Device for administering a fluid substance

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for administering or discharging a fluid substance. The device according to the invention comprises a housing (1), and a holding element (6; 6') which is fixed with respect to the housing and in which an injection spring (5) is received. The holding element (6; 6') can be moved radially outwards or radially deflected between an engagement position, in which the holding element (6; 6') is engaged with the injection spring (5), and a release position, in which the holding element (6; 6') is disengaged from the injection spring (5). During an axial movement of a needle guard element (3) from the distal position to the proximal position, the holding element (6; 6') can disengage from the injection spring (5) in order to administer or discharge the substance from the product container (2) through the needle (2b).

Description

[0001] Device for administering a fluid substance

[0002] The invention relates to a device with a longitudinal axis (L) for administering or dispensing a fluid substance, in particular a medicament.

[0003] The term "medicine" herein encompasses any flowable medicinal formulation suitable for controlled administration or delivery through a means such as a cannula or needle, for example, comprising a liquid, a solution, a gel, or a fine suspension containing one or more medicinally active ingredients. A medicament may be a composition with a single active ingredient or a premixed or co-formulated composition with multiple active ingredients from a single container. Medication includes drugs such as peptides (e.g.Insulins, insulin-containing medicines, GLP-1-containing and derived or analogous preparations), proteins and hormones, biologically derived or active ingredients, active ingredients based on hormones or genes, nutritional formulations, enzymes and other substances in solid (suspended) or liquid form, but also polysaccharides, vaccines, DNA or RNA or oligonucleotides, antibodies or parts of antibodies as well as suitable base, excipient and carrier substances.

[0004] Devices for administering or dispensing a fluid substance are known from the prior art. For example, EP2742962B1 discloses an auto-injector with an axially displaceable holding element, which can engage externally with a piston rod. Furthermore, the piston rod, which is held by an injection spring, can be moved distally to act on a syringe stopper, thereby administering or dispensing a fluid substance.

[0005] The disadvantage of this auto-injector is that it has a complex structure and many components.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a device for administering or dispensing a fluid substance which is simple and has a few components.

[0007] In the following, the proximal direction in a device for administering or dispensing a fluid substance means the direction towards the housing end and the distal direction in this device means the direction towards the needle or cannula end.

[0008] The device according to the invention with a longitudinal axis (L) for administering or dispensing a fluid substance, in particular a medicament, has a housing. The housing is preferably elongated. The housing can preferably be sleeve-shaped and / or cylindrical, in particular circular-cylindrical. A product container is axially fixedly received in the housing. The product container contains the substance to be administered. Furthermore, a plug is provided in the product container, which is axially displaceably received in the product container. In addition, the product container has a needle or cannula through which the substance can be administered or dispensed. The plug is preferably arranged in the product container so as to be axially displaceable from a proximal end of the product container to a distal end of the product container in order to administer or dispense the substance provided in the product container.The product container can be designed as a syringe, comprising a syringe body and a needle or cannula fixedly or permanently attached to the distal end of the syringe body. Alternatively, the product container can be designed as a cartridge with a cartridge body and an attachable and removable needle unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises a needle protection element for the needle or cannula, which can be displaced relative to the housing. The needle protection element can be sleeve-shaped and / or cylindrical, in particular circular-cylindrical. The needle protection element can serve to protect against puncture injuries caused by the needle or cannula, in particular by a distal tip of the needle or by a distal tip of the cannula. Furthermore, the device has a needle protection spring which is coupled to the needle protection element, wherein the needle protection element is axially movable from a distal position in which the distal tip of the needle or cannula is surrounded by the needle protection element, to a proximal position in which the distal tip of the needle or cannula is exposed by the needle protection element.

[0010] Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises an injection spring, which provides the energy to effect substance administration and which interacts with the stopper to administer or dispense the substance from the product container through the needle or cannula. The device can be designed as an auto-injector. Auto-injectors are often referred to as devices that automatically dispense a substance to be administered to a patient after activation.

[0011] The needle protection spring and the injection spring can be designed as compression springs. Particularly preferably, the two springs are designed as spiral springs, in particular as spiral springs with one or more coils. However, other springs can also be provided. The needle protection spring and the injection spring are preferably pre-tensioned in the device according to the invention. The needle protection spring and the injection spring are designed to be tensioned and relaxed. The force of the needle protection spring causes the needle protection element to be displaced from the distal position to the proximal position and back to the distal position or to a distal position different from the distal position. The force of the injection spring causes the injection spring to discharge or be able to discharge the entire amount of the substance to be administered or a partial amount of the substance to be administered.The device according to the invention also comprises a holding element which is arranged axially fixed relative to the housing and in which the injection spring is received, in particular in a pre-tensioned and releasable manner. The holding element can be moved radially outwards or deflected radially between an engagement position in which the holding element engages with the injection spring and a release position in which the holding element externally engages with the injection spring. The holding element is preferably elongated and preferably extends along the longitudinal axis (L). Particularly preferably, the holding element comprises a holding arm and / or a holding cam which can be moved radially outwards or deflected radially. A plurality of holding arms and / or holding cams can be provided.The holding arm of the holding element preferably extends from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the holding arm is preferably arranged axially fixedly on the housing or on an element that is axially fixed to the housing. The holding element, in particular the holding arm and / or the holding cam of the holding element, is preferably designed to be elastic. The holding element, in particular the holding arm and / or the holding cam of the holding element, is preferably designed to be elastic in such a way that it, in particular it and / or it, can be moved radially outwards or deflected radially between an engagement position in which it, in particular it and / or it, is in engagement with the injection spring, in particular with the coil(s) of the injection spring, and a release position in which it, in particular it and / or it, is outwardly engaged with the injection spring, in particular with the coil(s) of the injection spring.The holding element, in particular the holding arm of the holding element and / or the holding cam of the holding element is designed such that the injection spring, in particular the winding or windings of the injection spring, can be held in engagement in a pre-tensioned manner.

[0012] In addition, during the axial movement of the needle protection element from the distal position to the proximal position, the holding element, in particular the holding arm of the holding element, particularly preferably the holding cam of the holding arm of the holding element, engages externally with the injection spring in order to administer or dispense the substance from the product container through the needle or through the cannula. The needle protection element can be designed such that during the axial movement of the needle protection element from the distal position to the proximal position, the holding element, in particular the holding arm of the holding element, particularly preferably the holding cam of the holding arm of the holding element, engages externally with the injection spring in order to administer or dispense the substance from the product container through the needle or through the cannula.The injection spring preloaded in the holding element can cause a radial outward movement or a radial deflection of the holding element, in particular of the holding arm and / or the holding cam of the holding element. The injection spring can also relax when the holding element, the holding arm, and / or the holding cam externally engage with the injection spring, whereby the substance can be administered or dispensed from the product container through the needle or cannula. The injection spring relaxes during the administration or dispensing of the fluid substance directly into the product container. The advantage of the device according to the invention is its compact size, in particular its external dimensions. The device according to the invention is optimized to have few components. Furthermore, the device according to the invention is simple and robust.

[0013] In other embodiments, the holding element may have a different shape, wherein the holding element is configured such that it is axially fixed relative to the housing of the device and is radially movable or radially deflectable between the engagement position, in which the holding element engages with the injection spring, and a release position, in which the holding element is externally engaged with the injection spring. In the engagement position, the holding element can hold the injection spring in engagement in a pre-tensioned manner. Furthermore, in the release position, the injection spring can relax, allowing the substance to be administered or dispensed from the product container.

[0014] In order to administer or dispense the substance from the product container, the injection spring in one embodiment of the device according to the invention can act directly on the stopper in the product container. The injection spring relaxes during the administration or dispensing of the fluid substance directly into the product container. This embodiment of the device according to the invention has the advantage that the device thereby has a high administration or dispensing capacity and a compact design. The injection spring can comprise a distal and a proximal part. The distal part of the injection spring can be designed such that the distal part of the injection spring acts as a damping element. When the injection spring impacts the stopper, the impact energy can be at least partially absorbed to prevent glass breakage.In the delivery state, the distal part of the injection spring can be relaxed and only loaded or tensioned upon impact with the stopper. The proximal part of the injection spring can be used to store the release energy or administration energy. In the delivery state, the proximal part of the injection spring can be preloaded or held in engagement by the retaining element. The axial engagement position of the retaining element relative to the injection spring can thus divide the injection spring into the distal and proximal parts. The distal and proximal parts of the injection spring can be made of different materials or have different structures or tensions.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, an adapter is provided between the injection spring and the stopper to administer or dispense the substance. In the engaged position, the retaining element can hold the injection spring in engagement under pretension, wherein in the release position, the retaining element is externally engaged with the injection spring. The injection spring thus acts on the stopper via the adapter to administer or dispense the substance. This embodiment of the device according to the invention has the advantage that differently shaped injection springs and differently shaped stoppers can be assembled, yet a device with a high administration capacity and a compact design can be provided. The adapter can be elongated and extend along the longitudinal axis (L). The adapter can be sleeve-shaped or formed from solid material.In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the distal and proximal ends of the adapter can be designed such that the ends can come into abutting contact with the plug of the product container on the one hand, and with the injection spring on the other. The adapter can also be designed as a damping element to reduce the force of the injection spring or adjust it accordingly. The adapter can furthermore have a guide for guiding the injection spring. The guide of the adapter can be provided on an outer surface of the adapter. The guide extends parallel to the spring axis of the injection spring. This prevents bending of the injection spring.In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the distal end of the injection spring can be supported on a part, in particular on a proximal part or middle part of the adapter, and the proximal end of the injection spring can be supported on a proximal part of the housing or on a proximal part of the holding element. In the device according to the invention, the injection spring relaxes during the administration or dispensing of the fluid substance directly into the product container. This advantageously allows the design of the device according to the invention to be optimized. During this relaxation, the injection spring, in particular the energy released by the injection spring, can act on the stopper via the adapter in order to administer or dispense the substance from the product container.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the device, an adapter is provided between the injection spring and the stopper to administer or dispense the substance. In this embodiment of the device, the holding element can additionally or exclusively engage or externally engage with the adapter. The holding element, in particular a holding arm of the holding element or a holding cam of the holding element, is designed such that the adapter can be held in engagement, so that the injection spring, in particular the coil or coils of the injection spring, are preloaded.

[0017] In addition, during the axial movement of the needle protection element from the distal position to the proximal position, the holding element, in particular the holding arm of the holding element, particularly preferably the holding cam of the holding arm or of the holding element, engages externally with the adapter in order to administer or dispense the substance from the product container through the needle or through the cannula. The needle protection element can be designed such that during the axial movement of the needle protection element from the distal position to the proximal position, the holding element, in particular the holding arm of the holding element, particularly preferably the holding cam of the holding arm or of the holding element, engages externally with the adapter in order to administer or dispense the substance from the product container through the needle or through the cannula.The injection spring pre-tensioned in the holding element can cause a radial outward movement or a radial deflection of the holding element, in particular the holding arm of the holding element, particularly preferably the holding cam of the holding arm or the holding element. The injection spring can also relax when the holding element, in particular the holding arm of the holding element, particularly preferably the holding cam of the holding arm or the holding element, is externally engaged with the adapter, whereby the substance can be administered or dispensed from the product container through the needle or cannula. During this relaxation, the injection spring, in particular the energy released by the injection spring, can act via the adapter on the stopper in order to administer or dispense the substance from the product container. The injection spring acts indirectly on the stopper in order to administer or dispense the substance from the product container.The injection spring relaxes during the administration or dispensing of the fluid substance directly into the product container.

[0018] The advantage of the device according to the invention is its compact size, particularly its external dimensions. The device according to the invention is optimized to have few components. Furthermore, the device according to the invention is simple and robust.

[0019] The term "direct" in this document means "direct" or "separated by no or only a small distance". For example, in one embodiment of the device according to the invention, no component (e.g., no piston rod) is arranged between the injection spring and the stopper. The injection spring can, for example, act directly on the stopper in one embodiment of the device according to the invention. Furthermore, for example, no component (e.g., a piston rod) is arranged between the injection spring and the product container, with only a small distance or no distance at all existing between the injection spring and the product container. The term "direct" can therefore be interpreted both "along the longitudinal axis (L)" and "transverse to the longitudinal axis (L)".

[0020] The term "indirect" in this document means "acting indirectly" or "via an intermediate element." For example, in another embodiment of the device, a component (e.g., an adapter) is arranged between the injection spring and the plug. For example, in another embodiment of the device, the injection spring can act indirectly on the plug. The term "indirect" can be interpreted as "along the longitudinal axis (L)" or "transverse to the longitudinal axis (L)."

[0021] Furthermore, during administration or dispensing of the substance, the injection spring, in particular the coils of the injection spring, can be relaxed relative to the holding element and via the holding element in order to generate an acoustic, visual and / or tactile release signal. The release signal can be generated by a relative movement between the holding element, in particular the holding arm of the holding element and / or the holding cam of the holding element, and the injection spring, in particular the coils of the injection spring. In particular, the coils of the injection spring relaxing during the dispensing process can slide over the holding element and / or over the holding arm of the holding element and / or the holding cam of the holding arm or the holding element in order to generate the release signal.The acoustic signal can, for example, be an audible rattling or clicking, caused by a relative movement between the holding element, in particular the holding arm of the holding element and / or the holding cam of the holding arm or the holding element, and the coils of the injection spring during the administration or dispensing of the substance. The holding element, the holding arm, or the holding cam can be designed as a click element. To implement the visual signal, a window can be provided in the housing of the device according to the invention, for example, through which the relaxation of the coils of the injection spring can be seen. The tactile signal can, for example, be a tangible vibration when the coils of the injection spring relax relative to the holding element, in particular the holding arm of the holding element and / or the holding cam of the holding arm or the holding element.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the release signal can be generated by an additional holding element, in particular an additional holding arm of the holding element or an additional holding cam of the holding arm or the holding element. Thus, the device according to the invention can have a first holding element and a second holding element, in particular a first holding arm and a second holding arm and a first holding cam and a second holding cam. The first holding element, in particular the first holding arm or the first holding cam, can serve to hold the injection spring in engagement or out engagement, and the second holding element, in particular the second holding arm or the second holding cam, can serve to generate the release signal.The second retaining element, the second retaining arm, or the second retaining cam can be designed as a click element. The second retaining element, in particular the second retaining arm or the second retaining cam, can be designed to be elastic. The second retaining element, in particular the second retaining arm or the second retaining cam, can be provided elastically on the first retaining element or on an element that is axially fixed to the housing.

[0023] Preferably, the holding element or the holding arm of the holding element or the holding cam of the holding arm or the holding element for generating the release signal is designed such that the frequency of the perceptible release signal decreases during the administration process or release process in order to indicate to the patient that the administration or release is coming to an end. For this purpose, for example, the frequency of the audible rattling or clicking during the administration or release of the substance can decrease. Furthermore, the apparent distance between the coils of the injection spring can increase during the administration or release of the substance. Furthermore, for example, the frequency of the palpable vibration can decrease during the administration or release of the substance. Thus, the patient can be indicated that the administration or release of the substance from the product container is about to end and / or is about to end.Alternatively, the frequency of the perceptible release signal can be or be consistent or constant.

[0024] The device according to the invention can further comprise a switching sleeve which is arranged along the longitudinal axis (L) between the needle protection spring and the needle protection element, wherein the switching sleeve is carried along by the needle protection element in the proximal direction when the needle protection element is displaced from the distal position to the proximal position. Preferably, the switching sleeve, which is arranged between the needle protection spring and the needle protection element, can be displaced from a distal position to a proximal position and back to the distal position or to a distal position different from the distal position. The switching sleeve is preferably elongated and sleeve-shaped. The switching sleeve is preferably cylindrical, in particular circular-cylindrical.

[0025] The device according to the invention can further comprise a locking sleeve arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) between the switching sleeve and the holding element, wherein the locking sleeve prevents, in the distal position of the needle protection element, a radial outward movement or a radial deflection of the holding element from the engagement between the holding element and the injection spring. The locking sleeve is arranged to be axially displaceable from a distal position to a proximal position. The proximal end of the needle protection spring can be supported on the proximal end of the locking sleeve. Furthermore, the locking sleeve can be arranged to be axially movable on or at the holding element. In the distal position of the needle protection element, the locking sleeve can be in releasable engagement with the holding element. For this purpose, the locking sleeve can, for example, have a projection which can be releasably engaged with a recess in the holding element.Alternatively, the projection of the locking sleeve can engage around the distal end of the retaining element and thus form a releasable engagement.

[0026] In the proximal position of the needle protection element, the switching sleeve can release the locking sleeve and the holding element can move into the release position with the injection spring. The injection spring acts on the holding element in such a way that the holding element is moved radially outwards or deflected radially outwards, out of engagement with the injection spring. The locking sleeve engages outwards with the holding element. The acting force of the needle protection spring can thus axially shift or move the locking sleeve from the distal position in the proximal direction. The locking sleeve is movable in the proximal direction relative to the holding element fixed to the housing and can come into stop contact with the holding element to generate an acoustic, visual and / or tactile dispensing start signal. This can indicate to the patient the start of the administration or dispensing of the substance from the product container.The acoustic signal can be embodied, for example, as an audible stop contact between the locking sleeve and the holding element. Furthermore, the housing of the device according to the invention can have, for example, a window to visibly indicate the axial displacement of the locking sleeve relative to the holding element. During the axial movement between the locking sleeve and the holding element, a tangible vibration can be generated to generate a tactile release signal. The locking sleeve is preferably elongated and sleeve-shaped. The locking sleeve is preferably cylindrical, in particular circular-cylindrical.

[0027] Furthermore, the locking sleeve and the switching sleeve can have a slotted guide, a locking stop, and a corresponding tensionable locking element. The locking sleeve and the switching sleeve are preferably arranged to be axially movable relative to one another and rotatable relative to one another. The locking stop can be ramp-shaped, wherein the locking element can be radially deflected over the ramp of the locking stop during a movement in the distal direction and can snap into place behind a shoulder of the ramp-shaped locking stop. The locking element is preferably elastic. The locking element can be designed as an elastic locking arm or elastic locking snap.

[0028] Preferably, during the movement of the needle protection element in the proximal direction, the locking sleeve and the switching sleeve can be rotated relative to one another by the guide mechanism between the locking sleeve and the switching sleeve, whereby the locking element can be brought into axial alignment with the locking stop to prevent the needle protection element from moving back into the proximal position. Thus, the needle protection element is locked and can protect the patient from injury caused by the needle or cannula, in particular by the distal tip of the needle or the distal tip of the cannula.

[0029] The invention is described below with reference to several figures. The features disclosed herein advantageously further develop the invention, both individually and in combination. They show:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention with a longitudinal axis (L) in a delivery state.

[0031] Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device according to Figure 1 in an administered or dispensed state.

[0032] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device according to Figure 1 in a locked state.

[0033] Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the device not according to the invention with a longitudinal axis (L) in a delivery state.

[0034] Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device according to Figure 4 in an administered or dispensed state.

[0035] Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device according to Figure 4 in a locked state.

[0036] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention with a longitudinal axis (L) in a delivery state.

[0037] Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device according to Figure 7 in an administered or dispensed state.

[0038] Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device according to Figure 7 in a locked state.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in the form of an auto-injector with a longitudinal axis (L) in a delivered state. The device serves to administer or dispense a fluid substance, in particular a medicament. The device has a housing (1). The housing (1) can be sleeve-shaped. A product container (2) containing the substance to be administered is axially fixedly received in the housing (1). A plug (2a) is axially displaceably received in the product container (2) in order to administer or dispense the substance from the product container (2). The device comprises a needle (2b) through which the substance can be administered or dispensed. The needle (2b) is provided at the distal end of the product container (2). Furthermore, the device comprises a needle protection element (3).The needle protection element (3) serves to protect against puncture injuries caused by the needle (2b), in particular a distal tip of the needle (2b) of the product container (2). The needle protection element (3) can be sleeve-shaped. The device further comprises a needle protection spring (4) coupled to the needle protection element (3), wherein the needle protection element (3) is axially movable from a distal position, in which the distal tip of the needle (2b) is surrounded by the needle protection element (3), to a proximal position, in which the distal tip of the needle (2b) is exposed by the needle protection element (3). The device further comprises an injection spring (5) which provides the energy to effect the substance administration or substance release and which cooperates with the stopper (2a) to administer or release the substance from the product container through the needle (2b).In the delivery state of the device, the needle protection spring (4) and the injection spring (5) are provided as prestressed compression springs. The device also comprises a holding element (6) which is axially fixed relative to the housing (1) and in which the injection spring (5) is received, in particular in a prestressed and releasable manner. The holding element (6) can be moved radially outwards or deflected radially between an engagement position in which the holding element engages with the injection spring (5) and a release position in which the holding element (6) is outwardly engaged with the injection spring (5). The holding element (6) comprises a holding arm (6a). In addition, the holding arm (6a) comprises a holding cam (6b). The holding arm (6a) and / or the holding cam (6b) can be moved radially outwards or deflected radially.The holding arm (6a) of the holding element (6) extends from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the holding element (6) or of the holding arm (6a) is arranged axially fixedly on the housing (1). The holding element (6) and / or the holding arm (6a) and / or the holding cam of the holding element (6) are designed to be elastic. The holding cam (6b) of the holding element (6) is designed such that the holding cam (6b) can be moved radially outward or deflected radially between the engagement position, in which the holding cam (6b) is in engagement with the injection spring (5), in particular one or more coils of the injection spring (5), and a release position, in which the holding cam (6b) is outwardly engaged with the injection spring (5), in particular one or more coils of the injection spring (5). In the delivery state of the device, the retaining cam (6b) of the retaining element (6) holds the injection spring (5) in pre-tensioned engagement.The device further comprises a switching sleeve (7) which is arranged along the longitudinal axis (L) between the needle protection spring (5) and the needle protection element (3). The switching sleeve (7) can be sleeve-shaped. The switching sleeve (7) can be carried along by the needle protection element (3) in the proximal direction when the needle protection element (3) is moved from the distal position to the proximal position. The device further has a locking sleeve (8) which is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) between the switching sleeve (7) and the holding element (6). The locking sleeve (8) can be sleeve-shaped. The locking sleeve (8) is arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the switching sleeve (7). The switching sleeve (7) is arranged so as to be non-rotatable relative to the housing (1).In the distal position of the needle protection element (3), the locking sleeve (8) can prevent a radial outward movement or a radial deflection of the holding element (6), in particular of the holding cam (6b) of the holding element (6), from the engagement between the holding element (6) and the injection spring (5). The proximal end of the needle protection spring (4) is supported on the proximal end of the locking sleeve (8). The locking sleeve (8) is arranged on or at the holding element (6) for axial movement. In the delivered state of the device, the locking sleeve (8) is in releasable engagement with the holding element (6). The locking sleeve (8) can have a projection (not visible) which can be releasably engaged with a recess (not visible) in the holding element (6).In order for the patient to use the device, in particular the auto-injector, to administer or dispense the substance, the patient must first remove a cap (9) detachably attached to the device. Removing the cap (7) from the device removes a needle protection cap (2c) detachably attached to the needle (2a). The patient then presses the device against the skin, whereby the needle protection element (3) is displaced from the distal position to the proximal position relative to the housing (1). The needle (2b) is thereby inserted into the patient's skin. Due to this relative movement of the needle protection element (3) to the housing (1), the switching sleeve (7), which is loaded with the needle protection spring (4), is displaced in the proximal direction relative to the housing (1). When the needle protection element (3) is in the proximal position, the switching sleeve (7) can release the locking sleeve (8).The retaining cam (6b) of the retaining element (6) can be moved radially outwards or deflected radially due to the force of the injection spring (5), so that the retaining cam (6b) of the retaining element (6) engages externally with the injection spring (5), in particular with the coil(s) of the injection spring (5). The projection (not visible) of the locking sleeve (8) engages externally with the recess (not visible) of the retaining element (6). The projection (not visible) of the locking sleeve (8) moves radially outwards or is deflected radially and can form a slotted guide. The slotted guide of the projection (not visible) can engage with a slotted guide provided on the switching sleeve (7).Due to the acting force of the needle protection spring (4), the locking sleeve (8) moves axially relative to the switching sleeve (7) and to the holding element (6) fixed to the housing in the proximal direction and comes into abutting contact with the holding element (6), generating a dispensing start signal, in particular an audible stop. During the axial movement of the locking sleeve (8) in the proximal direction, the locking sleeve (8) rotates relative to the switching sleeve (7) due to the slotted guide between the projection (not visible) of the locking sleeve (8) and the switching sleeve (7). Due to the relative movement between the locking sleeve (8) and the switching sleeve (8), a locking stop (not visible) provided on the locking sleeve (8) comes into axial alignment with a locking element (not visible) provided on the switching sleeve (7). In an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, the locking sleeve can have the locking element and the switching sleeve can have the locking stop.

[0040] In the first embodiment of the device according to the invention, the injection spring (5) acts directly on the stopper (2a) of the product container (2). Furthermore, the injection spring (5) relaxes during the administration or dispensing of the fluid substance directly into the product container (2). This makes it possible to provide a device with a high administration or dispensing capacity and a compact design. During the administration or dispensing of the fluid substance from the product container (2), the coils of the injection spring (5) relax relative to the holding element (6) and via the holding cam (6b) of the holding arm (6a) in order to generate a dispensing signal, in particular an acoustic dispensing signal in the form of an audible rattling or clicking sound. The holding element (6) and / or the holding arm (6a) and / or the second holding cam (6b) are designed as a click element.At the end of the administration or dispensing, as shown in Figure 2, the acoustic dispensing signal is silenced, indicating to the patient that the administration or dispensing of the fluid substance from the product container (2) has ended and the patient can remove the device from the skin. Upon removal of the device from the skin, the needle protection element (3) and the switching sleeve (7) move from the proximal position back to the distal position or to a distal position different from the distal position due to the force of the needle protection spring (4).

[0041] The switching sleeve (7) preferably has the locking element (not visible), which is designed to be elastic. The locking element (not visible) can be designed to be radially deflectable. The locking sleeve (8) preferably has the locking stop (not visible). Due to the axial and rotational relative movement between the locking sleeve (8) and the switching sleeve (7), the locking stop (not visible) of the locking sleeve (8) comes into axial alignment with the locking element (not visible) of the switching sleeve (7). The locking stop (not visible) of the locking sleeve (8) can preferably be designed to be ramp-shaped with a shoulder (not visible), wherein the shoulder (not visible) can be arranged at a distal end of the locking stop (not visible).

[0042] During the movement of the needle protection element (3) and switching sleeve (7) from the proximal position to the distal position or to a distal position different from the distal position, wherein the switching sleeve (7) and the needle protection element (3) are moved in the distal direction by the force of the needle protection spring (4), the locking element (not visible) of the switching sleeve (7) slides over the ramp-shaped locking stop (not visible) of the locking sleeve (8). The locking element (not visible) of the switching sleeve (7) can relax and / or snap into place behind the shoulder (not visible) of the locking stop (not visible) of the locking sleeve (8).Upon renewed movement of the needle protection element (83) in the proximal direction, the locking element (not visible), in particular the relaxed locking element (not visible) of the switching sleeve (7), can come into abutting contact with the locking stop (not visible), in particular with the shoulder (not visible) of the locking element (not visible) of the locking sleeve (8). The needle protection element (3) is thus locked and can protect the patient from injury by the needle (2), in particular by the distal tip of the needle (2b). The device is in a locked state, as can be seen in Figure 3. Alternatively, the locking stop can be provided on the switching sleeve (7) and the locking element on the locking sleeve (8).

[0043] Figures 4, 5, and 6 show a non-inventive embodiment of the device for administering or dispensing a fluid substance, wherein the device is shown in a delivered state in Figure 4, in an administered or dispensed state in Figure 5, and in a locked state in Figure 6. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment of the device by the presence of an additional adapter (10). Otherwise, the construction and function of this embodiment correspond to the first embodiment of the device described above. The adapter (10) is arranged between the injection spring (5) and the plug (2a) of the product container (2). The adapter (10) is arranged axially between the injection spring (5) and the plug (2a) of the product container (2). The injection spring (5) thus acts on the plug (2a) via the adapter (10) to administer or dispense the substance.The engagement element (6) comprises a holding arm (6a) and a holding cam (6b). The engagement element (6), in particular the holding arm (6a) and / or the holding cam (6b), are elastically designed. The holding cam (6b) can engage with the adapter in the as-delivered state of the device and can engage with the adapter externally in order to administer or dispense the substance. The holding element (6) can be moved radially outward or deflected radially between an engagement position, in which the holding element engages with the adapter (10), and a release position, in which the holding element (6) externally engages with the adapter (10). The adapter (10) can be sleeve-shaped. Thus, differently shaped injection springs (5) and differently shaped plugs (2a) can be assembled. Furthermore, the adapter (10) can preferably be designed as a damping element in order to reduce the force of the injection spring (5) or to adapt it accordingly.The injection spring (5) acts indirectly on the stopper (2a) of the product container (2). Furthermore, the injection spring (5) relaxes during the administration or dispensing of the fluid substance directly into the product container (2). This allows for the provision of a device with a high administration or dispensing capacity and a compact design.

[0044] Figures 7, 8, and 9 show a second embodiment of the device according to the invention for administering or dispensing a fluid substance, wherein the device is shown in a delivery state in Figure 7, in an administered or dispensed state in Figure 8, and in a locked state in Figure 9. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment of the device according to the invention in the shape of the holding element (6') and in the presence of an additional adapter (10').The holding element (6') has a first holding arm (not visible) with a first holding cam (not visible) that can be moved radially outward or deflected radially from an engagement position, in which the holding cam (not visible) is in engagement with the coil(s) of the injection spring (5), to a release position, in which the holding cam (not visible) is outwardly engaged with the coil(s) of the injection spring (5). The holding cam (not visible) can be in engagement with the injection spring in the as-delivered state and can engage outwardly with the injection spring in order to administer or dispense the substance. The holding element (6') also has a second holding arm (6a') with a second holding cam (6b'). The second holding arm (6a') is elongated and extends along the longitudinal axis (L).Alternatively, a second holding element can also be provided, which is axially and firmly connected to the housing or to a part fixed to the housing. This second holding element can comprise the second holding arm (6a') and the second holding cam (6b'). The second holding arm (6a') and the second holding cam (6b') are arranged radially offset by 90 degrees to the first holding arm (not visible) and to the first holding cam (not visible). The second holding arm (6a'), in particular the second holding cam (6b'), are designed in such a way and serve to generate a release signal, in particular an acoustic release signal in the form of an audible rattling or clicking, when the substance is administered or dispensed. When the injection spring (5) is released, the holding cam (6b') slides over the coils of the injection spring (5).During the administration or dispensing of the fluid substance from the product container (2), the coils of the injection spring (5) relax relative to the holding element (6) and via the holding cam (6b') of the holding arm (6a') to generate a dispensing signal, in particular an acoustic dispensing signal in the form of an audible rattle or click. At the end of the administration or dispensing, as shown in Figure 8, the acoustic dispensing signal, in particular, is silenced, indicating to the patient that the administration or dispensing of the fluid substance from the product container (2) has ended. The holding element (6') and / or the second holding arm (6a') and / or the second holding cam (6b') are designed as a click element. The holding element (6') and / or the second holding arm (6a') and / or the second holding cam (6b') are designed to be elastic.A plurality of first (not visible) and / or second holding arms (6a') with corresponding holding cams (6b') can be provided on the holding element (6'). The distal end of the injection spring is supported on a distal end of the adapter (10'), and the proximal end of the injection spring is supported on a proximal end of the holding element (6'). The second holding cam (6b') can engage with the adapter (10') in a delivered state of the device and can engage externally with the adapter (10') in order to administer or dispense the substance. The holding cam (6b') can be moved radially outward or deflected radially between an engagement position, in which the holding cam (6b') is engaged with the adapter (10'), and a release position, in which the second holding cam (6b') is externally engaged with the adapter (10'). The adapter (10') can be sleeve-shaped.Thus, differently shaped injection springs (5) and differently shaped plugs (2a) can be assembled. Furthermore, the adapter (10') can preferably be designed as a damping element to reduce the force of the injection spring (5) or to adapt it accordingly. The injection spring (5) acts indirectly on the plug (2a) of the product container (2). Furthermore, the injection spring (5) relaxes during administration or dispensing of the fluid substance directly into the product container (2). This makes it possible to provide a device with a high administration or dispensing capacity and a compact design. The adapter (10') has a guide (10a). The guide (10') is arranged on an outer surface of the adapter (10') so that the injection spring (5) is guided when the injection spring (5) relaxes. The guide (10a) extends parallel to the spring axis of the injection spring (5).This prevents the injection spring from bending.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, a sleeve (not shown) movable relative to the housing can additionally be provided, which sleeve can be moved via the second holding arm (6a') with the second holding cam (6b') to generate a dispensing signal, in particular an acoustic dispensing signal in the form of an audible rattle or click. This sleeve (not shown) can be arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis (L) between the injection spring (5) and the second holding cam (6b'). This sleeve (not shown) can have one or more recesses and / or one or more projections, which slide or ratchet successively over the second holding cam (6b') to generate the dispensing signal. These multiple recesses are arranged along the longitudinal axis (L). These multiple recesses can be of different sizes.If multiple second holding arms (6a') and multiple second holding cams (6b') are provided, corresponding recesses can be provided along the longitudinal axis (L), which interact with these second holding cams (6b') to generate a release signal. These corresponding recesses can be arranged offset from one another along the longitudinal axis (L) or at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis (L).

[0046] Reference symbol:

[0047] 1 housing

[0048] 2 product containers

[0049] 2a Plug

[0050] 2b needle

[0051] 2c Needle cap

[0052] 3 Needle protection element

[0053] 4 Needle protection spring 5 Injection spring

[0054] 6, 6' holding element

[0055] 6a Holding arm

[0056] 6a' second holding arm 6b holding cam

[0057] 6b' second holding cam

[0058] 7 Switch sleeve

[0059] 8 locking sleeve

[0060] 9 Cap 10, 10' Adapter

[0061] 10a Guided Tour

[0062] L Longitudinal axis

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for administering or dispensing a fluid substance having a longitudinal axis (L) comprising: 1.1 a housing (1), 1.2 a product container (2) axially fixed in the housing (1) with the substance to be administered and a plug (2a) axially displaceably received in the product container (2) and a needle (2b) provided on the product container for administering or dispensing the substance; 1.3 a needle protection element (3) for the needle (2b) which is displaceable relative to the housing (1); 1.4 a needle protection spring (4) which is coupled to the needle protection element (4), wherein the needle protection element (4) is axially movable from a distal position in which the distal tip of the needle (2b) is surrounded by the needle protection element (3) to a proximal position in which the distal tip of the needle (2b) is released from the needle protection element; 1.5 an injection spring (5) which provides the energy to effect the substance administration and which cooperates with the plug (2a) to administer or dispense the substance from the product container (2) through the needle (2b); 1.6 a holding element (6; 6') which is arranged axially fixed relative to the housing (1), in which the injection spring (5) is received and the holding element (6; 6') is movable radially outwards or deflected radially between an engagement position in which the holding element (6; 6') is in engagement with the injection spring (5) and a release position in which the holding element (6; 6') is outwardly engaged with the injection spring; 1.7 characterized in that during the axial movement of the needle protection element (3) from the distal position to the proximal position, the holding element (6; 6') externally engages with the injection spring (5) in order to administer or dispense the substance from the product container (2) through the needle (2b).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the injection spring (5) acts directly on the stopper (2a) to administer or dispense the substance.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the injection spring (5) acts on the stopper (2a) via an adapter (10) which is arranged along the longitudinal axis (L) between the injection spring (5) and the stopper (2a), in order to administer or dispense the substance.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the needle protection spring (4) and / or the injection spring (5) are designed as a spiral spring.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during administration or dispensing of the substance, the injection spring (5), in particular the coils of the injection spring, can be relaxed relative to the holding element (6; 6') and via the holding element (6; 6') in order to generate an acoustic, visual and / or tactile dispensing signal.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a switching sleeve (7) which is arranged along the longitudinal axis (L) between the needle protection spring (4) and the needle protection element (3), wherein the switching sleeve (7) is carried along by the needle protection element (3) in the proximal direction when the needle protection element (3) is moved from the distal position to the proximal position.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized by a locking sleeve (8) which is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) between the switching sleeve (7) and the holding element (6; 6'), wherein the locking sleeve (8) in the distal position of the needle protection element (3) prevents a radial outward movement or radial deflection of the holding element (6; 6') from the engagement between the holding element (6; 6') and the injection spring (5).

8. Device according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the switching sleeve (7) releases the locking sleeve (8) in the proximal position of the needle protection element (3) and the holding element (6; 6') moves into the release position with the injection spring (5).

9. Device according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the locking sleeve (8) and the switching sleeve (7) have a slotted guide, a locking stop and a corresponding locking element, wherein the locking sleeve (8) and the switching sleeve (7) are arranged to be axially movable and rotatable relative to one another, and wherein during the movement of the needle protection element (3) from the distal position to the proximal position, the locking element comes into axial alignment with the locking stop, wherein upon a renewed movement of the needle protection element (3) in the proximal direction, the locking element comes into abutting contact with the locking stop in order to prevent a renewed movement of the needle protection element (3) into the proximal position.

10. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the locking sleeve (8) is movable relative to the holding element (6; 6) in the proximal direction and can come into abutting contact with the holding element (6; 6) in order to generate an acoustic, visual and / or tactile dispensing start signal.

Images