A SUBASSEMBLY OF A MEDICAMENT DELIVERY DEVICE

The present invention relates to a subassembly (2) of a medicament delivery device (1) for expelling medicament from a medicament container (7), the subassembly comprising: a housing (3) having a proximal end (3a) and a distal end (3b); an electrical engine (13) configured to, upon activation, cause expulsion of the medicament out from the medicament container, an electronic triggering device (19) configured to activate the electrical engine, the electrical engine and the electronic triggering device being accommodated in the housing; the electronic triggering device comprises an electronic non-contact sensor (21, 60) configured to sense a movable trigger (6) comprising a sensing area (47) wherein, in response to sensing the sensing area, the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to subassembly of a medicament delivery device for expelling medicament from a medicament container.

BACKGROUND

Autoinjectors or pen-injectors require a source of physical power for pushing a plunger to expel the medicament. The source of power may be provided by human force, springs, electrical motors, or a combination thereof.

Spring are often used but are limited in their performance due to the limited non-linear force they provide. Further, springs for autoinjectors are typically associated with complex manufacturing procedures.

Attempts have been made in using electrical motors since they can be configured to more accurately control the force applied to the plunger. However, a high output force from an electrical motor, e.g. step motor, requires high electricity consumption, and may therefore require a user to charge or change a battery every time before use.

SUMMARY

It would be desirable to provide a means for controlling an activation of an electrical motor in a reliable and at the same time cost-efficient way.

In the present disclosure, when the term “distal direction” is used, this refers to the direction pointing away from the dose delivery site during use of the medicament delivery device. When the term “distal part/end” is used, this refers to the part/end of the delivery device, or the parts/ends of the components thereof, which under use of the medicament delivery device is/are located furthest away from the dose delivery site. Correspondingly, when the term “proximal direction” is used, this refers to the direction pointing towards the dose delivery site during use of the medicament delivery device. When the term “proximal part/end” is used, this refers to the part/end of the delivery device, or the parts/ends of the members thereof, which under use of the medicament delivery device is/are located closest to the dose delivery site.

Further, the term “longitudinal”, “longitudinally”, “axially” or “axial” refer to a direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end, typically along the device or components thereof in the direction of the longest extension of the device and/or component.

Similarly, the terms “transverse”, “transversal” and “transversally” refer to a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Further, the terms “circumference”, “circumferential”, “circumferentially” refer to a circumference or a circumferential direction relative to an axis, typically a central axis extending in the direction of the longest extension of the device and/or component. Similarly, “radial” or “radially” refer to a direction extending radially relative to the axis, and “rotation”, “rotational” and “rotationally” refer to rotation relative to the axis.

There is hence provided a subassembly of a medicament delivery device for expelling medicament from a medicament container, the subassembly comprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; an electrical engine configured to, upon activation, generate propellant gas and thus cause expulsion of the medicament out from the medicament container; the electrical engine comprises liquid substance and configured to generate propellant gas from the liquid substance upon being activated; an electronic triggering device configured to activate the electrical engine, the electrical engine and the electronic triggering device being accommodated in the housing; the electronic triggering device is configured to sense a movable trigger comprising a sensing area in response to sensing the sensing area, the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine.

The electrical engine is preferably a miniature machine, e.g. a MEMS (micro electrical-mechanical system) machine, that comprises both electrical and mechanical components. Various such electrical engines are known per se.

The electrical engine is preferably configured to generate the propellant gas by electrochemistry way, e.g. electrolysis. Alternative, the electrical engine is configured to generate the propellant gas by heating the liquid substance and generate vapor.

The subassembly is therefore able to be more compact and can generate a high force. The subassembly is thus suitable to be a powerpack of the medicament delivery device.

According to one embodiment, the propellant gas is configured to flow into the medicament container and propel a plunger in the proximal direction of the medicament container.

According to one embodiment, the propellant gas is configured to propel a plunger of the medicament container in the proximal direction of the medicament container.

According to one embodiment, the subassembly comprises a plunger for expelling a contained medicament in the medicament container, so that the propellant gas is configured to flow into a tubular body of the plunger when the electrical engine is trigger.

According to one embodiment, subassembly comprises a medicament container holder for holding the medicament container; the medicament container holder is gas-tightly sealed to the electrical engine.

According to one embodiment, the subassembly comprises a resilient ring positioned between the medicament container and holder and the electrical engine.

According to one embodiment, the medicament container holder is connected to the electrical engine through a screw thread engagement, a bayonet engagement, or a snap-fit engagement.

According to one embodiment, the propellant gas is configured to flow into a sleeve connected to either a tubular plunger or a solid core plunger rod.

According to one embodiment, the electronic triggering device comprises an electronic non-contact sensor.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor comprising an emitter configured to transmit a signal and a detector configured to detect a reflected signal from the sensing area, whereby the triggering signal is provided in response to detecting the reflected signal.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor is an optical sensor or an acoustic sensor.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor being a magnetic field sensor configured to detect a magnetic element in the sensing area, the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal when the detected magnetic field strength is above a detection threshold.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor is configured to sense the movable trigger by detecting a variation in detection signal caused by a motion of the sensing area.

According to one embodiment, the electronic triggering device comprises a mechanical switch.

According to one embodiment, the subassembly comprising a cover structure configured to surround a medicament delivery member at the proximal end of the housing, the cover structure is movable in a longitudinal direction of the housing between a retracted position in which the medicament delivery member is exposed at the proximal end of the cover structure, and a extended position with the medicament delivery member covered by the cover structure.

According to one embodiment, the cover structure comprises the sensing area, the electronic triggering device is configured to sense that the cover structure is in the retracted position, in response to sensing that the cover structure is in the retracted position, the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine.

According to one embodiment, the cover structure is arranged such that, when the cover structure is moved towards the retracted position, a distance between the sensing area and the electronic non-contact sensor is reduced, thereby causing a variation in detection signal.

According to one embodiment, when dependent on any one of claims6-9, the electronic non-contact sensor is configured to sense the movable trigger by detecting an appearance of the cover structure.

Another aspect of the invention provides a subassembly of a medicament delivery device for expelling medicament from a medicament container, the subassembly comprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; an electrical engine configured to, upon activation, cause expulsion of the medicament out from the medicament container, an electronic triggering device configured to activate the electrical engine, the electrical engine and the electronic triggering device being accommodated in the housing; the electronic triggering device comprises an electronic non-contact sensor configured to sense a movable trigger comprising a sensing area wherein, in response to sensing the sensing area, the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine.

The electronic non-contact sensor provides for a reliable sensing means for detecting the sensing area and thereby triggering the electrical engine to activate. Such electronic non-contact sensor provides for a sensor that do not have to include moving mechanical parts in contact with the movable trigger, thereby eliminating potential sources of mechanical failure. Further, using an electronic based non-contact sensor advantageously provides for accurate and reproducible timing of the activation of the engine that do not have to rely on mechanical trigger links to the movable trigger.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor may comprise an emitter configured to transmit a signal and a detector configured to detect a reflected signal from the sensing area, whereby the triggering signal is provided in response to detecting the reflected signal.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor may be an optical sensor, the emitter being configured to emit an optical signal and the receiver being configured to detect a reflected optical signal. Optical sensors provide for an accurate and cost-efficient electronic non-contact sensor. Further, optical sensors are low power consumers and are relatively small and thus able to fit into the subassembly.

For example, the optical sensor may be an infrared sensor, thus emitting an infrared optical signal and being adapted to detect an infrared optical signal.

In one embodiment, the sensing area may comprise an optically reflective surface. This advantageously improves the detection accuracy of an optical sensor relying on detecting a reflected signal.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor may be an ultrasound sensor, the emitter being configured to emit an ultrasound signal and the receiver being configured to detect a reflected ultrasound signal. Using ultrasound sensors is a further alternative accurate and cost-efficient electronic non-contact sensor, that can be fitted into the subassembly. The detected ultrasound signal has been reflected from the sensing area of the movable trigger.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor may be a magnetic field sensor configured to detect a magnetic element in the sensing area, wherein the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal when the detected magnetic field strength is above a detection threshold. Accordingly, the magnetic element is spatially transferred by the movable trigger, and, once sufficiently close to the magnetic field sensor, is detected by the magnetic field sensor according to some detection threshold. The magnetic element comprises a magnetic material.

In one example, the magnetic field sensor may a Hall effect sensor.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor may be configured to sense the movable trigger by detecting an appearance of the sensing area. In one example, the electronic non-contact sensor may a camera device adapted to detect the appearance of the sensing area by detecting specific feature in the sensing area. The features may be detected in an image captured by the camera.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor may be configured to sense the movable trigger by detecting a variation in detection signal caused by a motion of the sensing area. Accordingly, as the sensing area moves, the detection signal varies, whereby a variation exceeding a threshold may be an indication that the engine should be activated.

According to one embodiment, the electrical engine may be configured to cause a plunger to move in the medicament container by the force from the electrical engine when the electrical engine is activated.

According to one embodiment, once activated, the electrical engine may be configured to remain activated only for a predetermined time duration. Hereby, reduced power consumption is achieved.

According to one embodiment, the electronic triggering device may be configured to deactivate the electrical engine when the electronic non-contact sensor no longer detects the proximity of the sensing area. Deactivation of the electrical engine provides for reduced power consumption.

According to one embodiment, the electronic triggering device may comprise processing circuitry configured to receive a sensing signal from the electronic non-contact sensor indicative of the sensing area being sensed, and in response to provide an activation signal to the electrical engine.

According to one embodiment, the subassembly may comprise power source configured to power the electrical engine and the electronic triggering device.

According to one embodiment, the subassembly may comprise an inner frame arranged in the housing at the distal end, the inner frame being arranged to support the electrical engine, a power source, and the electronic triggering device. Hereby, a modular subassembly is provided.

According to one embodiment, the housing may comprise a first housing part and a second housing part attachable to each other, wherein the first housing part is a distal housing part accommodating the inner frame, and the second housing part is a proximate housing part configured to accommodate at least part of a cover structure for a medicament delivery member, and the medicament container.

According to one embodiment, the subassembly may comprise a cover structure configured to surround a medicament delivery member at the proximal end of the housing, the cover structure is movable in a longitudinal direction of the housing between a retracted position in which the medicament delivery member is exposed at the proximal end of the cover structure, and an extended position with the medicament delivery member covered by the cover structure. Thus, the cover structure is adapted to cover the medicament delivery member, such as a needle, so that a user is protected from non-intended needlesticks. In the extended position, the delivery member may for example be moved fully into the cover structure.

According to one embodiment, the cover structure may comprise the sensing area, wherein the electronic triggering device is configured to sense that the cover structure is in the retracted position, wherein, in response to sensing that the cover structure is in the retracted position, the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine. Thus, the movable trigger is part of the cover structure thereby directly linking the motion or position of the cover structure to the activation of the electrical engine.

According to one embodiment, the cover structure may be arranged such that, when the cover structure is moved towards the retracted position, a distance between the sensing area and the electronic non-contact sensor is reduced, thereby causing a variation in detection signal.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor may be configured to sense the movable trigger by detecting an appearance of the cover structure.

According to one embodiment, the electronic non-contact sensor may be arranged spaced apart from the sensing area such that the cover structure can slide freely over the electronic non-contact sensor.

According to one embodiment, the subassembly may comprise a push button configured to actuate the movable trigger. The push button may be actuated by a user pushing the button.

According to one embodiment, the push button is configured to be moved by a user pushing the button in a longitudinal direction of the housing from an initial position to a triggered position.

According to one embodiment, the push button comprises the sensing area.

According to one embodiment, the electronic triggering device is configured to sense that the push button is in the triggered position, wherein, in response to sensing that the push button is in the triggered position, the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine.

According to one embodiment, the subassembly may comprise a rotator being rotatable by the cover structure to a locking position when the cover structure moves from the extended position to the retracted position, whereby, in the locking position, the rotator is configured to lock the cover structure in the extended position after use of the medicament delivery device.

According to one embodiment, the rotator may comprise a first track for receiving a guiding pin of the cover structure, wherein the guiding pin is arranged to move along the first track when the cover structure moves from the extended position to the retracted position to cause the rotation of the rotator, the rotator comprising a second track configured to receive the guiding pin from the first track when the cover structure moves from the retracted position to the extended position, whereby once the guiding pin is received in the second track, the cover structure is locked in the retracted position.

According to one embodiment, the electrical engine may be configured to generate propellant gas upon being activated.

According to one embodiment, the electrical engine may comprise liquid substance and configured to generate propellant gas from the liquid substance upon being activated. The generation of propellant gas may be based on e.g. electrolysis or heating processes of the liquid substance.

According to one embodiment, the propellant gas may be configured to flow into the medicament container and propel a plunger in the proximal direction of the medicament container.

According to one embodiment, the propellant gas may be configured to propel a plunger.

According to one embodiment, the propellant gas may be configured to flow into a tubular body of the plunger.

According to one embodiment, the propellant gas may be configured to flow into a sleeve connected to either a tubular plunger or a solid core plunger rod.

There is according to another aspect of the present disclosure provided a subassembly module for controlling expulsion of medicament from a medicament container, the subassembly module comprising: a frame structure arrangeable in a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; an electrical engine configured to, upon activation, cause expulsion of the medicament out from the medicament container, an electronic triggering device configured to activate the electrical engine; a power source configured to power the electrical engine and the electronic triggering device, the frame being configured to accommodate the electrical engine, the power source, and the electronic triggering device, wherein the electronic triggering device comprises an electronic non-contact sensor configured to sense a movable trigger comprising a sensing area, in response to sensing the sensing area the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine.

Hereby an advantageous subassembly module is provided with advantages related to the electronic non-contact sensor as discussed above.

According to one embodiment, the frame may comprise an inner space for accommodating the electrical engine, the power source, and the electronic triggering device.

According to one embodiment, the medicament delivery device that can comprise the subassembly of the invention can be an injector or an inhaler.

According to one embodiment, the injector can be a pen-type auto-injector, an on-body injector, or an infusion pump.

According to one embodiment, the medicament container can be a syringe or a cartridge.

According to one embodiment, the electrical engine comprises an opening cover is covered by a movable lid.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the member, apparatus, component, means, etc.” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the member, apparatus, component, means, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows an example of a medicament delivery device1configured to expel medicament from a medicament container.

The medicament delivery device1comprises a housing3. The housing3has a proximal end3aand a distal end3b.

The medicament delivery device1comprises a cover structure5. The cover structure5is arranged in the housing3and extends proximally from the proximal end3a.

The cover structure5is configured to be moved linearly relative to the housing3from a first position, being an extended position shown inFIG.1to a second position, being a retracted position in which the cover structure5is received further in the housing3.

The cover structure5is biased in the proximal direction towards the first position.

As will be discussed further, a subassembly of the medicament delivery device1comprises an electronic triggering device which is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate an electrical engine to discharge medicament once a movable trigger is detected.

FIG.2shows an exploded view of the medicament delivery device1. A medicament container7with which the medicament delivery device1can be loaded is also depicted.

A subassembly2of the medicament delivery device1comprises the housing3, here being provided as a first housing part9and a second housing part11attachable to each other.

The subassembly2comprises an electrical engine13arranged in an inner frame15. The inner frame15is arranged to additionally support a power source17, and an electronic triggering device19. The power source, such as a battery, is configured to power the electrical engine13and the electronic triggering device19.

The first housing part9is a distal housing part configured to accommodate the inner frame15. The electrical engine13and the electronic triggering device19being accommodated in the first housing part9.

The second housing part11is a proximate housing part configured to accommodate at least part of the cover structure5for a medicament delivery member such as a needle, and the medicament container7.

As will be discussed further, the electrical engine13is configured to, upon activation, cause expulsion of the medicament out from the medicament container7. Further, the electronic triggering device19is configured to activate the electrical engine13. For this, the electronic triggering device19comprises an electronic non-contact sensor21configured to sense a movable trigger6comprising a sensing area. In the depicted embodiment, the movable trigger is exemplified as an extension65or arm of a cover structure5. In response to sensing the sensing area, the electronic triggering device19is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine. In this example, the extension65is a distal portion of the cover structure5, thus extending in a distal direction subassembly2. In a preferred example, the extension65is a tapered or narrowed part of the cover structure5that is adapted to reach to and beyond the location of the electronic non-contact sensor when the cover structure5is in the retracted position. In the preferred example, the transversal width of the extension is less than that of the proximal part of the cover structure5.

The electrical engine13being configured to cause a plunger to move in the medicament container7by the force from the electrical engine when the electrical engine is activated. The plunger may be part of the electrical engine13configured to push a rubber seal27of the medicament container7into the medicament container7. In other possible examples, the plunger may be part of the medicament container7, whereby the plunger is connectable to the electrical engine.

Various implementations for the expulsion of the medicament out from the medicament container7are conceivable. In one example, the electrical engine13is configured to generate propellant gas upon being activated. In this implementation, the propellant gas may flow directly into the medicament container7if the plunger is part of the medicament container7.

In another example, the electrical engine13comprises liquid substance and is configured to generate propellant gas from the liquid substance upon being activated. The generation of propellant gas may be based on e.g. electrochemistry, electrolysis or heating processes of the liquid substance.

In yet another example, the propellant gas is configured to flow into the medicament container7and propel a plunger in the proximal direction of the medicament container. In yet another example, the propellant gas is configured to propel a plunger. The propellant gas may for example be configured to flow into a tubular body of the plunger. In another example, the propellant gas is configured to flow into a sleeve connected to the plunger. The plunger of the medicament container7is gas-tightly connectable to the electrical engine13. If the plunger is provided as part of the electrical engine, the plunger is gas-tightly connected to the electrical engine13.

The plunger may be for example either a tubular plunger or a solid core plunger rod, or a rubber seal of the medicament container when the plunger is a part of the medicament container.

In one example that the plunger is a part of the medicament container, the propellant gas is configured to flow into the medicament container and therefore moves the plunger of the medicament container to expel the contained medicament. In a preferred example, the plunger is the rubber seal of the medicament container, the when the electrical engine13is activated, the propellant gas is generated from the electrical engine13and flow into the medicament container due to the gas-tightly connection between the plunger and the electrical engine13. In a preferred example, the gas-tightly connection can be arranged between a medicament container holder and the electrical engine13. In this example, the medicament container holder is configured to hold the medicament container. Optionally, a resilient ring can be provided between the medicament container holder and the electrical engine; preferably the resilient ring is positioned on a distal edge of the medicament container and the electrical engine, so that a better gas-tight seal can be provided. In a preferred example, the medicament container holder can be attached to the electrical engine via e.g. screw thread engagement, snap-fit engagement, or a bayonet engagement, so that the resilient ring can be squeezed tightly between the electrical engine and the medicament container, thus the plunger of the medicament container is gas-tightly connected to the electrical engine. Furthermore, the screw thread engagement or the bayonet engagement between the medicament container holder and the electrical engine, a medicament delivery device with the subassembly of the invention can be a reusable device, namely, an end user can change the medicament container multiple times, for multiple times of use of the medicament delivery device. It should be noted that, when the plunger is a part of the subassembly, the subassembly is also suitable for a medicament delivery device that is a reusable device. In the example that the plunger is a part of the subassembly, the medicament container holder can be a part of the housing, and no gas-tightly connection between the medicament container holder is needed for the subassembly of the invention.

If the medicament delivery device that comprises the subassembly of the invention is a reusable device, the electrical engine is preferably comprises a opening that is covered by a movable lid, so that the end user or the device manufacturer/maintenance staff/recycling staff can refill the liquid into the electrical engine, from the opening, for being further use for generating the propellant gas. The movable lid can be connected to the electrical engine through a hinge or can be completely removed from the electrical engine.

In another example, when the plunger is a part of the subassembly, the subassembly optionally comprises a sleeve connected to either a tubular plunger or a solid core plunger rod. The sleeve is movable relative to the plunger, e.g. either the plunger can move actively relative to the sleeve or the sleeve can move actively relative to the plunger. The sleeve is gas-tightly seal with the plunger and the electrical engine, so that the propellant gas can flow into the sleeve and propel the plunger into the medicament container and expel the contained medicament.

With reference toFIG.2, the subassembly2according to the present example comprises the cover structure5configured to surround a medicament delivery member29at the proximal end3aof the housing3comprising the first housing part9and the second housing part11, here the proximal end being part of the second housing part11. The cover structure5is movable in a longitudinal direction of the housing3between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position the medicament delivery member is exposed at the proximal end3aof the cover structure. In the extended position the medicament delivery member is covered by the cover structure5.

The cover structure5is biased by a spring23towards the extended position. In the retracted position, the extension65reaches into the first housing part9.

The subassembly2further comprises a cylindrically shaped rotator33being rotatable by the cover structure as the cover structure moves in the longitudinal direction of the subassembly2. The rotator is adapted to prevent the cover structure from retracting again after an injection event using the subassembly2. The rotator33is rotatable to a locking position when the cover structure moves from the extended position to the retracted position. In the locking position, the rotator33is configured to lock the cover structure5in the extended position after use of the medicament delivery device.

There is further depicted a removable proximal end cap35removable by a user prior to injection, and a distal end cap37to seal the subassembly2. In addition, a holder38for the medicament container is also depicted and a removable needle shield holder39which may be removable as the user removes the end cap35. The housing19is provided with an indication window41through which a user can monitor the progress status of a present injection.

FIG.3Aillustrate a side view of the medicament delivery device1in an initial default state being loaded with a medicament container7and with the proximal end cap being35removed. InFIGS.3A-3Dthe housing is omitted.

FIG.3Billustrates a side view the medicament delivery device1without the end cap35and ready to start an injection event, i.e. placing the cover structure5on an injection site on the skin of a user.

In this state, a guiding pin42on an inner surface of the cover structure5is received in a guiding track43of the rotator33. The track43may be provided as a groove in the material on an outer side of the rotator33in which the protruding guiding pin42may slide. The outer side of the rotator faces the inner surface of the cover structure5. The medical delivery member, i.e. the needle29is still covered by the cover structure5being in an extended position.

Further, a sensing area47of the cover structure5, here serving as a movable trigger, is not yet detected by the electronic non-contact sensor21in such a way to cause the electronic triggering device19to provide a triggering signal. The sensing area47is located on a distal end of the cover structure5. In a preferred example, the sensing area47is located on the extension65serving as an arm reaching in the distal direction.

FIG.3Cillustrates a side view the medicament delivery device1in an injection state with the cover structure5in the retracted position thereby exposing the needle29at the proximal end3aof the medicament delivery device1. In this state, the electronic non-contact sensor21of the electronic triggering device19is able to sense the sensing area47. In response to sensing the sensing area47, the electronic triggering device19is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine13. Once activated, the electrical engine13is configured to cause expulsion of the medicament out from the medicament container7. The medicament is thereby expelled out through the needle29for injection at the injection site.

Further, when the cover structure5is moved towards the retracted position, the guiding pin42moves along the guiding track43to beyond, in a distal direction, a locking mechanism49. When the guiding pin42moves in the guiding track43, it will make the rotatable rotator33rotate as indicated by arrow50. For this, the guiding track43is shaped along a curved path, or along a path that changes direction at least once, here indicated by dashed arrow51. When the guiding pin41moves along the curved path51, the guiding pin41pushes on the rotator33, in the guiding track43to cause the rotator to rotate. The motion of the guiding pin42in the guiding track43is along the dashed arrow51.

FIG.3Dillustrates side view of the medicament delivery device1after an injection event with the cover structure5in the extended position thereby protecting the needle29. Here the electrical engine13has been deactivated.

Deactivation of the electrical engine13may be performed in various conceivable ways.

According to one example, the electrical engine13is configured to remain activated for a predetermined time duration. This time duration is sufficiently long to empty the medicament container using the electrical engine13. For example, the electronic triggering device19is configured to deactivate the electrical engine13when the electronic non-contact sensor no longer detects the proximity of the sensing area47. In other words, as long as the cover structure5is in the retracted position, the electrical engine13is active.

Further, when the cover structure moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the guiding pin42is received in the locking mechanism49. The locking mechanism is arranged along a straight path indicated by dashed arrow52generally parallel with a longitudinal direction of the medicament delivery device1. Once the guiding pin42is received in the locking mechanism49, the cover structure5is locked in the retracted position. The guiding pin41is preferable locked in the locking mechanism49by a flexible stop member53. The flexible stop53member is here exemplified as including a helical ramp surface which when being pushed in an axial direction flexes and allows the guiding pin42to reach a position proximal to the flexible stop member53. Once in this position, the flexible stop53flexes back to its original shape, whereby the guiding pin42is not allowed to move in the distal direction, thereby locking the cover structure5in the extended position.

FIGS.4A-4Billustrate side views of a proximal portion comprising the cover structure5and a more distal portion where the electrical engine13and electronic triggering device19is located. Parts between these portions are omitted for clarity inFIGS.4A-4B.

The electronic triggering device19comprises an electronic non-contact sensor21comprising an emitter54configured to transmit a signal and a detector55configured to detect a reflected signal from the sensing area47. whereby the triggering signal is provided in response to detecting the reflected signal.

InFIG.4A, the cover structure5is in the extended position whereby sensing area47is not detectable by the electronic non-contact sensor21. With this type of sensor configured to emit a signal and detect a reflected signal, when the sensing area47is not located over the sensor, the emitted signal does not reach the sensing area47, whereby no reflected signal from the sensing area is detected. The electronic non-contact sensor21is arranged spaced apart from the sensing area47such that the cover structure5can slide freely over the electronic non-contact sensor.

Now turning toFIG.4B, once the sensing area47is moved closer to the electronic non-contact sensor21, here being directly above the electronic non-contact sensor21, the emitted signal is reflected off the sensing area47and can be detected by the detector55.

Various types of electronic non-contact sensors21relying on detecting a reflection are conceivable.

In one example, the electronic non-contact sensor21is an optical sensor, the emitter53being configured to emit an optical signal and the receiver55being configured to detect a reflected optical signal. In such case, the sensing area47may advantageously comprise an optically reflective surface. In one example, the optical sensor is an infrared sensor.

In a further example, the electronic non-contact sensor21is an ultrasound sensor, the emitter53being configured to emit an ultrasound signal and the receiver55being configured to detect a reflected ultrasound signal.

In a further example, the electronic non-contact sensor21is configured to sense the movable trigger by detecting an appearance of the sensing area47. For example, if the electronic non-contact sensor21is a camera device, the electronic triggering device19may analyse images capture by the camera device, and once specific features such as marks present in the sensing area is recognized, it can be concluded that the sensing area is detected and the electrical engine can be activated.

FIGS.5A-Billustrates similar side views as inFIGS.4A-Bwithout the housing. In this embodiment, electronic non-contact sensor is a magnetic field sensor60configured to detect a magnetic element62in the sensing area47. The electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal when the detected magnetic field strength is above a detection threshold. The detection threshold may be calibrated so that the triggering signal is provided when the cover structure5is in the retracted position.

InFIG.5A, the cover structure5is in the extended position whereby magnetic field strength from magnetic element62at the magnetic field sensor60is below the detection threshold. In other words, the magnetic element62is too far from the magnetic field sensor60to cause actuation of the electrical engine13.

InFIG.5B, the sensing area47including the magnetic element62is moved closer to the magnetic field sensor60due to the motion of the cover structure5being in the retracted position. Here the magnetic element62is directly above the magnetic field sensor60. The magnetic field strength detected by the sensor60exceeds the detection threshold when the cover structure5is in this the retracted position whereby the electrical engine13is activated by the electronic triggering device19.

In one example, the magnetic field sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

The motions of the sensing area47causes a variation in detection signal detected by the magnetic field sensor60. A magnitude of this variation may be used for determining whether the movable trigger has been detected. Thus, if the variation exceeds a detection threshold, the movable trigger is determined to have been detected, whereby the electrical engine13is actuated.

In the examples shown inFIGS.4A-BandFIGS.5A-b, the cover structure5comprises the movable trigger in the form of an extension65comprising a sensing area47. The extension65reaches in a distal direction of the cover structure5and is detectable by the electronic non-contact sensor. The electronic triggering device19is configured to sense that the cover structure is in the retracted position, and in response provide the triggering signal to activate the electrical engine13.

In other possible implementations, the subassembly may comprise a push button configured to cause motion of the movable trigger. In other words, the subassembly may comprise a separate push button that is pressed by the user once the cover structure5is in the retracted position, whereby the movable trigger is sensed by the electronic non-contact sensor21,60.

Turning again toFIG.2, there is further provided a subassembly module100for controlling expulsion of medicament from a medicament container7. The subassembly module100comprising a frame structure15arrangeable in a housing11having a proximal end3cand a distal end3b.

The subassembly module100comprises the electrical engine13configured to, upon activation, cause expulsion of the medicament out from the medicament container7.

Further, an electronic triggering device19is configured to activate the electrical engine13, and the power source17is configured to power the electrical engine13and the electronic triggering device19.

The frame15is configured to accommodate the electrical engine13, the power source17, and the electronic triggering device19. The frame15is located in the distal first housing part9. The frame15is thus distal to the cover structure5and the medicament container holder38. Further, the frame is located such that the electrical engine13can cause a plunger to move in the medicament container7by the force from the electrical engine13when the electrical engine13is activated. Thus, the frame is advantageously adjacent to the medicament container7, when in use.

The electronic triggering device19comprises an electronic non-contact sensor21,60configured to sense the movable trigger6comprising a sensing area47. In response to sensing the sensing area the electronic triggering device19is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine19.

Accordingly, the frame15comprises an inner space for accommodating the electrical engine13, the power source17, and the electronic triggering device19.

The electronic triggering device19may comprising processing circuitry configured to receive a sensing signal from the electronic non-contact sensor21indicative of the sensing area47being sensed, and in response to provide an activation signal to the electrical engine13. The electronic triggering device further includes a printed circuit board, PCB68, for carrying the processing circuitry and the electronic non-contact sensor21,60.

Such processing circuitry may comprise a logic circuit or control unit including a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable digital signal processor or another programmable device. The processing circuitry may also, or instead, each include an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array or programmable array logic, a programmable logic device, or a digital signal processor. Where the processing circuitry includes a programmable device such as the microprocessor, microcontroller or programmable digital signal processor mentioned above, the processor may further include computer executable code that controls operation of the programmable device.

Some aspects of the invention are described in the clauses below.

1. A subassembly (2) of a medicament delivery device (1) for expelling medicament from a medicament container (7), the subassembly comprising:a housing (3) having a proximal end (3a) and a distal end (3b);an electrical engine (13) configured to, upon activation, cause expulsion of the medicament out from the medicament container,an electronic triggering device (19) configured to activate the electrical engine, the electrical engine and the electronic triggering device being accommodated in the housing;the electronic triggering device comprises an electronic non-contact sensor (21,60) configured to sense a movable trigger (6) comprising a sensing area (47) wherein,in response to sensing the sensing area, the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine.

2. The subassembly according to clause1, the electronic non-contact sensor comprising an emitter (54) configured to transmit an signal and a detector (55) configured to detect a reflected signal from the sensing area, whereby the triggering signal is provided in response to detecting the reflected signal.

3. The subassembly according to clause2, wherein the electronic non-contact sensor is an optical sensor, the emitter being configured to emit an optical signal and the receiver being configured to detect a reflected optical signal.

4. The subassembly according to clause3, wherein the optical sensor is an infrared sensor.

5. The subassembly according to any one of clauses 3 and 4, wherein the sensing area (47) comprises an optically reflective surface.

6. The subassembly according to clause1, wherein the electronic non-contact sensor is an ultrasound sensor, the emitter being configured to emit an ultrasound signal and the receiver being configured to detect a reflected ultrasound signal.

7. The subassembly according to clause1, the electronic non-contact sensor being a magnetic field sensor (60) configured to detect a magnetic element in the sensing area, wherein the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal when the detected magnetic field strength is above a detection threshold.

8. The subassembly according to clause7, wherein the magnetic field sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

9. The subassembly according to clause1, wherein the electronic non-contact sensor (21) is configured to sense the movable trigger by detecting an appearance of the sensing area.

10. The subassembly according to clause9, wherein the electronic non-contact sensor (21) is a camera device.

11. The subassembly according to any one of clauses1 to 8, wherein the electronic non-contact sensor is configured to sense the movable trigger by detecting a variation in detection signal caused by a motion of the sensing area.

12. The subassembly according to any one of the preceding claims, the electrical engine being configured to cause a plunger to move in the medicament container by the force from the electrical engine when the electrical engine is activated.

13. The subassembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, once activated, the electrical engine is configured to remain activated for a predetermined time duration.

14. The subassembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic triggering device is configured to deactivate the electrical engine when the electronic non-contact sensor no longer detects the proximity of the sensing area.

15. The subassembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic triggering device comprising processing circuitry configured to receive a sensing signal from the electronic non-contact sensor indicative of the sensing area being sensed, and in response to provide an activation signal to the electrical engine.

16. The subassembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a power source (17) configured to power the electrical engine and the electronic triggering device.

17. The subassembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an inner frame (15) arranged in the housing at the distal end, the inner frame being arranged to support the electrical engine, a power source, and the electronic triggering device.

18. The subassembly according to clause16, the housing comprising a first housing part (9) and a second housing part (11) attachable to each other, wherein the first housing part is a distal housing part accommodating the inner frame, and the second housing part is a proximate housing part configured to accommodate at least part of a cover structure for a medicament delivery member, and the medicament container.

19. The subassembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cover structure (5) configured to surround a medicament delivery member (29) at the proximal end of the housing, the cover structure is movable in a longitudinal direction of the housing between a retracted position in which the medicament delivery member is exposed at the proximal end of the cover structure, and a extended position with the medicament delivery member covered by the cover structure.

20. The subassembly according to clause19, wherein the cover structure comprises the sensing area (47), wherein the electronic triggering device is configured to sense that the cover structure is in the retracted position, wherein, p1in response to sensing that the cover structure is in the retracted position, the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine.

21. The subassembly according to any one of clauses 19 and 20, wherein the cover structure is arranged such that, when the cover structure is moved towards the retracted position, a distance between the sensing area and the electronic non-contact sensor is reduced, thereby causing a variation in detection signal.

22. The subassembly according to any one of clauses 19 and 20, wherein the electronic non-contact sensor is configured to sense the movable trigger by detecting an appearance of the cover structure.

23. The subassembly according to any one of clauses 19 to 22, wherein the electronic non-contact sensor is arranged spaced apart from the sensing area such that the cover structure can slide freely over the electronic non-contact sensor.

24. The subassembly according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, comprising a push button configured to cause motion of the movable trigger.

25. The subassembly according to clause19, comprising a rotator (33) being rotatable by the cover structure to a locking position when the cover structure moves from the extended position to the retracted position, whereby, in the locking position, the rotator is configured to lock the cover structure in the extended position after use of the medicament delivery device.

26. The subassembly according to clause 25, wherein the rotator comprises a guiding track (43) for receiving a guiding pin (42) of the cover structure, wherein the guiding pin is arranged to move along the guiding track when the cover structure moves from the extended position to the retracted position to cause the rotation of the rotator, the rotator comprising a locking mechanism (49) configured to receive the guiding pin from the guiding track when the cover structure moves from the retracted position to the extended position, whereby once the guiding pin is received in the locking mechanism, the cover structure is locked in the retracted position.

27. The subassembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical engine is configured to generate propellant gas upon being activated.

28. The subassembly according to clause 27, wherein the electrical engine comprises liquid substance and configured to generate propellant gas from the liquid substance upon being activated.

29. The subassembly according to any one of clauses 27 and 28, wherein the propellant gas is configured to flow into the medicament container and propel a plunger in the proximal direction of the medicament container.

30. The subassembly according to any one of clauses 27 and 28, wherein the propellant gas is configured to propel a plunger in the proximal direction of the medicament container.

31. The subassembly according to any one of clauses 27 and 28, wherein the propellant gas is configured to flow into a tubular body of the plunger.

32. The subassembly according to any one of clauses 27 and 28, wherein the propellant gas is configured to flow into a sleeve connected to either a tubular plunger or a solid core plunger rod.

33. A subassembly module (100) for controlling expulsion of medicament from a medicament container, the subassembly module comprising:a frame structure arrangeable in a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;an electrical engine configured to, upon activation, cause expulsion of the medicament out from the medicament container,an electronic triggering device configured to activate the electrical engine;a power source configured to power the electrical engine and the electronic triggering device,the frame being configured to accommodate the electrical engine, the power source, and the electronic triggering device, whereinthe electronic triggering device comprises an electronic non-contact sensor configured to sense a movable trigger comprising a sensing area,in response to sensing the sensing area the electronic triggering device is configured to provide a triggering signal to activate the electrical engine.

34. The subassembly module according to clause 33, wherein the frame comprises an inner space for accommodating the electrical engine, the power source, and the electronic triggering device.