking element 53 engaging in the passage opening 63.

[0122] The locking part 47 can therefore be displaced together with the injection loading part 3 by the piston rod 41 and is carried by the piston rod 41 when it is displaced in the distal direction. At the same time, the primary packaging means 23 with the injection needle 25 is also displaced in the distal direction.

[0123] FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the injection device 1 with the injection loading part 3, with the needle guard 21 removed, in the functional position, with the locking part 47 displaced by the piston rod 41 from the first axial position in the direction of a second axial position, which is also called the locked position. In FIG. 3, however, the locking part 47 has not yet reached the second axial position. However, it can be seen that the injection needle 25 already projects beyond the screen 15, in particular beyond the distal end face 35, and the spring device 43 is compressed in comparison with FIG. 2. During the axial displacement of the locking part 47, the locking elements 53 move into the area of ​​the locking opening 59. As shown in FIG. 3, they can be pivoted radially outwards in this area.

[0124] 4 shows the first embodiment of the injection device 3, in which the injection loading part 3 is in a further functional position, in particular in this case in the second axial position of the locking part 47, i.e. in the locked position, the injection loading part 3 is now simultaneously arranged in the injection position. In the second axial position of the locking part 47, the locking element 53 pivots out at the position of the locking opening 59 and passes through the locking opening 59, in particular with its outer leg 57. At the same time, the locking element 53 opens the passage opening 63 for the passage of the piston rod 41, in particular by pivoting the inner leg 55 out of the passage opening 63 at least a sufficient distance for the piston rod 41 to pass between the inner legs 55. In this way, the piston rod 41 can also pass through the passage opening 63 and be displaced relative to the locking part 47. With the axial position of the injection loading part 3 fixed relative to the distal part 13, the piston rod 41 can now displace the piston 27 distally within and relative to the primary packaging means 23, thus expelling the medicinal substance from the primary packaging means 23. In this way, an injection is performed at the injection position of the injection loading part 3.

[0125] On the one hand, the axial displacement of the injection loading part 3 relative to the distal part 13, if the further distal displacement of the injection loading part 3 has not already been limited by the spring device 43 having reached its maximum travel, is locked or at least limited in both the distal and proximal direction by the locking element 53 extending through the locking opening 59, so that when friction is reduced by the sliding of the plunger 27 in the primary packaging means 23, the injection loading part 3 cannot be pulled back in the distal part 13 against the spring force of the spring device 43 and thus may be pulled back out of the patient's skin. The exact position of the locking element 53 in the locking opening 59 in the axial direction is determined in particular depending on the sliding friction of the piston 27 in the primary packaging means 23 on the one hand and on the other hand depending on the restoring force of the spring device 43 during injection.

[0126] In particular, if, after completion of the injection, the piston rod 41 is pulled back in the proximal direction, so as to disengage from the locking element 53, the injection loader 3 together with the locking element 47 is forced in the proximal direction by the force of the spring device 43. The locking element 53 now pivots back into the base 51 and the injection loader 3 is displaced back by the spring device 43 into its protective position.

[0127] FIG. 5 shows a) a second embodiment of an injection device 1 and b) a second embodiment of an injection loading part 3 that is configured to be used together with the injection device 1, in particular in an injection device 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0128] In this second embodiment of the injection device 1, the screen 15 is held in a displaceable manner, in particular in an axially displaceable manner, in particular between a rest position and an exposed position, on the distal part 13. The screen 15 is in the rest position in FIG.

[0129] In this second embodiment of the injection device 1, the distal part 13 is preferably non-removably connected to the proximal part 5. However, embodiments are also possible in which the distal part 13 is detachably connected to the proximal part 5, e.g. for maintenance or repair purposes.

[0130] According to the second embodiment, the injection loading part 3 also has, like the first embodiment, a packaging receiving part 17 with a functional sleeve 19 and a retaining part 29. The retaining part 29 is configured in this case as a clip ring and has in particular clip projections which engage in clip recesses 65 (only one of which is shown in this case, since only one of them is visible to the observer) of the functional sleeve 19. The primary packaging means 23 is arranged in the functional sleeve 19 of the packaging means receiving part 17 and is fixed there by the retaining part 29.

[0131] The injection loading part 3 according to the second embodiment has at least one driver 67, in this case two diametrically opposed drivers 67, the function of which is explained below. The driver 67 is configured in particular as a proximal protrusion of the functional sleeve 19.

[0132] In the second embodiment, when the injection loading part 3 is arranged in the distal part 13, the needle protection part 21 is preferably locked to the functional sleeve 19 in such a way that the needle protection part 21 can only be separated from the functional sleeve 19 without destroying the functional sleeve 19. For this purpose, the functional sleeve 19 in this case has in particular at least one (in this case two) spring arms 69, which are elastically preloaded radially outwards so that the needle protection part 21 remains locked. An actuation lug 71 is arranged on each spring arm 69. When the injection loading part 3 is inserted in the distal part 13, the actuation lug 71 is pressed radially inwards by the peripheral wall 61 of the distal part 13, and the spring arms 69 release the needle protection part 21 so that it can be pulled out of the functional sleeve 19.

[0133] Returning to FIG. 5a), an observation window 73 is preferably formed in the peripheral wall 61 of the distal part 13, through which the user can observe the progress of the injection and / or the filling level of the primary packaging means 23, in particular while the injection is being performed.

[0134] FIG. 6 shows a detailed longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the injection device 3 with the injection loading part 3 housed in the distal part 13 .

[0135] The view according to Fig. 6 shows that the screen 15 is preloaded in a rest position by a preload device 75. The preload device 75 is arranged in particular in the distal part 13 and is preferably configured as a helical spring. The screen 15 can be displaced axially and proximally against the preload of the preload device 75 from the rest position to the exposed position.

[0136] FIG. 6 also shows that the injection device 1 preferably has an adjustable limit stop 77 for the movable screen 15. The screen 15 preferably abuts against the adjustable limit stop 77 in the exposed position. In particular, the distal part 13 has on its outer periphery a stop sleeve 79, which has the limit stop 77, in particular as an inner radial projection, in particular as an inner annular collar 78, or as an outer annular collar, or simply as a distal end face 80, and the screen 15 abuts against the limit stop 77 by means of its radially outer annular collar in the exposed position. The limit stop 77 does not have to have a flat shape, in particular it can also provide at least one stop point. The axial position of the stop sleeve 79 relative to the sleeve body 81 of the distal part 13 can be changed, so that the axial position of the limit stop 77 can be changed at the same time. For this purpose, the stop sleeve 79 on the one hand and the sleeve body 81 on the other hand preferably have complementary meshing threads, in particular it is preferred that the sleeve body 81 has an external thread and the stop sleeve 79 has a corresponding internal thread. The threaded portions preferably form a detent thread with respect to one another such that movement of the stop sleeve 79 changes the position of the screen 15 relative to the distal portion 13 in the exposed position during injection, and thus changes the depth of penetration of the needle 25 into the patient's body.

[0137] In a second embodiment of the injection device 1, the distal end face 35 of the distal part 13 has a loading opening 39 through which the injection loading part 3 can be inserted into the distal part 13. In particular, the distal end face 83 of the screen 15 has a corresponding screen loading opening 85 through which the injection loading part 3 can be inserted inside the distal part 13. In this way, the injection loading part 3 is inserted into the distal part 13, in particular through the screen 15. In this case, the injection loading part 3 can preferably be rotated, in particular screwed, into the distal part 13. For this purpose, the distal part 13 preferably has thread means, in particular at least one thread 87, and the injection loading part 3 preferably engages with at least one thread projection, preferably two thread projections (one on each side), such that the injection loading part 3 can be screwed into the at least one thread 87.

[0138] The injection loading part 3 can preferably be arranged in an axially fixed manner on the distal part 13. To this end, at least one screw thread 87 can in particular have an incomplete thread.

[0139] The distal part 13 has a screen locking mechanism 89 which, in its locked position, is arranged to lock the screen 15, i.e. to lock it against an axial displacement between a rest position and an exposed position, and in its released position, is arranged to allow this displacement. The screen locking mechanism 89 is preferably arranged to be unlocked during the insertion, in particular rotation or screwing, of the injection loader 3 into the distal part 13, and to be locked by the piston rod 41, in particular during its axial displacement in the distal direction. For this purpose, the screen displacement mechanism 89 preferably has a rotating disc 91 which is arranged on the distal part 13 so as to be rotatable between a locked position and a released position about the longitudinal axis of the distal part 13, which is vertical in FIG. 6. In the released position, a locking projection 93 of the screen 15 can be displaced from the distal side of the rotating disc 91 to its proximal side, and in the locked position the locking projection 93 abuts against the distal side of the rotating disc 91. The displacement of the screen 15 to the exposed position is then locked.

[0140] FIG. 7 shows a more detailed longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the injection device 1, with the injection loading part 3 in a first functional position, in this case in particular in the release position of the screen locking mechanism 89. By rotating or screwing the injection loading part 3 into the distal part 13, the rotating disc 91 is rotated into the release position and the screen 15 is displaced by its locking projection 93 proximally against the preload force of the preloading device 75 into an exposed position. Compared to FIG. 6, the locking projection 93 is now no longer arranged distally of the rotating disc 91, but rather on its proximal side. In this way, the injection needle 25 is uncovered and can be injected by displacing the piston rod 41 distally. It should be noted that in the second embodiment, the injection loading part 3 is not displaced axially to perform the injection.

[0141] Figure 8 shows a view of a second embodiment of the injection device 1, corresponding to the view of figure 7, with the injection load 3 in the second functional position. The drawing shows that, when the piston rod 41 is axially displaced to perform an injection, the rotating disc 91 is rotated by the piston rod 41 into the locked position. That is, the piston rod 41 has an actuating structure 95, in this case in the form of two actuator pins 97, which rotates the rotating disc 91 towards its locked position when the actuating structure 95 comes from the proximal to the distal direction and passes the rotating disc.

[0142] On the other hand, when the piston rod 41, in particular the actuation structure 95, is returned from the distal side to the proximal side of the rotating disc 91, there is no further rotation of the rotating disc 91. After the injection is finished, the needle guard 15 can still return from the exposed position to its rest position driven by the preload force of the preload device 75, since the locking protrusion 93 is arranged on the spring tongue 94 and configured in the form of a ramp, thus the locking protrusion 93 is deflected radially outward when it comes into contact with the rotating disc 91, so that the rotating disc 91 can pass from the proximal direction to the distal side.

[0143] Fig. 9 shows a more detailed view of a second embodiment of the injection device 1, with an injection loading part 3. This figure makes it clear that the rotating disk 91 preferably has at least one drive surface 99, in particular two drive surfaces 99 diametrically opposite each other, which are configured to cooperate with one of the drivers 67 of the injection loading part 3, such that the rotating disk 91 rotates from a locked position to a released position when the injection loading part 3 is screwed into the distal part 13. The drive surface 99 is in particular arranged on a drive lug extending distally on the rotating disk 91. In particular, the driver 67 and the drive surface 99 preferably cooperate in the manner of an interlocking joint.

[0144] FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an injection device 1, having an injection loader 3, which in this case is located directly above, i.e. proximal to, the rotating disc 91.

[0145] It becomes clear in this figure that the rotating disc 91 has at least one recess passage 101, in this case in particular two diametrically opposed recess passages 101, through which the locking projections 93, in this case two diametrically opposed locking projections 93, of the screen 15 can be displaced in the release position shown in Figure 10. The recess passages 101 are configured in particular as radial, open-ended cutouts.

[0146] In addition, it is clear from the view in Fig. 10 that the rotating disc 91 preferably has at least one outflow surface 103, in this case in particular two, preferably diametrically opposed outflow surfaces 103, from which the actuating structure 95, in particular the actuator pin 97 of the piston rod 41, can move when the piston rod 41 is displaced in the distal direction. When the piston rod 41 is axially displaced in the distal direction relative to the rotating disc 91, in particular when the actuating structure 95, in particular the actuator pin 97, passes the rotating disc coming in the proximal to distal direction, the rotating disc 91 rotates from the released position to the locked position.

[0147] In this case, the injection loading part 3 is preferably also reversed by a corresponding angle of the incomplete thread. However, the incomplete thread configuration of the at least one thread 87 preferably results in no or only a small axial displacement of the injection loading part 3 relative to the distal part 13. The primary packaging means 23 is preferably accommodated in the functional sleeve 19 in a freely rotatable manner, so that rotation of the injection needle 25 inside the patient's body is preferably avoided at least to a large extent.

[0148] Adjacent to the circumferential outflow surface 103, a passage window 105 is formed, through which the actuation structure 95 can be displaced from the distal side back to the proximal side when the piston rod 41 is retracted, preferably without contacting the rotating disc 91. That is, after an injection has been performed, the rotating disc 91 does not rotate when the piston rod 41 is retracted in the proximal direction.

[0149] Figure 10 also shows that the rotating disc 91 preferably has latch lugs 107 which can be latched in corresponding latch recesses 109, 111 in the peripheral wall 61 of the distal part 13, on the one hand in a released position and on the other hand in a locked position. The first latch recess 109 is functionally assigned to the released position shown in Figure 10. The second locking recess 111 is functionally assigned to the locked position. In particular, the latch recess 109, and the latching of the latch lugs 107 therein, also function to provide the user with mechanical / tactile (and possibly also acoustic) feedback that the injection loading part 3 is fully positioned in the distal part 13, i.e. ready for injection.

[0150] Thus, when viewed from the direction of the observer in FIG. 10, it is also clear that the rotating disc 13 rotates counterclockwise from the locked position to the released position when the injection loading portion 3 is screwed in, whereas it rotates clockwise from the released position to the locked position when the actuating structure 95 is moved away from the outflow face 103.

Claims

1. An injection device (1) for injecting a medicinal substance, comprising: a proximal part (5) having a drive part (7) for performing the injection; a distal portion (13) configured to receive an injection loading portion (3), the injection loading portion (3) having a packaging means receiving portion (17) and a primary packaging means (23) held in the packaging means receiving portion (17) and receiving a medicinal substance therein, the medicinal substance being injectable from the injection loading portion (3) when the injection loading portion (3) is placed in the distal portion (13); The distal portion (13) is configured so that the injection loading portion (3) can be axially inserted into the distal portion (13); The injection device (1) has a screen (15) constructed and arranged such that an injection needle (25) of the injection loading portion (3) is hidden from a user during use of the injection device (1).

2. 2. The injection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the injection device (1) has the drive part (7) of the proximal part (5) as the only drive part (7), which act in particular on a piston rod (41) to displace the piston rod (41) axially, and wherein the injection device (1) is preferably configured such that at least one other mechanical function of the injection device (1) is further realized by the displacement of the piston rod (41).

3. 3. The injection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the injection device (1) is configured as a pen or an automatic injector.

4. An injection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distal part (13) is detachably connected to the proximal part (5).

5. An injection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen (15) is fixed on and preferably formed by the distal part (13).

6. An injection device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the proximal end face (37) of the distal portion (13) has a loading opening (39) through which the injection loading portion (3) is insertable into the distal portion (13).

7. An injection device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a spring device (43) is arranged in the distal portion (13), the injection loading portion (3) is placed on the spring device (43), and when the injection loading portion (3) is arranged in the distal portion (13), the injection loading portion (3) can be displaced in the distal direction in the distal portion (13) against the spring force of the spring device (43) to perform an injection.

8. 8. The injection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a locking portion (47) insertable into the distal part (13) through a loading opening (39) and configured to contact a proximal contact surface (49) of the injection loading part (3), the locking portion (47) comprising a base (51) and at least one locking element (53) pivotably coupled on the base (51) and pivoting into the base (51) at a first axial position in the distal part (13) away from a locking opening (59) formed in a peripheral wall (61) of the distal part (13), the locking element (53) pivoting out at a second axial position in the distal part (13) at the position of the locking opening (59) and configured to pass through the locking opening (59) to lock the axial displacement of the injection loading part (3).

9. 9. The injection device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the locking part (47) has an axial passage opening (63) for a piston rod (41) assigned to the drive part (7), and wherein the at least one locking element (53) engages with the passage opening (63) in the first axial position such that the passage opening (63) is locked for the piston rod (41) and the locking part (47) can be displaced by the piston rod (41), and wherein the locking element (53) opens the passage opening (63) in the second axial position such that the piston rod (41) can pass through the passage opening (63) and be displaced relative to the locking part (47).

10. An injection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen (15) is displaceably held on the distal part (13).

11. An injection device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the distal end face (35) of the distal portion (13) has a loading opening (39) through which the injection loading portion (3) is insertable into the distal portion (13), the injection loading portion (3) being preferably screwable into the distal portion (13) and / or the injection loading portion (3) being arranged to be axially fixed to the distal portion (13).

12. 12. An injection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the distal part (13) has a screen locking mechanism (89) configured to lock the screen (15) in a locked position and to release the screen (15) in an released position, the screen locking mechanism (89) being preferably configured to be unlocked when the injection loading part (3) is inserted into the distal part (13) and to be locked by a piston rod (41) assigned to the drive part (7).

13. 13. The injection device (1) of claim 12, wherein the screen lock mechanism (89) comprises a rotating disk (91) arranged on the distal portion (13) so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the distal portion (13) between the locked position and the released position, the rotating disk (91) having at least one recessed passage (101) through which a locking projection (93) of the screen (15) can be displaced to the released position, the locking projection (93) abutting against the rotating disk (91) in the locked position.

14. The rotating disk (91) a) at least one drive surface (99) configured to cooperate with a driver (67) of the injection loading portion (3) such that, when the injection loading portion (3) is screwed onto the distal portion (13), the rotating disk (91) rotates from the locked position to the released position; and / or b) the actuating structure (95) of the piston rod (41) has at least one outflow surface (103) on which it can move, such that, upon axial displacement of the piston rod (41) in a particular direction, the rotating disc (91) rotates from the release position to the locking position.

15. 15. An injection device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the injection device (1) has an adjustable limit stop (77) for a displaceable screen (15), the screen (15) preferably abutting against the adjustable limit stop (77) in an exposed position in which an injection can be performed.

16. An injection loading part (3) for use in an injection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: An injection loading section (3) having a packaging means receiving section (17) in which a primary packaging means (23) is held, and in which a medicinal substance is disposed.

17. The injection loading unit (3) of claim 16, wherein the packaging means receiving portion (17) has a functional sleeve (19) and a holding portion (29), the primary packaging means (23) is accommodated within the functional sleeve (19), and the primary packaging means (23) is fixed within the functional sleeve (19) by the holding portion (29).

18. The injection loading unit (3) according to claim 16 or 17, comprising a needle protection portion (21) which is detachably connected to the functional sleeve (19) and which hides the injection needle (25) of the primary packaging means (23) when the needle protection portion (21) is connected to the functional sleeve (19).

19. The injection loading unit (3) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the needle protection unit (21) has an outer gripping sleeve (31) and an elastic protective element (33) arranged within the gripping sleeve (31) to enable it to move together with the gripping sleeve (31), and when the needle protection unit (21) is connected to the functional sleeve (19), the injection needle (25) is housed within the elastic protective element (33).

20. The injection loading portion (3) according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the injection loading portion (3) has at least one driver (67) configured to cooperate with at least one drive surface (99) of the rotating disc (91) of the distal portion (13) such that, when the injection loading portion (3) is screwed onto the distal portion (13), the rotating disc (91) is rotated from the locked position to the released position.

21. The injection loading portion (3) according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the needle protection portion (21) is locked onto the functional sleeve (19) such that the needle protection portion (21) can be separated from the functional sleeve (19) when the injection loading portion (3) is positioned on the distal portion (13).

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