Mechanical Connectors for Infusion Devices

Abstract

Mechanical connector for an injection device. The present disclosure relates to a connector (100) for establishing a mechanical connection between a first injection device (1) and a second injection device (11), where the first injection device (1) and the second injection device (11) comprise a housing (20) of elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction (z), and the connector (100) comprises: - a body (101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601), - a first connection part (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) connectable to the first injection device (1) or integrated in the first injection device (1), - a second connection part (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) releasably connectable to the second injection device (2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of injection devices, in particular handheld injection devices such as injection pens. In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector for establishing a mechanical connection between a first injection device and a second injection device. In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to an injection device comprising a connector for establishing a mechanical connection with another injection device. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a kit including a first injection device and a second injection device, further including a connector for interconnecting the first injection device and the second injection device. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of interconnecting the first injection device and the second injection device by using a connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Drug delivery devices that allow for the dispensing of multiple doses of a required dose of a liquid medicine and administer such a medicine to a patient are well known per se in the prior art. In general, such devices have a purpose substantially similar to that of a normal syringe. Typically, the medicine to be administered is provided in a cartridge having a movable piston or bung that mechanically interacts with a piston rod of a drive mechanism of the drug delivery device. By applying a thrust force to the piston, a specific predefined amount of the medicine fluid is expelled from the cartridge.

[0003] Some injection devices are realized or provided as pre-filled injection devices, which may have to be stored in refrigerated areas. Injection devices, such as handheld pen injectors, may be realized or manufactured as disposable devices intended to be discarded after use. To that extent, patients who use such injection devices regularly and who store a large number of injection devices need to be provided with sufficient refrigerated storage space. Furthermore, the transportation and storage of a large number of individual injection devices in the product chain, from the manufacture of such injection devices to commercial distribution, also requires intelligent and space-saving packaging of such injection devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Providing and operating a sizable refrigerated storage space can be quite energy intensive. It is therefore desirable to optimize the storage space for housing or storing injection devices, such as pen injectors. It is a specific object of the present disclosure to reduce the storage space required to store a given number of injection devices. Furthermore, it is intended to reduce materials and costs for packaging the injection devices. It is therefore intended to provide a new approach on how to store and / or commercially distribute a large number of injection devices in a relatively practical, intuitive, and storage space saving manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector for establishing a mechanical connection between a first injection device and a second injection device, where the first injection device and the second injection device each include a housing of elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction, which may also be denoted as an axial direction, may define a longitudinal distal direction and an opposing longitudinal proximal direction. The injection devices may include a dispensing end facing in a distal direction. Some injection devices may include a dose button and / or a trigger button at or near their opposing proximal ends.

[0006] In some examples, at least one of the first injection device and the second injection device is embodied as a pen-type injection device. In further examples, the first injection device and the second injection device are both embodied as pen-type injection devices, e.g., of equal or substantially equal dimensions or sizes.

[0007] The connector comprises a body. The connector and / or the body comprises a first connection part connectable to or integrated into the first injection device. The connector further comprises a second connection part removably connectable to the second injection device. In some examples, the first connection part is operable and configured to mechanically connect the connector body to the first injection device, typically to a housing component of the first injection device. The second connection part, which may be fastened to or integrated into the body, may provide a removable connection and thus a removably mechanical connection to the second injection device. In this way, the connector may be used to connect the first injection device and the second injection device to each other.

[0008] Similarly, a further connector can be used to further connect the second injection device to a third injection device, a third connector can be used to connect the third injection device to a fourth injection device, etc. In this manner, the connector and / or several connectors can provide a mechanical, releasable interconnection of multiple individual injection devices with each other, thus facilitating the overall handling and packaging of a respective number of injection devices.

[0009] In this way, packaging material for individually wrapping or packaging the first and / or second injection device may be redundant. Furthermore, by virtue of the connector, the first and second injection devices may be arranged in a relatively large storage space, where the individual first, second and some optional further injection devices are mutually held in a relatively stable position or orientation relative to each other. Now, it is no longer necessary to arrange the individual devices individually in separate packages.

[0010] Therefore, the interconnected first and second and optional further injection devices can be essentially protected from damage caused by uncontrolled rolling of the injection devices which may occur if multiple injection devices collide with each other when loosely arranged in a relatively large storage space.

[0011] By fastening the first and second injection devices together, a kit or array of injection devices may be provided that is dimensionally stable and can be easily arranged in a relatively large package or storage space. Any mechanical shocks applied to the storage space, e.g., to the outer packaging, during storage and / or transportation may be transmitted to the entire arrangement of injection devices, but will not cause relative movement between the injection devices. Fastening the individual injection devices together can effectively prevent the injection devices from colliding with each other or rolling uncontrollably around within the relatively large storage space or package.

[0012] Furthermore, by directly interconnecting the first and second injection devices using connectors, the total volume occupied by the first and second injection devices can be reduced compared to a solution in which the first injection device is placed in a first package and the second injection device is placed in a second package. To that extent, the total storage space required to store the number of respective injection devices can be reduced and minimized compared to a solution in which the first injection device is placed in a first package and the second injection device is placed in a second package using one or more connectors to interconnect the first, second and optionally third or fourth injection devices.

[0013] Furthermore, by interconnecting the first and second injection devices in a releasable or removable manner, the storage space as well as the packaging material required for packaging the injection devices can be reduced. To that extent, the connector allows an environmentally friendly and resource-saving arrangement for storing and transporting a large number of injection devices. Reducing the storage space of some injection devices is particularly beneficial when the injection devices have to be stored in a refrigerated area. Thus, the existing storage space can be adapted to an increased number of injection devices. In another aspect, less storage space is required to store the same amount of injection devices.

[0014] According to further examples, the first and second connecting parts of the connector are rigidly fastened to each other. In some examples, the first connecting part is part of the body of the connector. In further examples, the second connecting part is also part of the connector body. In some examples, the first and second connecting parts are immovably attached to each other. They can be immovably connected to each other or rigidly fastened. In this way, a fairly rigid or mechanically stiff realization of the body enables and provides a fairly immovable arrangement of the first injection device relative to the second injection device when the first connecting part is connected to the first injection device and when the second connecting part is connected to the second injection device. The first and second injection devices can be kept in a fairly dimensionally stable configuration by the connector.

[0015] According to further examples, the body is a unitary body and / or the body is unitarily formed. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may be integrally formed with the body. A unitary or one-piece realization of the entire body and / or connector allows a rather simple and cost-effective realization thereof. In some examples, the entire body and / or connector may be made of an injection-molded material, for example an injection-molded plastic material.

[0016] According to another example, at least one of the first and second connecting parts includes a fastening bracket configured to mechanically engage with a housing or housing part of at least one of the first and second injection devices. The fastening bracket may provide a positive interlock with a housing or housing component of at least one of the first and second injection devices. The fastening bracket may include a clip fastener or clip joint that can clip the first or second connecting part to a housing or housing part of the first or second injection device. The fastening bracket may be configured to engage with a housing or housing part of the injection device by forming a positive connection or positive interlock.

[0017] In some examples, both connection parts include a fastening bracket, not just one. Here, a first fastening bracket may be attachable or connectable to a housing or housing portion of a first injection device, and a second fastening bracket may be removably connectable to a housing or housing portion of a second injection device. In further examples, where a first connection part provides for connection of a connector to a first injection device and a second connection part provides for a removably connection to a second injection device, the connectors may be provided as separate parts. In this way, an existing injection device may be retrofitted with a connector to provide for interconnection between the first and second injection devices.

[0018] In some examples, the first connecting portion may be somewhat identical in shape to the second connecting portion, such that the first connecting portion may be connected to a first portion of a housing or housing portion of a first injection device, and the second connecting portion may be attached to or connected to the same portion of a housing or housing portion of a second injection device.

[0019] When the first and second connecting parts are somewhat identical or symmetrical in shape, there may be at least one or two attachment configurations for attaching the connector to the first and second injection devices. According to one example, the first connecting part may be connectable to the first injection device and the second connecting part may be connectable to the second injection device. In another configuration, the first connecting part of the connector is attachable or connectable to the second injection device, while it is the second connecting part that is attachable or connectable to the first injection device.

[0020] According to another example, the first and second connecting parts may be of different shapes. In some examples, the first connecting part includes a fastening bracket of a first dimension and the second connecting part includes a second fastening bracket of a second dimension distinct from the first dimension. Here, the first connecting part, and thus the first fastening bracket, is configured to attach to a first part of a housing or housing part of a first injection device, while the second connecting part, and thus the second fastening bracket, is configured to attach to or connect to a second part of a housing or housing part of a second injection device.

[0021] Here, the first and second parts of the housing or housing part may be separated in the longitudinal direction. This may require or force a connection between the first and second injection device, which is only possible and possible when the first injection device is in a predefined orientation relative to the second injection device. The elongated first and second injection devices may have to be arranged parallel to each other in a radially coplanar manner. Here, radially coplanar means that the proximal and / or distal longitudinal ends of several injection devices interconnected by one or many connectors are made radially coplanar, i.e. transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0022] In other configurations, the first injection device would be flipped 180° relative to the second injection device about a radially extending rotational axis passing through the longitudinal center of the first injection device. For example, in an injection device in which the distal end of the injection device includes a substantially tubular housing portion having an outer diameter dimension different from that of the proximal end, such pairwise flipped orientation of the first and second injection devices may further help reduce the storage space required to arrange the first and second, and even more, injection devices in a closely packed configuration.

[0023] In some instances, the fastening bracket is dimensionally stable. It may be fairly rigid and / or solid. In other instances, the fastening bracket may be elastically deformable. It may exhibit some degree of resiliency, thereby providing a form of fastening, such as a clip-type fastening or fixation to any housing or housing component of the injection device.

[0024] According to further examples, the fastening bracket is circular, semicircular or concave. In the circular or annular shape, the fastening bracket may be configured to mount on the housing of the injection device along the longitudinal direction. Here, the fastening bracket, for example an annular fastening bracket, may be configured to receive the distal or proximal end of the housing of the first or second injection device. The fastening bracket may include an inner diameter or cross-section that is slightly larger than at least one of the distal or proximal end of the housing of the injection device or device component. In this way, the injection device or its housing can be inserted longitudinally into the circular or annular fastening bracket until the fastening bracket engages in the radially expanded portion, for example in the central section or at a predefined distance from one of the proximal or distal ends of the injection device. In the region of the radially expanded portion, the housing of the injection device includes a larger diameter or cross-section compared to the distal or proximal end. The larger diameter closely matches the inner cross-section or diameter of the fastening bracket. In practice, this can provide a friction fit or a secure seating between the inner side of the fastening bracket and the outer surface of the housing or housing section of the injection device.

[0025] In another example, when the fastening bracket is semicircular, the fastening bracket may be radially fastenable, for example, to a tubular housing of an injection device, for example, by a clipping routine, where the semicircular shape of the fastening bracket may include a circular shape or a circumferential extent of more than 180° and less than 270°, thereby enabling a clip-type fastening procedure during which the fastening bracket is at least temporarily deformed to radially receive a housing or housing component of one of the first and second injection devices. In another example, the semicircular shape or extension may include a circumferential extent of more than 270°, where the fastening bracket may be configured to longitudinally receive a housing or housing component.

[0026] The fastening bracket, and in particular its resiliently deformable section, may provide a sort of clamping when a housing or housing component is inserted therein, either radially or longitudinally.

[0027] In some examples, the housing or housing portion of the injection device may include a circumferential groove that matches in size and shape with the fastening bracket of the connector, in this way providing a sort of positive and / or friction fit between the fastening bracket of either the first or second connection portion and the housing of the injection device.

[0028] According to another example, the fastening bracket includes a receptacle sized to receive at least a portion of the housing or housing portion of at least one of the first and second injection devices. For example, the fastening bracket may be configured to clamp around an outer surface of a sidewall portion of a tubular housing component, such as a body or cartridge holder of a housing of an injection device. In another example, the fastening bracket may be sized to receive a protective cap of a housing of an injection device. In yet another example, the fastening bracket and / or the receptacle formed by the fastening bracket may be sized to receive a fastening clip of a protective cap of an injection device.

[0029] Indeed, numerous implementations of the first and second connecting portions and respective fastening brackets may be provided, which may be individually shaped to receive particular components or portions of the housing or housing portion of the injection device.

[0030] According to a further example, the fastening bracket includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion configured to at least partially circumferentially surround a housing or housing portion of at least one of the first and second injection devices. The first arm portion and / or the second arm portion may be arch-shaped. The first arm portion and the second arm portion may be interconnected by a central section of the fastening bracket. The first arm portion may include a free end oriented away from the central section. The second arm portion may also include a free end oriented away from the central section.

[0031] The first and second arm portions may be integrally formed with the central section. Thus, the first arm portion may extend or protrude away from the central section along a first circumferential direction, and the second arm portion may be oriented or extend away from the central section along a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction. The free ends of the first and second arm portions may be oriented towards each other. They may be separated by a slit or gap, thus forming a kind of open ring structure of the fastening bracket. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous when the fastening bracket is intended to be clipped, i.e. fastened to the housing or housing portion of the injection device along a radial direction, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the injection device movement.

[0032] According to a further example, the first and second arm portions include a c-shaped profile in a cross section extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In another example, the first and second arm portions include an L-shaped profile. In any case, the first and second arm portions are shaped to form an enclosing structure, whereby a housing or housing portion of the injection device can be received in a space formed between the first and second arm portions to provide a clamping effect or a secure interlock with the fastening bracket. Typically, the free ends of the arm portions oriented away from the central section extend towards each other.

[0033] According to a further example, the first and second arm portions include free end sections, e.g. oriented away from the central section. The free end sections may comprise flange portions extending radially inward, where radially inward means the extension of the first and / or second arm portions with respect to their circumferential extent. The flange portions of the first and second arm portions may, for example, face towards each other to form undercuts for engaging with a housing or housing portion of the respective injection device.

[0034] In a further example, the fastening bracket includes a closed ring structure. The closed ring structure provides the fastening bracket with relatively greater stability and rigidity. In another example, the fastening bracket includes an open ring structure. Here, the ring structure is interrupted or intersected by a through opening or through recess. Here, the first and second arm portions are separated by a through recess that extends longitudinally through the ring structure. Here, the fastening bracket exhibits increased flexibility. This may allow for clip-type fastening, i.e., fastening in a radial fastening direction.

[0035] In another example, the connector further includes a base portion rigidly fastened to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The first connecting portion extends from the base portion in a first radial direction relative to the longitudinal direction. The second connecting portion extends or protrudes from the base portion in a second radial direction. In some examples, the first radial direction extends opposite the second radial direction. In other examples, the first radial direction extends at a predefined angle, e.g., perpendicular, to the second radial direction.

[0036] When the first and second radial directions point in opposite directions, the first and second injection devices configured to be attached or connected to each other by the first and second connecting portions may be arranged, for example, in a radially extending longitudinal row, where multiple injection devices may be arranged adjacent to each other with their proximal and distal end portions radially coplanar, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, such that the connector may function as a radial connector.

[0037] Here, the base portion may be radially offset from the first injection device when the first connecting portion is engaged with the first injection device. The base portion may also be arranged radially offset from the second injection device when the second connecting portion is interconnected with the second injection device. Indeed, the first and second radial directions extend in opposite directions such that the base portion of the connector is located between the first and second injection devices arranged adjacently.

[0038] The base portion may provide a certain distance spacer between the first and second injection devices, so that the first and second injection devices are kept at a well-defined or predefined radial distance from each other. In some examples, the base portion may be quite small, including a radial extent of less than 1 cm, less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, or even less than 2 mm, thereby providing a fairly closely packed configuration or mutual arrangement of the first and second injection devices when interconnected by the connector.

[0039] According to a further example, the base portion is located between the first and second connection portions. At least one of the first and second connection portions extends or protrudes radially outward from the base portion. The first and second connection portions can therefore be arranged with a certain radial offset. In this way, when the first connection portion is interconnected with the first injection device and when the second connection portion is interconnected or fastened with the second injection device, the first and second injection devices can be kept at a well-defined distance from each other in a collision-free manner.

[0040] According to another example, one of the first and second connecting parts includes a male connecting portion configured to releasably engage with a complementary shaped female connecting portion of the other of the first and second connecting parts of another connector. The connector and the other connector may be the same connector. In some examples, a housing portion of one of the first and second infusion devices may also provide one of a male connecting portion and a female connecting portion configured to connect to a male or female connecting portion of the connector.

[0041] In some examples, the male mating portion may project radially outward from the body or base portion of the connector. In further examples, projecting radially outward from one of the body and base portions of the connector is its female mating portion. In further examples, the female mating portion may be configured as a recess in the body or base portion sized to engage with the male mating portion of the connector.

[0042] In further examples, both the male connector portion and the female connector portion project radially outward from at least one of the body and base portions of the connector. In some examples, the male connecting portion may extend along a first radial direction and the female connecting portion may extend radially outward along a second radial direction. The radially outward extending or projecting female and male connecting portions allow for fairly easy and intuitive fastening of the respective connectors to one another.

[0043] Providing the male and female connection parts may in particular be intended by means of a connector, the body or base part of which is integrated into the housing or housing part of the injection device, whereby the entire connector may be integrated into such housing or housing part or housing component of the injection device. With such an integrated solution, it is no longer necessary to provide a separate connector in addition to the first and second injection devices.

[0044] According to a further example, the base portion includes a third connection portion configured for releasably connecting to a housing or housing portion of an injection device, the first connection portion being configured to engage with a second connection portion of another, e.g. identically shaped, connector, where the third connection portion may be configured solely to provide attachment of the connector to a housing or housing portion of a first or second injection device.

[0045] Thus, injection devices each equipped with such a connector can be connected to each other by engaging a first connection part of the connector with a second connection part of another connector mounted on another injection device. This solution is particularly applicable for retrofitting connectors to existing injection devices. In a typical example, the third connection part comprises a fastening bracket, e.g. as described above in connection with the first and second connection parts.

[0046] Typically, the fastening bracket of the third connecting part comprises an open or closed ring structure, for example annular in shape, for surrounding or clamping around the outer periphery of the housing or housing part of the injection device.

[0047] According to a further example, the body of the connector is integrated into a housing or housing part of the injection device. In other words, a housing part or housing of the injection device may comprise an integrated connector as described above. To that extent, any features, effects and advantages described above in relation to the connector may equally apply to a housing or housing component of an injection device comprising an integrated connector.

[0048] In some examples, the connector may be incorporated into a protective cap that is removably connectable to the body of the injection device or to the cartridge holder, while in other examples, the connector may be incorporated into or attached to the body of the housing of the injection device.

[0049] In a further example, when the body is assembled into a protective cap of an injection device, the first connecting part may be assembled into a fastening clip of the protective cap. Here, the first connecting part may be realized as a male connecting part configured to engage with a complementary shaped female connecting part. In some examples, the opposite side of the side wall or some other part of the protective cap of the injection device may be provided with a female connector, for example realized as a second connecting part of such a connector. Here, the protective cap may form or configure a connector as described herein.

[0050] According to a further example, the second connection part comprises a connection surface that is complementary to and removably connectable to a mating connection surface of a second connection part of another connector, where the connector comprises a dedicated connection surface for its second connection part, the connection surface facing outwards when the connector is attached to a housing or housing part, for example by means of the first connection part.

[0051] The second connection surface may likewise face outward, for example radially outward from the respective housing component, when the connectors are assembled into the respective housing component. A mating connection surface of a second connection part of another connector may in particular be adapted to contact and interconnect with a connection surface of the connection part of the first connector.

[0052] In some examples, the connection surface of the connector may include a hook-and-loop fastener, and the mating connection surface of another second connection portion of another connector may include a complementarily shaped or configured hook-and-loop fastener.

[0053] In this way, interlocking and mechanical connection can be provided between a first connector and a second connector that are mounted or connectable to the housings or housing components of the first and second injection devices, respectively, simply by abutting or engaging a connection surface of the first connector with a complementarily shaped mating connection surface of the second, and therefore different, connector.

[0054] In a further example, at least one of the first and second connecting portions of the connector may be sized and shaped to removably connect to a housing of an accessory or auxiliary device. Such accessory or auxiliary device may be removably connected to either the first and second injection devices. The accessory device may include at least one detector or sensor for detecting the setting and / or dispensing of a dose. The detector or sensor may further be configured to quantitatively measure the size of the currently set or dispensed dose. The accessory or auxiliary device may include an electronic circuit, including, for example, a processor and electronic storage device, operably engaged or connected to, for example, the sensor or detector. In this manner, injection-related data regarding the time and amount of the currently set or dispensed dose may be electronically stored.

[0055] In some examples, such an auxiliary or auxiliary device further includes a communication interface for exchanging data with an external electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer. As a further example, the auxiliary or auxiliary device includes a display capable of visually showing information. Typically, the auxiliary or auxiliary device includes at least one actuator, for example implemented as a button, thus allowing a user to control or manipulate at least one of the configuration and operation modes of the auxiliary or auxiliary device.

[0056] Typically, such an auxiliary or accessory device includes a housing suitable for mechanically interconnecting with at least one of the first and second connecting portions of the connector.

[0057] In this way, the connector can be used to interconnect a first and a second injection device, for example during transport and / or storage. Once the injection device is intended for use by a patient, one of the first and second injection devices can be disconnected from the connector and an ancillary or auxiliary device can be attached to the connector instead, thus providing an interconnection between the other of the first and second injection devices and an ancillary or auxiliary device. In this way, the connector can perform a double function. It can be used universally to interconnect a first and a second injection device to each other and / or to interconnect one injection device with an ancillary or auxiliary device.

[0058] In general, with regard to the functionality and / or usability of the connector, one of the first and second injection devices can be replaced by a housing of an accessory or auxiliary device. To that extent, any references, technical effects and advantages described herein with respect to the interconnection of a first and second injection device may equally apply to the interconnection of an injection device with an accessory or auxiliary device.

[0059] According to a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to an injection device configured to set, dispense or inject a dose of a medicament. The injection device may be realized as a handheld injection device, for example as a pen injector.

[0060] The infusion device includes a housing. The housing is configured or sized to receive a drug container containing a drug. The housing includes at least one housing component. In some examples, the housing includes a tubular housing component including a tubular sidewall that defines or limits an interior volume. The interior volume is typically occupied by the drug container, e.g., embodied as a cartridge, and by a drive mechanism operably engageable with the drug container.

[0061] The injection device further includes a drive mechanism operably engageable with the drug container for expelling or withdrawing a dose of drug from the drug container. Typically, the drive mechanism includes a piston rod operable to exert a dispensing force on a stopper or bung movably disposed within the interior of the drug container, typically within a tubular barrel of the drug container.

[0062] In other examples, the drive mechanism may be implemented and configured to draw a dose of medicament from the interior of the medicament container by suction.

[0063] The injection device further comprises a connector as described above. The connector is connectable to one of the housing or housing components of the injection device. Alternatively, it is integrated into the housing or housing component of the injection device. Typically, the connector comprising a first connection part is connectable to the housing or housing component by the first connection part. In other examples, the connector, in particular its first connection part, may be integrated into the housing or housing component of the injection device. In any case, when connected to the housing or housing component, the second connection part of the connector may protrude radially outward from the housing or housing component.

[0064] The radial direction may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of a housing or housing component of the injection device. In some instances, the radial direction may extend obliquely to the longitudinal direction. Because the injection device includes a connector as described above, all of the features, effects and advantages as described above in relation to the connector apply equally to the injection device and vice versa.

[0065] According to a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a kit including a first injection device and including a second injection device. The kit further includes a connector as described above. The connector may be provided as a separate part in addition to the first injection device and the second injection device. In other examples, the connector may be incorporated into at least one of the first injection device and the second injection device. In a further example, two connectors may be provided, one of which is attached or incorporated into the first injection device and the other of which is attached or incorporated into the second injection device.

[0066] The first injection device includes a first housing. The first housing, i.e., the first injection device, includes at least one housing component. The housing component may be realized as a protective cap removably connectable to a dispensing end of the injection device. The housing component may include a tubular body, i.e., a proximal housing portion of the injection device. The body may be sized to accommodate the drive mechanism. In another example, the housing component includes a cartridge holder configured and sized to accommodate a drug container, which may be realized as, for example, a drug cartridge. In a further example, the housing component includes a fastening clip, for example, provided at or on a protective cap portion of the injection device.

[0067] Similar to the first injection device, the second injection device also includes a second housing that includes at least one housing component. In some examples, the first injection device and the second injection device may be somewhat identical. The first injection device and the second injection device may belong to a common type of injection device.

[0068] The kit further includes a connector as described above. To that extent, all features, effects, and advantages as described above in relation to the connector and as described above in relation to the injection device apply equally to the kit and vice versa. Furthermore, the first connecting portion of the connector is mechanically connectable to at least one housing component of the first injection device. Alternatively, the first connecting portion of the connector is integrated into at least one housing component of the first injection device.

[0069] The second connecting portion of the connector is mechanically connectable to at least one housing component of the second injection device, or the second connecting portion of the connector is mechanically connectable to one of the first and second connecting portions of another connector, or is incorporated into the second injection device. Here, the connector of the kit and the other connector that is attachable to or incorporated into the second injection device may be of the same shape or of different shapes. In some examples, the other connector may also belong to or contribute to a kit that includes the first injection device, the second injection device, and the connector.

[0070] A kit is not limited to only two injection devices. The number of injection devices contributing to a kit may be as many as 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, or even more. In some examples, when the connectors are incorporated into the housing components of the injection devices, the kit may include the same amount of injection devices and connectors. Thus, one connector may be provided for each injection device.

[0071] In a further example, when the connector is provided as a separate part in addition to the first and second injection devices, the kit may include several injection devices and several connectors, where the number of connectors is equal to the number of injection devices minus one.

[0072] In some forms of the kit, a first injection device may be connected to a second injection device by a connector. The second injection device may be connected to a third injection device by a second connector, etc. The injection devices of the kit may form or contribute to an array of injection devices, interconnected by their respective connectors. Such an array of injection devices may require less storage space and may provide a well-defined, collision-free arrangement and assembly of a significantly larger number of injection devices.

[0073] In other examples, the kit includes first and second housing components of an injection device rather than first and second fully equipped injection devices, in this way individual identical housing components, such as a proximal body of the housing or a protective cap located distally of the injection device housing, can be attached or connected to each other before the injection device is finally assembled.

[0074] Thus, identical protective caps each equipped with a connector can be connected to one another by means of the connectors and transported to the final assembly stage of an automated assembly line during the process of assembling the injection device, in this way facilitating and simplifying the logistics and handling costs of the individual parts of the injection device, in particular the rather large parts of the injection device, i.e. the housing components of the injection device.

[0075] To that extent, references to connecting a connecting portion to an injection device may equally apply to connecting such a connecting portion to a housing component of such injection device, and vice versa.

[0076] In a further example, the kit also includes an auxiliary or accessory device configured to interact with at least one of the first and second injection devices. As described above, at least one of the first and second injection devices can be replaced with an accessory or auxiliary device. Here, the connector can provide a mutual mechanical fastening and interconnection between the injection device and the accessory or auxiliary device.

[0077] According to a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of interconnecting a first injection device and a second injection device, the method comprising the steps of incorporating a connector as described above into a housing or housing component of the first injection device, or alternatively attaching such a connector to a housing or housing portion of the first injection device. In a subsequent method step, a second connection portion of the connector is connected to a housing or housing portion of the second injection device. Upon establishing such connection, the first injection device and the second injection device are interconnected by the connector.

[0078] Alternatively, instead of connecting the second connecting portion to a housing or housing component of the second injection device, the second connecting portion of the connector is connected to one of a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion of another connector attached to or incorporated into the second injection device, where the first connector and the second connector may include complementary shaped male and female connecting portions for releasable engagement.

[0079] Typically, the method as described herein is realized by using a connector as described above and / or by using an injection device as described above, and to that extent all features, effects and advantages described above in relation to the connector, the injection device and the kit apply equally to the method of interconnecting a first injection device and a second injection device and vice versa.

[0080] Of course, the method is not limited to interconnecting a first injection device and a second injection device: multiple injection devices, for example up to 4, up to 8, up to 12, or up to 16 or even more injection devices, may be interconnected, thereby forming a kit as described above.

[0081] Generally, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the content of the claims. The infusion device is not limited to specific embodiments or examples, but includes any combination of elements of different embodiments or examples. To that extent, the present disclosure covers any combination of the claims and any technically feasible combination of features disclosed in relation to the different examples or embodiments.

[0082] In the present context, the term "distal" or "distal end" refers to the end of the injection device that points towards the injection site of a person or animal, whereas the term "proximal" or "proximal end" refers to the opposite end of the injection device that is furthest from the injection site of a person or animal.

[0083] The terms "drug" or "medicament" are used interchangeably herein to refer to a pharmaceutical formulation that includes one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients or pharma- ceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, and, optionally, a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier. An active pharmaceutical ingredient ("API"), in the broadest sense, is a chemical structure that exerts a biological effect on humans or animals. In pharmacology, drugs or agents are used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose disease, or to otherwise improve physical or mental health. Drugs or agents may be used for a limited duration or periodically for chronic conditions.

[0084] As described below, drugs or agents can include at least one API or combinations thereof in various types of formulations for the treatment of one or more diseases. Examples of APIs can include small molecules with molecular weights of 500 Da or less, polypeptides, peptides and proteins (e.g., hormones, growth factors, antibodies, antibody fragments and enzymes), carbohydrates and polysaccharides, as well as nucleic acids, double-stranded or single-stranded DNA (including naked and cDNA), RNA, antisense nucleic acids such as antisense DNA and RNA, small interfering RNA (siRNA), ribozymes, genes and oligonucleotides. Nucleic acids can be incorporated into molecular delivery systems such as vectors, plasmids or liposomes. Mixtures of one or more drugs are also contemplated.

[0085] The drug or agent may be placed in a primary package or "drug container" adapted for use with the drug delivery device. The drug container may be, for example, a cartridge, syringe, reservoir, or other sturdy or flexible vessel configured to provide a suitable chamber for storage (e.g., short-term or long-term storage) of one or more drugs. For example, in some cases, the chamber may be designed to store the drug for at least one day (e.g., from one day to at least 30 days). In some cases, the chamber may be designed to store the drug for about one month to about two years. Storage may be at room temperature (e.g., about 20°C) or at refrigerated temperatures (e.g., about -4°C to about 4°C). In some cases, the drug container may be or include a dual-chamber cartridge configured to separately store two or more components of a pharmaceutical formulation to be administered (e.g., an API and a diluent, or two different drugs), one in each chamber. In such cases, the two chambers of the dual chamber cartridge may be configured to allow mixing of two or more components prior to and / or during dispensing into the human or animal body. For example, the two chambers may be configured such that they are in fluid communication with one another (e.g., by a conduit between the two chambers), allowing the two components to be mixed when desired by a user prior to dispensing. Alternatively or additionally, the two chambers may be configured to allow mixing as the components are dispensed into the human or animal body.

[0086] Drugs or agents contained in the drug delivery device as described herein may be used for the treatment and / or prevention of many different types of medical disorders. Examples of disorders include, for example, diabetes mellitus or complications associated with diabetes mellitus, such as diabetic retinopathy, thromboembolism, such as deep vein thromboembolism or pulmonary thromboembolism. Further examples of disorders are acute coronary syndrome (ACS), angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cancer, macular degeneration, inflammation, hay fever, atherosclerosis, and / or rheumatoid arthritis. Examples of APIs and drugs are those listed in handbooks such as the Rote Liste 2014, such as, but not limited to, main groups 12 (antidiabetic drugs) or 86 (oncology drugs), and the Merck Index 15th Edition.

[0087] Examples of APIs for the treatment and / or prevention of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus or complications of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus include insulin, e.g. human insulin, or insulin analogs or derivatives, glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1), GLP-1 analogs or GLP-1 receptor agonists, or analogs or derivatives thereof, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors, or pharma-ceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, or any mixtures thereof. The terms "analog" and "derivative" as used herein refer to a polypeptide having a molecular structure that can be obtained from the structure of a formally naturally occurring peptide, e.g. the structure of human insulin, by deleting and / or substituting at least one amino acid residue present in the naturally occurring peptide and / or by adding at least one amino acid residue. The added and / or substituted amino acid residues can be either codable amino acid residues or other naturally occurring residues, or purely synthetic amino acid residues. Insulin analogs are also called "insulin receptor ligands". In particular, the term "derivative" refers to a polypeptide having a molecular structure that is formally derivable from the structure of a naturally occurring peptide, such as the structure of human insulin, in which one or more organic substituents (e.g., fatty acids) are attached to one or more of the amino acids. Optionally, one or more amino acids found in the naturally occurring peptide may be deleted and / or replaced by other amino acids, including non-codable amino acids, or amino acids, including non-codable amino acids, may be added to the naturally occurring peptide.

[0088] Examples of insulin analogues are Gly(A21), Arg(B31), Arg(B32) human insulin (insulin glargine); Lys(B3), Glu(B29) human insulin (insulin glulisine); Lys(B28), Pro(B29) human insulin (insulin lispro); Asp(B28) human insulin (insulin aspart); human insulin in which the proline in position B28 can be replaced by Asp, Lys, Leu, Val or Ala and in position B29 Lys can be replaced by Pro; Ala(B26) human insulin; Des(B28-B30) human insulin; Des(B27) human insulin and Des(B30) human insulin.

[0089] Examples of insulin derivatives are e.g. B29-N-myristoyl-des(B30) human insulin, Lys(B29)(N-tetradecanoyl)-des(B30) human insulin (insulin detemir, Levemir®); B29-N-palmitoyl-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-myristoyl human insulin; B29-N-palmitoyl human insulin; B28-N-myristoyl-LysB28ProB29 human insulin; B28-N-palmitoyl-LysB28ProB29 human insulin; B30-N-myristoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin. B29-N-palmitoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin; B29-N-(N-palmitoyl-gamma-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin, B29-N-omega-carboxypentadecanoyl-gamma-L-glutamyl-des(B30) human insulin (insulin degludec, Tresiba®); B29-N-(N-lithocholyl-gamma-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl)-des(B30) human insulin and B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl) human insulin.

[0090] Examples of GLP-1, GLP-1 analogs and GLP-1 receptor agonists include, for example, lixisenatide (Lyxumia®), exenatide (exendin-4, Byetta®, Bydureon®, a 39 amino acid peptide produced by the salivary glands of the flatfish), liraglutide (Victoza®), semaglutide, taspoglutide, albiglutide (Syncria®), dulaglutide (Trulicity®), rExendin-4, CJC-1134-PC, PB-1023, TTP-054, langrenatide / HM-11260C (efpegrenatide), HM-15211, C M-3, GLP-1 Erigen, ORMD-0901, NN-9423, NN-9709, NN-9924, NN-9926, NN-9927, Nodexene, Viador-GLP-1, CVX-096, ZYOG-1, ZYD-1, GSK-2374697, DA-3091, MAR-701, MAR709, ZP-2929, Z P-3022, ZP-DI-70, TT-401 (pegapamoditide), BHM-034, MOD-6030, CAM-2036, DA-15864, ARI-2651, ARI-2255, tirzepatide (LY3298176), bamadutide (SAR425899), exenatide-XTEN and glucagon-Xten.

[0091] An example of an oligonucleotide is, for example: mipomersen sodium (Kynamro®), a cholesterol-lowering antisense therapeutic for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia, or RG012 for the treatment of Alport Syndrome.

[0092] Examples of DPP4 inhibitors are linagliptin, vildagliptin, sitagliptin, denagliptin, saxagliptin, berberine. Examples of hormones include pituitary hormones or hypothalamic hormones or regulatory active peptides such as gonadotropins (follitropin, lutropin, chorion gonadotropin, menotropin), somatropin (somatropin), desmopressin, terlipressin, gonadorelin, triptorelin, leuprorelin, buserelin, nafarelin, and goserelin, and their antagonists.

[0093] Examples of polysaccharides include glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid, heparin, low molecular weight heparin, or very low molecular weight heparin, or derivatives thereof, or sulfated forms of the above polysaccharides, such as polysulfated forms, and / or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.An example of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of polysulfated low molecular weight heparin is enoxaparin sodium.An example of a hyaluronic acid derivative is Hylan GF 20 (Synvisc®), sodium hyaluronate.

[0094] The term "antibody" as used herein refers to an immunoglobulin molecule or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Examples of antigen-binding portions of an immunoglobulin molecule include F(ab) and F(ab')2 fragments that retain the ability to bind to an antigen. The antibody may be a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a recombinant antibody, a chimeric antibody, a deimmunized or humanized antibody, a fully human antibody, a non-human (e.g., murine) antibody, or a single chain antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody has effector function and is capable of fixing complement. In some embodiments, the antibody has reduced or no binding ability to Fc receptors. For example, the antibody may be an isotype or subtype, an antibody fragment, or a mutant that does not support binding to Fc receptors, e.g., with mutations or deletions of the Fc receptor binding region. The term antibody also includes antigen-binding molecules based on tetravalent bispecific tandem immunoglobulins (TBTI) and / or dual variable region antibody-like binding proteins with crossover binding region orientation (CODV).

[0095] The term "fragment" or "antibody fragment" refers to a polypeptide (e.g., antibody heavy and / or light chain polypeptide) derived from an antibody polypeptide molecule that does not include the full-length antibody polypeptide but comprises at least a portion of the full-length antibody polypeptide that is still capable of binding to an antigen. An antibody fragment may include truncated portions of a full-length antibody polypeptide, but the term is not limited to such truncated fragments. Antibody fragments useful in the present invention include, for example, Fab fragments, F(ab')2 fragments, scFv (single-chain Fv) fragments, linear antibodies, monospecific or multispecific antibody fragments, such as bispecific, trispecific, tetraspecific and multispecific antibodies (e.g., diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies), monovalent or multivalent antibody fragments, such as bivalent, trivalent, tetravalent and multivalent antibodies, minibodies, chelating recombinant antibodies, tribodies or bibodies, intrabodies, nanobodies, small modular immunopharmaceuticals (SMIPs), binding domain immunoglobulin fusion proteins, camelized antibodies and VHH-containing antibodies. Additional examples of antigen-binding antibody fragments are known in the art.

[0096] The term "complementarity determining region" or "CDR" refers to short polypeptide sequences within the variable regions of both heavy and light chain polypeptides that are primarily responsible for mediating specific antigen recognition. The term "framework region" refers to amino acid sequences within the variable regions of both heavy and light chain polypeptides that are not CDR sequences but are primarily responsible for maintaining the proper arrangement of the CDR sequences to allow antigen binding. Although the framework region itself typically does not directly participate in antigen binding, as is known in the art, certain residues within the framework region of a particular antibody may be directly involved in antigen binding or may affect the ability of one or more amino acids within the CDR to interact with the antigen.

[0097] Examples of antibodies are anti-PCSK-9 mAb (e.g., alirocumab), anti-IL-6 mAb (e.g., sarilumab), and anti-IL-4 mAb (e.g., dupilumab).

[0098] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of any of the APIs described herein are contemplated for use in the drug or medicament in the drug delivery device. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, for example, acid addition salts and base salts.

[0099] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications (addition and / or deletions) may be made to the various components of the APIs, formulations, devices, methods, systems and embodiments described herein without departing from the full scope and spirit of the invention, and that the invention encompasses such modifications and all equivalents thereof.

[0100] Exemplary drug delivery or injection devices may include needle-based injection systems as described in Table 1 of Section 5.2 of ISO 11608-1:2014(E). As described in ISO 11608-1:2014(E), needle-based injection systems may be broadly divided into multi-dose container systems and single-dose (with partial or complete evacuation) container systems. The container may be an exchangeable container or an integrated non-exchangeable container.

[0101] As further described in ISO 11608-1:2014(E), a multi-dose container system may include a needle-based injection device with an exchangeable container. In such a system, each container holds multiple doses and the size may be fixed or variable (pre-set by the user). Another multi-dose container system may include a needle-based injection device with an integrated non-exchangeable container. In such a system, each container holds multiple doses and the size may be fixed or variable (pre-set by the user).

[0102] As further described in ISO 11608-1:2014(E), the single-dose container system may include a needle-based injection device with a replaceable container. In one example of such a system, each container holds a single dose, which causes the entire deliverable volume to be expelled (full expulsion). In a further example, each container holds a single dose, which causes a portion of the deliverable volume to be expelled (partial expulsion). Also as described in ISO 11608-1:2014(E), the single-dose container system may include a needle-based injection device with an integrated non-replaceable container. In one example of such a system, each container holds a single dose, which causes the entire deliverable volume to be expelled (full expulsion). In a further example, each container holds a single dose, which causes a portion of the deliverable volume to be expelled (partial expulsion).

[0103] Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that any reference signs used in the appended claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0104] In the following, a number of examples of the use of infusion devices as well as data logging devices for monitoring the respective infusion devices are described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0105] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example of an injection device. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a kit including three injection devices and two connectors. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of the connector of FIG. 2 from another perspective view. [Figure 4] 4 shows the connector according to FIG. 3 as seen from above. [Diagram 5] 5 shows a side view of the connector of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 13 is a perspective view showing another example of a connector. [Figure 7] 7 shows the connector of FIG. 6 as seen from above. [Figure 8] An example is shown that includes two housing parts and two connectors. [Figure 9] 13 is a perspective view showing another example of a connector. [Figure 10] 10 shows the connector of FIG. 9 as seen from above. [Figure 11] 9 and 10 show an example of a kit having three housing components interconnected by several connectors. [Figure 12] Another example of a connector is shown diagrammatically in a first perspective view. [Figure 13] 13 shows another perspective view of the connector of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 1 shows first and second interconnected housing components. [Figure 15] 15 shows the configuration of FIG. 14 as viewed from the distal longitudinal end. [Figure 16] 1 shows another example of a connector in a first perspective view. [Figure 17] 17 shows the connector of FIG. 16 in another perspective view. [Figure 18] 1 shows two housing components connected to each other. [Figure 19] 19 shows the assembly of FIG. 18 as viewed from the distal longitudinal end. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates a further example of housing components connected by mating connectors. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the housing components prior to being mated together. [Figure 22] 1 shows a flow chart of a method for interconnecting a first injection device and a second injection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0106] FIG. 1 shows an example of a drug delivery device 1 realized as a handheld injection device or as a pen-type injector. Typically, the drug delivery device 1 comprises an elongated shape. It may extend along a longitudinal direction (z). Towards the longitudinal distal direction, the drug delivery device 1 comprises an outlet for dispensing a medicament. Towards the proximal end, the drug delivery device 1 comprises at least one of a dose member 8 and a trigger 9, by means of which doses of equal or individual different sizes can be set and dispensed, respectively. The drug delivery device 1 comprises a housing 20. The housing 20 as well as the drug delivery device 1 may comprise a number of device components. For example, the drug delivery device 1 may comprise a protective cap 4 covering a distal housing component configured as a cartridge holder 15.

[0107] The housing 20 may further include a body 6, for example forming the proximal end of the housing 20. The body 6 is configured to house the drive mechanism 7. The body 6 may include a tubular sidewall 23. Typically, the drive mechanism 7 includes a piston rod 28, for example at its distal end a pressurizing element 29 is located. The cartridge holder 15 is sized and configured to accommodate the medicament container 5. In this example, the medicament container 5 includes a cartridge 10. The cartridge 10 includes a tubular barrel 11 containing a liquid medicament 12. Towards the distal end, the cartridge 10 includes a dispensing end 13, which may be closed and covered with a seal. The seal may be pierceable by a double-tipped injection needle. In some examples, an injection needle (not shown) is connectable to the distal end of the cartridge holder 15. The distal end of the cartridge holder may include a threaded socket for engaging a complementary shaped portion of an injection needle or needle assembly.

[0108] The distal end of the cartridge holder 15 may include a through opening for receiving a distally facing portion of a dual-tipped injection needle configured to pierce and penetrate the seal of the cartridge 10. In another example (not shown), the cartridge 10 or medicament container 5 may be easily equipped with an injection needle. Typically, the proximal end of the medicament container 5 is sealed by a movable stopper. The stopper is movable longitudinally within the barrel under the action of the advancing piston rod 28, thereby expelling a dose of medicament 12 from the medicament container 5.

[0109] As shown in particular in FIG. 11, the cartridge holder 15, and thus the side wall 22 of the cartridge holder 15, includes a window 16 which is realized as an aperture 17 and thus as a through opening extending completely through the side wall 22.

[0110] The proximal end of the cartridge holder 15 is realized as a proximal connection end configured to engage with a distal connection end 26 of the body 6. In this way, the proximal connection end 24 of the cartridge holder 15 can be connected to the distal connection end 26 of the body 6. The connection end 24 comprises a fastening element 25, which is complementary in shape to a mating fastening element 27 of the body 6. In some examples, the proximal connection end 24 of the cartridge holder 15 comprises a radially stepped insert configured to be inserted longitudinally into a distally located receptacle formed by the side wall 23 of the body 6.

[0111] The currently depicted example of a drug delivery device 1 is merely illustrative of the wide variety of injection devices 1 that may be manufactured in a mass production process and therefore in an automated production line. The drug delivery device 1 may include a fixed dose injection device, a variable dose injection device, an autoinjector, a movable dial extension, or an all-mechanically implemented pen injector with or without an electronically or semi-electronically implemented injection pen.

[0112] In some examples, the cartridge 10 or medicament container 5 easily inserted into the cartridge holder 15 may form or constitute a first subassembly. The drive mechanism 7 mounted inside the body 6 may form a second subassembly. When realized as a reusable injection device 1, the cartridge holder 15 is removably connected to the body 6. When realized as a disposable device, the cartridge holder 15 is non-removable and thus permanently connected to the body 6. As the cartridge 10 filled with the liquid medicament 12 is easily assembled into the housing 20, the entire injection device 1 may need to be stored in a refrigerated area.

[0113] 2-5 an example of a connector 100 is shown in relation to three injection devices 1, 2, 3. Each of the injection devices 1, 2, 3 is realised as a pen-type injector. Each of the injection devices 1, 2, 3 comprises an elongated tubular housing 20. Each housing 20 comprises a protective cap 4 arranged to cover the dispensing end of the injection device 1, 2, 3. Each housing 20 further comprises a body 6 forming or constituting a proximal housing component of the injection device 1, 2, 3.

[0114] As shown, the first injection device 1 includes a protective cap 4 removably connected to a cartridge holder 15 and / or body 6, for example by a clip fastener or a threaded connection. The protective cap 4 includes a substantially tubular side wall 21 that opens proximally and includes a receptacle sized to receive the cartridge holder therein. The clip fastener or threaded connector of the protective cap 4 is typically provided at or near the proximal end of an inner section of the side wall 21.

[0115] The second injection device 2 comprises an identically shaped protective cap 4' and a substantially identically shaped body 6'. The third injection device 3 comprises a distally located protective cap 4" and a proximally located body 6". The protective cap 4 comprises a fastening clip 14, by which the protective cap 4, and thus the entire injection device 1, can be removably secured to clothing.

[0116] 2 shows an example of a kit 140 including a first injection device 1, a second injection device 2, a third injection device 3, and further including a first connector 100 and a second connector 100'. By means of the first connector 100, the first injection device 1 is connected to the second injection device 2. By means of the second connector 100', the second injection device 2 can be connected to the third injection device 3.

[0117] 3-5 the connector 100 is shown in more detail. The connector 100 comprises a body 101 with a base portion 102. The body 101, and therefore the connector 100, comprises a first connecting portion 110 and a second connecting portion 120. Both the first connecting portion 110 and the second connecting portion 120 comprise fastening brackets 111, 121. The fastening bracket 111 comprises a receptacle 112 sized and shaped to receive a portion of the body 6. Similarly, the second connecting portion 120 comprises a fastening bracket 121 forming or constituting a further receptacle 122 sized and shaped to receive the body 6'.

[0118] The fastening bracket 111 includes a first arm portion 113 and a second arm portion 114, both of which are arch-shaped. The arm portions 113, 114 are interconnected by a central section 115, which for example coincides with the base portion 102 located at the center or overlapping section of the first connecting portion 110 and the second connecting portion 120. The arm portions 113, 114 may include an arched or (semi)circular structure. They may extend circumferentially from the central section 115.

[0119] Each of the arm portions 113, 114 includes a free end section 116 oriented away from the central section 115. The free end sections 116 are oriented radially inward relative to the receptacle 112. As such, the free end sections 116 may form or include a flange portion 117 by which the body 6 may be radially fastened within the receptacle 112.

[0120] The arm portions 113, 114 provide or form an annular shaped fastening bracket 111. The fastening bracket 111 is an open ring structure. An aperture provided between the opposite free ends 116 of the first arm portion 113 and the second arm portion 114 is sized to radially receive the tubular side wall of the body 6. Thus, the periphery of the body 6, i.e. the outwardly facing part of the side wall of the body 6, can be inserted radially through the through opening between the free ends 116, thereby pivoting or elastically deforming the arm sections 113, 114 radially outward to at least temporarily enlarge the free space between the free end sections 116 until the body 6 reaches the final assembled configuration shown in FIG. 2.

[0121] The fastening bracket 121 of the second connecting part 120 is very similar in shape compared to the fastening bracket 111 of the first connecting part 110. The fastening bracket 121 is also annular in shape. It forms or constitutes a semicircular structure. It includes a first arm portion 123 and a second arm portion 124. The arm portions 124, 123 are interconnected by a central section 125. The central section 125 may longitudinally overlap the central section 115. The central section 115, 125 may belong to or constitute the base portion 102 located radially between the first connecting part 110 and the second connecting part 120. The free end sections 126 of the first and second arm portions 123, 124 facing away from the central section 125 each include or form an inward flange portion 127 to at least partially surround or fasten to the tubular body 6'.

[0122] As further apparent from Figures 3 and 5, the first connecting portion 110 includes a first fastening bracket 111 and a second fastening bracket 111'. The first and second fastening brackets 111, 111' are separated by a longitudinal distance. The longitudinal distance may be defined by the longitudinal extent of the fastening bracket 121 and / or the longitudinal extent of the second connecting portion 120. The second fastening portion 120 is longitudinally disposed between the first fastening bracket 111 and the second fastening bracket 111' of the first connecting portion 110.

[0123] The fastening bracket 111 and the fastening bracket 111' are somewhat identical in shape. They may overlap as seen in a longitudinal projection as shown in FIG. 4. The two fastening brackets 111, 111' of the first connecting part 110 may provide a fairly stable and robust connection of the connector 100 to the first injection device 1. The break loose force to disconnect the first injection device 1 from the connecting part 110 may be somewhat larger than the break loose force required to disconnect the second injection device 2 from the second fastening or connecting part 120.

[0124] 4, the connection portion 110, and thus the first fastening bracket 111, extends or protrudes radially from the base portion 102, thereby interconnecting the first connection portion 110 and the second connection portion 120. The second fastening portion 120, and thus the second fastening bracket 121, extends along a second radial direction r2, and thus opposite to the first radial direction r1 along which the first connection portion 110 extends. In so far, the first and second connection portions 110, 120 extend or protrude in opposite radial directions r1, r2 when viewed from the base portion 102.

[0125] The fastening brackets 111, 111' of the first connecting portion 110 are longitudinally separated by a distance dictated by the respective longitudinal extents of the second connecting portions 120. In this way, a somewhat nested or interleaved engagement configuration can be provided when multiple connectors 100, 100' are used to interconnect several infusion devices 1, 2, 3, as shown in the mutual assembly configuration of the kit 140 in Fig. 2.

[0126] As shown, the second connection part 120 and thus the second fastening bracket 121 of the first connector 100 can be arranged longitudinally between the fastening brackets 111, 111' of the further connector 100'. Similarly, the longitudinal separation of the fastening brackets 111, 111' which fasten around the body 6 of the first injection device 1 provides an assembly space between them for receiving the fastening bracket 121 of the connection part 120 of the further connector 100 which is connected by its first connection part 110 to another injection device (not shown), for example.

[0127] In Figs. 6-8, another example of a connector 200 is shown. This connector 200 also includes a first connecting portion 210 and a second connecting portion 220. The first and second connecting portions 210, 220 are integrally formed and belong to a common body 201. The first connecting portion 210 extends from the base portion 202 along a first radial direction r1. The second connecting portion 220 extends from the base portion 202 along a second radial direction r2. Here, in contrast to the example of Figs. 2-5, the geometry and shape of the first connecting portion 210 are distinct from the geometry and shape of the second connecting portion 220.

[0128] The connection parts 210, 220 each include a fastening bracket 211, 221. Each fastening bracket 211, 221 includes or forms a receptacle 212, 222. The receptacle 212 of the first connection part 210 is configured to receive a side wall of the protective cap 4. The receptacle 222 of the second connection part 220 is sized to receive another housing component of the injection device 1. In particular, the receptacle 222 of the second connection part 220 is sized and shaped to receive the fastening clip 14 of the protective cap 4 of the injection device 1. The receptacle 222 also includes a first arm portion 223 and a second arm portion 224. The first and second arm portions 223, 224 include inwardly extending flange portions 227 at their free end sections 226.

[0129] Here, the first connecting portion 210 is sized and configured to attach the connector 200 to a housing component, e.g., a protective cap 4 of the injection device 1. The second connecting portion 220 provides a receptacle 222 forming or constituting a female connecting portion 225 that is configured to engage with a male connecting portion formed, e.g., by a fastening clip 14 of a housing component, e.g., the protective cap 4.

[0130] Thus, in the kit 240 of Fig. 8 the connector 200 provides for the interconnection of the housing components 4, 4' of the injection devices 1, 2. Here the kit 240 is only partially shown. Of course, since the protective cap 4 of a first injection device 1 is connected to the protective cap 4' of a second injection device 2, the connector 200 not only provides an interconnection between the individual housing components 4, 4' but may also provide a durable and stable interfastening and interconnection between drug delivery devices 1, 2 equipped with such housing components 4, 4'.

[0131] The fastening bracket 211 also includes first and second arm portions 213, 214. The arm portions 213, 214 each include a free end section 216 equipped with or comprising or forming an inwardly extending flange portion 217 to provide secure fastening to the housing component 4.

[0132] In a further example of a connector 300 as shown in Figures 9-11, the connector 300 also comprises a somewhat tubular body 301 having a tubular and / or annular base portion 302, where the base portion 302 comprises or forms a third connecting portion 330 configured for releasably connecting to the housing 20 or housing portions 4, 6, 15 of the injection device 1. The connector 300 and the injection device 1, 2 form a further kit 340.

[0133] The base portion 302 may include a tubular or cylindrical receptacle 332 for fastening around the body 6 of the injection device 1. The interior of the receptacle 332, and thus the interior of the sidewall forming the receptacle 332, is sized to engage with the outer surface of the sidewall of the body 6, as shown in FIG. 11. In the connector 300, a first connecting portion 310 projects radially outward from the outside of the base portion 302. A second connecting portion 320 projects radially outward from another portion of the base portion 302. Typically, the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320 are located on diametrically opposite sides of the outer surface of the base portion 302.

[0134] The second connecting part 320 comprises a fastening bracket 321 forming a receptacle 322 for receiving an insert part 312 of a first connecting part 310 of another connector 300'. The insert part 312 projects radially outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical base part 302. It comprises an elongated profile extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (z). It is rigidly connected to the base part 302 by a bridge part 311 extending radially outward. The insert part 312 forms a male connecting part 315 of a shape complementary to the internal geometry or internal structure of the receptacle 322 of the fastening bracket 321. Here, the receptacle 322 forms or constitutes a female connecting part 325 of a shape complementary to the male connecting part 315.

[0135] The insert portion 312 is substantially elongate in shape. It extends longitudinally and includes a constant cross section or profile when viewed longitudinally. It is complementary in shape to the inwardly facing structure of the receptacle 322. The receptacle 322 includes first and second opposed arm portions 323, 324. The arm portions 323, 324 include inwardly extending flange portions 327 at their free ends 326, thereby forming c-shaped arm portions that can surround opposed circumferential edges of the insert portion 312 and thus be fixed radially and circumferentially when the insert portion 312 is inserted longitudinally into the receptacle 322.

[0136] With the connector 300, a housing portion, for example a tubular housing portion 6 of the housing 20 without any projections or recesses, can be retrofitted with a connection structure, by which another housing component, for example another body 6', equally equipped with such a connector 300, can be connected to the connector 300', as shown in FIG. 11. The inner surface of the side wall of the base portion 302, and thus the side wall of the receptacle 332, can frictionally engage with the outer surface of the tubular body 6. Thus, another connector 300' can engage with another body 6'. Now, for the bodies 6, 6' (each equipped with a suitable connector 300, 300'), an interconnection can be provided between the connectors 300, 300', and thus between the bodies 6, 6', i.e. by engaging a first connecting portion 310' of the connector 300' with a second connecting portion 320 of the connector 300.

[0137] Similarly, a first connecting portion 310'' of another connector 300'' connected to a further body 6'' can be connected to a connecting portion 320' of a connector 300' connected to the body 6'.

[0138] The connector 300 provides for the retrofitting of any housing component 6 to the housing 20 of the injection device 1. The housing components 6, 6', 6" equipped with connectors 300, 300', 300", respectively, can be mutually and removably interconnected.

[0139] In further examples as shown in Figures 12-15, the connector 400 is integrally formed with a housing part or housing component, i.e. the protective cap 4 of the injection device 1. Here, the tubular protective cap 4 forms or constitutes the body 401 and the base part 402 of the connector 400. A first connecting part 410 is realized in or coincides with the fastening clip 14. The first connecting part 410 projects radially outward from the tubular body 401 or the base part 402. In some examples, the base part 402 includes or forms a third connecting part 430 configured for releasably connecting to the housing 20 or the housing part 4, 6, 15 of the injection device 1.

[0140] A second connecting portion 420 is located on the diametrically opposite side of the connector 400. The second connecting portion 420 includes a fastening bracket 421 with a receptacle 422. The receptacle 422 is also now provided with a first arm portion 423 or sidewall portion, and a second arm portion 424, which form or constitute a second sidewall projecting radially from the outer surface of the tubular sidewall of the base portion 402.

[0141] As further shown in Figures 12 and 15, the free end sections 426 of the arm parts 423, 424 comprise an inward flange portion 427 for gripping under the elongated first connecting part 410. Here, the second connecting part 420 comprises a female connecting part 425 providing a concave structure in the form of a receptacle 422 opening towards the distal end of the protective cap 4. To that extent, the protective cap 4' with the fastening clip 14' forming the first connecting part 410' in the form of a male connecting part 415 can be inserted longitudinally proximally into the receptacle 424 provided by the fastening bracket 421. In this way, the protective caps 4, 4' as shown in Figures 14-15 can be connected to each other and attached to each other.

[0142] 12, the receptacle 422, circumferentially bounded or limited by the arm portions 423, 424, is tapered towards the proximal direction so as to provide a longitudinal end stop for the first connecting portion 410 when inserted longitudinally into the receptacle 422 in the proximal direction. Here, the corresponding tapered profile of the first connecting portion 410, i.e. the fastening clip 14, may provide a clamping effect or frictionally engage with the second connecting portion 420 when reaching the final assembled configuration as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0143] Further examples as shown in Figures 16-19 are functionally similar to the examples as shown in Figures 12-15. Here, the connector 500 also includes a body 501 that matches the protective cap 4 of the injection device 1. The body 501 includes a base portion 502 featuring a somewhat tubular sidewall for receiving the distal dispensing end of the injection device 1. The base portion 502 forms or configures a receptacle sized to receive the cartridge holder 15 of the injection device 1.

[0144] Also here, the connector 500 comprises a first connection part 510, realized as a male connection part 515, projecting radially outward from the body 501. The first connection part 510 is provided and formed by the fastening clip 14 of the protective cap 4. On the outer surface of the base part 502 or the body 501, a second connection part 520 is provided, diametrically opposite, comprising a fastening bracket 521 defining a receptacle 522 of a shape complementary to the cross section of the first connection part 510. Here, the receptacle 522 forms a female connection part 525. Also here, the receptacle 522 is limited in the circumferential direction by a first arm part 523 and a second arm part 524. The arm parts 523, 524 are provided at their free end sections 526 with flange parts 527 extending inwardly. In this way, when the first connecting portion 510' of the second connector 500' is inserted into the second connecting portion 520 of the first connector 500, a fairly solid and robust interconnection can be provided between the connectors 500, 500' and thus between the respective housing components, e.g. in the form of protective caps 4, 4'.

[0145] The arm portions 523, 524 of the second connecting portion 520 comprise an L-shaped profile when viewed in the transverse direction. The flange portions 527 of the arm portions 523, 524 face each other. They are elongated and comprise a somewhat constant profile when viewed in the longitudinal direction.

[0146] In the further example of Fig. 20 and Fig. 21, the connector 600 also comprises a connector body 601 and a base portion 602. Here, the connection portion 610 is provided on one side of the base portion 602 and the second connection portion 620 is provided on the opposite side of the base portion 602. The first connection portion 610 is provided with a connection surface 611 configured to contact an outer surface of a housing component 4. Another connector 600' is provided with the same shape or identical shape as the connector 600. The further connector 600' is attached to another housing component 4'. The further connector 600' comprises a body 601' with a base portion 602'. Also here, the first connection portion 610' and the second connection portion 620' are located on opposite sides of the base portion 602'.

[0147] The connecting portion 610, 610' may be provided with a connecting surface 611, 611'. The connecting surface 611, 611 may comprise an adhesive or adhesive layer, by means of which the connector 600, 600' may be removably or permanently, i.e. non-removably, fixed to an outwardly facing part of a housing component 4, 4', which in the currently shown example is realised as a protective cap 4, 4'.

[0148] The second connecting portion 620, 620' includes a connecting surface 625, 625'. The connecting surface 625 of the first connector 600 is shaped and / or configured to removably connect to or removably fasten to a mating connecting surface 625' of a further connector 600' connected to the second housing component 4'. In some examples, the connecting surfaces 625, 625' may include mutually corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners that enable a removable, and therefore releasable, interconnection between the connecting surfaces 625, 625'.

[0149] In a further example, the body 601 and / or base portion 602 of the connector 600 comprise a flexible material and are provided with, for example, a hook-and-loop adhesive tape on their outer surfaces to provide an interconnection between the first connector 600 and the second connector 600' when attached to the respective housing components 4, 4' of the injection devices 1, 2.

[0150] In some examples, the body 601 may include an arch-shaped connection surface 611 at or on the first connection part 610. The second connection part 620 may include a substantially flat, planar-shaped connection surface 625. In this way, the connection surface 611 of the connection part 610 is particularly configured for attachment to a tubular outer surface of a side wall of a housing part 4, 6. The substantially flat, planar-shaped connection surface 625 of the second connection part 620 may provide a relatively large contact surface for contacting a respective mating contact surface 625' of another connector 600 that is connected or connectable to another housing part 4', 6' of a further injection device 2.

[0151] The flow chart of Fig. 22 shows a method for interconnecting a first injection device 1 and a second injection device 2. In a first step 50, a connector 100 as described above is incorporated into a housing or housing component 4, 6 of the first injection device 1 or alternatively the connector 100 is attached to a housing or housing part 4, 6 of the first injection device 1, e.g. a protective cap 4.

[0152] In a subsequent method step 51, the second connection part 120 of the connector 100 is connected to the housing or housing part 4' of the second injection device 2. Upon establishing such a connection, the first and second injection devices 1, 2 are interconnected via the connector 100.

[0153] Alternatively, instead of connecting the second connecting portion 120 to a housing or housing component of the second injection device 2, method step 51 may be performed by connecting a second connecting portion 320, 420, 520 of a connector 300, 400, 500 to a first connecting portion 310, 410, 510 of another connector 300', 400', 500' attached to or integrated in the second injection device 2. Here, the first connector 300, 400, 500 and the second connector 300', 400', 500' may comprise complementary shaped male and female connecting portions for releasable engagement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1. Injection Device 2. Injection Device 3. Injection Device 4 Protective cap 5. Drug containers 6 Main unit 7 Driving mechanism 8 Dosage components 9. Trigger 10 Cartridge 11 Barrel 12 Drugs 13 Dispensing end 14 Fastening clip 15 Cartridge holder 16 Recess 17 Aperture 20. Housing 21 Side wall 22 Side wall 23 Side wall 24 Connection end 25 Fastening Elements 26 Connection end 27 Fastening Elements 28 Piston rod 29 Pressurized parts 100 Connectors 101 Main unit 102 Base part 110 Connection part 111 Fastening bracket 112 Receptacle 113 Arm part 114 Arm part 115 Central Section 116 Free End Section 117 Flange part 120 Connection part 121 Fastening bracket 122 Receptacle 123 Arm part 124 Arm part 125 Center Section 126 Free End Section 127 Flange part 140 Kits 200 Connectors 201 Main unit 202 Base part 210 Connection 211 Fastening bracket 212 Receptacle 213 Arm part 214 Arm part 215 Central Section 216 Free End Section 217 Flange part 220 Connection 221 Fastening bracket 222 Receptacle 223 Arm part 224 Arm part 225 Female connector 226 Free End Section 227 Flange part 240 Kit 300 Connectors 301 Main unit 302 Base part 310 Connection 311 Bridge section 312 Insert part 315 Male Connector 320 Connection 321 Fastening bracket 322 Receptacle 323 Arm part 324 Arm part 325 female connector 326 Free End Section 327 Flange part 330 Connection 332 Receptacle 340 Kit 400 Connector 401 Main unit 402 Base part 410 Connection part 415 Male Connector 420 Connection part 421 Fastening bracket 422 Receptacle 423 Arm part 424 Arm part 425 female connector 426 Free End Section 427 Flange part 430 Connection 500 Connectors 501 Main unit 502 Base part 510 Connection part 515 Male Connector 520 Connection part 521 Fastening bracket 522 Receptacle 523 Arm part 524 Arm part 525 female connector 526 Free End Section 527 Flange part 600 Connectors 601 Main unit 602 Base part 610 Connection part 611 Connection surface 620 Connection part 625 Connection Surface 626 Hook and Loop Fastener

Claims

1. A connector (100) for establishing a mechanical connection between a first injection device (1) and a second injection device (11), said first injection device (1) and said second injection device (11) comprising a housing (20) of elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction (z), said connector (100) comprising: - body (101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601), a first connection part (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) connectable to or integrated in said first injection device (1), a second connecting part (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) removably connectable to said second injection device (2); A connector (100).

2. The connector (100) of claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) and the second connecting portion (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) are rigidly fastened to one another.

3. 3. The connector (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the body (101; 201; 301; 401; 501) is a unitary body, and the first connecting portion (110; 210; 310; 410; 510) and the second connecting portion (120; 220; 320; 420; 520) are integrally formed with the body (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).

4. A connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first connecting portion (110; 210; 310; 410; 510) and the second connecting portion (120; 220; 320; 420; 520) comprises a fastening bracket (111, 121; 211; 221; 321; 421; 521) configured for mechanical engagement with a housing (20) or housing portion (4, 6, 14) of at least one of the first injection device (1) and the second injection device (2).

5. The connector (100) of claim 4, wherein the fastening bracket (111, 121; 211; 311; 421; 521) is circular, semicircular, or concave.

6. 6. The connector (100) of claim 1, further comprising a base portion (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602) rigidly fastened to the first connection portion (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) and the second connection portion (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620), wherein the first connection portion (110) extends in a first radial direction (r1) from the base portion (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602) in relation to the longitudinal direction (z) and the second connection portion (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) extends or protrudes in a second radial direction (r2) from the base portion (102).

7. 7. The connector (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) of claim 6, wherein the base portion (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602) is located between the first connecting portion (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) and the second connecting portion (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620), and at least one of the first connecting portion (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) and the second connecting portion (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) extends or protrudes radially outward from the base portion (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 606).

8. A connector (300; 400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one of the first connecting portion (310; 410; 510; 610) and the second connecting portion (320; 420; 520; 620) comprises a male connecting portion (315; 415; 515; 615) configured for releasable engagement with a complementarily shaped female connecting portion (325; 425; 525; 625) of another one of the first connecting portion (310; 410; 510; 610) and the second connecting portion (320; 420; 520; 620) of another connector (300'; 400'; 500'; 600').

9. A connector (300; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the base portion (302; 402; 502) comprises a third connecting portion (330; 430; 530) configured for detachable connection to a housing (20) or a housing portion (4, 6, 15) of an injection device (1), and the first connecting portion (310; 410; 510) is configured for engagement with the second connecting portion (320; 420; 520) of another connector (300'; 400'; 500').

10. The connector (300; 400; 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (401; 501) is integrated into a housing (20) or housing part (4, 6) of the injection device (1).

11. A connector (300; 400; 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body (401; 501) is assembled into a protective cap (4) of an injection device (1) and the first connecting portion (410; 510) is assembled into a fastening clip (14) of the protective cap (4).

12. The connector (600) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second connection portion (620) includes a connection surface (625) that is complementary to a mating connection surface (625') of a second connection portion (620') of another connector (600) and is removably connectable to the mating connection surface (625').

13. An injection device (1) configured for setting and dispensing a dose of a drug, comprising: a housing (20) configured to receive a drug container (15) containing a drug and comprising at least one housing component (4, 6, 14); - a drive mechanism (7) operatively engageable with said medicament container (15) for expelling or drawing said dose of medicament from said medicament container (15); A connector (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is connectable to the housing (20) or to the housing component (4, 6, 14) or is integrated in the housing (20) or to the housing component (4, 6, 14). An injection device (1).

14. A kit (140; 240; 340) comprising a first injection device (1), a second injection device (2) and a connector (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, - said first injection device (1) comprises a first housing (20) comprising at least one housing component (4, 6, 14), - said second injection device (2) comprises a second housing (20') comprising at least one housing component (4', 6', 14'), and - the first connecting part (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) of the connector (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) is mechanically connectable to the at least one housing component (4, 6, 14) of the first injection device (1) or is integrated into the at least one housing component (4, 6, 14) of the first injection device (1); and said second connection part (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) of said connector (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) - mechanically connectable to said at least one housing component (4'; 6'; 20') of said second injection device (2), or - a kit (140; 240; 340) mechanically connectable to one of the first connecting part (310'; 410'; 510') and the second connecting part (620') of another connector (300'; 400'; 500'; 600') which is attachable to or integrated in the second injection device (2).

15. A method for interconnecting a first injection device (1) and a second injection device (2), comprising the steps of: in the housing (20) or in the housing parts (4, 6, 14) of said first injection device (1), A connector (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is incorporated or attached to a housing (20) or a housing part (4, 6, 14) of the first injection device (1). Mounting a connector (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, - connecting the second connection part (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) of the connector (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) to a housing (20') or a housing component (4'; 6'; 14') of the second injection device (2), or - connecting said second connection part (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) to one of said first connection part (310'; 410'; 510') and said second connection part (620') of another connector (300'; 400'; 500'; 600') attached to or integrated in said second injection device (2). A method comprising:

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