DE202019001255U1 - Needle-free injection device - Google Patents

Abstract

Needle-free injection device (10), which is designed for repeated, pressurized application of active substance doses from an active substance cartridge (1) containing the active substance, comprising - a housing (11); End of the housing (11) which can be displaced in the axial direction and has a cartridge receptacle (14) at the end opposite the housing (11) of which the active substance cartridge (1) can be detachably fastened; and - a piston (12) mounted in the housing (11) so as to be displaceable in the axial direction, which serves to apply a dose of active substance from the active substance cartridge (1) detachably fastened to the cartridge receptacle (14), the piston (12) between a dispensing position , in which it is arranged near the cartridge receptacle (14), and a starting position, in which it is arranged with a larger axial distance from the cartridge receptacle (14), can be moved back and forth in the housing (11); and a drive mechanism associated with the piston (12), which is designed to preload the piston (12) in the direction of its deployment position and to transfer the piston (12) between its deployment position and its starting position, characterized in that the cartridge receptacle (14) is provided by means of at least one guide (30) is axially displaceably fixed to the housing (11), the guide (30) - a displacement section (31) for axially displacing the cartridge receptacle (14) with respect to the housing (11), and - A plurality of locking sections (32) in order to releasably lock the cartridge receptacle (14) in a respective axial position corresponding to a respective desired dose of active substance with respect to the housing (11) on the housing (11).

Description

• - ein Gehäuse;
• - eine mit einer sich in Axialrichtung erstreckenden Durchgangsöffnung versehene, an einem Ende des Gehäuses in Axialrichtung verlagerbar festgelegte Kartuschenaufnahme, an deren dem Gehäuse entgegengesetzten Ende die Wirkstoffkartusche lösbar befestigbar ist; und
• - einen in dem Gehäuse in Axialrichtung verschiebbar gelagerten Kolben, welcher zum druckbeaufschlagten Ausbringen jeweils einer Wirkstoffdosis aus der an der Kartuschenaufnahme lösbar befestigten Wirkstoffkartusche dient, wobei der Kolben zwischen einer Ausbringposition, in welcher er nahe der Kartuschenaufnahme angeordnet ist, und einer Ausgangsposition, in welcher er mit einem demgegenüber größeren Axialabstand von der Kartuschenaufnahme angeordnet ist, in dem Gehäuse hin und her verschiebbar ist; und
• - einen dem Kolben zugeordneten Antriebsmechanismus, welcher zur Vorbelastung des Kolbens in Richtung seiner Ausbringposition und zum Überführen des Kolbens zwischen seiner Ausbringposition und seiner Ausgangsposition ausgebildet ist.

The invention relates to a needle-free injection device, which is designed for repeated, pressurized application of active substance doses from an active substance cartridge receiving the active substance, comprising

• - a housing;
• - A cartridge receptacle provided with an axially extending through opening, fixed at one end of the housing so as to be displaceable in the axial direction, on the end of which opposite the housing the drug cartridge can be detachably fastened; and
• - A piston which is mounted in the housing so as to be displaceable in the axial direction and which is used for the pressurized application of a dose of active substance from the active substance cartridge detachably fastened to the cartridge receptacle, the piston being located between a dispensing position in which it is arranged near the cartridge receptacle and a starting position in which it is arranged with a larger axial distance from the cartridge receptacle, can be moved back and forth in the housing; and
• - A drive mechanism associated with the piston, which is designed to preload the piston in the direction of its deployment position and to transfer the piston between its deployment position and its starting position.

Such needle-free injection devices are known from the prior art and are used both for medical applications in which they are used for the administration of active pharmaceutical ingredients and for cosmetic applications in which they are used for the administration of personal care products, such as, for example the basis of hyaluronic acid. While the respective active substance is injected subcutaneously, in particular intramuscularly, into the body using conventional syringes, the active substance is applied to the skin under high pressure by means of needle-free injection devices, so that it is pressed through the epidermis without injuring the skin.

The respective active substance is generally kept in stock in an active substance cartridge or, when it is administered, is filled into such an active substance cartridge by means of the needle-free injection device, which can be detachably attached to one end of the injection device, which is usually done by means of a screw thread of the active substance cartridge, which is provided with a this complementary screw thread of the injection device is screwed. At its opposite end the active substance cartridge has a nozzle which is usually of a very small diameter, e.g. in the range of about 50 microns to about 400 microns, in order to provide the necessary pressure when the active ingredient is applied so that the active ingredient can penetrate the skin. A cartridge plunger is often guided in the active ingredient cartridge, which ensures the delivery of the active ingredient and, after mounting the active ingredient cartridge on the needle-free injection device, is actuated by the piston which can be displaced in the housing of the needle-free injection device as soon as the latter is transferred from its starting position to its dispensing position. Active ingredient cartridges on the market are usually standardized and have a holding volume of, for example, about 5 ml of the liquid active ingredient.

Since the piston, which is displaceably mounted in the housing of the injection device, can usually only be moved back and forth between a predetermined starting position and a predetermined dispensing position for design reasons, ie the piston stroke is constant and cannot be changed, it is known to be one with an axial direction Providing extending through opening provided cartridge receptacle in the manner of an adapter piece, at one end of the active ingredient cartridge can be detachably attached, usually screwed, and the other end can be screwed to the housing of the injection device to the cartridge receptacle in the axial direction with respect to the housing of the injection device to be able to relocate. In this way it is possible on the one hand to be able to preset the volume of the desired dose of active substance, on the other hand the piston can be moved back and forth several times between its starting and its dispensing position by means of the drive mechanism assigned to it, in order to dispense several active substance doses from one and the same active substance cartridge without having to unscrew the cartridge again in the meantime. In order to take into account the filling level of the active ingredient cartridge that decreases with the administration of each active ingredient dose, the cartridge holder instead has to be screwed deeper and deeper into the housing of the injection device by means of its screw thread. Such a generic needle-free injection device is from the DE 20 2018 102 738 U1 known.

On the one hand, the costly setting of the desired active substance doses proves to be disadvantageous, in that the cartridge receptacle in each case has to be rotated relative to the housing of the injection device by means of the thread, which also harbors the risk of setting incorrect active substance doses, provided that the active substance dose which corresponds to the by means of turning the thread, the axial distance between the cartridge receptacle carrying the active ingredient cartridge and the housing corresponds, inadvertently does not exactly correspond to the desired active ingredient dose. This applies in particular to the use of the needle-free injection device by cosmeticians who are less trained in the field of medicine. Furthermore, it proves to be very difficult to remove the cartridge holder from the injection device after the entire active substance of an active substance cartridge has been successively applied, because the cartridge holder is then unscrewed over the entire length of the thread connecting it to the housing of the injection device, with a new active substance cartridge equipped and then - according to the desired (first) dose of active ingredient - must be screwed onto the housing.

The invention is based on the object of developing a needle-free injection device of the type mentioned at the outset, which is designed for repeated, pressurized delivery of active substance doses from an active substance cartridge containing the active substance, in a simple and inexpensive manner, at least largely avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages, in such a way that the user-friendliness increased and possible incorrect doses avoided as far as possible.

• - einen Verlagerungsabschnitt, um die Kartuschenaufnahme in Bezug auf das Gehäuse axial zu verlagern, und
• - eine Mehrzahl an Arretierabschnitten, um die Kartuschenaufnahme in einer jeweiligen, einer jeweils gewünschten Wirkstoffdosis entsprechenden Axialposition in Bezug auf das Gehäuse lösbar an dem Gehäuse zu arretieren,

aufweist.According to the invention, this object is achieved in a needle-free injection device of the type mentioned at the outset in that the cartridge receptacle is fixed on the housing of the needle-free injection device such that it can be displaced in the axial direction by means of at least one guide, the guide

• a displacement section for axially displacing the cartridge receptacle with respect to the housing, and
• a plurality of locking sections in order to detachably lock the cartridge receptacle on the housing in a respective axial position corresponding to a desired active ingredient dose with respect to the housing,

having.

The configuration according to the invention ensures a very simple and quick handling of the needle-free injection device by the cartridge receptacle on which a respective drug cartridge in the usual manner, such as e.g. can be detachably fastened by means of a screw thread, can be axially adjusted along the displacement section of the guide in relation to the housing, the locking sections of the guide defining a plurality of active substance doses corresponding to their axial distance, so that the user can set the desired active substance dose accordingly one or an integer multiple of the axial distance between the locking sections, the cartridge receptacle equipped with an active ingredient cartridge only has to be releasably locked to the corresponding locking portion of the guide in order to select the desired active ingredient dose. As soon as this dose of active substance has been applied by transferring the piston of the needle-free injection device from its starting position into its dispensing position by means of its drive mechanism, the piston must - as is known as such from the prior art - be returned to its starting position by means of the drive mechanism and the cartridge receptacle, which is still equipped with the - now partially emptied - cartridge, only has to be releasably locked at the corresponding (next or next but one etc.) locking section of the guide corresponding to the next desired active ingredient dose, after which the next active ingredient dose is administered in the manner described above can. After the active ingredient cartridge has been completely emptied, it is again in the usual way, e.g. by unscrewing, removed from the cartridge receptacle and the latter can now be axially displaced back with a single hand movement along the displacement section of the guide in relation to the housing of the needle-free injection device, in order to lock the cartridge receptacle to the corresponding locking section of the guide to the desired (first ) Set the dose of active ingredient and to provide the cartridge holder with a new - full - active ingredient cartridge.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the displacement section of the guide extends essentially in the axial direction of the housing and the cartridge receptacle, it being arranged either more or less exactly in the axial direction or, for example, also approximately sinusoidal, zigzag-shaped or the like, with at least one axial extension direction component can be.

At least the shifting section of the guide can furthermore preferably be formed from a guide groove which is in engagement with an engagement means, so that the engagement means is shifted along the guide groove of the shifting section of the guide when the cartridge receptacle is concerned is displaced in the axial direction with respect to the housing of the needle-free injection device.

According to one embodiment variant, provision can be made, for example, for the plurality of locking sections of the guide to be formed by depressions arranged in the displacement section of the guide, which can be brought into engagement with the engagement means, which are preloaded in particular in the direction of the locking sections designed in the form of depressions. The engagement means can consequently be brought into locking engagement on the occasion of the axial displacement of the cartridge receptacle with respect to the housing along the displacement section of the guide with a respective recess of a respective locking section in order to axially fixed, but releasably, the cartridge receptacle in the desired relative position with respect to the housing to be able to fix the housing of the needle-free injection device.

According to an alternative embodiment variant, it can be provided, for example, that the plurality of locking sections extend primarily perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing and the active substance cartridge, the plurality of locking sections being formed in particular by guide grooves which are connected to the guide groove of the displacement section. In this case, the plurality of locking sections of the guide therefore extend primarily vertically, e.g. essentially exactly perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing and the active substance cartridge, the locking sections branching off from the displacement section of the guide, for example in the circumferential direction of the cartridge receptacle or the housing of the needle-free injection device. If the displacement section includes in particular a guide groove, the guide grooves of the locking sections consequently branch off from the displacement section preferably approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the cartridge receptacle and the housing.

While in this case the locking sections of the guide can in principle also be arranged, for example, on one side of the displacement section, so that there is an essentially “comb-shaped” design of the guide, it can be subdivided as precisely as possible into the adjustable active substance doses or with regard to to the smallest possible axial distance of the locking sections from one another may be advantageous if the locking sections are arranged alternately on both sides of the displacement section of the guide. This can also prove to be advantageous in terms of a very high level of user-friendliness, since in this case the cartridge holder is taken from one locking section of the guide to the next (or the next but one) the next to the next in order to set the smallest possible dose of active substance (or the triple, five times, etc. active substance dose) etc.) must be placed on the opposite side of the locking section arranged locking section, while to set the double drug dose (or four times etc. drug dose) the cartridge holder from one locking section of the guide to the next (or the next but one) on the same side of the Relocation section arranged locking section must be spent.

In a further advantageous embodiment, in such an embodiment variant of the guide it can be provided that the locking sections of the guide have at their free end, that is to say the end facing away from the displacement section, an end section which extends essentially in the axial direction of the housing and the cartridge receptacle. The end section serves to “latch” the cartridge receptacle to the housing of the needle-free injection device as a result of engagement of the engaging means in a respective end section of the guide and thus ensures that the cartridge receptacle when applying the dose of active substance when the plunger of the injection device by means of its drive mechanism its starting position is transferred to its dispensing position in order to be able to deliver the active substance dose under pressure from the active substance cartridge attached to the cartridge receptacle and cannot slide out of the respective locking section of the guide. This results in very high operational reliability. The end sections of the guide can - e.g. essentially in accordance with the displacement section and the locking sections - in terms of a structurally simple and inexpensive embodiment, preferably be formed by guide grooves which are connected to the guide groove of a respective locking section and branch off in particular from its free end.

Since the needle-free injection device is usually pressed against the patient's skin with the nozzle of the active substance cartridge detachably attached to it when the respective active substance dose is applied, the end section of a respective locking section of the guide should expediently move from a respective locking section in the direction of the end of the cartridge receptacle opposite the housing , that is to say in the direction of the detachable active substance cartridge, so that when the active substance cartridge is pressed against the patient's skin, the cartridge receptacle is pressed into the end section of the guide and is held in engagement therewith.

The locking sections of the guide are furthermore preferably arranged essentially equidistantly from one another in the axial direction in order to have a predetermined grid on corresponding ones Active substance doses of, for example, approximately 0.05 ml, 0.1 ml, 0.15 ml, 0.2 ml, 0.25 ml, 0.3 ml or the like, so that the desired active substance dose is an integer multiple of the Distance between the locking sections of the guide results at which the cartridge holder is releasably locked to the housing of the needle-free injection device. If the guide is arranged on the cartridge receptacle, as will be explained in more detail below, it is also conceivable in this context that several cartridge receptacles are provided which can be fixed in the axial direction in the manner according to the invention and which can be fixed on the housing of the needle-free injection device differ only with regard to the axial distance between the locking sections of the guide, so that depending on the volume of the desired active substance doses, a cartridge holder with finer or coarser subdivision of the adjustable active substance doses corresponding to the axial distances between the locking sections can be selected.

As already indicated, the cartridge holder can e.g. be insertable into the housing, in which case the guide is preferably arranged on the outer circumference of the cartridge receptacle and is in engagement with the engagement means arranged on the housing. If, instead, the housing of the injection device can be inserted into the cartridge receptacle, in this case the guide can preferably be arranged on the outer circumference of the housing and be in engagement with the engagement means arranged on the cartridge receptacle.

The engagement means which is in engagement with the guide can be, for example, a screw, one which is preloaded in the guide, in particular in the direction of its engagement position, e.g. act elastically preloaded by means of a spring, pin or any other means known as such from the prior art which are suitable for engaging in the guide.

For the purpose of being very user-friendly, the guide can also be assigned a scale which specifies in particular the active ingredient doses corresponding to the respective locking sections of the guide, so that the respective active ingredient dose set by the selection of the respective locking section of the guide can be read off the scale in a simple manner can.

The length of the piston which is displaceably mounted in the housing of the needle-free injection device between its starting position and its delivery position should preferably be dimensioned such that the piston always engages in the through bore of the cartridge receptacle fixed by means of the guide on the housing, at least in its) delivery position, in order to to effectively eject a respective dose of active substance from an active substance cartridge detachably attached to the cartridge receptacle or - if the active substance cartridge is provided with a cartridge piston, as is usually the case - the cartridge piston also protruding into the cartridge receptacle around the respective one To be able to actuate the piston stroke.

In order to define the dispensing position of the piston in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner, an inner circumferential projection against which the piston abuts in its dispensing position can advantageously be arranged inside the housing of the needle-free injection device.

As far as the drive mechanism of the piston, which is mounted displaceably in the housing of the needle-free injection device between its starting and its delivery position, the drive mechanism can in the simplest case comprise a spring, in particular in the form of a helical spring, which preloads the piston mechanically in the direction of its delivery position and is supported, for example, at its end opposite the piston on an inner peripheral projection of the housing.

The drive mechanism of the piston may further preferably comprise a tensioning lever which is designed to transfer the piston from its deployment position to its starting position. The tensioning lever consequently enables a simple manual transfer of the piston from its dispensing position after an active substance dose has been administered, back to its starting position, counter to the, in particular elastic, preloading of the piston in the direction of its dispensing position.

For this purpose, the clamping lever can be mounted eccentrically on the housing, in particular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the piston.

On the one hand, the tensioning lever can preferably have a lever arm which is arranged outside the housing and which serves as a handle for actuating it in order to transfer the piston from its deployment position to its starting position. The tensioning lever can advantageously be arranged in such a way that it has to be pressed against the housing from its deployment position into its starting position in order to transfer or reinstall the piston mounted in the housing of the needle-free injection device, which is simple and convenient for the operator only one of his hands can happen.

On the other hand, the tensioning lever can preferably have a lever arm arranged inside the housing, which at least then rests against the piston when the latter is moved from its deployment position into its starting position by actuating the tensioning lever.

In addition, it can be provided in an advantageous embodiment that the drive mechanism of the piston comprises a locking mechanism, which is designed to releasably lock the piston against its mechanical preload in its starting position. The locking mechanism consequently serves to releasably lock the piston against its, in particular elastic, preload in the starting position after it has been moved from its deployment position into the starting position (back), for example by means of the tensioning lever described above. In this way, it can be held in the starting position until the piston is to be transferred from the starting position to the dispensing position again by means of its drive mechanism in order to apply a dose of active substance under pressure.

The locking mechanism of the drive mechanism of the piston can, for example, comprise an abutment which is between a locking position in which the piston in its starting position abuts the abutment and is thus held in the starting position and a release position in which the piston is not included the abutment is in contact and consequently can be moved to the deployment position due to its preload, is movable back and forth.

The abutment of the locking mechanism can preferably, in particular by means of a spring, be preloaded in the direction of its locking position, so that the piston, as soon as it, e.g. by means of the clamping lever described above, has been transferred from its dispensing position to its starting position, automatically engages with the locking mechanism located in the locking position and is held in the starting position.

In terms of design, the abutment can be provided, for example, in that it comprises an abutment plate which can be rotated essentially coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the piston in order to move it back and forth between the locking position and the release position . The, in particular elastic, preloading of the abutment plate can take place in this case, for example, by means of a helical spring extending around a partial inner circumference of the housing or by any other arrangements and / or types of springs.

The abutment plate can for example be a non-circular, e.g. polygonal or the like, have a through hole which has a complementary, non-circular cross-section, e.g. in a corresponding manner polygonal or the like provided axial section of the piston is penetrated, the axial section of the piston in its initial position abutting the abutment plate when it is in the locking position (the non-circular cross section of the abutment plate is opposite that of the axial section of the piston a finite angle), whereas the axial section of the piston in its starting position is not in contact with the abutment plate when it is in the release position (the non-circular cross section of the abutment plate is in alignment with that of the axial section of the piston, so that the latter can be moved through the abutment plate).

The abutment can also be expediently provided with a release lever in order to transfer it from its locking position into its release position, in particular against its elastic preload, and in this case to transfer the piston from its initial position into its release position in order to be able to apply a dose of active substance under pressure.

• 1 eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen nadelfreien Injektionsvorrichtung mit einer an deren Kartuschenaufnahme lösbar festgelegten Wirkstoffkartusche;
• 2 eine schematische Seitenansicht der nadelfreien Injektionsvorrichtung gemäß 1;
• 3 eine schematische Seitenansicht der nadelfreien Injektionsvorrichtung gemäß 1 von der gegenüber der 2 entgegengesetzten Seite betrachtet;
• 4 einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch die nadelfreie Injektionsvorrichtung gemäß 1 bis 3;
• 5 einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch die nadelfreie Injektionsvorrichtung gemäß 1 bis 3 entlang einer senkrecht zur Schnittebene der 4 angeordneten Schnittebene;
• 6 eine schematische Detailansicht der mittels der Führung axial verlagerbar an dem Gehäuse der nadelfreien Injektionsvorrichtung festgelegten Kartuschenaufnahme zur Veranschaulichung der Führung;
• 7 eine schematische Detailansicht des mit der zur stufenweisen axialen Verlagerung der Kartuschenaufnahme in Bezug auf das Gehäuse der nadelfreien Injektionsvorrichtung dienenden Führung im Eingriff stehenden Eingriffsmittels entsprechend dem Ausschnitt VII der 5 im Längsschnitt;
• 8 eine schematische perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung der nadelfreien Injektionsvorrichtung einschließlich einer an deren Kartuschenaufnahme lösbar festgelegten Wirkstoffkartusche gemäß 1 bis 7, wobei die Führung nicht nochmals zeichnerisch wiedergegeben ist;
• 9 eine schematische Detailansicht des Antriebsmechanismus' des Kolbens der nadelfreien Injektionsvorrichtung gemäß 1 bis 8, wobei deren Gehäuse aus Veranschaulichungsgründen weggelassen worden ist;
• 10 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht der nadelfreien Injektionsvorrichtung gemäß 1 bis 9 zur Veranschaulichung des Arretiermechanismus' des Antriebsmechanismus' des Kolbens in dessen Ausgangsposition, wobei sich der Arretiermechanismus in der Auslöseposition befindet; und
• 11 eine der 10 entsprechende schematische Querschnittsansicht, wobei sich der Arretiermechanismus in der Arretierposition befindet.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. Show:

• 1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a needle-free injection device according to the invention with a detachable drug cartridge attached to the cartridge receptacle;
• 2nd is a schematic side view of the needle-free injection device according to 1 ;
• 3rd is a schematic side view of the needle-free injection device according to 1 from the opposite of the 2nd considered opposite side;
• 4th a schematic longitudinal section through the needle-free injection device according to 1 to 3rd ;
• 5 a schematic longitudinal section through the needle-free injection device according to 1 to 3rd along a perpendicular to the section plane of the 4th arranged cutting plane;
• 6 a schematic detailed view of the axially displaceable by means of the guide on the housing of the needle-free injection device fixed cartridge holder to illustrate the guidance;
• 7 is a schematic detailed view of the engaging means with the guide serving for the gradual axial displacement of the cartridge receptacle in relation to the housing of the needle-free injection device corresponding to the cutout VII the 5 in longitudinal section;
• 8th is a schematic perspective exploded view of the needle-free injection device including a detachable drug cartridge according to the cartridge receptacle 1 to 7 , the tour is not shown again in the drawing;
• 9 a schematic detailed view of the drive mechanism 'of the piston of the needle-free injection device according to 1 to 8th , the housing of which has been omitted for purposes of illustration;
• 10th is a schematic cross-sectional view of the needle-free injection device according to 1 to 9 to illustrate the locking mechanism 'of the drive mechanism' of the piston in its starting position, the locking mechanism being in the release position; and
• 11 one of the 10th corresponding schematic cross-sectional view, wherein the locking mechanism is in the locking position.

The in the 1 to 5 and 8th reproduced in full and overall with the reference symbol 10th The needle-free injection device provided is used for the repeated, pressurized application of active substance doses from an active substance cartridge receiving the active substance, all of which is identified by the reference symbol 1 is provided. With such active substance cartridges 1 Which can take up both a pharmaceutical active ingredient and a cosmetic active ingredient, such as hyaluronic acid or the like, are generally standard cartridges which, for example, have a holding volume of about 5 mm and a fine nozzle at their free end 2nd have in order to be able to apply the liquid active substance under high pressure. In the drug cartridge 1 can be a cartridge piston 3rd be displaceable in the axial direction (cf. the 5 , 6 and 8th ), which for ejecting active substance doses from the active substance cartridge 1 serves and by means of the needle-free injection device 10th can be operated step by step. At her the nozzle 2nd opposite end comprises the drug cartridge 1 a screw thread 4th (cf. again the 5 , 6 and 8th ), which is used for detachable attachment of the active ingredient cartridge 1 on the needle-free injection device 10th - or more precisely: on their cartridge holder described in detail below - serves.

The needle-free injection device 10th includes a housing 11 in which a piston 12th is slidably mounted in the axial direction (see 4th and 5 ), and one with a through hole extending in the axial direction 13 provided cartridge holder 14 which with the interior of the housing 11 communicates and at one end of the case 11 is shiftable in the axial direction is set to different fill levels of the drug cartridge 1 in relation to the piston 12th To take into account and to be able to preset the desired dose of active ingredient. On their opposite, the housing 11 opposite end is the cartridge holder 14 eg with one in relation to the external thread 4th the drug cartridge 1 complementary internal thread 15 provided to the drug cartridge 1 detachable on the cartridge holder 14 to be able to attach. The length of the piston 12th is dimensioned such that the piston 12th regardless of the axial relative arrangement of the cartridge holder 14 in terms of the housing 11 always in the through hole 13 the one on the case 11 detachably fixed cartridge holder 14 is able to intervene to the cartridge piston 4th the one on the cartridge holder 14 attached drug cartridge 1 to be able to interact.

The one in the case 11 the needle-free injection device 10th slidably mounted pistons 12th which is used to dispense one dose of active ingredient from the one on the cartridge holder 14 detachably attached cartridge 1 serves for this purpose between those in the 4th and 5 reproduced dispensing position in which it is close to the cartridge holder 14 is arranged and in the present case by means of an outer peripheral projection 16 against one inside the case 11 arranged inner circumferential projection 17th abuts, and a starting position, not shown in the drawing, in which it has a larger axial distance from the cartridge receptacle 14 arranged (i.e. in the 4th and 5 is displaced to the left by an axial distance) in the housing 11 sliding back and forth. Around the piston 12th under the required pressure from its starting position to its deployment position according to the 4th and 5 to be transferred is the piston 12th a drive mechanism associated with the piston 12th - here purely mechanical - in the direction of its deployment position (i.e. in the 4th and 5 biased to the right) and a spring in the present embodiment 18th , for example in the form of a coil spring, which comprises the piston 12th preloaded elastically and between another outer circumferential projection 19th of the piston 12th and one inside the Housing 11 arranged perforated disc 20th is effective.

The piston drive mechanism 12th also includes a tensioning lever 21 which is used to transfer the piston 12th against it by means of the spring 18th caused mechanical preload from its deployment position according to the 4th and 5 in its starting position (in the 4th and 5 an axial distance to the left; not shown) serves and in the present case with respect to the longitudinal axis of the piston 12th eccentrically around a pivot axis A arranged perpendicular thereto on the housing 11 is stored. The tension lever 21 on the one hand has one on one side of the pivot axis A outside the housing 11 arranged lever arm 21a , which serves as a handle for its actuation around the piston 12th from its deployment position according to the 4th and 5 to transfer to its starting position. On the other hand, the tension lever 21 one on the opposite side of the pivot axis A within the housing 11 arranged lever arm 21b on (see in particular the 4th , 5 , 8th and 9 ), which against the piston 12th - in the present case against its outer circumferential projection 19th - abuts when the piston 12th by operating the tensioning lever 21 - In the present case by manually pivoting the lever arm 21a about the pivot axis A in the direction of the housing 11 according to the arrow P the 4th and thereby swiveling the lever arm 21b - is transferred from its deployment position to its starting position.

In addition, the drive mechanism of the piston includes 12th a locking mechanism, which in the present case in the area of the cartridge holder 14 opposite end of the housing 11 arranged and best in the detailed views of the 10th and 11 is recognizable. The locking mechanism, which for releasably locking the piston 12th against it by means of the spring 18th caused mechanical preload in the starting position after the piston 12th by operating the tensioning lever as described above 21 has been transferred from its dispensing position to its starting position, in the present exemplary embodiment comprises one of those perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston 12th extending abutment plate 22 formed abutment, the abutment plate 22 between one in the 11 locking position shown, in which the piston located in its starting position 12th against the abutment plate 22 abuts and is held by this in the starting position, and one in the 10th shown release position in which the piston 12th not with the abutment plate 22 is in contact and, in contrast, is freely movable in the axial direction, is movable back and forth. To the abutment plate 22 the abutment between its locking position according to the 11 and their release position according to the 10th Being able to move back and forth is the abutment plate 22 coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the piston 12th rotatable, but in relation to the housing 11 axially fixed in the housing 11 rotatably arranged, it expediently mechanically in the direction of its locking position ( 11 ) is preloaded to the piston 12th as soon as this is done using the tensioning lever 21 has been transferred from its deployment position to its starting position to automatically engage and the piston 12th in this way to be able to hold in the starting position. The mechanical preload of the abutment plate 22 towards their locking position ( 11 ) in the present case happens elastically by means of an inner circumference of the housing 11 extending coil spring 23 , which on the one hand on a projection extending in the radial direction 24th the abutment plate 22 , on the other hand on one of the inner wall of the housing 11 radially inwardly projecting element 25th , for example in the form of a radial bore in the housing 11 screwed set screw, supports.

As further particularly the 10th and 11 can be seen, the abutment plate 22 For example, a non-circular - here square - central through hole 26 on an axial section provided with a complementary, non-circular - also approximately square - cross section 12a of the piston 12th is reached when the piston 12th in its deployment position and the abutment plate 22 in their release position according to the 10th so that the piston 12th not with the abutment plate 22 is in contact and, in contrast, is freely axially movable. The piston is located 12th however, in its starting position and the abutment plate 22 in its - in relation to the release position rotated by a finite angle - locking position according to the 11 , the axial section abuts 12a of the piston 12th against the abutment plate 22 to him against his by the feather 18th keep preload caused in the starting position. Around the piston 12th then transfer it to its delivery position and in this way transfer an active ingredient dose from the active ingredient cartridge 1 To be able to apply is the abutment plate 22 the abutment with a release lever 27 provided which for the transfer of the abutment plate 22 against her by the feather 23 caused preload from their locking position ( 11 ) in their release position ( 10th ) serves. The tension lever 27 can, for example, rigidly on the abutment plate 22 be arranged and in order to ensure its manual operation in the circumferential direction of the housing 11 extending slot 28 (cf. the 1 , 2nd and 9 ) reach through essentially radially outwards. Incidentally, the housing 11 expediently at its side facing the locking mechanism by means of, for example, the housing 11 screwed, cover 29 to be introverted.

As best as the detailed views according to the 6 and 7 can be seen, the cartridge holder 14 in the present embodiment, telescopic into the housing 11 the needle-free injection device 10th can be inserted or pulled out, so that the successive administration of a plurality of doses of active substance from one and the same to the cartridge receptacle 14 detachably attached cartridge 1 to take into account the decreasing active substance volumes and to be able to preset the respectively desired active substance dose. In order for a simple and reliable, step-by-step axial displacement of the cartridge holder 14 in terms of the housing 11 the cartridge holder is to be taken care of 14 by means of a tour 30th axially displaceable on the housing 11 fixed, taking the lead 30th on the one hand a relocation section 31 to the cartridge holder 14 in terms of the housing 11 axially to shift, on the other hand, a plurality of locking sections 32 includes the cartridge holder 14 in a respective axial position corresponding to a desired dose of active ingredient with respect to the housing 11 detachable on the housing 11 to lock. While the relocation section 31 the leadership 30th in the axial direction of both the housing 11 as well as the cartridge holder 14 extends, the plurality of locking portions extends 32 in the embodiment shown in the drawing, approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of both the housing 11 as well as the drug cartridge 14 . The locking sections 32 the leadership 31 branches laterally - in the case of the displacement section which extends more or less exactly in the axial direction in the present exemplary embodiment 31 at an angle of about 90 - from the displacement section 31 and in the present case are alternating on both sides of the displacement section 31 arranged, wherein they are also substantially equidistant from each other in the axial direction. In this way, there is a very fine rasterization by selecting a respective locking section 32 the leadership 30th adjustable dose of active substance, the distance between two locking sections immediately following one another in the axial direction 32 (left or right of the relocation section 31 ) the leadership 30th for example corresponds to an active substance dose of 0.1 ml, 0.2 ml, 0.25 ml or other, preferably small, active substance doses, which can be caused by “skipping” a locking section 32 add each.

Provided the cartridge holder 14 the needle-free injection device 10th in the housing 11 the guide can be inserted or pulled out, as is the case with the exemplary embodiment shown 30th expediently on the outer circumference of the cartridge holder 14 be arranged, in the present case it being formed by guide grooves (cf. in particular the 7 ), of which the guide groove of the displacement section 31 with the guide grooves of the locking sections 32 communicates and the latter from the guide groove of the displacement section 31 Branch alternately to the side. As especially in the 6 recognizable, each locking section has 32 the leadership 30th also at its free, the relocation section 31 end facing away essentially in the axial direction of the housing 11 and the cartridge holder 14 , so roughly parallel to the displacement section 31 extending end portion 33 on which is in the direction of the housing 11 opposite (in the 6 left) end of the cartridge holder 14 extends on which the drug cartridge 1 is releasably attachable. The end sections 33 are also formed by guide grooves, which of the displacement section 31 opposite end of a respective guide groove of a respective locking section 32 branch off and to secure the respective locking section 32 the leadership 30th on the housing 11 locked cartridge holder 14 ensure that the latter cannot unintentionally come loose.

That of the guide grooves of the relocation section 31 , the locking sections 32 and their end sections 33 educated leadership 30th stands with a means of intervention 34 engaged which the housing 11 the needle-free injection device 10th at his the cartridge holder 14 facing end extends substantially radially and by such a distance from the inner circumference of the housing 11 protrudes radially inward that it is in the guide grooves of the guide 30th intervenes, but still a free movement of the cartridge holder 14 in terms of the housing 11 along the guide grooves of the guide 30th guaranteed. With the means of intervention 34 in the present case it is an approximately radial threaded hole 35 of the housing 11 introduced screw, although of course any other known engagement means are also conceivable, such as in the form of a, in particular in the direction of its engagement position in the guide 30th radially inward, for example by means of a spring, preloaded pin (not shown). The leadership 30th can also be assigned a scale (also not shown), which in the present case is on the outer surface of the cartridge holder 14 be provided and preferably with the respective locking sections 32 the leadership 30th corresponding drug dose can specify.

• Zunächst wird der Kolben 12 aus seiner in den 4 und 5 dargestellten Ausbringposition nach links in seine Ausgangsposition verlagert, indem der Hebelarm 21a des Spannhebels 21 entgegen seiner durch die Feder 18 bewirkten elastischen Vorbelastung manuell in Richtung des Pfeils P gegen das Gehäuse 11 angedrückt wird. Sobald der Kolben 12 seine Ausgangsposition erreicht und sein mit dem mehreckigen Querschnitt versehener Axialabschnitt 12a die Widerlagerplatte 22 des Widerlagers des Arretiermechanismus' passiert hat, wird die Widerlagerlagerplatte 22 infolge ihrer durch die Feder 23 bewirkten elastischen Vorbelastung von der Auslöseposition gemäß der 10 in die Arretierposition gemäß der 11 überführt, so dass der mehreckige Axialabschnitt 12a des Kolbens 12 an der Widerlagerplatte 22 zum Anstoß gelangt und der Kolben 12 in der Ausgangsposition gehalten wird, weil sich sein Axialabschnitt 12a nun im Randbereich der zu seinem mehreckigen Querschnitt komplementären, aber demgegenüber nunmehr um einen endlichen Winkel verdrehten zentralen Bohrung 26 der Widerlagerplatte 22 abstützt. Sodann kann die Kartuschenaufnahme 14 entlang dem Verlagerungsabschnitt 31 der Führung 30 aus dem Gehäuse 11 ausgezogen und an einem mit der gewünschten Wirkstoffdosis korrespondierenden Arretierabschnitt 32 der Führung 30 mittels des Eingriffsmittels 34 lösbar an dem Gehäuse 11 festgelegt werden. Wird z.B. die kleinstmögliche Wirkstoffdosis gewünscht, so kann die Kartuschenaufnahme 14 an dem dem Gehäuse 11 nächsten Arretierabschnitt 32 der Führung 30 mittels des Eingriffsmittels 34 an dem Gehäuse 11 festgelegt werden; bei einer demgegenüber doppelt so großen Wirkstoffdosis an dem dem Gehäuse 11 übernächsten Arretierabschnitt 32 etc. Eine mit einem Wirkstoff befüllte Wirkstoffkartusche 1 wird sodann an der Kartuschenaufnahme 14 lösbar befestigt bzw. verschraubt, wobei der Kartuschenkolben 4 bei gänzlich befüllter Wirkstoffkartusche 1 mit seiner maximalen Länge in die zentrale Durchgangsbohrung 13 der Kartuschenaufnahme 14 hineinragt. Um die auf diese Weise voreingestellte Wirkstoffdosis unter Druck zu applizieren, wird die Düse 2 der Wirkstoffkartusche 1 nun gegen die Haut des Patienten angedrückt, woraufhin der Auslösehebel 27 des Arretiermechanismus entgegen seiner elastischen Vorbelastung manuell betätigt wird, um die Widerlagerscheibe 22 aus ihrer Arretierposition gemäß der 11 in ihre Auslöseposition gemäß der 10 zu überführen, so dass der Kolben 12 infolge seiner elastischen Vorbelastung aus seiner Ausgangsposition in seine in den 4 und 5 gezeigte Ausbringposition überführt wird. Er tritt dabei, z.B. im Innern der Durchgangsbohrung 13 der Wirkstoffkartusche 14, mit dem Kartuschenkolben 3 in Kontakt und bewegt letzteren um eine der voreingestellten Wirkstoffdosis entsprechende axialen Weglänge in die Wirkstoffkartusche hinein, so dass die Wirkstoffdosis unter hohen Druck aus der Düse 2 verabreicht wird.

The intended use of the needle-free described above Injection device 10th is extremely simple, convenient and reliable, using a single cartridge of active ingredients 1 repeated doses of active substance can be administered under pressure without the active substance cartridge 1 from the cartridge holder 14 to lose weight:

• First the piston 12th from its into the 4th and 5 shown spreading position to the left in its starting position by the lever arm 21a the clamping lever 21 against his by the feather 18th caused elastic preload in the direction of arrow P against the housing 11 is pressed. Once the piston 12th reaches its starting position and its axial section provided with the polygonal cross section 12a the abutment plate 22 of the abutment of the locking mechanism has passed, the abutment bearing plate 22 as a result of their through the spring 23 caused elastic preload from the release position according to the 10th in the locking position according to the 11 transferred so that the polygonal axial section 12a of the piston 12th on the abutment plate 22 comes into contact and the piston 12th is held in the starting position because its axial section 12a now in the edge region of the central bore, which is complementary to its polygonal cross section, but is now rotated by a finite angle 26 the abutment plate 22 supports. Then the cartridge holder 14 along the relocation section 31 the leadership 30th out of the case 11 pulled out and at a locking section corresponding to the desired dose of active ingredient 32 the leadership 30th by means of the engagement means 34 detachable on the housing 11 be determined. If, for example, the smallest possible dose of active ingredient is desired, the cartridge holder can be used 14 on the the housing 11 next locking section 32 the leadership 30th by means of the engagement means 34 on the housing 11 be determined; with a dose of active ingredient twice as large on the housing 11 the next but one locking section 32 etc. A cartridge filled with an active ingredient 1 is then on the cartridge holder 14 detachably attached or screwed, the cartridge piston 4th with a completely filled cartridge of active ingredients 1 with its maximum length in the central through hole 13 the cartridge holder 14 protrudes. In order to apply the pre-set dose of active substance under pressure, the nozzle 2nd the drug cartridge 1 now pressed against the patient's skin, whereupon the release lever 27 the locking mechanism against its elastic preload is manually operated to the abutment plate 22 from its locking position according to the 11 in their release position according to the 10th to transfer so the piston 12th due to its elastic preload from its starting position to its in the 4th and 5 shown spreading position is transferred. It occurs, for example, inside the through hole 13 the drug cartridge 14 , with the cartridge piston 3rd in contact and moves the latter into the active substance cartridge by an axial path length corresponding to the preset active substance dose, so that the active substance dose comes out of the nozzle under high pressure 2nd is administered.

Now the next dose of active ingredient should be the same, as before, on the cartridge holder 14 the needle-free injection device 10th detachably attached cartridge 14 administered, so the flask 12th again from his to the 4th and 5 shown spreading position to the left in its starting position by the lever arm 21a the clamping lever 21 again against its elastic preload in the direction of arrow P against the housing 11 is pressed. Once the piston 12th reaches its starting position, it in turn locks on the abutment plate in the manner described above 22 the abutment of the locking mechanism. The cartridge holder 14 can now move along the relocation section 31 the leadership 30th a little further into the case 11 inserted and at a locking section corresponding to the desired (next) dose of active ingredient 32 the leadership 30th by means of the engagement means 34 detachable on the housing 11 be determined. If, for example, the smallest possible dose of active ingredient is desired again, the cartridge holder can be used 14 at the next locking section 32 the leadership 30th by means of the engagement means 34 on the housing 11 be determined; with a dose of active substance which is twice as large at the next but one locking section 32 etc. The nozzle is used to apply the active substance dose that has now been preset again under pressure 2nd the drug cartridge 1 now again pressed against the patient's skin, the release lever 27 of the locking mechanism and the piston 12th consequently in the manner described again from its starting position to its in the 4th and 5 shown application position transferred. He kicks the cartridge piston again 3rd in contact and moves the latter into the active substance cartridge by an axial path length corresponding to the preset active substance dose, so that the active substance dose comes out of the nozzle under high pressure 2nd is administered.

This process can be repeated until the drug cartridge 1 has been completely emptied. The latter can then be removed from the cartridge holder 14 solved and by a new, filled drug cartridge 1 to be replaced, whose liquid active ingredient can in turn be applied successively in the manner explained above.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 202018102738 U1 [0004]

Claims (25)

Needle-free injection device (10), which is designed for repeated, pressurized application of active substance doses from an active substance cartridge (1) containing the active substance, comprising - a housing (11); - A cartridge receptacle (14) provided with a through opening (13) extending in the axial direction, fixed at one end of the housing (11) and axially displaceable, at the end opposite the housing (11) the active substance cartridge (1) can be detachably fastened; and - a piston (12) mounted in the housing (11) so as to be displaceable in the axial direction, which serves to apply a dose of active substance from the active substance cartridge (1) detachably fastened to the cartridge receptacle (14), the piston (12) between a dispensing position , in which it is arranged near the cartridge receptacle (14), and a starting position, in which it is arranged with a larger axial distance from the cartridge receptacle (14), can be moved back and forth in the housing (11); and - a drive mechanism assigned to the piston (12), which is designed to preload the piston (12) in the direction of its deployment position and to transfer the piston (12) between its deployment position and its starting position, characterized in that the cartridge receptacle (14) is provided by means of at least one guide (30) is axially displaceably fixed to the housing (11), the guide (30) - a displacement section (31) for axially displacing the cartridge receptacle (14) with respect to the housing (11), and - A plurality of locking sections (32) in order to releasably lock the cartridge receptacle (14) in a respective axial position corresponding to the desired dose of active substance with respect to the housing (11) on the housing (11). Needle-free injection device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the displacement section (31) of the guide (30) extends essentially in the axial direction of the housing (119 and the cartridge receptacle (14). Needle-free injection device after Claim 1 or 2nd , characterized in that at least the displacement section (31) of the guide (30) is formed by a guide groove which is in engagement with an engagement means (34). Needle-free injection device after Claim 3 , characterized in that the plurality of arresting sections (32) of the guide (30) is formed by depressions arranged in the displacement section (31) of the guide (30), which are in contact with the arresting sections (32 ) preloaded, engaging means (34) can be brought into engagement. Needle-free injection device after Claim 3 , characterized in that the plurality of locking sections (32) of the guide (30) extend primarily perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing (11) and the active ingredient cartridge (14), the plurality of locking sections (32) being formed in particular by guide grooves which are connected to the guide groove of the displacement section (31). Needle-free injection device after Claim 5 , characterized in that the locking sections (32) of the guide (30) are arranged alternately on both sides of the displacement section (31). Needle-free injection device after Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the locking sections (32) of the guide (30) have at their free end an end section (33) which extends essentially in the axial direction of the housing (11) and the cartridge receptacle (14) and which is formed in particular by a guide groove , which is connected to the guide groove of a respective locking section (32). Needle-free injection device after Claim 7 characterized in that the end sections (33) of the locking sections (32) of the guide (30) extend from a respective locking section (32) in the direction of the end of the cartridge receptacle (14) opposite the housing (11), on which the active ingredient cartridge ( 1) is releasably attachable. Needle-free injection device according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the locking sections (32) of the guide (30) are arranged substantially equidistant from one another in the axial direction. Needle-free injection device according to one of the Claims 3 to 9 , characterized in that - the cartridge receptacle (14) can be pushed into the housing (11), the guide (30) being arranged on the outer circumference of the cartridge receptacle (14) and with the engagement means (34) arranged on the housing (11) in Engagement is pending; or - the housing (11) can be pushed into the cartridge receptacle (14), the guide (30) being arranged on the outer circumference of the housing (11) and being in engagement with the engagement means (34) arranged on the cartridge receptacle (14). Needle-free injection device one of the Claims 3 to 10th , characterized in that the engagement means (34) is a screw or a pin, which is preloaded in the direction of its engagement position in the guide (30). Needle-free injection device according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the guide (30) is assigned a scale which specifies in particular the active ingredient doses corresponding to the respective locking sections (32) of the guide (30). Needle-free injection device according to one of the Claims 1 to 12th , characterized in that the length of the piston (12) is dimensioned such that, at least in its deployment position, it always engages in the through bore (13) of the cartridge receptacle (14) fixed to the housing (11) by means of the guide (30). Needle-free injection device according to one of the Claims 1 to 13 , characterized in that in the interior of the housing (11) an inner circumferential projection (17) is arranged, against which the piston (12) abuts in its deployed position. Needle-free injection device according to one of the Claims 1 to 14 , characterized in that the drive mechanism of the piston (12) comprises a spring (18), in particular in the form of a helical spring, which mechanically preloads the piston (12) in the direction of its deployment position. Needle-free injection device according to one of the Claims 1 to 15 , characterized in that the drive mechanism of the piston (12) comprises a tensioning lever (21) which is designed to transfer the piston (12) from its deployment position to its starting position. Needle-free injection device after Claim 16 , characterized in that the tensioning lever (21) is mounted eccentrically on the housing (11) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the piston (12). Needle-free injection device after Claim 17 , characterized in that the tensioning lever (21) has a lever arm (21a) which is arranged outside the housing (11) and which serves as a handle for actuating it in order to transfer the piston (12) from its deployment position into its starting position. Needle-free injection device after Claim 17 or 18th that the tensioning lever (21) has a lever arm (21b) which is arranged inside the housing (11) and which bears against the piston (12) when the latter is moved from its deployment position into its starting position by actuating the tensioning lever (21). Needle-free injection device according to one of the Claims 1 to 19th , characterized in that the drive mechanism of the piston (12) comprises a locking mechanism which is designed to releasably lock the piston (12) against its mechanical preload in its starting position. Needle-free injection device after Claim 20 characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises an abutment which is between a locking position in which the piston (12) in its starting position abuts the abutment and a release position in which the piston (12) is not in contact with the abutment , is movable back and forth. Needle-free injection device after Claim 21 , characterized in that the abutment of the locking mechanism ', in particular by means of a spring (23), is preloaded in the direction of its locking position. Needle-free injection device after Claim 21 or 22 , characterized in that the abutment comprises an abutment plate (22) which is rotatable substantially coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the piston (12) in order to move it back and forth between the locking position and the release position. Needle-free injection device after Claim 23 , characterized in that the abutment plate (22) has a non-circular through-bore (26) which is penetrated by an axial section (12a) of the piston (12) provided with a complementary, non-circular cross-section, the axial section (12a) of the piston (12) in its starting position abuts the abutment plate (22) when it is in the locking position, whereas the axial section (12a) of the piston (12) in its starting position is not in contact with the abutment plate (22), when it is in the release position. Needle-free injection device according to one of the Claims 21 to 24th , characterized in that the abutment is provided with a release lever (27) in order to transfer it from its locking position into its release position and thereby the piston (12) from its initial position into its deployment position.

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