WO2025078367A1 - Metering device comprising housing parts which are operatively connected during a displacement process - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a metering device (32), in particular an infusion pump (1), preferably for subcutaneously administering a fluid, comprising a housing (13), a reservoir container (2) with a container interior for receiving the fluid, and a cannula assembly (3). The housing (13) is designed in multiple parts, comprising a first housing part (20) and a second housing part (23), wherein a first group of components of the metering device (32) are coupled to the first housing part (20), and a second group of components of the metering device (32) are coupled to the second housing part (23), in each case so as to be fixed to the housing or each component being designed as a section of the housing (13). Components of the first group are operatively connected to components of the second group during a displacement of the housing parts (20, 23) relative to each other, in particular while the housing parts (20, 23) are brought together in order to produce an assembled state of the metering device (32) by means of an installation movement or during a disassembly of the metering device (32).

Description

DOSING DEVICE WITH HOUSING PARTS ACTIVELY CONNECTED DURING DISPLACEMENT

The present invention relates to a dosing device for the subcutaneous and/or intravenous administration of a defined amount of a fluid, in particular an infusion solution, a liquid drug solution or therapy and/or for subcutaneous and/or intravenous sampling and/or measurement by means of a cannula.

In accordance with the generic concept, a dosing device according to the invention can be understood as one possible embodiment, an infusion pump. Infusion pumps, also called patch pumps, which are the subject of the proposed solution presented below, can be worn in a fixed position on the human body and deliver a specific amount of a fluid, in particular an infusion solution, into the human body within a specific time, continuously or via a predetermined amount-time profile, either subcutaneously or intravenously, in order to achieve a desired concentration and thus a corresponding effect in the human body. The spectrum of such fluids, in particular infusion solutions, ranges from low to high viscosity, from simple low-molecular substances with a molecular size of a few Daltons to high-molecular substances with a molecular size of up to 1,000,000 Daltons. From simple saline solutions to highly complex biological agents such as peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines of all kinds, pain medications, therapeutic agents for cancer therapy, or nutrient solutions, dosing devices can be used to precisely and safely deliver the desired amount to the appropriate location in the human body. Not only immunizing, preventative, prophylactic, or therapeutic fluids or infusion solutions, but also fluids of analytical importance, fluids containing nutrients, or even a combination of all of the aforementioned fluids, can be administered with such infusion pumps with the required precision and/or within a desired therapeutic and/or beneficial window.

Dosing devices, and in particular infusion pumps, have been known for the treatment of diabetes mellitus since the 1970s. These pumps usually deliver a fluid that includes water, excipients, and the peptide (hormone) insulin. Sometimes such infusion pumps also deliver other fluids. Over the years, such insulin-containing infusion pumps have been able to outperform the The dimensions of a hitchhiker's backpack have been reduced to the currently most compact infusion pump (Omnipod® by Insulet, Acton, MA, USA) of 52 x 39 x 14 mm. While from 1990 to 2015, pumps with infusion sets (simplified as a tube with a connection for the infusion pump at one end and an infusion port, which usually provides direct access to the body of the infusion recipient, at the other end) worn on the belt were common, in recent years patients have increasingly been switching to particularly small dosing devices, so-called patch pumps, which are fixed or adhered to the skin. Patch pumps are not only extremely compact and therefore usually discreet, but also often have the advantage that an infusion set connected to the pump is no longer required as an interface to the human body. The tubing of an infusion set has the disadvantage that it can become tangled and, in the worst case, be torn off, especially when children are playing or during sports. The tubing can also kink, causing a certain amount of pressure to build up within the tubing and/or the infusion pump, which is suddenly released when the kink is reopened. Furthermore, a tubing can cause errors in precise infusion. The difference in height potential between an infusion pump worn on the abdomen, for example, and an infusion port attached to the upper arm, can cause back pressure. For a fluid column of up to 1 m in tall people, for example, this counter pressure amounts to 10,000 Pa and affects the mechanics of the infusion pump. If the infusion recipient lies down in a horizontal position, for example to sleep, the pressure created by the aforementioned fluid column is eliminated. These changes in position, in turn, result in changes in the precision of the administration. In the theoretical tests according to IEC 60601-2-24, such fluctuations in the precision of the infusion rate are not taken into account, as only a static system is tested. Nevertheless, risk analyses regarding the hazards of an infusion set are usually critical. Especially in young children, constant and close monitoring is essential when using an infusion pump with an infusion set.

Patch pumps are delivered either as a ready-to-use infusion pump (except for filling) or as a kit consisting of several components. After unpacking and, where necessary, assembly, these infusion pumps are filled. Filling is usually done using a separate filling system, filling accessories, or a syringe, which is usually used to withdraw part of the contents of a bottle containing an infusion solution of, for example, 10 ml. contains, is transferred into the reservoir of the infusion pump. After filling, the patch pump is placed on the body of the infusion recipient and the infusion cannula, which is directly or indirectly connected to the reservoir, is connected subcutaneously or intravenously to the body with its other end. During filling, the user must ensure that as few air bubbles as possible are transported into the reservoir. On the one hand, such air bubbles prevent the delivery from being controlled, since gases can be compressed orders of magnitude more than fluids and thus undefined delivery rates result from pressure differences. On the other hand, the infusion cannula, which is directly or indirectly connected to the reservoir, can accidentally puncture a vein and, in the worst case, the air bubbles could lead to an air embolism.

A generic dosing device is known from the document US 2004010 207 A1. It discloses a portable infusion pump comprising a reservoir container with a container interior and a cannula assembly with an infusion cannula and a cannula insertion mechanism. The infusion cannula is fluidically coupled to the container interior of the reservoir container via a cannula end on the container side. Upon actuation of the cannula insertion mechanism, it is shifted from an initial state to an actuated state, thereby radially loading the infusion cannula, so that the other cannula end, namely the receiving cannula end, is shifted from an initial position to an insertion position. After use, when the infusion pump is to be removed from the infusion receiver, the receiving cannula end must be withdrawn from the tissue of the infusion receiver. For this purpose, the cannula insertion mechanism and the receiving end of the cannula in the known infusion pump can be returned to their original state or position via a separate drive with an actuator. The drive is designed to generate an electrical charge that causes a shape memory element to contract. Alternatively, the drive can also comprise a piezoelectric actuator or a solenoid.

One challenge is that the known infusion pump is relatively large and bulky due to the separate drive, which requires corresponding space within the housing of the infusion pump, and is therefore uncomfortable to wear on the body.

The invention is based on the object of developing known infusion pumps in such a way that, in terms of wearing comfort and thus in terms of energy efficiency, Compactness, weight and ease of use, improved dosing device is provided.

This object is achieved by a dosing device according to the claims.

The dosing device according to the invention, in particular an infusion pump, for the preferably subcutaneous administration of a fluid, comprising a housing, a reservoir container with a container interior for receiving the fluid and a cannula arrangement,

- wherein the housing is formed in several parts and comprises a first housing part and a second housing part,

- wherein the cannula assembly comprises a cannula insertion mechanism and an infusion cannula having a container-side cannula end and a receiver-side cannula end on which a cannula tip is formed,

- wherein the infusion cannula is fluidically coupled, in particular fluidically coupled, to the container interior or to the reservoir container at its container-side cannula end,

- wherein a state of the cannula insertion mechanism can be shifted or changed between an initial state and an actuated state,

- wherein the cannula insertion mechanism is operatively connected to the infusion cannula when shifted into the actuated state or in the actuated state such that the receiver-side cannula end can be shifted, in particular abruptly shifted, from an initial position into a puncture position, in particular by elastic bending or elastic deformation of the infusion cannula and/or pivoting, in particular elastic pivoting, of the receiver-side cannula end, so that the fluid can be administered subcutaneously via the cannula tip by means of the dosing device and through the receiver-side cannula end of the infusion cannula shifted into the puncture position,

- wherein a first group of components of the dosing device are coupled to the first housing part and a second group of components of the dosing device are coupled to the second housing part, each fixed to the housing or each formed as a section of the housing,

- wherein components of the first group are displaced relative to one another during a displacement of the housing parts, in particular during a bringing together of the housing parts to produce an assembled state of the dosing device by an assembly movement or during Disassembly of the dosing device, operatively connected to components of the second group, in particular actuatable, activatable, adjustable, convertible, manipulable or generally operable.

This also creates the possibility for the needle insertion mechanism, as a component of the dosing device, to interact with its complementary housing part. The needle insertion mechanism can thus be displaced between at least two defined states, although intermediate states are also possible.

In this context, the initial state of the cannula insertion mechanism means that the cannula insertion mechanism is ineffective with respect to the infusion cannula, or that the cannula insertion mechanism is not operatively connected to the infusion cannula, or at least does not influence the infusion cannula with respect to changing its position. If necessary, the cannula insertion mechanism can be preloaded in its initial state for its displacement into the actuated state, or have a preload so that, ultimately, when the state of the cannula insertion mechanism changes, energy can be provided to move it.

In this context, the actuation state of the cannula insertion mechanism means that when shifted into the actuation state or in the actuation state, the infusion cannula is or is shifted from its initial position into its insertion position.

In any case, a dosing device is thus created which offers the advantage that functions of the dosing device itself can be carried out during assembly or disassembly of the dosing device. The mutual relative displacement of the housing parts to one another is thus used as a switch, so that, for example, the cannula insertion mechanism is influenced in a certain way when this switch is actuated. This also applies to other components of the dosing device and is not limited to the cannula insertion mechanism. For example, it should be mentioned at this point that, as a further relative movement of the two housing parts, acting as a switch, safety measures can also be initiated, particularly in terms of patient safety. For example, it is conceivable that the position of the infusion cannula can be detected by means of a control device of the dosing device, whereby, when the dosing device is disassembled, provided the infusion cannula is in the insertion position, corresponding safety measures for the patient can be implemented. which safety measures can be implemented by dismantling the dosing device. In any case, further and complex advantageous applications are conceivable in this sense, although the following description only cites a few exemplary applications.

Furthermore, it may be expedient if the reservoir container is designed in the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow ovoid with a first longitudinal extent along a central axis of the reservoir container, wherein the housing has a second longitudinal extent, wherein the second longitudinal extent is aligned along the first longitudinal extent or substantially parallel to the first longitudinal extent, wherein the second longitudinal extent is aligned with a longitudinal axis of a Cartesian coordinate system and the dosing device has a longer longitudinal extent than the second longitudinal extent neither in the direction of a transverse axis nor in the direction of a normal axis of the Cartesian coordinate system.

Thus, the dosing device has a maximum longitudinal extent along the second longitudinal extent, wherein a maximum longitudinal extent in this context means that the housing does not have a dimension along any direction of a coordinate axis of the Cartesian coordinate system that is greater than the maximum longitudinal extent.

This allows the dosing device to be manufactured as compactly as possible, while standard reservoir containers can also be used as purchased parts. Consequently, the preferred direction for assembly or disassembly of the dosing device can also be provided in the direction of the maximum longitudinal extent, thus enabling the handling of the dosing device to be made as compact as possible. In this context, it can also be provided that the reservoir container can be inserted or installed into the housing essentially along the second longitudinal extent of the housing.

Likewise, in this context, as an alternative or additional feature, it can also be provided that the assembly movement for producing an assembled state of the dosing device comprises a movement vector for bringing the housing parts together with a substantial portion parallel to the second longitudinal extension of the housing. Thus, the maximum longitudinal extension of the dosing device can also be can be exploited to allow for the greatest possible movement during assembly or disassembly of the dosing device. For example, a clamping mechanism that is to be tightened in this way can utilize as much kinetic energy as possible, or, for example, the largest possible contact area can be contacted or utilized for electrical contact.

In this context, it can be particularly advantageous if the two housing parts are brought together in a sealing or sealed manner in the assembled state of the dosing device, preferably with the interposition of or coupling with a sealing element. This maximum possible movement can achieve a particularly tight state of the dosing device.

Also advantageous is a form of embodiment according to which it can be provided that the cannula insertion mechanism is operatively connected to its complementary housing part of the housing, wherein the state of the cannula insertion mechanism can be changed when the housing parts are displaced relative to one another.

In this context, the complementary housing part is understood to be the housing part in which the cannula insertion mechanism is not fixed or positioned when the dosing device is separate.

For example, the needle insertion mechanism can be moved from its initial position to its actuated position or vice versa, both during assembly and disassembly of the dosing device. This enables several possible advantageous scenarios for the actuation of the needle insertion mechanism for the dosing device. However, in this context, it is also not excluded that the needle insertion mechanism can be moved from an intermediate state between the actuated state and the initial state, essentially from an undefined state, into one of the two defined states by moving the housing parts relative to one another. For example, it is conceivable that the needle insertion mechanism is in an undefined state between the actuated state and the initial state, with the two housing parts of the dosing device being separate. If the housing is now assembled, it can be advantageous if the needle insertion mechanism is moved into the initial state by assembling the housing. This initial state can, for example, represent a needle insertion mechanism ready for insertion, with the The transition to the actuation state can be initiated by a further event or measure, for example by a manual interaction by a user.

According to a further development, it is possible for the housing to interact with the cannula insertion mechanism in such a way that the cannula insertion mechanism can be transferred from its actuated state to a state in which the receiving cannula end is not displaced by the cannula insertion mechanism by displacing the housing parts relative to one another. This is primarily a safety-related measure to protect a user, i.e., a patient, of the dosing device from injury caused by the infusion cannula when the user handles the dosing device.

Furthermore, it may be expedient for the infusion cannula to perform a return movement, in particular a return of an elastic deformation, automatically or driven, particularly spring-driven, by transferring the cannula insertion mechanism from its actuated state, by which the receiving cannula end can be moved back from the insertion position to the initial position, in particular to the initial position. This, in turn, is a measure that improves patient safety.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the cannula insertion mechanism can be displaced or transferred to the initial state upon displacement of the housing parts relative to one another and upon displacement into an assembled state of the housing of the dosing device, wherein the cannula insertion mechanism is ineffective in the initial state with respect to the infusion cannula or the receiving cannula end is not displaced by the cannula insertion mechanism. This measure can, on the one hand, simplify the use of the dosing device and, on the other hand, improve user safety. For example, tensioning of the cannula insertion mechanism, provided it comprises a corresponding tensioning device, can be carried out without affecting the infusion cannula. Thus, in this example of a possible measure of the previously mentioned feature, the infusion cannula is in any case not displaced, so that the user's protection against injuries caused by the infusion cannula is improved.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the cannula insertion mechanism comprises a insertion device that is coupled or can be coupled to the infusion cannula in a force-transmitting manner, in particular, a firing actuator or a pivotable firing lever, wherein the firing device is displaceable, in particular pivotable, between an initial position and an actuating position, wherein the firing device is electrically or mechanically controllable. In particular, it can be provided that the firing device is operatively connected to its complementary housing part, so that, in particular, a mechanical firing device can be prestressed, activated, or charged with mechanical energy, for example, by assembling the dosing device.

According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the injection device to be designed as an injection actuator, wherein the infusion cannula can be displaced by means of the injection actuator from its initial position and, during its movement, to the insertion position, in particular mechanically displaced by elastic bending and/or pivoting of the infusion cannula in the direction of the insertion position, so that the receiver-side cannula end can be displaced from the initial position into the insertion position, in particular abruptly, and/or that the cannula injection mechanism can be returned from its actuated state to its initial state by the injection actuator being movable from its actuated position back to its initial position, and/or that the housing is designed to interact with the injection actuator in such a way that, by displacing the two housing parts of the housing relative to one another, the injection actuator can be moved from its actuated position into a position in which the infusion cannula is at least partially, in particular completely, relieved of the load from the injection actuator. is.

According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the displacement of the two housing parts relative to one another is or comprises a, in particular linear, displacement of the two housing parts relative to one another, preferably that the displacement comprises a directional component which runs parallel or orthogonal to the housing underside.

In particular, it can be advantageous if the cannula insertion mechanism comprises a return member, by the actuation of which the cannula insertion mechanism can be displaced from its actuated state, in particular into its initial state, wherein the return member slides along an inclined contact surface of a housing section of the housing, in particular on a ramp-shaped housing section, during the displacement of the two housing parts relative to one another, whereby the return member is displaced, in particular pivoted or shifted, preferably that the housing section with the inclined The contact surface is fixed to one housing part and the feedback element is fixed to the other housing part.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the container-side cannula end can be coupled to the container interior or to the reservoir container by the assembly movement, in particular by moving the two housing parts relative to each other.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the two housing parts are designed as a disposable housing part and as a reusable housing part, preferably that the reservoir container, the plaster for adhering to the body and the infusion cannula, in particular also the housing section with the inclined contact surface, are mounted on the disposable housing part, which preferably together form a pre-assembled disposable unit, and/or that the cannula insertion mechanism and/or the insertion device, in particular also the return member and/or a drive source, in particular a drive motor, and optionally further drive elements, are mounted on the reusable housing part, which preferably together form a pre-assembled reusable unit.

Also advantageous is a form of embodiment according to which it can be provided that the reservoir container is connected in a non-detachable manner, in particular without tools and/or without force, to the housing, in particular the disposable housing part, or forms a replaceable cartridge, preferably that the reservoir container can be installed in a pre-filled state together with the disposable housing part as a pre-assembled unit or the replaceable cartridge can be installed in a pre-filled state.

Furthermore, it may be expedient if the two housing parts are designed as a disposable housing part and as a reusable housing part, wherein the reusable housing part comprises a power supply device, in particular a rechargeable power supply device, and a display, wherein the disposable housing part comprises a further power supply device, in particular a battery, wherein the power supply device can be electrically coupled when the housing parts are moved into the assembled state of the dosing device and/or are electrically coupled in the assembled state of the dosing device, so that the power supply device can be charged by means of the further power supply device. In this context, it can advantageously be provided that a control device of the dosing device can be activated by means of the electrical coupling of the energy supply devices, wherein measures are initiated upon activation by the control device. For example, these measures can include the controlled recharging of the energy supply device, the fluidic coupling of the infusion cannula to the container interior, the flushing of the infusion cannula, or the relocation of the cannula insertion mechanism to its initial state.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the dosing device comprises a user interface with a display and/or with an operating unit having one or more buttons, preferably that the user interface is part of the reusable unit.

In connection with the invention described above, the following further aspects are also worth mentioning with regard to the cannula firing mechanism.

For example, an embodiment of a dosing device is conceivably advantageous which is designed in particular as an infusion pump for administering a defined amount of a fluid, in particular an infusion solution, wherein the infusion pump has a reservoir container with a container interior which, in particular at least in one section, is designed to receive the fluid, wherein the infusion pump has a cannula arrangement with an infusion cannula and a cannula insertion mechanism, wherein the infusion cannula is fluidically connected or connectable to the container interior of the reservoir container via a container-side cannula end and the infusion cannula extends from the container-side cannula end along its axial extent to a receiver-side cannula end on which a cannula tip is formed, wherein the cannula insertion mechanism is transferable from an initial state into an actuated state and is designed to load the infusion cannula from its initial state upon actuation thereof, in particular to cause an elastic bending or a To effect pivoting of the infusion cannula, so that the receiving-side cannula end is displaced from an initial position into a puncture position, in particular abruptly, wherein the cannula insertion mechanism can be returned from its actuated state to its initial state, wherein the infusion pump has a multi-part housing for receiving the reservoir container and the cannula arrangement, and wherein the housing interacts with the cannula insertion mechanism in such a way that by displacing two housing parts of the housing relative to each other, the cannula insertion mechanism is transferred from its actuated state into a state in which the cannula insertion mechanism at least partially, in particular completely, relieves the infusion cannula.

The fundamental idea is to return the cannula insertion mechanism from its actuated state to its original state, the starting state, by means of a measure that is required anyway after use, thereby allowing a reset movement of the infusion cannula. Thus, after use, an upper part of the infusion pump is removed in particular in order to reuse it for the next use and/or to reload the infusion pump. In the proposed infusion pump, two housing parts, as will be explained in more detail below, are displaceable relative to one another and, in particular, detachable from one another, with the displacement process automatically causing an adjustment of the cannula insertion mechanism. This, in turn, enables the aforementioned reset movement of the infusion cannula. The receiving end of the cannula is then withdrawn from the tissue of the infusion recipient, in particular automatically or driven, in particular spring-driven, and preferably moved completely back into the housing of the infusion pump. Since the movement of the two housing parts directly correlates with an adjustment of the needle insertion mechanism, no separate drive is required. Instead, the force applied to the housing parts is used to adjust the needle insertion mechanism. This allows for smaller overall dimensions. Wearing such an infusion pump is particularly comfortable for the user.

Specifically, it is proposed that the housing interact with the cannula insertion mechanism in such a way that, by displacing two housing parts of the housing relative to each other, the cannula insertion mechanism is transferred from its actuated state to a state in which the cannula insertion mechanism at least partially, in particular completely, relieves the infusion cannula. Depending on the embodiment, in particular depending on the kinematics of the cannula insertion mechanism, this can be a radial or axial relief.

Furthermore, it may be useful if a displacement of the two housing parts returns the cannula insertion mechanism to its initial state, which has the advantage that that the cannula insertion mechanism is already activated for the next application, in particular by a single movement. In principle, it is also conceivable for the cannula insertion mechanism to initially enter an intermediate state, which is then preferably sufficient to move the infusion cannula out of the tissue of the infusion recipient. The final adjustment to the initial state can then take place subsequently, if necessary in a different way, in particular by displacing the two housing parts relative to one another in a different direction, or by displacing two other housing parts of the housing, or one of the housing parts and another housing part of the housing relative to one another.

In this context, it may be advantageous that the state in which the cannula insertion mechanism relieves the infusion cannula is the initial state of the cannula insertion mechanism, preferably that the cannula insertion mechanism completely relieves the infusion cannula in the initial state.

According to the previously described development, it is possible that the state in which the cannula insertion mechanism relieves the infusion cannula is an intermediate state of the cannula insertion mechanism, preferably that the cannula insertion mechanism can be returned from the intermediate state to its initial state by a displacement of the two housing parts relative to one another in a different direction or two other housing parts of the housing or one of the housing parts and another housing part of the housing relative to one another.

Also advantageous is a form of embodiment according to which it can be provided that by transferring the cannula insertion mechanism from its actuated state into the state in which the cannula insertion mechanism relieves the infusion cannula, in particular into its initial state, the infusion cannula, in particular when it is inserted into the tissue of the infusion recipient, automatically or driven, in particular spring-driven, carries out a return movement by which the recipient-side cannula end is displaced back from the puncture position to the initial position, in particular to the initial position.

This allows the infusion cannula to automatically perform a return movement so that the receiving end of the cannula is released from the tissue. Separate drives or No mechanisms are required for this. However, it is also conceivable that the infusion cannula performs the return movement in a driven manner, particularly spring-driven.

According to a further development, it is possible for the cannula insertion mechanism to have an insertion actuator, in particular a pivotable insertion lever, which is coupled or can be coupled to the infusion cannula in a force-transmitting manner and which is movable, in particular pivotable, between an initial position and an actuating position, and for the insertion actuator, when in its initial position, to define the initial state of the cannula insertion mechanism, and when in its actuating position, to define the actuating state of the cannula insertion mechanism.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the injection actuator is designed to load the infusion cannula from its initial position during its movement, in particular to cause an elastic bending or pivoting of the infusion cannula, so that the receiver-side cannula end is displaced from the initial position into the puncture position, in particular suddenly, and/or that the cannula injection mechanism is returned from its actuated state to its initial state by moving the injection actuator back from its actuated position to its initial position, and/or that the housing interacts with the injection actuator in such a way that by displacing the two housing parts of the housing relative to one another, the injection actuator is moved from its actuated position into a position in which the injection actuator relieves the infusion cannula at least partially, in particular completely.

These advantageous developments of the infusion pump or the injection mechanism of the infusion pump relate to an injection actuator, which represents a particularly effective means of moving the infusion cannula into one and/or the other position.

According to a particular embodiment, it is possible that the displacement of the two housing parts relative to one another is or comprises a, in particular linear, displacement of the two housing parts relative to one another, preferably that the displacement takes place with a directional component that runs parallel or orthogonal to the housing underside.

This makes the movement of the two housing parts relative to each other more precise, which causes the adjustment of the needle insertion mechanism. This makes a sliding movement particularly easy and intuitive to perform. According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the cannula insertion mechanism has a return element, by the actuation of which the cannula insertion mechanism is transferred from its actuated state into the state in which the cannula insertion mechanism at least partially relieves the infusion cannula, in particular into its initial state, preferably that the return element is the insertion actuator or is coupled to it in a force-transmitting manner.

In particular, it may be advantageous if the actuation of the return member consists in the return member sliding along an inclined contact surface of a housing section of the housing, in particular a ramp-shaped housing section, during the displacement of the two housing parts relative to one another, whereby the return member is displaced, in particular pivoted or shifted, preferably that the housing section with the inclined contact surface is arranged fixed to the one housing part and the return member is arranged fixed to the other housing part.

These possible developments relate to a return element whose sliding along an inclined contact surface of a housing section, in particular a ramp-shaped housing section, causes the adjustment of the cannula insertion mechanism. The return element is preferably the insertion actuator itself, but can also be a separate element coupled to the insertion actuator in a force-transmitting manner, the movement of which the insertion actuator follows.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the infusion pump has two or more reservoir containers, each with a container interior which is designed, in particular at least in one section, to receive a fluid.

Also advantageous is a form of embodiment according to which it can be provided that the cannula arrangement has two or more infusion cannulas, each of which is assigned to a respective one of the reservoir containers, and, in particular, a cannula insertion mechanism for each infusion cannula.

Accordingly, the proposed infusion pump may have not only a single reservoir, but two or more. Accordingly, two or more infusion cannulas and/or cannula insertion mechanisms may also be provided. Larger amounts of a fluid or different fluids can be administered in a simple manner.

Furthermore, it may be expedient if the two housing parts are a disposable housing part and a reusable housing part, preferably that the reservoir container and the infusion cannula, in particular also the housing section with the inclined contact surface, are mounted on the disposable housing part, which preferably together form a pre-assembled disposable unit, and/or that the cannula insertion mechanism and/or the insertion actuator, in particular also the return member and/or a drive source, in particular a drive motor, and optionally further drive elements, are mounted on the reusable housing part, which preferably together form a pre-assembled reusable unit.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the reservoir container is permanently connected to the housing, in particular the disposable housing part, or forms a replaceable cartridge, preferably that the reservoir container can be installed in a pre-filled state together with the disposable housing part as a pre-assembled unit or the replaceable cartridge can be installed in a pre-filled state

It is therefore particularly preferred if the housing is constructed in several parts and has one housing part on which disposable components, i.e. components that cannot be reused after the reservoir container has been emptied, are mounted, and another housing part on which reusable components, i.e. components that can be reused after the reservoir container has been emptied, are arranged. Thus, it is advantageous, particularly from an environmental point of view, but also from an economic point of view, if the entire infusion pump does not have to be disposed of after the reservoir container has been emptied. In principle, it is even conceivable to design the reservoir container as a replaceable cartridge and thus only replace the reservoir container, possibly with the infusion cannula, the plaster and/or the traction device, after use.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the infusion pump has, as an energy source, a primary or secondary battery, in particular one that can be removed individually, preferably that the energy source is part of the disposable unit.

Also advantageous is a form of embodiment according to which it can be provided that the infusion pump has a user interface with a display and/or with a control unit, which may have one or more buttons, preferably the user interface is part of the reusable unit.

In connection with the cannula insertion mechanism, a method for deactivating a portable infusion pump can also be mentioned, wherein the infusion pump has a reservoir container with a container interior which, in particular at least in one section, is designed to receive the fluid, wherein the infusion pump has a cannula arrangement with an infusion cannula and a cannula insertion mechanism, wherein the infusion cannula is fluidically connected to the container interior of the reservoir container via a container-side cannula end and the infusion cannula extends from the container-side cannula end along its axial extent to a receiver-side cannula end on which a cannula tip is formed, wherein the cannula insertion mechanism has previously been transferred from an initial state in which it has loaded the infusion cannula, radially or axially, upon its actuation, so that the receiver-side cannula end has been displaced from an initial position into a puncture position, into an actuated state, wherein the Cannula insertion mechanism is returned from its actuated state to its initial state and wherein the infusion pump has a multi-part housing for receiving the reservoir container and the cannula assembly.

It is essential that two housing parts of the housing are displaced relative to each other and thereby the cannula insertion mechanism is transferred from its actuated state into a state in which the cannula insertion mechanism relieves the infusion cannula, radially or axially, at least partially, in particular completely.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1 ... an infusion pump a) arranged on the upper arm of the infusion recipient and b) in a perspective top view and c) in a perspective bottom view; Fig. 2 ... a perspective view of an infusion pump in the opened state, divided into two housing parts, with correspondingly assigned functional components;

Fig. 3 ... the different states of the cannula assembly and the disposable housing part as well as the firing actuator and the reusable housing part;

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations, whereby the disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied mutatis mutandis to the new position in the event of a change in position.

The preferred embodiment of a dosing device 32 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 relates to a portable infusion pump 1 for administering a defined amount of a fluid, in particular an infusion solution. Regarding the definition and areas of application of an infusion pump 1, reference is made to the introductory part of the description.

The infusion pump 1 has a reservoir container 2 with a container interior which, in particular at least in one section, is designed to receive the fluid.

Furthermore, the infusion pump 1 has a cannula assembly 3 with an infusion cannula 4 and a cannula insertion mechanism 5.

The infusion cannula 4 is fluidically connected or connectable to the container interior of the reservoir container 2 via a container-side cannula end 6 and extends from the container-side cannula end 6 along its axial extent to a receiver-side cannula end 7 on which a first cannula tip is formed.

The cannula insertion mechanism 5 can be transferred or displaced from an initial state 8 into an actuated state 9 and is designed in such a way that, when actuated from its initial state 8, the infusion cannula 4 is loaded, here radially, in particular to cause an elastic bending or pivoting of the infusion cannula 4, so that the receiver-side cannula end 7 is displaced from an initial position 10 into a puncture position 11, in particular suddenly. According to another embodiment, not shown here, it can also be provided that the cannula insertion mechanism 5, when actuated from its initial state 8, axially loads the infusion cannula 4, in particular by introducing a force into a beam or a spring rod, which in turn introduces an axial force into an axial section of the infusion cannula 4, so that the receiver-side cannula end 7 is displaced from the initial position 10 into the puncture position 11, in particular suddenly. Although the radial loading variant will be discussed exclusively below, the corresponding explanations also apply accordingly to the axial loading variant.

As shown in Fig. 1, the infusion pump 1 can be worn by an infusion receiver 12 on the body under clothing, in particular in a position-fixed and/or glued state on the skin, and can thus be worn anywhere.

The administration of an infusion solution takes place intravenously and/or subcutaneously, and thus corresponds to the delivery of an infusion directly into the tissue of an infusion recipient 12, in particular into the human body.

As shown in Fig. 3a), the initial state 8 is the state of the cannula insertion mechanism 5 before its actuation, in which the infusion cannula 4 with its receiver-side cannula end 7 is still in the initial position 10 and in particular does not protrude from the infusion pump 1.

In contrast, and as shown in Fig. 3b), the actuation state 9 is the state of the cannula insertion mechanism 5 after its actuation, in which the infusion cannula 4 is located with its receiving-side cannula end 7 in the insertion position 11 and otherwise protrudes from the infusion pump 1.

Here and preferably, the cannula insertion mechanism 5 can be returned from its actuated state 9 to its initial state 8, which can be seen from the combined view of Figures 3c) and 3d). Accordingly, after the infusion pump 1 has been used, when it is to be removed from the infusion receiver 12, the cannula insertion mechanism 5 is for the purpose of deactivating the infusion pump 1, i.e. to enable the withdrawal of the receiver-side cannula end 7 from the tissue of the Infusion receiver 12, can be returned from its actuated state 9 to its initial state 8.

The term infusion cannula 4 used here refers to a tube, here and preferably made of plastic or metal, in particular a stainless steel alloy or a nickel-titanium alloy, which is already fluidically coupled to the reservoir container 2 at its first tube end, either directly or via a further interface, or is only fluidically coupled to the reservoir container 2 during the preparation of an infusion, for example by piercing a septum. During subcutaneous infusion, the second tube end is usually inserted directly into the body of the infusion recipient 12, or is pierced into their skin tissue. Here and preferably, the infusion cannula 4 has an outer diameter of less than 500 μm, preferably less than 350 μm, more preferably less than 300 μm.

Furthermore, and as can be seen from Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the infusion pump 1 has a multi-part housing 13 for receiving the reservoir container 2 and the cannula arrangement 3.

What is essential is that the housing 13 interacts with the cannula insertion mechanism 5 in such a way that, by displacing two housing parts 20, 23 of the housing 13 relative to one another, the cannula insertion mechanism 5 is transferred from its actuated state 9 into a state in which the cannula insertion mechanism 5 at least partially, in particular completely, relieves the infusion cannula 4, here radially, or alternatively, according to the above alternative embodiment, axially. Preferably, this displacement of the two housing parts 20, 23 relative to one another occurs in a disassembly movement in which the two housing parts 20, 23 are detached from one another and/or the housing 13 is opened.

The term "radial relief" used here means that the infusion cannula 4 is subjected to less radial stress in this state by the cannula insertion mechanism 5 than in the actuated state 9, so that the cannula insertion mechanism 5 no longer holds the infusion cannula 4 with its receiving-side cannula end 7 in the insertion position 11 or blocks it from retracting. Accordingly, axial relief means that the infusion cannula 4 is subjected to less axial stress in this state by the cannula insertion mechanism 5 than in the actuated state 9. As can be seen from Fig. 3, because the load, here radial, is reduced by the cannula insertion mechanism 5, the infusion cannula 4 can then return to its position, in particular to the position in which the receiver-side cannula end 7 is again in the initial position 10, preferably automatically. In particular, due to the decreasing load, here radial, the infusion cannula 4 can return to a position in which the receiver-side cannula end 7 is at least largely retracted into the housing 13.

In this context, it should be emphasized that here, and preferably, the retraction of the infusion cannula 4 directly accompanies the retraction of the cannula insertion mechanism 5. The infusion cannula 4 thus directly follows the movement of the cannula insertion mechanism 5. In principle, however, these two processes can also be separated according to another exemplary embodiment, which is not shown here. In this case, the cannula insertion mechanism 5 would be retracted, but the infusion cannula 4 would be moved back independently. However, the case shown here, in which both processes coincide, is preferred.

Here and preferably it is further provided that the state in which the cannula insertion mechanism 5 radially relieves the infusion cannula 4 is the initial state 8 of the cannula insertion mechanism 5, preferably that the cannula insertion mechanism 5 completely radially relieves the infusion cannula 4 in the initial state 8.

In the preferred state of complete radial relief illustrated in Fig. 3a), the infusion cannula 4 is no longer subjected to radial stress by the cannula insertion mechanism 5, or at least no longer subjected to any significant stress, so that the infusion cannula 4 can return completely to its position in which the receiving cannula end 7 is again in the initial position 10, and/or to a position in which the receiving cannula end 7 is completely or almost completely retracted into the housing 13, i.e., no longer protrudes from it. This occurs automatically here, but can alternatively also be spring-driven or driven in some other way.

Here and preferably, the cannula insertion mechanism 5 passes through an intermediate state in which it first partially relieves the radial load on the infusion cannula 4. Here and preferably, the cannula insertion mechanism 5 is moved beyond the intermediate state to its - l -

initial state, whereby the infusion cannula 4 is also moved back accordingly.

In principle, it is also conceivable that the cannula insertion mechanism 5 can only be returned to the intermediate state and not to the initial state by the relative movement of the two housing parts 20, 23, wherein in this intermediate state the infusion cannula 4 is preferably no longer radially loaded by the cannula insertion mechanism 5 or at least no longer significantly loaded, so that the infusion cannula 4 can return completely to its position in which the receiver-side cannula end 7 is again in the initial position 10 and/or to a position in which the receiver-side cannula end 7 is completely retracted into the housing 13.

From the intermediate state, the cannula insertion mechanism 5 can then be returned to its initial state 8 by another measure, for example another mechanism, in particular by displacing the two housing parts 20, 23 relative to one another in a different, preferably opposite, direction. Alternatively, a displacement of two other housing parts of the housing 13 or one of the housing parts 20, 23 and another housing part of the housing 13 relative to one another is also conceivable in order to return the cannula insertion mechanism 5 from the intermediate state to the initial state 8. For the transfer of the cannula insertion mechanism 5 from the intermediate state to the initial state 8, it is then preferably the case that the displacement of the respective two housing parts 20, 23 relative to one another takes place in an assembly movement in which the two housing parts 20, 23 are connected to one another and/or the housing 13 is closed. Alternatively, this displacement can also take place in one or the disassembly movement in which the two housing parts 20, 23 are detached from each other.

In the intermediate state in question here, the infusion cannula 4 is still subjected to radial loading, but no longer in such a way that it would still be held or blocked in the insertion position 11 by its receiving-side cannula end 7. Not shown in Fig. 3c), but nevertheless conceivable, the receiving-side cannula end 7 is then already completely retracted into the housing 13, i.e., no longer protrudes from it.

As shown in Fig. 3d), it is preferably provided here that by transferring the cannula insertion mechanism 5 from its actuated state 9 into the state in which the cannula insertion mechanism 5 radially partially or completely relieved, in particular in its initial state 8, the infusion cannula 4, in particular when it is inserted into the tissue of the infusion receiver 12, automatically carries out a return movement by which the receiver-side cannula end 7 is moved back from the puncture position 11 to the initial position 10, in particular up to the initial position 10.

Not shown in the figures, as previously mentioned, instead of an automatic return movement, it is also conceivable for the infusion cannula 4 to perform a driven return movement, i.e., be moved back by a separate return device, for example, a spring. However, the present case, in which the infusion cannula 4 is mounted and configured in such a way that it can perform the return movement automatically, is preferred and is also shown in Fig. 3.

For this purpose, the infusion cannula 4, in particular in a central cannula section, has a correspondingly high flexural strength and/or flexural rigidity.

Thus, the infusion cannula 4, between the container-side cannula end 6 and the receiver-side cannula end 7, here and preferably has a central cannula section and at least one adjacent, in particular adjoining, end-side cannula section, in particular a first end-side cannula section adjacent to the receiver-side cannula end 7 and a second end-side cannula section adjacent to the container-side cannula end 6. Here and preferably, the cannula insertion mechanism 5 engages the central cannula section of the infusion cannula 4 when actuated.

Here and preferably, the central cannula section is reinforced in such a way that it can withstand the radial force load by the cannula insertion mechanism 5 in the actuated state 9. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 3b) and c), the central cannula section is elastically deformable by the cannula insertion mechanism 5 when subjected to a corresponding force load, but, as can be seen from Fig. 3d), returns to its original shape when the force is released.

The reinforcement described above is provided, as shown in Fig. 3, by a sheath or material reinforcement of the central cannula section and thus ensures for increased flexural strength and/or flexural rigidity in this area of the infusion cannula 4.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the cannula insertion mechanism 5 has an insertion actuator 14, in particular a pivotable insertion lever 15, which is coupled or can be coupled to the infusion cannula 4 in a force-transmitting manner and which is movable, in particular pivotable, between an initial position 16 and an actuating position 17, and that the insertion actuator 14, when it is in its initial position 16, defines the initial state 8 of the cannula insertion mechanism 5, and, when it is in its actuating position 17, defines the actuating state 9 of the cannula insertion mechanism 5.

As shown in Fig. 3 and is therefore preferred, the force is introduced from the injection actuator 14 onto the infusion cannula 4 in the form of a pivotably mounted injection lever 15. As suggested, but not shown here, the force can be introduced from the injection actuator 14 onto the infusion cannula 4 alternatively in the form of a linearly movable injection part.

In the initial state 8 of the cannula insertion mechanism 5, the insertion actuator 14 is in its initial position 16, as can be seen from Fig. 3a) and d), and in the actuated state 9 of the cannula insertion mechanism 5, the insertion actuator 14 is in its actuated position 17, as shown in Fig. 3b) and c).

The proposed procedure for inserting the infusion cannula 4 into the tissue of the infusion recipient 12 is shown in Fig. 3 a) and b).

The firing actuator 14, here the firing lever 15, is initially mechanically locked in its initial position 16 in a preloaded, in particular spring-loaded, state against movement toward its actuating position 17. The locking is provided by a locking device, in particular a mechanically or electrically triggerable one. The locking device accordingly has a locking cam 18, shown in Fig. 3 and thus preferred.

As can be seen from Fig. 3a), the locking cam 18 in its locking position prevents the pivoting of the firing lever 15 in the direction of its actuating position 17. the sperm cam 18 the pivoting range of the injection lever 15, as shown in Fig. 3b), this releases the pre-tensioned injection lever 15, so that the injection lever 15 springs forward due to its pre-tension and radially loads the infusion cannula 4, in particular suddenly, so that in turn the recipient-side cannula end 7 is displaced from the initial position 10 into the puncture position 11, in particular suddenly.

The preload is provided here, and preferably, as shown in Fig. 3, by a spring element designed as a leg spring. Not shown, but nevertheless alternatively preferred, the spring element can also be designed as a compression or tension spring.

Furthermore, the locking device, not shown in detail here, has in particular a mechanical pulling element which extends out of the housing 13 of the infusion pump 1 and is designed for manual actuation of the locking cam 18.

Not shown, but alternatively preferred, the displacement of the locking cam 18 from the locking position to the release position can be effected, in particular, electromechanically. The locking device also has an associated actuator.

The injection actuator 14, here the injection lever 15, can be designed in several parts, in particular with two arms running in parallel planes, wherein one part or arm interacts with the locking device and the other part or arm interacts with the infusion cannula 4 as described.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the injection actuator 14 is designed to radially load the infusion cannula 4 from its initial position 16 during its movement, in particular to cause an elastic bending or pivoting of the infusion cannula 4, so that the receiver-side cannula end 7 is displaced from the initial position 10 into the injection position 11, in particular suddenly.

Additionally or alternatively, as here, it can be provided that the cannula insertion mechanism 5 is returned from its actuated state 9 to its initial state 8 by moving the insertion actuator 14 from its actuated position 17 to its initial position 16.

Additionally or alternatively, as here, it can be provided that the housing 13 interacts with the insertion actuator 14 in such a way that by displacing the two housing parts 20, 23 of the housing 13 relative to each other, the injection actuator 14 is moved from its actuating position 17 into a position in which the injection actuator 14 relieves the infusion cannula 4 radially at least partially, in particular completely.

Here and preferably, the position in which the firing actuator 14 radially relieves the infusion cannula 4 is the starting position of the firing actuator 14, wherein preferably the firing actuator 14 completely radially relieves the infusion cannula 4 in the starting position.

In principle, it is also conceivable that the injection actuator 14 can only be returned to an intermediate position, which corresponds to the intermediate state of the cannula injection mechanism 5, and not to the initial position by the relative movement of the two housing parts 20, 23, wherein in this intermediate position the infusion cannula 4 is preferably no longer radially loaded by the injection actuator 14 or at least no longer significantly loaded, so that the infusion cannula 4 can return completely to its position in which the receiver-side cannula end 7 is again in the initial position 10 and/or to a position in which the receiver-side cannula end 7 is completely retracted into the housing 13.

From the intermediate position, the firing actuator 14 can then be returned to its initial position by another measure, for example, another mechanism, in particular by said displacement of the two housing parts 20, 23 relative to each other in a different, preferably opposite, direction. Alternatively, as mentioned above, a displacement of two other housing parts of the housing 13 or one of the housing parts 20, 23 and another housing part of the housing 13 relative to each other is also conceivable in order to return the firing actuator 14 from the intermediate position to the initial position.

The displacement of the two housing parts 20, 23 relative to one another is or preferably comprises a, in particular linear, displacement of the two housing parts 20, 23 relative to one another, wherein the displacement preferably takes place with a directional component that runs parallel or orthogonal to the housing underside. Preferably, the displacement takes place, as here, exactly parallel or at a very acute angle to the housing underside, or according to another embodiment not shown here, exactly orthogonal to the housing underside. Fig. 2 shows the two housing parts 20, 23, particularly their preferred relative fit and position to one another. As can be seen from Fig. 3, the displacement of the two housing parts 20, 23 relative to one another, as shown, is a linear displacement of the two housing parts 20, 23 relative to one another. The term "comprises" means that during the displacement, the movement of the two housing parts 20, 23 relative to one another can consist of several successive partial movements, of which one partial movement is then a linear sliding movement.

A displacement of the housing parts 20, 23 at a very acute angle to the housing underside, i.e. the side of the lower housing part 20 which faces the infusion receiver 12 in the properly mounted state of the infusion pump 1, preferably means an angle to the housing underside which is less than 30°, preferably less than 20° and more preferably less than 10°.

According to the illustrations in Fig. 3, the displacement preferably takes place along a direction that is orthogonal or almost orthogonal to the puncture direction, i.e. the direction of movement of the receiver-side cannula end 7.

As can also be seen from Fig. 3, it is preferably provided here that the cannula insertion mechanism 5 has a return element 19, through the actuation of which the cannula insertion mechanism 5 is transferred from its actuated state 9 into the state in which the cannula insertion mechanism 5 at least partially relieves the radial load on the infusion cannula 4, in particular into its initial state 8. As already explained, here and preferably the return element 19 is the insertion actuator 14 itself, but can also be coupled to it as a separate element in a force-transmitting manner.

The return member 19 is the component of the cannula insertion mechanism 5 that is adjusted by the relative movement of the two housing parts 20, 23 so that the cannula insertion mechanism 5 is returned. Here and preferably, this is the insertion actuator 14. This therefore performs a dual function, namely, on the one hand, the insertion of the infusion cannula 4 and, on the other hand, the return of the cannula insertion mechanism 5. In this context, "force-transmittingly coupled" means that the return member 19 can also be a separate element from the insertion actuator 14, for example a separate arm, and can be designed as a single piece with the insertion actuator 14 or is connected to it in a form-fitting, force-fitting, and/or material-fitting manner. Having said that, as shown in Fig. 3, it is preferably provided here that the actuation of the return member 19, here the injection actuator 14, consists in that the return member 19 slides along an inclined contact surface 21 of a housing section 22 of the housing 13, in particular a ramp-shaped housing section 22, during the displacement of the two housing parts 20, 23 relative to one another, whereby the return member 19 is displaced, in particular pivoted or shifted, preferably that the housing section 22 with the inclined contact surface 21 is arranged fixed to the one housing part 20 and the return member 19 is arranged fixed to the other housing part 23.

The respective housing-fixed arrangement can be seen in Fig. 3. The housing section 22 with the inclined contact surface 21 is arranged on the lower housing part 20 here and preferably as an injection-molded web, and the return member 19 is arranged on the upper housing part 23 here and preferably as a pivotable lever.

The movement of the two housing parts 20, 23 along a first direction of movement shown in Fig. 3 thus causes a movement of the return member 19, in particular of the injection actuator 14, or of a part thereof in a direction deviating therefrom, here in a pivoting direction about a geometric axis x of the return member 19, in particular of the injection actuator 14.

Shown in Fig. 3 and preferred in this respect, the return member 19 is the firing actuator 14. In the present embodiment, the firing actuator 14 slides along the inclined contact surface 21 when the two housing parts 20, 23 are displaced relative to one another, whereby the firing actuator 14, or rather the firing lever 15, moves back from its actuating position 17 to its starting position 16.

Not shown, but equally conceivable and preferred, the return member 19 is coupled to the firing actuator 14 in a force-transmitting manner. In this alternative embodiment, the separate return member 19 slides along the inclined contact surface 21 upon displacement of the two housing parts 20, 23 relative to one another, causing it to be displaced and transmitting its movement to the firing actuator 14, so that the firing actuator 14 moves back from its actuating position 17 to its starting position 16.

The infusion pump 1 has, as already stated in the introduction, here and preferably two or more reservoir containers 2, each with a container interior, which, in particular at least in one section, is designed to hold a fluid. Two reservoir containers 2 are shown in the bottom of Fig. 2.

If these contain, also as proposed, different fluids, here two different fluids, the infusion pump 1 can be configured to deliver these fluids to the infusion receiver 12 simultaneously or independently of one another by appropriately controlling the drive source 24.

In this case, actuation always means an actuation initiated by a control device of the infusion pump 1.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the cannula arrangement 3 has two or more infusion cannulas 4, each of which is assigned to a respective one of the reservoir containers 2. The infusion cannulas 4 can all be designed as proposed. Furthermore, the infusion pump 1 preferably has a cannula insertion mechanism 5 for each infusion cannula 4. By appropriately controlling the multiple cannula insertion mechanisms 5, in particular the multiple locking devices or the multiple sperm locks 18, it is then possible to first insert one and then the other infusion cannula 4 into the tissue of the infusion recipient 12 in a respective insertion process. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the plurality of cannula insertion mechanisms 5, in particular the plurality of locking devices or the plurality of spermocks 18, can be controlled in such a way that several or all can be actuated simultaneously and thus several or all infusion cannulas 4 can be inserted into the tissue of the infusion recipient 12 at the same time.

In principle, according to another embodiment not shown here, it is also conceivable that a common cannula insertion mechanism 5 is provided for several or all infusion cannulas 4. This would make it possible to simultaneously insert these infusion cannulas 4 into the tissue of the infusion recipient 12 by controlling the common cannula insertion mechanism 5.

The multiple infusion cannulas 4 and reservoir containers 2 are particularly important with regard to the aforementioned possible dispensing of at least two different fluids, since this prevents the fluids from mixing in a common infusion cannula 4 before being dispensed to the infusion recipient 12, so that the fluids can be sorted into the tissue of the infusion recipient 12. However, it is also conceivable to provide one and the same fluid in several reservoir containers 2 and thus achieve a seamless delivery of this fluid into the tissue of the infusion recipient 12 over a longer period of time. In both cases, it is conceivable that initially only one infusion cannula 4 is inserted and the associated reservoir container 2 is at least partially emptied and the fluid is introduced into the tissue of the infusion recipient 12, before a further infusion cannula 4 is then inserted and the reservoir container 2 associated with it is at least partially emptied and the fluid is introduced into the tissue of the infusion recipient 12. Alternatively, several infusion cannulas 4 can be inserted from the outset and the reservoir containers 2 are at least partially emptied one after the other and the fluid is introduced into the tissue of the infusion recipient 12.

It is therefore the case that either a common cannula insertion mechanism 5 is provided, or, here and preferably, two or more cannula insertion mechanisms 5 are provided, namely preferably one per infusion cannula 4, which preferably all interact with the housing 13 in such a way that by displacing the two housing parts

20, 23 relative to each other, the cannula insertion mechanisms 5 are transferred, preferably simultaneously, from their actuated state 9 into the state in which the respective cannula insertion mechanism 5 radially relieves the associated infusion cannula 4.

In the latter case, several cannula insertion mechanisms 5 can be returned from their actuated state 9 towards the initial state 8 with only one relative movement of the two housing parts 20, 23 to one another, and this regardless of whether a parallel or sequential insertion of the infusion cannula 4 into the tissue of the infusion recipient 12 is possible.

As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, it is here and preferably further provided that the two housing parts 20, 23 are a disposable housing part 20 and a reusable housing part 23.

Here and preferably, the reservoir container 2 and the infusion cannula 4, in particular also the housing section 22 with the inclined contact surface

21, which preferably together form a pre-assembled disposable unit 25. Preferably, a further energy supply device, for example a secondary battery, which can be removed individually, is also part of the disposable unit 25, which is stored in a battery compartment and can thus be separated from the disposable unit for sorted disposal. Unit 25 can be separated. Furthermore, the disposable unit 25 also has, for example, an adhesive patch for attaching the infusion pump 1 to the body. The disposable unit 25 preferably consists of no more than 15 components (individual parts).

Additionally or alternatively, as here, it is provided that the cannula insertion mechanism 5 and/or the insertion actuator 14, in particular also the return member 19 and/or a drive source 24, in particular a drive motor, and optionally further drive elements, are mounted on the reusable housing part 23, which preferably together form a pre-assembled reusable unit 26. Electronic components, in particular control components, a power supply device 28, in particular a rechargeable power supply device 28, a user interface 29 with a display 30 and/or with an operating unit 31, which can have one or more buttons, are also preferably part of the reusable unit 26 and are mounted here on the reusable housing part 23.

The display 30 is an example of one that does not require a permanent power supply, such as an ePaper or Memory in Pixel display.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, the disposable housing part 20 is the housing part facing the user during use. After its intended use, this is removed from the body, separated from the reusable housing part 23, and then disposed of.

The reusable housing part 23 shown in Fig. 2 above is, as previously described, separated from the disposable housing part 20 after its intended use and can then be reattached to a new, unused disposable housing part 20, since the reusable components mounted thereon are reusable.

Fig. 1a) shows the arrangement of the portable infusion pump 1 in use, for example, on the upper arm of the infusion recipient 12. The housing 13 can be fixed or adhered to the skin.

From Fig. 2 it can be seen that the reservoir container 2 is fluidically connected to the infusion cannula 4.

When establishing the mechanical connection between the two housing parts 20, 23 shown in Fig. 2, in addition to a possible positive connection, at least one Non-positive connection, which on the one hand ensures the coupling of the drive source 24 to the reservoir container 2, in particular to a dosing piston of the reservoir container 2, and also, if necessary, ensures a desired electrical connection between electrical contacts 27.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the reservoir container 2 is non-detachably connected to the housing 13, in particular the disposable housing part 20, or forms a replaceable cartridge, preferably that the reservoir container 2 can be installed in a pre-filled state together with the disposable housing part 20 as a pre-assembled unit or the replaceable cartridge can be installed in a pre-filled state.

In this context, the term non-detachable means a connection between the reservoir container 2 and the housing 13, in particular the disposable housing part 20, that cannot be separated without destruction. The pre-filled state here means that the reservoir container 2 is already filled with infusion solution before its intended first use.

Finally, a method for deactivating an infusion pump 1 is also worth mentioning, wherein the infusion pump 1 is designed to administer a defined amount of a fluid, in particular an infusion solution. The infusion pump 1 comprises a reservoir container 2 with a container interior, which is designed, in particular at least in one section, to receive the fluid, as well as a cannula arrangement 3 with an infusion cannula 4 and a cannula insertion mechanism 5, wherein the infusion cannula 4 is fluidically connected to the container interior of the reservoir container 2 via a container-side cannula end 6 and the infusion cannula 4 extends from the container-side cannula end 6 along its axial extent to a receiver-side cannula end 7, on which a cannula tip is formed, wherein the cannula insertion mechanism 5 is previously transferred from an initial state 8, in which it has loaded the infusion cannula 4, radially or axially, upon its actuation, so that the receiver-side cannula end 7 has been displaced from an initial position 10 into a puncture position 11, into an actuation state 9. has been returned, wherein the cannula insertion mechanism 5 is returned from its actuated state 9 to its initial state 8 and wherein the infusion pump 1 has a multi-part housing 13 for receiving the reservoir container 2 and the cannula arrangement 3. In this context, the term deactivation means putting the infusion pump 1 into a state in which the receiver-side cannula end 7 is at least largely retracted into the housing 13 and the infusion pump 1 can be removed from the infusion receiver 12.

What is essential here is that two housing parts 20, 23 of the housing 13 are displaced relative to one another and thereby the cannula insertion mechanism 5 is transferred from its actuated state 9 into a state in which the cannula insertion mechanism 5 relieves the infusion cannula 4, here radially, at least partially, in particular completely.

The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with one another are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, i.e. all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size. Reference symbol list

Infusion pump 32 dosing device

Reservoir tank

Cannula arrangement

Infusion cannula

Cannula insertion mechanism

Container-side cannula end

Receiver-side cannula end

Initial state

Actuation state

Initial position

insertion position

Infusion recipient

Housing

Bullet actuator

firing lever

Starting position

Actuating position

locking cam

feedback element

Lower housing part

contact surface

Housing section

Upper housing part

Power source

Disposable unit

Reusable unit

Electrical contact

Energy supply device

User interface

Display

Control unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. Dosing device (32), in particular an infusion pump (1), for the preferably subcutaneous administration of a fluid, comprising a housing (13), a reservoir container (2) with a container interior for receiving the fluid and a cannula arrangement (3), - wherein the housing (13) is formed in several parts and comprises a first housing part (20) and a second housing part (23), - wherein the cannula assembly (3) comprises a cannula insertion mechanism (5) and an infusion cannula (4) with a container-side cannula end (6) and a receiver-side cannula end (7) on which a cannula tip is formed, - wherein the infusion cannula (4) is fluidically coupled, in particular fluidically coupled, to the container interior at its container-side cannula end (6), - wherein a state of the cannula insertion mechanism (5) is shiftable or changeable between an initial state (8) and an actuated state (9), - wherein the cannula insertion mechanism (5) is operatively connected to the infusion cannula (4) when shifted into the actuated state (9) or in the actuated state (9) in such a way that the receiver-side cannula end (7) can be shifted, in particular abruptly shifted, from an initial position (10) into a puncture position (11), in particular by elastic bending of the infusion cannula (4) and/or pivoting of the receiver-side cannula end (7), so that the fluid can be administered subcutaneously via the cannula tip by means of the dosing device (32) and through the receiver-side cannula end (7) of the infusion cannula (4) shifted into the puncture position (11), - wherein a first group of components of the dosing device (32) is coupled to the first housing part (20) and a second group of components of the dosing device (32) is coupled to the second housing part (23) in a housing-fixed manner or is each formed as a section of the housing (13), characterized in that Components of the first group are operatively connected to components of the second group when the housing parts (20, 23) are displaced relative to one another, in particular when the housing parts (20, 23) are brought together to produce an assembled state of the dosing device (32) by an assembly movement or when the dosing device (32) is disassembled. 2. Dosing device (32) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir container (2) is hollow-cylindrical or hollow-ovoid-shaped with a first longitudinal extent along a central axis of the reservoir container (2), wherein the housing (13) has a second longitudinal extent, wherein the second longitudinal extent is aligned along the first longitudinal extent or substantially parallel to the first longitudinal extent, wherein the second longitudinal extent is aligned with a longitudinal axis of a Cartesian coordinate system and the dosing device has a longer longitudinal extent than the second longitudinal extent neither in the direction of a transverse axis nor in the direction of a normal axis of the Cartesian coordinate system. 3. Dosing device (32) according to claim 2, characterized in that the reservoir container (2) can be inserted or installed into the housing (13) essentially along the second longitudinal extent of the housing (13). 4. Dosing device (32) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the assembly movement for producing an assembled state of the dosing device (32) comprises a movement vector for bringing the housing parts (20, 23) together with a substantial portion parallel to the second longitudinal extent of the housing (13). 5. Dosing device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cannula insertion mechanism (5) is operatively connected to its complementary housing part of the housing (13), wherein the state of the cannula insertion mechanism (5) can be changed upon displacement of the housing parts (20, 23) relative to one another. 6. Dosing device (32) according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing (13) interacts with the cannula insertion mechanism (5) in such a way that the cannula insertion mechanism (5) can be transferred from its actuated state (9) into a state in which the receiver-side cannula end (7) is not displaced by the cannula insertion mechanism (5) by a displacement of the housing parts (20, 23) relative to one another. 7. Dosing device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the infusion cannula (4) automatically or driven, in particular spring-driven, carries out a return movement by transferring the cannula insertion mechanism (5) from its actuated state (9), by which the receiver-side cannula end (7) is moved from the insertion position (11) can be moved back towards the initial position (10), in particular to the initial position (10). 8. Dosing device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cannula insertion mechanism (5) can be displaced into the initial state (8) upon displacement of the housing parts (20, 23) relative to one another and upon displacement into an assembled state of the housing (13) of the dosing device (32), wherein the cannula insertion mechanism (5) is ineffective in the initial state (8) with respect to the infusion cannula (4). 9. Dosing device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cannula injection mechanism (5) comprises an injection device which is or can be coupled to the infusion cannula (4) in a force-transmitting manner, in particular an injection actuator (14) or a pivotable injection lever (15), which can be displaced, in particular pivoted, between an initial position (16) and an actuating position (17), wherein the injection device can be controlled electrically or mechanically. 10. Dosing device (32) according to claim 9, characterized in that the injection device is designed as an injection actuator (14), wherein the infusion cannula (4) can be displaced by means of the injection actuator (14) from its initial position (16) and during its movement to the puncture position (11), in particular by elastic bending and/or pivoting the infusion cannula (4) in the direction of the puncture position (11), so that the receiver-side cannula end (7) can be displaced from the initial position (10) into the puncture position (11), in particular abruptly, and/or that the cannula injection mechanism (5) can be returned from its actuated state (9) to its initial state (8) by the injection actuator (14) being movable back from its actuated position (17) to its initial position (16), and/or that the housing (13) is designed to interact with the injection actuator (14) in such a way that, by displacing the two housing parts (20, 23) of the housing (13) relative to one another, the injection actuator (14) can be moved from its actuating position (17) into a position in which the infusion cannula (4) is at least partially, in particular completely, relieved of the load by the injection actuator (14). 11. Dosing device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement of the two housing parts (20, 23) relative to each other, in particular linear, displacement of the two housing parts (20, 23) relative to one another, preferably that the displacement comprises a directional component which runs parallel or orthogonal to the housing underside. 12. Dosing device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cannula insertion mechanism (5) comprises a return member (19), by the actuation of which the cannula insertion mechanism (5) can be displaced from its actuated state (9), in particular into its initial state (8), wherein the return member (19) slides along an inclined contact surface (21) of a housing section (22) of the housing (13), in particular along a ramp-shaped housing section (22), during the displacement of the two housing parts (20, 23) relative to one another, whereby the return member (19) is displaced, in particular pivoted or shifted, preferably in that the housing section (22) with the inclined contact surface (21) is arranged fixedly on one housing part (20) and the return member (19) is arranged fixedly on the other housing part (23). 13. Dosing device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container-side cannula end (6) can be coupled to the container interior or to the reservoir container by the assembly movement, in particular by moving the two housing parts (20, 23) relative to one another. 14. Dosing device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two housing parts (20, 23) are designed as a disposable housing part (20) and as a reusable housing part (23), preferably in that the reservoir container (2) and the infusion cannula (4), in particular also the housing section (22) with the inclined contact surface (21), are mounted on the disposable housing part (20), which preferably together form a pre-assembled disposable unit (25), and/or in that the cannula injection mechanism (5) and/or the injection device, in particular also the return member (19) and/or a drive source (24), in particular a drive motor, and optionally further drive elements, are mounted on the reusable housing part (23), which preferably together form a pre-assembled reusable unit (26). 15. Dosing device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir container (2) is non-detachably, in particular tool-free and/or non-violently, connected to the housing (13), in particular the disposable housing part (20), or forms a replaceable cartridge, preferably that the reservoir container (2) in a pre-filled state together with the disposable housing part (20) as a pre-assembled unit or the replaceable cartridge can be installed in a pre-filled state. 16. Dosing device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two housing parts (20, 23) are designed as a disposable housing part (20) and as a reusable housing part (23), wherein the reusable housing part (23) comprises a power supply device (28), in particular a rechargeable power supply device (28), and a display (30), wherein the disposable housing part (20) comprises a further power supply device, in particular a battery, wherein the power supply device (28) can be electrically coupled when the housing parts (20, 23) are moved into the assembled state of the dosing device (32) and/or are electrically coupled in the assembled state of the dosing device (32), so that the power supply device (28) can be charged by means of the further power supply device. 17. Dosing device (32) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (32) comprises a user interface (29) with a display (30) and/or with an operating unit (31) having one or more buttons, preferably that the user interface (29) is part of the reusable unit (26).