EP2556013B1 - Device for opening an ampoule - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for opening an ampoule according to the preamble of claim 1 and as shown in FIG EP 1 044 666 A1 known. The device has a housing for receiving an ampoule and is designed to break off the ampoule head from the ampoule body.

STATE OF THE ART

Ampoules are often used, especially in medicine and chemistry, to store fluid products such as drugs or aggressive substances such as monomers, sterile and protected against diffusion. Commercially available ampoules are usually made of glass and have a completely sealed to the outside interior, in which the fluid product is stored. Such ampoules are usually elongated and comprise an ampoule head and an ampoule body, which are connected to each other via a tapered neck of the ampoule. Immediately before the use of the fluid product, the ampoule head in the region of the ampoule neck, which forms a predetermined breaking point, is broken off from the ampoule body, so that the fluid product can be removed from the ampoule.

Various devices are known which serve to break off the ampoule head from the ampoule body. These devices make it easier for the user to cancel the ampoule head from the ampoule body and to separate the resulting glass fragments from the fluid product. In addition, a spillage of parts of the fluid product is prevented when breaking the ampoule.

Such devices are for opening one or more ampoules for example in the documents US 6,296,149 (Family member of EP 1 044 666 ) and US 5,335,824 disclosed in which the ampoules are each housed in a housing comprising two housing parts. The two housing parts are each rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation, and the ampoules are arranged eccentrically to this axis of rotation in the housing, that a rotation of the two housing parts causes a lateral shearing force on the ampoule head. Due to the eccentric arranged to the axis of rotation vials, these devices have a relatively large amount of space.

In the document WO 97/07748 discloses a device in which the ampoule body is held in a housing, and in which the ampoule head protrudes into an ampoule head receptacle. The ampoule head is separated by rotating the housing about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ampoule relative to the ampoule head receptacle. However, the device is complicated and expensive to manufacture.

In the documents US 984,654 and US 6,099,510 are described devices in which the ampoule is pressed along its longitudinal direction with the ampoule head against a ramp, whereby a lateral force component acts on the ampoule head. These devices have the disadvantage that a relatively large amount of force is needed to break the ampoule.

Other devices for opening ampoules are in the documents US 6,832,703 . DE 29 21 565 . DE 198 41 722 and DE 0 079 983 disclosed.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for opening an ampoule, in which the force required to break up the ampoule is minimized. The device should also have a simple handling and a simple and compact design.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

The present invention thus provides a device for opening an ampoule, in particular a glass ampoule, having an ampoule body and an ampoule head, comprising
a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one sidewall substantially hollow cylindrical in shape defining a radial direction and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end and having an interior for receiving a housing Ampul limited in the radial direction, and
at least one rotary element having a proximal region, with which a break-off region extending in the distal direction is connected, which is designed to be flexible in the radial direction and / or is pivotably connected in the radial direction to the proximal region.

The rotary member is rotatable relative to the housing in an actuating direction from an initial position to an intermediate position about the longitudinal axis. The housing also has, in the region of the side wall, a first guide structure, which is designed such that it presses the break-off region inward in the radial direction during a rotation from the initial position into the intermediate position, so that the break-off region applies a radial shearing force to the ampoule head of FIG in the interior taken ampoule to separate the ampoule head from the ampoule body.

In such an embodiment of the device, the torque generated by the user is converted into a radial shear force acting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ampule. In addition, the shearing force optimally acts from the side on the ampoule head, ie from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ampoule. In a preferred embodiment, it is possible in particular to position the break-off region relative to the ampoule head in such a way that the shearing force acts as far as possible from a predetermined breaking point on the ampoule head. As a result, a leverage effect is achieved, which reduces the force required to separate the ampoule head force. The force required to break up the ampoule is minimized by this configuration of the device.

The ampoule usually has a radially tapered neck region, which forms a predetermined breaking point. The neck area is arranged between the ampoule body and the ampoule head. In addition, instead of a neck area, the ampoule can be circumferentially or unilaterally incised on its outside to produce a predetermined breaking point. Preferably, in the process described above, the ampoule head is separated from the ampoule body in such a way that the ampoule head is not yet smashed, but remains substantially intact. The fragmentation of the ampoule head can then be done by a later process.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing as a whole is substantially hollow-cylindrical, in particular substantially circularly hollow-cylindrical. At the distal end of the housing, an outlet opening is preferably present, which can be closed with a liquid-permeable filter element. At the proximal end, the rotary element is preferably sealed against the housing. The housing is used in particular for receiving the fluid product contained in the ampoule after breaking off the ampoule head. It also serves as a transport lock for the fragile ampoule.

The angular range which the rotary element travels relative to the housing from the initial position to the intermediate position is preferably less than 90 °. The break-off region can be connected directly or indirectly to the proximal region of the rotary element.

At the proximal end of the housing, a push-in opening is preferably formed, through which the ampoule and the rotary element can be inserted into the interior. In the proximal region, the rotary element preferably has a sleeve-like region which extends into the interior space and surrounds the ampoule circumferentially in the inserted state. At the radial outside of this sleeve-like. Area is advantageously mounted a circumferential sealing element, which seals the rotary member and the housing against each other fluid-tight. The rotary element also preferably has a cover surface which closes the insertion opening.

The rotary member advantageously has a user-accessible proximal operating handle, by means of which the rotary member relative to the housing for the User is rotatable. On the outside of the housing and the rotary member markings may be provided to indicate the rotational position of the rotary member relative to the housing.

The first guide structure can in particular be realized such that it has a substantially radially towards the interior facing guide surface which approximates in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis such that they increase the break-off region during a rotational movement of the rotary member relative to the housing from the initial position to the intermediate position pushes radially inward.

Preferably, the first guide structure is formed directly on the inside of the side wall. The first guide structure is preferably formed by a radial recess which is arranged on the inside of the side wall.

Advantageously, the housing has a first latching structure and the rotary element has a second latching structure, wherein the first latching structure cooperates with the second latching structure such that a rotational movement of the rotary element relative to the housing is possible substantially exclusively in the actuation direction. The first and the second latching structure thus jointly prevent a rotational movement of the rotary element relative to the housing counter to the actuating direction and thus form a one-way slip clutch. Due to the fact that the rotary element is thus not reversible relative to the housing, it can be recognized by the user whether the device has already been manipulated and the ampoule has been opened or not.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotary element has a fragmentation region which is designed to be flexible in the radial direction and / or is mounted pivotably in the radial direction on the proximal region of the rotary element, and to which the discontinuation region adjoins in the distal direction. The rotary member is then preferably rotatable relative to the housing in the actuation direction from the intermediate position to an end position, wherein the housing in the region of the side wall has a second guide structure, which is designed such that it the fragmentation region upon rotation from the intermediate position to the end position pushes in the radial direction inwards, leaving the ampoule head one in the interior taken ampoule is crushed after breaking off. The ampoule is thus opened in this embodiment so that the ampoule head is first separated from the ampoule body and then smashed. In comparison to a direct shattering of an ampoule head, which was not previously separated from the ampoule body, the maximum force when opening the ampoule is substantially minimized in this way, since the forces acting on the ampoule head external forces are not absorbed by an internal balance of forces from the ampoule body , The smashing of the ampoule head prevents a liquid residue of the fluid product from remaining in the ampoule head. Preferably, the separation and subsequent smashing of the ampoule head takes place in a single operation, that is, for example, by a continuous rotational movement of the rotary element relative to the housing. The range of rotation of the rotary element relative to the housing is advantageously limited, wherein the angular range of this limited range of rotation is preferably about 180 °.

The fragmentation region of the rotary element advantageously has two or more elements, which are each arranged opposite one another in the radial direction. Accordingly, the second guide structure then also has two or more elements, which are likewise arranged opposite one another. The ampoule head is thereby compressed from at least two opposite sides and advantageously smashed into a plurality of glass splinters.

The rotary element advantageously has a sleeve-like region, which is arranged proximally adjacent to the fragmentation region, and which has a plurality of longitudinal slots arranged opposite one another in the radial direction. The sleeve-like region can in particular serve to hold the ampoule body in position during the separation of the ampoule head. The longitudinal slots serve to increase the flexibility of the rotary member and in particular to facilitate a pressing together of the optionally present opposing elements of the fragmentation region.

The second guide structure can in particular be realized in such a way that it has a guide surface which points essentially radially towards the interior and which extends into Circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis approximates that it presses the fragmentation region during a rotational movement of the rotary element relative to the housing from the intermediate position to the end position increasingly radially inward.

Advantageously, the second guide structure is arranged proximal to the first guide structure. Preferably, the second guide structure is formed directly on the inside of the side wall. The second guide structure is advantageously formed by at least one radial, projecting into the interior elevation of the side wall.

Preferably, the fragmentation area thickened radially in a direction opposite to the direction of actuation circumferential direction. Upon rotation of the rotary member relative to the housing from the intermediate position to the end position, the fragmentation area is thereby progressively pushed further radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis, thereby increasing the external force acting on the ampule head.

To increase its flexibility, the fragmentation region may have longitudinal grooves on its radially outer side. Likewise, the break-off region may have longitudinal grooves on its radial outer side.

The device may comprise two or more rotary elements and a housing having two or more connected side walls, each having an interior for receiving an ampoule. The device then also has a gripping element and a force transmission structure, which transmits a rotational force acting on the gripping element to all rotating elements, so that the ampoule heads of several ampoules can be broken off by a rotary movement of the gripping element. The force transmission structure may in particular be a gear connection between the grip element and the rotary elements. The gripping element can be designed as an actuating handle formed on one of the rotary elements or as a separate driving element connected to the rotary elements. The device may in particular be designed such that all the ampule heads break off approximately at the same time. Alternatively, however, the device may also be designed such that the ampoule heads break off one after the other while the gripping element is rotated continuously. The total force required to break off all the ampule heads is distributed in this alternative embodiment then over a plurality of rotational positions of the handle element. The outlet openings may in such a device, which is suitable for receiving a plurality of ampoules, be brought together in a mixing element in order to mix the various substances contained in the ampoules with one another. However, the outlet openings can also be forwarded separately, for example, to be connected to a double or multiple syringe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Öffnen einer Ampulle in der Anfangsposition und mit daran angeschlossener Spritze;

Fig. 2

eine Explosionsansicht der Vorrichtung der Figur 1 mit Spritze;

Fig. 3

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene III-III der in der Figur 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung in der Anfangsposition und mit daran angeschlossener Spritze;

Fig. 4

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene IV-IV der in der Figur 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung;

Fig. 5

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene V-V der in der Figur 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung;

Fig. 6

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene VI-VI der in der Figur 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung;

Fig. 7

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene VII-VII der in der Figur 3 gezeigten Vorrichtung;

Fig. 8

eine Teil-Schnittansicht in der Ebene III-III der in der Figur 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung in der Zwischenposition und mit daran angeschlossener Spritze;

Fig. 9

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene IX-IX der in der Figur 8 gezeigten Vorrichtung;

Fig. 10

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene X-X der in der Figur 8 gezeigten Vorrichtung;

Fig. 11

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene XI-XI der in der Figur 8 gezeigten Vorrichtung;

Fig. 12

eine Teil-Schnittansicht in der Ebene III-III der in der Figur 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung nahe der Endposition und mit daran angeschlossener Spritze;

Fig. 13

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene XIII-XIII der in der Figur 12 gezeigten Vorrichtung;

Fig. 14

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene XIV-XIV der in der Figur 12 gezeigten Vorrichtung;

Fig. 15

eine perspektivische Ansicht der in der Figur 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung in der Endposition und mit daran angeschlossener Spritze; sowie

Fig. 16

eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene XIII-XIII der in der Figur 12 gezeigten Vorrichtung in der Endposition;

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of an inventive device for opening an ampoule in the initial position and connected thereto syringe;

Fig. 2

an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1 with syringe;

Fig. 3

a sectional view in the plane III-III of the in FIG. 1 shown device in the initial position and with attached syringe;

Fig. 4

a sectional view in the plane IV-IV in the FIG. 3 shown device;

Fig. 5

a sectional view in the plane VV in the FIG. 3 shown device;

Fig. 6

a sectional view in the plane VI-VI in the FIG. 3 shown device;

Fig. 7

a sectional view in the plane VII-VII of the in FIG. 3 shown device;

Fig. 8

a partial sectional view in the plane III-III of the in FIG. 1 shown device in the intermediate position and connected thereto syringe;

Fig. 9

a sectional view in the plane IX-IX of the in FIG. 8 shown device;

Fig. 10

a sectional view in the plane XX of the in the FIG. 8 shown Contraption;

Fig. 11

a sectional view in the plane XI-XI in the FIG. 8 shown device;

Fig. 12

a partial sectional view in the plane III-III of the in FIG. 1 shown device near the end position and with attached syringe;

Fig. 13

a sectional view in the plane XIII-XIII of the in FIG. 12 shown device;

Fig. 14

a sectional view in the plane XIV-XIV in the FIG. 12 shown device;

Fig. 15

a perspective view of the in the FIG. 1 shown device in the end position and connected thereto syringe; such as

Fig. 16

a sectional view in the plane XIII-XIII of the in FIG. 12 shown device in the final position;

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The FIGS. 1 to 16 show an inventive opening device according to a first embodiment. The opening device 1, which comprises a housing 11 and a rotary element 12 inserted into the housing 11, serves to open an ampoule 3 and is here connected to a syringe 2. To open the ampoule 3, the rotary member 12 is rotatable in an actuating direction relative to the housing 11. The actuating direction therefore always corresponds in the following in each case to that circumferential direction in which the rotary element 12 is rotated relative to the stationary housing 11 in order to open the ampoule 3. The distal direction of the opening device 1 extends from a proximal insertion opening of the housing 11 to a distal outlet opening 113 and corresponds to the direction in which the ampoule 3 with the ampoule head 33 is inserted into the opening device 1 first. The proximal direction corresponds to the direction pointing counter to the distal direction.

The ampoule 3, which in particular in the FIG. 2 is an elongated, closed glass vessel in which a fluid substance, such as a drug or a monomer of an adhesive or bone cement, is received. The ampoule 3 has a hollow-cylindrical ampoule body 31, on which an ampoule neck 33 is attached via an ampoule neck 32. The ampoule neck 32 constitutes a circumferential, radial constriction of the ampoule 3. This constriction constitutes a predetermined breaking point and serves to facilitate a separation of the ampoule head 33 from the ampoule body 31. The ampoule neck 32 may also be circumferentially or unilaterally scored to facilitate the separation of the ampoule head 33 from the ampoule body 31 on.

The housing 11 has, as in particular in the FIGS. 1 to 3 can be seen, a side wall 111, which defines a radial direction and a longitudinal axis of the opening device 1 due to its circular cylindrical shape. The side wall 111 bounds in the radial direction an interior of the housing 11, which serves to receive the ampoule 3. In this embodiment, the housing 11 has a proximal insertion opening, through which the ampoule 3 with the ampoule head 33 can be inserted into the interior in advance. Likewise, the rotary member 12 is inserted through the insertion opening into the interior, wherein it receives the proximal end of the ampoule 3.

The side wall 111 has on its radial inner side in a distal region a first guide structure 119 in the form of a depression. This first guide structure 119 has a substantially radially inwardly directed guide surface, which approaches in the actuation direction over an angular range of not quite 90 ° to the longitudinal axis of the opening device 1 steadily. In the direction opposite to the direction of actuation circumferential direction, the first guide structure 119 has a pointing in the direction of actuation stop surface.

In a region which is arranged proximally with respect to the first guide structure 119, the side wall 111 has a second guide structure 117 in the form of two diametrically opposite elevations, which are arranged on the inside of the side wall 111. The elevations 117 each have a guide surface which points essentially radially inwards and approaches in the direction of actuation of the longitudinal axis of the opening device 1 over an angular range of approximately 45 °. Like the first guide structure 119, the second guide structure 117 also has a stop surface pointing in the direction of actuation

At its distal end, the side wall 111 merges into a distally tapered transition region 118, which defines an outlet opening 113 at its distal end. For connecting other devices to the opening device 1, such as syringes or connecting hoses, a coupling part in the form of a Luer connector 112 is formed in the region of the outlet opening 113. The Luer connection 112 has a female cone region, on the radial outer side of which a locking structure is formed. Within this female Luer cone, the outlet opening 113 is closed by a filter insert. This filter insert is designed to be permeable in particular for the fluid substance contained in the ampoule 3, but not for solid constituents, in particular glass fragments.

At its proximal end, the side wall 111 merges into a widened region 114, which has a greater outside and inside diameter than the side wall 111. The widened region 114 limits at its proximal end the insertion opening of the housing 11 in the radial direction. The widened region 114 also has, at its proximal end, an edge region 115 which protrudes outward in a radial direction from the housing 11 in the radial direction. The edge region 115 has a bearing surface facing in the proximal direction, in which a groove 116 is formed. The groove 116 extends over an angular range of 180 ° and has two circumferentially facing end surfaces.

On the radial inner side of the widened region 114 latching teeth are formed circumferentially, each having a pointing in the direction of actuation stop surface.

On the radially outer side of the widened region 114, markings are provided on two diametrically opposite sides which serve to indicate a closed or opened state of the ampoule 3 accommodated in the interior of the housing 11.

The rotary element 12 has a sleeve-shaped region 121, in which two diametrically opposed longitudinal slots 122 are formed. The two Longitudinal slots 122 extend from the distal end of the sleeve-shaped region 121 in the proximal direction, so that they are open in the distal direction. At the distal end of the sleeve-shaped portion 121 of the consisting of two diametrically opposed elements fragmentation region 123 is attached. The two opposing elements of the fragmentation region 123 each extend in the circumferential direction over an angular range of approximately 120 °. Both elements of the fragmentation region 123 are each formed flexible and have on their radial outer side longitudinal grooves. These longitudinal grooves serve to increase the flexibility of the fragmentation region 123. In a direction of rotation facing the direction of the circumferential direction, the two elements of the fragmentation region 123 each radially thicken.

At the distal end of the one element of the fragmentation region 123, a breakaway region 124 projecting in the distal direction is attached. This break-off region 124 also has longitudinal grooves on its radial outside. The break-off region 124, however, extends over a substantially smaller angular range than in each case the opposing elements of the break-up region 123.

In a proximal region of the sleeve-shaped region 121, two latching elements 125 which project radially outward from one another and slightly project outward in the radial direction are formed. The latching elements 125 each have a stop surface which points essentially in a direction opposite to the direction of actuation. The locking elements 125 are formed so flexible that they are elastically movable in the radial direction inwards.

The sleeve-shaped region 121 also has a circumferential groove 126, which is arranged proximally of the latching elements 125, and which is bounded by two radially outwardly projecting from the sleeve-shaped portion 121 flanges in the proximal and distal directions. In the groove 126, a sealing ring 13 is received.

The sleeve-shaped region 121 is attached at its proximal end to a plate-shaped, circular cover surface 127, which closes the sleeve-shaped region 121 in the proximal direction. The top surface 127 has a similar radius as the edge region 115 of the housing 11 and is therefore adapted to rest on the Randberich 115. At the underside of the cover surface 127 pointing in the distal direction, a nose 129 is formed in an area projecting outwards from the sleeve-shaped region 121. The nose 129 extends in the distal direction into the groove 116 of the housing 11.

On the upper side of the cover surface 127 pointing in the proximal direction, an actuating handle 128 extends diametrically over the cover surface 127.

On the top of the top surface 127 markings in the form of arrows are also provided, which indicate the operating direction of the rotary member 12 for opening the ampoule 3. In addition, on the radially outer side of the top surface 127, a further mark is mounted, which serves to indicate to the user, the rotational position of the rotary member 12 relative to the housing 11.

The housing 11 and the rotary member 12 are each integrally formed in the present embodiment as a whole and made of a plastic in an injection molding process. However, both the housing 11 and the rotary member 12 may also be made in a multi-component injection molding process or even formed in multiple pieces. For example, a sintered layer or a perforated film can be used as a filter insert which is present at the outlet opening 113. In particular, the filter insert may be integrally molded onto the housing. Also, the sealing ring 13 may be integrally formed with the rotary member 12 or alternatively omitted. Suitable materials for the rotary member 12 are, for example, due to its elastic properties polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polypropylene (PP). As the material for the housing 11, for example, polycarbonate or a polyolefin-based material such as, in particular, polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) may be used.

The operation of the opening device 1 is particularly in the FIGS. 3 to 16 vividly illustrated.

The FIGS. 3 to 7 show, as well as the FIG. 1 , the opening device 1 in one Initial position. The ampoule 3 is inserted into the interior of the housing 11 with the ampoule head 33 ahead. Also inserted into the interior of the housing 11 is the rotary member 12, which surrounds the ampoule 3 at least in its proximal region in the radial direction fitting. The sealing ring 13 seals the rotary element 12 relative to the housing 11 circumferentially. The top surface 127 of the rotary member 12 rests on the edge region 115 of the housing 11. The break-off area 124 is arranged in the region of the distal end of the ampoule head 33, and the break-up area 123 in that area of the ampoule head 33, where the ampoule head 33 has a maximum radial extent. The locking elements 125 engage in the widened portion 114 of the housing 11 formed latching ridges such that the abutment surfaces of the locking element 125 are the abutment surfaces of the latching teeth opposite. The rotary member 12 is thereby rotatable relative to the housing 11 exclusively in the actuating direction, and a rotational movement counter to the actuating direction is prevented by abutment of the opposing abutment surfaces.

The ampoule 3 is intact and closed in this initial position.

With respect to the housing 11, the two opposing elements of the fragmentation region 123 in the initial position with respect to the longitudinal direction in the region of the second guide structure 117 are arranged, wherein the two elements of the fragmentation region 123 are each arranged in the circumferential direction between the two opposite elevations 117 , The break-off region 124 is arranged in the initial position in the region of the first guide structure 119, such that it is received in the recess of the side wall 111, which forms the first guide structure 119, adjacent to the actuating direction facing stop surface.

In the initial position, the nose 129 is circumferentially arranged with respect to the groove 116 so as to form a stop with the end face of the groove 116 facing in the operating direction. The rotary member 12 is therefore rotatable from the initial position exclusively in the actuating direction relative to the housing 11. In addition, also prevent the abutment surfaces of the first and second Guide structures 117 and 119, a rotation of the rotary member 12 relative to the housing 11 against the actuation direction.

The markings applied to the radially outer sides of the housing 11 and the rotary element 12 indicate to the user the initial position and thus the integrity of the ampoule 3 ( FIG. 1 ).

In the FIGS. 8 to 11 the opening device 1 is shown in an intermediate position. In this case, the rotary member 12 was rotated relative to the housing 11 with respect to the initial position by an angular range of slightly more than 45 °. Due to this rotation in the direction of actuation, the break-off region 124 has been pressed by the guide surface of the first guide structure 119 radially inwards and against the ampoule head 33. As in FIG. 11 is shown, the ampoule head 33 is thereby pushed away from its central position relative to the longitudinal axis. Because at the same time the ampoule body 31 is held tightly in the sleeve-shaped region 121 and is therefore immobile in the radial direction, acts in the region of the ampoule neck 32 a radial shear force. This shearing force is so strong that the ampoule head 33 breaks off from the ampoule body 31 in the region of the ampoule neck 32 ( FIG. 8 ).

The fact that the break-off region is arranged in the region of the distal end of the ampoule head 33, he exerts an external force on the ampoule head 33, which acts in an optimal manner on the ampoule 3. In particular, due to the distance between the ampoule neck 32 and the point where the external force acts on the ampoule head 33, a leverage effect which minimizes the force required to separate the ampoule head 33 from the ampoule body 31 results. The external force also acts on the ampoule head 33 in an optimal manner in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ampoule 3 from the side.

The fragmentation region 123 rests in the intermediate position with its radial outer side on the second guide structure 117, wherein it still exerts no substantial pressure on the ampoule head 33.

In the in the FIGS. 12 to 14 As shown, the rotary member 12 became relative to the housing 11 further rotated relative to the intermediate position in the operating direction. The rotary member 12 is now located relative to the housing 11 near an end position. The two opposing elements of the fragmentation region 123 were pressed by the two elevations of the second guide structure 117 radially inwardly and thus from two diametrically opposite sides against the ampoule head 33 separated from the ampoule body 31. This radial pushing in of the two opposing elements of the fragmentation region 123 is facilitated by the longitudinal slots 122 formed in the sleeve-shaped region 121 and by the longitudinal grooves formed on the outside of the fragmentation region 123, since both the longitudinal slots 122 and the longitudinal grooves have the flexibility of the fragmentation region 123 with respect to increase substantially to the proximal portion of the rotary member 12. Due to the radial movement of the fragmentation region 123 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the opening device 1, the space in which the ampoule head 33 is received decreases, and the ampoule head 33 is compressed from two opposite sides. In this case, the two opposing elements of the fragmentation region 123 are pressed further radially inward on each further rotation of the rotary member 12 in the operating direction until the ampoule head 33 finally breaks. Because the ampoule head 33 has previously been separated from the ampoule body 31, a smaller force is necessary for this smashing of the ampoule head 33, since the forces acting inside the ampoule head 33 can no longer be absorbed by the ampoule body 31.

As in FIG. 12 is shown, the fluid substance can now be drawn up in a syringe 2. In order to connect the syringe 2 to the opening device 1, the syringe 2 has a male Luer connection 211 which is designed to be complementary to the female Luer connection 112 of the housing 11. The syringe 2 has a housing 21 into which the fluid substance can be drawn by pulling out a piston 22. The broken glass of the smashed ampoule head 33 are thereby held up by the filter insert attached to the outlet opening 113 and remain in the opening device 1.

In the FIGS. 15 and 16 the opening device 1 is shown in its end position. In this case, the nose 129 forms a stop with the end face of the groove 116 pointing in an opposite direction to the actuating direction. Further rotation of the rotary element 12 relative to the housing 11 in the actuation direction is thereby prevented. In addition, also prevent the abutment surfaces of the first and second guide structures 117 and 119 reverse rotation of the rotary member 12 relative to the housing 11 against the actuation direction. The markings provided on the outer sides of the housing 11 and the rotary element 12 indicate to the user the manipulation of the opening device 1 and the thus opened state of the ampoule 3. The housing may also be transparent, in particular in the distal region, or have a transparent window, so that the user recognizes the state of the ampoule head 33 from the outside.

In an alternative embodiment, which is not shown in the drawings, the housing of the opening device 1 has two or more connected side walls 111, which each define an inner space for receiving an ampoule 3. In this case, a rotary member 12 is inserted into each of these interiors, which serves to open the respective ampoule 3. The opening device 1 then also has a rotatable gripping element, which is connected via a power transmission structure with all rotating elements 12. The power transmission structure is formed as a plurality of sprockets, wherein in each case a sprocket is attached to each of the rotary elements and the handle member. The sprockets engage each other in such a way that a rotational movement of the handle element is converted directly into a rotational movement of the rotary elements. The sprockets can each have a different number of teeth to produce a translation of the rotational movement between the handle member and the rotating elements. The force required to open an ampoule 3 can be further minimized by such a configuration.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and a variety of modifications are possible. For example, the first guide structure 119 and the second guide structure 117 need not necessarily be configured in the form of recesses or elevations of the side wall 111. It is also possible to provide further elements arranged in the interior of the housing 11, which have the first guide structure 119 and / or the second guide structure 117. The latching elements 125 of the rotary element 12 and the latching prongs, which are formed on the widened portion 114 of the housing 11, are optional and need not necessarily be provided. Also, the provision of the nose 129 and the groove 116, which together define a rotational movement of the rotary member 12 relative to the housing 11, is not mandatory.

In a simplified embodiment of the fragmentation region 123 can be omitted. In this case, however, the ampoule head 33 is separated only from the ampoule body and not smashed. It is then possible that a liquid contained in the ampoule head 33 is retained in the opening device. The fragmentation region 123 can also have only one of the opposing elements, which presses the ampoule head 33 against a diametrically opposite counterpart. This. Counterpart may be formed on the housing 11 or on another element. But the fragmentation region 123 can also have more than two elements, which are diametrically opposite each other. Accordingly, the second guide structure 117 would then have a plurality of opposing elements. A variety of other modifications is possible. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 opening device 125 locking element 126 groove 11 casing 127 cover surface 111 Side wall 128 operating handle 112 Luer connector 129 nose 113 outlet opening 114 Expanded area 13 seal 115 border area 116 groove 2 syringe 117 Second management structure 21 casing 118 Transition area 211 Luer connector 119 First management structure 22 piston 12 rotating member 3 ampoule 121 Sleeve-shaped area 31 Ampoule enbody 122 longitudinal slot 32 ampoule neck 123 shattering area 33 ampoule tip 124 Abbrechbereich

Claims (14)

1. A device for opening an ampoule (3) with an ampoule body (31) and an ampoule head (33), the device comprising:

   a housing (11) having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one side wall (111), which is essentially designed as a hollow cylinder and thereby defines a radial direction and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the side wall delimiting, in the radial direction, an interior for accommodating an ampoule (3),

   characterized in that the device further comprises at last one rotary element (12) having a proximal section (121) to which is connected a break-off section (124) which extends in the distal direction, the break-off section being flexibly designed in the radial direction and/or being pivotably connected to the proximal section (121) in the radial direction,

   wherein the rotary element (12) is configured to be rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing (11) in an actuating direction from an initial position into an intermediate position,

   and wherein in the area of the side wall (111) the housing (11) has a first guiding structure (119) which is designed in such a way that during a rotation from the initial position into the intermediate position it presses the break-off section (124) radially inwards, so that the break-off section (124) exerts a radial shearing force on the ampoule head (33) of an ampoule (3) accommodated in the interior in order to break off the ampoule head (33) off from the ampoule body (31).
2. The device in accordance with claim 1, wherein at the proximal end of the housing (11) an insert opening is formed through which the ampoule (3) and the rotary element (12) can be pushed into the interior.
3. The device in accordance with any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the rotary element (12) has an actuating grip (128) accessible to a user by means of which the rotary element (12) can be rotated by the user relative to the housing (11).
4. The device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guiding structure (119) has a guiding surface which is essentially directed radially to the interior and which in the circumferential direction converges towards the longitudinal axis in such a way that during a rotary movement of the rotary element (12) relative to the housing (11) from the initial position into the intermediate position it increasingly presses the break-off section (124) radially inwards.
5. The device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guiding structure (119) is formed by a radial recess which is arranged on the inner side of the side wall (111).
6. The device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (11) has a first engaging structure and the rotary element (12) has a second engaging structure (125) and wherein the first engaging structure interacts with the second engaging structure (125) in such a way that the rotary movement of the rotary element (12) relative to the housing (11) is essentially exclusively possible in the actuating direction.
7. The device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary element (12) has a fragmentation section (123) which is connected with the proximal section (121) and which is flexibly designed in the radial direction and/or pivotably arranged in the radial direction on the proximal section of the rotary element (12) and to which is adjoined the break-off section (124) in the distal direction, wherein the rotary element (12) can be rotated relative to the housing (11) in the actuating direction from the intermediate position into an end position, and wherein in the area of the side wall (111) the housing (11) has a second guiding structure (117), which is designed in such a way that on rotation from the intermediate position into the end position it presses the fragmentation section (123) radially inwards so that the ampoule head (33) of an ampoule (3) held in the interior is fragmented.
8. The device in accordance with claim 7, wherein the fragmentation section (123) has two or more elements which are arranged opposite to one another in the radial direction.
9. The device in accordance with any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the rotary element (12) has a sleeve-like section (121) which is arranged proximally adjacent to the fragmentation section (123) and which has several longitudinal slits (122) arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction.
10. The device in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second guiding structure (117) has a guiding surface which is essentially directed radially inwards and which in the circumferential direction approaches the longitudinal axis in such a way that during a rotatory movement of the rotary element (12) relative to the housing (11) from the intermediate position into the end position it increasingly presses the fragmentation section (123) radially inwards.
11. The device in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the second guiding structure (117) is formed by a radial protrusion of the side wall (111) projecting into the interior.
12. The device in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the fragmentation section (123) radially thickens in a circumferential direction contrary to the actuating direction.
13. The device in accordance with any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the fragmentation section (123) has longitudinal grooves on its radial outer side to improve its flexibility.
14. The device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device has two or more rotary elements (12) and a housing with two or more connected side walls (111) which each define an interior for accommodating an ampoule (3), wherein the device has a grip element and a force transmission structure which transmits a rotary force acting on the grip element to all rotary elements (12) so that the ampoule heads (33) of several ampoules (3) can be broken off by one rotary movement of the grip element.

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