Injection device with an improved metering member and a pre-tensioned ejection spring

0001The invention relates to an injection device for administering a liquid product, in particular a medicament, such as. B. Insulin for diabetes therapy. In particular, the invention relates to a drive and metering device for such an injection device.

0002The term "medicament" here encompasses any flowable medical formulation which is suitable for controlled administration by an agent, such as. B. a cannula or hollow needle, for example comprising a liquid, a solution, a gel or a fine suspension, which (s) contains one or more medicinal agents. Medicament can be a single agent composition or a premixed or co-formulated multi-agent composition from a single container. Drug includes drugs such as peptides (e.g. Insulins, medicines containing insulin, GLP-1 containing and derived or analogous preparations), proteins and hormones, biologically derived or active substances, substances based on hormones or genes, nutritional formulations, enzymes and other substances both in solid (suspended) or liquid form but also polysaccharides, vaccines, DNA or RNA or oligonucleotides, antibodies or parts of antibodies as well as suitable basic, auxiliary and carrier substances.

0003The invention is a development of the invention from the <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="WO2013144021A1"><text>WO 2013/144021 A1</text></patcit>.

0004From the <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="EP2644217A"><text>EP 2 644 217</text></patcit> an injection device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known. It is an object of the invention to provide a drive and metering device for an injection device for administering a liquid product, which allows the user to use the device easily, in particular to adjust the dose, and yet enables a compact design.

0005The object is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments result from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

0006The invention is based on a drive mechanism for an injection device for administering a liquid medicament or product. The drive mechanism has a housing. The housing is preferably sleeve-shaped and / or elongated. The housing can e.g. B. extend along its longitudinal axis.

0007The housing can optionally accommodate a product container or form the product container itself. The housing can be in one or more parts. For example, the housing can form a proximal housing part, which comprises or has the drive and metering device. The housing may also have a product container holder which holds the product container, such as. B. a carpule, receives and is connected to the housing or the proximal housing part. This connection can be such that the product container holder and the housing or the proximal housing part cannot be released after the connection, ie can only be released by destroying connecting elements. Such a solution is particularly advantageous in the case of disposable injection devices, which are disposed of as a whole after the product contained in the product container has been completely poured out. Alternatively, the product container holder can also be detachably attached to the housing, which makes it possible, although less preferred, to use the drive and metering device several times if necessary, ie to replace an empty product container with a full product container.

0008The housing preferably serves to be gripped by the user of the device. In particular, the housing can have an essentially cylindrical shape. The housing can e.g. B. have a pointing device, in particular a window, by means of or through which a currently set dose, preferably from a scale of a dose setting element, can be read.

0009In a first aspect, which, for example, advantageously further develops the invention, the drive and metering device, which in particular forms an injection device together with the product container, comprises, in addition to a housing, a dose display element, over the circumference of which a dose scale is arranged. The dose indicator can e.g. B. be annular in cross section. The dose indicator can e.g. B. be a dose indicator drum or a dose indicator ring. The dose scale can extend over the circumference of the dose display element, preferably helically. The dose scale preferably comprises a multiplicity of values ​​which are arranged in a row and give the dose scale. They are preferably numerical values ​​which indicate the desired product dose in international units (IU) or in milligrams.

0010Alternatively, the dose scale without a slope over the circumference of the dose display element, such as. B. the dose indicator ring may be arranged, the scale values ​​then being repeated after one revolution of the dose indicator element. With a dose scale with slope, ie On a helical dose scale, the dose display element, in particular the dose display drum, can be rotated with more than one revolution without the scale values ​​repeating, which advantageously allows the scale values ​​to be displayed larger or more scale values.

0011The drive and dosing device further comprises a pointing device, wherein the dose display element for setting the dose to be administered can be rotated relative to the pointing device and in particular about an axis of rotation, which preferably corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the drive and dosing device and / or the dose display element. This can be a pure rotary movement, ie a rotary movement without superimposed axial movement. An axial movement is preferably superimposed on the rotary movement, as a result of which the dose display element can be screwed relative to the pointing device in order to set the dose to be administered. A screwable dose display element can advantageously be combined with a helical dose scale, the screwing movement and the dose scale advantageously having the same pitch. A dose display element that can be rotated without axial movement can advantageously be combined with a slope-free dose scale.

0012By means of the pointing device, which is preferably formed on the housing, a value of the dose scale can be read which corresponds to the set dose. The pointing device can e.g. B. be a window that can be formed by an opening in the housing or by a transparent insert. Alternatively or optionally, the pointing device can be an arrow or have an arrow which, for. B. In addition to the window, the value of the dose scale that corresponds to the set dose is marked. This is e.g. B. then advantageous if another value appears at least partially in the window to ensure a clear dose selection. The pointer can e.g. B. be a projection or a print or a notch or the like.

0013The drive and metering device comprises a metering element, which is designed, for example, as a metering button and can optionally be referred to as a dose setting element. The metering element is preferably graspable by the user (patient, doctor, medical auxiliary personnel) of the drive and metering device and preferably forms an outer, in particular accessible surface of the drive and metering device. To set the dose to be dispensed or to be administered, the dosing member is preferably gripped by the user and rotated relative to the housing and in particular the pointing device about an axis of rotation, which preferably corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the elongated drive and dosing device. The dosing member is preferably connected to the housing in an axially fixed manner, in particular fixedly displaceable along a longitudinal axis of the housing, which advantageously facilitates the intuitive handling of the device by the user, since he only needs to perform a rotary movement of the dosing member for dose adjustment.

0014In particular, the dose display element can be connected or coupled to the metering element at least during the dose setting in a rotationally fixed manner, but for example axially displaceably. For intuitive operation, it is advantageous if the dose display element is also rotated by this angle of rotation when the metering element is rotated by an angle of rotation.

0015The drive and metering device can have an actuating element, for example in the form of an actuating button. The actuator can form an outer surface of the drive and metering device and / or be accessible from the outside. The actuating element can be formed at the proximal, in particular rear end of the drive and metering device or form this end. In this way, the actuating element can advantageously be pressed, in particular pressed, with the thumb of the hand that engages around the housing. The actuation can be ended by releasing the actuating element. “Actuate” is understood to mean the displacement of the actuating member into the drive and metering device, in particular in the distal direction, as a result of which product release can be effected in particular. The actuating member is advantageously displaceable relative to the metering member and in particular can be axially displaceably received by the metering member.

0016The actuating member can advantageously be displaceable, in particular actuatable, against the force of a spring, in particular a reset or clutch spring, as a result of which this spring is tensioned. When released, this spring can reset the actuating member, in particular, can move it relative to the metering member, in particular in the proximal direction or out of the drive and metering device.

0017The drive and dosing device further comprises a bearing element with which the dose display element is in engagement. This intervention advantageously causes the rotary or screwing movement of the dose display element relative to the pointing device. For example, the engagement between the dose indicator element and the bearing element can be a thread engagement.

0018In particular, the bearing element can have an external thread and the dose indicator element can have an internal thread, these threads interlocking and thereby causing the dose indicator element to be screwable relative to the bearing element.

0019In particular, the dose display element can be rotated or screwed back and forth between a maximum dose position and a zero dose position. In the zero dose position, the dose or digit "0" can advantageously be read in the pointing device. In the maximum dose position, the maximum product dose that can be dispensed with the drive and metering device can advantageously be read.

0020In the zero dose position, the dose display element can be blocked against rotation in one direction of rotation, namely in the direction of rotation, which would cause a dose to be set to less than zero. In the zero dose position, the dose display element can preferably only be moved in the direction of rotation which brings about an increase in the dose. In the maximum dose position, the dose display element is preferably blocked against rotation in one direction of rotation, namely in the direction of rotation, which would cause the setting of a dose beyond the maximum adjustable dose. In the maximum dose position, the dose display element can in particular only be rotated in the direction of rotation, which brings about a reduction in the product dose.

0021The dose indicator can e.g. B. have a stop that strikes a counter-stop in the zero dose position and thus prevents rotation in one direction. The same or an additional stop of the dose display element can prevent the dose display element from rotating beyond the maximum dose. In particular, a further counterstop, namely a maximum dose counterstop, can be provided for this. Accordingly, the other counterstop can be referred to as a zero dose counterstop. The dose display element can accordingly have a zero dose stop for the zero dose counter stop and a maximum dose stop for the maximum dose counter stop. The stop or the stops preferably act in the circumferential direction and / or in the axial direction.

0022The drive and metering device according to the first aspect can preferably be such that the bearing element together with the dose indicator element can be displaced relative to the housing and along the axis of rotation, in particular in the distal direction. This aspect can advantageously further develop the drive and metering device according to a second aspect described herein. Alternatively, the dose indicator element can have a thread which is in engagement with the housing. As a result, the dose display element can be screwed back and forth relative to the housing, but it cannot be moved independently of the screwing movement with a particularly pure axial movement.

0023The actuating member is preferably coupled to the bearing element such that a displacement of the actuating member relative to the housing and / or the dosing member causes a displacement of the bearing element relative to the housing and / or the dosing member, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the drive and dosing device.

0024Because the dose indicator element is in engagement with the bearing element according to the invention and the bearing element can be displaced relative to the housing and along the axis of rotation, the dose indicator element can also be relative to the housing and along the axis of rotation independently of the rotary or screwing movement which the Moves the dose display element when adjusting the dose. The drive and metering device according to the second aspect can, however, in principle also advantageously be combined with the alternative dose display element, which is in threaded engagement with the housing or an element fixed to the housing. In this alternative, the bearing element can be formed by the housing or be part of the housing, the bearing element then being e.g. B. can be rotationally and axially fixed with respect to the rest of the housing.

0025It can advantageously be read on the pointing device and / or on the dose display element that the bearing element has been moved together with the dose display element. In this way, the user can check the operating state of the drive and metering device, ie whether the drive and metering device, in particular, the actuating member is actuated for a distribution or is not actuated.

0026In a preferred variant, the actuating member and / or the bearing element together with the dose display element can be displaceable relative to the pointing device, the housing and along the axis of rotation. In the area of ​​the pointing device, in particular in the window of the pointing device, a marking that differs from the dose scale can appear when the bearing element is displaced. The marking is preferably arranged on the dose display element. If the bearing element is not displaced, in particular the drive and metering device for the product distribution is not actuated, the marking can be arranged outside the pointing device, such as, for. B. be covered by a housing or other element. If the bearing element is moved, in particular the drive and metering device for the product distribution is actuated, the marking can emerge from the covered area, so that it appears or can be read in particular on or in the pointing device. If the actuation of the drive and metering device is interrupted or ended, the bearing element can return to the original position, whereby the marking is preferably removed from the area of ​​the pointing device and in particular covered.

0027In an alternative variant, the actuating element and / or the bearing element together with the dose display element and the pointing device can be displaceable relative to the housing and along the axis of rotation. The pointing device can e.g. B. be an aperture or at least fulfill the function of an aperture. For example, the pointing device can be connected at least axially fixed, preferably also non-rotatably, to the bearing element. Basically, the bearing element can form the pointing device. Of course, it is also possible for the pointing device to be a part separate from the bearing element. The pointing device can e.g. B. be sleeve-shaped.

0028In this variant, the displacement of the bearing element can cause a marking that differs from the dose scale to appear in the area of ​​the pointing device and is arranged or formed on or on the pointing device. For example, the pointing device can be arranged within the housing. The marking of the pointing device can be covered by the housing or another element in the unactuated state of the drive and metering device. If the drive and metering device, in particular the actuating member, is actuated so that the dose display element is moved together with the pointing device, the marking can protrude from its cover, so that the marking can be seen or read. If the actuation is interrupted or ended, the dose display element can be moved back to its starting position together with the pointing device and the bearing element, so that the marking is again arranged under the cover.

0029A spring, in particular a clutch or return spring, can generally be tensioned when the drive and metering device is actuated for a product distribution. In other words, when actuated, the bearing element can be displaced against the force of a spring of this type in particular, in particular from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The spring can e.g. B. be a coil or coil spring that acts as a compression spring. This spring also causes the bearing element to be reset to its starting position or unactuated position when the actuation is interrupted or ended. In particular, the bearing element is displaced in the distal direction when actuated. The spring moves the bearing element back in the proximal direction when the actuation is interrupted or ended.

0030The actuation of the actuating member in particular has the effect that the bearing element together with the dose display element is displaced relative to the housing and along the axis of rotation. In a broader sense, the actuation of the actuating member can have the effect that a propelling member, the distal end of which is provided to act on a piston of the product container attached or attachable to the drive and metering device, is displaced in the distal direction, in particular the dispensing direction. The actuator can, for. B. on the proximal, ie be arranged rear end of the drive and metering device or form the proximal end of the drive and metering device. Alternatively, the actuating element can be arranged on the side of the housing and / or between the distal end and the proximal end of the drive and metering device. In general, the actuating member can be designed in the manner of an actuating button. The actuating member is preferably displaced relative to the housing or the metering member during actuation. In particular, the user of the device can advantageously actuate the actuating element, for example with the thumb of his hand, which engages around the housing of the drive and metering device.

0031The actuator is preferably connected to the bearing element so that it moves the bearing element when actuated, in particular via a coupling member which, for. B. axially fixed and rotatable with the bearing element.

0032In generally preferred embodiments, the actuation of the actuating member can cause the dose display element to be rotated, in particular screwed, relative to or on the bearing element or the housing, in particular in one direction, so that the values ​​of the dose scale moving past the pointing device during the rotary movement count down. The angle of rotation of the dose display element and the delivery stroke of the propulsion member are preferably in a proportional relationship, in particular at any time during the delivery of the dose. This enables a real-time display to be implemented, which counts down when the dose is distributed until it finally reaches the value 0, the distribution of this dose then being ended. If the actuation for the distribution is interrupted while the dose display element is being rotated back, the dose display element displays the remaining amount still required for the distribution of this dose.

0033In a variant, the drive and metering device can be designed such that the energy required for turning back the dose display element and / or displacing the propelling member in the distal direction is to be applied manually, in particular by a force of the user acting on the actuating member. Eg the dose setting element, in particular the dose knob, can be screwed out of the proximal end of the housing for dose setting, wherein it is screwed back into the housing for actuation of the actuating element in order to deliver the dose.

0034In a preferred alternative variant, the drive and metering device can be designed in such a way that the energy required for turning back the dose display element and / or displacing the propelling member in the distal direction is automatically generated, in particular by a spring contained in the drive and metering device, in particular a discharge spring in which the required energy is stored or can be provided. Eg the spring energy stored in the release spring can be emitted to the dose display element and / or the propulsion element when the actuating element is actuated, so that the dose display element is turned back and the propulsion element is displaced in the distal direction. The delivery spring can e.g. B. be coupled to the metering element such that a rotation of the metering element in the dose setting biases the delivery spring. The spring can then store the energy required for the set dose.

0035When the drive and dosing device are delivered, the spring is already biased with so much energy that the energy is sufficient for several distributions of the product dose, i.e. sufficient for the distribution of the entire product that can be dispensed from the product container. In this alternative, the metering element can be decoupled from the spring during dose adjustment, ie it cannot be coupled to the dispensing spring in such a way that rotation of the metering element causes the spring to be tensioned. As a result, the dosing member can be rotated for the user with much less effort when setting the dose.

0036The metering element, in particular the metering button, can surround or accommodate the actuating element, in particular the actuating button. Thus, the metering member and the actuator can form the proximal end of the drive and metering device. The actuator for actuation is displaceable relative to the metering element.

0037In versions in which the energy required for the distribution is provided automatically, the metering element can preferably be arranged axially fixed but rotatable relative to, in particular on the housing.

0038The drive and metering device has a propulsion element, the distal end of which is provided to act on a piston, in particular indirectly or preferably directly. The piston can be part of a product container fastened or fastened to the drive and metering device, such as, for. B. be a carpule. The propulsion member can be referred to in the broader sense as a piston rod, the propulsion member not necessarily having to be solid, but also hollow, such as, for. B. can be designed sleeve-shaped. At the distal end of the propulsion member, a z. B. rotatable flange that presses against the piston. In general, it is preferred that the distal end of the propulsion member presses against the piston. The drive member is preferably displaceable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis of the drive and metering device.

0039The drive and metering device has an abutment and preferably a guide, the propelling member being movable relative to the abutment and preferably also relative to the guide in one direction, in particular in the distal direction or in the direction of dispensing, in order to dispense the set product dose cause. The propulsion element can preferably be guided straight or axially by means of or on the guide, along the longitudinal axis of the drive and metering device. In particular, the propulsion member can be rotationally fixed relative to the abutment or / and the guide or / and the housing. In an alternative embodiment, the propelling member can be rotated relative to the abutment or the housing combined with a longitudinal movement, ie be screwable relative to the abutment, although less preferred. In general, the guide and / or the abutment can be formed by the housing, in particular a sleeve-shaped housing part or an element, for example sleeve-shaped, fixed to the housing.

0040The propulsion member and the guide, in particular formed by the housing, can, for example, be in direct engagement or in an indirect engagement via an intermediate member, which prevents rotation of the propulsion member relative to the abutment or the housing, but an axial movement or a screwing movement of the propulsion member relative to the abutment or the housing allowed. The leadership can e.g. B. an axial guide or a thread with a non-self-locking thread pitch.

0041The guide or the abutment and / or the guide forming the housing section, in particular an inner sleeve, can preferably surround the drive member, such as. B. surrounded by a sleeve and / or fixed to the housing or formed by the housing. An annular gap can be formed between this sleeve-shaped housing part and an outer, preferably also sleeve-shaped housing part, which has the advantage that an optionally available dose display element, in particular dose display drum, can be accommodated therein. This means that the length of the drive and metering device can be kept short.

0042The drive and metering device has one or two discharge springs or springs acting between the propulsion member and the abutment. The at least one spring is supported on the abutment. For example, the z. B. support single discharge spring with its distal end on the thrust member and with its proximal end on the abutment. In particular, the at least one discharge spring can be arranged inside the guide or the sleeve-shaped housing part forming the guide. If the propulsion element is sleeve-shaped, the at least one discharge spring can be arranged within the propulsion element. Alternatively, a first delivery spring and a second delivery spring can in particular be arranged kinematically between the propulsion member and the guide or the sleeve-shaped housing part forming the guide. The first release spring can e.g. B. surround the second discharge spring or vice versa. In particular, the second delivery spring can be arranged concentrically with the first delivery spring. The first release spring and the second release spring can e.g. B. be connected in parallel or in series. Dispensing springs connected in parallel mean, in particular, that the first and second dispensing springs are each supported with their distal end on the propulsion member and in each case with their proximal end on the abutment. In this way, the spring constants of the first and second release springs can be added to form an overall spring constant. Dispensing springs connected in series means in particular that the distal end of one of the first and second dispensing springs presses against the proximal end of the other of the first and second dispensing springs, in particular directly or preferably indirectly, such as, for. B. via the pontic. For example, the first release spring is supported on the abutment and the intermediate link and the second release spring on the intermediate link and the drive link. For example, the distal end of the first delivery spring can be arranged distal to the proximal end of the second delivery spring. Due to the intermediate member, the spring force of the first spring can be transmitted from its distal end to the proximal end of the second delivery spring. In particular, the intermediate member can be sleeve-shaped and can be arranged in an annular gap between the first and second discharge springs. Distribution springs connected in series allow a relatively constant spring force over a relatively long spring travel.

0043The first and second release springs each act as a compression spring. The at least one delivery spring is biased and thus acts on the propulsion member, which it tries to move the propulsion member relative to the abutment in the distal direction, ie in the delivery direction. In the delivery state of the drive and metering device, the at least one distribution spring is biased with so much energy that it can distribute the maximum or total quantity of product that can be distributed from the product container in several individual distributions, ie in particular in several distributions of individual product cans. The drive and metering device is designed in such a way that the next dose to be distributed is reset after each individual distribution or distribution of the product dose. In contrast to designs in which a dispensing spring is preloaded with each dose setting, the spring prestressed with the energy required to distribute the maximum amount of product that can be dispensed from the product container can achieve a simpler dose setting, since this is relative to the housing for the dose setting rotatable dosing member is then easier to turn because the spring does not need to be biased when setting the dose. This increases the ease of use for the user of the device.

0044The drive and metering device further comprises a rotary member, the rotation of which causes the drive spring to deliver energy to the forward member, thereby moving the forward member in the distal direction. The rotary member preferably takes over the function of a control member, the rotation of the rotary member by a certain angle of rotation causing the advance member to be advanced by a certain discharge stroke.

0045By selectively releasing or blocking rotation of the rotary member relative to the housing, the drive spring can be allowed to move or not to move the forward member relative to the abutment in the distal direction. The rotary member is coupled to the actuating member such that when the actuating member is actuated for a product distribution, it is released for rotation relative to the housing and is blocked for rotation relative to the housing when the actuating member is not actuated. At least one clutch is arranged between the actuator and the rotary member, which causes the rotation of the rotary member to be released and blocked relative to the housing.

0046The at least one clutch releases the rotation of the rotary member relative to the housing by actuating the actuating member and blocks the rotation of the rotary member relative to the housing by releasing the actuating member.

0047According to a first sub-aspect, the at least one spring can comprise a first helical compression spring and a second helical compression spring, the first compression spring being supported on the abutment and an intermediate element and the second compression spring on the intermediate element and the propulsion element. The intermediate link can couple the drive link to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner. The distal end of the first compression spring can be supported, for example, on the intermediate link and its proximal end, for example on the abutment. The distal end of the second compression spring can be supported, for example, on the propulsion element and its proximal end, for example, on the intermediate element. In particular, the first compression spring and the second compression spring are connected in series. A compression spring is understood to be a helical spring acting as a compression spring. The intermediate link can, for example, be annular and surround the propulsion link. In particular, the intermediate member can be arranged in an annular gap between an inner sleeve of the housing, which forms the guide, and the propulsion member.

0048In particular, the intermediate member can engage with the housing, in particular the inner sleeve and / or the guide, in such a way that the intermediate member can be displaced relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis and can be rotated about the longitudinal axis. The intermediate member can be in engagement with the propelling member such that the intermediate member is displaceable relative to the propelling member along the longitudinal axis and is non-rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

0049As a result, the propulsion element is connected or coupled to the housing in a manner secured against rotation via the intermediate element.

0050The intermediate member is preferably in a floating position between the first spring and the second spring, ie the position of the intermediate member is such that the forces exerted on the intermediate member by the first spring and by the second spring cancel each other out.

0051For example, the first compression spring can surround the propulsion element and the second compression spring can surround the propulsion element. This means that the first compression spring and the second compression spring can be arranged in the annular gap between the inner sleeve of the housing and the drive element. For example, the outside diameter of the first compression spring can be larger than the outside diameter of the second compression spring. As a result, the first compression spring can be optimized with regard to a high spring constant and the second compression spring with regard to a space-saving design.

0052For example, the first compression spring can surround the propulsion element and the propulsion element can surround the second compression spring. The first compression spring can be arranged in the annular gap between the housing, in particular the inner sleeve, and the propulsion member. The second compression spring can be arranged in the annular gap between the rotating member and the driving member. In this way, a space-saving design can be achieved at least for the area in which the second compression spring is arranged.

0053The intermediate member can extend through an elongated slot extending along the longitudinal axis in the wall of the sleeve-shaped propelling member. As a result, the slot can simultaneously serve as a guide or as a longitudinal guide for the intermediate member on the driving member. The first spring may be supported on the portion of the intermediate member that is outside the propelling member, and the second compression spring may be supported on the portion of the intermediate member that is inside the propelling member. The intermediate member is or is displaceable in the slot during the product distribution.

0054The second compression spring is generally preferably arranged distally of the first compression spring. In particular, the proximal end of the second compression spring can be arranged distal of the distal end of the first compression spring.

0055The second compression spring can preferably have a smaller outer diameter than the inner wall of the product container, against which the piston of the product container rests. The small outer diameter can advantageously ensure that accidental contact of the compression spring is avoided by a sufficient distance from the inner wall.

0056The second compression spring can be arranged such that it is located in the product container when the piston rod is displaced in the product container in order to dispense the product.

0057The position of the intermediate member in relation to the product container can be such that it is spaced along the longitudinal axis from a proximal end of the product container or touches the proximal end of the product container when the maximum amount of product that can be dispensed from the product container has been poured out. If the pontic does not touch the proximal end of the product container during product delivery, it is ensured that both compression springs contribute to the propulsion of the piston. If the pontic comes into contact with the distal end of the product container during product distribution, only the second compression spring can contribute to the distribution, which can be an advantage in special applications.

0058In a second sub-aspect, the propulsion member can have a shoulder on which the at least one spring is supported, in particular with its distal end. The at least one spring can be a single compression spring, ie a helical spring that acts as a compression spring. A portion of the propellant member distal to the shoulder along the longitudinal axis may have a length measured along the longitudinal axis that is greater than the distance between the proximal end of the product container and the piston when the piston is in the position in which the the maximum quantity of product that can be distributed is distributed in the product container. In this embodiment, the compression spring can only be arranged in the area proximal to the shoulder, with no further spring needing to be arranged in the area distal to the shoulder. This can be achieved particularly advantageously that the area distal to the shoulder can be designed to save space.

0059In particular, the shoulder can be in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable engagement with the housing. For example, the shoulder can firmly connect an inner sleeve of the drive member and an outer sleeve of the drive member, wherein the at least one compression spring can be or is arranged in the annular gap formed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. For example, the outer sleeve can be in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable engagement with the housing, in particular the inner sleeve of the housing or the guide. This prevents rotation of the propulsion member relative to the housing, but permits displacement along the longitudinal axis.

0060In a third sub-aspect, which does not form part of the invention, the at least one spring can be a torsion spring, in particular a spring wound spirally from a band-shaped material, which is supported on the rotary member and the abutment. Such a spring can be referred to as a spiral or clock spring. The preloaded torsion spring generates a torque between the rotary member and the abutment, the torque trying to rotate the rotary member relative to the abutment or the housing about the longitudinal axis. The torsion spring and preferably also the abutment for the torsion spring, on which the torsion spring is supported, can be arranged distally of a dose indicator element and / or a bearing element which is displaceable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis and which is in threaded engagement with a dose indicator element. For the design of the dose display element and the bearing element, reference is made to the rest of the description of this application.

0061In the third sub-aspect, the rotary member can be connected to the propulsion member in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner. The rotating member can, for example, be sleeve-shaped and surround the propelling member. The drive member and the rotary member can be connected so that the rotary member is rotatably and axially displaceable with respect to the drive member. The drive member can then, for example, be in threaded engagement with the housing or an element fixed to the housing with its external thread. When the rotary member rotates, the propelling member is screwed to the thread of the housing or the housing-fixed element along the longitudinal axis, as a result of which, for example, the product can be distributed, ie the piston in the product container can be moved in the distal direction.

0062Because the rotary member surrounds the propelling member, the propelling member can be designed, for example, in the form of a rod, in particular as a piston rod, as a result of which it maintains a sufficient distance from the inner wall of the product container when the propelling member is displaced into the product container.

0063Generally preferred, the angle of rotation of the rotary member can be proportional to the discharge stroke of the piston or the propulsion member . This can be achieved by selectively locking or unlocking the rotating member.

0064The rotary member can advantageously be in engagement, in particular threaded engagement with the propulsion member. The thread pitch of this thread engagement ensures that, for. B. with a complete rotation of the rotary member relative to the housing, the propulsion member is displaceable by the discharge spring by a stroke which corresponds to the thread pitch.

0065For example, the rotary member can have or be a threaded rod and the propelling member can be a threaded nut, the thread of the threaded nut engaging in the thread of the threaded rod.

0066In an alternative example, the rotary member can have or be a threaded nut and the propelling member can be a threaded rod, the thread of the threaded nut engaging in the thread of the threaded rod.

0067Preferably, the rotary member is axially fixed with respect to the housing or can at least in one, preferably in the distal direction axially fixed to the housing or an element fixed to the housing, such as. B. support the abutment.

0068It is advantageous that the rotary member is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the housing during the setting of a dose, ie in the unactuated state, in particular by means of the at least one clutch, in particular a first clutch, and is rotated relative to the housing during actuation of the device for dispensing the product dose or is rotatable. The dose display element, in particular the dose display drum, can optionally be in threaded engagement with the housing or with an element fixed to the housing.

0069The dose display element, in particular the dose display drum, can be rotatable relative to the rotary member during the setting of a dose, ie in the unactuated state of the drive and metering device or of the actuating member. Preferably, the dose indicator element is non-rotatable relative to the rotary member during the actuation of the device for dispensing the product dose and, for example axially movable, or non-rotatably connected to the rotary member, in particular to the at least one clutch, in particular a second clutch.

0070This advantageously has the effect that when the dose is distributed, that is to say when the actuating member is actuated, the dispensing spring unscrews the dose display element into its zero dose position, in particular via the rotary member and preferably via a coupling member which is preferably arranged in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner with respect to the dose display element. In particular, the coupling member and the dose display element can be in a rotationally fixed engagement, which allows axial movement between the dose display element and the coupling member. This intervention can, for. B. be effected by means of a longitudinal guide. The coupling member is preferably axially fixed but rotatably connected to the bearing element.

0071The first clutch can be arranged kinematically between the housing, in particular the bearing element, and the rotary member. The first clutch is engaged during the setting of the product dose or when the actuator is not actuated, as a result of which the rotary member is non-rotatable relative to the housing. The first clutch is disengaged during the product distribution or when the actuator is actuated, as a result of which the rotary member can be rotated relative to the housing.

0072The first coupling can have a first coupling structure which is connected to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular is formed by the housing or the bearing element, and a second coupling structure which is connected to the rotating member in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular is formed by the rotating member. The first coupling structure can be or have a toothing, wherein the second coupling structure can be or have a toothing. The teeth of the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure can interlock with one another when the first coupling is engaged. The first coupling structure can be an external toothing, wherein the second coupling structure can be an internal toothing. Alternatively, the first coupling structure can be an internal toothing, wherein the second coupling structure can be an external toothing.

0073The second coupling can be arranged between a sleeve-shaped coupling member which, for example, can be rotatably and axially fixed to the bearing element, in particular in engagement, and the rotating member. The second clutch is disengaged during product dose adjustment or when the actuator is not actuated, thereby allowing the clutch member to be rotated relative to the rotary member. The second clutch is engaged during product distribution or when the actuator is actuated. This ensures in particular that the rotary member and the coupling member are connected in a rotationally fixed manner. The coupling member can thus be rotated by the rotating member. The second coupling can comprise a third coupling structure, which is connected to the coupling member in a rotationally secured manner, in particular is formed by the coupling member, and a fourth coupling structure, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotating member, in particular is formed by the rotating member. The third coupling structure can be or have a toothing, wherein the fourth coupling structure can be or have a toothing. The teeth of the third and fourth clutch structure can interlock positively when the second clutch is engaged. For example, the third coupling structure can be an internal toothing, and the fourth coupling structure can be an external toothing. Alternatively, the third coupling structure can be an external toothing, wherein the fourth coupling structure can be an internal toothing.

0074In principle, the teeth for the second clutch structure and the fourth clutch structure can be teeth that are separate from one another. The second coupling structure and the fourth coupling structure can preferably be formed by a common toothing.

0075In particular, the first and the second clutch can be coordinated with one another in such a way that the actuating member can assume a, for example first, intermediate position between the unactuated position and the actuated position, in which the first clutch is engaged and the second clutch is engaged. This advantageously has the effect that the rotation of the coupling member is only released by the drive spring when it is ensured that the rotating member is non-rotatably coupled to the coupling member. This advantageously prevents a malfunction of the device, which could occur if the second clutch has not yet been engaged and the first clutch has already been disengaged.

0076The drive and metering device preferably has a third coupling which is arranged between the dose setting member and the coupling member. The third coupling is engaged during the setting of the product dose or when the actuator is not actuated, whereby the coupling element and the dose setting element are secured against rotation with respect to one another. The third clutch is disengaged during the product distribution or when the actuator is actuated, whereby the clutch member can be rotated relative to the dose setting member by means of the pretensioned drive spring.

0077The third coupling can have a fifth coupling structure, which is connected non-rotatably to the dose setting member, in particular is formed by the dose setting member, and a sixth coupling structure, which is connected non-rotatably to the coupling member, in particular is formed by the coupling member. The fifth coupling structure can be or have a toothing, wherein the sixth coupling structure can be or have a toothing. The teeth of the fifth clutch structure and the sixth clutch structure can interlock positively when the third clutch is engaged. The fifth coupling structure can be an internal toothing, and the sixth coupling structure can be an external toothing. Alternatively, the fifth coupling structure can be an external toothing, wherein the sixth coupling structure can be an internal toothing.

0078In particular, the first and the third clutch can be coordinated with one another in such a way that the actuating member can assume a, for example second, intermediate position between the unactuated position and the actuated position, into which the first clutch is coupled and the third clutch is coupled.

0079The drive and metering device can preferably have a fourth clutch, which is arranged between, in particular kinematically, between the dose setting member and the housing. The fourth clutch is disengaged during the setting of the product dose or when the actuator is not actuated, as a result of which the dose setting member can be rotated relative to the housing. The fourth coupling is engaged during the product distribution or when the actuator is actuated, as a result of which the dose setting element is non-rotatable relative to the housing. In general, it is preferred that the dose setting member is non-rotatable relative to the housing during the product distribution.

0080The third clutch can have a seventh coupling structure which is connected to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular is formed by the housing, and an eighth coupling structure which is connected to the dose setting member in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular by the dose setting member or the actuating member, which for example is permanently rotationally fixed to the Dose adjuster can be connected, is formed. The seventh coupling structure can be or have a toothing, wherein the eighth coupling structure can be or have a toothing. The teeth of the seventh coupling structure and the eighth coupling structure can interlock with one another when the third coupling is engaged. The seventh coupling structure can be an external toothing, wherein the eighth coupling structure can be an internal toothing. Alternatively, the seventh coupling structure can be an internal toothing, wherein the eighth coupling structure can be an external toothing.

0081In generally preferred embodiments, the dose indicator element can be a stop, such as. B. have a zero dose stop, which is moved away from a counterstop, in particular a zero dose counterstop when a dose is increased, and which is moved towards the counterstop when a dose is reduced, or when the device for dispensing the set product dose is actuated.

0082In particular, the dose display element can be at least rotationally decoupled from the rotary member during the setting of the product dose, ie when increasing and decreasing the dose, and when the device for dispensing the product dose is actuated can be coupled to the rotary member such that rotation of the rotary member causes the dose display element to the counter-stop, ie the zero-dose stop is moved towards the zero-dose counter-stop. If the zero dose stop and the zero dose counterstop are in one stop or in contact, this and in particular via the second clutch prevents rotation of the rotary member and thus further advancement of the drive member relative to the housing.

0083In advantageous developments, the drive and metering device can have a mechanism for preventing the setting of a dose which exceeds the amount of a medicament in the product container. In particular, this mechanism can block the rotation of the dosing member in a direction which would cause a dose increase, in particular even if the maximum dose stop of the dose display element and the maximum dose counter-stop are not yet in engagement or if a dose which is less than that is displayed in the pointing device maximum adjustable product dose. The mechanism thus prevents a dose from being set which exceeds the remaining amount of the product contained in the product container, thereby reducing the risk of misuse of the drive and metering device. The mechanism can e.g. B. have a limiter which is attached between two parts, one of which rotates relative to the other during dose setting and does not rotate when actuated, ie the dose delivery. Eg The limiter can be arranged between the dose setting element, which can be designed in particular as a dose setting button or a dose setting sleeve, and the housing or an element fixed to the housing. The limiter, dose setting member and housing may be coupled together such that relative rotation, particularly during dose setting, between the dose setting member and housing causes the limiter to move to a stop position in which the limiter prevents a dose from being set that exceeds the amount of a product in the product container. Examples of suitable limiters are given in the<patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="WO2010149209A"><text>WO 2010/149209</text></patcit> or in the <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="WO0119434A1"><text>WO 01/19434 A1</text></patcit>, especially in their <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> disclosed. For example, the limiter can have an internal thread which is in engagement with an external thread of the housing. In particular, the limiter can have on its outside a longitudinal guide with which it is in engagement with the dose setting member, so that the dose setting member is rotationally fixed relative to the limiter. Alternatively, the housing can have the longitudinal guide for the limiter, so that the limiter is non-rotatable relative to the housing, and the limiter can have a thread, in particular external thread, which engages in a thread, in particular internal thread, of the dose setting member.

0084The stop position is defined by a stop for the limiter, the stop being able to be formed by the housing or the dose setting member or by a means which is at least axially or circumferentially fixed to the housing. If the limiter and the stop are in contact, a rotation of the dose setting member in a direction of rotation, which would increase the dose, is no longer possible or blocked.

0085In generally preferred developments, in particular of the first and second aspects, the drive and metering device can have at least one signal generation mechanism which is adapted to generate an acoustic and / or tactile signal, in particular mechanically, during dose setting and / or product delivery. Such a signal can be perceived in particular as a click signal. For example, a (first) signal generation mechanism can be provided, which generates the signal during dose setting and can optionally be referred to as a dosing click device. Furthermore, a further (second) signal generation mechanism can be provided, which generates the signal during the product distribution and can optionally be referred to as a distribution click device. Alternatively, a (common) signal generation mechanism can be provided which generates the signal during dose setting and during product delivery.

0086The signal generating mechanism can generally be arranged between two parts which move, in particular rotate, relative to one another during dose setting and / or product delivery. One of the parts can have, for example, a resiliently arranged latching member, which, for. B. engages over the circumferential toothing of the other of the two parts. If one part is rotated relative to the other, the locking member can slide over the toothing and thereby generate the signal. The toothing can be formed by an inner circumference or an outer circumference or an end face of the part.

0087The signal generation mechanism for the dose setting can in particular be formed between the coupling member and the bearing element or rotating member. The coupling member preferably rotates relative to the bearing element or the rotating member during the dose setting, thereby forming a signal generating mechanism which generates the signal during the dose setting. The coupling member can form the locking member and the rotary member or the bearing element can form the toothing in which the locking member engages. The teeth can z. B. be the toothing that forms the second and / or fourth coupling structure.

0088The signal generation mechanism for the product distribution can in particular be formed between the coupling member and the actuating member or metering member. For example, the actuating element can form the toothing, in particular internal toothing, and the coupling element or a clicker that is connected to the coupling element in a rotationally fixed manner. Preferably, the coupling member rotates relative to the actuator or dose member, particularly during product delivery only, thereby forming a signal generating mechanism that generates the signal during product delivery.

0089The invention has been described using several advantageous embodiments. Advantageous embodiments are described below with reference to figures. The features disclosed thereby advantageously form the subject of the claims, in particular the independent claims, in particular individually and in any combination with the claims and / or the preceding description. Show it:<dl id="dl0001" compact="compact"><dt>Figure 1</dt><dd>different representations of a first embodiment of a drive and metering device according to the invention,</dd><dt>Figure 2</dt><dd>different representations of a second embodiment of a drive and metering device according to the invention,</dd><dt>Figure 3</dt><dd>different representations of a third embodiment of a drive and metering device according to the invention and</dd><dt>Figure 4</dt><dd>different representations of a fourth embodiment of a drive and metering device according to the invention.</dd></dl>

0090According to the first to fourth embodiments, the drive and metering device comprises a sleeve-shaped housing 4 which has an outer sleeve 4b which can be gripped by the user with one hand. The housing 4 further comprises an inner sleeve 4a, which forms an abutment 4i and is arranged concentrically with the outer sleeve 4b. Inner sleeve 4a and outer sleeve 4b are connected to one another via an annular web. An annular gap is formed between the outer sleeve 4b and the inner sleeve 4a, in which a dose display element 10, which is designed in particular as a dose display drum, ie, sleeve-shaped, a bearing element 9 and a coupling member 2, which is sleeve-shaped and in particular can also be referred to as a display coupling are.

0091At the distal end of the housing 4, a sleeve-shaped product container receptacle 5 made of a preferably transparent material is arranged, in which a product container 14 in the shape of a carpule is received. The product container 14 is non-detachably connected to the housing 4 by means of the product container receptacle 5, so that the drive and metering device, in particular together with the product container receptacle 5 and the product container 14, forms a disposable injection device which is disposed of as a whole after the product container 14 has been completely emptied. The product container 14 has at its distal end a septum 14b, which is separated from one another at the distal end of the product container 14 or the product container receptacle 5 attachable needle can be pierced. A piston 14a is received in the product container 14, the product to be dispensed being arranged between the septum 14b and the piston 14a. A displacement of the piston 14a in the direction of the septum or in the distal direction, thus the direction of discharge, causes the product contained in the product container 14 to be distributed. A protective cap (not shown) can be provided, which can be attached over the product container receptacle 5 and is removed before a dose is injected.

0092The drive and metering device has a drive member 8 and a rotary member 1. The propulsion member 8 is arranged such that a distal end 8g can act on the piston 14a, in particular can press against the piston 14a. The rotary member 1 is axially fixed relative to the housing 4 and rotatable about the longitudinal axis L. The rotary member 1 and the propulsion member 8 are thus coupled to one another or engage in one another in such a way that rotation of the rotary member 1 relative to the housing 4 and / or to the propulsion member 8 causes the propelling member 8 to move along the longitudinal axis L in the distal direction to displace the piston 14a.

0093The rotary member 1 has an enlarged diameter at its proximal end, in particular in the form of a widened head. On the head, parallel to the longitudinal axis L, there are teeth which form external teeth and which serve as second and / or fourth coupling structure 1b, as will be described below. Arranged on the head is an annular friction surface which is smaller in diameter than the head and which is in contact with an inwardly projecting ring web of the housing 4, for example forming an abutment 4i. Due to the reduced diameter of the annular friction surface, the point of application of the resulting force is shifted closer to the longitudinal axis L, as a result of which the frictional torque between the rotating member 1 and the housing 4 is reduced.

0094The drive and metering device according to the first to fourth embodiment has at least one discharge spring 11; 11a, 11b. The at least one discharge spring 11; 11a, 11b is on delivery, ie biased so strongly in the delivery state of the drive and metering device that the energy stored in it is sufficient to substantially completely pour out the product contained in the product container 14, in particular with several individual distributions, between which a new dose setting is made in each case. The advantage of the at least one preloaded spring 11; 11a, 11b is that the at least one spring 11; 11a, 11b, for example, does not have to be tensioned during the dose setting, as a result of which a power-saving, ie simpler dose setting can be carried out for the user of the device.

0095The at least one discharge spring 11; 11a, 11b is formed in the first to third embodiments as a helical or helical spring, which acts as a compression spring and strives to push the abutment 4i and the propulsion element 8 apart, ie the propulsion element 8 in the distal direction relative to the housing 4 move.

0096The housing 4, in particular the inner sleeve 4a and a sleeve-shaped thrust member 8, which can also be referred to as a plunger, are coupled in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner relative to one another. The propulsion member 8 is non-rotatable relative to the housing 4 and axially displaceable along the longitudinal axis L.

0097The rotary member 1 is designed as a threaded rod, which forms an external thread 1a and is in threaded engagement with an internal thread of the sleeve-shaped drive member 8. The pitch of the thread of the thread engagement between the drive member 8 and the rotary member 1 is so great that no self-locking of the thread engagement occurs, i. that is, due to the axial force of the discharge spring 11 acting along the longitudinal axis L, the rotary member 1 is rotatable or rotatable about the longitudinal axis L relative to the propulsion member 8.

0098The housing 4, in particular the proximal end of the inner sleeve 4a, forms the abutment 4i for the at least one discharge spring 11; 11a, 11b, which is supported on the abutment 4i and the region of the distal end of the propulsion element 8. The at least one spring 11; 11a, 11b is in the third embodiment (<figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref>) a single spring and in the first and second embodiment (<figref idref="f0001">Figures 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2</figref>) a first spring 11a and a second spring 11b. The first spring 11a and the second spring 11b are connected in series.

0099In the third embodiment (<figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref>) the spring 11 is supported with its distal end on an annular web, in particular the shoulder 8g, of the propulsion member 8, which firmly connects an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve 8b of the propelling member 8. The spring 11 is supported with its proximal end on the ring web which is formed by the housing 4 and projects inwards and which forms the abutment 4i. The spring 11 is at least partially arranged in the annular gap between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve 8b of the propulsion element 8. The inner sleeve 8b of the drive member 8 has the internal thread 8c for thread engagement with the rotary member 1. The drive member 8, in particular its outer sleeve and the housing 4, in particular its inner sleeve 4a, engage in one another in such a way that the drive member 8 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L relative to the housing 4 and is displaceable along the longitudinal axis L. Between the inner sleeve 4a and the drive member 8 or the outer sleeve of which is formed by a guide by means of at least one longitudinal rib 8a and at least one longitudinal guide 4c, which prevents rotation of the drive member 8 relative to the housing 4 and allows axial movement of the drive member 8 relative to the housing 4. The longitudinal rib 8a is preferably formed by the outer sleeve of the propulsion element 8. The propulsion member 8 has the inner sleeve 8b, which in this example has the inner thread 8a at its proximal end, which engages in the outer thread 1a of the rotary member 1 designed as a threaded rod.

0100The ring web, in particular the shoulder 8g, of the propulsion element 8 is arranged in the proximal half, in particular in the proximal third of the propulsion element 8, based on the total length of the propulsion element 8 measured along the longitudinal axis L. The distance along the longitudinal axis L between the distal end of the propelling member 8 and the ring land of the propelling member 8 is preferably greater than the distance along the longitudinal axis L between the piston 14a and the proximal end of the product container 14 when the piston 14a is in position is in which the maximum quantity of product that can be poured out is poured out, ie in the case of essentially completely emptied product containers. This advantageously prevents the ring web from abutting the proximal end of the product container 14 or at least being moved into the product container 14.

0101In the first and second embodiments (<figref idref="f0001">Figures 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">2</figref>) the first spring 11 is supported with its proximal end on the ring web formed by the housing 4 and projecting inwards, which forms the abutment 4a. The spring 11 is supported with its distal end on a particularly annular intermediate member 11c, which preferably surrounds the propelling member 8. The second spring 11b is supported with its distal end on an annular web or ring-shaped collar, for example in the region of the distal end 8d of the propulsion element 8. The proximal end of the second spring 11b is supported on the intermediate member 11c. The intermediate member 11c couples the drive member 8 and the housing 4 such that the drive member 8 is displaceable relative to the housing 4 along the longitudinal axis L and secured against rotation about the longitudinal axis L. The intermediate member 11c and the inner sleeve 4a of the housing 4 engage in one another such that the intermediate member 11c is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable with respect to the housing 4. The intermediate member 11c and the drive member 8 engage in one another such that the intermediate member 11c is displaceable relative to the drive member 8 along the longitudinal axis L and is non-rotatable about the longitudinal axis L.

0102The second spring 11b has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the first spring 11a. This can ensure that the area of ​​the propulsion element 8 or the first spring 11b, which is displaced for the product distribution in the product container 14, is at a sufficient distance from the inner wall of the product container 14 which guides the piston 14a. The proximal end of the second spring 11b is located distal of the distal end of the first spring 11a.

0103The intermediate member 11c is arranged in such a way that it is spaced along the longitudinal axis L from a proximal end of the product container 14 when the maximum quantity of product that can be dispensed from the product container 14 has been poured out, ie in the case of essentially completely emptied product containers 14. This ensures that the first and second springs 11a, 11b are involved in the distribution process until the product is fully distributed.

0104In the first embodiment, the first spring 11a surrounds the propulsion element 8, the second spring 11b surrounding the propulsion element 8. In other words, the first spring 11a and the second spring 11b are arranged in the annular gap formed between the propulsion element 8 and the inner sleeve 4a of the housing 4. This arrangement allows a particularly simple assembly of the drive and metering device.

0105In the second embodiment (<figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>) surrounds the first spring 11a, the propulsion member 8, the propulsion member 8 surrounding the second spring 11b. In other words, the first spring 11a is arranged in the annular gap between the inner sleeve 4a and the propulsion element 8. The second spring 11b is arranged in the annular gap formed between the rotating member 1 and the driving member 8. The sleeve-shaped propulsion member 8 has at least one elongated slot 8f, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L, through which the intermediate member 11c engages and in which the intermediate member 11c is displaceable. The first spring 11a and the second spring 11b can advantageously be supported on the intermediate member 11c. The slot 8f can advantageously serve for the rotationally fixed and axially displaceable engagement of the intermediate member 11c with the propelling member 8.

0106In the in <figref idref="f0004">Figure 4</figref> Fourth embodiment shown, the rotary member 1 is sleeve-shaped and surrounds the elongate, in particular designed as a threaded rod drive member 8. The drive member 8 and the rotary member 1 interlock so that the drive member 8 with respect to the rotary member 1 about the longitudinal axis L rotatably and along the longitudinal axis L is movable. The drive member 8 has an external thread which is in threaded engagement with an internal thread of the housing 4. Rotation of the rotating member 1 relative to the housing 4 causes the propelling member 8 to rotate, as a result of which the propelling member 8 screws onto the housing 4 along the longitudinal axis L.

0107In the fourth embodiment, the spring 11 is a spring which is spirally wound from a band-shaped material and acts as a torsion or torsion spring. Such springs are also known as watch springs.

0108The spring 11 is supported at one end on the rotary member 1 and the other end on the housing 4 or the housing-fixed housing insert, which forms the inner sleeve 4a. The inner sleeve 4a is connected to the housing 4 or the outer sleeve 4b via an annular web, the spring 11 being arranged distally of the annular web. The spring 11 is arranged in particular distally of a dose display element 10 and / or a bearing element 9. The bearing element 9 and / or the dose indicator element 10 are arranged proximal to the ring web. The spring 11 is arranged between the ring web, which connects the inner sleeve 4a with the outer sleeve 4b, and the ring web, which has the internal thread for the threaded engagement with the drive member 8. This arrangement allows particularly advantageously that the torque generated by the spring 11 is conducted into the propulsion element 8 in the shortest possible way during the product distribution.

0109The outer diameter of the spring 11 is particularly preferably larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve-shaped section 4a.

0110Again, reference is generally made to the first to fourth embodiments. By rotating the rotating member 1 relative to the housing 4 and the propelling member 8, the spring 11 can move the propelling member 8 in the distal direction by a discharge stroke which is proportional to the angle of rotation of the rotating member 1. By selectively locking and releasing the rotary member 1, which can be effected by actuating an actuating member 7 designed as an actuating button, the movement of the propelling member 8 relative to the housing 4, ie the discharge stroke of the propelling member 8, can be controlled in an advantageous manner.

0111The drive and metering device also has a bearing element 9, which can also be referred to as an indicator drum bearing element and is arranged such that it can rotate relative to the housing 4 but is displaceable along the longitudinal axis L. The bearing element 9 is sleeve-shaped and preferably surrounds the inner sleeve 4a of the housing 4, in particular the outer sleeve 4b surrounding the bearing element 9. The bearing element 9 is in engagement with the housing 4, in particular the inner sleeve 4a, which permits a longitudinal movement of the bearing element 9 relative to the housing 4, but prevents a rotational movement. The engagement can be formed by a longitudinal guide 9f between the bearing element 9 and the inner sleeve 4a.

0112The bearing element 9 has a thread 9a, in particular an external thread, into which a thread 10e, in particular an internal thread, of the dose indicator element 10 engages. As a result of this thread engagement, the display element 10 can be screwed relative to the bearing element 9.

0113The embodiments shown include a signal generation mechanism for dose setting (metering click device) and a signal generation mechanism for product delivery (delivery click device), each of which generates an acoustic and / or tactile signal during dose setting or product delivery.

0114The dispensing click device has an annular clicker 15, which is arranged in the actuating member 7 and has a latching member which engages resiliently or elastically resiliently in an internal toothing 7b of the actuating member 7 which extends over the circumference. The clicker 15 and the coupling member 2 are locked against rotation about the longitudinal axis L, so that the clicker 15 is rotated by the coupling member 2 when the coupling member 2 is rotated about the longitudinal axis L relative to the housing 4. A rotation of the sleeve-shaped coupling member 2 relative to the housing 4 and / or the actuating member 7 causes the latching member of the clicker 15 to snap over the internal toothing 7b and thereby generate the acoustic and / or tactile signal.

0115The metering click device has an engaging member which is resiliently formed on the coupling member 2 and which engages in the external toothing which forms the second coupling structure 1b. The coupling member 2 rotates relative to the rotary member 1 during the dose setting, as a result of which the latching member 2c snaps over the second coupling structure 1b and thereby generates the acoustic and / or tactile signal during the dose setting. The external toothing is designed, in particular the distance between the teeth, to allow the setting of discrete dose-proportional angle steps and / or the generation of a slight resistance when setting the dose and / or the generation of the acoustic or tactile signal, such as an auditory and noticeable clicks when adjusting the dose

0116The dose indicator element 10 is connected to the coupling member 2 in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner, in particular in one engagement. This engagement comprises a longitudinal guide 2a, which causes the dose display element 10 to be non-rotatable but axially displaceable relative to the coupling member 2. A rotation of the coupling member 2 relative to the bearing element 9, due to the rotationally fixed connection between the coupling member 2 and dose indicator element 10, causes the dose indicator element 10 to also be rotated and screwed along the bearing element 9 due to the thread engagement in the thread 9a, in particular in addition to that due to the Latching elements generated clicking noises.

0117The dose display element 10 has, over its outer circumference, a dose scale that extends helically according to the pitch of the thread 10e and that includes a plurality of scale values ​​arranged one after the other. In the example shown, the drive and metering device can be used to set a maximum dose of 80 IU, the scale ranging from 0 to 80 and the dose values ​​being given in steps of two.

0118At its proximal end, for example, the dose display element 10 has a stop surface which points and acts in the circumferential direction and which is referred to as a zero dose stop. The dose display element 10 has, at its distal end, for example opposite the proximal end, a stop surface which points and acts in the circumferential direction and which is referred to as the maximum dose stop.

0119The dose display element 10 can be screwed back and forth on the bearing element 9 between a zero dose position and a maximum dose position. In the zero dose position, the zero dose stop, in cooperation with a zero dose counter-stop formed by the housing 4, prevents the dose indicator element 10 from rotating in a first direction of rotation, namely a direction of rotation which would cause a dose less than zero to be set. In this zero dose position, the dose display element 10 can be rotated in the opposite, ie second, direction of rotation.

0120In the maximum dose position, the maximum dose stop in cooperation with a maximum dose counter-stop, which is formed by the bearing element 9, prevents the dose indicator element 10 from rotating in the second direction of rotation, which would cause the dose to be increased beyond the maximum adjustable value. The rotation in the first direction of rotation is possible in the maximum dose position. Although the maximum dose counter-stop is formed by the bearing element 9, in a departure from this example, the maximum dose counter-stop can optionally be formed by the housing 4. Deviating from the example shown, the zero dose counter-stop can be formed by the bearing element 9.

0121The housing 4 has a pointing device 4d in the form of a window, which provides a view of the scale of the dose display element 10. A metering member 3 in the form of a metering button is rotatably but axially fixedly mounted on the housing 4. For this purpose, the housing 4 has an annular groove 4g, in which an annular shoulder of the metering element 3 engages in particular. The dosing member 3 has a handle structure 3b over its outer circumference, which makes it easier for the user of the device to rotate the dosing member 3 relative to the housing 4. In the unactuated state of the device, rotation of the metering element 3 causes the dose display element 10 to rotate or screw, as a result of which the desired dose can be set and read off in the pointing device 4d.

0122An actuating element 7 in the form of an actuating button is arranged on the metering element 3 and can be moved relative to the metering element 3 for actuating the device for product distribution, in particular along the longitudinal axis L. The actuating member 7 forms the proximal end of the device and can be actuated in a simple manner by the thumb of the user's hand, which engages around the housing 4, in particular displaceable relative to the housing 4 and / or to the dosing member 3. The coupling member 2 is rotatable and axially fixed relative to the actuating member 7, in particular when the metering clutch 2b, 3c is released. Preferably, the actuator 7 is axially fixed but rotatable with the coupling member 2.

0123The drive and metering device also has a reset or clutch spring 12 which is tensioned when actuated, in particular pressing the actuator 7 and which resets the bearing element 9 and / or the actuator 7 to its unactuated position when the actuator 7 is not actuated. In addition to its axial displacement, actuation of the actuator 7 also causes the axial displacement of the bearing element 9 along the longitudinal axis L. The spring 12 is supported with its distal end preferably on the metering member 3 and with its proximal end preferably on the actuating member 7. The spring 12 is preferably a helical or helical spring, which acts as a compression spring.

0124The dosing member 3 is non-rotatable relative to the actuator 7. The actuating member 7 passes through an inwardly projecting shoulder of the dosing member 3. At the distal end of the preferably cup-shaped actuator 7, an eighth coupling structure 7a is formed in the form of an external toothing, which by actuating the actuator 7 with a seventh coupling structure 4h formed on the housing 4h in the form of an internal toothing, in particular at the proximal end of the housing 4, is coupled into engagement, whereby the dosing member 3 is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing 4. This means that when the device is actuated, a dose setting, ie a rotation of the metering element 3 relative to the housing 4, is not possible, but only when the actuating element 7 is not actuated. The seventh and eighth clutch structures 4h, 7a form a fourth clutch 4h, 7a.

0125A third clutch 2b, 3c is formed between the metering member 3 and the clutch member 2. The metering member 3 forms a sixth clutch structure 3c of the third clutch 2b, 3c, in particular on the inwardly projecting shoulder. When the actuator 7 is not actuated, the sixth clutch structure 3c is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner with a fifth clutch structure 2b of the third clutch 2b, 3c formed as external teeth on the clutch member 2. In the unactuated state of the actuator 7, the third clutch 2b, 3c is engaged. The third clutch 2b, 3c can also be referred to as a metering clutch, which is engaged when setting the dose, that is to say when the actuator 7 is not actuated, and is disengaged when delivering the dose, ie when the actuator 7 is actuated, the third clutch 2b, 3 transmitting torque in the engaged state and transmits no torque when disengaged. The third clutch 2b, 3c is disengaged by a displacement of the coupling member 2 relative to the housing 4, in particular due to the actuation of the actuating member 7.

0126The bearing element 9 has at its proximal end on the inner circumference a first coupling structure 9e, which is formed by an internal toothing arranged over the circumference, which is in engagement with the toothing of the rotary member 1 forming the second coupling structure 1b, in particular when the actuating member 7 is not actuated. The first coupling structure 9e and the second coupling structure 1b form a first coupling 1b, 9e. If the coupling structure 9e, 1b interlock, i. H. the clutch 1b, 9e is engaged, the rotary member 1 is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing 4. The coupling member 2 also has a third coupling structure 2d on an inner circumference, which has an internal toothing arranged over the circumference. The third coupling structure 2d is arranged such that when the actuating member 7 is actuated, it engages in rotation with the rotating member 1, in particular with the second coupling structure 1b or alternatively a fourth coupling structure separate from the second coupling structure 1b but not shown in these examples . The third coupling structure 2b and second or fourth coupling structure 1b form a second coupling 1b, 2d.

0127While the actuating member 7 is displaced for actuation relative to the metering member 3 along the longitudinal axis L, the second clutch 1b, 2d is additionally engaged. The first clutch 1b, 9e is engaged by further displacement of the actuator 7 relative to the metering member 3. Before, after or simultaneously with the disengagement of the first clutch 1b, 9e, the third clutch 2b, 3c is disengaged. and / or the fourth clutch 4h, 7a is engaged.

0128In particular in that the first coupling structure 9e is detached from the second coupling structure 1b, the at least one delivery spring 11; 11a, 11b relax, wherein the rotary member 1 is rotated relative to the housing 4 and due to the engagement of the second coupling structure 1b with the third coupling structure 2d, the coupling member 2 and thus also the dose indicator element 10 are rotated relative to the housing 4, whereby the dose indicator element 10 is screwed back into its zero dose position and the propulsion element 8 is displaced in the distal direction relative to the housing 4 in proportion to the distance between the zero dose stop 10c and the zero dose counterstop 4f, which extends in particular in the circumferential direction. The rotation of the coupling member 2 relative to the actuating member 7 has the effect that the latching members of the clicker 15 snap via the toothing 7b, in particular in dose-proportional angular steps, and thereby generate the acoustic and / or tactile signal.

0129The drive and dosing device has a dose limiter in the form of a ring, a ring segment or a nut which has a thread on its inner circumference which engages in a thread 4 e arranged on an outer circumference of the housing 4, so that the dose limiter is relative to that Housing 4 is screwable. On the outer circumference, the dose limiter has an engagement member which engages in a longitudinal guide 3a on the inner circumference of the metering member 3, so that the dose limiter is non-rotatably but axially displaceable relative to the metering member 3. A stop stop is formed on the dosing member 3 or the housing 4, from which the dose limiter is spaced in proportion to the maximum amount of product that can be dispensed from the product container 14. Since the dosing member 3 is rotated relative to the housing 4 during the dose setting and is not rotated during a dose distribution, a counter can be formed by the dose limiter, which adds the individual doses already poured out and the currently set dose and accordingly gets closer and closer to the stop stop of the Dosing member 3 or the housing 4 approximates. Increasing the dose causes the dose limiter to be moved towards the stop stop. A dose reduction causes the dose limiter to be moved away from the stop stop. If the residual dose specified in the product container 14 is less than the maximum dose that can be set with the drive and dosing device, the dose limiter comes into contact with the stop stop, so that a rotation of the dosing member 3 relative to the housing 4 in a direction of rotation, which increases the dose would be blocked.

0130The system of the first clutch 1b, 9e and the second clutch 1b, 2d can also be referred to as a discharge clutch.

0131In the <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003">Figures 1 to 3</figref> the drive and metering device, which can also be referred to as an injection device, is shown in its initial or delivery state, in particular before it is used for the first time. The product dose displayed in the pointing device 4d is 0. An actuation of the actuating member 7 would have the consequence that no dose is distributed. The dose limiter is at a distance from the stop stop which is proportional to the amount of product contained or dispensable in the product container 14, e.g. B. 300 IU

0132To set the product dose, the dose setting member 3 is rotated relative to the housing 4, as a result of which the coupling member 2 and thus also the dose display element 10 are rotated relative to the housing 4 due to the engaged third coupling 2b, 3c. Here, the dose indicator element 10 screws along the bearing element 9 due to the thread engagement of the thread 10e with the thread 9a. In particular, the distance between the zero dose stop and the zero dose counterstop is increased in proportion to the dose shown in the pointing device 4d. In addition, an audible and tactile signal is generated during rotation due to the latching elements snapping over the toothing 1b.

0133If a maximum adjustable dose has been set, such as 80 IU, which can then be read in the pointing device 4d, a further dose increase is not possible due to the interaction, in particular the contact of the maximum dose stop with the maximum dose counter stop. The dose limiter has moved 80 IU far to the stop stop or moved.

0134To distribute the set or displayed dose, the actuating member 7 is actuated, in particular pressed, ie displaced relative to the housing 4 and the metering member 3 in the distal direction, as a result of which the coupling member 2 and the bearing element 9 and the dose indicator element 10 relative to the housing 4 in distal direction are shifted, especially against the force of the clutch or reset spring 12th

0135The actuation of the actuating member 7 causes the second clutch 1b, 2d to engage and the first clutch 1b, 9e to disengage, so that the rotating member 1 is no longer rotationally fixed but rotatable with respect to the housing 4 and with respect to the coupling member 2 and the like Dose display element 10 is non-rotatable. The actuation of the actuator 7 also causes the third clutch 2b, 3c to be disengaged and the fourth clutch 4h, 7a to be engaged. In the actuated state of the actuator 7, the rotary member 1 is rotationally fixed relative to the dose display element 10, as a result of which the rotary member 1 and the dose display element 10 can rotate together relative to the housing 4. The force of the in the at least one discharge spring 11; 11a, 11b stored energy on the propulsion member 8 is caused due to the threaded engagement of the propulsion member 8 with the rotary member 1, a rotation of the rotary member 1 and the dose display element 10 relative to the housing 4, whereby the dose display element 10 unscrews on the bearing element 9 in the direction of the zero dose position and whereby the dose displayed in the pointing device 14d counts down. At the same time, the propulsion element 8 is actuated by the at least one discharge spring 11; 11a, 11b moved relative to the housing 4 in the distal direction around the discharge stroke, which is proportional to the previously set dose. When the dose display element 10 has reached its zero dose position, the previously set dose or single dose is poured out. If the user releases the actuator 7, the clutch or reset spring 12 resets the actuator 7, the clutch member 2, the bearing element 9 and the dose indicator element 10. When resetting, the elements mentioned are displaced in the proximal direction relative to the housing 4 or the metering element 3.

0136When the device is reset by means of the spring 12, the first clutch 1b, 9e is engaged and the second clutch 1b, 2d is disengaged. The rotary member 1 is now again non-rotatable with respect to the housing 4, the dosing member 3 together with the dose display element 10 being rotatable relative to the housing 4 and / or the pointing device 4d and / or the rotary member 1 for a new setting of a product dose or individual dose . When resetting, the fourth clutch 4h, 7a are also disengaged and the third clutch 2b, 3c is engaged, as a result of which the metering element 3 is rotationally fixed relative to the coupling element 2 and the dose indicator element 10.

0137As an example, assume that after several administrations, 76 IU are still contained in the product container 14. A maximum of 80 IU could be set with the drive and metering device. Since the dose limiter is already in contact with the stop stop at 76 IU, the dosing member 3 is blocked from rotating in the second direction, which would cause an increase in the dose. However, the dose can be reduced by rotating the metering element 3 in the first direction of rotation.

0138By actuating the actuator 7, the dose shown in the pointing device 4d is poured out. Since the product container 14 is then completely emptied, the drive and metering device or injection device is disposed of as a whole. It is therefore a disposable injection device. In principle, however, the drive and metering devices shown here can also be used in connection with reusable injection devices in which an empty product container 14 is exchanged for a new one.<tables id="tabl0001" num="0001"><table frame="none"><title><b>Reference symbol list</b></title><tgroup cols="4" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="13mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="56mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="18mm" /><colspec colnum="4" colname="col4" colwidth="75mm" /><tbody><row><entry>1</entry><entry>Rotating link / threaded rod /</entry><entry>8d</entry><entry>distal end</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Threaded nut</entry><entry>8e</entry><entry>Threaded rod</entry></row><row><entry>1a</entry><entry>External thread</entry><entry>8f</entry><entry>slot</entry></row><row><entry>1b</entry><entry>second and / or fourth</entry><entry>8g</entry><entry>Shoulder / ring bridge</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Coupling structure / toothing</entry><entry>9</entry><entry>Bearing element</entry></row><row><entry>2</entry><entry>Coupling link / indicator coupling</entry><entry>9a</entry><entry>External thread</entry></row><row><entry>2a</entry><entry>Longitudinal guidance</entry><entry>9e</entry><entry>first coupling structure / teeth</entry></row><row><entry>2 B</entry><entry>fifth coupling structure</entry><entry>9f</entry><entry>Longitudinal guidance</entry></row><row><entry>2c</entry><entry>Locking member</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>2d</entry><entry>third coupling structure</entry><entry>10</entry><entry>Dose display element / dose display drum</entry></row><row><entry>3</entry><entry>Dosing element / dosing button /</entry><entry>10e</entry><entry>inner thread</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Dose adjuster</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>3a</entry><entry>Longitudinal guidance</entry><entry>11</entry><entry morerows="1">Spring / release spring / compression spring / torsion spring</entry></row><row><entry>3b</entry><entry>Handle structure</entry><entry /></row><row><entry>3c</entry><entry>sixth coupling structure</entry><entry>11a 11b</entry><entry>first release spring second release spring</entry></row><row><entry>4</entry><entry>casing</entry><entry>11c</entry><entry>Pontic</entry></row><row><entry>4a</entry><entry>Inner sleeve</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>4b</entry><entry>Outer sleeve</entry><entry>12</entry><entry>Spring / reset or</entry></row><row><entry>4c</entry><entry>Longitudinal guidance</entry><entry /><entry>Clutch spring</entry></row><row><entry>4d</entry><entry>Pointing device / window</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>4e</entry><entry>Thread / external thread</entry><entry>14</entry><entry>Product container / cartridge</entry></row><row><entry>4g</entry><entry>Ring groove</entry><entry>14a</entry><entry>piston</entry></row><row><entry>4h</entry><entry>seventh coupling structure /</entry><entry>14b</entry><entry>Septum</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Internal toothing 4i abutment</entry><entry>15</entry><entry>Clicker</entry></row><row><entry>5</entry><entry>Product container holder</entry><entry>1b, 9e</entry><entry>first clutch</entry></row><row><entry>7</entry><entry>Actuator / control button</entry><entry>1b, 2d</entry><entry>second clutch</entry></row><row><entry>7a</entry><entry>eighth coupling structure /</entry><entry>2b, 3c</entry><entry>third clutch</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>External teeth</entry><entry>4h, 7a</entry><entry>fourth clutch</entry></row><row><entry>7b</entry><entry>Internal teeth</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Jack / plunger</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>8a</entry><entry>Longitudinal rib</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>8b</entry><entry>Inner sleeve</entry><entry /><entry /></row><row><entry>8c</entry><entry>Thread / internal thread</entry><entry /><entry /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>