Injection devices and reusable parts therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to an injection device, in particular an automatic injector, having a single-use part for dispensing an injection liquid, the injection device having a sensor for obtaining a signal from which an indicator representative of a state or a change of state in a process for dispensing an injection liquid using the single-use part can be determined, the injection device having a reusable part held in a detachable manner by coupling with the single-use part and coupled through a signal connection, the single-use part having a sensor and / or the reusable part having a reporting system for detecting the single-use part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection device.

Background Art

[0002] An injection device is a device suitable for administering an injection solution into a human or animal body.

[0003] In the context of the present invention, an injection device preferably comprises a syringe and a needle fluidly coupled to the syringe, also called a cannula, which can be inserted into the body, particularly into its tissues and / or blood vessels, and through which the injection solution can be administered into the body using it.

[0004] In the context of the present invention, generally, at least an essentially liquid substance that can be injected is defined as an injection solution. In the context of the present invention, the term "injection solution" is preferably defined in a broad sense and encompasses suspensions and other liquid substances that are also suitable for injection and preferably contain a pharmaceutically active ingredient.

[0005] The present invention particularly relates to an injection device in the form of a so-called auto-injector. In the context of the present invention, an auto-injector is preferably an injection device for injecting an injection solution into a human or animal body that brings about the injection of the injection solution automatically or semi-automatically using a mechanical operation. In particular, a trigger mechanism is provided that triggers an auto-injection when activated, such as by placing the auto-injector on a body part or by actuating a trigger.

[0006] By triggering the autosyringer, the injectable solution can be dispensed fully or semi-automatically, i.e., injected into the body fully or semi-automatically. In particular, both the insertion of the injection needle and the subsequent dispensing of the injectable solution into the body through the injection needle can be performed fully or semi-automatically. Preferably, the autosyringer can be put into a trigger-ready state in advance so that it can be triggered, or it must be moved into this state. This can be done by removing a mechanical safety device such as a protective cap or by other means.

[0007] Examples of automatic syringes and possible designs of trigger mechanisms enabling the aforementioned triggering are described in European Patent No. 2745866 and European Patent Application Publication No. 3590568.

[0008] In addition, the present invention preferably relates to an injection device having or forming a single-use component for dispensing an injection solution. In the context of the present invention, a single-use component, also called a disposable component, is preferably a system designed for a single, non-permanent use or that cannot be filled without the use of force and / or cannot be used multiple times.

[0009] The single-use component is preferably an auto-injector. In particular, in the context of the present invention, the single-use component is an auto-injector designed for one use or as a disposable component. In particular, the auto-injector contains a syringe that cannot be filled.

[0010] In addition, the present invention relates to an injection device that is equipped with a sensor for acquiring signals, which can be used to determine an indicator representing the state of a single-use component associated with injection and / or a change in the state of the single-use component in the process of dispensing an injection solution using the single-use component.

[0011] The sensor is preferably designed and / or positioned to directly or indirectly acquire the filling level of the injection solution.

[0012] In connection with the present invention, preferably, a system that directly acquires a signal or a system designed to do so is referred to as a sensor. In particular, in connection with the present invention, a sensor is (simply) one or more electrically passive systems formed by one or more electrodes, coil windings, one or more illumination outlets and / or inlets, Hall probes, and / or other passive electrical components for acquiring a signal.

[0013] International Publication No. 2017 / 050781 relates to an auxiliary device in the form of an over-housing into which an automatic syringe having a dispensing device can be inserted and which has a capacitive sensor. The sensor has two flat plates on either side, with the dispensing device in the form of a syringe positioned between them, which form part of the dielectric layer of the capacitive sensor so that it can detect the dispensing of the contents of the dispensing device. Alternatively, a Hall sensor is described which can be used to detect the magnetic field of the moving parts of the dispensing device.

[0014] Conventional auxiliary devices must surround the housing of the auto-injector so that the sensor of the auxiliary device can be affected by the dispensing device. The resulting combination of the auxiliary device and the auto-injector is bulky and therefore impractical. Furthermore, the user must take special care when positioning the auxiliary device around the auto-injector to ensure the correct positioning of the housing and the auto-injector relative to each other and to avoid measurement errors. The long distance between the sensor and the auto-injector based on this design generates greater susceptibility to interference due to the possible introduction of disturbances such as noise. Finally, the sensor within the auxiliary device may suffer wear and tear when it must be pushed along a short distance from the auto-injector so that it can affect the dispensing device at its place of use. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2745866 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 3590568 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2017 / 050781 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution in which the state or a change in the state of an injection device can be detected, the injection device is smaller, and / or the detection is more reliable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] This objective is achieved by the injection device described in claim 1 or the reusable component for this purpose described in claim 15. Another advantageous development is the subject of the dependent claims.

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the injection device has a single-use component in addition to a reusable component for multiple uses.

[0019] In connection with the present invention, a reusable component can preferably be used multiple times so as to be coupled in sequence with a plurality of different single-use components and contribute to its function in each case, in particular so as to be able to receive and / or evaluate signals from each single-use component.

[0020] Reusable components include electronic equipment. In connection with the present invention, electronic equipment is a component that preferably includes an electrical circuit, an (off-grid) power source which is in particular a battery, rechargeable battery, or capacitor, a processor, a storage device, and / or an output system for emitting the results of an evaluation of signals emitted from a single-use component or its sensor.

[0021] Alternatively or in addition thereto, the reusable component can have one or more sensors. In particular, the reusable component can be used to directly or indirectly obtain the state or change of state of the injection device, support the acquisition of the state or change of state of the injection device by the sensor of the single-use component, verify the acquisition of the state or change of state of the injection device by the sensor of the single-use component, and / or perform a validity check on the acquisition of the state or change of state of the injection device by the sensor of the single-use component, and can have one or more sensors for this purpose.

[0022] The single-use component and the reusable component can be coupled to each other such that the single-use component and the reusable component are held relative to each other in a separable manner and a signal connection is generated between the single-use component and the reusable component. The signal can be transmitted from the single-use component to the reusable component through the signal connection. Using the signal, an indicator can be determined that represents the state associated with the injection and / or the change in state of the single-use component in the process of dispensing the injection liquid using the single-use component.

[0023] The single-use component and the reusable component are preferably produced separately from each other or can be separated from each other. The single-use component can preferably be used separately from the reusable component or without the reusable component, particularly as an auto-injector. However, the sensor is preferably inoperable without the reusable component.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the state of the single-use component associated with the injection is preferably a variable characteristic directly related to the dispensing of the injection liquid, particularly the usability for injection, or a piece of corresponding parameter or information through the volume of the injection liquid dispensed or dispensable in this context.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the change in the state of the single-use part in the process of dispensing the injection solution is preferably a characteristic of the single-use part that changes during the injection process, and this characteristic is, for example, the movement of the piston or another part due to continuous injection, or the change or change rate of the dispensed or dispensable volume of the injection solution or the corresponding parameter that is characteristic of the injection process.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the indicator represents or is thus a piece of information regarding the ability to dispense the injection solution and / or regarding the progress of the dispensing of the injection solution.

[0027] In an advantageous manner, it is defined that the signal by which the indicator can be determined or which forms the indicator can be transmitted through the coupling between the single-use part and the reusable part. In particular, the signal is generated within or using the single-use part and transmitted to the reusable part, at which time the reusable part is preferably able to form the indicator and, even more preferably, is defined to be able to acquire and / or process the signal using an electronic device so as to output it.

[0028] In this aspect, the present invention provides the advantage that the potentially expensive electronic device of the reusable part can be used multiple times, while the single-use part is set to generate a signal in a reliable manner.

[0029] Instead of or in addition to this, it is not necessary for the reusable part to surround the single-use part in the area of the component useful for injection in order to generate a signal using a sensor provided on the reusable part, and it is preferably not defined in this way. In particular, the reusable part is designed as an extension of the single-use part. This enables a very small and structured form.

[0030] Signal generation using single-use components allows the sensors required for this purpose to be placed or positioned within the single-use component in close proximity to the components involved in dispensing the injection solution, which also has the advantage of improving signal quality, particularly the signal-to-noise ratio, and therefore the reliability of the indicator or output in the case of its evaluation.

[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, which can be independently implemented, a single-use component comprises a cylinder for taking in an injection solution and a piston that can move within the cylinder for dispensing the injection solution.

[0032] In connection with the present invention, the cylinder is preferably a component forming a hollow cylinder through which the injection fluid can be drawn into the hollow cylinder. The cylinder preferably has an outlet through which the injection fluid can be dispensed or is dispensed by moving a piston toward the outlet. In connection with the present invention, the piston is preferably a component mounted to move within the hollow cylinder and permanently fitted against the inner wall of the hollow cylinder, so that its movement changes, and in particular reduces, the volume of the hollow cylinder between the piston and the cylinder outlet.

[0033] The combination of cylinder and piston is preferably a cylinder-piston unit, particularly a syringe. Thus, a syringe needle (cannula) can be connected to the outlet of the cylinder. Similarly, by moving the piston within the cylinder, the injection fluid can be released through the syringe needle.

[0034] The sensor is preferably securely, permanently, inseparably, and / or immovably positioned on or relative to the cylinder.

[0035] As a result of the sensor being securely, permanently, inseparably, and / or immovably mounted to the cylinder as part of a single-use component, and more preferably positioned directly facing or adjacent to the cylinder, it can generate a signal of good quality or low signal-to-noise ratio. This signal, in particular, enables reliable indicator determination.

[0036] Similarly, in accordance with the nature of single-use components, preferably, sensors or parts of sensors that are preferably securely or inseparably integrated with the single-use component are provided to be disposed of together with the single-use component after use. This offers the advantage that when another single-use component is combined with a reusable component, any component that has suffered any wear and tear is replaced.

[0037] The signal preferably corresponds to the position or movement of a piston detectable by the sensor in conjunction with the dispensing of the injection solution, another movement detectable by the sensor in conjunction with the dispensing of the injection solution, and / or the volume or volume change of the injection solution detectable by the sensor. In particular, the signal has a corresponding information / signal portion.

[0038] A single-use component preferably has a sensor designed and positioned to acquire a signal, but electronic equipment for evaluating the signal, more preferably an interface, emitter, or detector for acquiring the signal (limited), may also be integrated into or formed by the reusable component.

[0039] Conversely, reusable components can preferably be used multiple times so that the electronic equipment, including some electronic components assigned to the sensor such as interfaces, emitters, or detectors, can be used multiple times.

[0040] Reusable components can be made particularly small, for example, as housing extensions. Preferably, reusable components are designed to be able to be coupled to single-use components without surrounding them or requiring such surrounding, and / or with the sensor integrated into the single-use component.

[0041] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the reusable part extends simply, and especially slightly, beyond the single-use part. The reusable part can represent, i.e., a (at least essentially limited) housing extension of the single-use part. In particular, the reusable part forms a housing extension of the single-use part to the housing, and the diameter and / or surrounding surface of the single-use part and the reusable part in the area of ​​contact between the single-use part and the reusable part are offset by less than 30% or 20%, and especially less than 10% or 5%.

[0042] In this regard, the reusable part may have a circumferential wall that aligns with the circumferential wall of the single-use part when the single-use part and the reusable part are joined together. Preferably, even in the case of a reusable part joined to a single-use part, the injection device as a whole and in any case in the transition area from the single-use part to the reusable part has the effect of forming or enabling at least essentially continuous or uninterrupted housing interface or contour.

[0043] Another aspect of the present invention, which can be independently implemented, relates to an injection device having a single-use component and a reusable component having electronic equipment, wherein the single-use component and the reusable component can be coupled to each other, and the reusable component has a reporting system for detecting the single-use component.

[0044] In connection with the present invention, the reporting system is preferably a system for detecting the presence of single-use parts that are attached to or can be attached to reusable parts and / or for reading information, preferably identification information, stored on or that can be stored on single-use parts, in particular indicators that clearly identify individuals or groups, such as batches or types of single-use parts.

[0045] In an embodiment that can be independently implemented, the present invention relates to a system having one or more single-use components that can have such information in each case, and at least one reusable component having a reporting device for reading this information by or after the coupling event of the coupling of each single-use component.

[0046] Single-use components may have or store information in the form of, for example, an RFID emitter and a barcode including a QR code, and / or on an electronic storage device, particularly a flash storage device.

[0047] The reporting device may be a reader for information, preferably a wireless reader, an RFID reader, or a barcode reader.

[0048] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, a reporting device may be coupled to a single-use component using a (wiring connection) interface and / or to an interface for transmitting signals, through which information may be read from or designed to be read from the single-use component.

[0049] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the reporting device may detect and / or report the presence of single-use components, and identification of single-use components is not necessarily required. For this purpose, the reporting device may have or be configured with position sensors and / or proximity sensors, switches, optical sensors, or Hall sensors, etc., which can be used to detect the proximity and / or coupling of reusable components to single-use components.

[0050] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the reporting device may detect starting, application initiation, and coupling of a single-use part to a reusable part, preferably by detecting the relative movement of the single-use part to the reusable part and / or by detecting the contact pressure of the single-use part to the reusable part, or vice versa. For this purpose, axial movement may be possible or detectable in the single-use part. In particular, the reusable part may move axially with respect to the single-use part, together with the reusable part, or coupled with a part of the single-use part, and / or such axial movement or the pressure causing it may be detected by the reporting device. Sensors for detecting coupling, relative movement, axial movement, and / or pressure may be provided on the reusable part, but may also be provided on the single-use part, or alternatively, in addition to the above.

[0051] Reusable components, particularly reporting devices, can be designed to detect the use of an injection device, especially to detect the trigger or initiation of an injection, and to signal or generate an output representing or based on the trigger or initiation of an injection, as necessary. The detection of the trigger or initiation of an injection can be used in or in combination with a signal, which can be used to determine an indicator. In particular, the signal may be processed together with or as an authorization of the detection of the trigger or initiation of an injection, or the indicator may be determined in this context.

[0052] The reporting device can be designed to switch reusable components on and off. In particular, the reusable component may be designed to switch on when coupling with a single-use component is detected, or to switch off the reporting device when loss of coupling with a single-use component is detected. In this regard, the terms “switch on” or “switch off” preferably encompass awakening or activating from a power-saving mode (standby mode).

[0053] Another aspect of the present invention, which can be independently realized, relates to a reusable component for an injection device according to one of the prior embodiments. The reusable component can be used multiple times and has electronic components. Similarly, the reusable component can be coupled with a single-use component having a sensor such that the single-use component and the reusable component are held in a manner that allows them to be detached from each other, and a signal connection is generated between the single-use component and the reusable component, through which a signal can be transmitted from the single-use component to the reusable component and evaluated using the electronic components of the single-use component. Alternatively or in addition to this, the reusable component has a reporting system for detecting the single-use component of the injection device.

[0054] Additional aspects, advantages, and characteristics of the present invention can be derived from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments based on the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the injection device using the proposed solution. [Figure 2] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection device using the proposed solution. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a single-use component of an injection device using the proposed solution that incorporates a capacitive sensor. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a single-use component of an injection device using the proposed solution that incorporates an induction sensor. [Figure 5]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a single-use component of an injection device using the proposed solution that incorporates an optical sensor. [Figure 6] This is a cutout diagram of an injection device using a proposed solution where reusable parts are removed from single-use parts. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] Hereinafter, identical or similar parts will be given the same or corresponding reference numbers, and parts having the same and similar reference numbers may have the same or similar characteristics and advantages, even if the description is not repeated.

[0057] Figure 1 schematically depicts the injection device 1 based on the proposed solution. The injection device 1 preferably has a single-use component 2 for dispensing the injection solution 3. In Figure 1, the injection solution 3 is shown in a stippling representation.

[0058] The injection device 1, in particular the single-use component 2, preferably has or forms a so-called auto-injector. Regarding the basic characteristics of the auto-injector, at this point, one can refer to the description in the summary section and the prior art described above relating to known auto-injectors.

[0059] In this illustrated example, the single-use component has a window 4 through which the injection solution 3 can be viewed. The window 4 is optional, and therefore it is possible to manufacture the single-use component 2 or the injection device 1 without such a window 4.

[0060] Furthermore, the injection device 1 shown in Figure 1 has a protective cap 5, which closes the single-use component 2 and / or protects it from accidental activation or triggering. However, the protective cap 5 is not necessarily provided. A safety device against accidental triggering may be provided in a different way and / or by providing another closure.

[0061] Figure 2 shows a significantly simplified schematic longitudinal section of injection device 1 using the proposed solution.

[0062] The injection device 1 according to the proposed solution has a sensor 6 for acquiring a signal 7, indicated by a zigzag line or arrow in the example shown in Figure 1.

[0063] Signal 7 is preferably suitable for ensuring that indicator 8 is reliably determined, and indicator 8 represents the state or change in state of single-use component 2 in the process of dispensing injection solution 3.

[0064] Therefore, the signal 7 preferably has information corresponding to a state or a change in state so that the indicator 8 can be determined.

[0065] The state is information concerning, in particular, the filling level, the trigger readiness, or, more generally, the availability of the single-use component 2 for injecting the injection fluid 3, and / or the corresponding values ​​or parameters, such as the piston position corresponding to the remaining amount of injection fluid 3 in the cylinder 11. Changes in state are preferably information concerning such changes in state.

[0066] In principle, indicator 8 can be formed by signal 7, or can be directly derived from signal 7 by, for example, conversion. However, determining indicator 8 preferably requires processing of signal 7, particularly (digital) signal processing or evaluation. In this regard, comparison with a reference value or threshold or other judgment criterion can be performed.

[0067] The injection device 1 has a reusable component 10 having electronic equipment 9. The reusable component 10 is preferably a separate reusable module that can be detached from the single-use component 2.

[0068] The single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10 can be coupled to each other in such a manner that they are detachable from one another, preferably simultaneously and / or by this coupling, a signal connection can be generated between the single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10, through which a signal 7 can be transmitted from the single-use component 2 to the reusable component 10.

[0069] The reusable component 10 preferably has a housing 35 in which the electronic equipment 9 is housed. In the illustrated example, the housing 35 has a handle 36. However, the latter is optional and not necessary if part of the housing 35 functions as a handle section.

[0070] Particularly preferably, the housing 35 of the reusable part 10 represents a removable (axial) extension of the housing 13 of the single-use part 2. For this purpose, the housings 13, 35 may each have at least essentially cylindrical side walls, and these side walls have at least essentially the same or similar radii and / or align with each other when the single-use part 2 is coupled to the reusable part 10, so that the reusable part 10 only extends the single-use part 2 and does not need to be inserted into the reusable part 10.

[0071] Since the components for the auto-injection of single-use component 2 can preferably be manufactured in principle like auto-injectors known from the prior art, the following more detailed description will focus only on the possible components associated with the present invention.

[0072] The single-use component 2 preferably includes a cylinder 11 for taking in the injection solution 3 and a piston 11A that can move within the cylinder 11 to dispense the injection solution 3.

[0073] Since the piston 11A is also called a plunger, the terms "piston 11A" and "plunger" are interchangeable in the context of this invention. The piston 11A may have or be formed together with the actuator 12C or a part thereof.

[0074] The piston 11A is preferably suited for pressurizing the injection solution 3 within the cylindrical inner space 11C formed by the cylinder wall 11B of the cylinder 11, for which the injection solution 3 is dispensed by an injection needle 11D which can be appropriately coupled to the outlet 11E of the cylinder 11.

[0075] The sensor 6 is positioned on or on the cylinder 11, in particular on the outside of the cylinder wall 11B of the cylinder 11, which forms the boundary of the cylindrical inner space 11C for taking in the injection fluid 3, and / or directly adjacent thereto, in particular directly, permanently, and / or inseparably.

[0076] The sensor 6 is preferably designed, positioned, and / or suitable for detecting (in other ways) the movement of the piston 11A accompanying the dispensing of the injection solution 3 and / or the dispensing of the injection solution 3. This is preferably done by forming and / or acquiring the signal 7 by converting information relating to the movement of the piston 11A accompanying the dispensing of the injection solution 3 and / or information representing (in other ways) the dispensing of the injection solution 3 into a signal 7 or by adding it to the signal 7.

[0077] As a result, signal 7 can contain information corresponding to the dispensing of the injection solution 3 or the movement of the piston 11a. Therefore, signal 7 is suitable in that the indicator 8 can be determined from the information.

[0078] Similarly, an injection mechanism 12 can be provided that is suitable for moving a piston 11A inside the cylinder 11 during startup so that the injection solution 3 taken into and / or that can be taken into the cylindrical inner space 11C is pressurized and dispensed from the outlet 11E of the cylinder 11.

[0079] In principle, the injection device 1 can be operated manually, particularly by the manual movement of the piston 11a. Preferably, if the injection device 1 is an automatic syringe, a trigger system 12A is provided to activate the injection mechanism 12 during triggering.

[0080] In this regard, a trigger component 12B can be provided to activate the trigger system 12A. The trigger component 12B can, in principle, be a button or a switch. In the illustrated example, the trigger component 12B is formed by a mechanism that triggers the trigger system 12A while the injection device 1 or single-use component 2 is being positioned.

[0081] In addition, a spring-like tension element or a drive 12C having a tension element can be provided to drive the piston 11A when the trigger system 12A is triggered.

[0082] Finally, the illustrated example shows a housing 13 of a single-use component 2, which in the present invention preferably receives at least a cylinder 11, a piston 11A, a sensor 6, and preferably an injection mechanism 12.

[0083] The housing 13 is preferably made elongated or tubular, as is generally known from automatic syringes, particularly pencil-type automatic syringes also called pens.

[0084] The sensor 6 is preferably designed to generate a signal 7, which preferably contains information regarding continuous injection by the single-use component 2, information regarding the basic availability of the single-use component 2 for performing injections, information regarding the trigger readiness of the single-use component 2, and / or information regarding the insufficient trigger readiness of the single-use component 2 for injections.

[0085] As schematically shown in Figure 2, the sensor 6 or single-use component 2 may have at least one line 14 routed preferably along the cylinder 11 and / or through the housing 13 through which a signal 7 is sent or induced. The line 14 may be connected through a connector 15 to a reusable component 10 or to a connector 27 that generates a signal connection S with the reusable component 10.

[0086] In the illustrated example, two or more lines 14 are provided, and the signal 7 is transmitted by at least one of these lines 14.

[0087] In principle, at least two signal transmission lines 14 can be provided, and / or the signal 7 can be transmitted in a particularly different manner through two or more lines 14.

[0088] Quite specifically, preferably, at least two lines 14 are provided to connect or couple the sensor 6 or one or various connection points 15 of the sensor 6. The sensor 6 and, in each case, a portion of the lines 14 are preferably generated or arranged by or within a single-use component 2 (reliably permanent / integral / one piece).

[0089] Line 14 can be designed to conduct electric current or electrical signals 7. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, line 14 can be designed as an optical waveguide, also called an optical cable, optical fiber, optical waveguide, or optical fiber cable, especially when the sensor 6 is optical.

[0090] Lines 14, particularly lines 14 in the form of one or more optical waveguides, can be integrated (securely or permanently) into the housing 13 or components of the single-use part 2 in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0091] In this regard, line 14 is preferably formed of or using a photoconductive or transparent plastic that is integrated with housing 13 or another component of single-use part 2, and is also preferably formed from or using plastic in another manner. In this case, line 14 can be formed of a particularly injection-molded photoconductive plastic.

[0092] For example, it is advantageous to integrate a photoconductive plastic as a line 14 (particularly a two-component) into the housing 13 and / or other components of the single-use part 2, which are preferably made of plastic, by injection molding, or thereby fix the line 14 in place.

[0093] The sensor 6 is preferably designed to acquire the signal 7 optically, acoustically, capacitively, inductively, and / or based on impedance measurement.

[0094] Figure 2 illustrates a typical, particularly capacitive, sensor 6. In this regard, Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cylinder 11 having a piston 11A and one or more capacitive sensors 6.

[0095] In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the sensor 6 is designed for capacitive acquisition of the signal 7. For this purpose, two or more electrodes 19 can be provided to form a capacitor (a capacitor, particularly a planar capacitor), the capacitance value of which depends on the piston position or the filling level and / or dispensing volume of the injection solution 3.

[0096] Therefore, the signal 7 intended for this purpose can represent the corresponding capacitance characteristic of the capacitance sensor 6.

[0097] In the illustrated example, the sensor 6 has electrodes 19 on different opposing sides of the cylinder 11, so the electrical / dielectric properties of the cylinder 11 between these electrodes 9 depend on the position of the piston 11A and / or the level of filling of the cylinder 11 with the injection fluid 3. Accordingly, the capacitance value of the capacitance sensor 6 formed by the electrodes 19 preferably corresponds to the level of filling of the injection fluid 3 in the cylinder 11, and / or the position of the piston 11A as a state or the latter as a change in state.

[0098] Optionally, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, multiple capacitive sensors 6, or multiple electrode pairs 19 on each capacitive sensor 6, can be provided, which are preferably distributed along the cylinder 11 or piston path during the injection process. In this way, accuracy can be improved.

[0099] In Figure 4, the induction sensor 6 is provided in particular in the form of a coil 20 or a form having a coil 20. Since it can be designed to result in inductive coupling with the injection fluid 3 and / or piston 11A, the electrical characteristics or parameters of the coil 20, in particular those representing its electrical quality, depend on the position of the piston 11A or the level of the injection fluid 3 filling in the cylinder 11. This enables the acquisition of a signal 7, which is preferably generated or changed by a change in the characteristics of the coil 20 and is suitable for determining the indicator 8 as a result.

[0100] The piston 11A or its drive or part thereof may be formed from or have made of a ferromagnetic material, a magnetizable material, or a material that is otherwise magnetically detectable. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the piston 11A or its drive or part thereof may be formed from or have made of a conductive material or a semiconducting material.

[0101] The sensor 6 is preferably designed to form a signal 7 based on the material and preferably the movement of the material during the dispensing process of the injection solution. The inductivity and / or quality of the induction sensor 6 or coil 20 can be changed based on the material, in a manner such that the position of the piston 11A is directly related to the inductivity and / or quality of the coil 20. The signal 7 preferably corresponds to or represents this inductivity and / or quality of the coil 20. Thus, the indicator 8 can be determined by evaluating the signal 7 based on the inductivity which changes in accordance with the change in the position of the piston 11A and / or the quality of the coil 20.

[0102] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the sensor 6 may be designed to acquire based on the impedance of the signal 7. For this purpose, one or more of the above-described sensors 6, particularly inductive and / or capacitive sensors 6, may be used or combined to determine the signal 7 which depends on the filling level of the injection solution 3 and / or the impedance characteristics of the cylinder 11, the piston position and / or the position of the piston 11A based on the filling level of the injection solution 3.

[0103] In particular, it is possible to obtain a signal 7 that can determine the filling level of the injection solution 3 or the position of the piston 11A, especially based on attenuation (signal loss that changes due to the conversion of signal energy to heat or eddy current loss, etc.) and / or based on the phase relationship of the signal 7 with respect to a reference value or the phase relationship and / or phase change between current and voltage.

[0104] In the illustrated example, the coil 20 is specifically wound and positioned around the cylinder 11. While this is effective, it is not necessary, and it is understood that, instead of or in addition to this, the coil 20 could also be positioned adjacent to the cylinder 11.

[0105] When the coils 20 are arranged around the cylinder 11, the windings forming them cover preferably less than 50%, preferably less than 40% or 30%, and particularly less than 20% or 10% of the window 4.

[0106] If the sensor 6 is embodied as a coil 20 or designed to determine magnetic properties in another way, the sensor 6 can detect the magnetic permeability of contents located within the cylinder 11. This is further altered, preferably by the dispensing of the injection fluid 3 from the inner space 11C of the cylinder 11 and / or the corresponding movement of the piston 11A, so that the signal 7 can be captured by the sensor 6 and evaluated using reusable parts 10 as needed.

[0107] In place of or in addition to the coil 20, the sensor 6 may have or be manufactured to have a Hall probe 21. The Hall probe 21 is suitable for capturing a static magnetic field. For this purpose, the piston 11A may have a magnet 22 as shown in Figure 2, or may be formed of a magnet 22 or a magnetic material. In this way, a signal 7 corresponding to the position of the piston 11A can be generated by the Hall probe 21 as a magnetic field sensor, and from this signal, the indicator 8 can then be determined.

[0108] Sensor 6 is optical in a particularly preferred modification of the injection device 1 according to the proposed solution. Therefore, sensor 6 is preferably designed to optically acquire signal 7. An example of this is shown in Figure 5.

[0109] In this case, signal 7 is preferably optical, and / or line 14 is an optical line 14.

[0110] Signal 7 is correspondingly optical (light), and in particular contains optical information by modulation of light intensity and / or wavelength, thereby allowing the indicator 8 to be determined as needed.

[0111] This can be done so that the filling level or change in the filling level of the cylinder 11 can be optically detected using the optical sensor 6, or directly or indirectly detected through the position or movement of the piston 11A.

[0112] As an example, as shown in Figure 5, for this purpose, the sensor 6 may have or be formed one or more optical gates 16, thereby enabling the determination of at least one position of the piston 11A.

[0113] This can be done so that at least one of the optical gates 16 monitors the optical path 17 and / or, in principle, the optical transmission characteristics of the cylinder through the injection solution 3, particularly as a function of the position of the piston 11A.

[0114] In this embodiment, line 14 is preferably one or more optical (wave) guides or optical waveguides, particularly glass fiber or polymer optical fiber. In this way, the optical acquisition and transmission of signal 7 can be carried out efficiently and reliably. In this regard, it is preferable that electrical components be provided only within the reusable component 10. However, the single-use component 2 preferably does not include electrical components for generating, transmitting, and / or evaluating signal 7 in each case.

[0115] Line 14 preferably connects the sensor 6 inside the single-use component 2. The optical sensor 6 is formed by or using the open end of line 14 in the form of an optical / optical waveguide, thereby generating one or more optical gates 16.

[0116] In Figure 5, one or more optical paths 17 monitored by the optical gate 16 (in each case) are shown as dashed lines. By blocking or unblocking one of the optical paths 17, the optical sensor 6 can generate a corresponding signal 7.

[0117] In this case, signal 7 can be essentially optical, i.e., a light signal. In addition, signal 7 can be provided to have or have no light, or to be brighter or dimmer, as a function of the filling level of the injection fluid 3 in the cylinder 11 or the position of the piston 11A.

[0118] In principle, multiple sensors 6 can be provided, and they are designed to generate a signal 7 or a portion thereof in each case.

[0119] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple optical gates 16 can be positioned at various locations, particularly along the path of the piston 11A as the cylinder 11 or the injection solution 3 is dispensed. In this way, the various positions of the piston 11A can be detected or monitored by the various optical gates 16.

[0120] In particular, multiple optical gates 16 having corresponding optical paths 17 are provided at various positions along the cylindrical axis 24 of the cylinder 11 to detect various positions of the piston 11A or various filling levels of the injection solution 3.

[0121] In this case and in similar cases, signal 7 may have multiple subsignals. In each case, there may be a number of lines 14 corresponding to the number of optical gates 16 that determine the paths of the subsignals.

[0122] Alternatively, or in addition to this, multiple optical gates 16 or their corresponding partial signals 7 can be combined. In this case, signal 7 can have various partial signals of optical gates 16, which are distinguishable in particular based on the changing light intensity and / or the various wavelengths of each optical gate 16. In this case, multiple parts of signal 7 corresponding to the partial sensors, particularly the optical gates 16 in each case, can optionally be routed on the same line 14.

[0123] For example, the optical gate 16 may be defined as having various color filters, or being operated with or supplied with light of various colors. In this case, a common optical supply line 14 and / or common line 14 routing the signal 7 may suffice.

[0124] In addition, it can be specified that sensors 6 with various measurement principles can be combined with each other, especially to improve reliability.

[0125] For example, at least one electrical sensor 6 capable of detecting changes in capacitance or inductivity can be combined with at least one optical sensor 6, particularly one or more optical gates 16, which further detect, for example, the start and / or end of injection, or the start of movement of the piston 11A or the piston 11A reaching the end position.

[0126] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, an acoustic sensor 6, particularly a sound sensor 18 such as a microphone, vibration sensor, or solid-propagation sound sensor, may be provided. The sound sensor 18 can be used to generate a signal 7, in which case the sensor captures vibrations generated by the movement of the piston 11A or the dispensing of the injection solution 3, particularly vibrations of the cylinder 11, and converts them accordingly into a signal 7 representing these vibrations.

[0127] Referring to Figure 1, it is preferable that the single-use component 2 has a window 4 through which optical detection of the injection solution 3 and / or piston 11A is possible (particularly by the user), that is, particularly preferably along the visual axis 23, as described above.

[0128] It is preferable to place the sensor 6 outside the window 4 or the viewing axis 23. In this way, the sensor 6 does not obstruct the view of the injection solution 3 or the piston 11A through the window 4.

[0129] The sensor axis 25 preferably extends perpendicularly to the viewing axis 23 and, more preferably, to the cylindrical axis of the cylinder 11. In this way, the sensor 8 can generate the signal 7 without impairing the function of the window 4.

[0130] In this regard, it is preferable to define the viewing axis 23 as an axis that passes through the window 4, runs through the center, and is perpendicular to the cylindrical axis 24 of the cylinder 11. When two windows 4 face each other, it is preferable that the viewing axis 23 passes through both windows 4 and extends through the center. It is preferable that the cylindrical axis 24 be defined as the axis of symmetry of the cylinder 11, or as an axis along which the piston 11A can move inside the cylinder 11.

[0131] A sensor 6 may be provided or positioned to monitor the injection solution 3, its filling level, or the position of the piston 11A along the sensor axis 25.

[0132] When the optical sensor is in the form of one or more optical gates 16, the sensor axis 25 preferably corresponds to the optical path 17 monitored by the optical gates 16. In the case of a capacitive sensor 6, the sensor axis 25 preferably corresponds to the axis passing through the center point of the electrode 19, or the axis passing through the center point or centroid of the surface of the electrode 19 facing the cylinder 11.

[0133] Referring to Figure 2, the reusable component 10 has an evaluation system 26 for receiving and / or evaluating the signal 7.

[0134] The evaluation system 26 can support digital signal processing of signal 7, for example, by a processor, a storage device, and / or corresponding routines stored in the storage device and executable by the processor. In this way, signal 7 can be evaluated, and in particular, its state or change of state can be determined, and in particular, can be calculated from signal 7.

[0135] The evaluation system 26 can form an oscillator circuit using the sensor 6. The resonant frequency of such an oscillator circuit can be evaluated and used to determine the indicator 8. In this case, the signal 7 is preferably formed by a current and / or voltage that depends on the state or a change in state, or by their interrelationship (phase). In particular, the capacitance sensor 8 can be complemented by the inductive or inductive sensor 6 for the oscillator circuit.

[0136] The evaluation system 26 is preferably designed to monitor the injection process. In particular, the electronic equipment 9 can use the evaluation system 26 to detect continuous injection, basic usefulness or uselessness for this purpose, the trigger readiness of the single-use component 2 and / or insufficient trigger readiness, and optionally omit the dispensing device 29.

[0137] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the injection device 1, preferably electronic equipment 9, and especially the evaluation system 26, according to the proposed solution, is designed to automatically detect the start and / or end of the injection. This can be done, in particular, by evaluating the signal 7 or by detecting the position of the piston 11A.

[0138] Figure 6 shows a cutaway view of the injection device 1 with the proposed solution, in which the reusable component 10 is removed from the single-use component 2.

[0139] For evaluation or output purposes, it is preferable that the signal 7 is coupled to the reusable component 10 by the single-use component 2.

[0140] The single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10 preferably have one or more complementary connectors 27. Preferably, the connectors 27 are designed to generate a signal connection S when the single-use component 2 is coupled to the reusable component 10, or by means of such connection. Through the signal connection S, a signal 7 can be transmitted between the single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10, or the signal 7 can be transmitted between the single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10, particularly from the single-use component 2 to the reusable component 10.

[0141] Particularly preferably, the signal connection S is an optical and / or electrical signal connection S. Therefore, when the single-use component 2 is coupled with the reusable component 10, the connector 27 can generate an optical and / or electrical signal connection so that an optical or light-based and / or electrical signal 7 can be transmitted from the single-use component 2 to the reusable component 10. Thus, the connector 27 is, has, or can form one or more optical and / or electrical interfaces with respect to optical transmission between the single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10.

[0142] As described above in relation to Figure 5, the signal 7 in this illustrated example is preferably an optical signal 7, and therefore, in particular, light, which preferably changes (automatically) as a function of the state or change in state of the single-use component 2 in the process of dispensing the injection solution 3. In particular, this can be done by a change such as movement within the single-use component 2, which is converted into the optical intensity of the signal 7 that changes accordingly by the sensor 6.

[0143] Therefore, preferably in this case, the signal connection S is an optical signal connection S or this coupling is an optical coupling of a single-use component 2 and a reusable component 10. For this purpose, the connector 27 forms or has an optical interface.

[0144] In this case, the electronic equipment 9 of the reusable component 10 preferably has a receiver, particularly an electro-optical receiver 31, that is suitable for converting an optical-based or optical signal 7 into a corresponding electrical signal 7.

[0145] Preferably, in lieu of or in addition to the above, the reusable component 10 preferably has an optical emitter 32. Through the connector 27 or signal connection S, the emitter 32 of the reusable component 10 can preferably supply light to the sensor 6 of the single-use component 2. In the illustrated example shown in Figure 5 in combination with the schematic diagram of Figure 2, the emitter 32 may be a light source such as a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0146] The emitter 32 can, for example, supply light to the optical gate 16, while the portion of light that passes through the optical gate 16 (as an optical signal 7) and reaches the receiver 31, which can optionally be converted into an electrical signal, provides information about a state or a change in state, in particular about the position of the piston 11A or the remaining amount of available injection fluid.

[0147] The optical signal 7, converted into an electrical signal 7, can be analyzed by the evaluation system 26 as follows to determine the state or change in state of the single-use component 2.

[0148] Signal 7 or the light forming signal 7 can be transmitted along the housing 13 starting from the emitter 32, together with or through the housing 13 of the single-use component 2.

[0149] Line 14 can result in light emission and inflow into cylinder 11, which is preferably formed by a glass body or is substantially translucent.

[0150] In addition, preferably multiple lines 14, in particular at least two lines 14, are connected to both sides of the cylinder 11 through optical paths 17, preferably so that the characteristics of the optical paths 17 depend on the state and / or change in state, thereby enabling the generation of (optical) signals 7. In this way, one or more optical gates 16 can be formed.

[0151] Line 14 can be integrated into the housing 13 of the single-use component 2, and in particular can be formed by an optical wave conducting structure within the housing 13, the conducting structure being routed from the cylinder 11 to the connector 27, or through the connector 27 to the receiver 31 and / or emitter 32.

[0152] When multiple sensors 6 are provided and designed to generate a signal 7 or a partial signal thereof in each case, the connector 27 can be designed accordingly to connect multiple (partial) signals 7 from single-use components 2 to reusable components 10, and / or electronic equipment 9, in particular an evaluation system 26, can be designed to evaluate the corresponding (partial) signals 7.

[0153] When at least one optical sensor 6, and sensors 6 manufactured based on an electrical operating principle, particularly capacitive or inductive, are combined within a single-use component 2, the connector 27 is preferably designed to generate a signal connection S that enables both the transmission of optical signals and electrical signals 7 from the single-use component 2 to the reusable component 10.

[0154] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10 are provided with complementary fastening means 28 for mechanically and reversibly holding them together.

[0155] In the illustrated example, the fastening means 28 are provided on both the single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10, and the fastening means 28 are formed and arranged in a complementary manner to each other so that the reusable component 10 can be reversibly held on the single-use component 2.

[0156] Particularly preferably, the fastening means 28 is designed to temporarily magnetically hold the reusable part 10 on the single-use part 2. For this purpose, the single-use part 2 and the reusable part 10 may have corresponding magnets or ferromagnetic materials so that they can magnetically adhere to each other. In particular, complementary magnets are integrated as the fastening means 28 within the single-use part 2 and the reusable part 10. This is illustrated illustratively by dashed lines in Figure 6 and schematically depicted in cross-section in Figure 2.

[0157] The fastening means 28 is preferably designed to pre-set specific positions of the single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10 relative to each other during their coupling. In particular, the fastening means 28 can specify the position of the single-use component 2 relative to the reusable component 10, especially its rotational position. This position or rotational position is preferably provided so as to ensure that a signal connection S is generated when the single-use component 2 is coupled to the reusable component 10.

[0158] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the fastening means 28 can prevent the reusable part 10 from being coupled to or fastened to the single-use part 2 if it deviates from its position or rotational position. For example, the fastening means 28 can repel each other, especially if they are magnetic.

[0159] The pre-set position values ​​can be specified by magnets of opposite polarity located at corresponding positions on the single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10.

[0160] The "rotational positions" of the single-use part 2 and the reusable part 10 relative to each other are preferably positions where at least the central axes of the essentially cylindrical or cylindrical housings 13,35 of the single-use part 2 and the reusable part 10, particularly the cylindrical axes, are coaxial with each other, so that the rotation of the single-use part 2 and the reusable part 10 results in different rotational positions of the single-use part 2 relative to the reusable part 10 relative to each other. From this viewpoint, it is preferably defined that coupling is possible only at one, two, or specific pre-defined rotational positions relative to each other, and is prevented or blocked at other rotational positions.

[0161] The orientation of the reusable parts 10 relative to the single-use parts 2, and in particular their rotational positions relative to each other, is preferably predetermined by the structuring of sections or faces of the single-use parts 2 and reusable parts 10 that are adjacent to each other after the coupling is performed, either instead or in addition to this.

[0162] In the illustrated example, this is preferably accomplished using complementary protrusions and recesses of the single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10 in the area of ​​the connector 27. In particular, since the adjacent surfaces of the reusable component 10 and the single-use component 2 are curved after coupling, coupling is possible in only one or a certain orientation of the reusable component 10 relative to the single-use component 2.

[0163] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the single-use part 2 has at least essentially a concave shape or surface, while the reusable part 10 has at least essentially a convex shape, or vice versa, and they are adjacent after or by joining. In this method or otherwise, after joining, rotation of the reusable part 10 relative to the single-use part 2 can be prevented, particularly in an active manner.

[0164] By ensuring that the positions or locations of the single-use component 2 and the reusable component 10 are at pre-set values ​​relative to each other during coupling, the reliable generation of the signal connection S can be guaranteed.

[0165] In the area of ​​connector 27, single-use components 2 can be brought into engagement with or specifically engaged with reusable components 10, but otherwise, it is preferable that they are positioned only axially behind and / or to the sides of each other.

[0166] The reusable components 10, in particular the electronic equipment 9, preferably have an output system 29 for generating an output 30, and the output 30 is preferably perceptible to human senses, for example, optically, acoustically, and / or tactilely.

[0167] The electronic device 9, in particular the output system 29, may have a wireless interface, especially an antenna, and may be configured to transmit the indicator 8 wirelessly.

[0168] The output system 29 may have, or may be manufactured to have, a display, one or more LEDs, a loudspeaker, and / or one or more (unbalanced) motors. The (unbalanced) motors are, in particular, drives for vibration alarms to generate a user-perceptible tactile or haptic output 30.

[0169] Output 30 can be indicator 8, can correspond to indicator 8, can represent indicator 8, or can be derived from indicator 8.

[0170] In the illustrated example, the light output 30 is shown. For example, the output 30 can represent the state of the injection device 1, particularly the state of the single-use component 2, by color coding, for example, "green" for trigger ready state, "red" for trigger not ready or unusable, and / or by the position of the output 30. Preferably, the output 30 is based on measurement by the sensor 6, evaluation of the signal 7, and / or determination of the indicator 8 based thereon.

[0171] In principle, the operation of window 4 can be replaced by an output 30 using reusable parts 10, so window 4 can be omitted. However, it is preferable to provide window 4 so that the state or changes in state can be monitored visually.

[0172] As illustrated in Figure 2, the reusable part 10 may have a reporting system to report the presence of a (specific) single-use part 2 and / or to identify the single-use part 2.

[0173] To identify specific single-use parts 2, each single-use part 2 may have an identifier 35, such as an RFID transponder or a barcode. In this case, the reporting system 33 may preferably read the identifier 34 and determine the characteristics of the single-use part 2 based on the identifier 34, and optionally output the information. In this case, the output 30 may be provided by electronic equipment 9, particularly through an output system 29.

[0174] The reusable component 10 preferably has at least essentially all electronic equipment 9. In particular, together with the evaluation system 26, the possible emitter 32 and / or receiver 31 and / or energy store 37 are preferably provided to form exclusively part of the reusable component 10.

[0175] The electronic device 9 or evaluation system 26 preferably has all the components necessary to process the signal 7. The electronic device 9 or evaluation system 26 can be designed for data storage and / or data processing.

[0176] However, the single-use component 2 preferably has a sensor 6 that is solely necessary for receiving the signal 7, i.e., it has no (semiconductor) components, integrated circuits, active light sources, active emitters, and / or active receivers whatsoever. Thus, the latter can be advantageously used multiple times through preferred integration into the reusable component 10. However, the components provided in the single-use component 2, in particular the preferably electrically passive or purely optical sensor 7, require little valuable resources in most cases, and therefore, integrating the sensor into the single-use component 2 in a form that is preferably fixed and cannot be reused is not actually disadvantageous.

[0177] The electronic device 9 may optionally and preferably have one or more additional sensors, particularly for (ambient) temperature, (relative) humidity, (ambient) light (intensity), etc. The parameters measured thereby may be taken into consideration when the signal 7 is evaluated and / or output by the output system.

[0178] In another aspect of the present invention, the sensor 6 or signal 7 is used, in place of or in addition to, to determine the temperature of the single-use component 2, the cylinder 11, and / or preferably indirectly the injection solution 3. In particular, this is a light sensor 6. The light sensor 6 may have a dye that changes its absorption and / or transmission properties to electromagnetic waves, particularly light, as a function of temperature. In particular, this is a thermochromic dye. It is preferable that the dye is arranged such that the signal 7 is affected by its absorption and / or transmission properties. By obtaining the signal 7, the temperature or a corresponding parameter can be determined. In particular, the dye is provided in direct contact with the cylinder 11 or as part of it, particularly as part of the cylinder wall 11B or the material forming it.

[0179] Individual aspects of the present invention can be implemented in various combinations, and in each case, advantages may be found even if the latter is not explicitly described based on the combination.

[0180] Reference Code List 1. Injection device 2 Single-use parts 3 Injection 4 windows 5. Protective cap 6 sensors 7 signals 8 Indicators 9 Electronic equipment 10 Reusable parts 11 cylinders 11A Piston 11B Cylinder wall 11C Cylindrical inner space 11D syringe needle 11E Exit 12 Injection mechanism 12A Trigger System 12B Trigger component 12C drive 13 Housing 14 lines 15 Connection part 16 Light Gates 17 Light path 18 Sound Sensor 19 electrode 20 coils 21 Hole probe 23 visual axis 24. Cylindrical axis 25 Sensor axis 26 Evaluation System 27 so or 28 Fastening means 29 Output System 30 Output 31 Receiver 32 Emitter 33 Reporting System 34 Identifiers 35 Housing 36 handle 37 Energy Store S signal connection

Claims

1. An injection device (1) having a single-use component (2) for dispensing an injection solution (3), particularly an automatic syringe, The injection device (1) has a sensor (6) for acquiring a signal (7), and the signal (7) can determine an indicator (8) that represents the state of a single-use component (2) associated with injection and / or a change in the state of the single-use component (2) in the process of dispensing an injection solution (3) using the single-use component (2). The injection device (1) has a reusable component (10) having an electronic device (9), and the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) can be coupled to each other such that the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) are held to each other in a detachable manner, and a signal connection (S) can be generated between the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) that can transmit the signal (7) from the single-use component (2) to the reusable component (10). The single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) have complementary connectors (27) that provide the signal connection (S) between the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) for transmitting the signal (7) during coupling. The connector (27) enables and / or establishes an optical signal connection (S), The sensor (6) is optical and has one or more lines (14) routed within the single-use component (2) and implemented as optical waveguides, through which the signal (7) can be transmitted, and the optical waveguide is implemented of photoconductive or transparent plastic. The sensor (6) is realized by the open end of the one or more lines (14), and the sensor (6) has one or more optical gates (16) realized in the optical waveguide. The one or more lines (14) are connected to the connector (27) to generate the optical signal connection (S) with the reusable component (10). An injection device (1), particularly an automatic syringe, characterized by the following features.

2. The injection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (6) is designed to optically acquire the signal (7).

3. The injection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the one or more optical gates (16) can determine at least one position of the piston (11A).

4. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the single-use component (2) has at least one window (4) that enables optical detection of the injection fluid (3) and / or piston (11A) in a cylinder (11) along the visual axis (23), and the sensor (6) is provided outside the window (4) and / or the visual axis (23), and in particular is provided at one or more positions on a sensor axis (25) that extends perpendicular to the visual axis (23) and preferably perpendicular to the cylindrical axis (24) of the cylinder (11).

5. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reusable component (10) has an evaluation system (28) for determining the indicator (8) by evaluating the signal (7).

6. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the injection device (1) is suitable for determining the indicator (8) from the signal (7) only when the coupling between the reusable component (10) and the single-use component (2) is established.

7. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one optical line (14) extends uninterrupted from one of the connectors (27) to the sensor (6) of the single-use component (2).

8. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) have complementary fastening means (28) for mechanically and reversibly holding the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) together.

9. The injection device according to claim 8, wherein the fastening means (28) provides the mechanical retention at least essentially magnetically.

10. The injection device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) have complementary fastening means (28) for mechanically and reversibly holding the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) together, the fastening means (28) are designed to temporarily magnetically hold the reusable component (10) on the single-use component (2), and the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) may have corresponding magnets or ferromagnetic materials, which allows the latter to magnetically adhere to each other.

11. The injection device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that complementary magnets are integrated as fastening means (28) within the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) so that the relative positions of the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) can be specified by opposing magnets at the corresponding positions of the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10).

12. The fastening means (28) is designed to pre-set specific positions of the single-use component (2) and the reusable component (10) relative to each other during the coupling of the latter, and the fastening means (28) specifies the position of the single-use component (2) relative to the reusable component (10) so as to ensure that the signal connection (S) is generated when the single-use component (2) is coupled to the reusable component (10), characterized in that the injection device according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the output system (29) is designed to output the indicator (8) directly or indirectly to preferably generate an output that is perceptible to human senses, particularly optical, acoustic, and / or tactile.

14. The signal is optical, and the sensor (6) is designed to generate the optical signal (7). The optical signal (7) can be transmitted exclusively optically to the reusable component (10), which has an electro-optical receiver (31) for converting the optical signal (7) to an electrical signal (7) corresponding to the optical signal (7), and for this purpose the indicator (8) can be determined by evaluating the electrical signal (7) using the electronic equipment (9) of the reusable component (10). The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the reusable component (10) reporting system (33) is designed to detect the approach of the single-use component (2) and / or to read an identifier (34) from the single-use component (2).

16. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one of the optical gates (16) is configured to monitor the optical path (17) through the cylinder (11) to enable detection of changes in light transmission characteristics as a function of the position of the piston (11A).

17. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a plurality of optical gates (16) are provided at various positions along the path of the cylinder (11) or the piston (11A) as the injection solution (3) progresses, so that a plurality of optical gates (16) can be used to detect or monitor a plurality of positions of the piston (11A).

18. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that one or more lines (14) are integrated within the housing (13) or within another component of the single-use part (2).

19. The injection device according to claim 18, characterized in that one or more lines (14) are routed from a cylinder (11) to a connector (27) and / or through the connector (27) to a receiver (31) and / or emitter (32).

20. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that one or more lines (14) are made from a photoconductive plastic integrated into or fastened within the housing (13) or other components of the single-use part (2) using a two-component injection molding method.

21. The injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the signal (7) is essentially optical, and as a function of the filling level of the injection solution (3) in the cylinder (11) or the position of the piston (11A), the signal (7) has or does not have light, or is brighter or dimmer.

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