EP1958891A2 - Dispenser for tablet-shaped objects - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser for tablets has a cylindrical magazine (2) on top of a dispensing module (7) which is rotated by hand to dispense the tablets singly. The dispensing module can have an internal spring to locate the open and shut positions with the spring as part of the plastic construction. The tables are either fed by gravity or the top closure (4) can be fitted with an axial spring to press the tables to the dispensing module enabling tablets to be dispensed in any orientation of the system.

Description

The invention relates to a dispenser for tablet-like objects.

Dispensers of the type in question are known and are used, for example, for dispensing tablet-like, corresponding disc-shaped consumables, in particular cleaning tabs.

It is a technical problem in such a donor to achieve an advantageous handling, in particular with regard to the output.

This problem is solved first and foremost by the subject of claim 1, wherein is placed on a dispenser for tablet-like objects, wherein the objects are arranged in a Vorratsraumteil one above the other and are issued at the lower end of the Vorratsraumteils, wherein further the output in the lateral direction takes place by means of rotation of a lower handling part relative to the upper pantry part. According to this embodiment, an advantageous handling for dispensing the tablet-like objects is achieved. By relative rotational displacement of the handling part relative to the pantry part of the tablet-like object is discharged laterally from the pantry part. The operation of the dispenser is done solely by rotary displacement of the handle with one hand, while the other hand holds the pantry part. The tablet-like objects piled one above the other in the reservoir part can be gradually discharged in this way. It requires this no separate mechanics within the pantry part. The tablet-like objects lie loosely in a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, ie uninfluenced by an applied force or the like in the pantry part, wherein further alignment of the objects transversely to the dispenser, in particular pantry part axis by appropriate adjustment of the storage room part inside diameter is reached to the outer diameter of the tablet-like objects. With each issue of an item, the other items in the pantry section automatically slip due to their own weight. An upper-side spring action between the uppermost, ie last dispensed, tablet-like object and a Vorratsraumteil ceiling is also possible in this context, so as to allow, for example, an output in an overhead position of the dispenser.

Furthermore, features are described which preferably have in combination with the features of claim 1 meaning, but in principle may have meaning with only some features of claim 1 or alone.

Thus, it is provided in a development of the subject invention that the handling part is returned by a spring in its initial position. The spring is tensioned in the course of the handling part-rotational movement, wherein the spring may be formed, for example, directly by constructive measures of the material, in particular plastic material of the handling part and / or the thus acting Vorratsraumteils. Alternatively, a separate spring, such as a leaf spring or a compression spring may be provided, for example, from a spring steel. The tensioned in the course of the output rotary motion spring puts the handling part back in the preferred stop-limited starting position. In this context, it is further preferred that a stop is also provided in the direction of the output rotation of the handling part.

As an advantageous possible development is given that an ejector is provided. The ejector can be moved by the rotation of the handling member for ejecting the tablet-like object.

In particular, the ejector may be a spring, so further preferably the spring returning the handling part to the starting position. Accordingly, in the course of ejecting the article, the spring is tensioned for automatic return of the handling part.

It is further preferred that the tablet-like object is moved by the rotation in an ejection ready position. From this position, a convenient removal of the object can be done. The ready position may in this case be a position in which the tablet-like object does not automatically fall out of the dispenser in particular vertical orientation of the dispenser, but rather is ready for removal. It is quite conceivable in this regard that this ready position is further selected so that the tablet-like object falls off by slightly tilting the dispenser out of the vertical. Thus, it proves to be further advantageous if the rotation exposes a radial sluice through which the tablet-like object is moved by the ejector in the ejection ready position.

In order to expose the lock outlet, the handling part is furthermore preferably displaceable relative to the storage space part along a dispenser axis. The lock exit is closed in a dispenser initial position and adjusts only after or during the rotation of the handling part. In this context, it is further preferred that the handling part is displaced relative to the pantry part along a dispenser axis in order to expose the lock exit. The lock exit preferably adjusts itself in the area of the storage space part above the displaced handling part. The handling part is correspondingly at the same time a closure part for the lock exit in the basic position of the dispenser.

The relative displacement of the handling part along the dispenser axis can be carried out upstream to a rotary movement of the handling part. A superimposed relative displacement of the handling part with the rotational movement of the same is preferred. This is achieved for example by a threaded engagement between handling part and Vorratsraumteil.

The ejector is formed in a development of the subject invention on a separately entrained by the handling part rotary member. This rotary part is correspondingly rotationally coupled to the handling part. In the context of the superimposed relative displacement of the handling part and the rotational movement of the same, it proves advantageous if the rotary member has stops which cooperate with a driver of a rotating cap of the handling part in the course of the rotational movement. The stops are in this case preferably arranged in cooperation with the driver, that by rotation of the rotary cap of the handling part first the desired linear displacement of the handling part or the rotary cap is achieved before the rotary member with the ejector arranged is rotatably taken over the driver. This ensures that, before the object to be dispensed is exposed by the ejector, the lock exit is exposed by the linear displacement of the handling part.

Also, the Vorratsraumteil has a bottom which is covered by the handling part. For this purpose, the handling part is, for example, essentially pot-shaped with an opening receiving the bottom-side portion of the storage space part. The bottom may have an open grid structure so that tablet breakage or the like may fall into the handling part having a corresponding cavity.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing, which, however, shows only two exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 1

einen entsprechenden Spender in perspektivischer Ansicht, eine erste Ausführungsform betreffend;

Fig. 2

den Spender in Explosionsdarstellung;

Fig. 3

den Fußbereich des Spenders mit einem partiell geschnitten dargestellten Handhabungsteil, eine Spendergrundstellung betreffend;

Fig. 4

ein Drehteil des Spenders in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 5

die perspektivische Darstellung des Drehteiles;

Fig. 6

eine Drehkappe des Handhabungsteils in perspektivischer Darstellung;

Fig. 7

den bodenseitigen, dem Handhabungsteil zuordbaren Fußbereich des Spenders mit Drehteil in perspektivischer Darstellung;

Fig. 8

den Vertikalschnitt durch das spenderfußseitig angeordnete Handhabungsteil mit zugeordnetem Vorratsraumteil des Spenders, die Grundstellung betreffend;

Fig. 9

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie IX-IX in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

eine der Fig. 8 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch eine Ausgabebereitschaftsstellung betreffend;

Fig. 11

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie XI-XI in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12

in perspektivischer Darstellung den partiell geschnittenen Fußbereich des Spenders nach Durchführung einer Tablettenausgabe;

Fig. 13

einen Vertikalschnitt durch den Spender in einer zweiten Ausführungsform, die Grundstellung betreffend;

Fig. 14

den Gegenstand in der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 13 in der Ausgabe-Bereitschaftsstellung;

Fig. 15

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie XV-XV in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16

eine Schnittdarstellung gemäß Fig. 15, jedoch die Tabletten-Ausgabestellung betreffend.

Hereby shows:

Fig. 1

a corresponding dispenser in perspective view, relating to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

the donor in an exploded view;

Fig. 3

the foot area of the dispenser with a partially cut handling part, concerning a donor base position;

Fig. 4

a rotating part of the dispenser in a side view;

Fig. 5

the perspective view of the rotary member;

Fig. 6

a rotary cap of the handling part in perspective view;

Fig. 7

the bottom side, the handling part assignable foot area of the dispenser with rotating part in perspective view;

Fig. 8

the vertical section through the dispenser foot side arranged handling part with associated pantry part of the donor, concerning the basic position;

Fig. 9

the section according to the line IX-IX in Fig. 8 ;

Fig. 10

one of the Fig. 8 corresponding representation, however, concerning an issue ready position;

Fig. 11

the section according to the line XI-XI in Fig. 10 ;

Fig. 12

in a perspective view of the partially cut foot area of the dispenser after performing a tablet dispensing;

Fig. 13

a vertical section through the dispenser in a second embodiment, concerning the basic position;

Fig. 14

the object in the representation according to Fig. 13 in the issue standby position;

Fig. 15

the section according to the line XV-XV in Fig. 14 ;

Fig. 16

a sectional view according to Fig. 15 , but regarding the tablet issue.

Shown and described, first with reference to Fig. 1 , a dispenser 1, which basically consists of an upper reservoir part 2 and a lower handling part 3.

As it turns out in more detail Fig. 2 results, the hollow cylinder-shaped storage space part 2 is closed on the upper side by a cover 4.

On the underside, the storage space part 2 has a bottom 5, which is connected to the storage space part 2, preferably in one piece, in a rotationally fixed manner. The bottom 5 is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a grid, so that eventual Tablet break or the like may fall into the below explained in more detail turning cap 7.

The handling part 3 is composed essentially of concentrically arranged, intermeshing rotary parts, namely the rotary cap 7 and a rotary member 6, wherein on the outside of the rotary member 6 and the bottom 5, the rotary cap 7 is formed.

By turning the rotary cap 7 is due to a displacement of the rotary cap 7 along the dispensing axis x a radial sluice 8, see. this the Fig. 7 and 10 For example, exposed and an object, here a tablet T by an ejector 9, as explained in more detail below, spent in a radial removal management board situation (see Fig. 12).

On the upper side of the rotary member 6 of the ejector 9 is mounted, formed in the embodiment also directly. It is designed to protrude freely with respect to a lower cylindrical section 10 of the rotary part 6 over a larger circumferential area. Thus, the ejector 9 retract on rotation of the rotary member 6 in a guide opening 11 of the bottom 5. This guide opening 11 leads on an arcuate path a front edge 12 of the ejector 9, which edge edge 12 actually acts as ejector immediately in the region of a center of the bottom 5 and the Vorratsraumteiles 2. Accordingly, the arc of the guide hole 11 is eccentric to the donation axis x positioned.

The guide opening 11 extends radially outward into an opening section 11 'aligned concentrically with the dispensing axis x, this by passing through a window 26 formed in a wall section 25 of the storage space housing which rises concentrically with the axis x from the bottom 5. The ejector 9 is in a basic position according to FIG the exemplary one FIGS. 8 and 9 withdrawn into the region of the opening portion 11 '. Its front edge 12 is located in the immediate vicinity of the inner wall of the wall portion 25 in the region of a peripheral edge of the window 26th

Radially on the outside of the bottom 5, a downwardly projecting skirt 13 is integrally formed, which forms one or more threads 14 outside the wall. Further, an upper stop collar 15 (see, for example, FIG Fig. 3 ) to recognize.

With the thread 14, a thread projection 16 of the rotary cap 7 cooperates. With its help, the rotary cap 7 between an upper, the lock exit 8 closing position according to Fig. 8 and a lower, the lock exit 8 opening position according to Fig. 10 to be twisted.

On the rotary cap 7 is further radially inwardly, associated with an upper peripheral edge, a stop flange 17 is formed, which comes into contact with the stop 15 in the lower position.

The overall formed with a larger diameter rotary cap 7 as it corresponds to the diameter of the storage space part 2, acts in a basic position according to Fig. 1 with a closure flange 18 which is integrally formed on the storage space part 2 immediately above the foot section of the storage space 2 having the lock exit 8 on the latter.

By rotation of the rotary cap 7, the aforementioned linear displacement of the rotary cap 7 along the axis x to release the lock exit 8 is feasible. In addition, the rotary cap 7 also acts on the rotary member 6. To turn this, suitable stops 19 and 20 are provided on the outer surface of the rotary cap 7 and a driver 21 on the facing outer side of the rotary member 6. The driver 21 is rotationally fixed to the rotary member. 6 formed while the stops 19 and 20 are rotatably formed with the rotary cap 7.

By the arrangement of driver 21 and over the circumference spaced stops 19 and 20, a freewheel is provided, which ensures that a rotational drive of the rotary member 6 takes place only in the release position of the lock exit 8, i. after axial displacement of the rotary cap 7. In the course of rotation of the rotary cap 7 in the opening direction of the stopper 20 underwent a wall outside of the rotary member 6, threaded section designed collar 27 to hit the driver 21, after which the rotary driving takes place.

By rotating the rotary member 6, the ejector 9 or its peripheral edge 12 is displaced by radially outward displacement of the tablet T through the lock exit 8 in the direction of the center of the bottom 5 or the storage space part 2. The upward in the direction of the storage room 2 facing arcuate edge of the ejector 9 supports this case in the reservoir 2 further located tablets T initially against slipping off. Only by shifting back the ejector 9, the next object or the next tablet T can move into the disc-shaped portion region on the underside of the closure flange 18, which disc-shaped portion region has a height measured in the axial direction, which corresponds approximately to the height of the tablet T, more particularly smaller as the double, measured in the axial direction thickness measurement of a tablet T.

By the radius of the opening portion 11 'is greatly different bow curvature of the guide hole 11, the ejector 9 at the same time act as a spring under construction of a spring force to return the rotary member. 6

On the other hand, the material property and stiffness can also be provided so that, for example due to friction, there is virtually no automatic tendency to return. Rather, then can be done only with voluntary rotation of the rotary cap 7, the opening and closing.

In the course of the Drehrückbewegung of the rotary member 7 is first passed with respect to the rotary member 6, a freewheel until the stopper 19 comes against the driver 21 and this entrains to retrieve the ejector 9.

As can be seen, 2 tablets T can be arranged in the reservoir with an outer diameter which coincides approximately with the inner diameter of the reservoir part 2. In the height direction, 5, 10 or more, about 15 or 20, of such tablets T may be stacked one above the other in the storage space part 2.

As can further be seen, the dispenser 1 as a whole is formed substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis x-x.

The FIGS. 13 to 16 show a second embodiment of the dispenser 1. This has a substantially same structure as the embodiment described above. The functionality is the same. Only with regard to the driver 21 and the stops 19, 20 is a variant chosen here, in which a bottom of the dispenser 1 basically downwards closing cap bottom is formed upwardly projecting into the interior of the rotary member 6 rod as a driver 21, the with stops inside the rotary part 6 formed stops 19 and 20 cooperates.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application also for the purpose of incorporating features of these documents in claims of the present application.

Claims (11)

Dispenser (1) for tablet-like objects (T), wherein the articles (T) in a Vorratsraumteil (2) are arranged one above the other and at the lower end of the Vorratsraumteil (2) are output, wherein further the output in the lateral direction by means of rotation of a lower handling part (3) takes place relative to the upper reservoir part (2). Dispenser for tablet-like objects according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the handling part (3) is returned to its original position by a spring. Dispenser for tablet-like objects according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that an ejector (9) is provided, which is moved by rotation for ejection. Dispenser for tablet-like objects according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the spring is the ejector (9). Dispenser for tablet-like objects according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that a tablet-like object (T) is brought by the rotation in an ejection ready position. Dispenser for tablet-like objects according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that by the rotation of a radial lock exit (8) is exposed. Dispenser for tablet-like objects according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the handling part (3) is displaced relative to the pantry part (2) along a dispenser axis (x) in order to expose the lock exit (8). Dispenser for tablet-like objects according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the relative displacement of the handling part (3) along the dispenser axis (x) is superimposed by the rotational movement. Dispenser for tablet-like objects according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the ejector (9) on a separately by the handling part (3) entrained rotary member (6) is formed. Dispenser for tablet-like objects according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the rotary member (6) stops (19, 20) which with a driver (21) of a rotary cap (7) of the handling part (3) in Together of the rotary motion. Dispenser for tablet-like objects according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that a bottom (5) of the pantry part (2) of the handling part (3) is covered and that the bottom (5) has an open grid structure.

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