EP1035036B1 - Tablet dispenser having a rotatable dispensing ring - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a tablet dispenser with a container which holds the tablets and is essentially cylindrical in cross-section, at least on the inside of its container wall, with a separating device for the tablets and with a dispensing device with which at least one single tablet can be dispensed by actuation In its radial width, in particular approximately the size or thickness of a tablet, there is provided a receiving space with at least one lower dispensing opening in the dispensing position and a dispensing ring which can be rotated and has at least one dispensing opening, which dispensing ring can be rotated for a dispensing process in such a way that its dispensing opening is in overlap or coincidence with the dispensing opening, an essentially cylindrical separating and deflecting body being arranged on the radially inner edge of the dispensing ring, the upper one in the use position Front wall is rounded in particular or beveled in the form of a cone or the like, so that tablets reaching this bevel are passed between the deflector body and the inside of the container wall.
Since the outside of the essentially cylindrical deflector body is at a distance corresponding to the respective tablet dimension from the inside of the likewise essentially cylindrical shaped container wall, only one tablet fits into the annular space between the deflector body and the container wall when viewed in the radial direction.

Such a tablet dispenser is known from US 4,228,920. The user must do this by a careful rotary movement Align the donation opening and the dispensing opening, to get a single tablet. If he does too fast or too little rotation, no tablet is released because the two openings then do not have the required coverage reach. Also, a tablet could be between the edges of both openings get caught and pinched, maybe even destroyed and under The tablet dispenser may be blocked. The Rotary motion for a donation process must therefore be considerable Care must be taken. Furthermore, it is often not clear whether a tablet has actually been dispensed, especially if such a tablet immediately into a filled with a liquid Drinking vessel is dropped because it is a drug or as a sweetener - is said to dissolve.

Furthermore, US 2,886,209 discloses a tablet dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1.

However, it is particularly unfavorable that tablet dispensers of this type despite of the aforementioned problems can be easily served because only a relative rotation between the container and the dispensing ring is required. Even a child can use this tablet dispenser press, which is undesirable in many cases.

There is therefore the task of a tablet dispenser of the beginning to create the type mentioned, its content especially for children largely inaccessible or its operation for Children are difficult or difficult to see through.

The solution to this problem is with a tablet dispenser type mentioned in that an actuator or Actuating ring for rotating the dispensing ring is provided, in its rest or starting position with the container in a rotationally fixed manner connected and by unlocking or by axial Adjustment releasable from this connection and by twisting the Output ring is rotatable relative to the container, with a Unlocking or the axial adjustment path of the actuating element or actuating ring opposite the dispensing ring or opposite the stopper limiting stop is provided, and that Actuating element or the actuating ring via at least one Part of the unlocking or its axial adjustment against a resistor is movable or displaceable, the in Directional drive coupling or lock between the Actuator or actuating ring and the deflector with Dispensing ring with the container or the when not in use Bottom ring coupled in the direction of rotation and by unlocking or axial displacement movement of the actuating ring can be disengaged.

This can be achieved, especially for children is transparent that the relative rotation between the container and Actuation ring - in which either the container opposite the held ring or usually opposite the actuating ring the held container is rotated - only after one Unlocking or axial adjustment of the actuator or Actuating ring is made possible relative to the container. there a child may still be watching a child Dispensing a relative rotation between the container and Actuation ring is carried out. But it wants to imitate this and could do not observe that previously an unlocking or some axial Adjustment is required as the affected parts such a donation process will not be recognizable to him success. Younger children in particular will not see through that a divided adjustment movement is required for the dispensing process is, namely the unlocking or axial adjustment and then a twist. Thus, by the mentioned Combination of features of the content of the tablet dispenser for children and especially largely inaccessible to smaller children.

Even higher requirements for child protection can be met be met in that the resistance - for unlocking or the axial adjustment - at least in the last part of the Unlocking - or axial adjustment movement of the actuation ring is a restoring force and the positive coupling in particular in the direction of rotation to the container by releasing the restoring force can be restored automatically.

Through this additional measure, the resistance when unlocking or axial adjustment of the actuating element or actuating ring by a restoring force, the user forced to keep the actual donation process under constant Maintaining some traction to carry out what a Child overwhelmed. For a child is not recognizable and also not feasible to exert a constant pulling force during the dispensing process, when they release, the clutch and lock automatically again produced and thereby blocked a further twist or locked. So even if a child unlocks it or should perform axial adjustment against the resistance, there will still be no donation process if at the rotational movement does not maintain this tractive force. In addition, can not forget by this restoring force the childproof lock after use or after a Reactivate the dispensing process because this happens automatically.

Another perfecting of the child lock of the invention Tablet dispenser can be achieved in that the Actuation ring over a first part of the unlocking or axial Adjustment path essentially smooth or almost without resistance movable and on the last part of its way to the Stop and until the coupling is released against the container the resistance and / or the restoring force is displaceable. For the inexperienced user or a child becomes the real one Dispensing process further obscured because even a first axial Adjustment movement that can be carried out smoothly is not yet the relative rotatability between the container and the actuating ring allows. So even if a child uses the actuator or the actuation ring - for example based on observations - can also be adjusted axially at first until it encounters resistance then there is still no rotary movement for the actual one Carry out donation process. But it will not recognize that it is the unlocking path against the resistance and the restoring force continue and then the subsequent rotation force must continue to be maintained in order to actually to get a tablet. It is also advantageous that only the last part of the way against resistance or the Restoring force takes place, so that a correspondingly low dimensioned part is sufficient to apply this restoring force, to achieve the described effect. Thus, through this Division of the unlocking path into a first easy one and a second stiff part with restoring force double effect can be achieved by the transparency for Children further reduced and at the same time the dimension for one Restoring force generating elements can be reduced.

Further refinements of the tablet dispenser in particular in terms of unlocking or axial adjustment limiting stop are the subject of claims 4 to 8.

Claim 4 contains a special shape for the stop, a breakthrough in a counterpart in the axial direction interspersed and can be moved up to the stop, so that the length the bolt, pin, web or sleeve-like projection in essentially the unlocking or axial adjustment path when loosening the non-rotatable connection between the actuating ring and the dispensing ring equivalent.

Claim 5 contains a specification of the attack, where a Stop head is provided on the projection, which is the counterpart engages behind, against which it also rests again is retractable.

Claim 6 contains features related to the stop cooperating counter surface on the deflector, which is expedient is sunk centrally so that the stop in Starting or blocking position over the deflector and its Rejection slope protrudes and this can continue.

Claim 7 complements the measure according to claim 6, according to which mushroom-shaped stop head the depression with the counter bearing surface shield when not in use, so that no tablets in the Area of depression and block the arrangement there can.

Claim 8 gives a special configuration of the entire attack on how this can be designed at the same time so that it itself at least on the last part of the unlocking or axial Adjustment movement also the resistance and / or the restoring force can generate with the help of an inclined surface, so that for generation this resistance or restoring force no additional to be accommodated or spring elements to be molded, which would also be possible.

Expression 9 contains the measure according to one of claims 1 to 8, according to which a the output opening of the output ring at its in the use position lower side covering on the outside Closure is provided by the actuation of the dispenser from its closed position from the dispensing opening is movable away, and that at least one catch for fixing that rotational position of the output ring is provided in the the dispensing opening and the dispensing opening for releasing a tablet are in agreement with each other.

Through the dispensing process by actuating the dispenser Openable closure can be the opening at rest and opening Storage must be completed so that the content of the Tablet dispensers against humidity and especially against access to dust is protected. Still is an easy one Operation possible because the "correct" position in each case Rotation of the output ring is specified by a catch, which the user senses when twisting and usually also hear can, so that he also has control over the donation process Has. Of course, the container can also be actuated be rotated relative to the dispensing ring. So the important thing is relative rotatability.

It is particularly useful if the output opening in the rest position on the outside covering closure on one Actuating ring is arranged which is relative to the rotatable Output ring in axial or, if necessary, helical Movable in the direction and in the direction of rotation with the dispensing ring is coupled. This will open the shutter and the Donation process combined in a simple way, because the user only needs the actuating ring initially relative to that Container approximately in the axial or from the dispensing ring shift away and then the twist perform to actuate the dispenser first open the shutter and then open the dispensing opening with the Match donation opening. Then the Moved the actuation ring back and then closes the Output opening below the donation opening again, so that for the subsequent storage period the entry of dust and air humidity is reduced or prevented. Here is the tablet dispenser with the dispensing opening provided on its underside can be set up on this underside, the axial shifting back the actuating ring automatically by turning off the Tablet dispenser causes this actuation ring can simultaneously form the footprint.

The donation opening can be arranged in a bottom ring, which on in the position of use - and expediently also in the storage position - radially opposite the lower edge region of the container wall revolves inside above, and in particular several Donation openings can be provided in the course of this floor ring. A coaxial and "layered" arrangement of the output ring and the bottom ring can be structurally particularly simple and in front solve everything easier than arranging the donation opening in one recess or pocket provided in the wall, as is the case with the U.S. Patent 4,228,920 is necessary. By arranging several Donation openings with which the dispensing opening having the closure can be brought into line, is sufficient a partial rotation of the dispensing ring for the respective dispensing process or the actuation ring.

The dispensing ring can have one or possibly several dispensing openings have, whose distance in the circumferential direction is equal to or different from the distance of the donation openings in the border ring can be. It is particularly useful to have an output opening provide the output ring, so that after a partial rotation in each case reached another donation opening and dispensed a tablet becomes. Are multiple dispensing openings equidistant from each other Appropriate donation openings can accommodate many tablets are issued simultaneously. Soak the distances in Circumferential direction, in turn the number of each issued Tablets are influenced accordingly, either only one or possibly several tablets could be dispensed, the rotary movement to be carried out could be shortened even more. Particularly simple in design and for the generally desired Dispensing only a single tablet and good protection against However, dust or moisture is beneficial if the output ring has only one dispensing opening with an openable closure.

The surmountable catch used to fix a dispensing position can be independent of the direction of rotation and with any relative rotation Can be snapped in and out between the dispensing ring and container and in particular a plurality of notches can be provided which engage at the same time. So the user can in any Rotate directions and each reaches a click position when a donation position is taken. Notches independent of the direction of rotation are known and usually have symmetrical locking openings and in the same way symmetrical locking projections, so that these a twist to overcome the detent on any side allow. The arrangement of several notches increases the precision and distributes the locking forces more evenly around the circumference.

Further refinements of the tablet dispenser according to the invention are the subject of further claims. Claim 15 gives a simple solution, as with the generic tablet dispenser the deflector is used simultaneously and with one Projection, cam or the like retainer can be provided, to slide down above the dispensing opening Prevent tablets if one is below this projection tablet is being dispensed or has been. Before not one further rotational movement can be performed in the area of a straight used donation and dispensing opening to kick any tablet.

Claims 16 and 17 contain advantageous designs of the Bodenringes and the donation openings contained therein Interruptions in the bottom ring. Claim 17 specifies that the ring pieces of this bottom ring advantageously at the same time still to form detent springs for locking the respective Donation position can be used. The attachment of the Locking recesses on the deflector or on the dispensing ring means for this repellent body contributing to the separation of the tablets also an additional function.

Claim 18 contains a measure that is easy to manufacture and assembly of the deflector and the container results, although both Allow parts to be rotated relative to each other when assembled should.

It is particularly useful if the rotary connection between The dispensing ring and container are locked in the rest or closed position and unlockable by moving the lock in the open position is. This contributes to incorrect operation and incorrect positions prevent. To dispense a tablet, the user must first bring the closure into the open position, after which the rotary movement is released for an output operation.

This is directly related to the invention Type of unlocking or axial adjustment with the help an actuating element or actuating ring through which in the. already mentioned above, the slewing ring again can be unlocked.

Measures and refinements are in claims 20 and 21 especially for the above-mentioned locking between the output ring and container and the possibility of unlocking in the form of ribs and corresponding slits receiving these ribs, wherein claim 21 a particularly favorable assignment of the ribs the actuating ring and the recesses or slots on the Repellent body for the content.

Claim 22 contains features and measures, such as those for the non-rotatable Connection between the actuating ring and the deflector at the same time Possibility of axial adjustment of the actuation ring provided ribs and recesses in addition to the Lock the slewing ring between the dispensing ring and the container can be used in the rest or locked position. there at the same time the possibility is given to the donation openings to use the container in this locking, in which Locking position the ribs in these donation openings Container can intervene, so that for locking on the container no additional measures themselves are required.

Claim 23 contains refinements of the repellent body for one better guidance of the guide body, which in turn the actuating ring carries, so that through this good leadership at the same time Axial movement of the actuating ring and thus also the opening of the Closure are favored.

Claim 24 contains configurations of the actuating ring and associated closure including the arrangement of the closure complementing shielding side walls, which also with Opening the shutter in the sense that it remains effective released tablet in a predetermined direction over the Guide the opened closure so that the tablet dispenser becomes even more user-friendly.

Claim 25 relates to the container made of one piece or can also consist of at least two parts, for example can be releasably connected by a threaded connection. The latter allows with the tablet dispenser and its separating device a suitably large container - if necessary refillable - to be able to connect.

Especially when combining one or more of the above Features and measures can be a tablet dispenser child-proof and yet easy to use and with produce relatively few parts, some of these parts such as Example of the bolt or pin-shaped projection multiple functions can have because on the one hand it limits the axial movement Stop and on the other hand to generate a restoring force can. Since the stop for the adjustment movement is unsolvable attacks the deflector, on the other hand, can not be unwanted Operating errors occur.

Fig . 1

einen Längsschnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Tablettenspenders mit einem durch einen oberen Deckel verschlossenen Behälter und einer im unteren Bereich angeordneten Vereinzelungseinrichtung und Ausgabevorrichtung, die einen Abweiskörper aufweist, der in seinem unteren Bereichzwischen seiner Außenseite und der Innenseite der Behälterwand einen der Tablettenabmessung oder Tablettendicke entsprechenden Abstand hat und somit einen Ringraum oder Ringspalt bildet, wobei ein mit einer Ausgabe-Öffnungversehener Ausgaberingundeine Spendeöffnung an dem Behälter relativ zueinander verdrehbar sind und an dem Ausgabering ein Betätigungsring mit einem Verschluß für die Ausgabe-Öffnung vorgesehen ist, der für die Öffnung des Verschlusses und die Öffnung einer Kindersicherung axial und außerdem in Drehrichtung bewegbar ist, in Schließstellung,

Fig.2

einen der Fig.1 entsprechenden Längsschnitt nach dem Verstellen des Betätigungsringes in Spendeposition während eines Spendevorganges,

Fig.3

eine der Fig.1 entsprechende Darstellung vor dem Füllen oder nach dem Entleeren des Spenders, also ohne Tabletten,

Fig.4

eine der Fig.2 entsprechende Darstellung des leeren Tablettenspenders,

Fig.5

eine Ansicht und

Fig.6

einen Querschnitt gemäß der Linie A-B in Fig.5 des Abweiskörpers, der einstückig mit dem Ausgabering verbunden ist, welcher eine Ausgabe-Öffnung hat, wobei der Abweiskörper an seiner Außenseite Rastrillen und bis in den Ausgabering ragende Schlitze für Mitnehmerrippen aufweist,

Fig.7

eine Ansicht von unten,

Fig.8

einen vertikalen Längsschnitt und

Fig.9

eine Draufsicht des Abweiskörpers der Vereinzelungseinrichtung mit dem Ausgabe-Ring und der Ausgabe-Öffnung,

Fig.10

eine gegenüber Fig.5 um 180° gedrehte Ansicht des Abweiskörpers mit Blick auf die an dem Ausgabering randseitig offene Ausgabe-Öffnung,

Fig.

eine teilweise im Längsschnitt gehaltene Seitenansicht eines Betätigungsringes mit konzentrisch dazu angeordnetem Führungsstück und bolzenförmigem Vorsprung zur Begrenzung der axialen Verstellbarkeit, wobei an dem Führungsstück radial vorstehende Rippen zum Eingreifen in die entsprechenden Schlitze in der Wandung des Abweiskörpers vorgesehen sind,

Fig.12

eine Draufsicht des Führungsstückes mit Betätigungsring gemäß Fig.11,

Fig.13

eine Ansicht des Betätigungsringes und des Führungsstückes sowie eines an dem Betätigungsring innenseitig vorgesehenen Verschlusses von unten her,

Fig.14

einen Längsschnitt des Führungsstückes und des dieses außen mit Abstand umgebenden Betätigungsringes, wobei die Außenabmessung des Führungsstückes der Innenabmessung des hohlen Abweiskörpers entspricht,

Fig.15

eine Draufsicht des bolzenartigen Vorsprunges mit dem darunter befindlichen Führungsstück und dem außen umlaufenden Betätigungsring in einer gegenüber Fig.12 um 90° verdreht dargestellten Lage,

Fig.16

eine Ansicht der Unterseite,

Fig.17

einen Längsschnitt und

Fig.18

eine Draufsicht auf den Behälter und den an seinem in Gebrauchsstellung unteren Rand innenseitig radial nach innen vorstehenden Bodenring, der zur Bildung von insgesamt sechs gleichmäßig verteilten Spendeöffnungen sechs Mal unterbrochen ist, wobei drei dadurch gebildete Segmente des Bodenringes gleichzeitig als Rastfedern mit Rastvorsprüngen gestaltet sind,

Fig. 19

eine teilweise im Längsschnitt gehaltene Seitenansicht eines Abweiskörpers gemäß Fig.5 bis 10, in den ein Führungsstück gemäß Fig.11 bis 15 eingesetzt ist, wobei der Betätigungsring in seiner Ruhestellung dargestellt ist,

Fig.20

einen Querschnitt der aus Abweiskörper und Führungsstück bestehenden Einheit gemäß der Schnittlinie C-D in Fig.19,

Fig.21

eine der Fig.19 entsprechende Darstellung, wobei der Betätigungsring und das Führungsstück mit dem einen begrenzenden Anschlag aufweisenden bolzenartigen Vorsprung in axialer Richtung verschoben sind,

Fig.22

eine Draufsicht der Anordnung gemäß Fig.21,

Fig.23

eine Seitenansicht des Behälters - noch ohne Deckel -, an dessen Unterseite der Abweiskörper eingesetzt ist,

Fig.24

eine Draufsicht des Behälters mit Abweiskörper von der den Deckel - später - aufnehmenden Oberseite her sowie

Fig.25

einen Querschnitt gemäß der Linie E-F in Fig.23 mit den an dem Führungsstück radial vorstehenden Rippen, die Schlitze in dem Abweiskörper und zwei Spendeöffnungen des Bodenringes des Behälters, die drei Teile in dieser Ausgangsstellung drehfest verbindend und damit eine Relativverdrehung des Betätigungsringes gegenüber dem Behälter sperrend durchsetzen.

An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawing. It shows in a partially schematic representation:

Fig. 1

a longitudinal section of a tablet dispenser according to the invention with a container closed by an upper lid and a separating device and dispensing device arranged in the lower area, which has a deflecting body which has a distance corresponding to the tablet size or tablet thickness in its lower area between its outside and the inside of the container wall and thus forms an annular space or annular gap, a dispensing ring provided with a dispensing opening and a dispensing opening on the container being rotatable relative to one another, and an actuating ring having a closure for the dispensing opening being provided on the dispensing ring, said closure being used to open the closure and to open a child lock is movable axially and also in the direction of rotation, in the closed position,

Fig.2

1 shows a longitudinal section corresponding to FIG. 1 after the actuation ring has been adjusted in the dispensing position during a dispensing process,

Figure 3

1 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 1 before the dispenser is filled or emptied, that is to say without tablets,

Figure 4

2 shows an illustration of the empty tablet dispenser,

Figure 5

a view and

Figure 6

5 shows a cross section along the line AB in FIG. 5 of the deflector body, which is connected in one piece to the dispensing ring, which has an dispensing opening, the deflector body on its outside having latching grooves and slots for driver ribs projecting into the dispensing ring,

Figure 7

a bottom view,

Figure 8

a vertical longitudinal section and

Figure 9

a plan view of the deflector body of the separating device with the discharge ring and the discharge opening,

Figure 10

5 shows a view of the deflector body rotated by 180 ° in relation to FIG. 5 with a view of the dispensing opening which is open on the edge of the dispensing ring,

FIG.

FIG. 2 shows a side view, partially in longitudinal section, of an actuating ring with a guide piece arranged concentrically thereto and a bolt-shaped projection to limit the axial adjustability, with radially projecting ribs on the guide piece for engaging in the corresponding slots in the wall of the deflector body,

Figure 12

a plan view of the guide piece with actuating ring according to Fig.11,

Figure 13

3 shows a view of the actuating ring and the guide piece and of a closure provided on the inside of the actuating ring, from below,

Figure 14

2 shows a longitudinal section of the guide piece and of the actuating ring surrounding it on the outside at a distance, the outer dimension of the guide piece corresponding to the inner dimension of the hollow deflecting body,

Figure 15

3 shows a plan view of the bolt-like projection with the guide piece located underneath it and the outer circumferential actuating ring in a position shown rotated by 90 ° with respect to FIG. 12,

Figure 16

a bottom view,

Figure 17

a longitudinal section and

Figure 18

3 shows a plan view of the container and the bottom ring protruding radially inward on the inside at its lower edge in the position of use, which is interrupted six times to form a total of six evenly distributed dispensing openings, three segments of the bottom ring formed thereby being designed simultaneously as detent springs with detent projections

Fig. 19

5 shows a side view, partly in longitudinal section, of a deflecting body according to FIGS. 5 to 10, into which a guide piece according to FIGS. 11 to 15 is inserted, the actuating ring being shown in its rest position,

fig.20

3 shows a cross section of the unit consisting of the deflector body and guide piece according to the section line CD in FIG. 19,

Figure 21

19 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 19, the actuating ring and the guide piece having the bolt-like projection having a limiting stop being displaced in the axial direction,

Figure 22

a plan view of the arrangement according to Figure 21,

Figure 23

a side view of the container - still without a lid - on the underside of which the deflector is inserted,

Figure 24

a plan view of the container with a deflector from the top - later - receiving top as well

Figure 25

a cross-section along the line EF in Fig.23 with the ribs projecting radially on the guide piece, the slots in the deflecting body and two dispensing openings of the bottom ring of the container, connecting the three parts in this starting position in a rotationally fixed manner and thus blocking a relative rotation of the actuating ring relative to the container push through.

A generally designated 1 and in longitudinal section in Fig.1 to 4 shown tablet dispenser has one to be donated Tablets 2 receiving, in cross section on the inside of it Container wall 3, but also on the outside in the exemplary embodiment 16, 18, 24 and 25 cylindrical container 4 on the when the tablet dispenser 1 is fully assembled in its dispenser or Dispensing position (Fig. 2) top side closed with a lid 5 is.

For dispensing individual tablets 2 on the cover 5 opposite lower end of the container 4 respectively of the tablet dispenser 1, the tablet dispenser 1 contains a whole with 6 designated, shown in Fig. 19 to 22, which essentially will be described in a manner yet to be described the parts shown in Fig. 5 to 9 and in Fig. 11 to 15 is composed and at the same time also an output device forms with which at least one individual tablet 2 can be spent.

1 to 4 in the area of the separating device 6 inside the container 4 one in its radial width about the size or thickness of a tablet 2 corresponding Recording room 7 with at least one lower in the dispensing position Dispensing opening 8 and a rotatable, at least an output ring 9 having an output ring 10 which leads to the Output device belongs and in a manner yet to be described the separating device 6 is connected and cooperates.

The dispensing ring 10 can be rotated for a dispensing process in such a way that that its output opening 9 as shown in FIG. 2 and 4 in overlap or Matches one of the plurality of donation openings 8, wherein at the radially inner edge of the dispensing ring 10 a substantially cylindrical, an essential part of the separating device 6 separating and repelling body 11 is arranged, the extends beyond the output ring 10 in the axial direction at least upwards and whose upper end wall 11a in the use position has the shape of a Has cone or truncated cone, that is beveled, so that on this sloping end wall 11a tablets 2 between the Deflector 11 and the inside of the container wall are passed, as can be clearly seen in Fig. 1 and 2.

The deflector 11 with the dispensing opening 9 Output ring 10 is in more detail in Figures 5 to 10 shown. On the basis of Figures 1 to 4 it is clear that the outside of the partly cylindrical, partly frustoconical deflector 11 in its cylindrical region from the inside of the cylindrical Container wall 3 one of the respective tablet dimensions has an appropriate distance, so that in this as an annular space or Annular gap-shaped receiving space 7 between the deflector body 11 and container wall 3 in the radial direction only one tablet each 2 fits.

Since this annular receiving space 7 down through the Output ring 10 is limited to its output opening 9 only get one tablet 2 at a time, if they previously the traverses their arrangement to be described donation opening 8 Has.

To protect the contents of the tablet dispenser 1, that is, for protection of the tablets 2 against humidity and dust, is the one Output opening 9 of the dispensing ring 10 at its in the use position closure 12 provided on the lower side, covering on the outside, from its closed position according to FIGS. 1 and 3 from the dispensing opening 9 by an axial movement according to arrow Pf1 in Fig.1 is movable away. This is the output opening 9 in Rest position according to Fig.1 and 3 outside covering cover 12 protrudes radially on the inside on an actuating ring 13 arranged opposite the rotatable output ring 10 in axial Movable in the direction of arrow Pf1 and in the direction of rotation in to be described directly with the output ring 10 or is indirectly coupled, so that after a displacement movement according to the arrow Pf1 and thus after opening the closure 12 Output ring 10 using the actuating ring 13 according to the curved arrow Pf2 in Fig.2 can be rotated to the dispensing opening 9 in accordance with one of the donation openings 8 for bring the delivery of another tablet 2.

So that setting a new donation position for the user is simple and operating errors can be avoided, where possible the one opening to the other partially or even entirely remains offset so that a tablet 2 is prevented from passing through, are pegs for fixing that rotational position of the dispensing ring 10 provided in the dispensing opening 9 and the dispensing opening 8 for releasing a tablet 2 are in agreement. From Locking depressions 14 (see e.g. Fig. 6) and locking projections 15 (see e.g. Figs. 16 and 18) each formed catch, of which in Embodiment three pieces are provided below described in more detail.

The already mentioned donation opening 8 is special in one 16 to 18 clearly arranged bottom ring 16, the lower edge of the container wall in the position of use 3 revolves radially in relation to this inward and above Embodiment several, namely six dispensing openings 8 in even distribution on the circumference. The parallel to that Bottom ring 16 arranged output ring 10, however, has in the embodiment only one output opening 9, which is good for example 6, 7 and 9 recognizes. Thus, a user can Bring dispensing ring 10 into six different dispensing positions, in which he also engages in a manner to be described.

The one used to fix a dispensing position is surmountable Notch, consisting of notch 14 and notch 15, Independent of the direction of rotation, that is to say the locking recesses 14 symmetrical on both sides as the corresponding rounded locking projections 15 so that the user according to the Double arrow Pf2 any direction of rotation for a dispensing process can choose and alternately in one or the other Can turn to one more tablet 2 each from the Let the tablet dispenser 1 fall out. So is at any relative rotation between dispensing ring 10 and container 4 each allows snapping in and out, in the exemplary embodiment a total of three notches, namely three still to be described Latching projections 15 are provided, but on a total of six Can snap into recesses 14, with all three locking projections 15 snap into locking recesses 14 at the same time, i.e. one safe and clearly noticeable locking in a respective donation position. But also could more or less - possibly only one - provided detents his.

The bottom ring recognizable in FIGS. 16 to 18 on the container 4 16 is also indicated and recognizable in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein 3 and 4 at the same time it becomes clear that the output ring 10 is arranged immediately below this bottom ring 16 and the radial dimension of the dispensing ring 10 and that of the bottom ring 16 essentially match. Because the dispensing ring 10 is the dispensing opening 9 and the bottom ring 16 containing the dispensing openings 8 is sufficient rotating the dispensing ring 10 relative to the bottom ring 16, around the discharge opening 9 each in accordance with one of the Bring donation openings 8, six of which according to Fig.16 and 18 are evenly distributed on the bottom ring 16.

So that only one tablet 2 is dispensed during a dispensing process, the tablets 2 are actually actually separated the repelling body 11 belonging to the separating device 6 approximately at a distance from a tablet dimension or a tablet diameter above the discharge opening 9 or at this point through the output opening 9 interrupted output ring 10 a Projection 17 as a retainer for more, above the dispensing opening 9 tablets 2 each located, this as a retainer acting projection 17 in the radial direction at least one Part of the output opening 9 protrudes.

One recognizes this projection 17 and its mode of operation above all in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 shows the tablet dispenser 1 in a situation and arrangement in which previously a tablet donated and the closure 12 again against the arrow Pf1 was adjusted in the closed position without twisting in accordance arrow Pf2 has taken place. Accordingly, is under the tab 17 no tablet 2 present. For a new donation process must the dispensing ring 10 with the dispensing opening 9 from this position be twisted, which at the same time causes the deflector body to twist 11 and the projection 17 has the consequence. The lead 17 is then at an adjacent donation opening 8 of the bottom ring 16 between a lower and an overlying tablet 2 moved so that the lower tablet 2 can fall out while the tablet 2 above is retained.

On the other hand, at the position previously taken according to FIG next tablet 2 now again in the now through the dispensing ring 10 closed donation opening 8 from which they fall is then output again when the output opening 9 again with this donation opening 8 is brought into agreement. To the Output device thus include the bottom ring 16, the output ring 10, the dispensing openings 8, the deflector 11 with his corresponding dimension in relation to the container 4 and the Retention tab 17.

According to Figures 16 and 18 with the container wall 3 is in Embodiment integrally connected, radially inward protruding bottom ring 16 interrupted six times and thus exists from several ring pieces, between which seen in the circumferential direction a distance or an interruption is provided, whereby the respective donation opening 8, in this case six, such donation openings 8 are formed. The dimension of this Interruptions of the bottom ring 16 correspond to the corresponding one Dimension of the discharge opening 9 in the circumferential direction. In Figs. 24 and 25, the discharge opening 9 is in agreement, respectively with one of the donation openings 8, this being shown in FIG. 24 in plan view on the one above these two in overlap openings located protruding projection 17 recognizes.

According to Figures 16, 18 and 25 have several ring pieces of Bottom ring 16, namely every other ring piece, approximately parallel to Circumferential direction, to one of the interruptions and thus of the dispensing openings 8 open slots 18 so that the radial In the direction of the inner boundary 18a of the respective slot 18 forms a detent spring which has an already mentioned detent projection 15, namely carries a radially inwardly projecting locking projection 15. As already mentioned, are on the deflector 11 above the Output rings 10 according to FIGS. 6, 20 and 25 the ones already mentioned Locking recesses 14 are arranged with which the locking projections 15th 25 in a respective dispensing position and interact. Since a total of six recesses 14 evenly on the circumference of the deflector 11 and three locking projections 15 on the Bottom ring 16 are also arranged evenly distributed, is sufficient a relative twist by one sixth or by 60 ° to one Rest position to get into the next. Because at the same time every 60 ° the circumference of a donation opening 8 is provided in each case after a rotation of 60 °, a locking and a simultaneously Match between one of the dispensing openings 8 and the dispensing opening 9. As already described above, the Projection 17 that then a lower tablet 2 fall out can, but an overlying tablet is retained. The in plan view arcuate contour of the locking projections 15 and the analog negative contour of the recesses 14 can be seen good on the one hand in Fig. 16 and 18 and on the other hand in Fig. 6, from which at the same time it becomes clear that the rest position in any Direction of rotation can be overcome again.

The one with the output ring 10 in the exemplary embodiment is insoluble or one-piece deflector 11 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the container 4 on the inside of the container wall 3 insoluble, but rotatably connected. There is one for mutual attachment Snap connection provided, in which a radial projection 19 with a relatively sharp edge 20 on the deflector 11 den Bottom ring 16 on its upper side facing the interior of the container overlaps. The protrusion 19 with the edge 20 is particularly recognizable good also in Figures 5, 8 and 10. The interaction with the The top of the bottom ring 16 can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. at Manufacture of the parts from plastic, the deflector 11 can easily are inserted from below through the bottom ring 16, wherein the frustoconical shape of the end face 11a of the deflector 11 Introduction made easier. The projection 17 can by one of the Donation openings 8 are moved. Due to a production of Plastic give way enough to the radial To be able to move projection 19 through the base ring 16, wherein it is also helpful that the catch springs in the area of the slots 18 can yield slightly in the radial direction. Because of the relative sharp or rectangular edge 20 is an opposite Movement is no longer possible without destruction, so this attachment of the deflector 11 on the container 4 is insoluble, but the ring shape of the edge 20 allows relative rotation. The So bottom ring 16 has an additional function by also for Fixing the deflector 11 is used.

The aforementioned rotary connection between the dispensing ring 10 and the container 4 is in the rest or closed position according to Fig.1 and 3 as well Fig. 25 locked and locked so that it is not possible to this position the output ring 10 - and the deflector 11 - and thus the dispensing opening 9 to a further dispensing opening 8 to move and twist. This also helps that the Tablet dispenser 1, especially by children, is difficult to use can. However, this can block the slewing ring through the Movement of the closure 12 unlocked in its open position are, that is, by adjusting the actuating ring 13th with the closure 12 in the direction of arrow Pf1, the turnstile loosened or opened between dispensing ring 10 and container 4, so that then the rotary movement required for a dispensing process according to arrow Pf2 is possible.

For the non-rotatable, but axially movable coupling between the Closure 12 having actuating ring 13 and the deflector 11, together with the dispensing ring 10 during a dispensing process to be rotated, at least one part is in the exemplary embodiment at least two are in the axial direction extending ribs 21 and on the other part one or corresponding the number of ribs 21 has recesses or slots 22, into which the ribs 21 engage. When turning the actuation ring 13 thereby becomes the deflector 11 and accordingly also the dispensing ring 10 twisted.

In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the ribs 21 with the actuating ring 13 for the closure 12 connected and the Ribs 21 receiving recesses or slots 22 on the Deflector 11 and output ring 10 are arranged, the lengths the ribs 21 and the slots 22 on the opening path W in the direction of arrow Pf1 are coordinated for the closure 12. The length W of the opening path results from the difference of Positions of the closure 12 on the one hand in Fig.1 and on the other in Fig. 2. The largest possible opening path is at the top in Fig. 2 Edge 13a of the actuating ring 13 with respect to a stop shoulder 13b for the actuating ring 13 on the outside of the container wall 3 marked by a double arrow and labeled W.

The ribs 21 can be seen particularly well in the still closer explanatory figures 11 and 12, but also in others Figures and the interaction of the ribs 21 with slots 22 is also recognizable in Fig. 20 and 22 as well as in Fig. 24. The slots 21 can also be clearly seen in FIGS. 5 to 9. It is easy conceivable that when assembling the in Figures 5 to 10 on the one hand and the one shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 on the other Parts the ribs 21 come into engagement with the slots 22, like this then in Fig. 19 to 25 and also in the figures 2 and 4 is indicated.

When viewing FIGS. 11, 1 together, this results in to 4, 19 and 21 in conjunction with Fig.24 and Fig.25 that the ribs 21, which according to FIGS. 11 and 19 approximately up to the upper edge 13a of the Actuating ring or a paragraph just below it, in the rest or starting position or in the closed position of the lock 12 accordingly in the area or even slightly above the bottom ring 16 are enough. At the same time it follows from Fig. 19 that in such a Rest or starting position these ribs 21 up to or in the area reach minimally in height over the edge 20 on the deflector body 11, which edge 20 the bottom ring as described above 16 engages in the assembly position. Because the ribs 21 and the slots 22 seen in the circumferential direction in the dispensing position also in each case Escape with donation openings 8 in the bottom ring 16, they can in this rest and starting position without problems in these donation openings 8 intervene and thereby simultaneously a turnstile between Form actuating ring 13 and container 4, so that in this Starting position any twisting is prevented. It recognizes 24 and 25 that the width of the ribs 21 is less than the corresponding circumferential dimension of the dispensing openings 8, so that a slight twist would possibly be conceivable, the but cannot lead to a new donation process.

It follows that the ribs 21 in the in Fig.1 and 3rd illustrated rest or starting position, which also the Closed position of the closure 12 means in on the container 4th provided counter openings, namely in the dispensing openings 8 of the Container 4 engage and by an axial movement of the ribs 21 having part, that is, the repellent body 11 and thus also the movement of the closure 12 in its open position from this Counter opening or from the dispensing opening 8 of the container 4 are moved out because this opening path W is larger than that axial length of the portion engaging in the bottom ring 16 Ribs 21 is. By moving the actuating ring 13 in the axial Direction - and thus the opening of the closure 12 - is the turnstile between the output ring 10 and Container 4 solved, advantageously for the separation and parts necessary for the dispensing process, such as the deflector 11 the ribs 21 attached to it and the dispensing openings 8 are used become.

According to FIGS. 1 to 4 and in particular according to FIGS. 11 to 15, the actuating ring 13 with a closure 12 has a central or cylindrical guide piece 23, in the embodiment in Adaptation to the cylindrical inner cavity of the deflector body 11 a piece of pipe, which from below in the downward open Deflector 11 of the output ring 10 fits and according to Fig.1 to 4th and 19 to 25 engages and in this in the axial direction is displaceable, like the comparison of Fig.1 with Fig.2 or the Fig. 3 with Fig. 4 or Fig. 19 with Fig. 21 clarifies. Doing this guide piece 23 is an axial one to be explained in more detail Direction effective connection with or to the deflector 11 and thus also indirectly to the output ring 10, which is the axial Displacement in the direction of arrow Pf1 and thus also Opening path W limited, so that the actuating ring 13 is not completely can be deducted from the tablet dispenser 1. Is the limiting one Stop position reached, can already be described by the Rotary movement according to arrow Pf2 in Fig.2 then due to the axial movement took place the turnstile actually Donation process can be effected.

According to FIGS. 1 to 4, the deflector body 11 has a guide of the guide piece 23 or the guide tube in its interior and opposite to the dispensing ring 10 in the use position axial projection projecting beyond the output ring 10 below 11b. This makes it possible that the closure 12 to the side Shielding the discharge opening 9 below the discharge ring 10 in the area of this output opening 9 in particular axially upright and has side walls 24 shielding the dispensing area, which belong to the closure 12 and in the embodiment additionally on the output ring 10 in the same direction, ie downwards projecting counter-webs 25 overlap, relative to which they in the axial Are shiftable and with which they overlap. The detects upstanding side walls 24 laterally of the closure 12 one particularly good in Figures 14 and 15. The on the output ring 10 or the protrusion 11b of the deflector 11 Counter webs 25 are shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10. The Interaction and mutual overlap of the shielding Side walls 24 and the counter webs 25 can be seen on the one hand in the Figures 3 and 4 and on the other hand also in Fig. 23.

In addition, there are still at the output opening 9 downward guide webs 26 are provided so that the Side walls 24 between these guide webs and the counter webs 25 can intervene. Thus, an isolated tablet 2 at Spend precisely downwards on the somewhat oblique in this case Inside inclined closure 12 out and from there according to Fig.2 with some distance to the outer contour and the actuation ring 13 output.

In the exemplary embodiment, the actual container 4 - of its lid 5 apart - in one piece and is on the bottom limited by the separating device 6 and output device. But it would also be possible that the container 4 in the area its container wall 3 by a releasable coupling, for example would be divided by a threaded connection. The according to the Representation in Figures 1 to 4 above such a detachable Coupling container part could then be an increasing or have significantly enlarged cross-section, so that a Larger stock of tablets 2 could be included. In peace- or storage position such a container 4 could then also opposite the representation in Figures 1 to 4 set up turned 180 ° be, so that then the separating device 6 and output device would be directed upwards in such a storage position. The user would then have to dispense such a container tip over.

It has already been mentioned that the dispensing process is a first axial movement and then requires a rotary movement of the actuating ring 13 and this for unauthorized persons, especially for children Difficulty and therefore a certain security against unauthorized persons Taking tablets means.

But to get a real parental control, even then takes effect if a child has previously observed that the First move the actuating ring 13 axially and then twist it to obtain a tablet 2 is one on the closure 12 or the actuating ring 13 for the closure 12 indirectly, namely arranged on the deflector 11, the axial adjustment path opposite the dispensing ring 10 and the dispensing opening 9 and so also more restrictive than the cylindrical deflector body 11 Stop 27, which is the connection between Guide piece 23 and deflector body 11, on one in Moving direction extending bolt or pin-like projection 28 provided which projection 28 over one of them penetrated opening or hole 29 in the upper end face 11a the deflector 11 over part of the axial adjustment W essentially easy to move or can be moved almost without resistance and on the last part of its adjustment path up to the stop 27 continues to be described against resistance is movable.

The drive coupling or lock provided in the direction of rotation between the actuating ring 13 and the deflector 11 with output ring 10 and when not in use with the container 4 and its bottom ring 16 is due to the axial displacement movement of the actuating ring 13, as already mentioned, can be disengaged or released. The entire axial Coupling path between the actuating ring 13 and the container 4th consists of a smooth or almost resistance-free Adjustment movement and an adjustment movement against a resistance, especially a relatively large resistance together, so that the smooth adjustment of the actuating ring 13 relative to the Container 4 in the direction of arrow Pf1 the turnstile or Rotary coupling between the output ring 10 and the bottom ring 16, that is the lock between the actuating ring 13 and container 4 is not yet solves. Only if the axial movement against the resistance is carried out, the rotary movement according to the arrow Pf2 on the Actuation ring 13 take place to an output opening 9 under a Bring donation opening 8 with pre-separated tablet 2 there, at the same time, as already described, the projection 17 the pre-isolated tablet 2 from the other tablets so that only this one tablet 2 is dispensed.

This division of the axial adjustment movement into a smooth one and in a stiff part and conveniently one larger smooth movement compared to only a short one stiff piece is hardly transparent for children, so that this further increases security against unauthorized removal becomes.

In the exemplary embodiment, however, there is still another fuse built in, through this construction also high demands child safety. It is namely provided that the resistance in the last part of the axial adjustment movement of the adjusting ring 13 with respect to the container 4 has a restoring force is and the particular positive coupling in the direction of rotation to the container 4 automatically by releasing the restoring force is recoverable. This means that in the axial Adjustment movement of the actuating ring 13 for the final Unlocking and releasing the relative rotation compared to the Container 4 an axial tensile force on the actuating ring 13 constantly must be maintained. As well as the user with this traction subsides or ends completely, the coupling between the container 4 and actuating ring 13 automatically restored, so that further twisting is therefore no longer possible. Even if So a child first an axial movement of the actuating ring 13 in the direction of arrow Pf1 and under Circumstances even the resistance of the stiff part of this Overcomes adjustment movement, it will still not see through, that this required tensile force on the actuating ring 13th must also be maintained during its rotation, especially since for the execution of the rotary movement, first the latching between the locking recesses 14 and the locking projections 15 must be overcome. The resulting from this locking Resistance becomes the ignorant user, especially children, even in cases where the axial resistance and the resulting restoring force was initially overcome was, cause the traction on the actuating ring 13 again to release or by train on the actuating ring 13th decrease or stop in the axial direction, so that then the Turnstile becomes effective again.

So this measure makes it one in several ways Childproof lock in place by first recognizing that for dispensing a tablet 2 before a rotary movement Axial movement must take place on the actuating ring 13, this Axial movement but must be continued against resistance, what resistance and may already be seen as a stop.

In addition, even this pulling force, which overcomes the resistance, must then also be maintained during the rotation and donation movement.

In terms of design, this is increased and designed as a restoring force Resistance generated by the fact that the bolt-shaped or pin-like Projection 28 has a mushroom-like stop head 30, the one Abutment surface of the cylindrical deflector 11 in the range of whose face 11a overlaps or engages behind, as is particularly the case well recognized in Figures 2 and 4. The bottom of this mushroom-like. Stop head 30 is the largest axial adjustment of the Actuating ring 13 in the manner shown in Fig.2 and 4 the top of the face 11a.

It can also be seen in these figures that the actual Counter surface 31 on the end face 11a of the deflector 11 in the axial Direction sunk and the mushroom-like stop head 30 in the closed position or inserted actuating ring 13 (Fig.1, 3 and 19) the deflector 11 centrally above towered over by its deflection slope on the face 11a and even a continuation of the rejection slope. If during the Dispensing process according to Figure 2 a tablet 2 in the central area of the deflector 11 enters the counter surface 31, after the donation process, it will be used again at the same time upward adjusted stop head 30 displaced upward again and can then enter the annular recording space over time 7 arrive. Despite the countersinking of the counter surface 31, therefore prevents tablets 2 from being inaccessible and from that Donation process can be excluded.

The depression with the counter bearing surface 31 has an internal cross section, the roughly the outer cross section of the mushroom-shaped stop head 30 corresponds and the mushroom-shaped stop head 30 shields the lowering of the counter bearing surface 31 when not in use Container interior down, so that in this position also none Tablets 2 can get into this recessed area.

To generate the aforementioned restoring force on the last one Part of the adjustment path, possibly by at least one interposed spring between the top of the guide piece 23 and the underside of the upper end face 11a of the deflector body 11 could be effected, such a spring also in one piece connected to one of these parts and could be made of plastic, in the exemplary embodiment, such is the manufacturing effort Increasing spring avoided in that the bolt or pin-shaped Projection 28 which together with the stop head 30 the axial Adjustment path limiting stop 27 forms one in the axial Direction extending over the entire cross section or Diameter-reaching, in the area of the mushroom-shaped stop head 30 has an open slot 32 so that this projection 28 two Fingers 30a which can be bent relative to one another in accordance with the slot width and 30b forms. Several slots could also be used through several slots resilient fingers are formed.

At least one of these parts arranged laterally of the slot 32 or finger 30a or 30b of the projection 28 is resiliently radial deformable inwards, as shown in Fig. 2 and 4. In order to such a resilient and thus a restoring force deformation actually caused by the axial movement of the adjusting ring 13 is effected, is on the counter stop surface 31 in the area of the passage or hole 29 for the bolt-like projection 28 an inclined surface 33 is provided, which can be seen particularly well in FIG. 8th recognizes and which could also be convex or concave.

The mushroom-shaped stop head 30 in turn has at least on the this inclined surface 33 facing side or according to Figure 14 on the elastic fingers 30b a beveled bottom 34, which at the contact with the oblique limit of the breakthrough or Hole 29, so when the inclined surface 33 touches the axial Adjustment movement in a radial, spring-elastic deformation at least one half of the projection 28, ie the finger 30b converts, as clearly shown in Figures 2 and 4. The Sloping surfaces 33 and 34 or the helix angle are such chosen that the resulting restoring force the projection 28 and so that the actuating ring 13 automatically against the unlocking or opening direction, i.e. counter to arrow Pf1 by one part the adjustment path W, namely around the stiff part of this Adjustment path withdraws, which automatically restores the positive coupling in the direction of rotation between the actuating ring 13 and container 4 has the consequence, that is, a rotation of the Actuating ring 13 locks against the container 4 and thus one Separation and donation process prevented.

Overall, this results in a tablet dispenser 1, in which optionally or simultaneously in the storage position the contents against dust protected from moisture and childproof operation of the Donation process is enabled. Nevertheless, these are diverse Functions relatively few items required, because doing so Row of parts have multiple functions. So is for the twist in a new dispensing position the resilience of notches overcome, which are also parts of the bottom ring 16, the has the donation openings 8, but also to determine the Deflector 11 serves in the axial direction. The donation openings 8, however, also serve a relative rotatability lock as long as the largest axial required Adjustment of an actuating ring 13 has not taken place. This one Axial adjustment path limiting stop 27 consists of a Projection 28 and a stop head 30, which is also so is designed in the last part of the adjustment movement increased resistance, designed as a restoring force, that is adapts child safety to the highest requirements. So it is enough as individual parts of the container 4 with lid 5, the deflector 11 with the discharge opening 9 located thereon in one piece having output ring 10 and the adjusting ring 13 with the him connected guide body 23, which is also used for the blocking the rotational movement important ribs 21 in one piece. The Deflector 11 has the separation projection 17 and the countersunk counter surface 31 with the inclined surface 33 for the mushroom-shaped Stop head 30, the radial compliance at least a finger 30b of the stop 27 also the mutual locking and axial attachment between the guide piece 23 and the deflector 11 relieved. In practice, the three main parts, namely The container, deflector and guide piece are each axially connected and therefore insoluble in the axial direction, but in certain Positions rotatably connected, so very easy to assemble.

The tablet dispenser 1 with the cylindrical 2 receiving the tablets Container 4 has an inside, also in essentially cylindrical separating device 6 with output device, being in the lower region of the container 4 in the dispensing position an annular receiving space 7 is formed by a deflector body 11 whose dimension corresponds approximately to the thickness of the tablets 2. One or, preferably, several evenly distributed in the circumferential direction Dispensing openings 8 act with a rotatable, at least one dispensing ring 10 having a dispensing opening 9, a closure 12 being provided at the discharge opening 9 can, the axial adjustment movement before the rotary movement required to open this closure 12 so that the Contents of the container 4 is protected against dust. The axial Adjustment movement can simultaneously unlock a lock the rotational movement required for dispensing in relation to the container 4 to solve, this axial movement at least in its last Area for child protection against an increased, a resetting force forming resistance can take place, so that the rotational movement while maintaining traction on his corresponding actuating ring 13 is to be performed, otherwise the rotatability is locked again automatically.

Claims (25)

1. A tablet dispenser (1) with a container (4), being substantially cylindrical in cross-section on the inside of its container wall (3), which accepts the tablets (2), with an isolation apparatus (6) for the tablets and with a dispensing apparatus, via which at least one tablet can be dispensed when operated, wherein an acceptance space (7) which approximately corresponds to the dimension or thickness of a tablet (2), especially in its radial width, with at least one lower dispensing opening (8) in the dispensing position, and a delivery ring (10) which can be rotated with regard to the dispensing opening and which has at least one delivery opening (9) are provided, this delivery ring (10) being rotatable to allow a dispensing action to be carried out in such a way that its delivery opening (9) covers, or aligns with, the dispensingopening (8), wherein a substantially cylindrical isolation and deflection unit (11) is disposed at the radial inner edge of the delivery ring (10), the upper face wall of this deflection unit (12a), in the position of use, being especially rounded off or conical or sloped so that tablets (2) which land on this slope are guided between the deflection unit (11) and the cylindrical interior of the container wall, characterised in that an operating element or operating ring (13) is provided for turning the delivery ring (10), which is fixed to the container (4) so that it cannot be rotated when in its starting position or position of rest, and which can be released from this connection by unblocking or by axial movement and can be turned by rotating the delivery ring (10) with regard to the container (4), wherein a detent (27) is provided which limits the unblocking or axial movement travel of the operating element or operating ring (13) with regard to the delivery ring (10) or the deflection unit (11), and that the operating element or the operating ring (13) can be moved or shifted against a resistance, wherein when not being used, the drive coupling or block which is provided in the direction of rotation between the operating element or operating ring (13) and the deflection unit (11) with delivery ring (10) can also be coupled with the container (4) or the base ring (16) in the direction of rotation and can be disengaged by the unblocking or axial movement of the operating ring (13).
2. A tablet dispenser according to claim 1, characterised in that the resistance, at least in the last part of the unblocking or axial movement of the operating ring (13) is a restoring force and the especially form-locking connection to the container (4), in the direction of rotation, can automatically be restored by releasing the restoring force.
3. A tablet dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the operating ring (13) can be moved easily or practically without resistance over a first part of the unblocking or axial movement travel, and can be moved against the resistance and/or the restoring force in the last part of its travel until it reaches the detent (27) and until its connection to the container (4) is released.
4. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the detent (27) is provided on a bolt, pin, web or sleeve-like projection (28) extending in the direction of movement, and that this projection (28) can be moved in the axial direction until it reaches the detent, with regard to a bore or hole (29) penetrated by it or a counterpiece which it surrounds.
5. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the bolt-shaped or pin-shaped or web-shaped projection (28) has a mushroom-shaped detent head (30) which engages over or behind an abutment surface of the cylindrical deflection unit (11) in the area of its face side (11a) and on which the lower side of this mushroom-like head (30) abuts when the operating ring (13) is moved to its greatest axial extent.
6. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the counter-surface (31) on the upper face surface (11a) of the deflection unit (11), in its position of use, is countersunk and the mushroom-like detent head (30) projects beyond the deflection unit (11), especially centrally above its deflection slope, in the closed position or when the operating ring (13) is pushed in, and especially forms an approximate continuation of this deflection surface.
7. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the recess with the abutment surface (31) has an internal cross-section which approximately corresponds with the external cross-section of the mushroom-shaped detent head (30) and that the mushroom-shaped detent head (30) blocks off the recess of the abutmentsurface (31) from the interior of the container when not in use.
8. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the bolt or pin-like projection (28) has at least one slot (32), extending in the axial direction, especially over the entire cross-section or diameter and opening freely into the area of the mushroom-shaped detent head (30) and that at least one part of the projection (28), disposed laterally with regard to this slot (32), is deformable radially inwards in a spring-elastic manner, that a slope (33) or similar is provided on the counter-abutment surface (31) in the area of the penetration (29) for the bolt-like projection (28) and the mushroom-like detent head (30) itself has a sloped underside (34) which, when contacting the sloped border of the penetration or hole (29), transforms the axial movement into a radial, spring-elastic deformation of at least one half of the projection (28), and that the slopes (33, 34) or angles of obliqueness, are selected so that the resultant restoring force automatically pulls back the projection (28) and hence the operating ring (13) counter to the unblocking or opening direction by a part of the movement travel (W) .
9. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that a stopper (12) is provided which covers the underside of the delivery opening (9) of the delivery ring (10) on the outside, when it is in its position of use, which can be moved out of its closed position away from the delivery opening (9) by operation of the dispensing apparatus, and that at least one latch is provided to fix the position of the delivery ring (10) where the delivery opening (9) and the dispensing opening (8) correspond with one another to release a tablet (2).
10. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the stopper (12) which covers the delivery opening (9) on the outside in its position of rest is disposed on the operating ring (13) which is relatively attached to the rotatable delivery ring (10) so as to be moveable in the axial direction, or optionally helically, and in the direction of rotation.
11. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the dispensing opening (8) is disposed in a base ring (16) which circulates, around the lower edge area of the container wall (3), in the position of use, and projects radially inwards with regard to this, and that especially a plurality of dispensing openings (8) are provided in the course of this base ring.
12. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the delivery ring has one or optionally more delivery openings (9), the spacing of which in the circumferential direction is equal or different to the spacing of the dispensing openings in the base ring.
13. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the latch which serves to fix a dispensing position, and which can be overcome, is independent of rotational position and can be engaged and disengaged in the case of any relative movement between the delivery ring (10) and the container (4) and that especially a plurality of latches are provided which engage simultaneously.
14. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the delivery ring (10) is disposed directly beneath the base ring (16 - in the dispensing position or the position of use - and the radial dimensions of the delivery ring (10) and the base ring (16) substantially correspond with one another.
15. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the deflection unit (11) has a projection (17), nub or similar retaining device, disposed approximately the width of a tablet or a tablet diameter above the delivery opening (9), for other tablets (2) disposed above the delivery opening, which projects in the radial direction at least over a partial area of the delivery opening (9).
16. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the base ring (16) which is especially connected to the container wall (3) as one piece, is interrupted and especially comprises a plurality of ring pieces, between which is disposed a spacing or an interruption, seen in the circumferential direction, wherein the respective dispensing opening (8) is formed.
17. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that at least one ring piece, preferably a plurality of ring pieces, of the base ring (16) have slots (18) which are open towards an interruption extending approximately parallel to the circumferential direction and the inwards-lying limit (18a) of the respective slot (18) in the radial direction forms a latch spring which supports a latch projection (15), preferably a latch projection (15) which projects radially inwards and/or axially, and that latch recesses (14) are disposed on the deflection unit (11) and/or on the delivery ring (10) which fit together with the latch projections (15).
18. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the deflection unit (11) which is preferably connected to the delivery ring (10) as one piece is connected to the container (4) in a manner so as to be unreleasable but rotatable and a snap connection is provided for reciprocal attachment, wherein a radial projection (19) on the deflection unit (11) extends over the base ring (16) on the inside of the upper side which faces the inside of the container.
19. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the rotational connection between the delivery ring (10) and the container (4) can be blocked in the closed position or the position of rest and can be unblocked by moving the latch (12) into the open position.
20. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that for the rotationallyfixed but axially-moveable connection between the operating ring (13) which incorporates the latch (12) and the deflection unit (11), expediently at least two ribs (21) are provided on the one part, extending especially in the axial direction, and one or more recesses or slots (22) are provided on the other part, in which the ribs (21) or similar projections engage.
21. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the rib or ribs (21) is/are connected to the operating ring (13) for the latch (12)and the recesses or slots (22) which accept the rib or ribs (21) is/are disposed on the deflection unit (11), wherein the length of the ribs (21) and the slots (22) is matched to the opening travel (W) of the latch (12).
22. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that in the starting position or position of rest of the latch (12), the rib or ribs (21) engage in counter-openings provided in the container (4), especially in dispensing openings (8) of the container (4), and can be moved out from the counter-opening or dispensing opening (8) of the container (4) by an axial movement of the part which incorporates the ribs, especially by movement of the latch (12) into the open position, preferably by movement of the operating ring (13).
23. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterised in that the operating ring (13) with the latch (12) has a centrical or cylindrical guide piece (23), especially a section of pipe, which engages from below into the deflection unit (11) of the delivery ring (10), which is open from below, and can be pushed into this in the axial direction, and that the guide piece (23) has a connection to the deflection unit (11) and/or delivery ring (10) which is effective in the axial direction, which limits the axial movement travel.
24. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterised in that for guiding the guide piece (23) in the deflection unit (11), this has a an axial downward projection (11b), in its position of use, with regard to the delivery ring (10), and has especially axially-standing side walls (24) which laterally cover the delivery area for lateral covering of the delivery opening (9) of the latch (12) in the area of the delivery opening (9), these walls preferably overlapping downward-projecting counter-webs (25) on the delivery ring (10), relative to which they can be moved in the axial direction.
25. A tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterised in that its container (4) comprises one piece and has the base ring on the bottom edge in the dispensing position, or that the container (4) is divided by a releasable connection in the area of the container wall (3), especially by a threaded connection, above which a container is disposed which especially increases or enlarges in cross-section.

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