EP2219713A1

EP2219713A1 - Injector comprising an actuator-activated coupling

Info

Publication number: EP2219713A1
Application number: EP08850618A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eric Hattler; Jürg HIRSCHEL; Ulrich Moser; Markus Tschirren; Jan Baumert
Original assignee: Tecpharma Licensing AG
Current assignee: Tecpharma Licensing AG
Priority date: 2007-11-13
Filing date: 2008-11-12
Publication date: 2010-08-25
Also published as: CN101909677A

Abstract

Disclosed is an injector for administering a product, comprising: a) an actuator (6, 7, 12, 13) which performs a rotary movement when actuated for administering purposes; b) an output device (9, 10) that performs a rotary movement for administering the product; and c) an engaging element (13) that can be moved from a disconnected state in which the actuator (6, 7, 12, 13) is rotatable relative to the output device (9, 10) into a coupled state in which the actuator (6, 7, 12, 13) is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the output device (9, 10) when the actuator (6, 7, 12, 13) is actuated in order to administer the product.

Description

Injection device with actuation-activated clutch

The invention relates to an injection device for administering a particular liquid product, such as. B. a drug. For example, insulin preparations, growth hormones, or other similar medicaments to be administered to a human or animal patient can be administered with the injection device. The injecting device may be sold together or separately with a separate drug which is used by the user of the injection device in this. Preferably, the injection device is distributed with a drug contained in the injection device, whereby the injection device can also be regarded as a disposable injection device, which is disposed of after complete release of the product.

The prior art discloses a disposable injection device containing medicaments, which are completely disposed of after the product has been distributed. Such injection devices should be both inexpensive to manufacture and simple and safe to use.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an injection device which meets these requirements.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments emerge from the dependent claims and the description.

The injection device according to the invention comprises an actuating device which executes a rotational movement when actuated for the administration. The actuator may be of a work performing means, such as. B. a motor or a spring can be actuated. Preferably, the actuator by muscle power such. B. operated by the pressure of a finger of the user on the actuator. It is thus preferred that in the injection device, the access from the outside to the actuator is possible. For example, the actuator may protrude proximally from a housing of the injection device and form, for example, the proximal end of the injection device. The initiating a product release force can first on the actuator and then on a downstream of the actuator element or downstream elements such. B. an output device act.

The actuating device may be in one piece or preferably in several parts. It can also be axially movable in particular in addition to its rotational movement. Preferably, there is a threaded engagement between the actuator and a housing of the injection device, d. H. that the housing engages in the actuating device or the actuating device in the housing. The thread preferably has a non-self-locking pitch. The actuator can then be screwed into or out of the housing.

The injection device further comprises an output device which rotates for the administration of the product. The output device or at least a portion of the output device transmits its / its movement to the product, in particular a piston, which acts on the product to dispense product. It is therefore preferred that the output device or at least a part of the output device can perform an axial movement, preferably in the discharge direction. The output device may be in one piece or preferably in several parts.

The actuator and the output device are coupled to each other in a product distribution, ie during actuation of the actuator for a product distribution, in particular rotationally fixed. The injection device for this purpose comprises an engagement member which, upon actuation of the actuator for the administration of the product from a decoupled state in which the actuator is rotatable relative to the output device in a coupled state in which the actuator rotatably coupled to the output device is, is movable or moved. The engagement member is preferably formed on or by the actuating device or at least of a part of the actuating device. Preferably, the engagement member is formed axially fixed to the actuator or to a part of the one or more part actuator. For example, the actuating device, in particular the engagement member - if it is not in engagement with the output device - relative to the output device rotatably movable or längsbewegbar or preferably both. This is particularly advantageous for mounting the injection device or adjusting a product dose, since the actuating device is movable independently of the output device. If the actuator is rotatably coupled via the engaging member with the output device - such. As in the operation of the actuator for a product distribution - the actuator or at least the engaging member relative to the output device preferably only be moved axially. The actuator or a part thereof can cooperate in the operation with the output device or with its part acting on the piston so that this or this is moved by a larger, same or more preferably smaller path in the longitudinal direction, as the actuator. In other words, it is preferred that the movement of the actuating device is transmitted in a restricted manner to the output device or to the part of the output device which acts on the piston. For example, the output device or a part thereof may have a thread which engages in the housing or a housing-fixed part and has a smaller pitch than the thread with which the actuating device engages in the housing or a housing-fixed part, whereby the reduction is effected. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that with equal thread pitches the ratio of the axial movements of the actuating device and the output device or a part thereof is 1 and that if the output device has a greater thread pitch than the actuating device, the output device or the part acting on the piston thereof performs a larger axial movement than the actuator.

In preferred embodiments, the actuating device comprises a coupling member and a guide member. The engagement member may be formed on the coupling member on the guide member or as a separate part between the coupling member and the guide member. In the Actuation of the actuator, the coupling member is axially movable relative to the guide member by a clutch stroke. The actuation is composed of a clutch stroke and a drive stroke, wherein in the coupling stroke, the engagement member is rotatably coupled to the output device and the drive stroke rotatably coupled to the actuator drive means a driven stroke or a Ausschütthub to move the piston for a product distribution is carried out. In particular, in the coupling member moving around the coupling stroke, the engaging member is in the coupled state.

The actuating means may comprise a spring member which acts between the coupling member and guide member to push apart in an unactuated state, so that the engagement member is in a decoupled state with the output device. The spring member may be a separate spring member, such. B. be a coil spring made of metal or plastic. The spring member may in particular be firmly connected to at least one coupling member and guide member. The spring member may alternatively be formed in one piece to the coupling member or the guide member to a separate spring. The advantage achieved thereby is that the spring during injection molding of the coupling member or guide member preferably formed of plastic can be made equal, which results in the advantage that a separate part can be saved.

Coupling member and guide member are preferably only a limited way, in particular the clutch stroke, relative to each other movable. For this purpose, coupling member and guide member may have interlocking stops which prevent the movement of the unactuated coupling member relative to the guide member against the direction of the clutch stroke. In particular, the spring member can be arranged so that it achieves this effect.

Preferably, coupling member and guide member are rotatably relative to each other, in particular permanently non-rotatably coupled. Coupling member and guide member may have interlocking longitudinal guides for this purpose. It is likewise preferred that the engagement member rotationally fixed, in particular permanently rotationally fixed, relative to the coupling member or the guide member.

The engagement member may comprise a first transmission element and one of the coupling member and guide member may comprise a second transmission element, wherein upon movement of the coupling member about the coupling stroke, the first transmission element and the second transmission element engage, whereby the engagement member from the decoupled state in the coupled state is moved. The transmission elements can, for example, on each other sliding surfaces, such. B. inclined planes, which convert an axial movement of the first transmission element in a radially directed to the longitudinal axis of the injection device movement of the second transmission element. Preferably, the first transmission element radially outward and the second transmission element radially inward. The engagement member may have an engagement region which, in engagement with the output device, rotatably couples the actuation device with the output device, but preferably permits an axial movement of the actuation device relative to the output device. Preferably, the engagement region has radially inward.

The engagement member may be a separate part which is guided by the coupling member and / or the guide member for a radial movement. However, it is preferred that the engagement member is formed on one of coupling member or guide member, in particular in one piece. It is further preferred that the engagement member is formed on a resilient arm, the z. B. can already be made during the injection molding of the coupling member or the guide member.

The arm may extend from the location where it is attached to the coupling member or the guide member at least partially in the circumferential direction, ie, about the longitudinal axis of the injection device. In a likewise preferred alternative, the arm may extend in the axial direction, ie approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the injection device. There may be several such arms, such. B. two arms, may be provided, each having an engaging member and are preferably distributed uniformly over the circumference of the coupling member or the guide member. It is generally preferred that the Arm is connected at one end to the coupling member or the guide member and having at its other end the engaging member.

In preferred embodiments, the output device comprises circumferentially distributed and extending in the longitudinal direction of the injection device grooves. In these grooves, the engaging member is movable into engagement, wherein in this engagement between the engaging member and the output device, an axial relative movement is possible and a rotational movement is locked. In the combined rotational and axial movement, d. H. Screwing, which performs the actuator during its operation, in particular during the drive stroke, preferably takes place between the engaging member and the output device only an axial relative movement. It is generally preferred that in the coupled state of the engagement member, the actuator and the output device perform a rotational movement acting in the same direction.

The output device may be one or more parts. Preferably, the output device on actuation of the coupling member axial movement in the discharge direction on a piston which acts on a product run.

In one embodiment, the output device, in particular a piston rod, e.g. Apart from a flange acting on the piston, be formed integrally, wherein the piston rod at its outer periphery of the above-mentioned grooves for the engagement of the

Engaging member and a thread which is superimposed on the grooves has. In particular, the regions arranged between two adjacent threads can have the grooves. The thread of the piston rod may be in engagement with the housing of the injection device, wherein the piston rod during its rotation

Dumping movement, d. H. one executes on the product to be dispensed or the piston acting on the product.

In alternative preferred embodiments, the output device is multi-part and comprises at least one output member and a piston rod. In particular, the

Output device having a driven member, which is sleeve-shaped, for example. Furthermore, the output device may have a piston rod, which preferably of the Output member is surrounded. Output member and piston rod may be connected to each other so that a rotational movement of the output member causes axial movement of the piston rod. Preferably, the output member is rotatable and axially fixed relative to the housing of the injection device.

According to a first variant, the piston rod, for example, engage with a thread in the driven member, so that a rotational movement of the driven member relative to the piston rod causes an axial movement of the piston rod relative to the housing and the driven member. The piston rod can in this case be accommodated relative to the housing in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner in the housing or be supported therefrom. Suitable means for this are extending in the longitudinal direction of the piston rod groove or flattening. The thread with which the piston rod engages in the driven member, in this case can be opposite to the thread with which the actuating device engages in the housing.

According to a second, preferred variant, the output member is non-rotatably connected to the piston rod, wherein the piston rod is axially movable relative to the output member. Suitable means for this are extending in the longitudinal direction of the piston rod groove or flattening. Preferably, the piston rod engages with its thread in the housing, so that a transmitted to the piston rod rotational movement of the output member screws the piston rod in the distal direction. In this case, it is preferable that the thread of the piston rod has the same sense of rotation as the thread with which the actuating device engages in the housing.

It is generally preferred that the thread of the piston rod has a smaller pitch than the thread with which the actuating device engages in the housing.

Preferably, the actuating device, in particular the guide member of the actuating device in a threaded engagement with the housing, so that a rotational movement of the actuating device causes the axial movement thereof. For this purpose, the actuating device, in particular the guide member on at least one Abragung, which may be formed for example in the form of a threaded portion-shaped cam and which engages in a thread formed by the housing. The thread has a sufficiently large pitch, so that no self-locking occurs, ie, that an axial force exerted on the actuator in a rotational or screwing movement of the actuator is implemented. Since the guide member is preferably non-rotatably connected to the coupling member rotate during actuation, in particular during the drive stroke both guide member and coupling member.

In preferred embodiments, before or during the clutch stroke, i. H. when the coupling member is not yet moved to the coupling stroke, the actuating device, in particular the coupling member is guided straight, so that an unwanted rotational movement of the actuating device is prevented relative to the housing. This can be achieved in that the housing of the injection device engages in the actuating device, in particular by means of a locking member. The engagement of the detent member with the coupling member is preferably strong enough to lock the actuator against undesired rotation during or during the coupling stroke, but weak enough to permit a desired rotational movement of the actuator. This means that at a z. B. by the user of the device torque applied to the actuator, in particular the coupling member is rotatable. In a force applied to the actuator axial force z. B. by the user of the injection device no or only a small torque is generated, which is not sufficient to solve the straight guided coupling member, in particular the locking engagement of the housing in the coupling member.

The coupling member may have at its outer periphery at least one profile section, in which engages the locking member of the housing and the actuator to

Beginning and also locks during the clutch stroke against unwanted rotation.

The at least one profile section can have juxtaposed in the circumferential direction of the coupling member and extending in the longitudinal direction grooves which the

Make up profile. Conveniently, the grooves may have flattened flanks corresponding to a desired, applied to the actuator

Torque engaging in the grooves locking member against an elastic force from the

Press the intervention. Alternatively or additionally, the locking member, which in the grooves engages, have corresponding flanks, so that the locking member is pressed out of engagement with the grooves when a sufficiently large torque is applied. The actuating direction can be rotated at least in one direction of rotation, preferably in both directions of rotation, when the actuating device has not yet been actuated.

Preferably, the actuating device, in particular the coupling member, at least one threaded portion into which engages the housing or formed on the housing, during the coupling stroke engaging in the at least one profile portion locking member when the coupling member is moved to the Kupplungshubs. This allows the actuator to be activated during further actuation, i. H. during the drive stroke can perform the required for the product distribution rotary motion relative to the housing. The at least one threaded portion may have a profilarmen reason. The reason may be formed by the outer circumference of the coupling member in the region of the at least one threaded portion. The at least one threaded portion or its base may have a less pronounced profile than the at least one profile section. As a result, the torque required for a rotation of the coupling member is reduced or / and simultaneously generates a weak audible or tactile click during rotation. Preferably, the profilarme threaded portion or its base is profile-free, whereby the torque required for the rotation of the coupling member can be reduced even more. The at least one threaded portion of the coupling member may have the same pitch as the thread of the housing, in which engages the actuating device, in particular the guide member. During the drive stroke, the coupling member can perform a combined rotational and axial movement and slide with the at least one threaded portion on the locking member along.

The at least one profile section may be delimited by a threaded section in at least one, preferably in both axial directions. The threaded portions may be groove-shaped. The at least one threaded portion and / or the at least one profile section can partially or completely, in particular, wind around the circumference of the coupling member several times. For example, a plurality, in particular two profile sections and / or threaded sections can be arranged over the circumference. In the circumferential direction, the at least one threaded section is preferably delimited by a profile-free, in particular even profile-free, section extending in the longitudinal direction of the coupling element. As a result, the production of the coupling member is simplified. Preferably, two profilme sections and two profile sections are evenly distributed over the circumference, which in particular may each have the same arc length, whereby each section extends approximately over a quarter of the circumference. In this embodiment, preferably two locking members may be provided, which may be offset in the circumferential direction in 90 ° and in the axial direction by a quarter of the pitch of the at least one threaded portion. This ensures that always engages a locking member in a threaded portion or a profile section.

In preferred embodiments, the adjustment of a product dose to be distributed is possible with the actuating device, which is why the actuating device can also be referred to as a dosing actuating device. The dosage of the dispensed product dose can be made by means of a rotary movement of the actuator relative to the housing and the output device. In particular, during the adjustment of the product dose, the actuating device is not actuated, ie the engaging element is decoupled from the output device. By rotation on the coupling member, a torque is applied, which is large enough to release the locking engagement of the housing in the coupling member in angular increments. With each rotation of the coupling member by a certain angle step is by clicking out and locking the housing from one groove to the next audible click and preferably also felt. Each click can stand for a certain dose of product, which also allows visually impaired people to adjust the desired product dose. Conveniently, for metering, ie for increasing the dose of product, the actuating device can be screwed proximally out of the housing. For dosing, ie to reduce the dose of product, the actuator is screwed in the distal direction, ie in the housing. After the desired dose of product has been adjusted, the actuator is actuated by an applied force in the distal direction, whereby locking member comes into engagement with the at least one threaded portion from engagement with the at least one profile section. At the same time, the engaging member is engaged with the Output device brought so that in a further actuation of the actuator of the drive stroke of the actuator is performed, whereby the actuator and the output device are rotated, which eventually leads to a movement of the output device or a part thereof in the discharge direction and thus for product distribution.

The injection device, in particular the operation submission can also have a dose display with which the set product dose is visually readable. For example, a dose display drum may be provided which is rotationally and axially fixedly connected to the actuating device, in particular to the coupling member. In preferred embodiments, the dose indicating drum may at least partially surround the actuator. The dose-indicating drum may have a helical dose scale at its circumference, in particular with a pitch corresponding to the pitch of the thread with which the actuating device and the housing are coupled. For example, the dose display drum may be surrounded by the housing or a portion of the housing, which preferably has a window for reading a particular scale value, the scale applied to the dose display drum. During product dispensing, where the actuator screws distally into the housing, the dose indicator drum is also threaded, causing the set product dose to reverse according to the drive stroke of the actuator. If the distribution is complete, the dose 0 appears in the window.

Preferably, several dosages and product distributions can be made with the injection device. In order to prevent a larger dose being set than product is in the injection device, a stop member may be provided which serves, at the last dose setting, to allow only the setting of a product dose equal to the remainder of that contained in the injection device

Product corresponds. The stop member is preferably in threaded engagement with the actuator. Preferably, the stop member is sleeve-shaped and between the

Actuator, in particular the coupling member, e.g. the thread for that

Stop member may have, and the output device, in particular the output member arranged. The thread in which the stop member engages preferably has a smaller pitch than the thread with which the actuator is in engagement with the housing and also preferably but not necessarily a smaller pitch than the thread with which the output means is in engagement with the housing. The stop member is preferably in engagement with the output device in such an engagement that the stop member is rotatably and longitudinally movable relative to the output device. Preferably, this engagement, as well as the engagement in the thread of the actuator permanently. During adjustment of a product dose, the actuator is rotatable relative to the output device and also relative to the stop member. Due to the threaded engagement of the actuator with the stop member and the longitudinal displaceability of the stop member relative to the output device, the stop member is axially displaced during dose setting. Since, in a product distribution, the actuating device and the output device are rotationally fixed relative to one another, the stop element is not displaced relative to the actuating device or to the output device during the product discharge. The injection device preferably comprises a stop, which may be formed, for example, by the actuating device, to which the stop member is displaced a little further with each dosage. In the last presettable dosage with the injection device, the stop member is moved into engagement with the stop. A further metering is thus no longer possible since the stop member located in the stop with the actuating device blocks an increase in the product dose. This ensures that no higher product dose can be set than can actually be distributed, which can be used to avoid misuse.

The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. The invention will be described below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments. The features disclosed herein each individually in the combinations with the previous description, the invention advantageously further. Show it:

Figures IA to ID different views of an injection device in one

Initial state, FIGS. 2 A to 2D show different views of the injection device from FIGS. 1A to 1D in a state with a set product dose, FIGS. 3A to 3D show different views of the injection device from FIGS. 1A to 1D in a state after the coupling stroke has taken place, FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of one Housing and one

Coupling member in a state with a set product dose, Figure 5 is a perspective view of a housing and a

Coupling member in a state after completed clutch stroke,

FIG. 6 shows an actuating device with arms extending in the longitudinal direction of the injection device for an engaging member,

Figure 7 shows different views of an injection device with in

Longitudinal direction of the injection device extending arms for a

Engaging member and before a clutch stroke,

FIG. 8 shows different views of the injection device from FIG. 7 after the coupling stroke has taken place;

9 shows an actuating device with extending in the circumferential direction

Poor for an engaging member, Figure 10 different views of an injection device with in

Circumferentially extending arms for an engaging member and before a coupling stroke,

FIG. 11 shows different views of the injection device from FIG. 10 after a completed coupling stroke, FIG. 12 shows a coupling element, a guide element and a combination thereof with an arm extending in the longitudinal direction of the injection device for an engagement element, and FIG

Figure 13 is a coupling member, a guide member and a combination thereof and a circumferentially extending arm for a

Engaging member.

The reference numerals used in the figures indicate the same or at least similar parts, unless stated otherwise. The invention will first be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 3D. The injection device comprises an actuating device 6, 7, 12, 13, which is arranged in a multi-part housing 1, 2, 3. The housing 1, 2, 3 has an outer housing 1, an inner housing 2, which is rotatably and axially fixed to the outer housing 1 and a functional sleeve 3, which is also rotationally and axially fixed to the outer housing 1 and the inner Housing 2 is connected. In principle, the housing could be formed in one piece. Due to the multi-part of the housing, however, there are advantages during assembly.

In the housing 1, 2, 3, a product container 4 is arranged, which has a distal, provided for a needle end and a proximal, with a displaceable piston 4a closed end. By displacement of the piston 4 a in the distal direction, the product is released, whereby the distal direction can also be referred to as Ausschüttrichtung. Distally, the product container 4 is closed by a septum which can be perforated by the needle when attached to the housing. The injection device shown is delivered with an inserted product container 4. The product container 4 is not interchangeable, so that it is a so-called disposable injection device. In principle, the product container 4 could also be formed directly by the outer housing 1.

The injection device further comprises an output device 9, 10, 11, which has a driven member 9, a received in the driven member 9, provided with an externally threaded piston rod 10 and a distal end of the piston rod 10 flange 11. Via the flange 11 a dispensing movement is transmitted to the piston 4a in the distal direction for product distribution. The flange 11 is freely rotatable relative to the piston rod 10 and axially fixedly coupled to the piston rod 10.

As can be seen from the figures IC and 13, the piston rod 10 has flats into which the sleeve-shaped output member 9 engages and thus permanently prevents rotation of the piston rod 10 relative to the output member 9, but an axial displacement of the piston rod 10 relative to the output member 9 allows. The output member 9 is by means of a formed on the housing 1, 2, 3, in particular on the functional sleeve 3 pivot bearing 3a relative to the housing 1, 2, 3 rotatably and axially fixed. The threaded rod 10 engages with its external thread in the internal thread 3 c of the functional sleeve 3 a.

In addition, it should be mentioned that in an alternative embodiment, the piston rod 10 engage with its thread in an inner thread formed on the tubular output member 9 and, e.g. with its flattening, rotationally fixed and axially displaceable can be received by the function sleeves 3. However, the piston rod 10 then has a thread with a sense of rotation, which is opposite to the direction of rotation of the thread in the embodiment described first.

A rotation of the output device, ie the output member 9 and the piston rod 10 in one direction causes an axial displacement of the piston rod 10 in the distal direction due to the threaded engagement of the piston rod 10 with the thread of the functional sleeve 3 c or - alternatively - the output member 9. In other words , the piston rod 10 screws in the distal direction. About the freely rotatable flange 11, the screwing movement of the piston rod 10 in an axial movement of the piston 4a, that is transferred to a delivery stroke, whereby the product is distributed. In order to prevent the piston rod 10 from turning back in the other direction of rotation, the functional sleeve 3 engages with a latching element 3d in sawtooth-shaped ribs 9a distributed over the circumference of the output member 9. Each saw-toothed rib 9a has a flat and steep flank. The flat flank makes it possible to rotate the output member 9 in a direction in which the piston rod 10 is displaced in the distal direction. The steep flank prevents rotation of the output member 9 in the other direction of rotation, whereby the piston rod 10 would be screwed in the proximal direction. This ensures that the piston rod 10 can only be screwed in the distal direction, ie in the dispensing direction. The sawtooth-shaped ribs 9a are distal to the region of the output member 9, which is arranged in the rotary bearing 3a. Proximal this area, the output member 9 evenly distributed over its circumference and extending in the longitudinal direction of the injection device grooves, as can be seen for example from Figure Ic. These grooves are sawtooth-shaped in the embodiment shown, but may also have other shapes, in particular symmetrical tooth shapes. The grooves serve on the one hand as anti-rotation and as a longitudinal guide for a sleeve-shaped stop member 8, which surrounds the output member 9 and engages with its inside in the grooves of the output member 9. Thus, the stop member 8 is permanently rotatable relative to the output member 9 and axially displaceable.

The grooves arranged on the outer circumference of the output member 9 furthermore serve, in particular predominantly, for selectively providing an anti-rotation lock between the actuating device 6, 7, 12, 13 and the output device 9, 10, 11 in order to produce a rotational movement of the actuating device 6, 7 , 12, 13 to the output device 9, 10, 11 to transmit. The actuator 6, 7, 12, 13 is used in the embodiment shown also for dose adjustment, which is why it can also be referred to as metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13. The metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 comprises a dose indicator drum 5, which is arranged in an annular gap between the sleeve-shaped inner housing 2 and the sleeve-shaped outer housing 1. The dose indicating drum 5 has a dose scale extending helically around the dose indicating drum 5. The currently set product dose can be read by the window Ia (FIG. 1A) formed in the outer housing 1. At the proximal end of the dose display drum 5, a handle is formed (Figure IA), in which the user of the injection device by gripping and turning a torque on the dose display drum 5 and thus on the metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, in particular for dose adjustment, exercise. The dose indicating drum 5 also has a radially inwardly formed shoulder at its proximal end portion, at which e.g. a stop 5a for the proximal end of the stop member 8 may be formed. The function of the stop member 8 will be described later in more detail.

A trained as a button actuator 12 is at the proximal end of the actuator 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, freely rotatably and axially fixed. Thus, upon subsequent actuation of the actuator 5, 6, 1, 12, 13, the actuator 12 can be mounted relative to the housing 1, 2, 3 as an adapter for e.g. a thumb of the user of the

Device fixed relative to the housing 1, 2, 3, while the rest of the

Actuating 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 relative to the housing 1, 2, 3 performs a rotational movement. The actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 further comprises a sleeve-shaped coupling member 6 axially and rotationally locked to the dose indicating drum 5. The coupling member 6 has an internal thread on its inner circumference, which in particular is permanent in an external thread of the stop member 8 , engages. The thread has a relatively small pitch, which is preferably only so large that the thread is self-locking.

On the outer circumference of the coupling member 6 distributed over the circumference arranged profile sections 6b, which have a plurality of juxtaposed, extending in the longitudinal direction and a profile forming ribs or grooves 6a arranged. Such as. can be seen from Figure IC, the coupling member 6 in cross-section over the circumference of two profile sections 6b and two profilarme, here profile-free or smooth sections 6c. Each profile section 6b is peripherally bounded on each side by a profile-free section 6c. Each profile section 6b has a plurality of grooves 6a arranged uniformly next to each other. The profile sections 6b and the profile-free sections 6c extend in cross-section of the coupling member 6 over substantially the same circular arc section length. In the example shown, each of the sections 6b, 6c is about one quarter of the circumference of the coupling member 6 long.

The grooves 6a are formed by radially outwardly projecting ribs, which also extend in the longitudinal direction, wherein between two adjacent ribs, a groove is arranged. The ribs or the grooves 6a have flattened edges, so that engaging in the groove locking member 2b, which is preferably designed as a locking cam 2b, in a sufficiently applied to the coupling member 6 torque out of engagement with a

Groove 6a is pressed and comes into engagement with the next groove 6a. This will create an audible or tactile click.

The locking cam 2b is formed on the inner housing 2 via a resilient arm which presses the locking cam 2b against the outer periphery of the coupling member 6. The inner housing 2 has a total of two such locking cams, wherein the two locking cams are offset axially in the circumferential direction by 90 ° and in the axial direction by a quarter of the way that performs the coupling member 6 in a complete rotation. Since the profile sections 6b and the profile-free sections 6c are each about 90 ° above the Extending circumference, it is ensured that during the rotation of the coupling member 6 always one of the two locking cams 2b engages in a profile section 6b and the other of the two locking cams 2b in the profile-free section 6c. The fact that the profile sections 6a extend only partially over the circumference of the coupling member 6, a simple production of the coupling member 6 is made possible.

The coupling member 6 has at its periphery further threaded portions 6d, in particular threaded guides or thread grooves which extend through the profile sections 6b, i. extend in sections over the circumference of the coupling member 6. The threaded portions 6d are at least as wide in the longitudinal direction of the injection device, as the locking cam 2b.

In an unactuated state of the actuator 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, at least one of the two cams 2b is in engagement with a groove 6a. The threaded portions 6d have the same pitch as the coupling member 6 covered in one revolution. The offset in the axial and circumferential direction locking cams 2b of the inner housing 2 are z. B. particularly clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5.

The metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 further comprises a guide member 7, which is rotatably connected in this embodiment with the coupling member 6. The coupling member 6 is axially, ie along the longitudinal axis of the injection device in particular by a Kupplungshub h displaced. The guide member 7 has at least one, in this example, two radially projecting engagement cam 7a, which extend in sections over the circumference of the guide member 7. The inner housing 2 has an internal thread 2a in the form of a helical circumferential groove into which the engagement cam 7a extends. The engagement cam 7a, therefore, although it extends only in sections over the circumference has a corresponding helical shape or pitch to fit into the thread 2a. A rotational movement of the guide member 7 thus causes its axial movement and vice versa. The path traveled by the actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 in one revolution corresponds to the pitch of the thread 2a. The threaded sections 6d preferably also have the same pitch as the thread 2a. The thread 2a is a double-threaded thread, wherein a first engagement cam 7a engage in the first thread and a second engagement cam 7a in the other thread.

The coupling member 6 is limited along the longitudinal axis relative to the guide member 7 in both directions and movable to the Kupplungshub h. To fall out of the

Actuator 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 to prevent from the proximal end of the housing 1, 2, 3, a movement of the coupling member 6 relative to the guide member 7 in the proximal direction by axially engaging, on the coupling member 6 and

Guide member 7 formed stop pairs 16 formed, such. B. in Figure 12, middle view, can be seen. As can be seen in FIG. 13, this object can also be considered as

Clasp trained spring member 15 which surrounds a cam b hook-shaped and is attached to the coupling member 6, take over.

By the spring member 15, the coupling member 6 and the guide member 7 are pressed apart as far as the above-mentioned travel limits allow it.

The coupling member 6 can be displaced by a coupling stroke h relative to the guide member 7 in the distal direction, wherein the spring member 15 (Figures 12 and 13) is tensioned.

The actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 has an engaging member 13. The engagement member 13 may, as shown in Figures 6-8 and 12 or 9-11 and 13, be arranged in various ways. However, the arrangements shown have in common that the engagement member 13 is pressed in the distal direction of the movement of the coupling member 6 relative to the guide member 7 radially inwards, ie in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the injection device. The inwardly pressed engagement member 13 engages with its engagement portion 13a (Figures 12 and 13) in the grooves formed on the outer circumference of the output member 9. As a result, an anti-rotation between the output member 9 and engaging member 13 is formed. The engaging member 13 is in turn rotatably connected to the metering actuator 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, that is connected to the coupling member 6 (Figure 12) or the guide member 7 (Figure 13). The engagement members 13 shown in Figures 6-8 and 12 or 9-11 and 13 also have in common that they are arranged in particular at the end of a resilient arm. The resilient arm is in particular integrally formed on the coupling member 6 (Figure 12) or on the guide member 7 (Figure 13). The arm makes it possible that the engagement member 13 is pressed in the distal direction during displacement of the coupling member 6 by the Kupplungshub h and moved when moving the coupling member 6 in the coupling stroke h opposite direction out of engagement with the output member 9.

The engagement member 13 has a first gear member 13b, which faces radially outward. The first gear element 13b has a gear surface, which is formed according to the mechanism of action of an inclined plane. The transmission element 13b is brought into engagement with a second transmission element 14 during the execution of the clutch stroke, which may be formed by the guide member 7 (FIG. 12) or the coupling member 6 (FIG. 13). The second transmission element 14 has a radially inwardly facing gear surface, which can also act according to the laws of an inclined plane. When the coupling member is displaced by the coupling stroke h, the gear surfaces of the first gear member 13b and the second gear member 14 engage and slide on each other, so that the engagement member 13 is pressed radially inward.

The engagement member 13 may, as shown in Figure 12 along the longitudinal axis of the injection device have. The curvature corresponds to the radius at which the arm is spaced from the longitudinal axis. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the arm on which the engaging member 13 is disposed is fixed to the coupling member 6. Alternatively, the arm pointing along the longitudinal axis could be arranged on the guide member 7, in which case the second transmission element 14 could be arranged on the coupling member 6 instead of on the guide member 7.

The engagement member 13 may be formed on a circumferentially extending arcuate arm, as shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 13, the arm 13 is formed on the guide member 7, wherein the second transmission element 14 on the

Coupling member 6 is formed. Alternatively, it could extend circumferentially Arm be arranged on the coupling member 6, in which case the second transmission element 14 could be arranged on the guide member 7.

As shown in FIG. 12, serpentine spring elements 15 or, as shown in FIG. 13, spring elements 15 designed as clasp have proven to be particularly advantageous.

The function of the injection device will now be described below:

The injection device is preferably delivered in the state shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D. The coupling member 6 is pressed by the spring member 15 shown in Figure 12 or 13 relative to the guide member 7 in the proximal direction and held there. The metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 is in this case still unconfirmed. One dose is not yet set. At least one locking cam 2b engages in a profile section 6b of the coupling member 6. The metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and the output device 9, 10 are not rotatably coupled in this state.

For setting a product dose, the handle formed by the user of the injection device applies torque to the handle formed at the proximal end of the dose indicating drum 5. By this torque, the metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 is set in rotation, whereby they screwed out of the housing 1, 2, 3 in the proximal direction due to the threaded engagement 7a, 2a. One of the two latching cams 2b engages in a profile section 6b, ie in a groove 6a, the other latching cam 2b engaging in a profile-free section 6c. This means that the torque applied to the metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 must be large enough that the latching cam 2b is pressed out of engagement with the grooves 6a. As a result, an audible or tactile signal is generated, which indicates the rotation of the metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13. The output device 9, 10 performs during the dosage no rotational movement, since the engagement member 13 does not engage in the output member 9. An unintentional rotation, z. B. caused by the clicking vibrations is prevented by the latching engagement of the locking element 3b in the output member 9. The coupling member 6, which engages with an internal thread in the non-rotatably connected to the output member 9 stop member 8 performs at the dosage of a rotational movement relative to the stop member 8, whereby the stop member 8 is displaced in the direction of stop 5a due to the threaded engagement. The stop member 8 is shown in Figures 2 and 3 differing from Figure 1 only in the representations C, but this is not to say that no stop member 8 is present.

FIG. 4 shows how the inner housing 2 and the coupling member 6 cooperate at the end of a dose setting and before actuation of the metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13. In particular, it can be seen that a cam 2b engages in the grooves 6a of the profile section 6b.

FIGS. 2A to 2D show the injection device in an inflated state, in which the desired product dose can be read in the window 1a. The metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 is still not actuated in this state to initiate the product discharge, the metering actuator 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 is actuated and initially, as shown in Figures 3A to 3D in that the coupling member 6, together with the actuating member 12 and the dose indicating drum 5, is displaced in the distal direction by the coupling stroke h relative to the guide member 7.

By the engagement of the cams 2b in the grooves 6a, the coupling member 6 is guided straight for the clutch stroke h. At the end of the clutch stroke h, at least one of the cams 2b engages in the threaded portion 6d and the other of the two cams 2b engages in the profile-free portion 6c (FIG. 5). Further, at the end of the clutch stroke h, the engaging member 13 is brought into the rotationally fixed engagement with the driven member 9. FIGS. 3A to 3D show the injection device in a state shifted by the coupling stroke h. In another operation, d. H. Displacement of the metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 performs this the drive stroke, which causes the Ausschütthub the piston rod 10.

During the drive stroke, the dose indicator drum 5, the coupling member 6 and the guide member 7 screw distally into the housing 1, 2, 3 due to the threaded engagement 7a, 2a and offset due to the engagement of the engaging member 13 in the driven member 9, the piston rod 10 in a direction of rotation in the same direction, alternatively - in a threaded engagement between the piston rod and driven member - in no rotation.

As a result, the piston rod 10 moves due to their engagement in the functional sleeve 3a in the distal direction, d. H. Dispensing, whereby the piston 4a is taken in the distal direction. Product is distributed.

Since between coupling member 6 and output member 9 during the drive stroke of the coupling member 6, d. H. in the product distribution, no relative movement takes place, the distance between the proximal end of the stop member 8 and the stopper 5a remains constant. After the metering and actuator completely in their

Starting position is pushed back, can be dosed again, causing the

Stop member 8 is moved back towards the stop 5a. This can be repeated until the stop member 8 abuts the stop 5a, at which moment a

Increasing the product dose is no longer possible, even if the scale value of the

Dose indicator drum 5 still allow another dosage. The distance of the stop member to the stop 5 is adjusted so that the stop member 8 then abuts against the stop 5a when the piston 4a occupies its most distal position in a distribution then carried out.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 show the injection device in the embodiment with an axially extending arm for the engagement member 13, wherein the arm is attached to the coupling member 6. FIG. 7 shows the injection device with an unactivated metering and actuating device 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 d. H. that the engagement member 13 does not engage in the output member 9. A displacement of the coupling member 6 by the coupling stroke h (Figure 7) causes the engagement member 13 engages the output member 9, whereby the coupling member 6 is rotatably coupled relative to the output member 9 (Figure 8).

In Figs. 9, 10 and 11, the injection device in the embodiment with a circumferentially extending arm for the engaging member 13 is shown. The arm is in This example is arranged on the guide member 7. In Figure 10, the injection device is shown in an unactuated state, ie, that the engagement member 13 does not engage in the output member 9. When the rotational and axial fixedly connected to the dose indicator drum 5 coupling member 6 is displaced by the Kupplungshub h (Figure 10), the engagement member 13 is pressed due to the interaction of the transmission elements 13b and 14 radially inwardly into a rotationally fixed engagement with the output member 9.

Claims

claims

An injection device for administering a product, comprising: a) an actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) which rotates when actuated for administration, b) an output device (9, 10) for administering the product c) an engaging member (13) which, upon actuation of the actuating means (6, 7, 12, 13) for the administration of the product from a decoupled state in which the actuating means (6, 7, 12, 13) relative to the output device (9, 10) is rotatable, in a coupled state, in which the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) rotatably coupled to the output device (9, 10) is movable.

2. Injection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the engagement member (13) on the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) is arranged.

3. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) comprises a coupling member (6) and a guide member (7), wherein upon actuation of the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) the coupling member (6) is axially movable relative to the guide member (7) about a coupling stroke (h), wherein in the coupled to the coupling stroke (h) coupling member (6), the engaging member (13) in the coupled state.

4. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement member (13) a first transmission element (13 a) and one of coupling member (6) and guide member (7), a second transmission element (14), wherein during the movement of the coupling member (6) a clutch stroke (h) the first gear member (13a) and the second gear member (14) engage, whereby the engagement member (13) is moved from the decoupled state to the coupled state.

5. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement member (13) has an engagement portion (13 a) in engagement with the output device (9,10), the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) with the Output device (9, 10) rotatably coupled.

6. Injection device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement region (13a) radially inwardly and / or the first transmission element (13b) have radially outward.

7. Injection device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement member (13) on one of the coupling member (6) or the guide member (7) formed arm is formed.

8. Injection device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arm extends in the circumferential direction

9. Injection device according to claim 7, characterized in that the arm extends in the axial direction.

10. Inj ektions device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling member (6) and the guide member (7) are rotatably coupled relative to each other.

11. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output device (9, 10) distributed in the circumferential direction and extending in the longitudinal direction of the injection device grooves, into which the engagement member (13) can be brought into engagement, wherein in the engagement between one handle member (13) and output device (9, 10) an axial relative movement possible and a rotational movement is locked.

12. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output device (9, 10) has a thread which is in engagement with a housing (1, 2, 3) of the injection device, wherein the output device (9, 10) executes a Ausschüttbewegung during the rotation.

13. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output device (9, 10) comprises a driven member (9) and a piston rod (10), wherein the piston rod (10) relative to the output member (9) rotationally fixed and axially displaceable in the output member (9) is arranged, wherein the piston rod (10) in a threaded engagement with a housing (1, 2, 3), whereby the piston rod (10) moves in the rotation in the discharge direction, and wherein the engaging member (13) with the output member (9) in an engagement, the relative rotation between actuator (6, 7, 12, 13) and output unit (9, 10) blocks, can be brought.

14. Injection device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the output member (9) relative to the housing (1, 2, 3) is rotatable and axially fixed.

15. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13), in particular the guide member (7) is in a threaded engagement with the housing, so that a rotational movement of the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) causes the axial movement.

16. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (1, 2, 3) of the injection device in the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) engages that the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13 ) is guided in the not yet about the coupling stroke (h) moving coupling member (6), so that an unwanted rotational movement of the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) relative to the housing (1, 2, 3) is prevented.

17. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling member (6) at its periphery at least one profile section (6b), in which the housing (1, 2, 3) engages and the actuating means (6, 7, 12 , 13) at the beginning and also during a coupling stroke (h) blocks against an unwanted rotational movement.

18. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13), in particular the coupling member (6) has at least one threaded portion (6d), in which the housing engages when the coupling member (6 ) is moved about the coupling stroke (h), wherein the at least one threaded portion (6d) has the same thread pitch as the thread (2a) of the housing (1, 2, 3) into which the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13), in particular the guide member (7) engages.

19. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the coupling member (6) to the coupling stroke (h) is moved, the actuating device can perform a combined rotational and axial movement.

20. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) a dosage of a dispensed product dose by means of a rotary movement of the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) relative to the housing (1 , 2, 3) and the output device (9, 10) is vornehmbar.

21. Injection device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the housing (1, 2, 3) is in engagement with the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13), which is strong enough, the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) for the clutch stroke (h) to lock against unwanted rotation, but is weak enough to allow a voluntary rotational movement of the actuator (6, 7, 12, 13).

22. Injection device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a stop member (8) which is in a threaded engagement with the actuating device (6, 7, 12, 13) and in such an engagement with the output device (9, 10) that the Stop member (8) relative to the output device (9, 10) rotationally fixed and longitudinally movable.