Autoinjectors

摘要

An autoinjector includes front and rear separable housing parts 10, 12. These are connected by a rotary coupling action such as by bayonet coupling and the relative rotation action turns a needle shield 20 from a locked position in which it is both locked against longitudinal movement and acts as a shutter obscuring the contents of the syringe to an open position where the contents of the syringe are visible and the shield portion is freed for longitudinal movement. Connecting and securing the rear portion 12 on the front portion 11 therefore unlocks the needle shield 20 for operation. On completion of an injection, uncoupling of the front and rear portions returns the needle shield 20 to its locked position so the front portion may be disposed of safely.

主权项

1. An autoinjector, comprising:
front (10) and rear (12) separable housing portions connectable and disconnectable by a coupling action, the rear housing portion containing a drive mechanism (54), and the front housing portion being adapted in use to receive a syringe having a needle, the front housing portion including a needle shield portion movable between an extended position in which the needle shield shields the needle of the syringe in use, and a retracted position in which the needle of the syringe is exposed; and a locking arrangement configured to lock said needle shield against retraction movement and which is locked and unlocked automatically during or as a result of the coupling action and reversal thereof as the housing portions are connected and disconnected, such that the needle shield is unlocked in an unlocked mode when said front and rear housing portions are connected to each other and locked in a locked mode when said housing portions are disconnected.