Patent Description:
Hypodermic syringes are widely used to deliver fluids to the body. It is known to have hypodermic syringes applicable for manual operation. However, auto injectors, such as electronical auto injectors, have been developed and are widely used to aid the administering of fluid or medicaments to the body.

However, utilizing electronic means causes a risk of the electric current passing through the body, thereby causing electric shock in the user.

Especially since conventional hypodermic needles are made of metal and thus electrically conductive. Electric shock may cause serious injury, which may be potentially life threatening, especially if the device is coupled to the main power grid.

Safety is an important issue, especially in the field of medical devices, such as auto injectors. Therefore, precautionary measures are needed to prevent or reduce the risk of causing electrical shock in users of an auto injector. Furthermore, precautionary measures are subject of industry standards, such as ISO <NUM> and IEC <NUM> relating to needle-based injection systems for medical use and medical electrical equipment.

<CIT> discloses a drug delivery device comprising a safety mechanism arranged to prevent access to a port whilst an injection needle is in fluid communication with a cartridge retained in the body of the device, and arranged to prevent establishing a fluid communication between an injection needle and the cartridge whilst the port is accessible.

However, in other auto injector systems, the cartridge may be exchangeable, such as disposable, and a needle may be attached to the cartridge prior to insertion of the cartridge into the auto injector.

Despite the known solutions there is a need for an auto injector having an improved safety feature in order to prevent or reduce the risk of electric shock in users of an auto injector. In particular, there is a need for an improved safety feature in an auto injector to be used with exchangeable cartridges, such as disposable cartridges.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an auto injector, such as an electronic auto injector, and a system, which overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of prior art devices.

Accordingly an auto injector is provided, such as an auto injector for administering a medicament, wherein the auto injector is connectable to an electrical power supply, such as a main power socket, a USB port, a laptop, and/or an external battery. The auto injector comprises: a housing, a cartridge receiver, and an ejector member.

The housing accommodates a battery and a first electrical connector accessible via a connector opening in the housing. The first electrical connector accepts a second electrical connector of the electrical power supply.

The cartridge receiver is configured to receive a cartridge containing the medicament.

The ejector member is movable along a longitudinal axis between a first ejector position and a second ejector position. The ejector member is configured to follow movement of the cartridge along the longitudinal axis when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiver.

The auto injector further comprises a blocking member coupled to the ejector member. The blocking member is configured to move between a blocking position wherein the connector opening is blocked and a non-blocking position wherein the connector opening is not blocked. The blocking member is in the blocking position when the ejector member is in the second ejector position. The blocking member is in the non-blocking position when the ejector member is in the first ejector position. The ejector member is in the first ejector position when the cartridge is not received in the cartridge receiver, and the ejector member is in the second ejector position when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiver.

Also disclosed is a system comprising the auto injector and a cartridge containing the medicament. The cartridge is configured to be received in the cartridge receiver.

It is an advantage of the present disclosure that it provides blocking of the connector opening, thereby preventing connection to an external electrical power supply, such as the main grid, when a cartridge is received in the auto injector.

It is a further advantage of the present disclosure that it provides restriction of insertion of a cartridge if the auto injector is connected to an external electrical power supply, such as the main grid.

Effectively, it is an advantage of the present disclosure that it provides for a safety mechanism in an auto injector reducing the risk of serious electric shock in users of the auto injector. It is an advantage of the present disclosure that it, in an auto injector, may prevent simultaneous presence of a needle and connection to an external electrical power supply.

It is a further advantage of the present disclosure that it provides a safety mechanism which, independently of the user chosen sequence, prevents simultaneous connection to an external electrical power supply, such as the main grid, e.g. via a charger, and usage of the auto injector for administering medicament.

It is a further advantage of the present disclosure that since the ejector member is configured to follow movement of the cartridge along the longitudinal axis, the insertion of the cartridge is determinant for whether or not the connector opening is blocked or not. Thereby the disclosure provides for a safety feature, in particular advantageous for an auto injector for exchangeable cartridges, such as disposable cartridges and/or where a needle is attached to the cartridge prior to insertion of the cartridge into the auto injector.

It is envisaged that any embodiments or elements as described in connection with any one aspect may be used with any other aspects or embodiments, mutatis mutandis.

The housing has a connector opening. The connector opening may be a hole in the housing. The connector opening may be configured to allow passage of the second electrical connector, such as to allow access to the first electrical connector. The connector opening may be sized to the first and/or second electrical connector.

The auto injector comprises a battery. The housing accommodates the battery. The battery of the auto injector may be a rechargeable battery. For example, the battery may be a Li-ion battery or a NiCd battery or a NiMH battery. The battery may be configured to be charged by connection of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

The first electrical connector accepts the second electrical connector. The second electrical connector electrically connects the first electrical connector to the electrical power supply. Connection of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector may provide charging of the battery, such as by providing electrical power from the electrical power supply to the battery. The first electrical connector and/or the second electrical connector may be a USB compliant connector. The first electrical connector may be a female connector. The second electrical connector may be a male connector.

The cartridge may comprise a cartridge compartment. The cartridge compartment may be configured for containing the medicament. The cartridge compartment may contain the medicament.

The cartridge may be made of glass, and/or polymer.

The cartridge may comprise a cartridge outlet, e.g. at a first cartridge end. The cartridge outlet may be configured for fluid communication with the compartment, e.g. at the first cartridge end. The cartridge may be configured to expel medicament through the cartridge outlet. The cartridge outlet may be configured to be coupled with a needle, such as a hypodermic needle, to provide the medicament to be expelled through the needle.

The cartridge may comprise a first stopper movable inside the cartridge compartment, e.g. in a first stopper direction towards the first cartridge end. For example, the medicament may be expelled through the cartridge outlet upon movement of the first stopper, e.g. in the first stopper direction.

The cartridge may comprise a cartridge back face, e.g. at a second cartridge end, such as opposite the cartridge outlet. The cartridge back face may comprise a cartridge back end opening. The cartridge back end opening may provide access for the plunger rod to the first stopper.

The cartridge receiver may be configured to receive the cartridge through a cartridge receiver opening. Thus, the cartridge may be inserted in the cartridge receiver through the cartridge receiver opening. The cartridge receiver may be configured to receive the cartridge through a cartridge receiver opening in a cartridge receiving direction. The cartridge receiving direction may be along the longitudinal axis.

The auto injector may comprise an ejector comprising the ejector member. The ejector may be configured to eject the cartridge from the cartridge receiver.

The ejector member may have an ejector abutment face. The ejector abutment face may be configured to abut a face of the cartridge, such as the cartridge back face. The cartridge back face may abut the ejector abutment face upon insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge receiver. The ejector member may be moved towards the second ejector position, such as in the receiving direction, by insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge receiver, e.g. by movement of the cartridge back face in the receiving direction causing movement of the ejector abutment face in the receiving direction.

The ejector member may be in the first ejector position when the cartridge is not received in the cartridge receiver. The ejector member may be in the second ejector position when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiver.

The auto injector and/or the ejector of the auto injector may comprise an ejector resilient member. The ejector resilient member may be configured to exert a force on the ejector member. The ejector resilient member may be configured to bias the ejector member towards the first ejector position, e.g. opposite the receiving direction.

The auto injector and/or the ejector of the auto injector may comprise an ejector lock. The ejector lock may be configured to restrict movement of the ejector member, such as along the longitudinal axis.

The auto injector comprises a blocking member. The blocking member may be configured to close and/or block the connector opening. The blocking member is configured to move between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. In the blocking position the connector opening is blocked, e.g. access to the first electrical connector, such as for the second electrical connector, is prevented and/or restricted, and a non-blocking position wherein the connector opening is not blocked, e.g. access to the first electrical connector, such as for the second electrical connector, is allowed and/or not prevented and/or not restricted.

The blocking member may be movable by a translational movement between the blocking position and the non-blocking position. Alternatively or additionally, the blocking member may be movable by a rotational movement between the blocking position and the non-blocking position. The blocking member may be movable between the blocking position and the non-blocking position along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the blocking member may be movable between the blocking position and the non-blocking position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, the blocking member may be rotationally moved around the longitudinal axis between the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

The blocking member may be a door, such as a sliding door. The blocking member, e.g. in the blocking position, may completely block the connector opening. Alternatively, the blocking member, e.g. in the blocking position, may partially block the connector opening.

The blocking member may be configured to block the connector opening when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiver. Alternatively or additionally, the blocking member may be configured to prevent insertion of a cartridge in the cartridge receiver when the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are connected, such as when an electrical connector, such as the second electrical connector, is inserted through the connector opening. For example, the blocking member may be prevented to move to the blocking position if the first electrical connector is coupled to the second electrical connector. For example, the movement of the blocking member may be prevented by the first and/or second electrical connector, e.g. the first and/or second electrical connector may obstruct the path of movement of the blocking member towards the blocking position.

Insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge receiver may cause movement of the blocking member. For example, the blocking member may be coupled to the ejector member, such as to translate movement of the ejector member to the blocking member. Insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge receiver may move the ejector member, and movement of the ejector member may cause movement of the blocking member. Thus, insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge receiver may cause movement of the blocking member. Alternatively or additionally, the ejector member may be prevented to move to the second ejector position if the blocking member is prevented to move to the blocking position, e.g. if the first electrical connector is coupled to the second electrical connector. Thus, insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge receiver may be prevented if the first electrical connector is coupled to the second electrical connector.

The blocking member may comprise a first blocking coupling member. The ejector member may comprise a second blocking coupling member. The first blocking coupling member and the second blocking coupling member may be in engagement to translate movement of the ejector member to the blocking member. The first blocking coupling member may comprise a slot and/or a protrusion. The second blocking coupling member may comprise a protrusion and/or a slot. The second blocking coupling member and the first blocking coupling member may be movably connected. The second blocking coupling member and/or the first blocking coupling member may allow an amount of clearance, such that only part of movement of the ejector is translated to movement of the blocking member.

Movement of the ejector member from a third ejector position to the second ejector position may move, and/or cause movement of, the blocking member from the non-blocking position to the blocking position. The third ejector position may be between the first ejector position and the second ejector position. For example, the ejector member may move from the first ejector position towards the second ejector position, such as upon insertion of a cartridge in the cartridge receiver, and from the third ejector position, located between the first ejector position and the second ejector position, the movement of the ejector member is transmitted to the blocking member, such that the blocking member moves towards the blocking position.

Alternatively or additionally, movement of the ejector member from a fourth ejector position to the first ejector position moves the blocking member from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. The fourth ejector position may be between the first ejector position and the second ejector position. The fourth ejector position may be the third ejector position. For example, the ejector member may move from the second ejector position towards the first ejector position, such as upon removal of the cartridge from the cartridge receiver, and from the fourth ejector position, located between the first ejector position and the second ejector position, the movement of the ejector member is transmitted to the blocking member, such that the blocking member moves towards the non-blocking position.

The second blocking coupling member comprising a slot and/or a protrusion and the first blocking coupling member comprising a protrusion and/or a slot may allow an amount of clearance and facilitate such exemplified transmission of movement.

The blocking member and/or the first blocking coupling member of the blocking member, may comprise a first blocking member stop and a second blocking member stop. For example, the first blocking coupling member may comprise a slot comprising the first blocking member stop and the second blocking member stop. The second blocking coupling member may comprise a protrusion arranged to catch the first blocking member stop by movement in one direction along the longitudinal axis, and arranged to catch the second blocking member stop by movement in another direction along the longitudinal axis. For example, the second blocking coupling member may catch the first blocking member stop upon movement of the ejector member towards the first ejector position, such as upon removal of the cartridge from the cartridge receiver. The second blocking coupling member may catch the second blocking member stop upon movement of the ejector member towards the second ejector position, such as upon insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge receiver.

Alternatively or additionally, the ejector member, and/or the second blocking coupling member of the ejector member, may comprise a first blocking member stop and a second blocking member stop. For example, the second blocking coupling member may comprise a slot comprising the first blocking member stop and the second blocking member stop. The first blocking coupling member may comprise a protrusion arranged to catch the first blocking member stop by movement in one direction along the longitudinal axis, and arranged to catch the second blocking member stop by movement in another direction along the longitudinal axis. For example, the first blocking coupling member may catch the first blocking member stop upon movement of the ejector member towards the first ejector position, such as upon removal of the cartridge from the cartridge receiver. The first blocking coupling member may catch the second blocking member stop upon movement of the ejector member towards the second ejector position, such as upon insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge receiver.

Providing such non-fixed coupling between the ejector member and the blocking member provides for a shorter device, as it converts a long sliding movement, e.g. of the ejector member, to a shorter one, e.g. of the blocking member.

Alternatively, the first blocking coupling member and the second blocking coupling member may be fixedly connected. For example, the ejector member and the blocking member are fixedly connected with respect to movement along the longitudinal axis.

Movement of the ejector member to the second ejector position may require movement of the blocking member to the blocking position. For example, if the blocking member is prevented from moving to the blocking position, e.g. if the second electrical connector is coupled to the first electrical connector, the movement of the ejector member to the second ejector position is restricted and/or impossible. Thereby it may be prevented that a cartridge is received by the cartridge receiver if the second electrical connector is connected, e.g. if a charger is connected to the auto injector to charge the battery.

The auto injector may comprise a plunger rod, such as a plunger rod configured to eject medicament from the cartridge. The plunger rod may be configured to advance a first stopper of the cartridge to expel medicament through the cartridge outlet.

The auto injector may comprise a drive module. The drive module may be coupled to actuate a plunger rod, such as the plunger rod of the auto injector. The drive module may be configured to receive electrical power from the battery. The drive module may be electrically connected to the battery for receiving electrical power. The drive module may be accommodated by the housing. The drive module may comprise a motor, such as an electro-mechanical motor, such as a DC motor, e.g. a DC motor with or without brushes. The drive module may comprise a solenoid motor. The drive module may comprise a shape memory metal engine. The drive module may comprise an arrangement of springs configured to actuate the plunger rod. The drive module may comprise a pressurized gas configured to actuate the plunger rod.

A more detailed description follows below with reference to the drawing, in which:.

<FIG> show an exemplary auto injector <NUM>. <FIG> shows the auto injector <NUM> turned <NUM> deg. compared to the view of <FIG>.

The auto injector <NUM> may be configured for administering a medicament. The auto injector <NUM> may be an electronic auto injector, e.g. the auto injector <NUM> may be connectable to an electrical power supply (not shown), such as an external battery or a power plug.

The auto injector <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM>, and a first electrical connector <NUM>. The first electrical connector <NUM> is accessible via a connector opening <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The first electrical connector <NUM> accepts a second electrical connector <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG>).

The connection of the second electrical connector <NUM> and the first electrical connector <NUM> may for example provide charging of a battery (not visible) of the auto injector <NUM>. The battery may be accommodated by the housing <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the connection of the second electrical connector <NUM> and the first electrical connector <NUM> may provide transferring of data to/from the auto injector <NUM>, such as to/from a memory of the auto injector <NUM>.

The auto injector <NUM> comprises a cartridge receiver <NUM>. The cartridge receiver is configured to receive a cartridge and/or a cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge. The cartridge may contain the medicament.

The cartridge receiver <NUM> has a cartridge receiver opening <NUM>. The cartridge receiver <NUM> is configured to receive the cartridge through the cartridge receiver opening <NUM> in a cartridge receiving direction <NUM> along a longitudinal axis L.

The auto injector <NUM> may comprise a user interface <NUM>, as illustrated. The auto injector <NUM> may comprise contact member <NUM>. The contact member <NUM> may be configured to be pressed against an injection site. The contact member <NUM> may be movable in the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>, relative to the housing, if pressed against the injection site. The contact member <NUM> may be part of the user interface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary system <NUM>. The system <NUM> comprises an exemplary auto injector <NUM>, as described in relation to <FIG>, and an exemplary cartridge <NUM> received in the cartridge receiver <NUM>. <FIG> shows a front view of the auto injector <NUM>. <FIG> shows the auto injector <NUM> turned <NUM> deg. compared to the view of <FIG>.

The auto injector <NUM> comprises a blocking member <NUM>, <NUM>'. The blocking member is configured to move between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. In the blocking position, the connector opening <NUM> is blocked, e.g. closed, as illustrated. In the non-blocking position, the connector opening <NUM> is not blocked, e.g. open, as illustrated in <FIG>. In the non-blocking position a second electrical connector <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG>) and the first electrical connector <NUM> may be connectable via the connector opening <NUM>. In the blocking position the blocking member <NUM>, <NUM>' may prevent connection of a second electrical connector <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG>) and the first electrical connector <NUM>.

The blocking member <NUM> may be movable along the longitudinal axis L, such as movable between the blocking position and the non-blocking position along the longitudinal axis L. For example, the blocking member <NUM> may be a sliding element, e.g. sliding along the longitudinal axis L.

Alternatively, the blocking member <NUM>' may be movable perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L, such as movable between the blocking position and the non-blocking position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. For example, the blocking member <NUM>' may be a rotating element, e.g. rotating about the longitudinal axis L.

The position of the blocking member <NUM>, <NUM>' may be determined by insertion of a cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge receiver <NUM>. The blocking member <NUM>, <NUM>' may be in the blocking position when the cartridge <NUM> is received in the cartridge receiver <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>. The blocking member <NUM>, <NUM>' may be in the non-blocking position when the cartridge is not received in the cartridge receiver, such as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary auto injector <NUM>, as described in relation to previous figures, wherein a second electrical connector <NUM> is connected to the first electrical connector. The blocking member is in the non-blocking position to allow connection of the second electrical connector <NUM> to the first electrical connector through the connector opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The blocking member may be prevented to move to the blocking position. For example, the second electrical connector <NUM> may prevent the movement of the blocking member to the blocking position. For example, the second electrical connector <NUM> may obstruct the path of movement of the blocking member towards the blocking position.

Insertion of a cartridge in the cartridge receiver <NUM> may cause movement of the blocking member <NUM>. For example, insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge receiver <NUM> may require movement of the blocking member to the blocking position. Thus, the blocking member being prevented from moving to the blocking position may prevent insertion of the cartridge. Thus, insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge receiver <NUM> may be prevented when the first electrical connector is connected to the second electrical connector <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrate selected parts of an exemplary auto injector as described in relation to previous figures.

<FIG> illustrate an ejector <NUM> of the auto injector. The ejector <NUM> comprises an ejector member <NUM>. The ejector member <NUM> is movable along the longitudinal axis L. The ejector member <NUM> is movable between a first ejector position, shown in <FIG>, and a second ejector position, shown in <FIG>. The ejector member <NUM> is configured to follow movement of a cartridge <NUM> (only showed in part) when the cartridge <NUM> is received in the cartridge receiver <NUM> (see above figs. As illustrated, when the cartridge <NUM> is received, the ejector member <NUM> is moved to the second ejector position. The ejector member <NUM> may be in the first ejector position when the cartridge <NUM> is not received in the cartridge receiver, as shown in <FIG>. The ejector member <NUM> may be in the second ejector position when the cartridge <NUM> is received in the cartridge receiver, as shown in <FIG>.

The ejector member <NUM> comprises an ejector abutment face <NUM>. The ejector abutment face <NUM> is configured to abut a face, such as a cartridge back face <NUM>, of the cartridge <NUM>. By inserting the cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge receiver, the cartridge back face <NUM> may abut the ejector abutment face <NUM>, and the ejector member <NUM> may be pushed towards the second ejector position.

The auto injector, such as the ejector <NUM> of the auto injector, comprises an ejector resilient member <NUM>, such as a spring. The ejector resilient member <NUM> is configured to exert a force on the ejector member <NUM>. For example, the ejector resilient member <NUM> may be configured to bias the ejector member <NUM> towards the first ejector position. For example, the ejector resilient member <NUM> may cause the ejector member <NUM> to be in the first ejector position, when a cartridge <NUM> is not received and/or being received in the cartridge receiver and/or being removed from the cartridge receiver. The ejector resilient member <NUM> may be compressed when the cartridge <NUM> is received in the cartridge receiver, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a blocking member <NUM> of the auto injector. The ejector member <NUM> is coupled to the blocking member <NUM>. The blocking member comprises a first blocking coupling member <NUM>. The ejector member comprises a second blocking coupling member <NUM>. The first blocking coupling member <NUM> and the second blocking coupling member <NUM> are in engagement to translate movement of the ejector member <NUM> to the blocking member <NUM>.

The blocking member <NUM> is in the blocking position when the ejector member is in the second ejector position, as shown in <FIG>. The blocking member <NUM> is in the non-blocking position when the ejector member <NUM> is in the first ejector position, as shown in <FIG>.

In the non-blocking position, a second electrical connector <NUM> can be connected to the first electrical connector <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In the blocking position, the blocking member <NUM> is positioned in front of the first electrical connector <NUM>. Thereby, the second electrical connector <NUM> cannot be connected to the first electrical connector <NUM>, when the blocking member <NUM> is in the blocked position.

Conversely, as seen in <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> is not able to move to the blocking position, due to the second electrical connector <NUM> being connected to the first electrical connector <NUM>. Thus, the ejector member <NUM> may be prevented from moving to the second ejector position. Thus, insertion of the cartridge may be prevented when the second electrical connector <NUM> is connected to the first electrical connector <NUM>.

The blocking member <NUM> comprises a first blocking member stop <NUM>, and a second blocking member stop <NUM>. The first blocking coupling member <NUM> is formed as a slot comprising the first blocking member stop <NUM> and the second blocking member stop <NUM>.

The second blocking coupling member <NUM> may comprise a protrusion arranged to catch the first blocking member stop <NUM> by movement in one direction, and arranged to catch the second blocking member stop <NUM> by movement in another direction, e.g. along the longitudinal axis. For example, the second blocking coupling member <NUM> may catch the first blocking member stop <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, upon movement of the ejector member towards the first ejector position, such as upon removal of the cartridge <NUM> from the cartridge receiver. The second blocking coupling member <NUM> may catch the second blocking member stop <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, upon movement of the ejector member towards the second ejector position, such as upon insertion of the cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge receiver.

<FIG> schematically illustrate insertion and removal of an exemplary cartridge in an exemplary auto injector <NUM>, such as the auto injector as described in relation to <FIG>. <FIG> only show selected parts of the exemplary auto injector <NUM>.

The auto injector <NUM> comprises a first electrical connector <NUM>, and a cartridge receiver <NUM> configured to receive a cartridge <NUM>.

The auto injector <NUM> comprises an ejector member <NUM> and an ejector resilient member <NUM>. The ejector member <NUM> comprises an ejector abutment face <NUM> configured to abut a face, such as a cartridge back face <NUM>, of the cartridge <NUM>. The auto injector further comprises a blocking member <NUM> coupled to the ejector member <NUM>. In the example depicted, the ejector member <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM> are fixedly connected. The blocking member <NUM> is configured to block a connector opening to the first electrical connector <NUM>, e.g. when the blocking member is in a blocked position.

Also illustrated in <FIG> is a cartridge assembly <NUM> comprising the cartridge <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> comprises a cartridge compartment <NUM>. The cartridge compartment <NUM> may containing a medicament, or be configured to contain a medicament. The cartridge comprises a cartridge back face <NUM> configured to abut the ejector abutment face <NUM> of the ejector member <NUM>.

The cartridge assembly <NUM> comprises a needle assembly <NUM>. The needle assembly <NUM> comprises a needle <NUM>, such as a hypodermic needle, and a needle cover <NUM>. The needle cover <NUM> is covering the needle <NUM> such as to avoid contact with the needle <NUM>. The needle cover <NUM> is removable. The needle cover <NUM> may be removed prior to initiating the injection of medicament.

<FIG> shows a first situation, wherein the cartridge <NUM> is about to be received in the cartridge receiver <NUM> in the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>. The cartridge back face <NUM> has abutted the ejector abutment face <NUM>. The ejector member <NUM> is in the first ejector position. The blocking member <NUM> is in the non-blocking position.

<FIG> shows a second situation following the first situation, wherein the cartridge <NUM> is moved to be received in the cartridge receiver <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> may be retained in the cartridge receiver <NUM> when received in the cartridge receiver <NUM>. The cartridge receiver <NUM> is configured to selectively retain the cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge receiver <NUM>. The ejector member <NUM> is in the second ejector position, and the blocking member <NUM> is in the blocking position. The ejector resilient member <NUM> is compressed. The cartridge <NUM> being retained in the cartridge receiver <NUM> prevents the ejector resilient member <NUM> from causing the ejector member <NUM> to move towards the first ejector position.

In case a second electrical connector had been connected to the first connector <NUM>, the blocking member <NUM> would be prevented from moving to the blocking position, and thus, the ejector member <NUM> would be prevented from moving to the second ejector position, since the ejector member <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM> are connected. Thus, the cartridge <NUM> would not be able to be received in the cartridge receiver <NUM>, e.g. so as to be retained in the cartridge receiver <NUM>, if the second electrical connector had been connected to the first connector <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an optional third situation between the first situation and the second situation, wherein the cartridge <NUM> is pushed further into the cartridge receiver <NUM> in the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>. The ejector member is moved passed the second ejector position. The ejector resilient member <NUM> is compressed, and the blocking member <NUM> is moved passed the blocking position. This situation illustrates an example of how the cartridge receiver <NUM> may selectively retain the cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge receiver <NUM>.

For example, the cartridge receiver <NUM> may retain the cartridge <NUM> following the cartridge <NUM> being pushed in the cartridge receiving direction causing movement of the ejector member passed the second ejector position a first time. The cartridge receiver <NUM> may release the cartridge <NUM> following the cartridge <NUM> being pushed in the cartridge receiving direction and causing movement of the ejector member passed the second ejector position a second time.

<FIG> shows a fourth situation, wherein the cartridge <NUM> is released from the cartridge receiver <NUM> and moved opposite the cartridge receiving direction <NUM> by the ejector resilient member <NUM> expanding. The ejector resilient member <NUM> causes the ejector member <NUM> to move towards the first ejector position. The retention members of the cartridge receiver <NUM> does not prevent movement of the cartridge <NUM>, and the ejector resilient member <NUM> causes the ejector member <NUM> to move towards the first ejector position. By moving the ejector member <NUM> to the first ejector position, the blocking member <NUM> is moved to a non-blocking position. Thus, connection of a second electrical connector to the first electrical connector <NUM> is again possible.

Releasing the cartridge <NUM> from the cartridge receiver <NUM> may involve moving the cartridge in the cartridge receiving direction <NUM> as described in relation to <FIG>. Thus, the optional situation shown in <FIG> may optionally also be inserted between the situations of <FIG>.

<FIG> schematically illustrate an exemplary coupling between a blocking member <NUM> and an ejector member <NUM>. Such as blocking member <NUM> and ejector member <NUM> of an exemplary auto injector, such as the auto injector as described in relation to <FIG>. <FIG> only show selected parts of the exemplary auto injector.

The auto injector, such as an ejector of the auto injector, comprises an ejector resilient member <NUM>, such as a spring. The ejector resilient member <NUM> is configured to exert a force on the ejector member <NUM>. For example, the ejector resilient member <NUM> may be configured to bias the ejector member <NUM> towards a first ejector position. The ejector member <NUM> may be movable between a first ejector position and a second ejector position. The first ejector position may be the position of the ejector member <NUM> when no cartridge is received in the cartridge receiver. The second ejector position may be the position of the ejector member <NUM> when a cartridge is received in the cartridge receiver. The ejector member <NUM> may be in other positions, such as a third ejector position and/or a fourth ejector position. The third ejector position and/or the fourth ejector position may be between the first ejector position and the second ejector position.

The blocking member <NUM> is configured to block a connector opening to the first electrical connector <NUM>, e.g. when the blocking member is in a blocked position.

The ejector member <NUM> is coupled to the blocking member <NUM>. The blocking member comprises a first blocking coupling member <NUM>. The ejector member comprises a second blocking coupling member <NUM>. The first blocking coupling member <NUM> and the second blocking coupling member <NUM> are in engagement to translate movement of the ejector member <NUM> to movement of the blocking member <NUM>.

The blocking member <NUM> comprises a first blocking member stop <NUM>, and a second blocking member stop <NUM>. The first blocking coupling member <NUM> is formed as a slot comprising the first blocking member stop <NUM> and the second blocking member stop <NUM>. The second blocking coupling member <NUM> is arranged to catch the second blocking member stop <NUM> by movement in one direction, e.g. in the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>, and arranged to catch the first blocking member stop <NUM> by movement in an opposite direction, e.g. opposite the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a first situation, e.g. when no cartridge is received in the cartridge receiver. The ejector member <NUM> is in the first ejector position, and the blocking member <NUM> is in the non-blocking position. Thus, a second electrical connector may be connected to the first electrical connector <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a second situation, e.g. wherein a cartridge is being received in the cartridge receiver. The ejector member <NUM> is in the third ejector position. Compared to the previous figure, the ejector member <NUM> has moved in the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>, e.g. caused by insertion of a cartridge in the cartridge receiver. The second blocking coupling member <NUM> abuts the second blocking member stop <NUM>. Thus, from the third ejector position, movement of the ejector member <NUM> in the cartridge receiving direction <NUM> will result in movement of the blocking member <NUM> in the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a third situation, e.g. wherein the cartridge has been further pushed in the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>, e.g. for receiving the cartridge in the cartridge receiver. The ejector member <NUM> is in the second ejector position. The blocking member <NUM> is in the blocking position. Comparing with the previous figure, the ejector member <NUM> has moved, e.g. caused by the cartridge being received in the cartridge receiver, in the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>. The second blocking coupling member <NUM> has moved with the ejector member <NUM>, and by abutment with the second blocking member stop <NUM> the movement of the ejector member <NUM> to the second ejector position has caused the blocking member <NUM> to move to the blocking position.

<FIG> shows a fourth situation, wherein the ejector member <NUM> is in a position, wherein second coupling member <NUM> does not abut any of the first blocking member stop <NUM> or the second blocking member stop <NUM>. For example, such a position may be between the second ejector position and the third ejector position and/or the fourth ejector position. For example, the ejector member <NUM> may be in such a position after the cartridge has been received in the cartridge receiver. In the illustrated situation, e.g. in the illustrated position of the ejector member <NUM>, movement of the ejector member <NUM> does not immediately translate into movement of the blocking member. The engagement of the first blocking coupling member <NUM> and the second blocking coupling member <NUM> allows a distance of slack between movement of the ejector member <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fifth situation, e.g. wherein the cartridge is being released from the cartridge receiver, thus being moved opposite the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>. The ejector member <NUM> is in the fourth ejector position. The blocking member is in the blocking position. Compared to the previous figure, the ejector member <NUM> has moved opposite the cartridge receiving direction <NUM> to the fourth ejector position, e.g. caused by the ejector resilient member (see previous figs. The second blocking coupling member <NUM> abuts the first blocking member stop <NUM>. Thus, from the fourth ejector position, movement of the ejector member <NUM> opposite the cartridge receiving direction <NUM> will result in movement of the blocking member <NUM> opposite the cartridge receiving direction <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a sixth situation, e.g. wherein the cartridge has been removed from the cartridge receiver. The ejector member <NUM> is in the first ejector position. The blocking member <NUM> is in the non-blocking position.

Comparing with the previous figure, the ejector member <NUM> has moved, e.g. caused by the ejector resilient member (see previous figs. ) and the cartridge being removed from the cartridge receiver. The second blocking coupling member <NUM> has moved with the ejector member <NUM>, and by abutment with the first blocking member stop <NUM> the movement of the ejector member <NUM> to the first ejector position has caused the blocking member <NUM> to move to the non-blocking position.

<FIG> show an exemplary blocking member <NUM>' of an exemplary auto injector, such as the auto injector of <FIG>. The blocking member <NUM>' as illustrated in <FIG> is a rotational blocking member. The blocking member <NUM>' is configured to rotate in a direction of rotation DR in response to translational movement of the ejector member in the cartridge receiving direction.

<FIG> shows the blocking member <NUM>' being in the non-blocking position. A second electrical connector <NUM> is connected to the first electrical connector <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the blocking member <NUM>' being in the blocking position.

Connection of a second electrical connector to the first electrical connector <NUM> is prevented by the blocking member <NUM>'. Compared to <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM>' has been rotated in the direction of rotation DR, to the blocking position.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an exemplary cartridge <NUM>, such as a cartridge <NUM> being configured to be received in the cartridge receiver of an auto injector, such as the auto injector described in relation to previous figures.

The cartridge <NUM> comprises a cartridge compartment <NUM>. The cartridge compartment <NUM> may be configured for containing a medicament. The cartridge <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> comprises a cartridge outlet <NUM> at the first cartridge end <NUM>. The cartridge may be configured to expel medicament through the cartridge outlet <NUM>.

The cartridge comprises a first stopper <NUM> movable inside the cartridge compartment, e.g. in a first stopper direction <NUM>, e.g. towards the first cartridge end. For example, the medicament may be expelled through the cartridge outlet <NUM> upon movement of the first stopper <NUM> in the first stopper direction. The cartridge comprises a cartridge back face <NUM> at the second cartridge end. The cartridge back face <NUM> comprises a cartridge back end opening for providing access to the first stopper <NUM> for a plunger rod.

As illustrated, the cartridge <NUM> may be a dual chamber cartridge. The cartridge comprises a second stopper <NUM> movable inside the cartridge compartment <NUM>, e.g. in the first stopper direction <NUM>, e.g. towards the first cartridge end. The cartridge compartment <NUM> comprises a first cartridge subcompartment <NUM> and a second cartridge subcompartment <NUM>. The first cartridge subcompartment <NUM> is between the first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM>. The second cartridge subcompartment <NUM> is between the second stopper <NUM> and the cartridge outlet <NUM>. The cartridge comprises a bypass section <NUM> for providing fluid communication between the first cartridge subcompartment and the second cartridge subcompartment. The bypass section <NUM> provides fluid communication between the first cartridge subcompartment and the second cartridge subcompartment when the second stopper <NUM> is positioned in the bypass section <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an exemplary drive module <NUM> and plunger rod <NUM>. Such as a drive module <NUM> and a plunger rod <NUM> for an auto injector as described in relation to previous figures.

The plunger rod <NUM> is configured to advance a first stopper of a cartridge, such as a cartridge described in relation to <FIG>, such as a cartridge received in the auto injector, such as received in the cartridge receiver of the auto injector. The plunger rod <NUM> comprises an outer plunger rod <NUM> with an inner thread, and an inner plunger rod <NUM> with an outer thread. The thread of the inner plunger rod <NUM> is in engagement with the thread of the outer plunger rod <NUM>. The outer plunger rod <NUM> is prevented from rotating relative to the housing of the auto injector. The movement of the plunger rod <NUM> comprises rotation of the inner plunger rod <NUM>. The rotation of the inner plunger rod <NUM> results in translational movement of the outer plunger rod <NUM>, due to the outer plunger rod <NUM> being prevented from rotating. The outer plunger rod <NUM>, when moved translationally in the first stopper direction <NUM>, is configured to abut the first stopper of the cartridge, and to move the first stopper in the first stopper direction <NUM>.

The drive module <NUM> is coupled to actuate the plunger rod <NUM>. The drive module <NUM> is electrically connected to a battery for receiving electrical power. The drive module <NUM> comprises a motor <NUM>, such as an electro-mechanical motor, such as a DC motor. The drive module <NUM> comprises a transmission <NUM> for coupling the motor <NUM> to the inner plunger rod <NUM> of the plunger rod <NUM>.

Although the example shown comprises a motor <NUM>, which may be an electro-mechanical motor, it will be readily understood that the auto injector <NUM> may be realised having an alternative drive module, such as comprising a solenoid motor, a shape memory metal engine, an arrangement of springs and/or a pressurized gas configured to actuate the plunger rod <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An auto injector (<NUM>) for administering a medicament, the auto injector (<NUM>) being connectable to an electrical power supply, the auto injector comprising:
a housing accommodating a battery (<NUM>) and a first electrical connector (<NUM>) accessible via a connector opening (<NUM>) in the housing (<NUM>) and accepting a second electrical connector (<NUM>) of the electrical power supply;
a cartridge receiver (<NUM>) configured to receive a cartridge (<NUM>) containing the medicament;
an ejector member (<NUM>) movable along a longitudinal axis between a first ejector position and a second ejector position,
characterized in that the ejector member (<NUM>) is further being configured to follow movement of the cartridge (<NUM>) along the longitudinal axis (L) when the cartridge (<NUM>) is received in the cartridge receiver (<NUM>);
wherein the auto injector (<NUM>) further comprises:
a blocking member (<NUM>) coupled to the ejector member (<NUM>), the blocking member (<NUM>) being configured to move between a blocking position, in which blocking position the connector opening (<NUM>) is blocked, and a non-blocking position, in which non-blocking position the connector opening is not blocked, wherein the blocking member (<NUM>) is in the blocking position when the ejector member (<NUM>) is in the second ejector position, and wherein the blocking member (<NUM>) is in the non-blocking position when the ejector member is in the first ejector position,
wherein the ejector member (<NUM>) is in the first ejector position when the cartridge (<NUM>) is not received in the cartridge receiver (<NUM>), and wherein the ejector member (<NUM>) is in the second ejector position when the cartridge (<NUM>) is received in the cartridge receiver (<NUM>).