Autoinjector and method for disassembling this autoinjector

Abstract

This autoinjector (1) includes : a housing (2) extending along a longitudinal axis A and configured for receiving a medical container (3); a plunger rod (5), axially movable with respect to the housing (2) between an initial position and a distal injection end position; a retainer (6), axially fixed with respect to the housing (2), the retainer (6) including a blocking member (61) to block the plunger rod (5) in the initial position; a locker (7), rotatably mounted with respect to the retainer (6) between an initial locking position, and a release position, such that the plunger rod (5) can move to the injection end position; a cam (8), rotatably mounted within the housing (2), the cam (8) including a driving member (83) configured to cause rotation of the locker (7) from the locking position to the release position upon rotation of the cam (8); a needle cover (4), axially movable with respect to the housing (2) between an initial position, a retracted position proximally located with respect to the initial position, and a safety position, the needle cover (4) including one or more locking features (43) configured to engage the cam (8); wherein the locker (7) is axially fixed with respect to the retainer (6) and the housing (2).

Description

[0001] Autoinjector and method for disassembling this autoinjector

[0002] This invention relates to an autoinjector and a method for disassembling this autoinjector.

[0003] In this application, the distal end of a component or of a device is to be understood as meaning the end furthest from the user's hand and the proximal end is to be understood as meaning the end closest to the user's hand. Likewise, in this application, the “distal direction” is to be understood as meaning the direction away from the user's hand, and the “proximal direction” is to be understood as meaning the direction toward the user's hand.

[0004] Automatic injection devices, also called autoinjectors, are designed for automatic injection of a medical product into an injection site. Autoinjectors usually comprise a housing for receiving a medical container. The medical container has a barrel defining a reservoir for containing the medical product, the barrel having a distal end provided with an injection needle.

[0005] Autoinjectors also include a safety shield mechanism moving from an extended to a retracted position to respectively shield or unveil the injection needle and an injection mechanism for automatically injecting the medical product into an injection site. The injection mechanism usually includes a plunger rod for pushing a stopper inside the barrel of the medical container, and an initially compressed spring for moving the plunger rod in the distal direction. The injection spring and the plunger rod usually are automatically released when the safety shield mechanism reaches its retracted position.

[0006] It is known from the document WO2022117683 a drug delivery device. The document WO2013034647 discloses a device for the automatic injection of two doses of a medicament. It is further known from the documents US20130261552 and US20130261555 drug delivery devices with housing comprising a frangible zone.

[0007] Due to the axial movements of its different parts, the length of the autoinjectors of the prior art may sometimes be quite high, which may make some autoinjectors cumbersome and impressive to the end user.

[0008] Moreover, the autoinjectors of the prior art usually are single-use products. As a result, they often are disposed as a whole in a waste container after use. This means that some parts of the known autoinjectors are thrown away instead of being recycled.

[0009] There is therefore a need for an autoinjector that alleviates some or all of the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art. Specifically, there is a need for an autoinjector that is less cumbersome and axially shorter than the autoinjectors of the state of the art. There is also a need for an autoinjector which is more sustainable than the autoinjectors of the state of the art.

[0010] In this context, an aspect of the invention is an autoinjector for automatic injection of a product into an injection site, the autoinjector comprising : a housing extending along a longitudinal axis A, the housing being configured to receive a medical container including a barrel for containing a medical product and an injection needle for transferring the medical product from the barrel to an injection site, a plunger rod, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position and a distal injection end position for expelling the medical product contained within the medical container through the injection needle, a retainer including a blocking member in order to block the plunger rod in the initial position, a locker, rotatably mounted with respect to the retainer between an initial locking position, in which the locker keeps the blocking member of the retainer engaged with the plunger rod, and a release position, in which the locker allows disengagement of the blocking member and the plunger such that the plunger rod can move to the injection end position, a cam, rotatably mounted within the housing, the cam including a driving member configured to cause rotation of the locker from the locking position to the release position upon rotation of the cam, and a needle cover, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position, a retracted position proximally located with respect to the initial position, and a safety position, distally located with respect to the retracted position, in which the needle cover is axially prevented from moving back towards the retracted position in order to protect a user against needle stick injuries, the needle cover including one or more locking features configured to engage the cam so as to cause rotation of the cam when the needle cover moves from the initial position to the retracted position, wherein the locker is axially fixed with respect to the retainer and the housing.

[0011] The autoinjector of the invention thus offers a reduced size.

[0012] The retainer may be axially fixed with respect to the housing. The blocking member may be configured for axially abutting against the plunger rod in order to axially block the plunger rod in the initial position.

[0013] The device of the invention may further include some or all of the features listed below.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the safety spring is proximally positioned with respect to the needle cover. Having the safety spring located in the upper (proximal) portion of the needle cover enables the needle cover to have, distal to the proximal portion, a portion with a smaller diameter, also allowing reducing of the diameter of the distal portion of the housing. It is advantageous because it saves material.

[0015] The portion of smaller diameter of the needle cover also enables to use it as guiding means for the syringe, avoiding to add secondary guiding means on the housing, thus saving material.

[0016] Therefore, according to one embodiment, the needle cover comprises a portion provided with guiding means configured to guide the syringe. This portion may be the portion of reduced diameter of the needle cover. The guiding means allow guiding of the syringe in the axial direction.

[0017] In other words, the needle cover includes a proximal portion for accommodating a safety spring, and a guiding portion, distally located with respect to the proximal portion, the guiding portion being configured to guide the medical container. The guiding portion may be the portion of reduced diameter, and may correspond to an intermediate portion of the needle cover. It is contemplated that the proximal portion of the needle cover may be less than one half of the length of the needle cover.

[0018] The diameter of the guiding portion is lower than the diameter of the proximal portion. The guiding portion is formed by an inner cylindrical surface complementarily engaging the outer lateral surface of the barrel of the medical container. The guiding portion and the proximal portion are separated by a shoulder. The safety spring has a distal end axially abutting against a bearing surface defined by said shoulder. The safety spring has an opposite proximal end for axially abutting against the housing or the flange of the medical container.

[0019] Locating the safety spring in the proximal portion of the needle cover also enables to avoid having visual obstacle in front of the distal end of the syringe barrel, allowing to have a 360° vision of the end of dose position of the plunger stopper when the housing and the needle cover are made of transparent materials.

[0020] With a syringe of 0,5ml, another advantage of this auto-injector is that its overall length is below 120mm, enabling saving packaging material, transportation and cold storage energy and storage volume.

[0021] The proximal portion of the needle may include an outer guiding surface configured to slide against an inner surface of the housing. The proximal portion of the needle cover may be in the form of two-axially extending resilient legs.

[0022] In an embodiment, the cam is axially fixed with respect to the housing.

[0023] In an embodiment, the needle cover is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing. Thus, the needle cover cannot rotate with respect to the housing and is axially movable only. In an embodiment, the needle cover axially abuts against the cam in the safety position such that the needle cover cannot move back in the proximal direction.

[0024] In an embodiment, the autoinjector includes a cap removably attached to the needle cover.

[0025] In an embodiment, the cap includes a proximal stop for axially abutting against a first distal abutment surface of the housing, and a blocking feature configured to axially abut against a first proximal stop of the needle cover such that the cap prevents the needle cover from leaving the initial position.

[0026] In an embodiment, the autoinjector includes disassembling means configured to allow disassembly of the retainer, the locker, the plunger rod, the needle cover and the cam, from the housing.

[0027] In an embodiment, the needle cover includes a second proximal stop configured to axially abut against a second abutment surface of the housing when the needle cover is in the retracted position. This permits to better control the pricking depth. It is noted that the needle cover directly abuts against the housing.

[0028] In an embodiment, the retainer includes a holder configured for distally pressing the medical container against a proximal abutment surface of the housing. This prevents against axial wobbling of the medical container inside the housing.

[0029] In an embodiment, the retainer includes one or more snap-fit members configured to engage openings of the housing to axially and rotationally secure the retainer with respect to the housing, the openings allowing disassembly of the retainer from the housing.

[0030] In an embodiment, the housing includes one or more openings arranged to give access to the one or more locking features of the needle cover in the safety position for allowing disassembly of the needle cover from the housing.

[0031] In an embodiment, the needle cover includes one or more blocking inner walls configured to radially abut against the medical container in order to prevent disassembly of the needle cover from the housing when the medical container is contained within the housing.

[0032] In an embodiment, the cam includes a guiding member configured to cause a further rotation of the cam when the needle cover moves from the retracted position to the safety position such that the one or more locking features of the needle cover get trapped in one or more locking portions of the cam when the needle reaches the safety position.

[0033] In an embodiment, the cam includes one or more guiding tracks having a proximal end arranged such that said proximal end and the one or more locking features of the needle cover delimit an axial clearance when the needle cover is in the retracted position. This ensures a reliable pricking depth.

[0034] Preferably, the housing includes a recyclable material. According to an embodiment, the housing includes a bottom body and a top body assembled to each other, the bottom body only being a tube made of a recyclable material.

[0035] In one embodiment, the retainer includes a distal abutment surface and a proximal abutment surface for axially abutting against the locker. In one embodiment, the locker includes a circumferential rib for axially abutting against the retainer. This reduces the radial dimension of the locker, which enables to reduce the size of the autoinjector. In an embodiment, the proximal abutment surface is arranged on a resiliently deformable retaining member of the retainer. This permits disassembly of the locker from the retainer. In one embodiment, the distal abutment surface is configured for axially abutting against the proximal end of the locker. The proximal abutment surface and the distal abutment surface may not be axially aligned.

[0036] In one embodiment, the locker has an opened lateral wall. That is, the lateral wall of the locker is radially opened; the lateral wall of the locker has one or more through-holes forming one or more release openings. The release openings allow for extension of the blockings members of the retainer. Therefore, the thickness of the lateral wall of the locker, and the radial dimension of the locker, can be reduced so that the autoinjector can have a reduced size.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cam is configured for locking the needle cover in the safety position. The cam includes a Z-shaped guiding track. One end of the Z-shaped guiding track defines a locking portion configured for receiving a locking feature of the needle cover to lock the needle cover in the safety position. The locking portion forms a proximal notch. The proximal noctch and the locking feature of the needle cover may be complementarily shaped.

[0038] Here, the cam has guiding tracks which are engaged by the needle cover only. That is, the cam is not engaged by the medical container or an abutment ring fixed to the medical container. The cam does not participate to sequential movements of the medical container. More specifically, the cam is not designed for automatic pricking. Thus the cam may include only two diametrically opposite guiding tracks which are engaged by the locking features of the needle cover only.

[0039] Another aspect of the invention is an autoinjector for automatic injection of a product into an injection site, the autoinjector comprising : a housing extending along a longitudinal axis A, the housing being configured for receiving a medical container including a barrel for containing a medical product and an injection needle for transferring the medical product from the barrel to an injection site, a plunger rod, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position and a distal injection end position for expelling the medical product contained within the medical container through the injection needle, a retainer including a blocking member in order to block the plunger rod in the initial position, a locker, rotatably mounted with respect to the retainer between an initial locking position, in which the locker keeps the blocking member of the retainer engaged with the plunger rod, and a release position, in which the locker allows disengagement of the blocking member and the plunger such that the plunger rod can move to the injection end position, a cam, rotatably mounted within the housing, the cam including a driving member configured to cause rotation of the locker from the locking position to the release position upon rotation of the cam, and a needle cover, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position, a retracted position proximally located with respect to the initial position, and a safety position, distally located with respect to the retracted position, in which the needle cover is axially prevented from moving back towards the retracted position in order to protect a user against needle stick injuries, the needle cover including one or more locking features configured to engage the cam so as to cause rotation of the cam when the needle cover moves from the initial position to the retracted position, wherein the autoinjector further comprises disassembling means for disassembling the needle cover, the cam, the locker, the retainer, and the plunger rod from the housing.

[0040] The disassembling means may also be confgured disassembling the medical container from the housing when the medical container is arranged within the housing.

[0041] In an embodiment, the disassembling means include one or more openings arranged through the housing for inwardly radially pushing one or more snap-fit members of the retainer.

[0042] In an embodiment, the disassembling means include one or more openings arranged through the housing for inwardly radially pushing one or more locking features of the needle cover.

[0043] In an embodiment, the openings are provided on a labelling area. The labelling area is configured to receive a label.

[0044] Another aspect of the invention is an autoinjector for automatic injection of a product into an injection site, the autoinjector comprising : a housing extending along a longitudinal axis A, the housing being configured to receive a medical container including a barrel for containing a medical product and an injection needle for transferring the medical product from the barrel to an injection site, a plunger rod, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position and a distal injection end position for expelling the medical product contained within the medical container through the injection needle, a retainer including a blocking member in order to block the plunger rod in the initial position, a locker, rotatably mounted with respect to the retainer between an initial locking position, in which the locker keeps the blocking member of the retainer engaged with the plunger rod, and a release position, in which the locker allows disengagement of the blocking member and the plunger such that the plunger rod can move to the injection end position, a cam, rotatably mounted within the housing, the cam including a driving member configured to cause rotation of the locker from the locking position to the release position upon rotation of the cam, and a needle cover, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position, a retracted position proximally located with respect to the initial position, and a safety position, distally located with respect to the retracted position, in which the needle cover is axially prevented from moving back towards the retracted position in order to protect a user against needle stick injuries, the needle cover including one or more locking features configured to engage the cam so as to cause rotation of the cam when the needle cover moves from the initial position to the retracted position, wherein the needle cover includes guiding means configured to guide the medical container.

[0045] The guiding means contribute to a proper relative axial movement between the medical container and the needle cover. The guiding means may be in the form of a tubular guiding portion of the needle cover, this tubular guiding portion being shaped to complementarily receive the barrel of the medical container. The tubular guiding portion may be a portion of reduced diameter. The tubular guiding portion may be cylindrical.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the safety spring is proximally positioned with respect to the needle cover. Having the safety spring located in the upper (proximal) portion of the needle cover enables the needle cover to have, distal to the proximal portion, a portion with a smaller diameter, also allowing reducing of the diameter of the distal portion of the housing. It is advantageous because it saves material.

[0047] The portion of smaller diameter of the needle cover also enables to use it as guiding means for the syringe, avoiding to add secondary guiding means on the housing, thus saving material.

[0048] Therefore, according to one embodiment, the needle cover comprises a portion provided with guiding means configured to guide the syringe. This portion may be the portion of reduced diameter of the needle cover. The guiding means allow guiding of the syringe in the axial direction.

[0049] In other words, the needle cover includes a proximal portion for accommodating a safety spring, and a guiding portion, distally located with respect to the proximal portion, the guiding portion being configured to guide the medical container. The guiding portion may be the portion of reduced diameter, and may correspond to an intermediate portion of the needle cover. It is contemplated that the proximal portion of the needle cover may be less than one half of the length of the needle cover.

[0050] The diameter of the guiding portion is lower than the diameter of the proximal portion. The guiding portion is formed by an inner cylindrical surface complementarily engaging the outer lateral surface of the barrel of the medical container. The guiding portion and the proximal portion are separated by a shoulder. The safety spring has a distal end axially abutting against a bearing surface defined by said shoulder. The safety spring has an opposite proximal end for axially abutting against the housing or the flange of the medical container.

[0051] Locating the safety spring in the proximal portion of the needle cover also enables to avoid having visual obstacle in front of the distal end of the syringe barrel, allowing to have a 360° vision of the end of dose position of the plunger stopper when the housing and the needle cover are made of transparent materials.

[0052] With a syringe of 0,5ml, another advantage of this auto-injector is that its overall length is below 120mm, enabling saving packaging material, transportation and cold storage energy and storage volume.

[0053] It is contemplated that the retainer may be axially fixed with respect to the housing. The blocking member may be configured for axially abutting against the plunger rod in order to axially block the plunger rod in the initial position.

[0054] This autoinjector may further include some or all of the herein described features.

[0055] Another aspect of the invention is an autoinjector for automatic injection of a product into an injection site, the autoinjector comprising : a housing extending along a longitudinal axis A, the housing being configured to receive a medical container including a barrel for containing a medical product and an injection needle for transferring the medical product from the barrel to an injection site, a plunger rod, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position and a distal injection end position for expelling the medical product contained within the medical container through the injection needle, a retainer including a blocking member in order to block the plunger rod in the initial position, a locker, rotatably mounted with respect to the retainer between an initial locking position, in which the locker keeps the blocking member of the retainer engaged with the plunger rod, and a release position, in which the locker allows disengagement of the blocking member and the plunger such that the plunger rod can move to the injection end position, a cam, rotatably mounted within the housing, the cam including a driving member configured to cause rotation of the locker from the locking position to the release position upon rotation of the cam, and a needle cover, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position, a retracted position proximally located with respect to the initial position, and a safety position, distally located with respect to the retracted position, in which the needle cover is axially prevented from moving back towards the retracted position in order to protect a user against needle stick injuries, the needle cover including one or more locking features configured to engage the cam so as to cause rotation of the cam when the needle cover moves from the initial position to the retracted position, wherein the housing is made of two parts including a bottom body and a top body, one of said two parts only being a cylinder.

[0056] By cylinder it is meant a lateral surface straigthly extending between two base ends having a predetermined shape.

[0057] The base ends, namely the proximal end and the distal end of the lateral surface, may define for instance a circular or oval cross-section shape. The cylinder extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The base ends are opened. The part may thus merely include a lateral wall, without any outer or inner protrusion. This part has no technical function apart from containing the medical container and the needle cover, and any other part that may be necessary. Specifically, this part has no abutment surface apart from the base ends.

[0058] In one embodiment, the cylindrical tube forms the bottom body.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cylindrical tube is made of a plastic resin, a cardboard, or a fiber-based material. Having a cylindrical tube made of a recyclable material enables to improve sustainability of the autoinjector.

[0060] In one embodiment, a proximal end of the cylindrical tube axially abuts against a second distal abutment surface of the top body.

[0061] In one embodiment, the bottom body and the top body are removably attached to each other. The bottom body and the top body may be attached to each other by snap-fitting means or by friction-fit.

[0062] It is contemplated that the retainer may be axially fixed with respect to the housing. The blocking member may be configured for axially abutting against the plunger rod in order to axially block the plunger rod in the initial position. This autoinjector may further include some or all of the herein described features.

[0063] Another aspect of the invention is an autoinjector for automatic injection of a product into an injection site, the autoinjector comprising : a housing extending along a longitudinal axis A, the housing being configured to receive a medical container including a barrel for containing a medical product and an injection needle for transferring the medical product from the barrel to an injection site, a plunger rod, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position and a distal injection end position for expelling the medical product contained within the medical container through the injection needle, a retainer including a blocking member in order to block the plunger rod in the initial position, a locker, rotatably mounted with respect to the retainer between an initial locking position, in which the locker keeps the blocking member of the retainer engaged with the plunger rod, and a release position, in which the locker allows disengagement of the blocking member and the plunger such that the plunger rod can move to the injection end position, a cam, rotatably mounted within the housing, the cam including a driving member configured to cause rotation of the locker from the locking position to the release position upon rotation of the cam, and a needle cover, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position, a retracted position proximally located with respect to the initial position, and a safety position, distally located with respect to the retracted position, in which the needle cover is axially prevented from moving back towards the retracted position in order to protect a user against needle stick injuries, the needle cover including one or more locking features configured to engage the cam so as to cause rotation of the cam when the needle cover moves from the initial position to the retracted position, and a cap removably attached to the needle cover, the cap including a proximal stop for axially abutting against a first distal abutment surface of the housing, and a blocking feature configured to axially abut against a first proximal stop of the needle cover such that the cap prevents the needle cover from leaving the initial position.

[0064] It is contemplated that the retainer may be axially fixed with respect to the housing. The blocking member may be configured for axially abutting against the plunger rod in order to axially block the plunger rod in the initial position.

[0065] This autoinjector may further include some or all of the herein described features.

[0066] Another aspect of the invention is an autoinjector for automatic injection of a product into an injection site, the autoinjector comprising : a housing extending along a longitudinal axis A, the housing being configured to receive a medical container including a barrel for containing a medical product and an injection needle for transferring the medical product from the barrel to an injection site, a plunger rod, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position and a distal injection end position for expelling the medical product contained within the medical container through the injection needle, a retainer including a blocking member in order to block the plunger rod in the initial position, a locker, rotatably mounted with respect to the retainer between an initial locking position, in which the locker keeps the blocking member of the retainer engaged with the plunger rod, and a release position, in which the locker allows disengagement of the blocking member and the plunger such that the plunger rod can move to the injection end position, a cam, rotatably mounted within the housing, the cam including a driving member configured to cause rotation of the locker from the locking position to the release position upon rotation of the cam, and a needle cover, axially movable with respect to the housing between an initial position, a retracted position proximally located with respect to the initial position, and a safety position, distally located with respect to the retracted position, in which the needle cover is axially prevented from moving back towards the retracted position in order to protect a user against needle stick injuries, the needle cover including one or more locking features configured to engage the cam so as to cause rotation of the cam when the needle cover moves from the initial position to the retracted position, and wherein the retainer includes a holder configured for distally pressing the medical container against a proximal abutment surface of the housing.

[0067] It is contemplated that the retainer may be axially fixed with respect to the housing. The blocking member may be configured for axially abutting against the plunger rod in order to axially block the plunger rod in the initial position.

[0068] This autoinjector may further include some or all of the herein described features.

[0069] Another aspect of the invention is a system comprising the above-described autoinjector and a medical container, such as a syringe. More specifically, this system or assembly includes a medical container arranged within the housing; the medical container may be a syringe, for instance a prefillable or prefilled syringe.

[0070] In an embodiment, the syringe is a 1 mL syringe.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the syringe is a 0.5 mL syringe.

[0072] Another aspect of the invention is a method for disassembling the abovedescribed autoinjector, the method including the steps of: removing the retainer from the housing, by disengaging a snap-fit members of the retainer from an opening of the housing; removing the needle cover from the housing, by disengaging a locking feature of the needle cover from the cam by means of an opening arranged through the housing for providing access to the locking feature.

[0073] The method may further include one or more of the steps of: removing the locker from the retainer; removing an injection spring from the retainer or from the plunger rod; removing the plunger rod from the medical container; removing the medical container from the housing; removing the needle cover from the housing only after removal of the medical container from the housing; removing the cam from the housing; removing a bottom body of the housing from a top body of the housing; recycling one or more of the housing, the bottom body, the top body, the cam, the needle cover, the locker, the retainer.

[0074] The invention and the advantages arising therefrom will clearly emerge from the detailed description that is given below with reference to the appended drawings as follows :

[0075] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0076] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0077] Figures 3A and 3B are cross-section views, in longitudinal planes orthogonal to each other, of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0078] Figure 4A is a top perspective view of a cap of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0079] Figures 4B and 4C are cross-section views, in different longitudinal planes, of a distal portion of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0080] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a housing of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0081] Figures 5B and 5C are cross-section views, in longitudinal planes orthogonal to each other, of a proximal portion of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention, Figure 6A is a perspective view of a needle cover of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0082] Figure 6B is a cross-section view of a portion of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention, the needle cover being in a safety position, Figure 7A is a perspective view of a cam of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0083] Figure 7B is a perspective view of a portion of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention, the housing being withdrawn,

[0084] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a retainer of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0085] Figure 8C illustrates a distal portion of a plunger rod of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0086] Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D illustrate a locker of an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0087] Figures 10A to 10F illustrate different steps of performing an injection operation via an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention, Figures 11A to 11 G illustrate steps of a method for disassembling an autoinjector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0088] Figures 12A to 12J illustrate an autoinjector and parts of this autoinjector according to another embodiment of the invention,

[0089] Figures 13A and 13B illustrate embodiments of a retainer of an autoinjector according to the invention.

[0090] The different features of the embodiments can be used in combination with and used with other embodiments as long as the combined parts are not inconsistent with or interfere with the operation of the device and assembly. This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments herein are capable of being modified, practiced or carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Further, terms such as distal, proximal, up, down, bottom, and top are relative, and are to aid illustration, but are not limiting. Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. The embodiments are not intended to be mutually exclusive so that the features of one embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as long as they do not contradict each other. Terms of degree, such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” are understood by those skilled in the art to refer to reasonable ranges around and including the given value and ranges outside the given value, for example, general tolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the embodiments. The term “substantially” when referring to a structure or characteristic includes the characteristic that is mostly or entirely present in the structure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For simplification, the parts or elements of one embodiment which are found identically or similarly in the other embodiment will be identified using the same numerical references and will not be described again.

[0091] With reference to Figures 1 and 2 is shown an autoinjector 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The autoinjector 1 is configured for allowing automatic injection of a medical product into an injection site.

[0092] The autoinjector 1 may include a housing 2, a medical container 3 for containing a medical product, a needle cover 4 for preventing needle stick injuries, a plunger rod 5 for expelling the medical product, a retainer 6 for retaining the plunger rod 5, a locker 7 for locking the retainer 6, a cam 8 for moving the locker 7, and a cap 9. With reference to Figure 2, the medical container 3, such as a prefillable or prefilled syringe, may include a tubular barrel 30 defining a reservoir configured for containing a medical product, an injection needle 35 provided at a distal end of the barrel 30, a needle shield 31 made of two parts for sealing and protecting the injection needle 35, and a stopper 32, Figure 10D, arranged inside the barrel 30 pushing the medical product outside the barrel 30. The volume of the reservoir may be configured to contain 1mL of medical product or less, for instance 0,5mL or less. Therefore, the medical container 3 may be axially shorter than medical containers 3 of the state of the art.

[0093] The injection needle 35 includes an axial passageway for passage of the medical product. The distal end of the barrel 30 includes a longitudinal tip 33 establishing a fluid communication between the reservoir and the injection needle. A length of the injection needle 35 may be 0,5 inch (1 ,27 cm) or less, for instance 8 mm or less. Thus, the length of the injection needle 35 may contribute to reduce the overall axial dimension of the autoinjector 1.

[0094] At a proximal end, the barrel 30 may include a radial flange 34 which may serve to hold the medical container 3 at a fixed axial position within the housing 2. The radial flange 34 delimits a distal side 341 configured for abutting against the housing 2, Figure 3A, and an opposite proximal side 342 configured to be abutted by a holder 60. The barrel 30 may include a glass or a plastic material. With reference to Figures 2, 3A-3B, 5A is shown a tubular housing 2 extending along a longitudinal central axis A. The housing 2 includes a bottom (or distal) body 21 and a top (or proximal) body 22 which may be separated by a first shoulder defining a proximal abutment surface 23 for axially abutting against the distal side 341 of the radial flange 34 of the medical container 3. The proximal abutment surface 23 may be delimited by a proximal side of a guiding or anti-rotating features, such as an inward protrusion 261 , Figure 5A, configured to guide axial movement and prevent rotation of the needle cover 4 with respect to the housing 2. The top body 22 defines a larger inner diameter than the bottom body 21 . The housing 2 may be made of a single piece; the bottom body 21 and the top body 22 thus form a single part. The housing 2 may include an opened distal end 24 and an opened proximal end 25, Figure 5A, for allowing insertion or removal of the different parts of the autoinjector 1 , thereby allowing assembly or disassembly of the autoinjector 1 .

[0095] As illustrated in Figure 4C, the bottom body 21 may include a first distal abutment surface 211 arranged at a distal end of the bottom body 21 for axially abutting against the cap 9. The bottom body 21 is configured for guiding movement of the needle cover 4 within the housing 2. At a proximal portion, as shown in Figure 5A, the bottom body 21 may include an anti-rotating feature such as one, or two diametrically opposite, outer planar surfaces 212 and / or the inward protrusions 261. The outer planar surfaces 212 may define a lower inner diameter lower than that of a distal portion of the bottom body 21 . The outer planar surfaces 212 are configured for allowing proper angular positioning and axial guiding of the needle cover 4 with respect to the housing 2, thereby also preventing rotation of the needle cover 4 relative to the housing 2. As illustrated in Figure 3A, the outer planar surfaces 212 and the distal portion of the bottom body 21 are separated by a second shoulder which forms a second distal abutment surface 213 for axially abutting against the needle cover 4.

[0096] With reference to Figures 3B and 5A, the top body 22 is configured for lodging the retainer 6, the locker 7, and the cam 8. The top body 22 may include lateral openings 221 a, 221 b configured for allowing disassembly of the autoinjector 1 as will be explained below. The openings 221a, 221 b may include one or two diametrically opposite distal openings 221a for providing radial access to a locking feature 43, Figure 6B, of the needle cover 4, and one or two diametrically opposite proximal openings 221 b for receiving and possibly for providing access to a locking feature, such as a snap-fit member 67, of the retainer 6. The openings 221a, 221 b may be, or may not be, through-openings. An outer cylindrical surface 222, Figure 5A, of the top body 22 may serve as a support for an adhesive tag that may extend over the openings, thereby hiding the openings 221a, 221 b to a user. With reference to Figure 5A, the top body 22 may further include one or more, such as two diametrically opposite coded features 223 for cooperating with the retainer 6 such that the retainer 6 is assembled to the top body 22 according to a predetermined angular position. The coded features 223 further prevent relative rotation between the retainer 6 and the housing 2; the retainer 6 is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing 2. The coded features 223 may be axial slots which open at the proximal end 25 of the housing 2. The axial slots are configured for complementarily engaging corresponding coded features 66, Figure 5B or 7B, of the retainer 6.

[0097] With reference to Figure 2, 3A-3B, 6A-6B, the needle cover 4 is in the form of a cylindrical tube configured to slide along the longitudinal axis A with respect to the housing 2. The needle cover 4 extends within the housing 2, around the medical container 3. A distal portion 4a of the needle cover 4 is sized to accommodate a deshielder 91 of the cap 9, Figures 4A-4B . A proximal portion 4c of the needle cover 4, Figures 3B or 6A, is sized to accommodate the locker 7 and the retainer 6. The needle cover 4 may be made of a single piece.

[0098] The needle cover 4 is axially movable between an initial position, Figures 3A-3B, an injection position, Figures 10C-10D, proximally located with respect to the initial position, and a safety position, Figures 10E-10F, distally located with respect to the injection position. In the initial position, the needle cover 4 engages the cap 9 such that the cap 9 prevents the needle cover 4 from moving in the proximal direction, thus preventing inadvertent activation of the autoinjector 1 during drop tests. In the injection position, the needle cover 4 retracts within the housing 2 to unveil the injection needle 35, thereby allowing the injection needle 35 to penetrate into the injection. In the safety position, the needle cover 4 extends around and distal to the injection needle so as to protect the user against needle stick injuries. Movement of the needle cover 4 from the initial position to the injection position is caused by the user pressing a distal end of the needle cover 4 against the injection site. Movement of the needle cover 4 from the injection position to the safety position is caused by a safety spring 48 configured for pushing the needle cover 4 in the distal direction.

[0099] With reference to Figure 4B, the needle cover 4 may include a first proximal stop 40 for axially abutting against the cap 9 in the initial position, a second proximal stop 41 for axially abutting against the housing 2 in the injection position, a bearing surface 42, Figure 3B, for providing support to the safety spring 48, a locking feature 43 (radially movable) for locking the needle cover 4 in the safety position, and a blocking inner wall 44, Figures 6A-6B, for radially abutting against the radial flange 34 of the medical container 3.

[0100] The first proximal stop 40 may be delimited by a proximal side of an outer flange 45 arranged at a distal end of the needle cover 4. The first proximal stop 40 proximally abuts against a blocking feature 93, Figure 4B, of the cap 9, such that the needle cover 4 is prevented from moving towards the injection position as long as the cap 9 is connected to the housing 2. Since the cap 9 proximally abuts against the first distal abutment surface 211 of the housing 2, activation of the autoinjector 1 during a drop test “cap 9 upward”, or any accidental drop, is prevented.

[0101] The second proximal stop 41 is defined by a shoulder 410 separating an intermediate portion 4b of reduced diameter of the needle cover 4 from the distal portion 4a of the needle cover 4. The second proximal stop 41 of the needle cover 4 is configured for axially abutting against the second distal abutment surface 213 of the housing 2 when the needle cover 4 is in the injection position, as shown in Figure 10C. Since the needle cover 4 directly abuts against the housing 2 in the injection position, there is less variation in terms of injection depth.

[0102] The bearing surface 42 is defined by a shoulder separating the intermediate portion 4b from a proximal portion 4c of the needle cover 4. The bearing surface 42 is arranged against a distal end 482 of the safety spring 48 to receive the distal push of this safety spring 48. The bearing surface 42 may include protrusions 421 , Figure 6A, for properly positioning the radial flange 34 and thus the medical container 3.

[0103] The locking feature 43 may be arranged at a proximal end 46 of the needle cover 4 and may be in the form of a radial protrusion which radially outwardly protrudes from an axial leg 47 of the needle cover 4 to engage the cam 8. Actually, the needle cover 4 may comprise two diametrically opposite axial legs 47 and thus two diametrically opposite locking features 43. The axial legs 47 have a fixed distal end 471 , attached to the intermediate portion 4b of the needle cover 4, and a free proximal end 472, so that the axial legs 47 are resiliently deformable. Thus, the locking features 43 are radially movable between an engaged position, Figure 10F, and a disengaged position (not shown), radially inwardly located with respect to the engaged position. In the engaged position, the locking features 43 extend within a corresponding slot or guiding track 84 of the cam 8, as shown for instance in Figure 7B. This engagement allows for rotation of the cam 8 and for axial locking of the needle cover 4 in the safety position. In the disengaged position, the locking features 43 are removed from the slots forming the guiding tracks 84, thereby disengaging the cam 8. This disengagement allows disassembly of the autoinjector 1 , as will be explained below. Movement of the locking features 43 from the engaged to the disengaged position is caused by an inward radial force exerted upon an outer face 431 of the locking features 43, as illustrated in Figure 11 E, for example by means of a specific tool configured for extending into the distal openings 221 a. It is indeed contemplated that the locking features 43 are aligned with the distal openings 221 a of the housing 2 when the needle cover 4 is in the safety position. Back to Figure 6A, the locking features 43 may include a slanted wall 432 for sliding against the cam 8, thereby rotating the cam 8, and for helping lock the needle cover 4 in the safety position, and a distal wall 433 configured for abutting against the cam 8 in the initial position or in the safety position.

[0104] The blocking inner wall 44 of the needle cover 4 is defined as a portion of the inner wall of the axial legs 47. The blocking inner wall 44 is axially located at the level of the locking features 43, or near the locking features 43. When the needle cover 4 is in the safety position, the blocking inner wall 44 is configured for radially inwardly abutting against the radial flange 34, so as to prevent inward deformation of the axial legs 47, thereby preventing disengagement of the locking features 43 from the cam 8.

[0105] The safety spring 48 is arranged inside the the needle cover 4, around the medical container 3, for pushing the needle cover 4 in the distal direction. The safety spring 48 includes a proximal end 481 which axially abuts against a distal side of the inward protrusion 261 of the housing, Figure 2, of the medical container 3, and a distal end 482 which axially abuts against the bearing surface 42 of the needle cover 4.

[0106] With reference to Figures 2 and 3A-3B, the plunger rod 5 may be in the form of a cylinder arranged within the retainer 6 in the initial position. The plunger rod 5 is configured for pushing the stopper 32, Figure 10D, inside the barrel 30 in order to expel the medical product contained in the reservoir.

[0107] The plunger rod 5 is axially movable within the retainer 6 and with respect to the housing 2 between an initial position, Figures 3A-3B, and an injection end position, Figure 10D, distally located with respect to the initial position. Movement of the plunger rod 5 from the initial position to the injection end position is caused by an injection spring 57. In the initial position, the plunger rod 5 is engaged with the retainer 6; the retainer 6 axially blocks the plunger rod 5. In the injection end position, the plunger rod 5 is disengaged from the retainer 6 and extends inside the barrel 30, pressing the stopper 32 against a distal end of the reservoir. The plunger rod 5 may be made of a single piece.

[0108] The plunger rod 5 may include an opened proximal end 50 allowing insertion of the injection spring 57 inside the plunger rod 5, a proximal bearing surface 51 for providing support to a distal end 572 of the injection spring 57, a distal pushing surface 52 for pushing the stopper 32, and one or more, for instance two diametrically opposite, distal blocking surfaces 53 for axially abutting against the retainer 6.

[0109] At its distal end, the plunger rod 5 may include a transversal wall 54 whose proximal side defines the proximal bearing surface 51 and whose opposite distal side defines the distal pushing surface 52. The plunger rod 5 may further include a connecting feature 55, Figure 8C, such as a helical groove engaged by the distal end of the injection spring 57, in order to ease removal of the plunger rod 5 together with the injection spring 57 when the autoinjector 1 is being disassembled.

[0110] The blocking surfaces 53 are arranged at a top edge of lateral windows 56 which are configured for receiving blocking members 61 of the retainer 6, so that the blocking surfaces 53 axially abut against the blocking members 61 of the retainer 6. As long as the lateral windows 56 of the plunger rod 5 are engaged by the blocking members 61 of the retainer 6, the plunger rod 5 is thus kept in the initial position.

[0111] The injection spring 57 is arranged withing the plunger rod 5 for avoiding interaction with the blocking members of the retainer 6. The injection spring 57 includes a proximal end 571 which axially abuts against the retainer 6 and / or engages a connecting feature 65 such as a helical groove of the retainer 6, and a distal end 572 which axially abuts against the proximal bearing surface 51 of the plunger rod 5 and / or engages the connecting feature 55 of the plunger rod 5.

[0112] With reference to Figures 8A-8C, the retainer 6 may be in the form of an axial sleeve. The retainer 6 extends within the top body 22, and defines an inner cavity for receiving the plunger rod 5. The retainer 6 is configured for retaining the plunger rod 5 in the initial position before use of the autoinjector 1 . The retainer 6 may be made of a single piece.

[0113] The retainer 6 may include some or all of a holder 60 for preventing axial movements of the medical container 3 with respect to the housing 2, one or more blocking members 61 for maintaining the plunger rod 5 in the initial position before use of the autoinjector 1 , one or more retaining members 62 for maintaining assembly of the locker 7 to the retainer 6, one or more first orthoradial stops 63a and opposite second orthoradial stops 63b for preventing rotation of the locker 7 before use of the autoinjector 1 , one or more third orthoradial stops 63c for limiting rotation of the locker 7 with respect to the retainer 6, one or more centering walls 64 for properly maintaining the retainer 6 inside the housing 2 aligned with the longitudinal axis A, one or more connecting features 65, Figure 8B, for removably attaching the injection spring 57 to the retainer 6, one or more coded features 66 for mounting the retainer 6 inside the housing 2 according to a predetermined relative angular position, one or more snap-fit members 67 for axially and rotationally securing the retainer 6 inside the housing 2, one or more distal stops 642 for axially blocking the cam 8, and a cover 68 for closing the opened proximal end 25 of the housing 2.

[0114] The cover 68 may be arranged at a proximal end of the retainer 6 and may be disc-shaped, defining a diameter similar to the diameter of the opened proximal end 25 of the housing 2. Therefore, the cover 68 hides the inside of the housing 2. At a distal side of the cover 68, the retainer 6 may include the connecting feature 65, Figure 8B, which may be in the form of a helical groove arranged on a protrusion distally protruding from the distal side of the cover 68 and inside the inner cavity for removably engaging a proximal end 571 of the injection spring 57.

[0115] The two diametrically opposite snap-fit members 67 may be in the form of resilient legs proximally protruding from an outer flange 671 of the retainer 6 and may include ouwtard radial protrusion 672 for engaging the proximal openings 221 b of the housing 2, thereby axially and rotationally securing the retainer 6 inside the housing 2 as long as these protrusions 672 engage the proximal openings 221 b. The snap-fit members 67 are radially movable between a locking position, Figure 5C, and a disassembly position (not shown), radially inwardly located with respect to the locking position. Movement of the snap-fit members 67 from the locking position to the disassembly position may be caused by a radially inward force exterted upon an outer radial face of the snap-fit members 67, for instance via a specific tool configured for penetrating inside the openings 221 b to push the snap-fit members 67 out of these openings 221 b. In the locking position, the snap-fit members 67 axially and rotationally secure the retainer 6 with respect to the housing 2. In the disassembly position, the snap-fit members 67 allow removal of the retainer 6 from the housing 2.

[0116] The centering walls 64 may be defined as the radial outer surfaces of four axial plates 641 radially protruding from the sleeve of the retainer 6. The centering walls 64 are configured for radially abutting against an inner surface of the housing 2, Figures 5B-5C, in order to have the retainer 6 centered inside the housing 2. The four axial plates 641 may be regularly distributed in a circumferential direction.

[0117] At a (first) pair of the four axial plates 641 , the retainer 6 may include the coded features 66 in the form of an axial rib separated by a shoulder from the rest of the axial plate 641. The shoulder may define a distal stop for axially abutting against the housing 2. The axial rib 66 and the corresponding coded feature 223 of the housing 2 may be complementarily shaped. Therefore, a single angular position between the retainer 6 and the housing 2 is allowed to mount the retainer 6 inside the housing 2. This permits alignment between the snap- fit members 67 of the retainer 6 and the proximal openings 221 b of the housing 2. A distal end of the axial plates may form the distal stops 642 that contribute to axially secure the cam 8 within the housing 2.

[0118] The holder 60, preferably arranged at a distal end of the retainer 6, may be in the form of a spring configured for exerting a distal pressure upon the proximal side 342 of the radial flange 34 of the medical container 3. The radial flange 34 is thus sandwiched between the housing 2 and the retainer 6. This prevents the medical container 3 from wobbling. The holder 60 defines a distal opening for allowing passage of the plunger rod 5 therethrough. The holder 60 may include a distal ring 601 connected to a distal end 69 of the sleeve forming the retainer 6 by oblique beams 602. In another embodiment (Figure 13A), the holder 60 may include two diametrically opposite loops 603. In another embodiment (Figure 13B), the holder

[0119] 60 may include two pairs of diametrically opposite loops 604, 605 arranged one above the other and 90° relative to each other.

[0120] The blocking members 61 may be in the form of axial resilient legs extending in side windows 616 of the sleeve forming the retainer 6, and including a fixed proximal end 611 , a free distal end 612, and a radial inward protrusion 613 arranged at the free distal end 612. The radial inward protrusion 613 is configured to engage the lateral windows 56 of the plunger rod 5 so that a slanted proximal stop 614 of the radial inward protrusion 613 axially abuts against the slanted blocking surface 53 of the plunger rod 5, Figure 5B. Opposite the radial protrusion 613, the blocking member 61 includes an outer abutment surface 615 configured for radially abutting against the locker 7 in the locking position. Therefore, the outer abutment surface 615 and the locker 7 prevent outward deformation of the resilient leg 61 and consequently disengagement of the radial inward protrusion 613 from the plunger rod 5. The blocking members 61 are radially movable between a blocking position, Figure 5B, and a release position (not shown), outwardly radially located with respect to the blocking position. In the blocking position, the blocking members 61 axially abut against the plunger rod 5. In the release position, the blocking members 61 are shifted away from the axial path of the plunger rod 5 so that the plunger rod 5 can move from the initial position to the injection end position. Movement of the blocking members 61 from the blocking position to the release position may be caused by the injection spring 57 pressing the plunger rod 5 in the distal direction and the shape of the proximal stop defined by the radial inward protrusion 613 of the blocking members

[0121] 61 and of the blocking surface of the plunger rod 5. With reference to Figures 8A and 5C, the retainer 6 may include two diametrically opposite retaining members 62 in the form of axial hooks, distally extending from the other (second) pair of axial plates 641 , from a fixed proximal end to a free distal end. The hooks define a proximal abutment surface 621 for axially abutting against the locker 7. Opposite the proximal abutment surface 621 , the retainer 6 includes a distal abutment surface 622 arranged at a distal end of said other pair of axial plates 641 for axially abutting the locker 7, such that the locker 7 is axially secured with respect to the retainer 6 between the proximal abutment surface 621 and the distal abutment surface 622. Notches 623 are arranged throught the axial plates 641 on each side of the hooks to provide these hooks with flexibility. The retaining members 62 are indeed resiliently deformable to allow assembly or disassembly of the locker 7 from the retainer 6, as will be explained below.

[0122] As illustrated in Figure 9B, the first orthoradial stop 63a is arranged on a side of the retaining members 62 to orthoradially abut against the locker 7 and thus stop rotation of the locker 7 in a first rotational direction. The second orthoradial stop 63b is arranged on a side of the axial plates 641 to orthoradially abut against the locker 7 and thus stop rotation of the locker 7 in a second rotational direction. In a locking position, the locker 7 abuts against these first and second orthoradial abutment surfaces 63a, 63b. Therefore, the locker 7 is initially kept in the locking position. The third orthoradial stop 63c may be arranged at a side of the axial plates 641 of the first pair of axial plates 641 to block rotation of the locker 7 in the first rotational direction, when the locker 7 reaches the release position.

[0123] With reference to Figures 9A-9D, the locker 7 is in the form of a cylindrical ring arranged inside the cam 8 and around the sleeve forming the retainer 6, and more specifically around the blocking members 61 of the retainer 6 so that the locker 7 can lock the blocking members 61 in their blocking position.

[0124] The locker 7 is rotationally movable with respect to the retainer 6 and around the longitudinal axis A, between a locking position, Figure 9B, and a release position (not shown). In the locking position, the locker 7 radially abuts against the blocking members 61 of the retainer 6 so that the blocking members 61 cannot move towards their release position. In the release position, the locker 7 allows for deformation of the blocking members 61 so that the blocking members 61 move to the release position, thus allowing the plunger rod 5 to move in the distal direction. Rotation of the locker 7 from the locking position to the release position is caused by the cam 8.

[0125] The locker 7 may include some or all of one or more radial abutment surfaces 71 , one or more release openings 72, one or more driving members 73, a proximal abutment surface 74, one or more distal abutment surfaces 75, a first, a second and a third orthoradial stops 76a, 76b, 76c, a radial protrusion 77. The proximal abutment surface 74 is arranged at a proximal end of the locker 7 for axially abutting against the distal end of the axial plates 641 of the retainer 6, while the distal abutment surface 75 may be arranged at a distal side of a circumferential rib 78 for axially abutting against the retaining members 62 of the retainer 6. Therefore the locker 7 is axially fixed with respect to the retainer 6.

[0126] The distal abutment surface 75 may include a portion provided with a ramp 751 to ease disassembly of the locker 7 from the retainer 6. Indeed, in the release position of the locker 7, the ramp 751 is configured for axially facing the proximal abutment surface of the retaining elements 62.

[0127] The first orthoradial abutment surface 76a may be arranged on the protrusion 77, which radially outwardly protrudes from the circumferential rib 78 of the locker 7, for blocking rotation of the locker 7 as long as the torque exerted on the locker 7 is below a predetermined threshold. In the initial (locking) position of the locker 7, the protrusion 77 abuts against the retaining member 62. The protrusion 77 and / or the retaining member 62 may be shaped to ease passage of the retaining member 62 over the protrusion when the locker 7 leaves the locking position. For instance, the protrusion 77 has a rounded shape. The protrusion 77 thus forms a hard point. This maintains the angular position of the locker 7 before assembly with the cam 8. This also increases speed for needle pricking, since the user has to push harder to make the locker 7 pass over the retaining element 62, thereby avoiding or at least limiting start of injection before complete needle penetration into the injection site. The second orthoradial abutment surface 76b may be arranged at a side of a proximal protrusion 762, which proximally protrudes from the proximal end of the locker 7, for abutting against one of the axial plates 641 of the retainer 6. The first and second orthoradial abutment surfaces 76a, 76b help maintain the locker 7 in the initial locking position. The third orthoradial abutment surface 76c may be arranged at an opposite side of said proximal protrusion 762, for abutting against another axial plate 641 of the retainer 6 when the locker 7 reaches the release position. The second and the third orthoradial abutment surfaces 76b, 76c thus limit rotation of the locker 7 to a predetermined angle.

[0128] The radial abutment surfaces 71 are arranged on an inner surface of a lateral wall 79 forming the locker 7, and are configured for inwardly radially abutting against the blocking members 61 of the retainer 6 when the locker 7 is in the locking position, thereby blocking movement of the blocking members 61 towards their release position. The radial abutment surfaces 71 are circumferentially arranged between releasing windows 72 provided through the lateral wall 79 of the locker 7 and are configured for allowing extension of the blocking members 61 towards their release position when the locker 7 is in the release position. An axial rib 721 may run alongside the release opening for locally increasing the stiffness of the locker and for avoiding creeping without having to increase the thickness of the lateral wall, due to the pressure exerted by the blocking members 61 .

[0129] The driving members 73 may be in the form of outer axial ribs protruding from the lateral wall of the locker 7 for engaging a complementary shaped driving member 83 of the cam 8 such that rotation of the cam 8 entails a corresponding rotation of the locker 7. The driving members 73 of the locker 7 and of the cam 8 also permit proper angular positioning of the cam 8 with respect to the locker 7 during assembly. A proximal shoulder or circumferential rib 731 may be provided at a distal end of the driving members 73 for increasing stiffness of the driving member 73 without need to increase its thickness. The locker 7 may further include a distal stop 732 arranged at the distal end of the driving members 73 for axially abutting against the cam 8, so that the cam 8 is proximally blocked.

[0130] With reference to Figures 7A-7B, the cam 8 is in the form of a cylindrical ring extending around the locker 7. The cam 8 is configured for rotating the locker 7 from the locking position to the release position and for locking the needle cover 4 in the safety position after injection. The cam 8 may be made of a single piece.

[0131] The cam 8 is axially fixed with respect to the housing 2. The cam 8 is rotationally movable with respect to the housing 2 around the longitudinal axis A, between an initial position, Figure 7B, an injection position, Figure 10C, and a safety position, Figures 10E-10F. Rotation of the cam 8 from the initial position, to the injection position and next to the safety position may occur in a same rotational direction. In the initial position of the cam 8, the needle cover 4 is in the initial position and the locker 7 is in the locking position. In the injection position of the cam 8, the needle cover 4 is in the retracted position and the locker 7 has left the locking position to reach the release position. In the safety position of the cam 8, the needle cover 4 is in the safety position. Rotation of the cam 8 is caused by the needle cover 4 sliding against the cam 8 while moving from the initial position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the safety position.

[0132] The cam 8 may include some or all of a distal abutment surface 80 for axially abutting against the housing 2, one or more proximal abutment surfaces 81 for axially abutting against the retainer 6 or against the locker 7, a guiding surface 82 for centering and guiding rotation of the cam 8 inside the housing 2, one or more driving members 83 for orthoradially abutting against the locker 7, thereby causing rotation of the locker 7, one or more guiding tracks 84 configured for abutting against the needle cover 4 so as to transform axial movements of the needle cover 4 into corresponding rotations of the cam 8.

[0133] The distal abutment surface 80 is delimited by the distal end of the cam 8 and axially abuts against the proximal abutment surface 23 or the guiding features 231 of the housing 2, thereby contributing to axially secure the cam 8 with respect to the housing 2. The proximal abutment surfaces 81 may be arranged at a proximal end of the cam 8 to axially abut against the retainer 6 in order to block the cam 8 in the proximal direction and / or at a distal end 831 of the driving members 83 to axially abut against the retainer 6 via the locker 7, thereby contributing to axially secure the cam 8 with respect to the housing 2. The guiding surface 82 is formed by an outer surface of the lateral wall 85 of the cam 8 and is configured for sliding against the inner lateral wall of the housing 2 so as to guide rotation of the cam 8 within the housing 2. The driving members 83 may be in the form of axial slots which are shaped to complementarily engage the driving members 73 of the locker 7 such that rotation of the cam 8 causes corresponding rotation of the locker 7 in the same direction. The axial slots have an opened proximal end 832 for receiving the driving member 73 of the locker 7, thereby easing assembly and positioning of the cam 8 with respect to the locker 7.

[0134] The guiding tracks 84 may be defined by, for instance two diametrically opposite, openings arranged through the lateral wall of the cam 8 for receiving the locking feature 43 of the needle cover 4. The guiding tracks may include: a first portion 841 for receiving the locking feature 43 in the initial position of the needle cover 4; a slanted wall 842 for causing rotation of the cam 8 from the initial position to the injection position by abutment of the locking feature 43 against this slanted edge 842 when the needle cover 4 moves from the initial position to the retracted position; a proximal end 843 arranged to leave a small axial clearance 844, Figure 10C, between the locking feature 43 and this proximal end 843 to ensure that the needle cover 4 axially abuts against the housing 2 in the rectracted position; an axial edge 845 for blocking further rotation of the cam 8 from the injection position; a locking portion 846 arranged at a distal end of the axial edge 845 for receiving the locking feature 43 when the needle cover 4 reaches the safety position and for blocking proximal movement of the locking feature 43, thereby preventing the needle cover 4 from moving backwards when the needle cover 4 is in the safety position; a guiding feature 847, such as a spring blade or a ratchet, arranged at the distal end of the axial edge 845 and facing the locking portion 846 for causing extra-rotation of the cam 8 from the injection position to the safety position, thereby guiding the locking feature 43 into the locking portion 846. The guiding feature 847 may be resiliently deformable and may define an inlet 848 smaller than the locking feature 43, such that the locking feature 43 can enter into the locking portion 846 but cannot escape the locking portion 846 (except when the autoinjector 1 is being disassembled as will be seen below).

[0135] With reference to Figures 4A-4C, the cap 9 is removably attached to a distal end of the needle cover 4. It is important to notice that the cap 9 is clipped onto the needle cover 4 instead of being clipped to the housing 2.

[0136] The cap 9 includes an enclosing wall 90, a deshielder 91 arranged within the enclosing wall for removing the needle shield 31 when the cap 9 is detached from the housing 2, one ore more proximal stops 92 for axially abutting against the housing 2, and one or more blocking features 93 for axially abutting against the needle cover 4, thereby preventing the needle cover 4 from moving towards the retracted position before removal of the cap 9.

[0137] The proximal stops 92 may be defined by a proximal end of axial ribs running alongside an inner surface of the enclosing wall 90. The proximal stops 92 are axially slightly distant from a proximal end 94 of the cap, so as to delimit a radial surface 921 which radially abuts against the housing 2, thus centering the cap 9 with respect to the housing 2.

[0138] The blocking features 93 may be formed by two diametrically flexible tongues inwardly extending from the enclosing wall 90 so that the tongues have a convex shape to come into abutment against the needle cover 4, and specifically against the first proximal stop 40 of the needle cover 4. The tongues are arranged at lateral openings 901 of the enclosing wall 90 and have fixed proximal and distal ends 931 , 932, such that the tongues can radially outwardly deform to pass over first proximal stop 40 of the needle cover 4 when the cap 9 is removed from the housing 2, thereby releasing the needle cover 4. The blocking features 93 therefore prevent inadvertent activation of the autoinjector 1 before detachment of the cap 9, and thus during a drop test “cap 9 upward” or any accidental drop.

[0139] The operation of the autoinjector 1 is described below with reference to Figures 3A-3B, 7B, and 10A-10F.

[0140] Initially, the autoinjector 1 is as illustrated in Figures 3A-3B and 7B. The cap 9 is attached to the housing 2. The needle cover 4 is in the initial position and is blocked by the cap 9 in the proximal direction. The cam 8 is in the initial position, the locking feature 43 of the needle cover 4 being engaged in the first portion 841 of the guiding track 84, such that the cam 8 cannot rotate since the needle cover 4 cannot rotate with respect to the housing 2. The locker 7 is in the locking position, thereby blocking the blocking members 61 of the retainer 6 in the blocking position so that the plunger rod 5 cannot move in the distal direction. Thus, the plunger rod 5 is blocked in the initial position.

[0141] The user first removes the cap 9 from the housing 2. The blocking features 93 of the cap 9 outwardly deform to pass over the first proximal stop 40 of the needle cover 4. The removal of the cap 9 also causes the deshielder 91 to remove the needle shield 31 to expose the injection needle 35. The needle cover 4 is still deployed, but can now move in the proximal direction if pressed against the injection site.

[0142] The user then presses the distal end of the needle cover 4 against the injection site. This causes the needle cover 4 to move towards the retracted position. As a consequence, the locking feature 43 of the needle cover 4 pushes against the slanted wall 842 of the cam 8, Figures 10A-10B, so that the cam 8 rotates and causes simultaneous rotation of the locker 7 towards the release position. The rotation of the locker 7 causes the radial abutment surfaces 71 to circumferentially move away from the blocking members 61 of the retainer 6, and the release openings 72 of the locker 7 radially to face the blocking members 61 of the retainer 6, so that the blocking members 61 can extend within the release openings 72 under the pressure of the plunger rod 5 pushed by the injection spring 57. Meanwhile, the injection needle 35 penetrates into the injection towards the predetermined pricking depth.

[0143] The needle cover 4 is stopped by the second distal abutment surface 213 of the housing 2, Figure 10C. At this stage, the needle cover 4 is in the retracted position and the injection needle 35 has reached the predetermined pricking depth. The small axial clearance 844 between the cam 8 and the locking feature 43 of the needle cover 4 allows a reliable abutment between the needle cover 4 and the housing 2 so that the pricking depth is reliably controlled. The cam 8 has reached the injection position, which means that the locker 7 has reached the release position: the locker 7 no longer blocks the retainer 6 whose blocking members 61 have thus moved from the blocking position to the release position. The plunger rod 5 accordingly moves towards the injection end position, pushing the stopper 32 in the distal direction.

[0144] When the plunger rod 5 reaches the injection end position, Figure 10D, injection is complete. The medical product has been transferred from the reservoir to the injection site via the injection needle 35.

[0145] The user can then move the autoinjector 1 away from the injection site. As a result, the needle cover 4 moves back in the distal direction under the pressure of the safety spring 48. The locking feature 43 of the needle cover 4 slides along the axial edge 845 of the guiding track 84 of the cam 8. The cam 8 does not rotate as long as the locking feature 43 does not reach the guiding feature 847. When the locking feature 43 reaches the guiding feature 847, the pressure exerted by the locking feature 43 on the guiding feature causes extra-rotation of the cam 8, which moves from the injection position to the safety position. Therefore, the locking feature 43 gets trapped in the locking portion 846 of the cam 8, Figures 10E-10F. The needle cover 4 is in the safety position and cannot move back towards the retracted position, thereby preventing against needle stick injuries. It is important to notice that the locking feature 43 of the needle cover 4 now radially faces the corresponding opening 221a of the housing 2 (Figures 10E and 11 E).

[0146] The autoinjector 1 of the invention is axially compact, due to the locker 7 moving in rotation without moving in the axial direction. Besides, the autoinjector 1 of the invention may be disassembled due to the disassembling means including some or all of: the opened distal end 24 and opened proximal end 25 of the housing 2, the openings 221a, 221 b in the lateral wall of the housing 2, the locking feature 43 of the needle cover 4 being radially movable and radially aligned (and thus accessible) with the distal openings 221a in the safety position, the connecting feature of the plunger rod 5 or the connecting feature of the retainer 6, the snap-fit members 67 of the retainer 6 being radially movable and engaged (and accessible) with the proximal openings 221 b, the retaining members 62 of the retainer 6 being flexible, the ramp 751 of the locker 7. The possibility to disassemble the autoinjector 1 allows for better recycling of the components that can be recycled. As a result, the autoinjector 1 of the invention is more sustainable than autoinjector 1s of the prior art.

[0147] Another aspect of the invention is a method for disassembling an autoinjector 1 as herein described. The method is detailed below with reference to Figures 11 A-11 G.

[0148] A step may comprise: inwardly radially pushing the snap-fit members 67 of the retainer 6, as indicated by the arrows A1 in Figure 11 A, for disengaging the snap-fit members 67 from the proximal openings 221 b of the housing 2. As a result, the retainer 6 is no longer axially secured to the housing 2. This step may be performed by a specific tool (not shown) shaped to engage the proximal openings 221 b. This step may or may not be preceded by step including removal of a tag applied to the outer cylindrical surface 222 of the housing 2.

[0149] A subsequent step may include: removing the retainer 6 from the housing 2, as illustrated by the arrow A2 in Figure 11 B, via the opened proximal end 25. If the injection spring 57 in connected to the retainer 6 by means of the connecting feature of the retainer 6, the injection spring 57 thus comes together with the retainer 6; another step may accordingly be: detaching the injection spring 57 from the retainer 6. If the injection spring 57 is otherwise connected to the plunger rod 5 by means of the connecting feature of the retainer 6, then the injection spring 57 stays connected to the plunger rod 5 and is not withdrawn together with the retainer 6.

[0150] A subsequent step may include: removing the locker 7 from the retainer 6, as indicated by the arrow A3 in Figure 11C. This step requires to overcome the abutment between the retaining member 62 of the retainer 6 and the circumferential rib 78 of the locker 7. This is rendered possible and easier due to the flexibility of the retaining member 62 and the shape of the retaining member 62 and / or of the circumferential rib 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the ramp provided on the locker 7 makes disassembly of the locker 7 from the retainer 6 easier.

[0151] If the injection spring 57 is connected to the plunger rod 5 by means of the connecting feature of the retainer 6, another step includes: detaching the injection spring 57 from the plunger rod 5 (not shown).

[0152] Another step may include: removing the plunger rod 5 from the medical container 3 and the medical container 3 from the housing 2, as illustrated by the arrows A4 and A5 in Figure 11 D, via the opened proximal end 25. The used medical container 3 may be disposed in a sharps container. A subsequent step may include: inwardly radially pushing the locking features 43 of the needle cover 4 through the distal openings 221 a, as indicated by the arrows A6 in Figure 11 E, such that the locking features 43 go outside locking portion 846 of the cam 8. This step may be performed by a specific tool (not shown) shaped to engage the distal openings 221a. It is contemplated that, for safety reasons, this step cannot occur before the step of removing the used medical container 3 from the housing 2. As long as the used medical container 3 is located inside the housing 2, the radial flange 34 of the medical container 3 prevents radial deformation of the locking features 43 of the needle cover 4 so that the locking features 43 stay trapped in the locking portion of the cam 8. This ensures that the needle cover 4 still surrounds the injection needle 35 and therefore still protects against needle stick injuries, as long as the medical container 3 is present.

[0153] Since the needle cover 4 is no longer axially locked in the safety position (i.e. is released from the locking portion of the cam 8), the following step may be: removing the needle cover 4 from the housing 2, via the opened distal end 24 of the housing 2, as illustrated by the arrow A7 in Figure 11 F.

[0154] Another step may include: removing the cam 8 from the housing 2, via the opened proximal end 25 of the housing 2, as illustrated by the arrow A8 in Figure 11 G.

[0155] The method of the invention thus permits to disassemble all the parts of the autoinjector 1 , thereby allowing for recycling of some or all of the parts that can be recycled. As a result, the autoinjector 1 of the invention is more sustainable than autoinjector 1s of the prior art.

[0156] Figures 12A to 12J illustrate the injection device according to another embodiment. The main difference with the above-described embodiment of Figures 1-9D is that the housing 2 here includes a bottom body 21 and a top body 22 which do not form a single part, but rather are two separate components. This permits to have the possibility to use a cheap and / or recyclable material for the bottom body 21 , such as a plastic resin or cardboard. Besides, the bottom body 21 , which may simply be a tube, is easier and faster to manufacture. The functions that were supported by the bottom body 21 in the above-described embodiment are transferred to the top body 22 or to the needle cover 4 as will be seen below.

[0157] For simplification, the parts or elements of one embodiment which are found identically or similarly in the other embodiment will be identified using the same numerical references and will not be described again. It is reminded that the embodiments are not intended to be mutually exclusive so that the features of one embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as long as they do not contradict each other. Apart from the bottom body 21 and the top body 22, the other parts of the autoinjector 1 are similar to those described in connection with the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-9D. As illustrated in Figures 12B-12C, the bottom body 21 is here in the form of a cylindrical tube, devoid of any inner protrusions. The bottom body 21 may be made of a single piece of cardboard or plastic resin, or any of fiber-based materials such as bamboo fibers. The bottom body 21 no longer has outer planar surfaces 212 which were used to position and guide the needle cover 4 along the longitudinal axis A. Furthermore, the bottom body 21 no longer includes the second distal abutment surface 213 which was used to stop the needle cover 4 in the retracted position.

[0158] As a result, and as illustrated in Figures 12D-12E, the top body 22 here includes an anti-rotating feature 212’ arranged on a circumferential inner rib 260 for allowing proper angular positioning of the needle cover 4 inside the housing 2 and for axially guiding the needle cover 4, thereby preventing rotation of the needle cover 4 relative to the housing 2. The antirotating feature may be in the form of two inward protrusions 261 of the circumferential inner rib 260, which complementarily engage an outer surface of the axial legs 47 of the needle cover 4 and which penetrates in a U-shaped axial gap 262 separating the two diametrically opposite axial legs 47. Besides, a top side of the circumferential inner rib 260 defines the proximal abutment surface 23 of the housing 2, while a bottom side of the circumferential rib 260, and more specifically of the inward protrusions 261 , defines the second distal abutment surface 213’ of the housing 2 configured to axially abut against the needle cover 4 when the needle cover 4 reaches the retracted position, Figure 121. It is further contemplated that the circumferential rib 260 may include two diametrically opposite notches 263 arranged for allowing passage of the locking feature 43 of the needle cover 4.

[0159] The needle cover 4 is similar to the needle cover 4 illustrated in Figures 1-9D, except that the second proximal stop 41 of the needle cover 4 is here defined by a distal end of the U-shaped axial gap 262. That is, the pricking depth is here defined by the axial abutment between the distal end of the U-shaped axial gap 262 and the circumferential inner rib 260 of the top body 22.

[0160] The injection operation is similar to the one described in connection with Figures 10A-10E. The method for disassembling the autoinjector 1 according to Figures 12A-12J is also similar to the one described in connection with Figures 11A-11G.

[0161] It is readily understandable from the above description that the autoinjector 1 of the invention is more compact and more sustainable than the autoinjectors 1 of the prior art since the autoinjector 1 can be fully disassembled to recycle the parts that can be recycled. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Autoinjector (1) for automatic injection of a product into an injection site, the autoinjector (1) comprising : a housing (2) extending along a longitudinal axis A, the housing (2) being configured to receive a medical container (3) including a barrel (30) for containing a medical product and an injection needle (35) for transferring the medical product from the barrel (30) to an injection site, a plunger rod (5), axially movable with respect to the housing (2) between an initial position and a distal injection end position for expelling the medical product contained within the medical container (3) through the injection needle (35), a retainer (6) including a blocking member (61) in order to block the plunger rod (5) in the initial position, a locker (7), rotatably mounted with respect to the retainer (6) between an initial locking position, in which the locker (7) keeps the blocking member of the retainer (6) engaged with the plunger rod (5), and a release position, in which the locker (7) allows disengagement of the blocking member (61) and the plunger rod (5) such that the plunger rod (5) can move to the injection end position, a cam (8), rotatably mounted within the housing (2), the cam (8) including a driving member (83) configured to cause rotation of the locker (7) from the locking position to the release position upon rotation of the cam (8), and a needle cover (4), axially movable with respect to the housing (2) between an initial position, a retracted position proximally located with respect to the initial position, and a safety position, distally located with respect to the retracted position, in which the needle cover (4) is axially prevented from moving back towards the retracted position in order to protect a user against needle stick injuries, the needle cover (4) including one or more locking features (43) configured to engage the cam (8) so as to cause rotation of the cam (8) when the needle cover (4) moves from the initial position to the retracted position,wherein the locker (7) is axially fixed with respect to the retainer (6) and the housing (2).

2. Autoinjector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cam (8) is axially fixed with respect to the housing (2).

3. Autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the needle cover (4) is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing (2).

4. Autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the needle cover (4) axially abuts against the cam (8) in the safety position such that the needle cover (4) cannot move back in the proximal direction.

5. Autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the autoinjector (1) includes a cap (9) removably attached to the needle cover (4).

6. Autoinjector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cap (9) includes a proximal stop (92) for axially abutting against a first distal abutment surface (21 1) of the housing (2), and a blocking feature (93) configured to axially abut against a first proximal stop (40) of the needle cover (4) such that the cap (9) prevents the needle cover (4) from leaving the initial position.

7. Autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the autoinjector (1) includes disassembling means configured to allow disassembly of the retainer (6), the locker (7), the plunger rod (5), the needle cover (4) and the cam (8), from the housing (2).

8. Autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the needle cover (4) includes a second proximal stop (41) configured to axially abut against a second abutment surface (213, 213’) of the housing 2 when the needle cover (4) is in the retracted position.

9. Autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer (6) includes a holder (60) configured for distally pressing the medical container (3) against a proximal abutment surface (23) of the housing (2).

10. Autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer (6) includes one or more snap-fit members (67) configured to engage openings (221 b)of the housing (2) to axially and rotationally secure the retainer (6) with respect to the housing (2), the openings (221 b) allowing disassembly of the retainer (6) from the housing (2).11 . Autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) includes one or more openings (221a) arranged to give access to the one or more locking features (43) of the needle cover (4) in the safety position for allowing disassembly of the needle cover (4) from the housing (2).

12. Autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the needle cover (4) includes one or more blocking inner walls (44) configured to radially abut against the medical container (3) in order to prevent disassembly of the needle cover (4) from the housing (2) when the medical container (3) is contained within the housing (2).

13. Autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cam (8) includes a guiding member (847) configured to cause a further rotation of the cam (8) when the needle cover (4) moves from the retracted position to the safety position such that the one or more locking features (43) of the needle cover (4) get trapped in one or more locking portions (846) of the cam (8) when the needle cover (4) reaches the safety position.

14. System including an autoinjector (1) according to any of the preceding claims and a medical container (3) including a barrel (30) for containing a medical product and an injection needle (35) for transferring the medical product from the barrel (30) to an injection site.

15. A method for disassembling an autoinjector (1) according to any of claims 1- 13 or a system according to claim 14, the method including the steps of: removing the retainer (6) from the housing (2), by disengaging a snap-fit members (67) of the retainer (6) from an opening (221 b) of the housing (2); removing the needle cover (4) from the housing (2), by disengaging a locking feature (43) of the needle cover (4) from the cam (8) by means of an opening (221a) arranged through the housing (2) for providing access to the locking feature (43).

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