Relating to drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices

• US 9,623,189 B2
• Filed: 06/30/2014
• Issued: 04/18/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/2003
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH (Sanofi )
• Original Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH (Sanofi )
• Inventors: Veasey, Robert Frederick, Perkins, Robert, Plumptre, David Aubrey
• Primary Examiner(s): GILBERT, ANDREW M
• Application Number:
  US14/319,371
• Publication Number:
  US 20140316344A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,023 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/2407 from the rear
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/3126 Specific display means related to dosing
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/581 by audible feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/582 by tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/24 Ampoule syringes, i.e. syringes with needle for use in combination with replaceable ampoules or carpules, e.g. automatic ampoules or carpules A61J1/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31528 by means of rotational movements, e.g. screw-thread mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31533 Dosing mechanisms, i.e. setting a dose administrating mechanisms A61M5/31565
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31535 Means improving security or handling thereof, e.g. blocking means, means preventing insufficient dosing, means allowing correction of overset dose
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31536 Blocking means to immobilize a selected dose, e.g. to administer equal doses
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31541 Means preventing setting of a dose beyond the amount remaining in the cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31546 Electrically operated dose setting, e.g. input via touch screen or plus/minus buttons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31551 including axial movement of dose setting member
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/3156 using volume steps only adjustable in discrete intervals, i.e. individually distinct intervals
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31563 interacting with a displaceable stop member
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31565 Administration mechanisms, i.e. constructional features, modes of administering a dose dosing mechanisms for setting a dose A61M5/31533
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31568 Means keeping track of the total dose administered, e.g. since the cartridge was inserted
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/3157 Means providing feedback signals when administration is completed A61M5/20 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31575 using scaling up or down transmissions, e.g. gearbox
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31578 based on axial translation, i.e. components directly operatively associated and axially moved with plunger rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31585 performed by axially moving actuator, e.g. an injection button
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31593 : Multi-dose, i.e. individually set dose repeatedly administered from the same medicament reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/32 : Needles; Details of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hub infusion needles A61M5/158; Accessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the body A61M5/42, A61M5/46 take precedence; guide needles for catheters A61M25/065; Devices for protection of needles apparatus specially adapted for cleaning or sterilising needles A61M5/001

Abstract

A drive mechanism suitable for use in drug delivery devices is disclosed. The drive mechanism may be used with injector-type drug delivery devices, such as those permitting a user to set the delivery dose. The drive mechanism may include a housing, a dose dial sleeve, and a drive sleeve. A clutch is configured to permit rotation of the drive sleeve and the dose dial sleeve with respect to the housing when the dose dial sleeve and drive sleeve are coupled through the clutch. Conversely, when the dose dial sleeve and drive sleeve are in a de-coupled state, rotation of the dose dial sleeve with respect to the housing is permitted and rotation of the drive sleeve with respect to the housing is prevented. In the de-coupled state, axial movement of the drive sleeve transfers force in a longitudinal direction for actuation of a drug delivery device.

Claims

1. A drive mechanism for use in a drug delivery device comprising:

a housing;

a dose dial sleeve threadedly engaged with the housing;

a drive sleeve releasably connected to the dose dial sleeve so as to allow coupling and decoupling of the drive sleeve and dose dial sleeve, wherein the dose dial sleeve is rotatable with respect to the drive sleeve when the dose dial sleeve and drive sleeve are decoupled;

a piston rod engaged with the drive sleeve; and

a clutch located between the dose dial sleeve and the drive sleeve, where the clutch is biased distally in a dose setting position.

2. The drive mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a biasing element to exert a biasing force against the clutch in the distal direction.

3. The drive mechanism of claim 2 where the clutch comprises axially projecting face teeth at both a proximal end and a distal end.

4. The drive mechanism of claim 3 where the dose dial sleeve is engaged with the clutch through the distal projecting face teeth when the clutch is in the dose setting position.

5. The drive mechanism of claim 2, wherein the biasing element releasably connects the drive sleeve to the housing.

6. The drive mechanism of claim 1 where the clutch comprises internal splines configured to engage the drive sleeve such that the drive sleeve and clutch are rotationally fixed and axially slidable relative to each other.

7. The drive mechanism of claim 1 where the drive sleeve has two radially extending flanges spaced a distance apart and having an outer helical thread there between.

8. The drive mechanism of claim 6 where the drive sleeve has a distal end having a shoulder and an extension.

9. The drive mechanism of claim 8 further comprising an outwardly directed flange on the extension.

10. The drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein the piston rod is threadedly engaged with the drive sleeve.