PISTON WASHER ASSEMBLY, METHOD OF ASSEMBLY AND DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE INCORPORATING SUCH PISTON WASHER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present invention relates to a piston washer assembly (100, 100) for use in a drug delivery device for transferring a distally directed axial force from a piston rod (220) towards a piston (214) of a held cartridge (213). The piston washer assembly (100, 100) comprises a) a proximal part (110, 110) adapted for engagement with the distal portion of a piston rod (220), the proximal part (110, 110) defining a first set of cooperating geometries (115, 115), and b) a distal part (120, 120) configured to engage and abut a piston (214) of a held cartridge (213) and to engage the proximal part (110, 110), wherein the distal part (120, 120) defines a second set of cooperating geometries (125, 125) engaging the first set of cooperating geometries (115, 115). In an initial state of the assembly, the proximal part (110, 110) and the distal part (120, 120) are positioned relatively to each other to define an initial axial dimension (H1) for the assembly. The first set of cooperating geometries (115, 115) and the second set of cooperating geometries (125, 125) are configured to enable relative movement for increasing the axial dimension for obtaining a target axial dimension (H2) but preventing a decrease in axial dimension. The invention further relates to a drug delivery device, a method of assembling a drug delivery device incorporating such piston washer assembly and a method of preparing a piston washer assembly.

Claims

1. A piston washer assembly for use in a drug delivery device for transferring a distally directed axial force from a piston rod towards a piston of a held cartridge, the piston washer assembly comprising: a proximal part adapted for engagement with the distal portion of a piston rod, the proximal part defining a first set of cooperating geometries, and a distal part configured to engage and abut a piston of a held cartridge and to engage the proximal part, wherein the distal part defines a second set of cooperating geometries engaging the first set of cooperating geometries, wherein, in an initial state of the assembly, the proximal part and the distal part are positioned relatively to each other to define an initial axial dimension (H, H1) for the assembly, and wherein the proximal part and the distal part are movable relative to each other by moving the first set of cooperating geometries and the second set of cooperating geometries relative to each other to increase said axial dimension (H) until the proximal part and the distal part assume a target state where said axial dimension (H) reaches an axial target dimension (H2), and wherein the first set of cooperating geometries and the second set of cooperating geometries are configured to prevent the distal part and the proximal part from being moved relative to each other when forces act on the proximal part and the distal part to decrease said axial target dimension (H2).

2. The piston washer assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the first set of cooperating geometries and the second set of cooperating geometries are configured to provide a detent mechanism allowing the axial dimension (H) to be increased while preventing the axial dimension (H) to be decreased.

3. The piston washer assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the first set of cooperating geometries and the second set of cooperating geometries define a one-way incremental detent mechanism allowing the axial dimension (H) to be increased in incremental steps of unit size H, and wherein, when the proximal part and the distal part assume the target state, the first set of cooperating geometries and the second set of cooperating geometries prevent movement of magnitude H of the first part and the second part relative to each other acting to reduce the axial dimension (H).

4. The piston washer assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the first set of cooperating geometries defines a first thread configuration and the second set of cooperating geometries defines a second thread configuration engaging the first thread configuration, and wherein relative rotational movement in a first rotational direction between the proximal part and the distal part increases the axial dimension (H).

5. The piston washer assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein an incremental positioning mechanism is arranged between the proximal part and the distal part causing said relative rotational movement between the proximal part and the distal part to occur in incremental angular steps.

6. The piston washer assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein said incremental positioning mechanism is provided as cooperating detent geometries arranged in the first thread configuration and the second thread configuration.

7. The piston washer assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the first set of cooperating geometries and the second set of cooperating geometries define a linear guide allowing linear axial movement between the proximal part and the distal part and wherein the first set of cooperating geometries and the second set of cooperating geometries define a toothed one-way ratchet engagement allowing the axial dimension (H) to be increased but preventing the axial dimension (H) to be decreased.

8. The piston washer assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the piston washer assembly defines a peripheral section having a diameter of a first magnitude and wherein the maximum settable axial dimension (H) is smaller than the first magnitude.

9. A drug delivery device for expelling a dose of drug from a held cartridge, the drug delivery device defining a distal drug outlet end and an opposite proximal end and comprising: a housing component holding a cartridge comprising a liquid drug and a piston slideable arranged therein in an axial direction, a dose setting and expelling mechanism coupled to the housing component and comprising a piston rod for exerting a force on the piston of the cartridge in a distal direction for expelling a dose, and wherein a piston washer assembly according to claim 1 is arranged axially between the piston of the cartridge and the piston rod.

10. The drug delivery device as defined in claim 9, wherein the piston rod rotates during dose expelling and wherein the piston rod is rotatably arranged relative to the piston washer assembly to allow the piston rod to rotate while the piston washer assembly remains non-rotatable.

11. A method of preparing a piston washer assembly as defined in claim 1 for use in a drug delivery device for transferring a distally directed axial force from a piston rod towards a piston of a held cartridge, comprising the steps of: providing the proximal part and the distal part in an initially engaged state, wherein the proximal part and the distal part are positioned relatively to each other to define an initial axial dimension (H,H1) for the piston washer assembly, estimating a desired axial target dimension (H2) for the piston washer assembly, and moving the proximal part and the distal part relative to each other to increase said axial dimension (H) until the proximal part and the distal part assume a target state where said axial dimension (H) reaches the desired axial target dimension (H2).

12. The method of preparing a piston washer assembly as defined in claim 11, comprising the steps of: providing one of the distal part and the proximal part as a first injection shot in a multi-shot injection molding process, and providing the other of the distal part and the proximal part as a further injection shot in a multi-shot injection molding process so that the first set of cooperating geometries and the second set of cooperating geometries at least partly engage.

13. The method of preparing a piston washer assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein the step of moving the proximal part and the distal part relative to each other to increase said axial dimension (H) until the proximal part and the distal part assume a target state where said axial dimension (H) reaches the desired axial target dimension (H2) comprises the steps of: maintaining the distal part engaged with a first tool part, maintaining the proximal part engaged with a second tool part, moving the first tool part and the second tool part relative to each other while measuring, determining or estimating the size of said axial dimension (H) of the piston washer assembly.

14. The method of assembling a drug delivery device as defined in claim 9, comprising the steps of: positioning the cartridge comprising a liquid drug and a piston slideably arranged therein in a first housing component to form a first sub-assembly, positioning the dose setting and expelling mechanism comprising the piston rod in a second housing component to form a second sub-assembly, determining the axial position of the piston with respect to the first housing component, determining the axial position of the piston rod with respect to the second housing component, determining or estimating the size of axial clearance between the piston rod (220) and the piston if the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly were assembled and selecting a target axial dimension (H2) for a piston washer assembly to be positioned between the piston rod and the piston in accordance with said size of axial clearance, modifying the axial dimension (H) of the piston washer assembly (100,100) by moving the proximal part and the distal part relative to each other to increase said axial dimension (H) until the proximal part and the distal part assume a target state where said axial dimension (H) reaches an axial target dimension (H2), and mutually interconnecting the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly with the piston washer assembly positioned between the piston rod and the piston.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] In the following the invention will be further described with reference to the drawings, wherein

[0055] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art pen device,

[0056] FIG. 2 shows in an exploded view the components of the pen device of FIG. 1,

[0057] FIGS. 3A and 3B show in sectional views an expelling mechanism of the pen device of FIG. 1 in two states,

[0058] FIGS. 3C-3E show components of the pen device of FIG. 1,

[0059] FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate the effect of tolerance variations for piston rod position and piston position for four sample pen devices during device assembly,

[0060] FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a piston washer assembly according to the invention,

[0061] FIG. 6b shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the piston washer assembly shown in FIG. 6a,

[0062] FIGS. 6c and 6d are perspective cross-sectional views of a proximal part and a distal part of the piston washer assembly shown in FIG. 6a,

[0063] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an adjustment procedure for adjusting the piston washer assembly shown in FIG. 6a,

[0064] FIGS. 8a and 8b show detailed cross-sectional plan views of the piston washer assembly shown in FIG. 6a prior to and after adjustment,

[0065] FIG. 9a shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a piston washer assembly according to the invention,

[0066] FIG. 9b shows a partly cut-away perspective cross-sectional view of the piston washer assembly shown in FIG. 9a,

[0067] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an adjustment procedure for adjusting the piston washer assembly shown in FIG. 9a,

[0068] FIGS. 11a and 11b show detailed cross-sectional plan views of the piston washer assembly shown in FIG. 9a prior to and after adjustment, and

[0069] FIG. 12 shows piston washer assemblies of FIG. 9a adjusted for different axial dimension to compensate for tolerance variations in four sample pen devices.

[0070] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or omitted in some of the drawings in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

[0071] When in the following terms such as upper and lower, right and left, horizontal and vertical or similar relative expressions are used, these only refer to the appended figures and not necessarily to an actual situation of use. The shown figures are schematic representations for which reason the configuration of the different structures as well as their relative dimensions are intended to serve illustrative purposes only. When the term member or element is used for a given component it generally indicates that in the described embodiment the component is a unitary component, however, the same member or element may alternatively comprise a number of sub-components just as two or more of the described components could be provided as unitary components, e.g. manufactured as a single injection moulded part. The term assembly does not imply that the described components necessarily can be assembled to provide a unitary or functional assembly during a given assembly procedure but is merely used to describe components grouped together as being functionally more closely related.

[0072] FIG. 1 shows a prior art drug delivery device in the form of a pen-formed auto-injection device 200, i.e. a so-called injection pen that includes an expelling mechanism incorporating a spring drive. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the prior art auto-injection device 200 shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B show cross sectional views of the expelling mechanism of the prior art auto-injection device 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 where FIG. 3A shows the device in dose setting state and FIG. 3B shows the device in dose expelling state.

[0073] In the present context the device 200 represents a generic drug delivery device providing a specific example of a device which, in accordance with the present invention, may be modified in order to obtain a device that provides improved user feedback. As the invention relates to elements of a device which mainly pertains to user feedback, an exemplary embodiment of such a device will be described for better understanding of the invention.

[0074] The pen device 200 comprises a cap part 207 and a main part having a proximal body or drive assembly portion with a housing 201 in which a drug expelling mechanism is arranged or integrated, and a distal cartridge holder portion in which a drug-filled transparent cartridge 213 with a distal needle-penetrable septum is arranged and retained in place by a non-removable cartridge holder attached to the proximal portion, the cartridge holder having openings allowing a portion of the cartridge to be inspected as well as distal coupling means 215 allowing a needle assembly to be releasably mounted. The cartridge is provided with a piston driven by a piston rod forming part of the expelling mechanism and may for example contain an insulin, GLP-1 or growth hormone formulation. A proximal-most rotatable dose dial member 280 serves to manually set a desired dose of drug shown in display window 202 and which can then be expelled when the release button 290 is actuated. Depending on the type of expelling mechanism embodied in the drug delivery device, the expelling mechanism may comprise a spring as in the shown embodiment which is strained during dose setting and then released to drive the piston rod when the release button 290 is actuated.

[0075] As appears, FIG. 1 shows a drug delivery device of the pre-filled type, i.e. it is supplied with a pre-mounted cartridge and is to be discarded when the cartridge has been emptied. In alternative embodiments, and in accordance with the present invention, the drug delivery device may be designed to allow a loaded cartridge to be replaced, e.g. in the form of a rear-loaded drug delivery device in which the cartridge holder is adapted to be removed from the device main portion, or alternatively in the form of a front-loaded device in which a cartridge is inserted through a distal opening in the cartridge holder which is non-removable attached to the main part of the device.

[0076] More specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the pen comprises a tubular housing 201 with a window opening 202 and onto which a cartridge holder 210 is fixedly mounted, a drug-filled cartridge 213 being arranged in the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder is provided with distal coupling means 215 allowing a needle assembly 216 to be releasably mounted, proximal coupling means in the form of two opposed protrusions 211 allowing a cap 207 to be releasably mounted covering the cartridge holder and a mounted needle assembly, as well as a protrusion 212 preventing the pen from rolling on e.g. a table top. In the housing distal end a nut element 225 is fixedly mounted, the nut element comprising a central threaded bore 226, and in the housing proximal end a spring base member 208 with a central opening is fixedly mounted. A drive system comprises a threaded piston rod 220 having two opposed longitudinal grooves and being received in the nut element threaded bore, a ring-formed piston rod drive element 230 rotationally arranged in the housing, and a ring-formed clutch element 240 which is in rotational engagement with the drive element (see below), the engagement allowing axial movement of the clutch element. The clutch element is provided with outer spline elements 241 adapted to engage corresponding splines on the housing inner surface, this allowing the clutch element to be moved between a rotationally locked proximal position, in which the splines are in engagement, and a rotationally free distal position in which the splines are out of engagement. As just mentioned, in both positions the clutch element 240 is rotationally locked to the drive element 230. The drive element comprises a central bore with two opposed protrusions 231 in engagement with the grooves on the piston rod whereby rotation of the drive element results in rotation and thereby distal axial movement of the piston rod due to the threaded engagement between the piston rod and the nut element. The drive element further comprises a pair of opposed circumferentially extending flexible ratchet arms 235 adapted to engage corresponding ratchet teeth 205 arranged on the housing inner surface. The drive element and the clutch element comprise cooperating coupling structures rotationally locking them together but allowing the clutch element to be moved axially, this allowing the clutch element to be moved axially to its distal position in which it is allowed to rotate, thereby transmitting rotational movement from the dial system (see below) to the drive system. The interaction between the clutch element, the drive element and the housing will be shown and described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D.

[0077] On the piston rod an end-of-content (EOC) member 228 (EOC limiter) is threadedly mounted and on the distal end a washer 227 is rotationally mounted. The EOC member comprises a pair of opposed radial projections 229 for engagement with the reset tube (see below).

[0078] The dial system comprises a ratchet tube 250, a reset tube 260, a scale drum 270 with an outer helically arranged row of dose numerals, a user-operated dose dial member 280 for setting a dose of drug to be expelled, a release button 290 and a torque spring 255 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). The reset tube is mounted axially locked inside the ratchet tube but is allowed to rotate a few degrees (see below). The reset tube comprises on its inner surface two opposed longitudinal grooves 269 adapted to engage the radial projections 229 of the EOC member, whereby the EOC can be rotated by the reset tube but is allowed to move axially. The clutch element is mounted axially locked on the outer distal end portion of the ratchet tube 250, this providing that the ratchet tube can be moved axially in and out of rotational engagement with the housing via the clutch element. The dose dial member 280 is mounted axially locked but rotationally free on the housing proximal end, the dose dial member being under normal operation rotationally locked to the reset tube (see below), whereby rotation of dose dial member results in a corresponding rotation of the reset tube and thereby the ratchet tube. The release button 290 is axially locked to the reset tube but is free to rotate. A return spring 295 provides a proximally directed force on the button and the thereto mounted reset tube. The scale drum 270 is arranged in the circumferential space between the ratchet tube and the housing, the drum being rotationally locked to the ratchet tube via cooperating longitudinal splines 251, 271 and being in rotational threaded engagement with the inner surface of the housing via cooperating thread structures 203, 273, whereby the row of numerals passes the window opening 202 in the housing when the drum is rotated relative to the housing by the ratchet tube. The torque spring is arranged in the circumferential space between the ratchet tube and the reset tube and is at its proximal end secured to the spring base member 208 and at its distal end to the ratchet tube, whereby the spring is strained when the ratchet tube is rotated relative to the housing by rotation of the dial member. A ratchet mechanism with a flexible ratchet arm 252 is provided between the ratchet tube and the clutch element, the latter being provided with an inner circumferential teeth structures 242, each tooth providing a ratchet stop such that the ratchet tube is held in the position to which it is rotated by a user via the reset tube when a dose is set. In order to allow a set dose to be reduced a ratchet release mechanism 262 is provided on the reset tube and acting on the ratchet tube, this allowing a set dose to be reduced by one or more ratchet increments by turning the dial member in the opposite direction, the release mechanism being actuated when the reset tube is rotated the above-described few degrees relative to the ratchet tube.

[0079] Having described the different components of the expelling mechanism and their functional relationship, operation of the mechanism will be described next with reference mainly to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0080] The pen mechanism can be considered as two interacting systems, a dose system and a dial system, this as described above. During dose setting the dial mechanism rotates and a torsion spring of the spring drive is loaded. The dose mechanism is locked to the housing and cannot move. When the push button is pushed down, the dose mechanism is released from the housing and due to the engagement to the dial system, the torsion spring will now rotate back the dial system to the starting point and rotate the dose system along with it.

[0081] The central part of the dose mechanism is the piston rod 220, the actual displacement of the piston being performed by the piston rod. During dose delivery, the piston rod is rotated by the drive element 230 and due to the threaded interaction with the nut element 225 which is fixed to the housing, the piston rod moves forward in the distal direction. Between the rubber piston and the piston rod, the piston washer 227 is placed which serves as an axial bearing for the rotating piston rod and evens out the pressure on the rubber piston. As the piston rod has a non-circular cross section where the piston rod drive element engages with the piston rod, the drive element is locked rotationally to the piston rod, but free to move along the piston rod axis. Consequently, rotation of the drive element results in a linear forwards movement of the piston. The drive element is provided with small ratchet arms 234 which prevent the drive element from rotating clockwise (seen from the push button end). Due to the engagement with the drive element, the piston rod can thus only move forwards. During dose delivery, the drive element rotates anti-clockwise and the ratchet arms 235 provide the user with small clicks due to the engagement with the ratchet teeth 205, e.g. one click per unit of insulin expelled.

[0082] Turning to the dial system, the dose is set and reset by turning the dose dial member 280. When turning the dial, the reset tube 260, the EOC member 228, the ratchet tube 250 and the scale drum 270 all turn with it. As the ratchet tube is connected to the distal end of the torque spring 255, the spring is loaded. During dose setting, the arm 252 of the ratchet performs a dial click for each unit dialed due to the interaction with the inner teeth structure 242 of the clutch element. In the shown embodiment the clutch element is provided with 24 ratchet stops providing 24 clicks (increments) for a full 360 degrees rotation relative to the housing. The spring is preloaded during assembly which enables the mechanism to deliver both small and large doses within an acceptable speed interval. As the scale drum is rotationally engaged with the ratchet tube, but movable in the axial direction and the scale drum is in threaded engagement with the housing, the scale drum will move in a helical pattern when the dial system is turned, the number corresponding to the set dose being shown in the housing window 202.

[0083] The ratchet 252, 242 between the ratchet tube and the clutch element 240 prevents the spring from turning back the parts. During resetting, the reset tube moves the ratchet arm 252, thereby releasing the ratchet click by click, one click corresponding to one unit IU of insulin in the described embodiment. More specifically, when the dial member is turned clockwise, the reset tube simply rotates the ratchet tube allowing the arm of the ratchet to freely interact with the teeth structures 242 in the clutch element. When the dial member is turned counter-clockwise, the reset tube interacts directly with the ratchet click arm forcing the click arm towards the centre of the pen away from the teeth in the clutch, thus allowing the click arm on the ratchet to move one click backwards due to torque caused by the loaded spring.

[0084] To deliver a set dose, the release button 290 is pushed in the distal direction by the user as shown in FIG. 3B. The reset tube 260 decouples from the dial member and subsequently the clutch element 240 disengages the housing splines 204.

[0085] Now the dial mechanism returns to zero together with the drive element 230, this leading to a dose of drug being expelled. It is possible to stop and start a dose at any time by releasing or pushing the push button at any time during drug delivery. A dose of less than 5 IU normally cannot be paused, since the rubber piston is compressed very quickly leading to a compression of the rubber piston and subsequently delivery of insulin when the piston returns to the original dimensions.

[0086] The EOC feature prevents the user from setting a larger dose than left in the cartridge. The EOC member 228 is rotationally locked to the reset tube, which makes the EOC member rotate during dose setting, resetting and dose delivery, during which it can be moved axially back and forth following the thread of the piston rod. When it reaches the proximal end of the piston rod a stop is provided, this preventing all the connected parts, including the dial member, from being rotated further in the dose setting direction, i.e. the now set dose corresponds to the remaining drug content in the cartridge.

[0087] The scale drum 270 is provided with a distal stop surface adapted to engage a corresponding stop surface on the housing inner surface, this providing a maximum dose stop for the scale drum preventing all the connected parts, including the dial member, from being rotated further in the dose setting direction. In the shown embodiment the maximum dose is set to 80 IU.

[0088] Correspondingly, the scale drum is provided with a proximal stop surface adapted to engage a corresponding stop surface on the spring base member, this preventing all the connected parts, including the dial member, from being rotated further in the dose expelling direction, thereby providing a zero stop for the entire expelling mechanism. In the following, the position that the dial member assumes after completion of the expelling of a set dose will be referred to as the zero dose position.

[0089] To prevent accidental over-dosage in case something should fail in the dialing mechanism allowing the scale drum to move beyond its zero-position, the EOC member serves to provide a security system. More specifically, in an initial state with a full cartridge the EOC member is positioned in a distal-most axial position in contact with the drive element. After a given dose has been expelled the EOC member will again be positioned in contact with the drive element.

[0090] Correspondingly, the EOC member will lock against the drive element in case the mechanism tries to deliver a dose beyond the zero-position. Due to tolerances and flexibility of the different parts of the mechanism the EOC will travel a short distance allowing a small over dose of drug to be expelled, e.g. 3-5 IU of insulin.

[0091] The expelling mechanism further comprises an end-of-dose (EOD) click feature providing a distinct feedback at the end of an expelled dose informing the user that the full amount of drug has been expelled. More specifically, the EOD function is made by the interaction between the spring base and the scale drum.

[0092] When the scale drum returns to zero, a small click arm 206 on the spring base is forced backwards by the progressing scale drum. Just before zero the arm is released and the arm hits a countersunk surface on the scale drum.

[0093] The shown mechanism is further provided with a torque limiter in order to protect the mechanism from overload applied by the user via the dose dial member. This feature is provided by the interface between the dose dial member and the reset tube which as described above are rotationally locked to each other. More specifically, the dose dial member is provided with a circumferential inner teeth structure 281 engaging a number of corresponding teeth arranged on a flexible carrier portion 261 of the reset tube. The reset tube teeth are designed to transmit a torque of a given specified maximum size, e.g. 150-300 Nmm, above which the flexible carrier portion and the teeth will bend inwards and make the dose dial member turn without rotating the rest of the dial mechanism. Thus, the mechanism inside the pen cannot be stressed at a higher load than the torque limiter transmits through the teeth.

[0094] In FIG. 3C the clutch element, the drive element and the housing (in partial) are shown in the dose setting state, and in FIG. 3D the same components are shown in the expelling state. As appears, the piston rod on which the drive element is arranged and the ratchet tube on which the clutch element is mounted are not shown. To better show the structures provided on the inner surface of the housing FIG. 3E shows a partial clutch element 240 arranged in the housing 201.

[0095] The inner surface of the housing 201 comprises a circumferential ring-formed array of axially oriented spline elements 204 protruding into the interior, each having a pointed distal end 209, as well as a circumferential ring-formed array of one-way ratchet teeth 205. The inner surface further comprises a male helical thread 203 adapted to engage the female helical thread 273 on the scale drum 270. A distal circumferential groove is formed to engage and mount the nut element 225. The clutch element 240 comprises an inner circumferential ring-formed array of ratchet teeth 242 adapted to engage the ratchet arm 252 on the ratchet tube 250, and an outer circumferential ring-formed array of axially oriented spline elements 241 adapted to engage the spline elements 204 of the housing as well as the coupling slots in the drive element (see below), each spline having a pointed proximal end 243. The drive element 230 comprises a pair of opposed coupling portions each comprising two proximally extending skirt portions 232 between which an axially extending coupling slot 233 is formed, the slot being adapted to engage a portion of the clutch element spline elements. In this way the engaging surfaces serve to transmit a rotational force and thereby torque from the clutch element to the drive element in the expelling state. The drive element further comprises a pair of opposed circumferentially extending flexible ratchet arms adapted to engage the ring-formed array of one-way ratchet teeth 205. During dose delivery, the drive element rotates anti-clockwise and the ratchet arms 235 also provide the user with small clicks due to the engagement with the ratchet teeth 205, e.g. one click per unit of insulin expelled. In the shown embodiment 24 ratchet teeth are provided corresponding to 15 degrees rotation per unit of insulin. The central bore of the drive element comprises two opposed protrusions 231 adapted to engage with the axially oriented grooves on the piston rod.

[0096] In the dose setting state shown in FIG. 3C the spline elements 241 of the clutch element are in engagement with the spline elements 204 of the housing thereby rotationally locking the clutch element relative to the housing. As can be seen from FIG. 3C a group of clutch spline elements are received in the corresponding coupling slot with a slight rotational play. In the expelling state shown in FIG. 3D the spline elements 241 of the clutch element are moved distally out of engagement with the spline elements 204 of the housing thereby allowing rotation of the clutch element relative to the housing. As can be seen from FIG. 3D the group of clutch spline elements are now received in the corresponding coupling slot without rotational play.

[0097] FIG. 3C shows the clutch element 240 showing the above-described inner circumferential ring-formed array of ratchet teeth 242 and the outer circumferential ring-formed array of axially oriented spline elements 241. As appears, the spline elements are not arranged equidistantly on the ring but in groups, the groups comprising two opposed coupling groups 245 serving as the coupling means engaging the coupling slots 233. Whereas thus only some of the spline elements serve as coupling means between the clutch element and the drive element they all serve as coupling means between the clutch element and the housing splines 204.

[0098] Production tolerances on the piston rod, the expelling mechanism, cartridge body, cartridge filling level and other components result in variations in piston rod position and piston position in each device during assembly. Such variation is schematically represented in FIGS. 4 and 5 for four different pen samples. In these figures, for reasons of clarity, only components serving understanding the problem associated with tolerance variations are shown whereas other components have been omitted from the drawings.

[0099] In exemplary embodiments, during assembly of the pen device, the cartridge may be initially inserted in the cartridge holder to form a first sub-assembly 100a. The dose setting and expelling mechanism including the piston rod is mounted relative to the housing to form a second sub-assembly 100b. The position of the piston 214 of the cartridge varies from one cartridge to another. To be able to compensate for tolerance variation, the position of the cartridge is therefore determined relative to a fixed reference point on the cartridge holder 210. Also the piston rod position in the housing can be determined relative to a fixed reference point on the housing 201.

[0100] Before the two sub-assemblies 100a and 100b are finally attachably coupled to each other a fixed dimension piston washer 227 is brought into engagement with the piston 214 of the cartridge. If no further compensation of the tolerance variations were made, the final pen assemblies would assume the states shown in FIG. 5 where potentially axial clearance between the piston rod and the piston washer and/or the piston washer and the piston would be present wherein the magnitude of the axial clearance would vary from different samples.

[0101] Hence, during assembly, and in order to minimize a potential axial clearance between the piston rod and the piston of the cartridge, positioning may be carried out by initially positioning the piston rod 220 in a nominal position. Due to tolerances various different clearance gaps between the piston and the piston rod will show when the distal and proximal subassemblies of each sample are permanently secured together. On the basis of measurements or estimations, which may be performed at different steps of the assembly process, the actual gap in each sample may be eliminated or at least partly reduced by operating the dose setting and expelling mechanism. Automated operation of the dose setting and expelling mechanism may be carried out either after final assembly or prior to final coupling of the different subassemblies. However such compensation procedure means that the end-of-content mechanism will be operated to a lesser or higher degree even before the device is shipped to the user meaning that the experienced total doseable volume varies from sample to sample. Generally such variations and inconsistencies from one sample to another should be avoided as this may provide the impression that the quality of the device could be somewhat non-optimal.

[0102] Turning to FIG. 6a through FIG. 8, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, a first embodiment of a variable size piston washer assembly 100 will be described.

[0103] In an injection device, such as the prior art device described above, the washer assembly 100 is intended for replacing the washer 227 seeking to eliminate or reduce the above problem of varying total doseable volume across different pen samples. However, this is only a non-limiting example and the piston washer assembly as herein described may be used in conjunction with other injection devices, whether single shot or multi-shot injection devices.

[0104] The piston washer assembly 100 serves in a drug delivery device to transfer a distally directed axial force from a piston rod towards a piston of a held cartridge. The piston washer assembly 100 comprises a proximal part 110 adapted for engagement with the distal portion of the piston rod and a distal part 120 configured to engage and abut the piston of a held cartridge. The shape of the distal part 120 is generally complementary to the shape of the proximal part 110. One or both of the distal part 120 and the proximal part 110 is made of a sturdy yet resilient material where the resiliency serves for enabling relative movement of the distal part and the proximal part during an adjustment procedure for varying the axial size of the piston washer. The piston washer assembly 100 is in FIGS. 6a and 6b shown in a state where an axial size of the piston washer assembly has already been adjusted during an adjustment process.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6c the distal part 120 comprises a peripheral portion exhibiting a distal facing surface 128 along the perimeter of the distal part. The distal facing surface 128 is adapted to lie flush against the piston of a held cartridge. In the shown embodiment four rib-formed sections 124, angled 90 degrees apart, extend radially inwards from the peripheral portion. Each rib section 124 carries a stepped surface facing radially inwards and thus defining a plurality of inwardly directed resilient teeth 125. Axially extending surfaces 122 limits the peripheral width of the stepped surface of each rib section 124.

[0106] FIG. 6d show the proximal part 110 which is of generally cylindrical shape where the radially outer surface has four axial tracks 114 formed therein, the axial tracks 114 being spaced apart by 90 degrees. Each of the rib-formed sections 124 of the distal part 120 fits snuggly into a respective axial track 114 of the proximal part so that the distal part 120 and the proximal part 110 can be arranged coaxially and axially overlapping. The proximal surface 117 of the proximal part 110 may comprise a recessed central area 118 that act as a bearing surface for engagement with the distal end of the piston rod allowing low-friction rotational movement of the piston rod relative to the proximal part 110 of the piston washer assembly 100. In the shown embodiment, the central area 118 includes an annular surface which may be formed exhibiting a conical or part-spherical surface. The central area 118 is shown as a recessed area configured to engage a convex annular end surface of the piston rod but may alternatively be formed as an area that protrudes from the proximal surface 117 to engage with a concave annular end surface of the piston rod.

[0107] When the distal part 120 and the proximal part 110 is axially overlapping, the axially extending surfaces 122 of distal part 120 mate and lie flush against axial extending surfaces 112 of the proximal part. Thus the interfaces between the distal part 120 and the proximal part 110 form a linear guide allowing axial movement there between. However, due to the teeth 125 of the distal part 120 which cooperate with radially outwards facing resilient teeth 115 of the proximal part 110 only one-way movement is possible, e.g. the proximal part 110 may be moved relative to the distal part 120 in the proximal direction only. Hence, a one-way linear ratchet is provided between proximal part 110 and distal part 120 providing an incremental detent mechanism.

[0108] Each of the proximal part and the distal part is preferably made by an injection process. In certain embodiments, the two parts can be made by a two-shot injection molding process wherein the first part is made in a first injection molding shot and the second part is made in a second subsequent injection molding shot which partly utilizes the surfaces of the first part as boundaries for forming the molded second part. Suitable materials may be selected Polypropylene (PP) for one of the parts and Polyoxymethylene plastic (POM) for the other part as these materials do not stick well to each other and will allow the two parts to be subsequently moved axially relative to each other.

[0109] If the proximal part and the distal part are made by separate processes, the proximal part 110 may be inserted from the distal end of the distal part 120 and moved into engagement so that a first pair of corresponding teeth 115/125 engage.

[0110] Non-limiting examples of an incremental detent mechanism allowing the axial dimension to be increased in incremental steps may be designed for axial movements with axial incremental steps of unit size H which may be selected in the order of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm. An example of a proper number of unique relative axial positions between the proximal part 110 and the distal part 120 may be selected as three to five unique positions. However, in embodiments with finer unit-step resolution, the number of unique positions may be even higher, such as 6 to 12 unique positions.

[0111] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an adjustment procedure for adjusting the piston washer assembly 100. In the initial state shown in FIG. 7 (I) the piston washer assembly 100 exhibits an axial dimension H of initial size H1 (cf. FIG. 8a). Utilizing an automated tool for the adjustment procedure, a first tool part is designed to grip the distal part 120. A second tool part pushes the proximal part 110 in the proximal direction, i.e. from the distal side of the piston washer assembly. As shown in FIG. 7 (II), to obtain increased control, a further third tool part may abut the proximal face of the proximal part 110 and move in unison with the second tool part. By moving the second and third tool parts relative to the first tool part the proximal part and the distal part is caused to assume a target state where said axial dimension enters into an axial target dimension as shown in FIG. 7 (III). The tool parts may thereafter be removed from the assembly. As shown in FIG. 7 (IV) and FIG. 8b, the final adjusted piston washer assembly 100 having the desired target dimension H2 is formed.

[0112] Due to the one-way detent mechanism 115/125 the adjusted piston washer assembly 100 is able to withstand axial compression without collapsing in the axial dimension.

[0113] FIG. 9a through FIG. 11b show a second embodiment of a variable size piston washer assembly 100. The piston washer assembly 100 comprises a proximal part 110 adapted for engagement with the distal portion of the piston rod and a distal part 120 configured to engage and abut the piston of a held cartridge. The shape of the distal part 120 is generally cylindrical. Also the proximal part 110 is generally cylindrical and adapted to be arranged coaxially with the distal part 120 with the distal part surrounding the proximal part. Again, one or both of the distal part 120 and the proximal part 110 may be made of a resilient material. The piston washer assembly 100 is in FIGS. 9a and 9b shown in a state where an axial size of the piston washer assembly has already been adjusted during an adjustment process.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 9b the distal part 120 defines an axial bore provided with a thread configuration 125. An outer cylindrical surface of the proximal part 110 exhibits a corresponding thread configuration 115 made for engaging with thread configuration 125. Relative rotational movement in a first rotational direction between the proximal part 110 and the distal part 120 increases the axial dimension of the piston washer assembly 100.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 9a, in order to assist automated adjustment of the piston washer assembly 100, the external surface of distal part 120 is provided with geometries enabling a tool to engage with a sufficient torque transferring grip. Similarly, although not visible on the drawings, an internal opening at the distal side of the proximal part 110 is provided with similar geometries allowing a suitable shaped tool, such as a hexagon tool, to be inserted in the opening and exerting torque on the proximal part 110.

[0116] In the shown embodiment, an incremental positioning mechanism is provided between the distal part and the proximal part. This is provided as cooperating rotational detent geometries 115a and 125a arranged at different locations in the thread configurations 115 and 125 (see enlarged sections of FIG. 9b). When the piston washer assembly 100 is positioned in a pen device, the incremental positioning mechanism prevent the inherent tendency to cause relative rotational movement between the proximal part 110 and the distal part 120 when excessive axial forces act to compress the piston washer assembly 100. However, relative rotational movement is possible during the adjustment procedure as sufficient torque may be applied by tools during adjustment of the piston washer assembly 100.

[0117] In other embodiments the cooperating rotational detent geometries 115a and 125a may be omitted. Instead, the rotational fixation may be obtained by friction alone.

[0118] By incorporating the threaded connection between the distal part 120 and the proximal part 110, an increase in resolution of the adjustment may be obtained relative to the first embodiment. However, also for the first embodiment of the piston washer assembly 100, if so desired, the resolution may be increased if several individual sets of cooperating teeth 115/125 are provided and if these have been arranged slightly axially offset relative to other sets of cooperating teeth 115/125.

[0119] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an adjustment procedure for adjusting the piston washer assembly 100 according to the second embodiment. In the initial state shown in FIG. 10 (I) the piston washer assembly 100 exhibits an initial axial dimension H1 (cf. FIG. 11a). Utilizing an automated tool for the adjustment procedure, a first tool part is designed to grip the distal part 120. A second tool part is inserted axially from the distal side of the piston washer assembly 100 and made to engage the internal opening at the distal side of the proximal part 110, see FIG. 10 (II). By rotating the first tool part and second tool part relative to each other the proximal part and the distal part is caused to assume a target state where said axial dimension enters into an axial target dimension as shown in FIG. 10 (III). The tool parts may thereafter be removed from the assembly. As shown in FIG. 10 (IV) and FIG. 11b, the final adjusted piston washer assembly 100 having the desired target dimension H2 is formed.

[0120] The adjusted piston washer assembly 100 is able to withstand axial compression without collapsing in the axial dimension, this partly due to the rotational detent geometries 115a/125a.

[0121] FIG. 12 schematically shows key components for four different pen samples, where each pen sample exhibit tolerance variations both with respect to the nominal piston position in the first sub-assembly and with respect to the nominal piston rod position of the second sub-assembly. For each first sub-assembly and second sub-assembly designated for subsequently mating and coupling, in accordance with determined or measured tolerance variations for the sub-assemblies, a designated piston washer assembly is adjusted to eliminate, or at least partly compensate, for the axial clearance between the piston rod and the piston.

[0122] As shown in the right hand side of FIG. 12, the piston washer assembly is subsequently arranged between the piston rod and the piston thereby partly or completely filling the axial clearance between these components. As such, operation of the dose setting and expelling mechanism is not required during assembly operations of the pen devices. However, if desired, for example for testing the dose setting and expelling mechanisms, a dose setting and expelling operation of a standardized magnitude may be provided. This may be compensated for when preparing and adjusting the individual piston washer assemblies. In accordance herewith, the total dosage volume for each pen device can be made constant across individual pen samples.

[0123] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.