Subassembly of drug delivery device

Abstract

A subassembly for a drug delivery device, the subassembly comprising a tubular cap (3, 3', 3''), an adapter (2, 2', 2''), a delivery member assembly (1) and a delivery member guard (4), wherein a rotation mechanism is disposed between the tubular cap (3, 3', 5 3'') and the adapter (2, 2', 2''), the rotation mechanism being configured to move the delivery member guard (4) from a distal position to a proximal position when a rotation of the adapter (2, 2', 2'') is caused relative to the tubular cap (3, 3', 3'') about a longitudinal axis (L).

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , , , , ,

[0006] ,

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to sub - assemblies of drug delivery devices, and more particularly to sub - assemblies having a rotation mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] Drug delivery devices such as pen - type manual syringes or auto - injectors are generally known for self - administration of drugs by patients who have not received formal medical training. For example, a patient suffering from diabetes may require repeated injections of insulin, or a patient may require regular injections of other types of drugs such as growth hormones.

[0003] Drug containers such as cartridges or syringes are often inserted into or pre - installed as part of a drug delivery device. A cartridge can keep the contained drug in a completely sealed state until the user attempts to perform a drug delivery operation, so a cartridge is usually more suitable for storing drugs over a longer period than a syringe. However, a cartridge requires the user to attach a drug delivery member, such as a needle or nozzle, before use, which can be difficult for a user without formal medical training.

[0004] Therefore, a drug delivery device that can automatically attach a drug delivery member is desirable.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is defined by the appended claims, which should be referred to herein.

[0006] In this disclosure, when the term “distal direction” is used, it refers to the direction away from the dose delivery site during use of the injection device. When the term “distal / end” is used, it refers to the part / end of the delivery device, or part / end of its component, that is located furthest from the dose delivery site during use of the injection device. Correspondingly, when the term “proximal direction” is used, it refers to the direction toward the dose delivery site during use of the injection device. When the term “proximal / end” is used, it refers to the part / end of the delivery device, or part / end of its component, that is located closest to the dose delivery site during use of the injection device.

[0007] Furthermore, the terms “longitudinal,” “longitudinally,” “axially,” or “axial” typically refer to the direction extending along the device or its components from the proximal end to the distal end, or the direction of the longest extension of the device and / or its components.

[0008] Similarly, the terms "transverse," "transversal," and "transversally" refer to a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0009] Furthermore, the terms “circumferential,” “circumferential,” or “circumferentially” refer to the circumference or circumferential direction with respect to an axis, typically a central axis extending in the direction of the longest extension of the device and / or component. Similarly, “radial” or “radially” refers to a direction extending radially with respect to an axis, and “rotation,” “rotational,” and “rotating” refer to rotation with respect to an axis.

[0010] Accordingly, a subassembly of a drug delivery device is provided, the subassembly comprising a tubular cap, an adapter, a delivery member assembly, and a delivery member guard. The tubular cap extends along the longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The delivery member assembly comprises a delivery member hub and a delivery member attached to the delivery member hub. The delivery member hub comprises a fastener configured to be attached to an opposing fastener of the housing of the drug delivery device via relative rotation between a fastener and an opposing fastener. The delivery member hub is rotatable relative to the housing of the drug delivery device about the longitudinal axis between an unattached position where the fastener is not attached to the opposing fastener and an attached position where the fastener is attached to the opposing fastener. The adapter comprises a body operably connected to the delivery member hub, thereby the adapter is immobile relative to the delivery member hub and axially movable. The adapter is located within the tubular cap. The adapter has a distally oriented surface. The delivery member guard has a proximal oriented surface adjacent to the distally oriented surface of the adapter. The delivery member guard is movable axially from a distal to a proximal position relative to the tubular cap. A rotation mechanism is positioned between the tubular cap and the adapter. The rotation mechanism is configured such that when the delivery member guard moves from the distal to the proximal position, it causes the adapter to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the tubular cap, thereby moving the delivery member hub from an unmounted position to a mounted position by the rotation of the adapter.

[0011] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the rotating mechanism comprises a thread and a projection disposed within the thread. One of the thread and the projection extends from the body of the adapter. The other of the thread and the projection extends from the body of the tubular cap toward the body of the adapter.

[0012] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the threads are located on the outer surface of the adapter body. The tubular cap includes a distally extending arm that extends from the body of the tubular cap in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The projection extends from the distally extending arm in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the threads are located on the inner surface of the body of the tubular cap. The projection extends from the outer surface of the body of the adapter in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0014] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the rotation mechanism comprises a torsion spring wound around a longitudinal axis. The torsion spring extends between a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed to a tubular cap. The second end is fixed to the body of the adapter. The adapter comprises an engaging member extending from the body of the adapter. The tubular cap comprises an opposing engaging member that is circumferentially aligned with the engaging member of the adapter when the delivery member guard is in a distal position, and offset circumferentially with respect to the engaging member of the adapter when the delivery member guard is in a proximal position.

[0015] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the engaging member is a rib extending from the outer surface of the adapter body in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The opposing engaging member is a notch in the wall of the body of the tubular cap.

[0016] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the adapter comprises a flange extending from the body of the adapter. The flange defines a distally oriented surface. A notch is positioned in the flange, and the second end of the torsion spring is fitted into the notch in the flange.

[0017] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the delivery member assembly comprises a tubular inner cap. The delivery member hub is located within the tubular inner cap. The delivery member hub is immobile relative to the inner cap and axially movable via a first engagement between the delivery member hub and the inner cap. The inner cap is located within the body. The inner cap is immobile relative to the body of the adapter via a second engagement between the inner cap and the body of the adapter.

[0018] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the first engagement is formed by longitudinally extending ribs on the inner cap and longitudinally extending ribs on the delivery member hub.

[0019] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the first engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the inner cap and a notch / recess on the delivery member hub, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0020] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the first engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a notch / recess on the inner cap, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0021] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the first engagement is formed by a non-circular cross-section body portion of the delivery member hub that aligns with the non-circular cross-section body portion of the inner cap.

[0022] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the inner cap and a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter.

[0023] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the inner cap and a notch / recess on the body of the adapter, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter and a notch / recess on the inner cap, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0025] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the second engagement is formed by a non-circular cross-section body portion of the adapter body that aligns with the non-circular cross-section body portion of the inner cap.

[0026] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the adapter is directly engaged with the delivery member hub via an engagement formed by longitudinally extending ribs on the delivery member hub and longitudinally extending ribs on the body of the adapter.

[0027] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the adapter is directly engaged with the delivery member hub via an engagement formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a notch / recess on the body of the adapter, and the notch / recess opens in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0028] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the adapter is directly engaged with the delivery member hub via an engagement formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter and a notch / recess on the delivery member hub, and the notch / recess opens in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0029] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the adapter is directly engaged with the delivery member hub via an engagement formed by a non-circular cross-section body portion of the adapter that mates with a non-circular cross-section body portion of the delivery member hub.

[0030] Preferably, according to another embodiment, one of the fastener and the opposing fastener is a thread, and the other of the fastener and the opposing fastener is a thread follower. The delivery member hub is axially movable distally of the tubular cap relative to the housing of the drug delivery device.

[0031] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, one of the fastener and the opposing fastener is a bayonet track, and the other of the fastener and the opposing fastener is a bayonet track follower.

[0032] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the delivery member guard comprises a tubular body configured to surround the delivery member. The proximal end of the tubular body defines a proximally directed surface.

[0033] Another aspect of the present invention provides a front subassembly for a drug delivery device, the front subassembly comprising a subassembly comprising a body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A delivery member guard is coaxially mounted to the body and is axially movable relative to the body along the longitudinal axis, and a locking member is mounted to the body. The locking member is movable relative to the delivery member guard between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member comprises a distally oriented surface adjacent to a second proximal-oriented surface of the delivery member guard in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the distally oriented surface of the locking member is circumferentially spaced with respect to the longitudinal axis from the proximal-oriented surface of the delivery member guard.

[0034] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the locking member is rotatable around the longitudinal axis relative to the delivery member guard between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0035] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the front subassembly includes a biasing member positioned between the distally oriented surface of the delivery member guard and the proximally oriented surface of the main body.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention provides a drug delivery device comprising a subassembly.

[0037] Another aspect of the present invention provides a drug delivery device comprising a front subassembly.

[0038] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the drug delivery device comprises a plurality of chambered drug containers arranged within a carrier.

[0039] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the drug delivery device is an auto-injector or a manual insulin pen.

[0040] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the drug container is a cartridge.

[0041] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for attaching a delivery member to a drug delivery device, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tubular cap extending along a longitudinal axis and housing an adapter; a delivery member hub; a delivery member fixed to the delivery member hub; and a delivery member guard in contact with the adapter in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and using the delivery member guard to move the adapter axially toward the tubular cap in the direction of the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the adapter to rotate relative to the tubular cap about the longitudinal axis, thereby rotating the delivery member hub together with the adapter relative to the tubular cap, thereby attaching the delivery member to the drug delivery device by the rotation of the delivery member hub.

[0042] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the step of causing rotation of the adapter relative to the tubular cap about the longitudinal axis by moving the adapter axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis using a delivery member guard includes the steps of moving the adapter axially away from the rotation block structure of the tubular cap using a delivery member guard and rotating the adapter using a torsion spring fixed between the tubular cap and the adapter.

[0043] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the step of causing rotation of the adapter relative to the tubular cap about the longitudinal axis by using a delivery member guard to move the adapter axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis includes the step of rotating the adapter using a converter assembly configured to convert the axial motion of the adapter into rotational motion of the adapter.

[0044] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the converter assembly is formed by a thread and a projection positioned on the thread. One of the thread and projection is positioned on the outer surface of the adapter, and the other of the thread and projection is positioned on the inner surface of the tubular cap.

[0045] Preferably, according to another embodiment, the delivery member is attached to the drug delivery device via a threaded or bayonet connection between the delivery member hub and the drug delivery device.

[0046] The injection devices described herein can be used for the treatment and / or prevention of one or more of many different types of disorders. Exemplary disorders include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), hypercholesterolemia, diabetes (e.g., type 2 diabetes), psoriasis, migraine, multiple sclerosis, anemia, lupus, atopic dermatitis, asthma, nasal polyps, acute hypoglycemia, obesity, anaphylaxis, and allergies. Exemplary types of drugs that may be contained in the injection devices described herein include, but are not limited to, antibodies, proteins, fusion proteins, peptide bodies, polypeptides, pegylated proteins, protein fragments, protein analogs, protein variants, protein precursors, and / or protein derivatives. Examples of drugs that may be included in the injection devices described herein include, but are not limited to, the following (including non-limiting examples of associated disorders in parentheses): etanercept (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)), evolocumab (hypercholesterolemia), exenatide (type 2 diabetes), secukinumab (psoriasis), erenumab (migraine), alirocumab (rheumatoid arthritis), methotrexate (ametopterin) (rheumatoid arthritis), tocilizumab (rheumatoid arthritis), and interferon. β-1a (multiple sclerosis), sumatriptan (migraine), adalimumab (rheumatoid arthritis), darbepoetin alfa (anemia), belimumab (lupus), pegylated interferon β-1a' (multiple sclerosis), sarilumab (rheumatoid arthritis), semaglutide (type 2 diabetes, obesity), dupilumab (atopic dermatitis, asthma, nasal polyps, allergies), glucagon (acute hypoglycemia), epinephrine (anaphylaxis), insulin (diabetes), atropine, and vedolizumab (inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)). Pharmaceutical formulations including, but not limited to, any of the drugs described herein, for example, pharmaceutical formulations including the drugs listed herein (or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof) and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, are also intended for use in the injection devices described herein.A pharmaceutical preparation containing any of the drugs listed herein (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) may contain one or more other active ingredients, or it may contain only one active ingredient.

[0047] Furthermore, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meanings in the art unless expressly otherwise provided herein. All references to elements, apparatus, components, means, etc., should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of the elements, apparatus, components, means, etc., unless expressly otherwise provided herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] Here, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the concept of the present invention will be described as mere examples. [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of the delivery member assembly of the subassembly of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic perspective view of the delivery member assembly of the subassembly of the present invention is shown. [Figure 3] A schematic perspective view of the delivery member assembly of the subassembly of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4A] A schematic diagram of the adapter of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4B] A schematic diagram of the adapter of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] Figures 4A to 4B show schematic perspective views of the delivery member assembly shown in Figures 1 to 3, which includes the adapters shown in Figures 4A to 4B. [Figure 6] A schematic perspective view of a part of the tubular cap of the present invention is shown. [Figure 7] Figures 4A to 4B show schematic cross-sectional views of the delivery member assembly shown in Figures 1 to 3, including the adapter and the tubular cap of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figures 1 to 3 show schematic perspective views of the delivery member assembly with the adapter and tubular cap of the present invention in another embodiment. [Figure 9] A schematic perspective view of the delivery member guard of the present invention is shown. [Figure 10] A schematic perspective view of the subassembly of the present invention is shown. [Figure 11] A schematic perspective view of a subassembly of the present invention in another embodiment is shown. [Figure 12] A schematic perspective view of the adapter and torsion spring of the present invention in another embodiment is shown. [Figure 13] Figure 12 schematically shows a perspective view of the delivery member assembly of the tubular cap of the present invention in the example shown. [Figure 14] Figure 12 schematically shows a perspective view of the delivery member assembly of the tubular cap of the present invention in the example shown. [Figure 15] A schematic perspective view of a drug delivery device that can be used with the subassembly of the present invention is shown. [Figure 16A] Figure 15 shows a schematic perspective view of the locking member for drug delivery. [Figure 16B] Figure 15 shows a schematic perspective view of the locking member for drug delivery. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] Figures 1 to 14 show the subassemblies of the drug delivery device. The subassemblies include tubular caps 3, 3', and 3'', adapters 2, 2', and 2'', a delivery member assembly 1, and a delivery member guard 4.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the tubular caps 3, 3', and 3'' extend along the longitudinal axis L between their proximal and distal ends. The tubular caps 3, 3', and 3'' comprise bodies 30, 30', and 30''. The tubular caps 3, 3', and 3'' are configured to be grasped by the user and to be moved away from the drug delivery device before the drug delivery operation. As shown in Figure 6, the tubular caps 3, 3', and 3'' are substantially cylindrical. Alternatively, the bodies of the tubular caps may have an elliptical or polygonal cross-section (viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis), depending on the design needs of the drug delivery device.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the delivery member assembly 1 comprises a delivery member hub 11 and a delivery member 12 attached to the delivery member hub 11 by means of adhesive or friction fitting, for example. The delivery member hub 11 includes a fastener 112 configured to be attached to the opposing fastener 132 of the drug delivery device housing via relative rotation between the fastener 112 and the opposing fastener 132. The drug delivery device housing is configured to house the drug of the drug delivery device.

[0052] Therefore, when the delivery member hub 11 rotates relative to the housing of the drug delivery device, the delivery member hub 11 is attached to the housing of the drug delivery device via the fasteners 112 and the opposing fasteners 132. Thus, fluid communication can be established between the drug contained within the housing of the drug delivery device and the delivery member 12.

[0053] In one example, the opposing fastener is an integral part of the drug delivery device housing. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the opposing fastener 132 may be a separate component configured to be attached to the drug delivery device housing before drug delivery operation, for example, via a snap-fit, bayonet engagement, or thread engagement. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the opposing fastener 132 is part of a retainer 13 having a snap-fit ​​arm 131 configured to be attached to the drug delivery device housing. In this example, the retainer 13 can be attached to the drug delivery device housing during the manufacturing of the drug delivery device.

[0054] In this example, one of the fasteners 112 and the opposing fastener 132 is a thread, and the other of the fasteners 112 and the opposing fastener 132 is a screw follower, for example, a projection located in the thread or another thread. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the fastener 112 is a thread and the opposing fastener 132 is a thread. In this example, the delivery member hub 11 is movable axially and rotationally relative to the housing of the drug delivery device in the distal direction of the tubular caps 3, 3', 3'' between a non-mounted position where the fastener 112 is not attached to the opposing fastener 132 and a mounted position where the fastener 112 is attached to the opposing fastener 132.

[0055] Alternatively, one of the fasteners and the opposing fastener is a bayonet track, and the other of the fastener and the opposing fastener is a bayonet track driver. In this example, the delivery member hub 11 may be axially immobile relative to the housing of the drug delivery device and rotatable about the direction of the longitudinal axis L. For example, the bayonet track may be a circumferential groove with a notch (e.g., for manufacturing purposes), and the bayonet driver may be a projection positioned within the circumferential groove, thereby allowing rotation of the delivery member hub about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing to move the projection from a non-mounted position (e.g., near the notched end) to a mounted position (e.g., far from the notched end).

[0056] Optionally, the delivery member assembly 1 includes an inner cap 10, which is releasably attached to the housing of the drug delivery device via a rotary engagement. In one example, as shown in Figures 2-3, the rotary engagement is a threaded engagement. In this example, the inner cap 10 has threads 102, and the housing of the drug delivery device has reverse threads 133. In a preferred example, the reverse threads 133 extend from the outer surface of the retainer 13. Alternatively, the reverse threads may be an integral part of the housing of the drug delivery device.

[0057] In one example where the delivery member assembly includes an inner cap 10, the delivery member hub 11 is located within the tubular inner cap 10. The delivery member hub 11 is immobile relative to the inner cap 10 and axially movable via a first engagement between the delivery member hub 11 and the inner cap 10. In one example, as shown in Figure 3, the first engagement is formed by a notch 113 in the delivery member hub 11, the notch 113 opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a longitudinal rib 103 extending from the inner surface of the inner cap 10. The first engagement may also be formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the inner cap and a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub, or the first engagement may be formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a notch / recess on the inner cap, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the first engagement may be formed by a non-circular cross-section body portion of the delivery member hub that aligns with a non-circular cross-section body portion of the inner cap.

[0058] In one example, the inner cap 10 is releasably attached to the housing of the drug delivery device via a threaded engagement, and the delivery member hub 11 is also attached to the housing of the drug delivery device via a threaded engagement. In this example, the threaded engagement between the inner cap 10 and the housing of the delivery member hub is proximal-directed, and the threaded engagement between the delivery member hub 11 and the housing of the drug delivery device is distal-directed. Thus, when the inner cap 10 rotates relative to the housing of the drug delivery device, the inner cap 10 is moved away from the housing of the drug delivery device and can be removed from the housing via the proximal-directed threaded engagement. Meanwhile, the delivery member hub 11 is rotated relative to the housing of the drug delivery device by the inner cap 10 via the first engagement. Thereafter, the delivery member hub 11 can be moved toward the housing of the delivery member device and can be attached to the housing of the delivery member device via the distal-directed thread.

[0059] The adapters 2, 2', and 2'' comprise bodies 20, 20', and 20'' and are operably connected to the delivery member hub 11, as shown in Figures 4A-4B and 11, so that the adapters 2, 2', and 2'' are immobile and axially movable relative to the delivery member hub 11. The adapters 2, 2', and 2'' are housed within tubular caps 3, 3', and 3'' and, as shown in Figures 7-8, 10, and 13-14, the adapters 2, 2', and 2'' are provided with distally oriented surfaces 20c, 21a'' as shown in Figures 4B and 11. In preferred embodiments, the bodies 20, 20', and 20'' of the adapters 2, 2', and 2'' are sleeves, as shown in Figures 4A-4B. Alternatively, the adapter bodies may be rings or semicircular, or any suitable shape depending on the design. In a preferred embodiment, adapters 2, 2', 2'' are configured to be axially movable relative to tubular caps 3, 3', 3'' within a predetermined axial distance, so that when a user removes the tubular caps 3, 3', 3'' from the drug delivery device, the adapters 2, 2', 2'' are also removed together with the tubular caps 3, 3', 3''. Details of examples of connections between adapters 2, 2', 2'' and tubular caps 3, 3', 3'' will be described later.

[0060] In one example where the delivery member assembly includes an inner cap 10, the inner cap 10 is positioned within the bodies 20, 20', 20'' of the adapters 2, 2', 2''. The inner cap 10 is immobile relative to the bodies 20, 20', 20'' of the adapters 2, 2', 2'' via a second engagement between the inner cap 10 and the bodies 20. In a preferred example, the second engagement is formed by the non-circular cross-section body 20b of the adapters 2, 2', 2'' which aligns with the non-circular cross-section body 101 of the inner cap 10, as shown in Figures 3 and 4B. Alternatively, the second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the inner cap and a longitudinally extending rib on the adapter body. A second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the inner cap and a notch / recess on the body of the adapter, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or a first engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter and a notch / recess on the inner cap, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0061] It should be noted that when a non-circular cross-section body of one component is used to align with another non-circular cross-section body of another component, a rotational engagement is formed, which means that the two components can only rotate together in this way. For example, the non-circular cross-section bodies can be polygonal, star-shaped, or heart-shaped cross-section bodies.

[0062] In this example, preferably, adapters 2, 2', and 2'' are axially mounted to the inner cap 10. For example, the inner cap 10 has a proximal neck portion 104, as shown in Figure 2, and the adapter 2 has a ledge 20d extending from the inner surface of the body 20 of the adapter 2 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L, as shown in Figure 4A. The ledge 20d engages with the neck portion 104 of the inner cap 10, as shown in Figure 5, so that when the user removes the adapter 2 from the drug delivery device, the inner cap 10 is removed together with the adapter 2.

[0063] In another example, the adapter engages directly with the delivery member hub via an engagement. In this example, the engagement may be formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter. Alternatively, the engagement may be formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a notch / recess on the body of the adapter, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; or the engagement may be formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter and a notch / recess on the delivery member hub, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; or the engagement may be formed by a non-circular cross-section body portion of the adapter body that aligns with a non-circular cross-section body portion of the delivery member hub.

[0064] The delivery member guard 4 is axially movable from a distal to a proximal position relative to the tubular caps 3, 3', and 3''. In a preferred example, the delivery member guard 4 comprises a tubular body 40 configured to surround the delivery member 12. In a preferred example, as shown in Figure 10, the delivery member guard 4 comprises a proximal-oriented surface 40a adjacent to the distal-oriented surface of the adapters 20c and 21a''. The proximal end of the tubular body 40 defines the proximal-oriented surface 40a. Alternatively, the delivery member guard comprises a proximal-oriented arm, the proximal end of which defines the proximal-oriented surface. In another example, the delivery member guard 4 comprises a proximal-oriented surface 42a adjacent to the distal-oriented surface 32 of the tubular cap 3, as shown in Figure 10. In a preferred example, the delivery member guard 4 comprises a distally extending arm 41. The distally extending arm 41 may be provided with one or more projections 42, 43 for multiple design needs, for example, to interact with a power pack to trigger a drug delivery action and / or to interact with a lock so that the delivery member guard can be locked in a proximal position after use. For example, the proximal-facing surface 42a may be defined by one projection 42.

[0065] Note that Figure 10 is drawn to show these two examples in the same figure. However, preferably, the axial motion of the delivery guard 4 is configured to generate relative axial motion between the adapter 2 and the tubular cap 3, so that the delivery guard 4 presses against either the adapter 2 or the tubular cap 3. If the delivery guard presses against both the adapter 2 and the tubular cap 3, a force adjustment design needs to be provided. For example, a damper or brake can be added between the delivery guard and the tubular cap, or between the delivery guard and the adapter, thereby creating relative axial motion between the adapter 2 and the tubular cap 3.

[0066] The subassembly of the present invention further comprises a rotating mechanism positioned between the tubular caps 3, 3', 3' and the adapters 2, 2', 2''. The rotating mechanism is configured such that when the adapters 2, 2', 2'' are rotated about a longitudinal axis L relative to the tubular caps 3, 3', 3'', the delivery member guard 4 moves from a distal position to a proximal position, thereby causing the delivery member hub 11 to move from a proximal position to a distal position due to the rotation of the adapters 2, 2', 2''.

[0067] In one example where one of the fasteners 112 of the delivery member hub 11 and the opposing fastener 132 of the housing of the drug delivery device is threaded, and the other of the fasteners 112 and the opposing fastener 132 is a threaded drive, the rotation direction of the adapters 2, 2', 2'' depends on the direction of the threads that allows the delivery member hub 11 to move distally relative to the tubular caps 3, 3', 3''. For example, if clockwise rotation of the delivery member hub 11 (when viewed from the proximal end of the delivery member hub) moves the delivery member hub 11 distally relative to the tubular caps 3, 3', 3'' along the threads, the rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the adapters 2, 2', 2'' clockwise.

[0068] Adapters 2, 2', and 2'' are operably connected to the delivery member hub 11, and the rotation of adapters 2, 2', and 2'' relative to the tubular caps 3, 3', and 3'' causes the delivery member hub 11 to rotate relative to the tubular caps 3, 3', and 3''. The tubular caps 3, 3', and 3'' remain immobile relative to the housing of the drug delivery device, and the rotation of the delivery member hub 11 relative to the tubular caps 3, 3', and 3'' moves the delivery member hub 11 from a proximal position where the fastener 112 is not attached to the opposing fastener 132 to a distal position where the fastener 112 is attached to the opposing fastener 132. Thus, the delivery member hub 11 and the delivery member 12 are attached to the housing of the drug delivery device as described above.

[0069] In one example, the rotating mechanism comprises threads 20a and 30a' and projections 31b positioned within the threads 20a and 30a'. One of the threads 20a and 30a' and projections 31b extend from the adapters 2 and 2', while the other of the threads 20a and 30a' and projections 31b extends from the bodies 30 and 30' of the tubular caps 3 and 3' toward the bodies 20 and 20' of the adapters 2 and 2'.

[0070] In one example, the thread 20a is located on the outer surface of the adapter 2, as shown in Figures 4A and 10. In this example, the projection 31b extends from the inner surface of the body 30 of the tubular cap 3 toward the body 20 of the adapter 2, as shown in Figures 6-7 and 10. For example, the tubular cap 3 includes a distally extending arm 31 that extends along the inner surface of the body 30. The distally extending arm 31 includes an arm body 31a from which the projection 31b extends. Alternatively, the projection 31b can extend directly from the body 30. In another example, the thread 30a' is located on the inner surface of the body 30' of the tubular cap 3', as shown in Figure 8. In this example, a projection (not shown) extends from the outer surface of the body 20' of the adapter 2' toward the body 30' of the tubular cap 3'. When the delivery member guard 4 moves from a distal position to a proximal position, the delivery member guard 4 moves the adapters 2, 2' which are located proximal to the tubular caps 3, 3' that follow the threads. This causes the adapters 2, 2' to rotate relative to the tubular caps 3, 3'. Alternatively, in one example where the delivery member guard 4 engages with the tubular caps 3, 3' as described above, the delivery member guard 4 can move the tubular caps 3, 3' relative to the adapters 2, 2', thereby rotating the adapters 2, 2', or the delivery member guard 4 can facilitate a user who is required to pull the tubular caps 3, 3' relative to the adapters 2, 2, and rotate the adapters 2, 2'.

[0071] In one example where adapters 2, 2' are configured to be axially movable relative to tubular caps 3, 3' within a predetermined axial distance, the predetermined axial distance can be defined by threads and projections between adapters 2, 2' and tubular caps 3, 3'.

[0072] In another example, as shown in Figures 11 to 14, the rotating mechanism includes a torsion spring 5 wound around a longitudinal axis L. The torsion spring 5 extends between a first end 51 and a second end 52. The first end 51 is fixed to the tubular cap 3''. In one example, a notch / recess 30a'' is in the wall of the body 30'' of the tubular cap 3'', and the first end 51 of the torsion spring is positioned within the notch / recess 30a'', as shown in Figure 14. The second end 52 is fixed to the body 20'' of the adapter 2''. In one example, as shown in Figure 12, a notch / recess 21b'' is in the wall of the body 20'' of the adapter 2'', and the second end 52 of the torsion spring 5 is positioned within the notch / recess 21b''. The adapter 2'' includes an engaging member 22 extending from the body 20'' of the adapter 2''. As shown in Figure 13, the tubular cap 3'' is aligned with the engaging member 22 of the adapter 2'' in the circumferential direction when the delivery member guard 4 is in the distal position, and as shown in Figure 14, it has an opposing engaging member 31b'' that is offset in the circumferential direction relative to the engaging member 22 of the adapter 2'' when the delivery member guard 4 is in the proximal position. Therefore, when the engaging member 22 is offset relative to the opposing engaging member 31b'', the torsion spring 5 rotates the adapter 2'' relative to the tubular cap 3''.

[0073] In one example, the engaging member 22 is a rib extending from the outer surface of the body 20'' of the adapter 2'' in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. In this example, the opposing engaging member 31b' is a notch in the wall of the body 30'' of the tubular cap 3''. Alternatively, the engaging member may be a notch / recess in the wall of the adapter body, and the opposing engaging member may be a rib extending from the inner surface of the body of the tubular cap.

[0074] In one example, adapter 2'' includes a flange 21'' extending from the body 20'' of adapter 2''. The flange 21'' defines a distally oriented surface 21a', as shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, the distal end of the body 20 of adapter 2, 2' defines a distally oriented surface 21a'. In the example where adapter 2'' includes a flange 21'', the notch 21b'' is located in the flange 21''.

[0075] In one embodiment, the adapter 2'' is configured to be axially movable within a predetermined axial distance relative to the tubular cap 3'', the predetermined axial distance can be defined by a snap-fit ​​connection between the tubular cap 3'' and the adapter 2''. For example, the snap-fit ​​connection can be formed by an annular ledge on the inner surface of the body 30'' of the tubular cap 3'' and a hook on the body 20'' of the adapter 2''. The hook has a distally oriented surface configured to engage with the annular ledge when the delivery member guard 4 is in a proximal position.

[0076] The present invention further provides a front subassembly 6 for a drug delivery device, as shown in Figure 15. In a preferred example, the front subassembly 6 is configured to be used within a cassette of the drug delivery device. A drug delivery device having a cassette is typically formed by a disposable cassette and a reusable drive unit 7. The cassette unit 6 comprises a drug container. The cassette 6 is configured to be mounted on the drive unit 7 before the drug delivery operation.

[0077] The front subassembly comprises the subassembly defined above. The front subassembly further comprises a body 60 extending from the proximal end to the distal end along the longitudinal axis L. The delivery member guard 4 is coaxially mounted to the body 60 and is axially movable relative to the body 60 along the longitudinal axis L. In a preferred example, the body 60 is the body of a cassette and is configured to house a drug container. In this example, the body 60 is configured to be mounted to the drive unit 7.

[0078] In a preferred example, the front subassembly includes a locking member 62 attached to the main body 20. The locking member 62 is movable relative to the delivery member guard 4 between a locked position and an unlocked position. As shown in Figures 16A to 16B, the locking member 62 includes a distally oriented surface 622. The locking member 622' is adjacent to a second proximal-oriented surface 43a of the delivery member guard 4 in the locked position, and the distally oriented surface of the locking member 62 is circumferentially spaced with respect to the longitudinal axis L from the proximal-oriented surface of the delivery member guard 4 in the unlocked position. For example, the notch 623 is aligned with the second proximal-oriented surface 43a of the delivery member guard 4 when the locking member 62 is in the unlocked position. Alternatively, the second proximal surface 43a of the delivery member guard 4 is aligned with a distal surface 622' that extends beyond the second distal surface 623' in the distal direction of the main body 60 in the locked position, and the delivery member guard 4 is aligned with the second distal surface 623' in the unlocked position.

[0079] In a preferred example, the locking member 62 is rotatable with respect to the delivery member guard 4 about a longitudinal axis L between a locked position and an unlocked position. Alternatively, the locking member is a pin that is slidable with respect to the delivery member guard in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. In a preferred example, the locking member is configured to be detached from the delivery member guard and the body in the unlocked position.

[0080] Therefore, when the locking member 62 is in the unlocked position, the delivery member guard 4 can move from the proximal position to the distal position, and thus the rotation mechanism of the subassembly can be brought up as described above, thereby allowing the delivery member hub and the delivery member to be attached to the main body 60 (in this example, the main body 60 is the housing of the drug delivery device) as described above.

[0081] In one example, the front subassembly includes a biasing member positioned between the distally oriented surface of the main body 60 and the proximally oriented surface of the other end of the delivery member guard 4, thereby moving the delivery member guard 4 from the distal to the proximal position when the locking member 62 is in the unlocked position. In another example, the delivery member guard 4 is moved from the distal to the proximal position by a drive unit 7. For example, the drive unit includes an arm extending from the wall of the drive unit toward the longitudinal axis L. When the main body is attached to the drive unit, the arm pushes the distal end of the delivery member guard, which moves the delivery member guard from the distal to the proximal position.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for attaching a delivery member to a drug delivery device. The method includes the steps of: providing tubular caps 3, 3', 3'' extending along a longitudinal axis L, the tubular caps 3, 3', 3'' accommodating adapters 2, 2', 2''; providing a delivery member hub 11, a delivery member 12 fixed to the delivery member hub 11, and a delivery member guard 4 in contact with the adapters 2, 2', 2'' in the direction of the longitudinal axis L; then causing the adapters 2, 2', 2'' to rotate about the longitudinal axis L relative to the tubular caps 3, 3', 3'', using the delivery member guard 4 to move the adapters 2, 2', 2'' axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis L toward the tubular caps 3, 3', 3'', thereby rotating the delivery member hub 11 together with the adapters 2, 2', 2'' relative to the tubular caps 3, 3', 3''; and thereby attaching the delivery member 12 to the drug delivery device by the rotation of the delivery member hub 11.

[0083] Preferably, the process involves causing the adapters 2, 2', 2'' to rotate about a longitudinal axis L relative to the tubular caps 3, 3', 3'', and using a delivery member guard 4 to move the adapters 2, 2', 2'' axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the moving step including using the delivery member guard 4 to rotate the adapters 2, 2', 2'' using a torsion spring 5 fixed between the tubular caps 3, 3', 3'' and the adapters 2, 2', 2'' in order to move the adapters 2, 2', 2'' axially away from the rotating block structure of the tubular caps 3, 3', 3''.

[0084] Preferably, the process includes causing the adapters 2, 2' to rotate about a longitudinal axis L relative to the tubular caps 3, 3'', and moving the adapters 2, 2' axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis L using the delivery member guard 4, the moving step includes rotating the adapters 2, 2' using a converter assembly configured to convert the axial motion of the adapters into rotational motion of the adapters 2, 2'. In a preferred example, the converter assembly is formed by threads 20a, 30a and projections 31b positioned on the threads. One of the threads and projections is positioned on the outer surface of the adapters 2, 2', and the other of the threads and projection is positioned on the inner surface of the tubular caps 3, 3'. In a preferred example, the delivery member is attached to the drug delivery device via a threaded or bayonet connection between the delivery member hub and the drug delivery device.

[0085] The concept of the present invention has been described above primarily with reference to several examples. However, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, other embodiments not disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the concept of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0086] Some aspects of the present invention are described in the following clauses. Clause 1 A subassembly of a drug delivery device, wherein the subassembly is It comprises a tubular cap, an adapter, a delivery member assembly, and a delivery member guard. The tubular cap extends along the longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends. The delivery member assembly comprises a delivery member hub and a delivery member attached to the delivery member hub, wherein the delivery member hub includes a fastener configured to be attached to an opposing fastener of the housing of the drug delivery device via relative rotation between the fastener and the opposing fastener, and the delivery member hub is rotatable with respect to the housing of the drug delivery device about a longitudinal axis between an unattached position where the fastener is not attached to the opposing fastener and an attached position where the fastener is attached to the opposing fastener. The adapter comprises a body operably connected to the delivery member hub, thereby the adapter is immobile and axially movable relative to the delivery member hub, the adapter is housed within a tubular cap, and the adapter has a distally oriented surface, The delivery member guard has a proximal-facing surface adjacent to the distal-facing surface of the adapter, and the delivery member guard is axially movable relative to the tubular cap from the distal position to the proximal position. A subassembly comprising a rotating mechanism positioned between a tubular cap and an adapter, wherein the rotating mechanism is configured such that when the delivery member guard moves from a distal position to a proximal position, it causes the adapter to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the tubular cap, thereby moving the delivery member hub from a non-mounted position to a mounted position by the rotation of the adapter. The subassembly described in Clause 1, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a thread and a projection disposed within the thread, wherein one of the thread and the projection extends from the body of the adapter, and the other of the thread and the projection extends from the body of the tubular cap toward the body of the adapter. Clause 3: The subassembly as described in Clause 2, wherein the threads are located on the outer surface of the adapter body, the tubular cap comprises a distally extending arm extending from the body of the tubular cap in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and the projection extends from the distally extending arm in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. Clause 4: The subassembly described in Clause 2, wherein the threads are located on the inner surface of the body of the tubular cap, and the projection extends from the outer surface of the body of the adapter in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. Clause 5 The subassembly according to Clause 1, comprising a torsion spring wound around a longitudinal axis, the torsion spring extending between a first end and a second end, the first end fixed to a tubular cap, and the second end fixed to the body of an adapter, the adapter comprising an engaging member extending from the body of the adapter, the tubular cap comprising a counter-engaging member circumferentially aligned with the engaging member of the adapter when the delivery member guard is in a distal position, and circumferentially offset with respect to the engaging member of the adapter when the delivery member guard is in a proximal position. Clause 6 The subassembly according to Clause 5, wherein the engaging member is a rib extending from the outer surface of the adapter body in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the opposing engaging member is a notch in the wall of the body of the tubular cap. Clause 7 The subassembly according to Clause 5 or 6, wherein the adapter comprises a flange extending from the body of the adapter, the flange defining a distally oriented surface, a notch positioned in the flange, and the second end of a torsion spring being fitted into the notch in the flange. Clause 8 A subassembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the delivery member assembly comprises a tubular inner cap, the delivery member hub is located within the tubular inner cap, the delivery member hub is non-rotatable and axially movable relative to the inner cap via a first engagement between the delivery member hub and the inner cap, the inner cap is located within the body, and the inner cap is non-rotatable relative to the body of the adapter via a second engagement between the inner cap and the body of the adapter. The subassembly according to Clause 9, wherein the first engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the inner cap and a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub, or the first engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the inner cap and a notch / recess on the delivery member hub, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the first engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a notch / recess on the inner cap, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the first engagement is formed by a non-circular cross-section body portion of the delivery member hub that is aligned with a non-circular cross-section body portion of the inner cap. Clause 10 The subassembly according to Clause 8 or 9, wherein the second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the inner cap and a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter, or the second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the inner cap and a notch / recess on the body of the adapter, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter and a notch / recess on the inner cap, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the second engagement is formed by the non-circular cross-section body portion of the body of the adapter aligning with the non-circular cross-section body portion of the inner cap. Clause 11 A subassembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the adapter is directly engaged with the delivery member hub via an engagement formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter, or the engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a notch / recess on the body of the adapter, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter and a notch / recess on the delivery member hub, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the engagement is formed by a non-circular cross-section body portion of the body of the adapter that matches the non-circular cross-section body portion of the delivery member hub. Clause 12 A subassembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein one of the fastener and the opposing fastener is threaded, the other of the fastener and the opposing fastener is a threaded follower, and the delivery member hub is axially movable toward the distal direction of the tubular cap relative to the housing of the drug delivery device. Clause 13 A subassembly as described in any of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein one of the fastener and the opposing fastener is a bayonet track, and the other of the fastener and the opposing fastener is a bayonet track driver. Clause 14 A delivery member guard comprising a tubular body configured to surround a delivery member, the proximal end of the tubular body defining a surface oriented proximal to the proximal side, as described in any of Clauses 1 to 13. Clause 15 A front subassembly for a drug delivery device, wherein the front subassembly comprises a subassembly described in any of Clauses 1 to 14, and the front subassembly is A main body extending from the proximal end to the distal end along the longitudinal axis, A delivery member guard is attached coaxially to the main body and is movable axially relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis, The main body is further equipped with a locking member, The locking member is movable relative to the delivery member guard between the locked position and the unlocked position. The locking member comprises a distally oriented surface adjacent to a second proximal surface of the delivery member guard in the locked position, A front subassembly in which the distal surface of the locking member is circumferentially spaced with respect to the longitudinal axis from the proximal surface of the delivery member guard when in the unlocked position. Clause 16 The front subassembly as described in Clause 15, wherein the locking member is rotatable about a longitudinal axis relative to the delivery member guard between a locked position and an unlocked position. Clause 17 A front subassembly according to Clause 15 or 16, comprising a biasing member positioned between the distally oriented surface of the delivery member guard and the proximally oriented surface of the main body. A drug delivery device comprising a front subassembly as described in any of Clauses 15 to 17. Article 19 A method for attaching a delivery member to a drug delivery device, the method being, in order: A tubular cap extending along its longitudinal axis, which houses an adapter, Delivery member hub, A delivery member fixed to the delivery member hub, The step of providing a delivery member guard that contacts the adapter in the direction of the longitudinal axis, A method comprising the steps of: using a delivery member guard to move the adapter axially toward the tubular cap in the direction of the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the adapter to rotate relative to the tubular cap about the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the delivery member hub to rotate together with the adapter relative to the tubular cap, thereby attaching the delivery member to the drug delivery device by the rotation of the delivery member hub. Clause 20 The step of causing the adapter to rotate relative to the tubular cap about the longitudinal axis by using a delivery member guard to move the adapter axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis, The steps include using a delivery member guard to move the adapter axially away from the rotating block structure of the tubular cap, The method according to clause 19, comprising the step of rotating the adapter using a torsion spring fixed between the tubular cap and the adapter. Clause 21 The step of causing the adapter to rotate relative to the tubular cap about the longitudinal axis by using a delivery member guard to move the adapter axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis, The method according to clause 19, comprising the step of rotating an adapter using a converter assembly configured to convert the axial motion of the adapter into rotational motion of the adapter. Clause 22 The method according to Clause 21, wherein the converter assembly is formed by a thread and a projection positioned on the thread, with one of the thread and projection positioned on the outer surface of the adapter and the other of the thread and projection positioned on the inner surface of the tubular cap. Clause 23 The method according to any one of Clauses 19 to 22, wherein the delivery member is attached to the drug delivery device via a threaded or bayonet connection between the delivery member hub and the drug delivery device.

Claims

1. A subassembly of a drug delivery device, wherein the subassembly is It comprises a tubular cap (3, 3', 3''), an adapter (2, 2', 2''), a delivery member assembly (1), and a delivery member guard (4), The tubular caps (3, 3', 3'') extend along the longitudinal axis (L) between the proximal and distal ends, The delivery member assembly (1) comprises a delivery member hub (11) and a delivery member (12) attached to the delivery member hub (11), The delivery member hub (11) is equipped with a fastener (112), and the fastener (112) is configured to be attached to the opposing fastener (132) via relative rotation between the fastener and the opposing fastener (132) of the housing of the drug delivery device. The delivery member hub (11) is rotatable with respect to the housing of the drug delivery device about the longitudinal axis (L) between a non-attached position in which the fastener (112) is not attached to the opposing fastener (132) and an attached position in which the fastener (112) is attached to the opposing fastener (132). The adapter (2, 2', 2'') comprises a body (20, 20', 20'') operably connected to the delivery member hub (11), thereby the adapter (2, 2', 2') being immobile and axially movable relative to the delivery member hub (11), the adapter (2, 2', 2'') being disposed within a tubular cap (3, 3', 3''), and the adapter comprising distally oriented surfaces (20c, 21a''), The delivery member guard (4) has a proximal surface (40a) adjacent to the distal surface (20c, 21a'') of the adapter (2, 2', 2''), The delivery member guard (4) is movable axially from a distal position to a proximal position relative to the tubular cap (3, 3', 3''), A subassembly comprising a rotating mechanism positioned between the tubular caps (3, 3', 3'') and the adapters (2, 2', 2''), wherein the rotating mechanism is configured such that when the adapters (2, 2', 2'') rotate relative to the tubular caps (3, 3', 3'') about the longitudinal axis (L), the delivery member guard (4) moves from the distal position to the proximal position, and the delivery member hub (11) moves from the non-mounted position to the mounted position due to the rotation of the adapters (2, 2', 2'').

2. The subassembly according to claim 1, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises threads (20a, 30a') and projections (31b) disposed within the threads (20a, 30a'), one of the threads (20a, 30a') and projections (31b) extends from the main body (20, 20') of the adapter (2, 2'), and the other of the threads (20a, 30a') and projections (31b) extends from the main body (30, 30') of the tubular cap (3, 3') toward the main body (20, 20') of the adapter (2, 2').

3. The subassembly according to claim 2, wherein the screw thread (20a) is located on the outer surface of the body (20) of the adapter (2), the tubular cap (3) includes a distally extending arm (31a) extending from the body (30) of the tubular cap in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), and the projection (31b) extends from the distally extending arm (31a) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (L).

4. The subassembly according to claim 2, wherein the screw thread (30a') is located on the inner surface of the body (30') of the tubular cap (3'), and the projection extends from the outer surface of the body (20') of the adapter (2') in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (L).

5. The subassembly according to claim 1, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a torsion spring (5) wound around the longitudinal axis (L), the torsion spring (5) extending between a first end (51) and a second end (52), the first end (51) being fixed to the tubular cap (3''), and the second end (52) being fixed to the body (20'') of the adapter (2'), the adapter (2'') comprising an engaging member (22) extending from the body (20'') of the adapter (2''), the tubular cap (3'') comprising an opposing engaging member (31b'') that is circumferentially aligned with the engaging member (22) of the adapter (2'') when the delivery member guard (4) is in the distal position, and circumferentially offset with respect to the engaging member (22) of the adapter (2'') when the delivery member guard (4) is in the proximal position.

6. The subassembly according to claim 5, wherein the engaging member (22) is a rib extending from the outer surface of the body (20'') of the adapter (2'') in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (L), and the opposing engaging member (31b') is a notch in the wall of the body (30'') of the tubular cap (3'').

7. The subassembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the adapter comprises a flange (21'') extending from the body (20'') of the adapter, the flange (21'') defining the distally oriented surface (21a'), a notch (21b'') disposed in the flange (21''), and the second end (52) of the torsion spring (5) is mounted in the notch (21b'') of the flange (21'').

8. The delivery member assembly (1) includes a tubular inner cap (10), The delivery member hub (11) is located inside the tubular inner cap (10). The delivery member hub (11) is non-rotatable and axially movable relative to the tubular inner cap (10) via a first engagement between the delivery member hub (11) and the tubular inner cap (10). The tubular inner cap (10) is positioned inside the main body (20, 20', 20''), The subassembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tubular inner cap (10) is immobile relative to the body (20, 20', 20'') of the adapter (2, 2', 2'') via a second engagement between the tubular inner cap (10) and the body (20, 20', 20'') of the adapter (2, 2', 2'').

9. The subassembly according to claim 8, wherein the first engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the tubular inner cap and a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub, or the first engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the tubular inner cap and a notch / recess on the delivery member hub, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the first engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a notch / recess on the tubular inner cap, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the first engagement is formed by a non-circular cross-section body portion of the delivery member hub that aligns with the non-circular cross-section body portion of the tubular inner cap.

10. The subassembly according to claim 8, wherein the second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the tubular inner cap and a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter, or the second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the tubular inner cap and a notch / recess on the body of the adapter, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the second engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter and a notch / recess on the tubular inner cap, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the second engagement is formed by the non-circular cross-section body portion of the body of the adapter aligning with the non-circular cross-section body portion of the tubular inner cap.

11. The subassembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adapter is directly engaged with the delivery member hub via an engagement formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter, or the engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the delivery member hub and a notch / recess on the body of the adapter, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the engagement is formed by a longitudinally extending rib on the body of the adapter and a notch / recess on the delivery member hub, the notch / recess opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, or the engagement is formed by a non-circular cross-section body portion of the adapter body that matches the non-circular cross-section body portion of the delivery member hub.

12. The subassembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the fastener and the opposing fastener is a threaded member, the other of the fastener and the opposing fastener is a threaded follower, and the delivery member hub is axially movable relative to the housing of the drug delivery device in the distal direction of the tubular cap.

13. The subassembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the delivery member guard (4) comprises a tubular body (40) configured to surround the delivery member (12), and the proximal end of the tubular body (40) defines a surface (40a) oriented proximal.

14. A front subassembly for a drug delivery device, wherein the front subassembly comprises the subassembly according to claim 1 or 2, A main body (60) extending from the proximal end to the distal end along the longitudinal axis (L), The delivery member guard (4) is coaxially attached to the main body (60) and is movable axially relative to the main body (60) along the longitudinal axis (L), The main body (60) is further equipped with a locking member (62) attached to it, The locking member (62) is movable relative to the delivery member guard (4) between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member (62) comprises a distal surface adjacent to a second proximal surface (43a) of the delivery member guard (4) in the locked position, and the distal surface of the locking member (62) is spaced circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) from the proximal surface of the delivery member guard (4) in the unlocked position, in the front subassembly.

15. The front subassembly according to claim 14, wherein the locking member (62) is rotatable with respect to the delivery member guard (4) about the longitudinal axis (L) between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Images