EP4203889A1

EP4203889A1 - Coupling device for an adapter for a vial, adapter for a vial, set comprising an adapter of this type, and system comprising an adapter of this type

Info

Publication number: EP4203889A1
Application number: EP21773293.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Karl Martin Berg; Florin Kopp; Varaprasad SIKHILE; Christian Walter; Johannes Bolz; Konstantin Krug-Sauer
Original assignee: B Braun Melsungen AG
Current assignee: B Braun Melsungen AG
Priority date: 2020-08-28
Filing date: 2021-08-26
Publication date: 2023-07-05
Also published as: CN115884743A; WO2022043446A1; US20240033182A1; DE102020210898A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device (11, 11', 11") for an adapter (1, 1', 1") for a vial (2) for a medical liquid. The coupling device (11, 11', 11") is intended to connect the adapter (1, 1', 1") to the vial. The coupling device (11, 11', 11") has an elastic structure (113, 116', 112") for adjusting the adapter to different sizes of the vial (2).

Description

Coupling device for an adapter for a vial, adapter for a vial, set comprising such an adapter and system comprising such an adapter

The invention relates to a coupling device for an adapter for a vial for a medical liquid, such an adapter, a set comprising such an adapter and a system comprising such an adapter.

In human and veterinary medicine, injections, infusions and other measures for the administration of a medicinal liquid are carried out for therapeutic purposes. For example, in the course of an injection, a liquid containing an active ingredient can be introduced into a patient's bloodstream. The liquid to be administered is often taken from a so-called vial with an injection syringe. A vial is a liquid container whose opening is typically closed with a septum or an injection stopper that can be pierced with an injection needle. For this reason, vials are sometimes also referred to as “pierceable injection vials” or simply as “injection vials”. The designations 'ampoule', 'phial' etc. are also used for vials if confusion with other types of ampoules and vials can be ruled out.

The liquid container of a vial is made of glass or plastic, for example. Its capacity can contain, for example, a single dose or several single doses of the liquid to be administered.

Vials are also filled with dry substance, since some drugs are not sufficiently stable in the dissolved state. The dry substance is dissolved in a solvent placed in the vial (e.g. water or saline) before injection. solved. The solution is then removed from the vial in the manner described above.

Vials are also widely used in the laboratory, especially in the field of biotechnology, for manipulating liquids.

As an alternative to the described procedure of puncturing the septum or the stopper with the injection needle and withdrawing an injection dose of the liquid from the vial using the injection syringe connected to the injection needle, an adapter for the vial can be used. By connecting the adapter to the vial, a fluid connection to the interior of the vial is established, for example by a hollow mandrel or the like piercing through the septum.

The adapter has a fluid connection which is in fluid connection with the hollow mandrel and via which liquid can be removed from the vial or liquid can be supplied to the vial. The fluid connection can be, for example, a connection for a plug-in connection, for example a connection for a Luer connection. In this case, the connection preferably has a female Luer cone, since injection syringes and other devices for removing the liquid typically have a male Luer cone. The luer connector can be of the "luer slip" type or of the "luer lock" type. The fluid connection can, for example, also be a connection that has a different type of coupling element.

Accordingly, the adapter can be regarded as a transfer device for a medical liquid. For example, the adapter can be a gateway according to the ISO 22413:2010 standard.

Using an adapter has some key advantages. If the withdrawal of liquid from the vial or the addition of liquid to the vial is carried out using a hypodermic syringe fitted with a hypodermic needle, the septum of the vial does not have to be specially pierced. The piercing of the septum of the vial is prone to error, in particular it is often not at the right angle carried out and is associated with a risk of stab wounds. In this context, the use of an adapter is particularly advantageous if the septum would have to be pierced several times without the adapter.

Furthermore, the fluid port may be configured so that connecting to a hypodermic syringe or other device for removing or adding fluid is simpler, less prone to error, and less likely to cause injury than piercing a septum with a needle. For this purpose, the fluid connection can be designed, for example, as a plug-in connection, for example as a female Luer connection.

Furthermore, the fluid connection can be designed in such a way that the connection to a hypodermic syringe or other device for removing or adding liquid is more secure than the connection via a needle inserted into a septum, which could easily be unintentionally pulled out again. For this purpose, the fluid connection can be equipped with non-positive and/or positive holding means, for example.

Furthermore, the adapter offers the possibility of providing a special connection element for the respective application. For example, with some drugs, contamination of the environment must be avoided because contact with medical staff or other people is risky. This is the case, for example, with some cytostatics that are carcinogenic or mutagenic. Such medicinal substances are therefore preferably handled in closed systems by means of so-called "closed system transfer devices" (CSTD). The adapter can have a connection structure suitable for this.

Another application where the use of an adapter is advantageous or even necessary is the transfer of liquid between a vial and a fluid device, for example another liquid container, for example a container for an infusion solution. It can be particularly advantageous in such cases if a suitable or special for the fluid device trained adapter is traded as an accessory together with the fluid device.

Such adapters are known in the prior art, which can be irreversibly connected to the vials. An "irreversible connection" is understood to mean a connection between two objects that cannot be detached, at least not without applying great force or damaging or destroying one of the objects.

Each of these adapters is designed for a specific size of vial and can only be used with vials of this size. Vials typically conform to ISO 8362-1 and ISO 8536-1 standards. The diameter of the neck of the vials of the various sizes is 13 mm, 20 mm, 28 mm and 32 mm (each within certain tolerances), whereby one of the two largest diameters mentioned is common in Europe (32 mm) and the other, for example, in the US (28mm).

A difficulty that arises in connection with the use of vial adapters is that the right adapter must always be available for the respective size.

Furthermore, there is a risk of confusion.

Since vials of different sizes are used in a hospital or a comparable facility, various individual items (so-called "stock keeping units") must be stored in the warehouse, inventoried and reordered if necessary. This results in a high administrative effort and a large space requirement. To solve this problem, sets of adapters for different sizes packed in one package are also offered. The disadvantage of this approach is that usually only one adapter of a certain size is required at a time. The other adapters then have to be disposed of unused as waste, which is economically and ecologically disadvantageous. Also known in the market is an adapter for 20mm vials that comes with an additional snap ring that can be connected to the neck of a 13mm vial to make it suitable for the 20mm adapter. However, the ring is an additional component that is disposed of unused if the adapter is used with a 20 mm vial. In addition, using the ring is error-prone and time-consuming.

In addition, the known adapters cannot be used for vials whose size deviates from the standard sizes mentioned.

Proceeding from the situation mentioned above, one object of the invention is to provide a coupling device for an adapter for a vial for a medical liquid, with which the adapter can be improved, in particular made more universally usable.

This object is achieved by a coupling device for a medical liquid vial adapter according to claim 1, a medical liquid vial adapter according to claim 12, a set according to claim 14 and a system according to claim 15. Advantageous developments of the invention result in particular from the dependent claims. The features listed in the subclaims and the following description of the subject of an independent claim can also be used to advantageously refine the subject of another independent claim.

The coupling device according to the invention is a coupling device for an adapter for a vial for a medical liquid. The docking device is designed to connect the adapter to the vial. The coupling device has an elastic structure for adapting the adapter to different sizes of the vial.

In addition to a coupling device, which is designed to connect the vial to the adapter, an adapter typically includes at least the following additional devices: a vial connection, which is designed to provide a fluid connection between an interior of the vial connected to the adapter and the adapter, and a fluid connection, which is designed to provide a fluid connection between a fluid device and the adapter, so that a fluid connection between the interior of the vials connected to the adapter and the fluidic device is provided.

The coupling device has an elastic structure for adapting the coupling device and thus the adapter as a whole to different sizes of the vial.

The coupling device preferably comprises a base body which has an opening for receiving the vial, in particular a section of the neck of the vial. The elastic structure is, for example, connected to the base body or formed in one piece with it.

Adaptation to the size of the vial is preferably effected by deforming or deflecting the elastic structure or a part of the elastic structure, depending on the size of the respective vial. The deformation or deflection in this case is greater when connected to a larger vial than when connected to a smaller vial.

Since vials are typically round in cross-section, the size of the vial that is accommodated by the elastic structure is preferably the diameter of the neck of the vial.

Typically, the adjustment can only be made in a certain range of the size of the vial, i.e. vials of a smallest possible size (e.g. neck diameter d = dmin) and vials of a largest possible size (e.g. neck diameter d = dmax) as well as vials with a size in between (e.g. neck diameter d : dmin — d — dmax ) can be connected to the adapter. The width of the range (for example dmax - dmin) is preferably at least 12%, more preferably at least 25%, even more preferably at least 50% of the smallest possible size (for example dmax > 1.12 x dmin or dmax > 1.25 x dmin or dmax > 1.50 x dmin). Alternatively, the width of the area is preferably at least 2 mm, more preferably at least 3 mm, even more preferably at least 6 mm (for example dmax−2 mm+dmin or dmax 3 mm+dmin or dmax=2 6 mm+dmin).

The expression that the adapter is an 'adapter for a vial' means in particular that the adapter is intended to be connected to a vial.

With the expression, according to which the vial is a "vial for a medical liquid", it is expressed in particular that the vial contains a medical liquid (water, aqueous solution, medical sample, etc.) or that it contains a medical liquid can be absorbed.

The adapter according to the invention is an adapter for a vial for a medicinal liquid, comprising:

- a coupling device according to the invention,

- a vial connection, which is designed to provide a fluid connection between an interior of the vial connected to the adapter and the adapter, and

- a fluid connection, which is designed to provide a fluid connection between a fluid device and the adapter, so that a fluid connection is provided between the interior of the vial connected to the adapter and the fluid device.

The set according to the invention is a set comprising: a first adapter according to the invention and a second adapter for a vial for a medical liquid, wherein the first and the second adapter are designed for different sizes or size ranges of the vials, wherein the second adapter is preferably also an adapter according to one of the preceding claims and the different sizes of the vial to which the coupling device of the first adapter can be adapted are at least partially different due to the different sizes of the vial to which the coupling device of the second adapter can be adapted.

The system according to the invention is a system comprising: an adapter according to the invention and a fluid device, preferably a container for a medicinal liquid, more preferably a container with a medicinal liquid.

The vial and the fluid device (e.g. a hypodermic syringe) are not considered part of the adapter or even part of the coupling device in the context of this patent application.

Further features, expediencies and advantages of the invention are described below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawing figures.

To the extent that directions and orientations in connection with the coupling device or the adapter are referred to as "up" and "down" in this patent application, this information relates to the operating position of the adapter connected to a vial, in which the direction is from the bottom to the neck of the vial is the bottom-up direction or the vertical direction. A lateral or horizontal direction is a direction transverse thereto.

1 to 4 show partial areas of the longitudinal section of typical vials with the sizes (neck diameter) 13, 20, 28 and 32 mm with dimensions in millimeters. 5 shows an adapter with a coupling device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is connected to a vial of a first size, viewed in longitudinal section in a first lateral direction.

6 shows the adapter with the coupling device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention connected to the vial of the first size, in a perspective view in a second lateral direction offset by 90° from the first lateral direction according to FIG is.

FIG. 7 shows the coupling device according to the first exemplary embodiment in a perspective view obliquely from above.

FIG. 8 shows the coupling device according to the first exemplary embodiment in a perspective view obliquely from below.

9 shows the coupling device according to the first exemplary embodiment in a perspective view in the lateral direction.

10 shows the coupling device according to the first exemplary embodiment in a perspective view from above.

Fig. 11 A to Fig. 11 C show in comparison the situation shown in Fig. 5 (Fig. 11 A), the adapter with the coupling device according to the first embodiment of the invention, which is used with a vial of a larger size than in Fig. 5 (Fig. 11C) and an overlay of the status of the adapter of Fig. 11A and the vial of Fig. 11C.

12A and 12B show two adapters with coupling devices according to the first exemplary embodiment, which are connected to vials of different sizes.

13 shows a coupling device according to a second embodiment in a perspective view from above. 14 shows a coupling device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention in a perspective view obliquely from above.

15 shows the coupling device according to the third exemplary embodiment of the invention and a vial in a perspective view from the side.

16A and 16B show in comparison the adapter with the coupling device according to the third embodiment of the invention, which is connected to a smaller vial (Fig. 16A) and a larger vial (Fig. 16B), respectively as a cross section through the coupling device and as a longitudinal section.

17A and 17B show cross-sectional views of the coupling device according to the third embodiment in two different sizes.

18A and 18B show perspective views of the coupling device according to the third exemplary embodiment in two different sizes, obliquely from above.

19 shows an adapter with a coupling device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is connected to a vial, in a perspective view from the side.

20A and 20B show longitudinal sectional views of the adapter with the coupling device according to the fourth exemplary embodiment, which is connected to vials of two different sizes.

The size ratios of typical vials, in particular those corresponding to the ISO 8362-1 standard or the ISO 8536-1 standard, and the typical manufacturing tolerances are indicated in FIGS. 1 to 4 .

If, in the context of this patent application, a vial of a certain size, for example a "13 mm vial" or equivalently "vial with 13 mm diameter" or "vial with 13 mm neck diameter" or "vial with the size 13 mm" or analogous designations, a vial of the specified nominal size is referred to, with tolerances of the order of magnitude shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 occurring.

In the figures 5 and 6, an adapter 1 is shown with a kupplungsvorrichtung 11 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The entire object shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 can therefore also be regarded as an exemplary embodiment of the adapter according to the invention.

The coupling device 11 or the adapter 1 is shown in an operating state in which the adapter 1 is connected to a vial 2 with a circular cross section. The vial 2 is not part of the adapter 1 . The vial 2 has a container body 21 with a container bottom 22 . The vial 2 also has a neck 23 . The neck 23 has an upper neck section 231 which forms the upper end of the vial 2 and a taper 232 with a smaller diameter than the upper neck section 231 . When the "neck diameter" or the "vial diameter" is mentioned in this patent application, the diameter of the upper edge section 231 is referred to. The diameter of the container body 21 may differ from the diameter of the upper neck portion 231. A septum 24 is provided at least in the upper neck section 231, which seals the vial 2 tightly. A fastening structure can be provided for fastening the septum 24, for example in the form of a metal ring which is placed in a form-fitting manner around the upper neck section 231 and has an opening for an instrument to pierce the septum. As an alternative to a septum 24, the vial 2 can also be closed with an injection stopper (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). Alternatively, other pierceable closures are possible. The closure need not necessarily seal when an instrument that has been used to pierce it to establish fluid communication is withdrawn. This is not necessary in particular if the adapter 1 is designed in such a way that it is irreversibly connected to the vial 2, ie it can only be detached from the vial 2 again by applying great force and/or only by destroying the adapter 1 or the vial 2 can. In the first exemplary embodiment, the coupling device 11 is designed to be connected to a vial 2 with a circular cross section. Vials with a different cross section, for example with an oval cross section, are at least conceivable. Correspondingly, according to further exemplary embodiments not shown in the figures, the coupling device 11 is designed to be connected to vials which have a non-circular cross section.

In the figures 7 to 10, the coupling device 11 according to the first embodiment of the invention is shown in various views in detail.

FIG. 7 also shows an optional connecting surface 3 for connecting the coupling device 11 to the other components of the adapter 1, preferably by ultrasonic welding. The connecting surface 3 has optional energy-conducting elements 31 to simplify ultrasonic welding.

The coupling device 11 comprises snap hooks 111 as a latching structure, which snaps into place when the vial 2 is connected to the coupling device 11 or the adapter 1 on the vial 2 by snapping the snap hooks 111 on the upper section 231 of the neck 23 of the vial when the adapter 1 is attached to the vial 2 2 slide until they have been pushed further to the taper 232. The snap hooks 111 then engage in the taper. This situation is shown in FIG. Alternatively, the snap hooks can be referred to as "locking hooks" or similar.

The snap-in structure preferably snaps into place irreversibly on the vial. Alternatively, the latching structure can be designed in such a way that it can be released again, for example by applying a release force or by actuating a release element, by which the latching can be released.

In other exemplary embodiments not shown in the drawings, only one snap hook is provided. In yet other exemplary embodiments not shown in the drawings, more than two snap hooks 111 are provided. However, two or three snap hooks have proven to be a good compromise between design complexity and snap connection strength. In other exemplary embodiments not shown in the drawing figures, the snap-in structure is provided by other structures as an alternative or in addition to the at least one snap hook, for example by at least one snap-in lug ("locking lug") or at least one snap-in bead.

The latching structure or the elastic component thereof represents a preferred example of an elastic element, which is also referred to as "second elastic element" in the following. The second elastic element is connected to another elastic element (hereinafter also "first elastic element") and together with this forms the elastic structure for adapting the coupling device 11 to different sizes of the vial 2.

By connecting the first elastic element and the second elastic element, ie by coupling two elastic elements, an advantageous structure is provided with which in particular on the one hand an adaptation to different sizes of the vial is possible and on the other hand over a wide range of different sizes of the vial it is possible to hold the vial securely. In particular, the second elastic element can perform its function unchanged with different deflections of the first elastic element (i.e. with different sizes of the vial). The direction of deformation of the first elastic element for adapting to different vial sizes is further preferably different from the direction of deformation of the second elastic element.

The snap-in hooks 111 or other snap-in structures are optionally connected via a cantilever arm 112 to the first elastic element 113 described in detail below (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). The cantilever 112 can be elastic and thus contribute to the elastic effect of the first elastic element 113 and/or the second elastic element 111 . Alternatively, the snap hooks 111 or other snap-in structures are arranged directly on a respective first elastic element 113 (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9). The function of the first elastic element 113 or the first elastic elements 113 is shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C.

FIG. 11A corresponds to the situation shown in FIG. 5, in which the snap hooks 111 engage in the narrowing 232 of the vial 2, which has a certain diameter.

11B does not correspond to a situation that actually occurs, but only serves to clarify the function of the first elastic elements 113. The adapter 1 shown in FIG. 11B is in the same state as the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 11A. However, the neck 23 of the vial 2 shown in FIG. 11B has a larger diameter. The neck 23 cannot therefore be inserted into the coupling device. This is illustrated in FIG. 11B by the fact that the snap hooks 111 overlap areas of the vial 2, which is not really possible. This problem occurs with conventional adapters when the vial is too large to be connected to the adapter.

According to the invention, however, deform when inserting a larger vial neck 23, the first elastic elements 113 (or the first elastic element 113 if only one is provided) so that the larger vial neck 23 can be inserted and the snap hook 111 in the Snap taper 232 into place. This situation is illustrated in Figure 11C. The force components that lead to the deformation of the first elastic elements 113 are symbolized by horizontal arrows in FIG. 11B. The force components that lead to the deformation of the snap hooks 111 when connecting the adapter 1 and vial 2 and thus deform the second elastic elements are symbolized in FIG. 11B by oblique arrows. These forces can be transferred to the components of the coupling device 11 in that the snap hooks 111 slide on the upper section 231 of the neck 23 of the vial 2 when the vial 2 is inserted into the coupling device 11 .

In particular in Figures 6 to 9 is shown how the first elastic elements

113 can be specifically designed. The coupling device 11 has a wall

114, inside which the neck 23 of the vial 2 is to be inserted. In the wall 114 Recesses 115 are provided so that remaining wall sections form the first elastic elements 113 and optionally the cantilever arms 112 . In the configuration shown in Figures 6 to 9, these wall sections represent curved flat springs. In other exemplary embodiments not shown in the figures, the at least one first elastic element is designed in a different way, for example as an attachment to the wall or the base body of the coupling device 11 Elements.

The number of recesses 115 (one or more) and their shape are chosen such that the first elastic elements 113 have the desired elastic properties.

In the first exemplary embodiment, two or three resilient elements are coupled to one another: the snap hooks 111, optionally the cantilever arms 112 and the first elastic elements 113. The spring constants are selected or matched to one another such that the individual spring elements can fulfill their described function. The adaptability according to the invention to different sizes of the vial would not be achievable in the exemplary embodiment without the first elastic elements 113 .

In alternative exemplary embodiments, which are otherwise constructed analogously to the first exemplary embodiment, the snap hooks 111 and the optional cantilever arms 112 have a significantly higher spring constant than the first elastic elements 113, or the snap hooks 111 and the optional cantilever arms 112 are not designed as spring elements ie they are essentially not deflected or deformed by the forces occurring when using the adapter 1 . In this case, the spring action required for snapping in the snap hooks 111 is provided at least to a significant extent by the first elastic elements 113 . In the latter case, the elastic structure is therefore only formed by first elastic elements 113, since there are no second elastic elements. The adaptation of the coupling device 11 and thus of the adapter 1 to vials 2 with different neck diameters is achieved in the manner described. The range of different neck diameters to which an adjustment is possible can include all common neck diameters (typically 13 to 32 mm). This has the advantage that an adapter 1 can be used for all standard vials 2 .

However, it is also possible to provide the adaptability only for a smaller range of neck diameters, for example in such a way that an adapter 1 is suitable for neck diameters of 13 to 20 mm, while at least one additional adapter is required for larger neck diameters, which in turn can be adapted to different Neck diameter can be customizable. There can be several reasons for this: On the one hand, an adapter that is so wide that it can also be connected to a vial with a neck diameter of 28 mm or even 32 mm would be relatively bulky as an adapter for a vial with a neck diameter of 13 mm. On the other hand, often only vials with two different neck diameters are used in one and the same work space, so that adaptability to other vials is not required at all. In addition, the greater the range in which adaptability is possible, the greater the demands on the elastic elements.

Another reason is that the upper portion 231 is usually higher in the case of larger vials 2 than in the case of smaller vials 2. From the dimensions given in Figures 1 to 4 it can be seen that the upper portion 231 of common (Particularly standard) vials 2 with a neck diameter of 13 and 20 mm have a height of 3.6 to 3.8 mm (collectively referred to as height h1), while the upper section 231 of conventional (particularly standard) vials 2 with a neck diameter of 28 and 32 mm have a height of 5 mm (h2) and 7 mm (h3). In order to keep the residual volume of liquid that cannot be easily removed from the vial 2 as small as possible, the tip of the vial connection should only protrude as far into the interior of the vial 2 as is necessary, as a protruding hollow dome or a comparable lancing device in the position of the vial 2, in which the bottom 22 points upwards and in which the vial 2 liquid is removed, as an overflow pipe acts that a Withdrawal of liquid is only permitted up to a liquid level at the level of the opening of the tip. Due to the differences in the heights h1, h2 and h3, the hollow spikes or comparable lancing devices should be of different lengths depending on the diameter of the neck of the vial 2. This relationship is shown in FIG. It can also be useful if the fluid channel in the hollow mandrel or the comparable lancing device has a larger lumen when the vial is larger and therefore has a larger neck diameter, because more liquid is typically removed from a larger vial.

Against this background, it may prove advantageous to offer at least the adapter of the first embodiment in several sizes, with a first size with a shorter hollow dome being suitable for vials with a neck diameter of, for example, 13 to 20 mm, while one or more other sizes with a longer hollow mandrel for larger vials (e.g. 28 and/or 32 mm).

13 shows the coupling device 11 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The coupling device 11 has three snap hooks 111 and accordingly three first elastic elements 113; Otherwise, the structure is analogous to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows the coupling device 11' for an adapter 1' according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Components that have a function that is analogous to corresponding components according to the first and second exemplary embodiment are identified by the same reference number, which is provided with a single quote (').

The docking device 11' has a wall 114' surrounding an opening in which the neck 23 of the vial 2 is received when the adapter T is connected to the vial 2. The wall 114' does not have to have a closed lateral surface as shown in Fig. 14, it can also have recesses, for example, or consist of individual supports or the like. At least one elastic arm 116' is formed onto the wall 114'. In the specific configuration shown in FIG. 14, three elastic arms 116' are provided, but alternatively fewer or more than three elastic arms 116' can be provided. The resilient arms 116' spring in the radial direction, ie they are deflected when forces with a radial component act on the arms 116' in the direction of the wall. This is achieved, for example, in that the elastic arms 116' are in the form of flat springs which do not extend or only extend in the radial direction. In the specific configuration shown in FIG. 14, the resilient arms 116' are formed as curved flat springs. Alternatively, straight elastic arms are also possible.

The resilient arms 116' provide a resilient structure. An elastic arm 116' can optionally form a first elastic element 116a' in a first section and a second elastic element 116b' in a second section 116b'.

The width or height of the elastic arms 116', i.e. their dimension in the vertical direction, is selected such that the elastic arms 116' can snap into the taper 232 of the neck 23 of the vial 2. In other words, the upper edge 117' and the lower edge 118' of the elastic arms 116' serve as a snap structure. The lower narrow side 118′ is preferably shaped such that the elastic arm 116′ slides when the neck 23 of the vial 2 is inserted on its upper section 231 and is pressed radially outwards so that the vial 2 and the adapter T move relative to one another that the resilient arm 116' eventually snaps into place.

FIG. 15 shows the coupling device 11′ according to the third exemplary embodiment of the invention and a vial in a perspective view from the side. The relative movement to connect adapter T and vial 2 is indicated by an arrow. The front part of the wall 114' in the view is not shown in FIG. 15 so that the elastic arms 116' are visible. The lower narrow side 118' designed for sliding on the upper section 231 of the neck 23 of the vial 2 is, for example, shaped in such a way that a region of the elastic arm 116' has a width that decreases toward the interior of the coupling device 11', ie the elastic arm 116' has a shape that tapers toward the free end of the elastic arm 116'.

16A shows an adapter 1' with a coupling device 11' according to the third exemplary embodiment in a state in which it is connected to a vial 2 of a first size. In the right representation of FIG. 16A it can be seen that the elastic arms 116 ′ are engaged in the narrowing 232 of the neck 23 of the vial 2 . The vial connection 12 represents a fluid connection to the interior of the vial by penetrating its closure (exemplified in the figure as an injection stopper). In the illustration on the left of FIG. 16A, the coupling device 11' is shown in cross-section, with the concentric circles denoting the diameter of the upper section 231 (outer circle), the smallest diameter in the taper 232 (middle circle) and the opening of the vial ( small circle) symbolize.

In Fig. 16B the same adapter 1' is shown in a state in which it is connected to a vial 2 of a second size. The vial of the second size has a larger neck diameter. In comparison to FIG. 16A, it can be seen that the elastic arms 116′, which in turn engage in the taper 232, are deflected or deformed to a greater extent.

The adaptation of the coupling device 11' and thus of the adapter 1' to vials 2 with different neck diameters is achieved in the manner described. The range of different neck diameters to which an adjustment is possible can include all common neck diameters (typically 13 to 32 mm). This has the advantage that one adapter 1' can be used for all vials.

However, as described for the first exemplary embodiment, it is also possible to provide the adaptability only for a smaller range of neck diameters, for example in such a way that an adapter 1' is suitable for neck diameters of 13 to 20 mm, while at least one additional adapter is required for larger neck diameters is required, which in turn may be adaptable to different neck diameters.

As an example, two sizes of the coupling device 11' are shown in cross section in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the size shown in FIG. 17A for vials 2 with a neck diameter of 13 to 20 mm and the size shown in FIG Vials 2 with a neck diameter of 28 to 32 mm is suitable. These diameters are drawn in the form of concentric circles in FIGS. 17A and 17B. The coupling device 11' shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B is not connected to a vial 2, so that the arms 116' are in their rest position.

As described for the first exemplary embodiment, it can be useful to reduce the residual volume to provide different configurations of the coupling device 11' of the adapter 1' for smaller vials 2 (e.g. 13 to 20 mm) and larger vials 2 (e.g. 28 to 32 mm). to prevent the hollow mandrel 12 or a corresponding lancing device, in the case of smaller vials 2, from protruding further into its interior than is necessary. This is achieved, for example, by selecting a lower (h4) height h4, h5 of the region of the wall 114' that lies above the elastic arms 116' for the same length of the hollow dome 12 in the case of a coupling device 11' for smaller vials 2 than in the case of an adapter 1' for larger vials 2 (h5). This is shown in the form of a comparison of Figures 18A and 18B.

FIG. 19 shows an adapter 1″ with a coupling device 11″ according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Components that have a function that is analogous to corresponding components according to the first, second and third exemplary embodiment are identified by the same reference number, which is provided with a double inverted comma (").

The coupling device 11" according to the fourth exemplary embodiment has snap hooks 111" which are arranged at the free end of cantilever arms 112". The cantilever arms 112" represent the elastic structure for adjusting the Coupling device 11" ready for different sizes of the vial, ie they are correspondingly elastically deformable. A cantilever arm 112" can optionally form a first elastic element in a first section and a second elastic element in a second section.

In FIG. 20A, the adapter 1' is shown in a state in which it is connected to a vial 2 of a first size. FIG. 20B shows the same adapter 1' in a state in which it is connected to a vial 2 of a second size. The vial 2 of the second size has a larger neck diameter. In comparison to FIG. 20A, it can be seen that the elastic arms cantilever arms 112'' are deflected or deformed to a greater extent.

In the manner described, the coupling device 11″ and thus the adapter 1″ are adapted to vials 2 with different neck diameters. The range of different neck diameters to which an adjustment is possible can include all common neck diameters (typically 13 to 32 mm). This has the advantage that a 1" adapter can be used for all vials.

However, as described for the first and third exemplary embodiments, it is also possible to provide the adaptability only for a smaller range of neck diameters, for example in such a way that an adapter 1" is suitable for neck diameters of 13 to 20 mm, while at least one additional one is suitable for larger neck diameters Adapter is required, which in turn may be adaptable to different neck diameters.

A coupling device 11" with five cantilever arms 112" is shown as an example in FIGS. 19, 20A and 20B. However, more or fewer than five cantilever arms 112'' can also be provided.

The various exemplary embodiments of the coupling device according to the invention result in various exemplary embodiments of the adapter 1, 1', 1" according to the invention. The adapter 1, T, 1" according to the exemplary embodiments presented above has a hollow mandrel 12 as a vial connection. The hollow mandrel 12 serves to be pierced with its tip 121 through the septum 24 (or through an alternative pierceable vial closure). , so that the opening located at the tip 121 of the fluid channel arranged inside the hollow mandrel 12 protrudes into the inside of the vial 2 .

It is possible for the hollow mandrel 12 to have one or more additional fluid channels. Another fluid channel can be used, for example, to aerate the vial 2 to equalize the pressure when liquid is removed.

The adapter 1, T, 1″ also has a fluid connection 13 which is designed to provide a fluid connection between a fluid device (not part of the adapter 1, 1′, 1″ and not shown in the figures) and the adapter 1, 1′ , 1" so that a fluid connection between the interior of the vial 2 connected to the adapter 1, 1', 1" and the fluid device is provided.

The fluid connection 13 has at least one port 131 which is in fluid connection with the vial connection 12 so that a fluid, for example a liquid, can flow from the interior of the vial 2 to the port 131 . A port 131 provides a connection point for a fluid device in order to provide a fluid connection between the interior of the vial 2 connected to the adapter 1, 1', 1" and the fluid device. The fluid device can be used to remove or supply fluid to the interior of the vial 2 The following can act as a fluid device, for example: an injection syringe without an injection needle attached, an injection syringe with an injection needle attached, another fluid container, a hose connection, etc.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 16 and 19, the fluid connection 13 has a port 131, namely a port 131 in the form of a female Luer cone. In other exemplary embodiments not shown in the figures, the fluid connection 13 has more than one port.

The fluid connection 13 can optionally have a pressure compensation device 132, which is shown in FIGS. The pressure equalization device 132 is preferably designed in such a way that no potentially harmful substances can escape from the fluid system into the environment through the pressure equalization device 132 . This is realized, for example, by a filter device.

The fluid connection 13 can optionally have a liquid filter 122 and/or a ventilation filter 133, as is shown in FIGS.

In addition to the components mentioned, the adapter 1, T, 1" can also include other components, for example a cover for a port 131 of the fluid connection 13.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 16 and 19, the vial connection 12 and the fluid connection 13 are connected to one another, for example by gluing and/or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding. In other exemplary embodiments, the vial connection 12 and the fluid connection 13 are formed in one piece.

The vial connection 12 and the fluid connection 13 can, for example, be designed together in the form of a withdrawal spike. A typical removal spike for a medical fluid transfer system for removing medical liquids from medical containers such as vials usually has a hollow spike for piercing a septum or stopper, which spike includes a liquid channel and a ventilation channel. The ventilation duct can open into an optional ventilation filter. The liquid channel can open into an optional liquid filter. An example of a preferred withdrawal spike is described and shown in EP 1 192 927 A2. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 16 and 19, the coupling device 11 and the unit made up of the vial connection 12 and the fluid connection 13 are connected to one another, for example by gluing and/or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding.

In other exemplary embodiments not shown in the figures, the coupling device 11 is formed in one piece with the vial connection 12 or the fluid connection 13 and the third of the components mentioned is connected thereto, for example by gluing and/or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding.

In other exemplary embodiments not shown in the figures, all three components, that is to say the coupling device 11 , vial connection 12 and fluid connection 13 are formed in one piece.

The components of the adapter of the above-described and further exemplary embodiments preferably comprise a plastic, more preferably they are made essentially or entirely of plastic.

It is particularly preferred that the coupling device 11, 11′, 11″ comprises plastic, preferably made essentially or entirely of plastic, since the required elastic properties can be provided in a simple manner in this way.

It is also preferred that at least the coupling device 11 is produced as a one-piece element, more preferably by injection molding a plastic material.

In the above-described and other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the coupling device 11, 11', 11'' is preferably designed such that the adapter can be connected to a vial 2 in accordance with the ISO 8362-1 standard or the ISO 8536-1 standard. The coupling device 11, 11′, 11″ can more preferably be adapted to at least two of the group of different diameters of the vial made up of 13 mm, 20 mm, 28 mm and 32 mm due to the elastic structure, in particular to the diameters 13 mm and 20 mm or to the diameters 28 mm and 32 mm.

In the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above and in other exemplary embodiments, the coupling device is designed to irreversibly connect the adapter to the vial.

According to the invention, the adaptation can preferably take place continuously, ie the coupling device is not only suitable for vials with the specifically mentioned diameters, but for all diameters of a range that contains the specifically mentioned values, for example 10 mm to 35 mm or 10 mm to 23 mm or 27mm to 33mm.

The set according to the invention comprises a first adapter according to an embodiment of the invention described above or another embodiment and a second adapter for a vial for a medical liquid.

The first and the second adapter are designed for different sizes or size ranges of the vials, i.e. the second adapter is at least also suitable for vial sizes to which the coupling device of the first adapter cannot be adapted.

The second adapter is also preferably an adapter according to one of the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above or another exemplary embodiment. The different sizes of vial to which the coupling device of the second adapter is adaptable in this case are at least partially different from the different sizes of vial to which the coupling device of the first adapter is adaptable.

The system according to the invention comprises an adapter according to an embodiment of the invention described above or another one inventive set with several adapters and a fluid device. The system according to the invention offers the advantage, for example, that a fluid device, for example an injection syringe, is provided with a suitable adapter that can be used for vials of different sizes.

Claims

27 patent claims

1 . Coupling device (11, 11', 11") for an adapter (1, 1', 1") for a vial (2) for a medical liquid, wherein the coupling device (11, 11', 11") is intended for the adapter (1, 1', 1") to the vial, and wherein the coupling device (11, 11', 11") has an elastic structure (113, 116', 112") for adapting the adapter to different sizes of the vial ( 2) has.

2. Coupling device (11, 11', 11") according to the preceding claim, wherein the elastic structure (113, 116', 112") comprises:

- a first elastic element (113, 116a', 112"), which is connected to a base body (110, 110', 110") of the coupling device (11, 11', 11") and adapts elastically to different sizes of the vial ( 2) can customize, and

- a second elastic element (111, 116b', 117', 118', 111"), which is connected to the first elastic element (113, 116a', 112") and can hold the vial (2), in particular by is brought into engagement with the vial (2).

3. Coupling device (11, 11', 11") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (11, 11', 11") has a latching structure (111, 117',

118', 111", 112"), which is formed when connecting the vial (2) to the adapter (1, 1', 1") on the vial (2), in particular in a narrowing (232) in the area of the neck (23) of the vial (2), the latching structure (111, 117', 118', 111", 112") preferring the optional second elastic element (111, 116b', 117', 118', 111" ) includes.

4. Coupling device (11, 11', 11") according to the preceding claim, wherein the latching structure (111, 111", 112") for adapting the coupling device (11) to different sizes of the vial (2) is elastically mounted by the first elastic element (113, 116a', 112"), with a restoring force of the a first elastic element (113, 116a', 112") deflected in a rest position has a radial force component in relation to the diameter of the neck (23) of the vial (2), the first elastic element (113, 116a', 112") preferably is a curved leaf spring. The coupling device (11, 11', 11") according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the at least one latching structure (111") comprises a resilient cantilever arm

(112"), wherein the elastic cantilever (112") comprises the first elastic element (112"). Coupling device (11 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the latching structure (117', 118') comprises at least one in reference to the

diameter of the neck (23) of the vial (2) comprises a radially resilient elastic arm (2), the elastic arm (116') preferably being designed as a flat spring, the flat spring being more preferably curved. Coupling device (11') according to claim 6, wherein the elastic arm (116') has a direction relative to a longitudinal direction, which when connecting the coupling device (11") to the vial (2) is from the bottom (22) to the neck (23 ) of the vial (2), has an upper surface (117') which, when the vial (2) is connected to the adapter (T), is formed in a taper (232) in the region of the neck (23) of the vial (2 ) snap into place, the upper surface (117') preferably being flat at least in sections and being oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, and/or the elastic arm (116') having a lower one with respect to a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction from the bottom (22) to the neck (23) of the vial (2) when connecting the coupling device (11") to the vial (2). surface (118') which is designed to engage in a taper (232) in the region of the neck (23) of the vial (2) when the vial (2) is connected to the adapter (T), with the lower surface ( 118') is curved at least in sections. Coupling device (11') according to one of Claims 6 to 7, wherein the elastic arm (116) has a curvature in relation to a longitudinal direction which occurs when the coupling device (11') is connected to the vial (2). corresponding to the direction from the bottom (22) to the neck (23) of the vial (2), has a lower surface (118') which is designed to support the elastic arm (116') when the vial (2) is connected to the adapter (1 ') elastically deforming by sliding on a surface portion of the vial (2) until the elastic arm (116') engages the vial (2). Coupling device (11, 11 ', 11 ") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (11, 11 ', 11 ") is formed, the adapter (1, 1 ', 1 ") with a vial (2) according to the to the ISO 8362-1 standard or the ISO 8536-1 standard. Coupling device (11, 11', 11") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (11, 11', 11") is supported by the elastic structure (113,

116', 112") can be adapted to at least two of the different diameters of the neck (23) of the vial (2) from the group formed from 13 mm, 20 mm, 28 mm and 32 mm, with the coupling device (11, 11') preferably , 11") by the elastic structure (113, 116', 112") to the diameters of the neck (23) of the vial (2) of 13 mm and 20 mm or to the diameters of the neck (23) of the vial (2) of 28 mm and 32 mm is adjustable. Coupling device (11, 11', 11") according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (11, 11', 11") is supported by the elastic structure (113,

116', 112") can be continuously adapted to the diameter of the neck (23) of the vial (2) in a range, the range being 10 mm to 35 mm, preferably 11 mm to 34 mm, more preferably 12 mm to 33 mm or wherein the range is 10 mm to 23 mm, preferably 11 mm to 22 mm, more preferably 12 mm to 21 mm, or wherein the range is 25 mm to 35 mm, preferably 26 mm to 34 mm, more preferably 27 mm to 33 mm An adapter (1, 1', 1") for a vial (2) for a medical liquid, comprising: a coupling device (11, 11', 11") according to any one of the preceding claims, a vial connector (12) which is designed to provide a fluid connection between an interior of the vial (2) connected to the adapter (1, 1', 1") and the adapter (1, 1', 1"), and a fluid connection (13), which is designed to provide a fluid connection between a fluid device and the adapter (1, 1 ', 1 "), so that a fluid connection between the In interior space of the vial (2) connected to the adapter (1, 1', 1") and the fluid device is provided. Adapter (1, 1', 1") according to the preceding claim, wherein the fluid connection (13) for providing the fluid connection between the fluid device and the adapter (1, 1', 1") is a plug-in connection element (131), in particular a Luer cone (131) and/or wherein the vial connection (12) has a lancing device, in particular a hollow mandrel, for providing the fluid connection between the interior of the vial (2) connected to the adapter (1, 1', 1") and the Adapter (1, 1', 1") includes, 31 wherein the lancing device is designed to provide the fluid connection between the interior of the vial (2) connected to the adapter (1, 11″) and the adapter (1, 1′, 1″) a septum (24), in particular a To pierce a septum comprising elastomer and/or PTFE, or an injection stopper of the vial (2), the vial connection (12) preferably being designed as a withdrawal spike for a medical fluid transfer system. Set comprising a first adapter (1, 1', 1 ") according to any one of claims 12 to 13 and a second adapter for a vial for a medical liquid, wherein the first and second adapters are designed for different sizes or size ranges of the vials , wherein preferably the second adapter is also an adapter according to one of the preceding claims and the different sizes of the vial, to which the coupling device of the first adapter can be adapted, of the different sizes of the vial, to which the coupling device of the second adapter can be adapted, at least are partially different. System comprising an adapter (1, 1', 1 ") according to any one of claims 12 to 13 or a set according to claim 14 and a fluid device, preferably a container for a medical liquid, more preferably a container with a medical liquid .