Subassembly for drug delivery device - Patent application

Abstract

A subassembly for a medication delivery device comprising: a housing; a delivery member cover disposed within the housing and configured to move axially within the housing from an extended position to a retracted position, the delivery member cover having a radial wall with an axial through opening; a removable cap assembly (4), the cap (5) configured to be fitted onto the delivery member cover (17) and / or onto the housing, the cap (5) having a proximal cap end (5a) and a distal cap end (5b); and a delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13) having radially flexible axially extending arms (13b), the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13) disposed within the cap (5), the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13) being movable from an initial position in which the arms (13b) extend through the through openings in the delivery member cover to a second position in which the cap (5) is pulled from the delivery member cover. and a removable cap assembly (4) configured to slide within the cap (5) towards the distal cap end (5b), the cap assembly (4) including an axial structure (33) configured to extend parallel to the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13) and limit radially inward movement of the arms (13b) when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13) is in an initial position, such that the arms (13b) have a radial dimension that extends beyond the radial dimension of the through opening, thereby preventing the delivery member cover from moving towards the retracted position, and the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13) configured to move relative to the axial structure (33) when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13) is moved towards the second position, allowing the arms (13b) to bend radially inward and move through the through opening in the delivery member cover.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to drug delivery devices. [Background technology]

[0002] A drug delivery device, such as an autoinjector, can include a housing and a needle cover movable relative to the housing. The needle cover can protrude from the housing in an initial state of the drug delivery device. By pushing the needle cover further into the housing, the device can be activated. This is typically performed by pressing the drug delivery device towards an injection site. Due to this construction, there is a risk of unintentional activation of the drug delivery device, for example by accidentally dropping the device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a subassembly for a medication delivery device that solves or at least alleviates problems in the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Thus, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a subassembly for a medication delivery device comprising a housing, a delivery member cover disposed within the housing and configured to move axially within the housing from an extended position to a retracted position, the delivery member cover having a radial wall with an axial through opening, a removable cap assembly, the cap configured to be fitted onto the delivery member cover and / or onto the housing, the cap having a proximal cap end and a distal cap end, and a delivery member shield gripping sleeve having radially flexible axially extending arms, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve being disposed within the cap and adapted to move from an initial position in which the arms extend through the through openings in the delivery member cover to a removable cap assembly in which the cap is pulled from the delivery member cover. and a removable cap assembly configured to slide within the cap toward the distal cap end to a second position where the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is in an initial position, the cap assembly including an axial structure configured to extend parallel to the delivery member shield gripping sleeve and limit radially inward movement of the arms when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is in the initial position, the arms having a radial dimension extending beyond the radial dimension of the through opening, thereby preventing the delivery member cover from moving toward the retracted position, and the delivery member shield gripping sleeve configured to move relative to the axial structure when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is moved toward the second position, allowing the arms to flex radially inward and move through the through opening in the delivery member cover.

[0005] Thus, in the event that a medication delivery device containing the subassembly is impacted, for example due to being accidentally dropped, the radially flexible axially extending arm limits movement of the delivery member cover towards its retracted position, such that accidental triggering can be avoided when the delivery member cover is configured to trigger medication delivery by moving to the retracted position.

[0006] In this disclosure, when the term "distal direction" is used, it refers to the direction pointing away from the dose delivery site during use of the drug delivery device. When the term "distal part / end" is used, it refers to the part / end of the delivery device, or the part / end of the member thereof, that is located furthest from the dose delivery site under use of the drug delivery device. Correspondingly, when the term "proximal direction" is used, it refers to the direction pointing towards the dose delivery site during use of the drug delivery device.

[0007] When the term "proximal part / end" is used, this refers to the part / end of the delivery device, or the part / end of a member thereof, that is positioned closest to the dose delivery site when the drug delivery device is in use.

[0008] Additionally, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "axially," or "axial" typically refer to a direction along a device or component thereof extending in the direction of the device and / or component's longest extension, from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0009] Similarly, the terms "transverse," "transverse," and "transversely" refer to a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0010] Additionally, the terms "circumferential," "circumferential," or "circumferentially" refer to the circumference or circumferential direction relative to an axis (typically a central axis extending in the direction of the longest extension of the device and / or component).

[0011] Similarly, "radial" or "radially" refers to a direction extending radially relative to an axis, and "rotational," "rotational," and "rotationally" refer to rotation relative to an axis.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the cap includes a proximally oriented radial stop surface and the delivery member shield gripping sleeve includes a distally oriented sleeve radial surface that faces the radial stop surface and is axially spaced apart from the radial stop surface when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is in an initial position, and the sleeve radial surface is configured to contact the radial stop surface when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is in a second position.

[0013] Thus, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve, when moved from the initial position, is prevented from moving further than the second position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve has an axial slot with a sleeve radial surface, and a radial stop surface is provided on a radially inwardly extending protrusion that extends into the slot with play to define a boundary of axial movement of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve between an initial position and a second position.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the arms and axial structures form a torsional snap fit with the radial walls.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the arm is a first arm extending towards the distal cap end and forms part of a seesaw structure including a radially flexible second arm extending axially towards the proximal cap end, the axial structure being disposed radially outward of the second arm and biasing the second arm radially inward when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is in the initial position, causing the first arm to bend radially outward and to acquire a radial dimension greater than the radial dimension of the through opening.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the axial structure has an inclined inner surface configured to abut the second arm and urge the second arm radially inward, the inclined surface increasing a radial dimension of the axial structure in a direction toward the proximal cap end.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve has a radially outwardly extending sleeve flange defining a sleeve radial surface, and a radial stop surface extending radially inwardly and spaced axially from the sleeve radial surface when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is in the initial position, and the radial stop surface is configured to abut the sleeve flange when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is in the second position.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the axial structures are arranged radially inwardly of the arms.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the arm includes a sloped portion that gradually increases a radial dimension of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve in a direction toward a distal sleeve end of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is in an initial position, the sloped portion having a maximum radial dimension that is greater than the radial dimension of the through opening.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the radial wall has a distally oriented wall surface and the angled portion is disposed distally relative to the distally oriented wall surface when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is in the initial position.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve has flexible radially inwardly extending tabs configured to engage the delivery member shield.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve extends out from the cap at the distal cap end, the arms are disposed on a proximal portion of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve, and the tabs are disposed on a distal portion of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the housing has a proximally facing surface configured to abut the cap when the cap is fitted to the delivery member cover.

[0025] According to a second aspect, there is provided a drug delivery device comprising the subassembly of the first aspect.

[0026] In general, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to "elements, devices, components, means, etc." should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of an element, device, component, means, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0027] Specific embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a drug delivery device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the drug delivery device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a delivery member cover. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cap assembly. [Diagram 5] 5 is a longitudinal cross-section of the cap of the cap assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the proximal portion of the medication delivery device of FIG. 1 before the cap assembly of FIG. 4 is removed. [Figure 7] 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the proximal portion of the medication delivery device of FIG. 1 with the cap assembly removed. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 illustrates another example of a cap assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cap of the cap assembly of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the proximal portion of the medication delivery device before the cap assembly of FIG. 8 is removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the proximal portion of the medication delivery device with the cap assembly of FIG. 8 removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The inventive concepts will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. However, the inventive concepts may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like parts throughout the description.

[0030] A subassembly for a drug delivery device will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The subassembly includes a housing 3, a delivery member cover 17 protruding from a proximal end opening of the housing 3, and a removable cap assembly 4, 4'.

[0031] The subassembly is configured to prevent unintentional triggering of the drug delivery device. The drug delivery device including the assembly is designed to be triggered by axial movement of the drug delivery member cover relative to the housing. This axial movement of the drug delivery cover relative to the housing results in a drug contained within the drug delivery device being delivered to a drug delivery site.

[0032] A detailed description of this assembly is provided below in the context of one primary example of a drug delivery device. It should be noted that this assembly can also be used with other types of drug delivery devices that are triggered by axial movement of a delivery member cover relative to a housing.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an example of a drug delivery device 1 including the subassembly described above. The drug delivery device 1 is in this example an autoinjector.

[0034] The drug delivery device 1 includes a housing 3. The housing 3 of the subassembly has a proximal end 3a and a distal end 3b. The housing 3 can be hollow and generally tubular. The housing 3 can include a proximal end opening.

[0035] The drug delivery device 1 includes a cap assembly 4. The subassembly cap assembly 4 includes a cap 5. The cap 5 is configured to be fitted to the proximal end 3a of the housing 3 and / or to be fitted over a delivery member cover protruding from the proximal end opening of the housing 3.

[0036] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the drug delivery device 1.

[0037] The drug delivery device 1 is configured to accommodate a drug container such as a syringe 7. The syringe 7 includes a delivery member (in this case a needle). A delivery member shield may be provided around the delivery member. The delivery member shield may include, for example, a flexible needle shield 9 and / or a rigid needle shield 11. When it includes a flexible needle shield 9 and a rigid needle shield 11, the rigid needle shield 11 may be positioned radially outward of the flexible needle shield 9 and attached to the delivery member.

[0038] The cap assembly 4 of the subassembly includes a delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 configured to engage the rigid needle shield 11. The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 may include, for example, radially inwardly extending tabs 13a configured to engage the rigid needle shield 11. When the cap 5 is removed, it takes the flexible needle shield 9 and the rigid needle shield 11 with it.

[0039] The medication delivery device includes the above-mentioned delivery member cover 17. The delivery member cover 17 is slidably disposed within the housing 3 and extends from the housing 3 from the proximal end opening 6 thereof.

[0040] The delivery member cover 17 is configured to move axially relative to the housing 3 from an extended position to a retracted position in which the housing 3 receives a larger portion of the delivery member cover 17 than in the extended position.

[0041] The delivery member cover 17 is biased towards the extended position. The drug delivery device 1 includes a first resilient member 15, which is configured to bias the delivery member cover 17 towards the extended position. The first resilient member 15 can be, for example, a coil spring.

[0042] The first elastic member 15 may, for example, be arranged to extend inside the delivery member cover 17 between a radial surface of the delivery member cover 17 and a radial surface provided on the inside of the housing 3.

[0043] The delivery member cover 17 has a proximal tubular portion 17a and legs 17b that extend distally towards the distal end 3b of the housing 3.

[0044] The medication delivery device 1 includes a medication container holder 19. The medication container holder 19 is disposed within the housing 3 and is configured to hold a medication container, such as a syringe 7 or the like.

[0045] The housing 3 may, for example, include a radially inwardly extending ledge portion that prevents the medication container holder 19 from moving in the proximal direction (i.e., toward the proximal end 3a of the housing 3).

[0046] The drug delivery device 1 includes a plunger rod 21. The plunger rod 21 is configured to extend into a drug container (i.e., in this example, a syringe 7).

[0047] The plunger rod 21 is configured to be moved proximally inside the housing 3. The plunger rod 21 is configured to be moved from an initial axial position to a final position, the final position being closer to the proximal end 3a of the housing 3 than the initial axial position.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the plunger rod 21 includes a radial recess 21a. Alternatively, the plunger rod includes a ledge extending radially from an outer surface of the wall of the plunger rod. In a preferred embodiment, the plunger rod 21 is hollow. Alternatively, the plunger rod includes a tubular section and a rod section.

[0049] In a preferred example, the drug delivery device 1 includes a rod 23 and a second elastic member 25. The rod 23 is configured to be disposed within the plunger rod 21, and the second elastic member 25 (e.g., a spring) can be disposed around the rod 23 within the plunger rod 21. Alternatively, the second elastic member 25 can be disposed partially around the plunger rod, in which case the drug delivery device is in a state without the rod 23.

[0050] In another example, the drug delivery device includes a gas canister and a valve connected to the gas canister for actuating the plunger rod from an initial axial position.

[0051] In one example, when the drug delivery device includes the rod 23 and the second elastic member 25, the drug delivery device 1 can include a U-shaped bracket 27. The U-shaped bracket 27 is disposed with its bottom of the U-shape facing towards the distal end 3b of the housing 3. The second elastic member 25 is configured to bias the U-shaped bracket 27 towards the distal end 3b of the housing 3.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the drug delivery device 1 includes a rotator 29 and a rear cap structure 31 .

[0053] In one example, when the plunger rod 21 is biased proximally relative to the housing 3 by the second elastic member 25, the rotator 29 and the rear cap structure 31 are configured to releasably hold the plunger rod 21 against the biasing force from the second elastic member 25. The rear cap structure 31 is configured to engage the plunger rod 21 and maintain the plunger rod 21 in its initial axial position. The rear cap structure 31 has a tubular proximal portion 31a with radially flexible arms 31b. Each flexible arm 31b is configured to engage with a respective radial recess 21a of the plunger rod 21 before the drug delivery device 1 is activated or triggered to perform drug delivery.

[0054] The rotator 29 is disposed radially outwardly of and around the tubular proximal portion 31a.

[0055] The rotator 29 is configured to rotate relative to the tubular proximal portion 31a from a first rotational position (which it retains prior to activation of the drug delivery device 1) to a second rotational position.

[0056] The rotator 29 has an inner surface that abuts the flexible arms 31b when the rotator 29 is in the first rotational position to prevent the flexible arms 31b from disengaging from respective ones of the radial recesses 21a.

[0057] The rotator 29 has an inner surface with an inner recess or window that is circumferentially offset from the flexible arm 31b when the rotator 29 is in the first rotational position.

[0058] The rotator 29 is configured to cooperate with the delivery member cover 17 when the delivery member cover 17 is moved from the extended position towards the retracted position. The rotator 29 is configured to convert the linear movement of the delivery member cover 17 into rotation. The rotator 29 has a guide structure 29a configured to cooperate with a radially inwardly extending pin of the leg 17b of the delivery member cover 17 such that the pin moves against a cam surface of the guide structure 29a when the delivery member cover 17 is moved towards the retracted position. This causes the rotation of the rotator 29 from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. When the delivery member cover 17 reaches the retracted position, an inner recess (or window) in the inner surface of the rotator 29 aligns with a flexible arm 31b of the rear cap structure 31. This allows the flexible arms 31b to bend radially outward and disengage from the radial recesses 21a of the plunger rod 21, thereby releasing the plunger rod 21 to move axially from the initial axial position towards the final position.

[0059] As the plunger rod 21 is released to reach its final position, the U-shaped bracket 27, previously engaged with the rear cap structure 31, is released and impacts a radial surface (e.g., the inside of the rear cap structure 31), which causes an audible click, indicating that the drug delivery operation is complete.

[0060] 3 shows a perspective view of the delivery member cover 17. The delivery member cover 17 includes a radial wall 17c. The radial wall 17c forms the proximal end of the delivery member cover 17. The radial wall 17c forms the proximal end of the proximal tubular portion 17a.

[0061] The radial wall 17c is provided with an axial through-opening 17d which leads into the interior of the proximal tubular portion 17a.

[0062] 4 shows a cap assembly 4. The illustrated cap assembly 4 includes a front part 35 that is configured to be attached to a cap 5. The front part 35 forms the proximal end of the cap assembly 4.

[0063] The cap 5 has a proximal cap end 5a and a distal cap end 5b. The front part 35 is adapted to be connected to the cap 5 at the proximal cap end 5a.

[0064] The cap 5 is hollow and open at a distal cap end 5b. The cap 5 is configured to receive a proximal portion of a delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13.

[0065] The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 extends distally beyond the distal cap end 5b of the cap 5. The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 protrudes from the distal cap end 5b of the cap 5.

[0066] Delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 has a proximal sleeve end 14a and a distal sleeve end 14b.

[0067] The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 has radially flexible, axially extending arms 13b that extend distally from the proximal sleeve end 14a towards the distal sleeve end 14b.

[0068] Arm 13b extends distally from the proximal end portion of delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13. Tab 13a is provided on the distal end portion of delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13.

[0069] The through opening 17d is configured to receive a portion of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13, including at least a portion of the arm 13b.

[0070] Arm 13b has a sloped portion 13c that gradually increases the radial dimension of delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 in a direction toward the distal end of delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13. Sloped portion 13c has a maximum radial dimension that is greater than the radial dimension of through opening 17d.

[0071] Arm 13b also has a sloped portion 13d immediately following sloped portion 13c. Sloped portion 13d gradually reduces the radial dimension of delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 in a direction towards the distal end of delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13. This facilitates insertion of delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 into through opening 17d during assembly of medication delivery device 1.

[0072] The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 has a radially outwardly extending sleeve flange 13d which forms a proximal sleeve end 14a.

[0073] The sleeve flange 13d defines a sleeve radial surface 13e that is distally oriented and thus faces the distal end 3b of the housing 3 when the cap assembly 4 is fitted onto the delivery member cover 17.

[0074] The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is slidably disposed within the cap 5. The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is configured to be moved inside the cap 5 from an initial position to a second position relative to the cap 5.

[0075] The cap assembly 4 includes an axial structure 33. The axial structure 33 extends axially inside the cap 5. The axial structure 33 can be, for example, tubular or cylindrical in shape. The axial structure 33 extends axially towards the distal cap end 5b of the cap 5.

[0076] The front part 35 in this example comprises an axial structure 33 .

[0077] The axial structure 33 is configured to be disposed adjacent to and radially inward of the arm 13b when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is in the initial position. For example, when the axial structure 33 is tubular, the axial structure 33 is configured to be disposed concentrically with and radially inward of the arm 13b when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is in the initial position. Alternatively, the axial structure can be a wall extending radially inward of the arm adjacent and parallel to the arm when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve is in the initial position. The axial structure 33 is disposed radially sufficiently close to the arm 13b such that the arm 13b is restricted from bending radially inward. The axial structure 33 is configured to limit the inclined portion 13c from bending radially inwardly when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is in the initial position to an amount such that it can pass through the through opening 17d after the cap assembly 4 is fitted to the delivery member cover 17.

[0078] In one example of assembling the subassembly, when the cap assembly 4 is fitted to the delivery member cover 17 in the assembly process, the cap 5 containing the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is slid onto the delivery member cover 17 from the proximal end of the delivery member cover 17. At this point, the front part 35 is generally not yet fitted, allowing the arms 13b to bend radially inward as the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 moves through the through opening 17d. The front part 35 is then attached to the cap 5. Thus, the axial structure 33 is moved radially inward of the arms 13b inside the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13. This limits the radially inward movement of the arms 13b.

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section of the cap 5. The cap 5 has a proximally oriented radial stop surface 5c. The radial stop surface 5c is configured to face the sleeve radial surface 13e. When the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is in the initial position, the sleeve radial surface 13e is axially spaced apart from the radial stop surface 5c. When the cap assembly 4 is pulled from the delivery member cover 17, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 maintains its axial position relative to the delivery member cover 17 until the radial stop surface 5c reaches the sleeve radial surface 13e. In that way, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 reaches its second position.

[0080] The removal of the cap assembly 4 from the delivery member cover 17 will now be described with reference to Figures 6-7.

[0081] In FIG. 6, the cap assembly 4 is fitted onto the delivery member cover 17 .

[0082] The housing 3 has a proximally facing surface 3c that abuts the distal cap end 5b.

[0083] The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is disposed in an initial position relative to the cap 5. The axial structure 33 is disposed radially inward of the arm 13b and extends axially up to or essentially up to the inclined portion 13c of the arm 13b. The arm 13b is thus restricted from bending radially inward. The arm 13b extends through a through opening 17d in the delivery member cover 17.

[0084] The radial wall 17c of the delivery member cover 17 has a distally oriented wall surface 17e. The distally oriented wall surface 17e is located proximally relative to the inclined portion 13c. The inclined portion 13c is located sufficiently close to the distally oriented wall surface 17e such that a collision or impact against the drug delivery device 1 does not result in axial movement of the delivery member cover 17 to an extent that would cause activation of the drug delivery device 1. In this example, this means that the rotator 29 should not be able to move to the second rotational position. The inclined portion 13c can be located, for example, adjacent to or against the distally oriented wall surface 17e when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is in the initial position.

[0085] The distal sleeve end 14b of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is disposed inside the housing 3, facing and adjacent to a proximally oriented surface of the housing 3, when the cap 5 is fitted to the delivery member cover 17. Thus, for example, if the medication delivery device 1 is subjected to a crash (e.g. due to being dropped), the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 will hit the proximally oriented surface of the housing 3, thus limiting its movement in the distal direction (i.e. towards the distal end 3b of the housing 3). Figure 7 illustrates the cap assembly 4 when it is in the process of being withdrawn from the delivery member cover 17. Because the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is slidably disposed within the cap 5, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 initially maintains its axial position relative to the delivery member cover 17 as the cap 5 is withdrawn. As shown in FIG. 7, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is finally removed together with the cap 5 when the cap 5 has been moved a distance such that the radial stop surface 5c contacts the sleeve radial surface 13e. At this point, most of the axial structure 33 has been moved out from under the arms 13b. This allows the arms 13b to bend radially inwards as the cap 5 continues to be pulled from the delivery member cover 17, and the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 is moved simultaneously with the cap 5. The arms 13b can therefore bend radially inwards as the inclined portions 13c are pulled against the distally oriented wall surfaces 17e. The arms 13b can therefore be moved through the through openings 17d of the delivery member cover 17. The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13 can thus be pulled out of the delivery member cover 17, and the cap assembly 4 can be separated from the housing 3 and the delivery member cover 17.

[0086] 8 shows another example of a cap assembly 4'. The cap assembly 4' includes a cap 5' and a delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13'.

[0087] The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' has an axial slot 12'. The axial slot 12' is provided on a proximal portion of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13'.

[0088] The axial slot 12' has a proximal slot end and a distal slot end, the proximal slot end having a distally oriented sleeve radial surface 13e'.

[0089] Delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' has radially flexible, axially extending arms 13b' that extend distally from proximal sleeve end 14a' towards distal sleeve end 14b'.

[0090] Arm 13b' extends distally from the proximal end portion of delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13'.

[0091] Arm 13b' is a distally extending first arm that forms part of a see-saw structure 13g' that includes a proximally extending, radially flexible second arm 13f', such that arm 13b' and second arm 13f' extend in opposite axial directions.

[0092] 9 shows a perspective view of the inside of the cap 5'. The cap 5' has a proximally oriented radial stop surface 5c'. The radial stop surface 5c' is provided on a protrusion 5d' that extends radially inwardly of the cap 5'. The protrusion 5d' extends into the slot 12'. There is play between the protrusion 5d' and the slot 12' such that the protrusion 5d' can move within the slot 12'.

[0093] As in the previous example, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' is configured to slide inside the cap 5' from an initial position to a second position relative to the cap 5'. When the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' is in the initial position, the protrusion 5d' and the radial stop surface 5c' are located at a distance from the sleeve radial surface 13e'. The delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' acquires the second position when the cap 5' is pulled from the delivery member cover 17 and the radial stop surface 5c' reaches the sleeve radial surface 13e'. Thus, the slot 12' defines the bounds of the axial movement of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' relative to the cap 5'.

[0094] The cap 5' comprises in this example an axial structure 33' which extends axially inside the cap 5'. The axial structure 33' is arranged offset from the projection 5d' in the circumferential direction of the cap 5'. This offset can be, for example, 90 degrees.

[0095] The axial structure 33' is disposed radially outward of and abuts the second arm 13f' when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' is in the initial position, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0096] Looking at FIG. 10, the cap assembly 4' is shown fitted onto the delivery member cover 17 prior to removal.

[0097] The arm 13b' is received by a through opening 17d in the delivery member cover 17 when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' is in the initial position and when the cap 5' is fitted to the delivery member cover 17.

[0098] The axial structure 33' has an inclined surface 33a', by which the radial dimension (or radial thickness) of the axial structure 33' increases in a direction towards the proximal cap end 5a'. The inclined surface 33a' biases the second arm 13f' radially inward. Due to the seesaw structure 13g', the arm 13b' is bent radially outward. The arm 13b' thus has an inclined portion which gradually increases the radial dimension of the arm 13b' in a direction towards the distal sleeve end 14b'. The arm 13b' acquires a radial dimension which is greater than the corresponding radial dimension of the through opening 17d. The delivery member cover 17 is thus prevented from moving to the retracted position, for example, when the drug delivery device 1', on which the cap assembly 4' is fitted, is subjected to a collision or impact.

[0099] As in the previous example, the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' is restricted from moving in a distal direction due to the distal sleeve end 14b' being positioned inside the housing 3 facing and adjacent to a proximally oriented surface of the housing 3.

[0100] In FIG. 10, sleeve radial surface 13e' is axially spaced from radial stop surface 5c'.

[0101] 11 shows the cap assembly 4' when it is in the process of being withdrawn from the delivery member cover 17. The radial stop surface 5c' has reached the sleeve radial surface 13e' and the delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' has thus moved to a second position within the cap 5'.

[0102] The axial structure 33' has been moved proximally away from the second arm 13f', so that the second arm 13f' bends radially outward. This causes the arm 13b' to bend radially inward, so that the arm 13b' can pass through the through opening 17d.

[0103] The cap 5 and delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13' can now be pulled out of the delivery member cover 17 as the radial stop surface 5c' engages the sleeve radial surface 13e'.

[0104] The inventive concept has been primarily described above with reference to certain examples, however, as will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art, other embodiments besides those disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1, 1' Drug delivery device 3. Housing 3a Proximal end 3b Distal end 4, 4' Cap Assembly 5, 5' Cap 5a, 5a' proximal cap end 5b Distal Cap End 5c, 5c' Radial stop surfaces 5d' protrusion 6 Proximal end opening 7 Syringe 9 Flexible Needle Shield 11 Ridgid Needle Shield 12' axial slot 13, 13' Delivery member shield gripping sleeve 13a Tab 13b, 13b' arms 13c Slope section 13d Inclined section, sleeve flange 13e, 13e' sleeve radial surface 13f' Second Arm 13g' Seesaw structure 14a, 14a' proximal sleeve end 14b, 14b' distal sleeve end 15 First elastic member 17 Delivery member cover 17a Proximal tubular part 17b Legs 17c Radial wall 17d Through opening 17e Distally Oriented Wall Surface 19 Drug Container Holder 21 Plunger rod 21a Radial recess 23 Rod 25 Second elastic member 27 U-shaped bracket 29 Rotator 29a Guide structure 31 Rear cap structure 31a Tubular proximal part 31b Flexible Arm 33, 33' axial structure 33a' sloped surface 35 Front parts

Claims

1. A subassembly for a drug delivery device (1;1'), comprising: a housing (3), a delivery member cover (17) arranged in said housing (3) and adapted to move axially therein from an extended position towards a retracted position, said delivery member cover (17) having a radial wall (17c) with an axial through opening (17d); a removable cap assembly (4; 4'), a cap (5; 5') configured to be fitted onto said delivery member cover (17) and / or onto said housing (3), said cap (5; 5') having a proximal cap end (5a; 5a') and a distal cap end (5b; 5b'); and a delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') having radially flexible axially extending arms (13b; 13b'); Including, said delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') is disposed within said cap (5; 5'), said delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') being configured to slide within said cap (5; 5') towards said distal cap end (5b; 5b') from an initial position in which said arms (13b; 13b') extend through said through openings (17d) of said delivery member cover (17) to a second position in which said cap (5; 5') is pulled from said delivery member cover (17), said cap assembly (4; 4') comprising an axial structure (33; 33') extending parallel to said delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') and configured to limit radially inward movement of said arms (13b; 13b') when said delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') is in said initial position, said arms (13b; 13b') having a radial dimension extending beyond a radial dimension of said through opening (17d), thereby preventing movement of said delivery member cover (17) towards said retracted position, said delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') is configured to move relative to said axial structure (33; 33') when said delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') is moved towards said second position, allowing said arms (13b; 13b') to bend radially inwards and move through said through openings (17d) in said delivery member cover (17), a removable cap assembly (4; 4'); A subassembly comprising:

2. 2. The subassembly of claim 1, wherein the cap (5; 5') includes a proximally oriented radial stop surface (5c; 5c') and the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') includes a distally oriented sleeve radial surface (13e; 13e') that faces the radial stop surface (5; 5c') and is axially spaced apart from the radial stop surface (5; 5c') when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') is in the initial position, and wherein the sleeve radial surface (13e; 13e') is configured to contact the radial stop surface (5c; 5c') when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') is in the second position.

3. 3. The subassembly of claim 2, wherein the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13') has an axial slot (12') with the sleeve radial surface (13e'), and the radial stop surface (5c') is provided on a radially inwardly extending protrusion (5d') which extends into the axial slot (12') with play to define a boundary of axial movement of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13') between the initial position and the second position.

4. A subassembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said arm (13b') and said axial structure (33') form a torsional snap fit with said radial wall (17c).

5. 5. The subassembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the arm (13b') is a first arm extending towards the distal cap end (5b') and forms part of a see-saw structure (13g') comprising a radially flexible second arm (13f') extending axially towards the proximal cap end (5a'), the axial structure (33') being arranged radially outward of the second arm (13f') and biasing the second arm (13f') radially inward when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13') is in the initial position, causing the first arm (13b') to bend radially outward and to acquire a radial dimension greater than a radial dimension of the through opening (17d).

6. 6. The subassembly of claim 5, wherein the axial structure (33') has an inclined inner surface (33a') configured to abut the second arm (13f') and urge the second arm (13f') radially inward, the inclined inner surface (33a') increasing a radial dimension of the axial structure (33') in a direction towards the proximal cap end (5a').

7. 3. The subassembly of claim 2, wherein the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13) has a radially outwardly extending sleeve flange (13d) defining the sleeve radial surface (13e), and the radial stop surface (5c) extends radially inwardly and is axially spaced apart from the sleeve radial surface (13e) when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13) is in the initial position, and the radial stop surface (5c) is configured to abut the sleeve flange (13d) when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13) is in the second position.

8. 8. The subassembly of claim 7, wherein the axial structure (33) is disposed radially inward of the arms (13b).

9. 9. The subassembly of claim 1, wherein the arm (13b; 13b') comprises a sloped portion (13c) which gradually increases a radial dimension of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') in a direction towards a distal sleeve end (14b; 14b') of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') is in the initial position, the sloped portion (13c) having a maximum radial dimension which is greater than the radial dimension of the through opening (17d).

10. 10. The subassembly of claim 9, wherein the radial wall (17c) has a distally oriented wall surface (17e), and the inclined portion (13c) is disposed distally relative to the distally oriented wall surface (17e) when the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') is in the initial position.

11. 11. The subassembly of claim 1, wherein the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') has a radially inwardly extending flexible tab (13a) configured to engage the delivery member shield.

12. 12. The subassembly of claim 11, wherein the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') extends out from the cap (5; 5') at the distal cap end (5b; 5b'), the arms (13b; 13b') being located at a proximal portion of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13') and the tabs (13a) being located at a distal portion of the delivery member shield gripping sleeve (13; 13').

13. 13. The subassembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the housing (3) has a proximally facing surface (3c) configured to abut against the cap (5) when the cap (5) is fitted onto the delivery member cover (17).

14. A drug delivery device (1; 1') comprising a subassembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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