APPLICATOR DEVICE AND APPLICATOR SYSTEM FOR MEDICAMENT CONTAINERS

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an applicator device for depositing a lubricant onto an inside surface of a barrel of a medicament container. The applicator device includes a sprayer defining a longitudinal direction and sized for insertion into an interior of the barrel along the longitudinal direction. The sprayer is operable to eject the lubricant. A centering element is connected to the sprayer and operably engageable with the barrel in a predefined position or orientation to align the sprayer relative to the barrel.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. An applicator device for depositing a lubricant onto an inside surface of a barrel of a medicament container, the applicator device comprising: a sprayer defining a longitudinal axis, the sprayer being sized for insertion into an interior of the barrel of the medicament container, the sprayer being operable to eject the lubricant, a centering element connected to the sprayer and operably engageable with the barrel in a predefined position or orientation to align the sprayer relative to the barrel.

17. The applicator device of claim 16, wherein the sprayer is movable relative to the centering element along the longitudinal axis.

18. The applicator device of claim 16, comprising a sliding guide through which the sprayer is slidably displaceable relative to the centering element.

19. The applicator device of claim 16, wherein the centering element comprises a central hub section with a through opening, wherein the sprayer comprises an elongated shaft section that is slidably supported in the through opening.

20. The applicator device of claim 19, wherein the centering element comprises an outer sidewall coaxial with the central hub section and enclosing the central hub section.

21. The applicator device of claim 20, wherein the central hub section and the outer sidewall are interconnected by one or more wall sections extending radially between the central hub section and the outer sidewall.

22. The applicator device of claim 16, comprising a restoring element engaged with the sprayer and engaged with the centering element; wherein the sprayer is movable in a distal direction along the longitudinal axis and relative to the centering element against a restoring force of the restoring element.

23. The applicator device of claim 16, wherein the centering element comprises one or more of an abutment to abut relative to the longitudinal axis against a proximal end of the barrel, and a receptacle to receive the proximal end of the barrel.

24. The applicator device of claim 23, wherein the one or more of the abutment and the receptacle comprises a slanted section extending at a predefined angle relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the slanted section is configured to induce a lateral movement of the centering element relative to the medicament container when the proximal end of the container engages with the one or more of the abutment and the receptacle.

25. The applicator device of claim 16, wherein the sprayer comprises: a longitudinal fluid guiding bore enclosed by a longitudinally extending sidewall, and a nozzle at or near a distal end of the longitudinally extending sidewall, wherein the nozzle is in fluid communication with the fluid guiding bore and wherein the nozzle comprises an orifice extending radially through the sidewall.

26. The applicator device of claim 25, wherein the nozzle comprises a second orifice, wherein the orifice is located circumferentially offset from the second orifice.

27. The applicator device of claim 26, wherein the nozzle comprises a third orifice, wherein the orifice is located circumferentially and axially offset from the third orifice.

28. The applicator device of claim 25, wherein the nozzle comprises a nozzle grid.

29. An applicator system for depositing a lubricant onto an inside surface of a barrel of a medicament container, the applicator system comprising: an applicator device comprising a sprayer, a lubricant feeding system in flow connection with the sprayer, an electromechanical actuator operable to move the applicator device relative to a medicament container, a controller connected to the lubricant feeding system and connected to the electromechanical actuator, the controller being operable to control a relative movement of the applicator device relative to the medicament container and to control ejection of a lubricant.

30. The applicator system of claim 29, wherein the sprayer defines a longitudinal axis, the sprayer being sized for insertion into an interior of the barrel of the medicament container, the sprayer being operable to eject the lubricant; and wherein the applicator device comprises a centering element connected to the sprayer and operably engageable with the barrel in a predefined position or orientation to align the sprayer relative to the barrel.

31. A method of depositing a lubricant on an inside surface of a barrel of a medicament container, the method comprising: providing a medicament container comprising a barrel, inserting a sprayer of an applicator device into the medicament container, using a centering element of the applicator device to align and/or to center the sprayer relative to the barrel of the medicament container, the centering element connected to the sprayer, and ejecting an amount of lubricant onto an inside surface of the barrel by using the sprayer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0088] In the following, examples of an applicator device and an applicator system for depositing a lubricant onto an inside surface of the barrel of a medicament container will be described in greater detail by making reference to the drawings, in which:

[0089] FIG. 1 shows an example of a pen-type injection device configured to be equipped with a medicament container,

[0090] FIG. 2 shows numerous components of the injection device of FIG. 1,

[0091] FIG. 3 is a side view of an applicator device before inserting a sprayer into the interior of a medicament container,

[0092] FIG. 4 is a side view in accordance to FIG. 3, wherein the sprayer is inside the interior of the barrel and wherein an ejection of the lubricant to an inside surface of the barrel has started,

[0093] FIG. 5 shows the applicator device after removal of the sprayer from the interior of the barrel,

[0094] FIG. 6 shows a top view of an isolated centering element of the applicator device,

[0095] FIG. 7 shows a detailed side view of the mutual assembly of a sprayer and a centering element of an applicator device,

[0096] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of a sprayer,

[0097] FIG. 9 shows a distal end of the sprayer of FIG. 8 in an enlarged view,

[0098] FIG. 10 shows another example of a distal end of a sprayer having a grid or sinter-metal nozzle,

[0099] FIG. 11 is a cross-section along A-A of FIG. 9,

[0100] FIG. 12 is a cross-section through B-B of FIG. 9,

[0101] FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of an applicator system including an applicator device,

[0102] FIG. 14 shows a part of the applicator system provided with a mount for a number of medicament containers and further provided with a mount for a number of applicator devices, and

[0103] FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of a method of depositing a lubricant on an inside surface of a barrel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0104] One example of a drug delivery device 1 for administering of a dose of a medicament 27 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The drug delivery device 1 is implemented as an injection device 30. The injection device 30 is a handheld pen-type injector. The injection device 30 may be implemented as a disposable injection device 30. It may comprise a pre-filled medicament container 6, for example, implemented as a cartridge or capsule. The medicament container 6 is arranged inside a cartridge holder 14. With a disposable injection device 30, the cartridge holder 14 may be non-detachably connected to a body 10 of a housing 32 of the injection device 30.

[0105] With other examples, the injection device 30 is a re-usable injection device, wherein the cartridge holder 14 is detachably connected to the body 10 for replacing an empty medicament container 6. At or near a distal end of the housing 32, hence at the distal end of the cartridge holder 14, there is provided a socket 28 configured to mount or to engage with an injection needle 15. The socket 28 may be implemented as a threaded socket and the injection needle 15 may comprise a needle hub begin correspondingly threaded to provide a threaded engagement with the socket 28.

[0106] Typically, the injection needle 15 is protected by an inner needle cap 16 and either by an outer needle cap 17 and/or a protective cap 18 that is configured to enclose and to protect a distal section of the housing 32 of the injection device 30. The body 10 may comprise and form a main housing part configured to accommodate a drive mechanism 34 as shown in FIG. 2. The cartridge holder 14 may be regarded as a distal housing component of the injection device 30. The cartridge holder 14 may be permanently or releasably connected to the body 10 or main housing.

[0107] The medicament container 6 comprises a cylindrically-shaped or tubular-shaped barrel 25 sealed in proximal direction 3 by a stopper 7 located inside the barrel 25. The medicament container 6 may be prefilled with a liquid medicament 27. The stopper 7 is displaceable relative to the barrel 25 of the container 6 in a distal direction 2 by a piston rod 20 of the drive mechanism 34. A distal end of the medicament container 6 is sealed by a pierceable seal 26 configured as a septum and being pierceable by a proximally directed tipped end of the injection needle 15. By attaching the injection needle 15 to the distal end of the cartridge holder 14 the seal 26 of the medicament container 6 is penetrated thereby establishing a fluid transferring access to the interior of the medicament container 6.

[0108] When the injection device 1 is configured to administer, for example, human insulin, the dosage set by a dose dial 12 at a proximal end of the injection device 1 may be displayed in so-called international units (IU, wherein 1 IU is the biological equivalent of about 45.5 μg of pure crystalline insulin (1/22 mg). The dose dial 12 may comprise a sleeve shaped knob at the proximal end of the housing 32 of the injection device 30.

[0109] As shown further in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 10 comprises a dosage window 13 that may be in the form of an aperture in the body 10. The dosage window 13 permits a user to view a limited portion of a number sleeve (not illustrated) that is configured to move when the dose dial 12 is turned. The number sleeve and the dosage window 13 provide a visual indication of a dose currently set. The dose dial 12 may be rotated on a helical path with respect to the body 10 when turned during setting and/or dispensing or expelling of a dose.

[0110] With some other type of injection device, the dose dial 12 may be locked in longitudinal direction to the body 10. It may be then limited to a rotational movement relative to the body 10 for setting of the dose.

[0111] The injection device 30 may be configured so that turning the dosage knob 12 causes a mechanical click sound to provide acoustical feedback to a user. When the needle 15 is stuck into a skin portion of a patient, and when the trigger 11 or injection button is pushed, the dose of the liquid medicament displayed in the dosage window 13 will be ejected from injection device 1. When the needle 15 of the injection device 1 remains for a certain time in the skin portion after the trigger 11 is pushed, a high percentage of the dose is actually injected into the patient's body. Ejection of an insulin dose may also cause a mechanical click sound, which is however different from the sounds produced when using the dose dial 12.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, during delivery of the insulin dose, the dose dial 12 is turned to its initial position in an axial movement, that is to say without rotation, while the number sleeve is rotated to return to its initial position, e.g., to display a dose of zero units.

[0113] The injection device 30 may be used for several injection processes until either the medicament container 6 is empty or the expiration date of the medicament in the injection device 1 (e.g., 28 days after the first use) is reached.

[0114] At least some components of an example of a drive mechanism 34 are illustrated in more detail in FIG. 2. The drive mechanism 34 comprises numerous mechanically interacting components. A flange like support of the body 10 comprises a threaded axial through opening threadedly engaged with a thread 22 of the piston rod 20. The distal end of the piston rod 20 comprises a bearing 21 on which a pressure foot 23 is free to rotate with the longitudinal axis of the piston rod 20 as an axis of rotation. The pressure foot 23 is configured to axially abut against a proximally facing thrust receiving face of the stopper 7 of the medicament container 6. During a dispensing action the piston rod 20 rotates relative to the body 10 thereby experiencing a distally directed advancing motion relative to the body 10 and hence relative to the barrel 25 of the container 6. As a consequence, the stopper 7 of the medicament container 6 is displaced in distal direction 2 by a well-defined distance due to the threaded engagement of the piston rod 20 with the body 10.

[0115] The body 10 is provided with the dosage window 13 through which a part of the outer surface of the number sleeve can be seen. The body 10 is further provided with a helical rib at an inside sidewall portion of an insert piece 62, which helical rib is to be seated in a helical groove of the number sleeve. The tubular shaped insert piece 62 is inserted into the proximal end of the tubular shaped body 10. Alternatively, such a helical rib may be also provided directly on an inside of the sidewall of the body 10. The helical rib as well as the insert piece 62 is rotationally and axially fixed to the body 10. There may be provided first and second stops on the body 10 to limit a dose setting procedure during which the number sleeve is rotated in a helical motion relative to the housing 32.

[0116] The dose dial 12 in form of a dose dial grip is disposed about an outer surface of the proximal end of the number sleeve. An outer diameter of the dose dial 12 typically corresponds to and matches with the outer diameter of a proximal end of the body 10. The dose dial 12 is secured to the number sleeve to prevent relative movement there between. The dose dial 12 is provided with a central opening.

[0117] A trigger 11, also denoted as dose button is substantially T-shaped. It is provided at a proximal end of the injection device 30. A stem of the trigger 11 extends through the opening in the dose dial 12. The stem and hence the trigger 11 is retained for limited axial movement relative to the number sleeve. A head of the trigger 11 is generally circular. The trigger side wall or skirt extends from a periphery of the head and is further adapted to be seated in a proximally accessible annular recess of the dose dial 12.

[0118] To dial a dose a user rotates the dose dial 12, along a dose incrementing direction 4, e.g., clockwise. Dialing of a dose may be accompanied by a clicking sound. In this way, audible and/or tactile feedback of the dose being dialed is provided. Dialing of a dose is further accompanied by a rotation of the number sleeve, which starts to extend from the body 10 towards the proximal direction 3 when dialed along a dose incrementing direction 4, e.g., in a clockwise sense.

[0119] The number sleeve, the dose dial 12 and the trigger may form part of a dial extension 70, hence and assembly of components of the drive mechanism 34 that starts to extend or to displace from the proximal end of the body 10 as a dose is dialed. During dispensing of a dose, hence when a user depresses the trigger 11 in distal direction 2, the dial extension 70 is subject to a distally directed movement relative to the body 10, hence along the distal direction 2. During such a dispensing motion, the number sleeve is subject to a rotation along a dose decrementing direction 5, e.g. counter-clockwise.

[0120] The expelling mechanism or drive mechanism 34 as described above is only exemplary for one of a plurality of differently configured drive mechanisms that are generally implementable in a disposable or re-usable pen-injector. The drive mechanism as described above is explained in more detail e.g. in WO2004/078239A1, WO 2004/078240A1 or WO 2004/078241A1 the entirety of which being incorporated herein by reference.

[0121] Generally, the stopper 7, typically made of an elastomeric material, such as natural or synthetic rubber is in fluid tight engagement with an inside surface of the barrel 25. Movement of the stopper 7 relative to the barrel 25 is therefore inevitably subject to attic answers or dynamic friction. To reduce the friction between the stopper 7 and to provide a rather smooth displacement of the stopper 7 relative to the barrel 25 an inside surface of the barrel 25 can be provided with a lubricant 102.

[0122] The injection device 30 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is only one example of a drug delivery configured for use with a medicament container 6 configured to store a liquid medicament and being provided with a piston or stopper slidably displaceable along the sidewall of the barrel 25.

[0123] In FIGS. 3-5 one example of an applicator device 100 for depositing or applying a lubricant 102 onto an inside surface of the barrel 25 of the medicament container 6 is described. The applicator device 100 comprises a sprayer 110 defining a longitudinal direction and being sized for insertion into an interior 8 of the barrel 25 of the medicament container 6. The sprayer 110 is configured and sized to become inserted along the longitudinal direction of the sprayer 110, typically coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the barrel 25. The applicator device 100 further comprises a centering element 130. The centering element 130 is connected to the sprayer 110. The centering element 130 is operably and/or mechanically engageable with the barrel 25 in a predefined position or orientation.

[0124] The centering element 130 is configured to position, to orient and/or to align the sprayer 110 relative to the barrel 25. The barrel 25 may comprise a cylindrical sidewall 24. Towards a distal longitudinal end the sidewall 24 merges into a radially narrowing shoulder portion 29. Towards the opposite longitudinal end, hence towards the proximal end 9 the cylindrical barrel 25, i.e. the sidewall 24 is open to receive the sprayer 110 and/or the centering element 130.

[0125] With a cylindrically-shaped barrel 25 and with a cylindrical sidewall 24 the centering element 130 is configured to align, to position and/or to orient the sprayer 110 with regards to the transverse plane, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sprayer 110 and/or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the barrel 25. In this way and when the sprayer 110 is inserted into the interior 8 of the barrel 25 the sprayer 110 can be kept at a predefined radial or transverse distance to the sidewall 24 of the barrel 25. Typically, the sprayer 110 is aligned and/or positioned in a radial or transverse central region of the barrel 25 by way of the centering element 130.

[0126] By aligning, orienting or positioning the sprayer 110 in a radial central region of the barrel 25 the radial or transverse distance between the sprayer 110 and the surrounding sidewall 24 of the cylindrical barrel 25 can be kept substantially constant as seen in circumferential direction. Along the tangential or circumferential direction the sprayer 110 can be kept or confined at a constant distance to the inside surface of the sidewall 24 of the barrel 25. In this way, a rather homogeneous deposition of the lubricant 102 onto the inside surface can be provided.

[0127] With some examples, presently not illustrated, the centering element 130 is shaped to enter the interior 8 of the barrel 25. Here, the centering element may radially or transversally protrude outwardly from the longitudinally shaped sprayer 110. It may serve as a radial or transverse spacer between the inside surface of the barrel 25 and the sprayer 110. Here, the centering element 130 and the sprayer 110 may be fixed relative to each other. Hence, they may not be allowed to move relative to each other. Insertion of the sprayer 110 into the interior 8 and removal of the sprayer 110 from the interior 8 may also come along with a respective sliding motion of the centering element 130 relative to the barrel 25 in longitudinal direction.

[0128] With the example as illustrated in FIGS. 3-7 the sprayer 110 is movable relative to the centering element 130 with regards to the longitudinal direction. Here, the applicator device 100 comprises a sliding guide 136 by way of which the sprayer 110 is slidably displaceable relative to the centering element 130 with regards to the longitudinal direction. As it becomes further apparent from the detailed illustration of the applicator device 100 of FIGS. 6 and 7 the centering element 130 comprises a central hub section 134 provided with a through opening 135 sized to receive the sprayer 110 therethrough. Here, the central hub section 134 comprises a circular-shaped through opening 135 that matches and correlates with the outer diameter or outer cross-section of the sprayer 110. In this way the sprayer 110, which comprises a longitudinal shaft section 112 is slidably guided in longitudinal direction in the through opening 135 of the central hub section 134. Here, the longitudinal shaft section 112 radially confined in the through opening 135 form or constitute the sliding guide 136.

[0129] The centering element 130 further comprises a distally facing abutment 132 by way of which the centering element 130 is axially or longitudinally engageable with the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25 of the medicament container 6. Such an abutment configuration is shown in FIG. 4. The radial or transverse extent of the centering element 130 is larger than the diameter or transverse cross-section of the barrel 25. Accordingly, the centering element 130 is blocked from entering the interior 8 of the barrel 25. As the applicator device 100 is moved in distal longitudinal direction relative to the barrel 25 the centering element 130 with its distally facing abutment 132 in longitudinal abutment with the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0130] As the applicator device 100 is moved further in distal direction relative to the barrel 25 the sprayer 110 starts to move relative to the centering element 130 in distal direction and slides into the interior 8 of the barrel 25 until it reaches a final insert configuration as illustrated in FIG. 4. The final insert configuration may be characterized by the sprayer 110 reaching the shoulder portion 29 of the barrel 25 or reaching the distal end of the cylindrically-shaped sidewall 24 of the barrel 25.

[0131] A distal end 113 of the shaft section 112 of the sprayer 110 is provided with a nozzle 120. The nozzle 120 may be implemented as a spray nozzle configured and/or operable to generate an atomized spray of the lubricant 102 when a respective portion of the liquid lubricant 102 is forced through an inner bore 116 of the shaft section 112.

[0132] As further illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 and 7 the centering element 130 and the sprayer 110 are mechanically engaged through a restoring element 142, presently implemented as a spring 144, in particular as a compression spring. A distal end of the restoring element 142 is in longitudinal abutment with a proximally facing abutment 131 of the centering element 130. A proximal longitudinal end of the restoring element 142 is in longitudinal abutment with a distally facing portion of the sprayer 110. Here, the sprayer 110 comprises a base section 114 provided with a distally facing abutment 115 protruding radially outwardly from the cylindrically-shaped shaft section 112. The proximal end of the restoring element 142 is in longitudinal abutment with the distally facing abutment 115 of the sprayer 110.

[0133] In this way the sprayer 110 is slidably displaceable in longitudinal direction relative to the centering element 130 against the mechanical restoring force provided by the restoring element 142. When moving the sprayer 110 in longitudinal direction into the interior 8 of the barrel 25 towards the final insertion configuration as shown in FIG. 4 the restoring element 142 is biased. For removing of the sprayer 110 from the interior 8 of the barrel 25 the restoring element 142 provides a respective withdrawal force onto the sprayer 110, thereby increasing the distance between the abutment 115 of the sprayer 110 and the abutment 131 of the centering element 130.

[0134] The applicator device 100 as illustrated in FIG. 7 may further comprise a retainer 150, e.g. enclosing the sprayer 110 and the centering element 130. The retainer 150 comprises a retainer base 152 that may be in longitudinal abutment with the sprayer 110. The retainer base 152 may form a housing or a mechanical support for the base section 114 of the sprayer 110. The retainer base 152 may be open or may comprise at least one or several drainage holes to support drainage of excess lubricant. The retainer base 152 may comprise numerous strut or beams extending in radial direction providing axial support for the base section 114 of the sprayer 110.

[0135] The retainer 150 further comprises a retainer sidewall 154 extending in longitudinal direction. At a predefined longitudinal distance from the retainer base 152 the retainer 150 comprises a radially inwardly extending flange section 156 or at least two inwardly extending protrusions. The flange section 156 or protrusions is or are in longitudinal abutment with a distally facing side of the centering element 130. In this way, an uncontrolled detachment of the centering element 130 from the sprayer 110 can be effectively prevented.

[0136] Moreover, a relaxing of the restoring element 142 does not lead to an uncontrolled disassembly of the centering element 130 and the sprayer 110. In other words, the centering element 130 is movable in longitudinal direction relative to the sprayer 110 as well as relative to the retainer 150. A mechanical actuator for inducing a relative longitudinal movement between the centering element 130 and the sprayer 110 may be attached to the retainer 150. A distally directed displacement present to the retainer 150 may be transferred to the sprayer 110 through a longitudinal abutment of the retainer base 152 and the base section 114 of the sprayer 110 while the distally facing abutment 132 of the centering element 130 gets in mechanical, hence longitudinal engagement with the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25.

[0137] For a longitudinal abutment with the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25 the centering element 130 comprises at least one of the abutment 132 and a receptacle 133. The abutment 132 is configured to abut in longitudinal direction against the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25. The receptacle 133 is configured to receive the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25. As further indicated in FIGS. 3-5 and 7 the centering element 130 comprises a slanted section 140. The slanted section 140 may be formed by a cone shaped or inclined shaped structure of the abutment 132 and/or of the receptacle 133. The slanted section 140 provides a kind of a radial self-centering as the centering element 130 gets in longitudinal abutment with the circular shaped proximal end 9 of the barrel 25.

[0138] In the presently illustrated example the slanted section 140 connects the central hub section 134 of the centering element with an outer sidewall 137 of the centering element 130. The outer sidewall 137 comprises a diameter or cross-section being larger than a respective diameter or cross-section of the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25. The slanted section 140 is provided on numerous radially outwardly extending connecting wall sections 139 provided radially between the central hub section 134 and the outer sidewall 137. As it is particularly illustrated in FIG. 7 the slanted section 140 extends from an inside surface 138 of the outer sidewall 137 in longitudinal distal direction and radially inwardly towards the central part section 134. The radial extent of the connecting wall sections 139 is smallest at their distal ends and increases continuously and gradually towards their proximal ends.

[0139] As further illustrated in FIG. 7 with the dotted lines indicating the cross-section of the centering element 130, a proximal end of the connecting wall sections 139 terminates and/or adjoins with a proximal end portion of the outer sidewall 137. In this way at least a portion of the inside surface 138 of the outer sidewall 137 faces towards the slanted section 140 and forms a triangular shaped receptacle 133 for the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25.

[0140] The receptacle 133 is confined in radial direction by the inside surface 138 of the outer sidewall 137. Towards the proximal direction and the inside direction the receptacle 133 is confined by a distally facing edge 141 of the connecting wall sections 139. The radial or transverse dimension of the central hub section 134 and/or a radial or circumferential extent of the distal portion of the connecting wall sections 139 is smaller than a diameter or cross-section of the proximal end 9 of the barrel. In this way it can be provided that the centering element 130 is subject to a radial or transverse self-centering as it gets in longitudinal abutment with the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25.

[0141] In case of an initial radial or transverse misalignment between the barrel 25 and the centering element 130 one of the numerous connecting wall sections 139 engages with the proximal end 9 prior to other connecting wall sections 139. Due to the slanted shape of the distally facing edge 141 of the connecting wall sections 139 the centering element 130 will be subject to a respective movement in radial or transverse direction relative to the barrel 25 until at least three of the connecting wall sections 139 get in longitudinal abutment with the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25.

[0142] Typically, there are provided at least three connecting wall sections 139 distributed equidistantly along the outer circumference of the central hub section 134. The connecting wall sections 139 project radially outwardly from the central hub section 134.

[0143] The central hub section 134 and the outer sidewall 137 as well as the connecting wall sections 139 may be integrally or unitarily formed. They may be provided as a single piece.

[0144] With some examples, the centering element 130 may comprise or may be provided as an injection molded plastic component. Such an injection molded plastic component can reproduced rather cost efficient. Moreover, the plastic material of the centering element 130 is of particular benefit to avoid any damages to the barrel 25 and/or to reduce mechanical shock to the barrel 25 when the respective centering element 130 gets in axial or longitudinal abutment with the barrel 25.

[0145] With some examples the centering element comprises or is made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel. Use of a metallic material for the centering element 130 and/or for the shaft 112 or sprayer 110 is of particular benefit when using the applicator device in a sterile or aseptic environment. It may then easily withstand a sterilization procedure such as steam sterilization that takes place above 100° C., e.g. at about 123° C. For some applications where sterility is not required, plastic components may be used for the sprayer and/or for the centering element.

[0146] Generally and in order to obtain a radial or transverse self-centering of the centering element 130 and the barrel 25 it is sufficient when only one of the abutment 132 and the receptacle 133 comprises a slanted section 140. In the presently illustrated examples only the connecting wall sections 139 are provided with a slanted section 140 facing in distal direction. Alternatively, but not illustrated, it is also conceivable that the inside surface 138 of the outer sidewall 137 comprises a slanted section. Here, the inside surface 138 may be slanted or beveled as seen from the distal direction towards the proximal direction radially inwardly. With the presently illustrated example the distally facing edge 141 of the connecting wall section 139 will get in axial and/or radial abutment with an inside section of the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25.

[0147] When the slanted section 140 would be provided on the inside surface 138 of the outer sidewall 137 the slanted section 140 would engage with an outside portion of the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25.

[0148] Instead of the connecting wall sections 139 there may be provided a closed surface or closed portion extending between the central hub section 134 and the outer sidewall 137. Here, the central hub section 134 may be simply provided with a radially outwardly extending flange featuring a slanted section comparable to the distal edge 141 or the slanted section 140 of the connecting wall sections 139. In particular, a flange section extending radially outwardly from the central hub section 134 may comprise a cone-like shape. At or near a bottom of the central hub section there may be provided a through opening providing a kind of a drain hole allowing for a drainage of excess lubricant.

[0149] With the presently illustrated example, wherein the central hub section 134 is interconnected through numerous connecting wall sections 139 with the outer somewhat rim-shaped sidewall 137 it is of particular benefit that excess lubricant 1002 drains out of the interior 8 of the barrel 25. In the configuration as illustrated in FIG. 4 and when the proximal end 9 of the barrel 25 is oriented downwardly excess lubricant 102 may rinse down and drain along the inside surface of the barrel 25. It may leave the interior 8 of the barrel 25 unhinderedly.

[0150] In the present example the slanted section 140 of the connecting wall sections 139 is of rather straight shaped. With regard to the geometry of the connecting wall sections 139 numerous variations are generally conceivable. It is for instance conceivable that the slanted section 140 comprises a curved profile as seen in a plane defined by a longitudinal and radial direction coinciding with the plane of the connecting wall section 139. A curved profile may comprise a convex or concave shaped slope of the slanted section 140 and/or of the distally facing edge 141 of the connecting wall sections 139.

[0151] The centering element 130 contacting the barrel 25 is designed and configured that excess of lubricant may drain and not being held back in the centering element 130. As illustrated by the sequence of FIGS. 3 to 5, the sprayer 110 may dive into the medicament container 6 until it reaches a maximum insert configuration as illustrated in FIG. 4. During this insertion there may be no spraying of the lubricant. 102. The spray process may be started with or after a start of withdrawal of the sprayer 110 in proximal direction from the barrel 25. There may be a continued spraying provided by the sprayer 110 as the sprayer 110 is withdrawn from the medicament container 6.

[0152] The sprayer 110 is illustrated in FIG. 8 in a separate perspective illustration. The sprayer 110 comprises an elongated shaft section 112. The shaft section 112 may be of cylindrical geometry. The shaft section 112 comprises a distal end 113. The distal end 113 is provided with a nozzle 120, typically implemented as a spray nozzle 120. The elongated shaft section 112 comprises an oppositely located proximal end 111. Beyond the proximal end 111 the shaft section 112 is connected to a radially widened base section 114. The base section 114 comprises a distally facing abutment face 115 protruding flange-like from the shaft section 112 and facing in distal direction. The abutment 115 provides support for the proximal end of the restoring element 142.

[0153] The shaft section 112 comprises an elongated or longitudinally extending sidewall 118. The shaft section 112 may be constituted by the longitudinally extending sidewall 118. It may substantially coincide with the sidewall 118. The shaft section 112 and hence the sidewall 118 is hollow. It comprises a longitudinally extending bore 116. The bore 116 extends from the open proximal end 111 of the shaft section 112 to the oppositely located distal end 113. The distal end 113 is closed. The nozzle 120 in fluid communication with the longitudinal bore 116 is located in the sidewall 118.

[0154] As illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12 the nozzle 120 comprises numerous orifices 121, 122, 123, 124. The orifices 121, 122 are located on a common longitudinal level or position, e.g. at a first virtual transverse plane. The orifice is 123, 124 are also located on same longitudinal position. They may be provided on a second virtual transverse plane. The first and the second virtual transverse claims are longitudinally offset from each other. They may be oriented parallel to each other. The first orifice 121 and the second orifice 122 are arranged diametrically opposite to each other. Each orifice 121, 122 comprises a comparatively large opening angle. As illustrated in FIG. 11 the opening angle A of the orifice 121 is about 90° or even larger than 90°. The opening angles may range between 45° and 90° or between 45° and 135°. In this way, a rather widespread atomized spray can be applied to the inside surface of the barrel 25.

[0155] The third and the fourth orifices 123, 124 as illustrated in FIG. 12 may comprise a similar or identical geometry compared to the first and second orifices 121, 122. The orientation of the third and fourth orifices 123, 124 is circumferentially offset from the position or orientation of the first and second orifices 121, 122. The first and second orifices 121, 122 are longitudinally offset from the third and fourth orifices 123, 124.

[0156] In this way and in a projection in longitudinal direction as illustrated in the cross-sections of FIGS. 11 and 12 the first and second orifices 121, 122 may overlap in circumferential direction or with regard to a circumferential position with the portions of the sidewall 118 extending between the third and the fourth orifices 123, 124; and vice versa. In this way, the entire surrounding and circumference of the shaft section 112 can be homogeneously provided with the atomized spray of lubricant

[0157] With other, non-illustrated examples there may be only provided two or three orifices 121, 122, 123, wherein the two or three orifices are offset from each other both in longitudinal direction as well as in circumferential direction.

[0158] The numerous orifices 121, 122, 123, 124 provide a 360° spray profile to reach all areas of the container walls with the lubricant 102. Typically, numerous orifices are e.g. offset in longitudinal direction. Here, hence the orifice 121 on the one hand side and the orifices 123 and 124 on the other hand side may overlap circumferentially as seen in the longitudinal projection of FIGS. 11 and 12. In the same way the second orifice 121 on the one hand may overlap with at least a portion of at least one of the third orifice 123 and the fourth orifice 124.

[0159] In FIG. 10, a further example of a nozzle 125 at or near the distal end 113 of the shaft section 112 is illustrated. Here, the nozzle 125 comprises a nozzle grid 126. Typically, and with almost all embodiments the sprayer 110 is made of a metal or comprises a metal. Use of a metal material for realizing the nozzle 120, 125 is of particular benefit to provide a mechanically stable structure with comparatively small orifices 121, 122, 123, 124 configured and operable to generate a widespread atomized spray of lubricant.

[0160] The nozzle 125 and the nozzle grid 126 may comprise a sintered metal. They may be manufactured as a sintered sieve or filter.

[0161] With a further non-illustrated example the shaft section 112 and/or the entire sprayer 110 may be subject to a rotation relative to the barrel 25 with regard to its longitudinal axis while the lubricant 102 is injected or dispensed. Here, the number of orifices 121, 122, 123, 124 of a nozzle 120 and/or the circumferential diverging spray profile provided by the nozzle 120 may be reduced. Instead, the nozzle 120 is subject to a rotating or oscillating motion in circumferential or tangential direction during a spray process. For this, the shaft 112 may be rotationally supported on the base section 114. Alternatively, the base section 114 may be subject to a rotation, e.g. relative to the retainer 150 and social relative to the barrel 25 of the medicament container 6.

[0162] In the block diagram of FIG. 13 an applicator system 200 for depositing a lubricant 102 onto an inside surface of a barrel 25 of a medicament container 6 is illustrated. The applicator system 200 comprises an applicator device 100 as described above. Here, the medicament container 6 is fixed to a mount 160. The applicator device 100 is fixed to a further mount 170. The mount 160 and the mount 170 are displaceably arranged relative to each other, typically along the longitudinal direction as defined by the barrel 25 of the medicament container 6. For this at least one of the mount 160 and the mount 170 is provided with an electromechanical actuator 164, 174. The mounts 160, 170 are movable relative to each other along a guiding 165. For example, the mount 160 may move along the guiding 165 through the action of the actuator 164. Alternatively, the mount 170 may be subject to a movement along the guiding 165 by the actuator 174.

[0163] Generally, it is sufficient, when only one of the mounts 160, 170 is movable by an actuator 164, 174. The mount 160 and the mount 170 may be both mechanically engaged or mechanically connected to a longitudinally extending guiding 165. The guiding 165 may be also provided by a robotic device, e.g. by a robotic arm.

[0164] In the example of FIG. 13 the mount 160 is provided with a single receptacle 161 to receive a medicament container 6. Also the mount 170 is provided with a single receptacle 171 to receive a respective applicator device 100.

[0165] In the further example as illustrated in FIG. 14, the mount 160 is provided with numerous receptacles 161, 162 each of which configured to receive a medicament container 6. Correspondingly, the mount 170 comprises numerous receptacles 171, 172 each of which provided with an individual applicator device 100. The mount 160 may be provided with a row or with a two-dimensional array of medicament containers 6. Accordingly, also the mount 170 may be provided with a respective row or with an array of applicator devices 100. In this way, a large number of medicament containers 6 can be provided with the lubricant 102 simultaneously and in a single process step. Since each applicator device 100 is provided with a centering element 130 effective to provide a self-centering of the respective sprayer 110 with regard to the respective barrel 25 of the medicament container 6 a reliable and precise spray coating of the inside surface of the barrel 25 of the medicament containers can be provided at once.

[0166] In FIG. 15 numerous steps of a method of depositing a lubricant 102 on the inside surface of the barrel 25 of the medicament container 6 is illustrated. In a first step 300 at least one medicament container 6 is provided. In a subsequent step 302 a sprayer 110 of an applicator device 100 is inserted into the interior 8 of the medicament container 6. In step 304, the centering element 130 of the applicator device 100 is used to align, to orient and/or to position the sprayer 110 relative to the barrel 25 of the medicament container 6. Centering of the sprayer 110 typically occurs simultaneously or at the beginning of the insertion of the sprayer 110 into the interior 8. During or after insertion of the sprayer 110 into the interior 8 of the medicament container 6 a well-defined amount of the lubricant 102 is ejected from the sprayer 110 and is directed onto the inside surface of the barrel by using the sprayer 110.

[0167] Typically, injecting of the lubricant 102 from the sprayer 110 is conducted simultaneously with a movement of the sprayer 110 relative to the barrel 25, at least in longitudinal direction, optionally also with regards to the circumferential direction of the barrel 25. In this way, a rather homogeneous and precise spray coating of the inside surface of the barrel 25 of the medicament container 6 can be provided.

[0168] In further optional process steps, the medicament container 6 may be subject to a heat sterilization process, e.g. at temperatures of about 300° C. that may lead to a fixation of the lubricant on the respective surface of the medicament container 6. The lubricant 102 typically comprises a silicone oil or an emulsion containing a silicone-based lubricant, such as silicone oil. With some examples, the lubricant comprises or contains at least one of a Dimethylpolysiloxane, a fluorinated silicon oil and/or derivatives thereof.

[0169] Returning back to FIG. 13 the applicator system 200 comprises a controller 202 and a lubricant feeding system 240. The lubricant feeding system 240 comprises a pipe 230. The pipe 230 may comprise a flexible hose in flow connection with the inner bore 116 of the sprayer 110. The lubricant feeding system 240 further comprises a flow meter 220 and a flow regulator 222 as well as a bubble remover 224 in flow connection with the pipe 230. Furthermore, the lubricant feeding system 240 comprises a pump 226 and a lubricant reservoir 228. The pump 226, the flow regulator 222 as well as the flow meter 220 are connected to the controller 202. The controller 202 may be also connected to at least one of the electromechanical actuators 164, 174. The controller 202 typically comprises a housing 203 as well as an electronic circuit 204. The electronic circuit 204 typically comprises a processor 206 and a digital memory 208. The controller 202 is further provided with an input 210 and an output 212. The input 210 may comprise numerous actuation- or control elements, such as buttons or dials. The output 212 may comprise at least one of a visual display and a speaker. Optionally, the controller 202 is provided with a communication interface 214 providing a wired or wireless communication link with an external electronic device. The communication interface 214 may comprise a remote control of the entire applicator system 200.

[0170] The controller 202 is particularly configured to control both, a displacement of the medicament container 6 or medicament containers 6 relative to the applicator device 100 or applicator devices 100 as well as to start and to stop, and/or to control a spray delivery of the lubricant by the sprayer 110.

[0171] The controller 202 may keep track of and may control relative movement of the sprayer 110 and the barrel 25 of the medicament container 6. Typically, and when a final insertion position or configuration of the sprayer 110 inside the interior 8 of the barrel 25 has been reached the controller 202 may activate the pump 226 or may regulate the feeding of the lubricant 102 through and/or via the flow regulator 222. The flow of the lubricant 102 through the pipe 230 may be further controlled by the flow meter 220. In this way, the controller 202 is provided with a feedback regarding the amount of the lubricant 102 currently injected or dispensed.

[0172] The bubble remover 224 may be based on different air bubble removing concepts. The bubble remover 224 may comprise a semipermeable membrane by way of which optional bubbles contained in the lubricant 102 can be separated from the flow of the liquid lubricant. With some examples, the emulsion or the lubricant containing air or gas bubbles can be pushed against a microporous semipermeable membrane, e.g. a membrane made of Polytetrafluoroethylene. Through such a membrane the air or gas bubbles can be separated from the liquid lubricant.

[0173] Moreover but not illustrated the applicator system 200 may be further equipped with a control device configured and operable to control application of the lubricant on the barrel 25 of the medicament container(s) 6. Such a control device may be implemented as a visual control device, e.g. as an optical control device. It may be based on a Schlieren-optic method and may provide an in-process control to automatically detect medicament containers 6 that may not have received the correct amount of the applicant or that may exhibit an inhomogeneous lubricant distribution on the inside surface.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0174] 1 drug delivery device [0175] 2 distal direction [0176] 3 first direction [0177] 4 second direction [0178] 5 dose decrementing direction [0179] 6 container [0180] 7 stopper [0181] 8 interior [0182] 9 proximal end [0183] 10 body [0184] 11 trigger [0185] 12 dose dial [0186] 13 dosage window [0187] 14 cartridge holder [0188] 15 injection needle [0189] 16 inner needle cap [0190] 17 outer needle cap [0191] 18 protective cap [0192] 19 protrusion [0193] 20 piston rod [0194] 21 bearing [0195] 22 threaded section [0196] 23 pressure foot [0197] 24 sidewall [0198] 25 barrel [0199] 26 seal [0200] 27 medicament [0201] 28 socket [0202] 29 shoulder portion [0203] 30 injection device [0204] 32 housing [0205] 34 drive mechanism [0206] 62 insert piece [0207] 70 dial extension [0208] 100 applicator device [0209] 102 lubricant [0210] 110 sprayer [0211] 111 proximal end [0212] 112 shaft section [0213] 113 distal end [0214] 114 base section [0215] 115 abutment [0216] 116 bore [0217] 118 sidewall [0218] 120 nozzle [0219] 121 orifice [0220] 122 orifice [0221] 123 orifice [0222] 124 orifice [0223] 125 nozzle [0224] 126 nozzle grid [0225] 130 centering element [0226] 131 abutment [0227] 132 abutment [0228] 133 receptacle [0229] 134 hub section [0230] 135 through opening [0231] 136 sliding guide [0232] 137 sidewall [0233] 138 inside surface [0234] 139 connecting wall section [0235] 140 slanted section [0236] 141 edge [0237] 142 restoring element [0238] 144 spring [0239] 150 retainer [0240] 152 retainer base [0241] 154 retainer sidewall [0242] 156 flange section [0243] 160 mount [0244] 161 receptacle [0245] 162 receptacle [0246] 164 actuator [0247] 165 guiding [0248] 170 mount [0249] 171 receptacle [0250] 172 receptacle [0251] 174 actuator [0252] 200 applicator system [0253] 202 controller [0254] 203 housing [0255] 204 electronic circuit [0256] 206 processor [0257] 208 memory [0258] 210 input [0259] 212 output [0260] 214 communication interface [0261] 220 flow meter [0262] 222 flow regulator [0263] 224 bubble remover [0264] 226 pump [0265] 228 reservoir [0266] 230 pipe [0267] 240 lubricant feeding system