Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2011095503A1/en
Timestamp: 2019-07-17 15:58:53
Document Index: 459277602

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art\n13']

WO2011095503A1 - Assembly for a drug delivery device and drug delivery device - Google Patents
WO2011095503A1
WO2011095503A1 PCT/EP2011/051446 EP2011051446W WO2011095503A1 WO 2011095503 A1 WO2011095503 A1 WO 2011095503A1 EP 2011051446 W EP2011051446 W EP 2011051446W WO 2011095503 A1 WO2011095503 A1 WO 2011095503A1
PCT/EP2011/051446
2010-02-02 Priority to EP10152344.7 priority
2011-02-02 Application filed by Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh filed Critical Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh
2011-08-11 Publication of WO2011095503A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011095503A1/en
Assembly for a drug delivery device and drug delivery device This disclosure relates to an assembly for a drug delivery device and a drug delivery device incorporating such an assembly.
US 2007/0197976 A1 .
According to one aspect an assembly for a drug delivery device is provided. The assembly may comprise a housing. The assembly may comprise at least one stop feature. The assembly may comprise at least one blocking member. The assembly may comprise a rotation member. The assembly may comprise a drive member. The rotation member may be configured to rotate in a dose setting direction with respect to the housing for setting a dose of a drug. The rotation member may be configured to rotate in a dose delivery direction with respect to the housing for delivering the set dose of the drug. The drive member may be adapted to follow rotational movement of the rotation member in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing by mechanical interaction with the rotation member. For setting a dose of the drug the stop feature may be configured to be rotated in the dose setting direction with respect to the blocking member and with respect to the housing. For delivering the set dose of the drug the blocking member may be configured to be axially displaced with respect to the stop feature away from an axial starting position and towards an axial interaction position. When the blocking member is in the axial starting position, the blocking member may be axially offset from the stop feature. When the blocking member is in the axial interaction position the blocking member may be arranged and/or configured to mechanically cooperate with, in particular to abut, the stop feature. By this mechanical cooperation rotation of the stop feature in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing may be prevented. A further aspect relates to a drug delivery device. The drug delivery device expediently comprises the assembly described above. The drug delivery device comprises a cartridge. The cartridge may hold a plurality of doses of the drug. The assembly may provide an end-stop mechanism for the drug delivery device. The end-stop mechanism may be configured to prevent setting of a dose of the drug which exceeds a quantity of the drug present in the cartridge.
For setting a dose of the drug the stop feature may be rotated in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing. For delivering the set dose the stop feature may be rotated in a dose delivery direction with respect to the housing. The dose delivery direction may be opposite to the dose setting direction. In the axial interaction position the blocking member may be positioned at the axial position of the stop feature with respect to the housing such that the blocking member and the stop feature may interact, in particular abut. When the blocking member is in the axial interaction position the whole amount of the drug held in the cartridge which was intended for dispense may have been dispensed. Consequently, dispensing of a subsequent full-size dose of the drug may no longer be possible. In the axial interaction position setting of a subsequent dose of the drug may be prevented due to mechanical cooperation of the stop feature and the blocking member, and hence, underdosing may be prevented. In this way, a user-friendly and safe drug delivery device may be achieved.
According to an embodiment, the stop feature is rotated about a stop feature angle in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing for setting the dose of the drug. The blocking member may be rotated about a blocking member delivery angle in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing when the blocking member is displaced from the axial starting position towards the axial interaction position. When the blocking member is in the axial interaction position the angular distance between the blocking member and the stop feature is expediently less than the stop feature angle. In particular, the minimum rotation angle of the stop feature necessary for setting a minimum dose may be greater than the angular distance between the stop feature and the blocking member in the interaction position. Hence, completion of a further dose setting action is prevented when the blocking member is in the axial interaction position.
Preferably, the stop feature is rotated by less than 360 degrees in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing for setting the dose of the drug. Preferably, the blocking member is rotated by 360 degrees or more in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing when being displaced from the axial starting position towards the axial interaction position.
Hence, when the amount of the drug held in the cartridge exceeds the size of a dose to be set and delivered the stop feature may be rotatable in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing, thereby passing the angular position of the blocking member without mechanical cooperation, in particular abutment, with the blocking member.
Thus, setting of at least a minimum dose of the drug is enabled when the blocking member is not in the axial interaction position. According to an embodiment, the axial interaction position may be defined by the axial position of the stop feature within the housing.
According to an embodiment, a piston rod is provided. The blocking member may be part of the piston rod. The piston rod may be configured to be axially displaced with respect to the housing for delivering a dose of the drug. Preferably, the rotation axis runs along the piston rod and, in particular, along a main direction of extent of the piston rod. Preferably, the piston rod is threadedly engaged with the housing. The piston rod may be configured to displace the piston axially with respect to the cartridge for expelling the set dose of the drug from the cartridge. According to an embodiment, the stop feature protrudes radially, preferably radially inwardly, from the rotation member.
The drive member and the rotation member may be in, preferably permanent, mechanical contact. The drive member and the rotation member may be coupled, preferably permanently coupled, to one another by a uni-directional friction clutch mechanism. The friction clutch mechanism may be configured to permit relative rotational movement between the rotation member and the drive member when setting a dose of the drug. In this way, rotation of the piston rod and, hence, of the blocking member in the dose setting direction may be effectively prevented. The friction clutch mechanism may be configured to prevent relative rotational movement of the rotation member and the drive member for delivering the set dose of the drug.
The rotation member may be axially moveable with respect to the housing only in a limited fashion. For example, axial movement of the rotation member may be influenced by the configuration of the friction clutch mechanism, e.g. by the depth of teeth of the friction clutch mechanism. Axial movement of the rotation member beyond a given axial distance, which may be determined by the teeth of the friction clutch mechanism, may be limited by means of mechanical cooperation of the rotation member and the housing, for example. According to an embodiment, the drive member and the piston rod are rotationally locked with each other. Preferably, the piston rod is splined to the drive member. According to an embodiment, the assembly comprises at least two blocking members. The two blocking members may be oppositely disposed.
According to a preferred embodiment, an assembly for a drug delivery device is provided. The assembly comprises a housing, at least one stop feature and at least one blocking member. For setting a dose of a drug, the stop feature is configured to be rotated in a dose setting direction with respect to the blocking member and with respect to the housing and, for delivering the set dose of the drug, the blocking member is configured to be axially displaced with respect to the stop feature away from an axial starting position and towards an axial interaction position. When the blocking member is in the axial starting position, the blocking member is axially offset from the stop feature and, when the blocking member is in the axial interaction position, the blocking member is configured to mechanically cooperate with the stop feature such that rotation of the stop feature in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing is prevented. Of course, features described above in connection with different aspects and
Figure 6 schematically shows a perspective sectional view of another part of Figure 4B, Figure 7 schematically shows a perspective sectional view of a part of the drug delivery device of Figure 1 .
In Figure 1 a drug delivery device 1 is shown. The drug delivery device 1 comprises a cartridge unit 2. The drug delivery device 1 comprises a drive unit 3. The drug delivery device has a housing 1 1 . The cartridge unit 2 comprises a cartridge holder 39. The cartridge unit 2 comprises a cartridge 4. The cartridge 4 is, preferably releasably, secured to the cartridge holder 39. The cartridge holder 39 stabilizes the cartridge 4 mechanically.
The cartridge 4 may hold a plurality of doses of a drug 5. The drug 5 is preferably a liquid medication, comprising, for example, insulin, like short-acting or long acting- insulin, heparin or growth hormones.
The term "drug", as used herein, preferably means a pharmaceutical formulation containing at least one pharmaceutically active compound, wherein in one embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound has a molecular weight up to 1500 Da and/or is a peptide, a proteine, a polysaccharide, a vaccine, a DNA, a RNA, an enzyme, an antibody, a hormone or an oligonucleotide, or a mixture of the above-mentioned pharmaceutically active compound, wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound is useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diabetes mellitus or complications associated with diabetes mellitus such as diabetic retinopathy, thromboembolism disorders such as deep vein or pulmonary thromboembolism, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), angina, myocardial infarction, cancer, macular degeneration, inflammation, hay fever, atherosclerosis and/or rheumatoid arthritis, wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound comprises at least one peptide for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diabetes mellitus or
complications associated with diabetes mellitus such as diabetic retinopathy, wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound comprises at least one human insulin or a human insulin analogue or derivative, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1 ) or an analogue or derivative thereof, or exedin-3 or exedin-4 or an analogue or derivative of exedin-3 or exedin-4. Insulin analogues are for example Gly(A21 ), Arg(B31 ), Arg(B32) human insulin;
N+(R1 )(R2)(R3)(R4), wherein R1 to R4 independently of each other mean: hydrogen, an optionally substituted C1 -C6-alkyl group, an optionally substituted C2-C6-alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C6-C10-aryl group, or an optionally substituted C6-C10- heteroaryl group. Further examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are described in "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences" 17. ed. Alfonso R. Gennaro (Ed.), Mark Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., U.S.A., 1985 and in Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology. Pharmaceutically acceptable solvates are for example hydrates. The cartridge 4 has an outlet 6. The drug 5 can be dispensed from the cartridge 4 through the outlet 6. The outlet 6 may be covered by a membrane. The membrane may protect the drug 5 against external influences during storage of the cartridge 4. The drug delivery device 1 comprises a piston 9. The piston 9 may be retained in the cartridge 4.
The drug delivery device 1 and the housing 1 1 have a distal end and a proximal end. The term "distal end" 7 designates that end of the drug delivery device 1 or a
component thereof which is or is to be arranged closest to a dispensing end of the drug delivery device 1 . The term "proximal end" 8 designates that end of the device 1 or a component thereof which is or is to be arranged furthest away from the dispensing end of the device 1 .
The housing 1 1 may be designed to enable a safe and comfortable handling of the drug delivery device 1 . The housing 1 1 may be configured to house, fix, protect or guide inner components of the drug delivery device 1 , e.g. piston rod 10, dose part 12.
Preferably, the housing 1 1 limits or prevents the exposure of the inner components to contaminants such as liquid, dirt or dust. The housing 1 1 may be a unitary or a multipart component. The housing 1 1 may comprise a tubular or cylindrical shape, as shown in Figure 1 . Alternatively, the housing 1 1 may comprise a non-tubular shape.
The piston rod 10 may operate through the housing 1 1 of the drug delivery device 1 . The piston rod 10 may be designed to transfer axial movement through the drug delivery device 1 , for example for the purpose of dispensing the drug 5 (see also Figures 2 and 3 for more details). In particular, the piston rod 10 may be designed to transfer force to the piston 9, thereby pushing the piston 9 in a distal direction with respect to the housing. In this way, a dose of the drug 5 may be dispensed from the cartridge 4. The size of the dispensed dose is determined by the distance by which the piston 9 is displaced in the distal direction with respect to the housing 1 1 .
A bearing member 38 may be arranged between the piston 9 and the piston rod 10 to advance the piston 9. The bearing member 38 may be displaced together with the piston rod 10 with respect to the housing 1 1 . The piston rod 10 may be rotatable with respect to the bearing member 38.
The cartridge unit 2 and the drive unit 3 may be, preferably releasably, secured to one another. For this purpose, a proximal end of the cartridge unit 2 may be secured to a distal end of the drive unit 3, for example by a threaded connection. If the cartridge unit 2 is releasably secured to the drive unit 3, the device 1 may be a re-usable device. In this case, the cartridge unit 2 may be detached from the drive unit 3 for providing for a new cartridge 4, if all of the doses of the drug 5 have already been dispensed, and reattached to the drive unit 3 thereafter. If the cartridge unit 2 is irreleasably secured to the drive unit 3 the drug delivery device 1 may be a disposable device. The drive unit 3 comprises a drive mechanism, which is described in detail in
connection with the description of Figures 2 and 3. Dose part 12 may be part of the drive mechanism. The dose part 12 may be movable with respect to the housing 1 1 . The dose part 12 may be movable in a proximal direction for setting a dose of the drug 5. The dose part 12 may be movable in the distal direction with respect to the housing 1 1 for delivering the set dose of the drug 5.
The distance by which the dose part 12 is moved proximally with respect to the housing 1 1 for setting the dose of the drug 5 may determine a size of the dose of the drug 5. A proximal end position and a distal end position of the dose part 12 with respect to the housing 1 1 may be determined by a respective stop feature (not explicitly shown) limiting the proximal or distal movement of the dose part 12 with respect to the housing 1 1 . The dose part 12 may comprise the dose knob 13. The dose knob 13 may be configured to be gripped by a user. The dose knob 13 may be secured against movement with respect to the dose part 12.
The drug delivery device 1 may be a manually, in particular a non-electrically, driven device. A, preferably user-applied, force causing the dose part 12 to be moved distally with respect to the housing 1 1 may be transferred to the piston rod 10 by the drive mechanism, which is described later on in more detail. Preferably, the drive mechanism may be configured to leave the piston rod 10 stationary with respect to the housing 1 1 when the dose part 12 is moved in the proximal direction with respect to the housing 1 1 .
Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective sectional view of a part of the drug delivery device of Figure 1 . In particular, Figure 2 illustrates the drive mechanism of the drug delivery device 1 , which mechanism was mentioned before. The drive mechanism comprises a drive member 14. The drive mechanism comprises a rotation member 15. The drive mechanism comprises a stop member 16. The drive mechanism comprises a dose member 22. Figure 3 schematically shows a sectional side view of the part of the drug delivery device shown in Figure 2.
The drive mechanism is arranged within the housing 1 1 of the drug delivery device 1 . The rotation member 15 is rotatable in a dose setting direction with respect to the housing 1 1 for setting a dose of the drug 5. The rotation member 15 is rotatable in a dose delivery direction with respect to the housing 1 1 , as indicated by arrow 26b, for delivering the set dose of the drug 5. The dose delivery direction may be opposite to the dose setting direction. The rotation member 15 may comprise an outer thread (see thread 24, Figure 6).
The rotation member 15 comprises at least one stop feature (see stop feature 36 in Figures 4 to 7). The stop feature 36 may be provided within the rotation member 15. Preferably, the rotation member 15 and the stop feature 36 are unitary. The stop feature 36 may be arranged at a distal end section of the rotation member 15. The stop feature 36 may protrude radially inwardly from the rotation member 15. The stop feature may be configured to prevent setting of a dose of the drug 5 which may exceed a present quantity of the drug 5 held in the cartridge 4. Operation of the stop feature 36 will be described in connection with Figures 4 to 7. The drive member 14 is rotatable with respect to the housing 1 1 . The drive member 14 and the rotation member 15 are preferably configured to rotate about a common rotation axis when delivering the set dose. The rotation axis may be a main longitudinal axis of the housing 1 1 . Preferably, the rotation axis runs along the piston rod 10 and, in particular, along a main direction of extent of the piston rod 10.
The rotation member 15 and the drive member 14 are in permanent mechanical contact. The rotation member 15 is coupled to the drive member 14 by a uni-directional clutch mechanism, in particular a friction clutch mechanism, for example a slipping clutch. The clutch mechanism permits rotational movement of the rotation member 15 with respect to the drive member 14 when the rotation member 15 rotates in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing 1 1 , e.g. when setting a dose of the drug. The clutch mechanism prevents rotational movement of the rotation member 15 with respect to the drive member 14, when the rotation member 15 rotates in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing 1 1 , e.g. when delivering the set dose of the drug 5. Consequently, the drive member 14 follows rotational movement of the rotation member 15 in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing 1 1 when delivering the set dose of the drug 5.
The drive member 14 may be arranged to abut or engage the rotation member 15. For engaging the rotation member 15, the drive member 14 comprises a toothing (see toothing 28 in Figure 3), which may be arranged at the proximal end section of the drive member 14, for example. In addition, the rotation member 15 comprises a toothing (see toothing 29 in Figure 3), which may be arranged at the distal end section of the rotation member 15, for example. In particular, toothing 29 may be arranged at one end section of the rotation member 15 which faces the drive member 14. Toothing 29 and toothing 28 may be configured to mate with each other. Toothing 28 comprises a plurality of teeth (teeth 30 in Figure 3). Toothing 29 comprises a plurality of teeth (see teeth 31 in Figure 3). Teeth 30 and teeth 31 may extend along the rotation axis. The rotation axis may be oriented along the main longitudinal axis of the housing 1 1 .
A respective tooth of teeth 30 and teeth 31 may be ramp-shaped, in particular along an azimuthal direction with respect to the rotation axis. The ramp of the respective tooth 30, 31 is limited in the azimuthal direction by a steep end face of said tooth, e.g. a face of the tooth 30, 31 that runs parallel to the rotation axis. When the steep end faces of two teeth 30, 31 abut and the rotation member 15 is rotated further in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing 1 1 , the steep sides stay in abutment and hence, the drive member 14 follows rotation of the rotation member 15. When the rotation member 15 rotates in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing 1 1 , the ramps of the teeth 30 31 slide along each other and hence, the rotation member 15 rotates with respect to the drive member 14.
The depth of a tooth 30, 31 of the respective toothing 28, 29 determines the distance by which the rotation member 15 is axially moveable with respect to the housing 1 1 . In particular, axial movement of the rotation member 15 with respect to the housing 1 1 is prevented, e.g. by mechanical cooperation of the rotation member 15 and the housing 1 1 , in case that the axial distance exceeds the depth of a respective tooth 30, 31 of toothings 28, 29.
The drive member 14 may engage the piston rod 10. The drive member 14 may be splined to the piston rod 10. Preferably, the piston rod 10 comprises a guide notch (see guide notch 27, Figures 5 and 7). The drive member 14 may comprise a corresponding guide rib (not explicitly shown) for engaging the guide notch. Preferably, the guide rib extends inside the drive member 14 along the main longitudinal axis of the housing 1 1 . The corresponding guide notch 27 may extend at an outer side of the piston rod 10 along the main longitudinal axis of the piston rod 10. The splined connection of the drive member 14 and the piston rod 10 prevents relative rotational movement of the drive member 14 with respect to piston rod 10 and vice versa. Hence, the drive member 14 and the piston rod 10 are permanently rotationally locked.
The drive member 14 is configured to transfer force, preferably torque, to the piston rod 10. The force transferred may cause the piston rod 10 to be rotated with respect to the housing 1 1 . Additionally or alternatively, the force transferred may cause the piston rod 10 to be displaced in the distal direction with respect to the housing 1 1 for delivering a dose of the drug 5.
The piston rod 10 comprises a thread (see thread 35, Figure 4, 5 and 7). The thread 35 may be arranged at an outer surface of the piston rod 10. A counterpart, e.g. a further thread, may be provided inside the housing 1 1 for a threaded engagement of the housing 1 1 and piston rod 10. Rotational movement of the piston rod 10 may be converted into axial movement of the piston rod 10 in the distal direction with respect to the housing 1 1 due to the threaded engagement of the piston rod 10 and the housing 1 1 .
The drive member 14 may be arranged between the stop member 16 and the rotation member 15. The stop member 16 is configured to prevent rotational movement of the drive member 14 in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing 1 1 when setting the dose of the drug 5. Consequently, when setting the dose, the rotation member 15 rotates with respect to the drive member 14 and with respect to the stop member 16. The stop member 16 is preferably secured against rotation with respect to the housing 1 1 . The stop member 16 may be splined to the housing 1 1 .
The stop member 16 may be coupled to the drive member 14 by means of a unidirectional clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism prevents rotational movement of the drive member 14 with respect to the stop member 16 when the rotation member 15 rotates in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing, e.g. when setting the dose of the drug 5. The clutch mechanism permits rotational movement of the drive member 14 with respect to the stop member 16 when the rotation member 15 rotates in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing 1 1 , e.g. when delivering the set dose of the drug 5.
The drive member 14 comprises a toothing (see toothing 33 in Figure 3), preferably at the distal end section of the drive member 14. Thereby, toothing 28 and toothing 33 of the drive member 14 are disposed oppositely. Toothing 33 may be configured in accordance with toothing 29 of the rotation member 15. Toothing 32 and toothing 33 may be configured to cooperate for preventing rotation of the drive member 14 with respect to the housing 1 1 and with respect to the stop member 16 when setting the dose of the drug 5.
As rotation of the drive member 14 in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing 1 1 is prevented, movement of the piston rod 10 in the proximal direction with respect to the housing 1 1 as well as rotation of the piston rod 10 in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing 1 1 during setting of the dose is prevented.
As mentioned previously, stop member 16 may be secured against rotational movement with respect to the housing 1 1 . However, stop member 16 may be axially displaceable with respect to the housing 1 1 , as indicated by arrow 26c in Figure 3. For this purpose, the stop member 16 may comprise a plurality of guiding members, for example guide lugs 17. Guide lugs 17 may engage with corresponding guide slots 18. The guide slots 18 may be provided in the housing 1 1 . A guide lug 17 cooperates with a guide slot 18 to prevent rotational movement of the stop member 16 with respect to the housing 1 1 with distal movement of the stop member 16 with respect to the housing 1 1 being allowed.
The drive mechanism comprises a support member 20. The support member 20 may be secured against axial and rotational movement with respect to the housing 1 1 . The support member 20 may be unitary with the housing 1 1 . The support member 20 may be a protrusion, for example. The rotation member 15 may extend through an opening in support member 20. Support member 20 may provide a counter force to the force exerted by the resilient member 19.
The rotation member 15 comprises a protruding portion 21 . The protruding portion 21 , e.g. a flange portion, may protrude radially outwardly with respect to the rotation member 15. The protruding portion 21 may be configured to abut support member 20. The protruding portion 21 prevents proximal displacement of the rotation member 15 with respect to the housing 15. The dose member 22 may be a part of the dose part 12 (see Figure 1 ) or operatively connected to the dose part 12. The rotation member 15 may be arranged inside the dose member 22. Dose member 22 may be movable with respect to the housing 1 1 . Dose member 22 may be moved in the proximal direction with respect to the rotation member 15 and with respect to the housing 1 1 when setting a dose, which is indicated by arrow 26a in Figure 2. Dose member 22 may be moved in the distal direction with respect to the rotation member 15 and with respect to the housing 1 1 for delivering the set dose. The dose member 22 may engage the housing 1 1 . Preferably, the dose member 22 is secured against rotation with respect to the housing 1 1 . The dose member 22 may comprise a guide feature 23, for example a guide slot, engaging with another guide feature (not explicitly shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3), for example a guide lug, which may be provided in the housing 1 1 .
The dose member 22 may be coupled to, preferably threadedly engaged with, the rotation member 15. For this purpose, the rotation member 15 may comprise the outer thread 24. The dose member may comprise a thread 25. Thread 25 may be provided inside the dose member 22. Thread 24 may be engaged with thread 25. The dose member 22 and the rotation member 15 may be threadedly engaged such that axial movement of the dose member 22 may be converted into rotational movement of the rotation member 15. Thus, movement of the dose member 22 in proximal direction with respect to the housing 1 1 when setting a dose may be converted into rotation of the rotation member 15 in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing 1 1 .
Movement of the dose member 22 in the distal direction with respect to the housing 1 1 when delivering the set dose may be converted into rotation of the rotation member 15 in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing 1 1 .
Figure 4A through 4C show the drug delivery device of Figure 1 or parts thereof. In particular, Figure 4A shows an inner view of the drug delivery device 1 . Figure 4B shows an exploded view of the drug delivery device 1 . Figure 4C shows an inner view of the housing 1 1 .
The rotation member 15 comprises the stop feature 36 as mentioned previously.
Alternatively, the rotation member may comprise two or more stop features 36. The stop feature 36 is localized at the distal end section of the rotation member 15. The stop feature 36 is provided inside the rotation member 15.
The stop feature 36 is preferably arranged at a distal end section of the rotation member 15. Preferably, the stop feature 36 is arranged inside the rotation member 15.
Preferably, the stop feature 36 protrudes radially inwardly from the rotation member 15.
The stop feature 36 is preferably integrally formed with the rotation member 15.
Alternatively, a separate stop feature 36 may be connected to the rotation member 15.
Preferably, the stop feature 36 is secured against translational and rotational movement with respect to the rotation member 15.
Preferably, the blocking members 34 are integrally formed with the piston rod 10.
Alternatively, the blocking members 34 may be connected to the piston rod 10. The blocking members 34 may protrude radially outwardly from the piston rod 10.
Preferably, the blocking members 34 are secured against translational and rotational movement with respect to the piston rod 10. The stop feature 36 rotates together with the rotation member 15 in the dose setting direction with respect to the blocking members 34 and with respect to the housing 1 1 for setting a dose. Thereby, the stop feature 36 may be rotated about a stop feature angle in the dose setting direction. Preferably, the stop feature 36 is rotated by less than 360 degrees in the dose setting direction with respect to the blocking members 34. The blocking members 34 may be secured against rotation in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing 1 1 as the piston rod 10 is prevented from being rotated in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing 1 1 , as it was described previously.
The stop feature 36 may be rotated about a stop feature angle of 90 degrees, for example, for setting a dose of the drug 5. As being part of the rotation member 15 significant axial displacement of the stop feature 36, or any axial displacement, with respect to the housing 1 1 may be prevented, when setting and delivering a dose.
The stop feature 36 rotates together with the rotation member 15 in the dose delivery direction for delivering the set dose of the drug 5. Accordingly, the blocking members 34 rotate together with the piston rod 10 in the dose delivery direction for delivering the set dose of the drug 5. Thus, the stop feature 36 is configured to be rotated together with the blocking members 34 in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing 1 1 . The blocking members 34 may rotate with respect to the stop feature 36.
The blocking members 34 are configured to be displaced together with the piston rod 10 in the distal direction with respect to the housing 1 1 for delivering the set dose of the drug 5, thereby being axially displaced with respect to the stop feature 36. The blocking members 34 may be axially displaced from an axial starting position and towards an axial interaction position. In the axial starting position the blocking members 34 may be axially offset from the stop feature 36. In the axial interaction position the blocking members 34 may overlap with the stop feature 36.
When the blocking members 34 are out of the axial interaction position, e.g. when the blocking members 34 are in the axial starting position, the stop feature 36 may pass an angular position of the blocking members 34 while being rotated about the stop feature angle. Hence, when the blocking members 34 are not positioned in the axial interaction position, the stop feature 36 may be rotatable about at least a minimum stop feature angle, e.g. the angle required for completion of a dose setting action, e.g. 90 degrees, in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing 1 1 for setting a dose.
The blocking members 34 may be rotated about a blocking member delivery angle in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing 1 1 when being displaced from the axial starting position towards the axial interaction position.
Preferably, the blocking members 34 are rotated by 360 degrees or more in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing 1 1 when being displaced from the axial starting position towards the axial interaction position.
The axial interaction position may be defined by the axial position of the stop feature 36 with respect to the housing 1 1 . Hence, when the blocking members 34 have reached the axial position of the stop feature 36 the blocking members 34 are in the axial interaction position.
The drive mechanism may be configured such that axial displacement of the piston rod
10 for delivering the set dose results in the blocking members 34 being in the axial interaction position when the distal end position of the piston rod 10 was reached. In particular, the outer thread 35 of the piston rod 10 and the inner thread of the housing
1 1 may be adapted such that the blocking members 34 overlap with the stop feature 36 when the piston rod 10 has reached the distal end position, e.g. when the piston 9 has reached the most distal position in the cartridge 4.
In this way, the stop feature 36 and the blocking members 34 provide an end-stop mechanism for the drug delivery device 1 . Setting of a dose of the drug 5 which exceeds a quantity of the drug 5 still held in the cartridge 4 is thus effectively prevented. In this way, underdosing, which may have fatal or even lethal consequences for the user, may be prevented.
The piston rod 10 may comprise guide notch 27. Guide notch 27 may enable splined connection of the piston rod 10 with the drive member 14 as described in connection with the description of Figures 2 and 3. Preferably, the piston rod 10 comprises two guide notches 27. The guide notches 27 may be arranged oppositely (see Figure 7). In addition, the piston rod 10 comprises the outer thread 35. Outer thread 35 may enable threaded connection of the piston rod 10 with the housing 1 1 , as explained in
conjunction with the description of Figure 1 .
Figure 7 schematically shows a sectional view of a part of the drug delivery device of Figure 1 . In particular, Figure 7 shows mechanical cooperation of the stop feature 36 and the stop members 34.
A last dose of the drug 5 held in the cartridge 4 may have been dispensed, i.e. the piston 9 may have reached the most distal end position in the cartridge 4, and thus, the blocking members 34 are positioned in the axial interaction position. As shown in Figure 7 the blocking members 34 and the stop feature 36 mechanically cooperate, in particular overlap, in the interaction position. Rotation of the stop feature 36 and hence, of the rotation member 15 may be prevented in this way as described in connection with Figure 4. Thus, setting of a subsequent dose of the drug 5 may be prevented. The device 1 effectively prevents setting of a dose of the drug 5 which exceeds the present quantity of the drug 5 held in the cartridge 4. Hence, the device 1 provides an end-stop mechanism. In this way, underdosing, which may have fatal or lethal consequences for the user, may be prevented. Consequently, the drug delivery device 1 described herein provides an increased safety for the user.
Preferably, the device 1 is a fixed dose drug delivery device, e.g. a device configured to dispense a plurality of pre-set doses of the drug 5, in particular doses which may not be varied by the user. In this case, the angle by which the stop feature 36 is rotated in the dose setting direction for setting a dose of the drug, i.e. the stop feature angle, may be the same for each dose setting action. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. Elements of different implementations may be combined to form implementations not specifically described herein.
12 Dose part
13 Dose knob
17 Guide feature
22 Dose member 23 Guide feature
25 Engagement member 26a Arrow
26b Arrow
26c Arrow
27 Guide notch
28 Toothing Toothing
Blocking member Thread
Stop feature Arrow
Bearing member Cartridge holder
1 . An assembly for a drug delivery device (1 ), comprising:
- a housing (1 1 ),
- a rotation member (15), the rotation member (15) being configured to rotate in a dose setting direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) for setting a dose of the drug (5) and to rotate in a dose delivery direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) for delivering the set dose of the drug (5),
- a drive member (14) which is adapted to follow rotational movement of the rotation member (15) in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) by mechanical interaction with the rotation member (15),
wherein, for setting the dose of the drug (5), the stop feature (36) is configured to be rotated in the dose setting direction with respect to the blocking member (34) and with respect to the housing (1 1 ) and, for delivering the set dose of the drug (5), the blocking member (34) is configured to be axially displaced with respect to the stop feature (36) away from an axial starting position and towards an axial interaction position, wherein, when the blocking member (34) is in the axial starting position, the blocking member (34) is axially offset from the stop feature (36) and, when the blocking member (34) is in the axial interaction position, the blocking member (34) is configured to mechanically cooperate with the stop feature (36) such that rotation of the stop feature (36) in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) is prevented.
2. The assembly of claim 1 ,
wherein for delivering the set dose of the drug (5) the blocking member (34) and the stop feature (36) are configured to rotate together in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ).
3. The assembly of claim 1 or claim 2,
wherein the blocking member (34) is secured against rotation in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) such that common rotation of the blocking member (34) and the stop feature (36) in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) is prevented when the blocking member (34) and the stop feature (36) mechanically cooperate with each other.
4. The assembly according to any of the previous claims,
wherein the stop feature (36) is rotated about a stop feature angle in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) for setting a dose of the drug (5) and the blocking member (34) is rotated about a blocking member delivery angle in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) when the blocking member (34) is displaced from the axial starting position towards the axial interaction position, and wherein, when the blocking member (34) is in the axial interaction position, the angular distance between the blocking member (34) and the stop feature (36) is less than the stop feature angle.
wherein the stop feature (36) is rotated by less than 360 degrees in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) for setting a dose of the drug (5).
wherein the blocking member (34) is rotated by 360 degrees or more in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) when being displaced from the axial starting position towards the axial interaction position.
wherein the axial interaction position is defined by the axial position of the stop feature (36) with respect to the housing (1 1 ).
9. The assembly according to any of the previous claims,
wherein the stop feature (36) is part of the rotation member (15).
10. The assembly according to any of the previous claims,
comprising a piston rod (10), wherein the blocking member (34) is part of the piston rod (10), and wherein the piston rod (10) is configured to be axially displaced with respect to the housing (1 1 ) for delivering the set dose of the drug (5).
1 1 . The assembly according to claim 9 and claim 10,
12. The assembly according to any of the previous claims,
13. The assembly according to any of claims 10 to 12,
wherein rotation of the drive member (14) in the dose delivery direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) is converted into axial movement of the piston rod (10) with respect to the housing (1 1 ), and wherein the assembly comprises a stop member (16) which is adapted to prevent rotational movement of the drive member (14) in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ) by mechanical cooperation with the drive member (14) when the rotation member (15) is rotated in the dose setting direction with respect to the housing (1 1 ).
14. The assembly according to any of claims 10 to 13,
15. The assembly according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least two oppositely disposed blocking members (34).
16. A drug delivery device (1 ) comprising the assembly according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a cartridge (4), the cartridge (4) holding a plurality of doses of the drug (5), wherein the assembly provides an end-stop mechanism for the drug delivery device (1 ) which is configured to prevent setting of a dose of the drug (5) which exceeds a quantity of the drug (5) present in the cartridge (4).
PCT/EP2011/051446 2010-02-02 2011-02-02 Assembly for a drug delivery device and drug delivery device WO2011095503A1 (en)
EP10152344.7 2010-02-02
WO2011095503A1 true WO2011095503A1 (en) 2011-08-11
EP2351591A1 (en) 2011-08-03
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