EP2067718A1 - Tablet dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a lift element (300) for holding a tablet stack (500) during a movement of an inner pipe (200) from a dispensing position to a conveying position relative to a housing, such that the inner pipe moves opposite to the stack against a conveying direction (205). The lift element hold the stack during a reverse movement of the inner pipe, such that the stack is picked from the inner pipe and is conveyed in the conveying direction around a preset amount during each forward and reverse movements of the inner pipe, which is made of hygroscopic plastic material. An independent claim is also included for a method for withdrawing a tablet.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a dispenser for substantially flat tablets. The invention further relates to a method for removing a tablet from a dispenser for tablets. The device is adapted to receive a stack of tablets and to separate the tablets, i. individually or in a predetermined number. The tablets may be e.g. to tablet-shaped medicament preparations, other health-promoting preparations, e.g. Vitamin tablets or dietary supplements to treat tablet-shaped sweets or chewing gums, detergent tablets such as e.g. Waschmaschinentabs or Spülmaschinentabsabs act. Although the invention is not limited to a particular type of tablets. But it is particularly suitable for tablets that need to be protected against moisture and / or mechanical damage. Tablets which are to be reliably protected against mechanical damage are, above all, tablets which are present as tablets and must be consumed by patients for the purpose of healing. Vitamin supplements, which are given in the form of tablets, or medicines containing iron or iron compounds, must be regularly protected from moisture. Hereinafter, such dispensers are also referred to briefly as tablet dispensers or tablet dispensers.

State of the art

Various possibilities are known from the prior art, tablets to deliver a single tablet to a user.

Out WO 03/086901 or WO 2005/112672 are dispenser inserts or essays known for standard tablet tubes. While such an insert or attachment allows for easy separation of the tablets, the tube must be turned upside down to force the tablets into the dispenser insert by gravity. This is unsatisfactory.

This disadvantage can be avoided by providing a spring-loaded lift element in a tubular housing which pushes the stack of tablets toward the upper, open end of the housing. At the top of a removal mechanism is then provided, which makes it possible to remove each a single tablet. Examples of such solutions are in US 5,071,033 . US 5,366,112 or US 2003/0132239 specified. However, a disadvantage of such dispensers is that a spring is required which covers a very large spring area (essentially the entire height of the tablet stack). This has the consequence that tablets must first be exposed to a very large spring force and are then heavily loaded mechanically. Damage to the tablets may be the result, and in particular if, after removal of a tablet, finally, the underlying tablets are pressed with relatively great force and speed in the direction of the upper, open end. Also, a large spring pressure can cause an uppermost tablet is difficult to remove.

In US 6,230,931 a dispenser is disclosed in which a stack of tablets rests on a lift element housed in a tubular housing. The lift element is displaceable relative to the housing via a ratchet connection in the direction of a removal opening. The quick connection prevents a pushing back of the lift element against the feed direction. An actuating button for the lift element is guided outward through a longitudinal slot in the housing and allows a user to advance the lift element and thus the stack of tablets in the housing. A disadvantage of this construction is that the housing necessarily has a slot, as a result of which the housing is not air-tight and moisture-proof can be closed. Since the tablets are accessible, they can easily become dirty. The dispenser described is unsuitable for moisture-sensitive tablets such as effervescent tablets.

In US 7,204,391 It is proposed to place tablets along their peripheral edges in a first, inner tube, which is surrounded by an outer tube. The tubes are rotatable relative to each other about their common longitudinal axis. In the inner tube, a lifting element is housed, which is linearly guided on the one hand in the inner tube along the longitudinal axis of the tube, on the other hand passed through a longitudinal slot of the inner tube in a helical guide track of the outer tube. Now, when the inner tube is rotated relative to the outer tube, the lift element follows the screw path in the outer tube and is thus displaced relative to the inner tube in the direction of a removal opening of the inner tube. As a result, the lift element pushes the tablets located in the inner tube. Since the tablets are lined up along their peripheral edges, either only a few tablets can be accommodated or the tubes must be disproportionately long. Another disadvantage of this construction is that it can not easily be operated with one hand. In order to rotate the inner tube sufficiently smooth against the outer tube, also a game between the two tubes must be present. Over this air and moisture can then disadvantageously penetrate into the interior. If there is no play in such a solution, it will be very difficult to handle the dispensing device, since a correspondingly large amount of force has to be applied for the operation. Accidental rotation can cause the tablets to not be fixed by the lift element. Movements can then easily damage the tablets mechanically.

Presentation of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for dispensing tablets with improved properties and a method for removing a tablet from a dispenser. It is preferably an object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for dispensing tablets individually specify that allows the simplest possible operation in any orientation, which can be formed moisture-tight lockable and can be manufactured inexpensively.
The object is achieved in particular by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

It is therefore proposed a dispensing device for receiving a stack of tablets and for the occasional delivery of tablets of the tablet stack. The dispenser includes a housing that receives the stack of tablets. It has a removal opening which allows the removal of a single tablet or a predetermined number of tablets, for example two or three tablets. This removal opening is not necessarily limited solely by the housing, but may also be limited by other elements of the dispenser. The housing may further comprise a lid, in particular a hinged lid. The dispensing device comprises a conveying element which serves to convey the stack of tablets along a conveying direction to the dispensing opening. This conveying element can be moved back and forth relative to the housing between a delivery position (normal position / extended position) and a delivery position (activated / inserted position). The dispenser includes holding means formed as follows. During a movement of the conveying element from the delivery position into the conveying position, the holding means hold the stack of tablets relative to the housing in such a way that the conveying element shifts against the stack of tablets in the opposite direction to the conveying direction. In a return movement of the conveying element from the conveying position into the dispensing position, however, the holding means hold the stack of tablets such that the stack of tablets is carried along by the conveying element in the conveying direction. Overall, the conveying element and the holding means in interaction with the housing thus cause the stack of tablets to be conveyed by a predetermined amount in the conveying direction during each forward and backward movement of the conveying element. In particular, this predetermined amount may be the thickness of a single tablet or a predetermined number of tablets.

Such a dispenser allows a very simple operation. After a tablet has been removed from the dispensing opening, the conveyor element need only be moved relative to the housing to the conveying position and back to the dispensing position to provide a new tablet or a predetermined number of new tablets in the dispensing opening. The movement of the conveying element in the conveying position is usually done manually by the user. The return movement is preferably carried out by an elastic element described in more detail below, but may optionally be done manually. This function is independent of the orientation of the dispenser. The conveying element can readily be arranged completely within the housing, so that it is easily possible to form the dispenser moisture-tight sealable. The entire device can be inexpensively manufactured by injection molding of plastic.

In one embodiment, the stack of tablets is prevented from moving relative to the housing and / or the conveying element in discrete steps counter to the conveying direction. Within each stage, the stack of tablets is reciprocable relative to the element in question. But as soon as each next level is reached, a return movement of the tablet stack relative to the housing or with respect to the conveying element beyond this stage is no longer possible. The step spacing may correspond to the thickness of a single tablet or a predetermined number of tablets of predetermined thickness. However, it may also correspond to only a fraction of the typical thickness of a tablet, e.g. 0.5 to 2 millimeters, so that the device can be filled with tablets of different thickness. In particular, it is then possible with the device to administer tablets having a thickness which corresponds to an integer multiple of the step spacing.

In order to be able to form the moisture-tight sealable closure of the dispensing device in the sense of the present invention or to close it in a moisture-proof manner, it is sufficient for the connected or connectable parts to have no play in the connected state. If, for example, an outer tube of the dispensing device, which is part of the housing, is closed at one (upper) end with a lid, then no play or gap remains between the tube and the lid.

Preferably, the lid is positively connected to the one "upper" end of the outer tube, so as to close this upper end particularly reliable. In particular, there is then an interference fit between the cover and the outer tube so as to ensure a moisture-tight closure particularly secure. The other "lower" end of the outer tube is sealed with a moisture-proof floor. There is then no passage, gap and the like, could pass through the moisture in the interior of the dispenser.

The bottom of the housing may be a separate part which closes without clearance the other (lower) end of the outer tube. In order to provide a moisture-proof connection between the lower end of the outer tube and the floor in a particularly reliable manner, there is a press fit between the floor and the outer tube. A cohesive connection between the bottom and the lower end of the outer tube ensures even more reliable that no moisture, for example in the form of moist air can penetrate into the dispenser.
In a preferred embodiment, the holding means comprise a lifting element on which the stack of tablets rests with its proximal end (that is to say with the "lower" end opposite the opening). The lift element then cooperates with the housing such that it is movable relative to the housing along the conveying direction, for example in discrete steps as described above, while it is prevented from moving counter to the conveying direction at least in stages. Furthermore, the lift element cooperates with the conveying element in such a way that it permits a movement of the conveying element relative to the housing counter to the conveying direction, while it is entrained thereby in the conveying direction when the conveying element moves. In other words, the lift element is also movable relative to the conveying element only in the conveying direction, for example also gradually, while it is prevented at least in stages against movement relative to the conveying element against the conveying direction. In this way it can be achieved that the stack of tablets is conveyed in the forward and backward movement of the conveying element in each case by the predetermined amount in the conveying direction.

This function can be achieved by connecting the lift element to the housing cooperates via a ratchet connection, which allows movement of the lift element relative to the housing in the conveying direction and prevents stepwise against the conveying direction. For this purpose, on an inner surface of the housing a plurality of along the conveying direction successively arranged blocking elements, for example in the form of beveled in the conveying direction blocking shed, (retaining teeth) or locking cam be formed, which cooperate with at least a first latching area of the lift element such that they move the lift element allow relative to the housing in the conveying direction and prevent stepwise against the conveying direction. In order to elastically press the latching area of the lift element against the blocking elements, the lift element can be elastically deformable transversely to the conveying direction against a deformation force, and the latching area of the lift element is then pressed against the blocking elements by the deformation force. For this purpose, the lift element can have one or more slots, which run essentially along the conveying direction. Alternatively, it is also possible to design the first latching area as an elastic spring tongue, so that the lift element does not have to be deformable as a whole. In order to distribute the restraining forces better, it is also possible to provide a plurality of first latching regions on the lift element, which are arranged one behind the other along the conveying direction.

The distance between the blocking elements determines the size of the steps by which a movement of the lifting element relative to the housing is prevented stepwise against the conveying direction. As described above, this distance may correspond to the thickness of a single tablet or a plurality of tablets, or it may correspond to only a fraction of the thickness of a typical tablet. In this case, the interaction of the latching portion of the lift element with the locking elements may be configured similarly as in a cable tie.

The first latching region of the lift element can be guided through one or more slots extending essentially along the conveying direction in the conveying element. The first latching portion of the lift member then extends through the slot or slots to cooperate with the blockage sheds of the housing. In this way, the conveying element with respect to the housing and the lift element can be fix in a direction transverse to the direction of conveyance.

This embodiment of the lift element is particularly advantageous when the conveying element is substantially tubular. Preferably, the conveyor element in this case has two slots which are arranged diametrically opposite one another. Accordingly, in this case, the lifting element is preferably guided in the conveying element along the conveying direction and has two or more pairs of diametrically opposed latching areas in the form of locking cams, which extend radially through the two slots. The lift element in this case is preferably plug-like, i. it has a top wall for supporting the tablet stack and a preferably cylindrical or frusto-conical sidewall region, from which locking cams protrude radially. Preferably, the lift element tapers somewhat in the direction of the opening so as to ensure a trouble-free movement relative to the conveyor element in the intended direction in a particularly reliable manner.

Preferably, the lift element cooperates with the conveying element via a second ratchet connection, which permits movement of the conveying element relative to the lifting element against the conveying direction and causes the lifting element to be entrained by the conveying element in the conveying direction during movement of the conveying element relative to the housing. In other words, the second ratchet connection causes the lift member to be movable with respect to the conveyance member in the conveyance direction while being gradually prevented from moving in the opposite direction. For this purpose, the conveying element, for example, in turn, a plurality of locking elements, for example in the form of blocking sheds or locking cams, which cooperate with at least one second locking portion of the lift element such that they allow movement of the conveying element relative to the lifting element against the conveying direction and hinder in the conveying direction. Again, it is advantageous in this case if the lift element is elastically deformable transversely to the conveying direction against a deformation force, so as to press the second latching area by the deformation force elastically against the locking elements of the conveying element. For this purpose, slots may again be provided in the lift element, or the already mentioned slots, which allow the deformation for the first catch area, also serve to prevent the deformation for the allow second rest area. For the distance of the blocking elements of the conveying element applies above to the distance of the locking elements of the housing said accordingly. Likewise, a plurality of second latching regions arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction can also be provided here.

In particular, when the lift element is plug-shaped and guided in a tubular conveying element, the second latching region can be formed by a proximal edge of the lift element (pointing away from the removal opening), and the blocking elements can be formed on the inside of the conveying element.

In an alternative embodiment, the lift element can be guided relative to the housing in a control curve, which allows due to their shape that the lift element is taken in the conveying direction by the conveyor element, while the control cam prevents movement of the lift element relative to the housing against the conveying direction stepwise. For this purpose, the control cam may have a jagged shape, with first sections which extend at a shallow angle to the conveying direction, and with second sections, which run essentially transversely to the conveying direction. The lift element is provided with a control pin which is guided in the control cam. When the control pin is in the first sections, the lift element can be displaced in the conveying direction and reaches with the pin in the region of the second sections. As soon as the control pin is in the second section, it can no longer be moved counter to the conveying direction due to the direction of the second section. However, the fabrication of the embodiment which includes a cam is relatively expensive compared to other embodiments of the present invention.

Preferably, the conveying element is made of a moisture-absorbing (hygroscopic) plastic material, as is known from the prior art, or an inner wall of the housing may be provided with such a material. Alternatively or additionally, the lift element may have a receiving area for a drying agent. The lid may also include a desiccant. However, to be able to form a flat lid for reasons mentioned below, this is preferably at least partially also made of a moisture-absorbent plastic material. This applies in any case for the wall portions of the lid, which are located within the dispenser.

In a further alternative embodiment, the holding means may comprise a plurality of first spring tongues (elastic "folding shed"), which are arranged on an inner surface of the housing and are suitable, in such a way with the lower end of the tablet stack opposite the removal opening or with a lift element carrying the tablet stack to cooperate, that they allow a movement of the tablet stack or the lift element relative to the housing in the direction of removal opening and hinder movement against the conveying direction. In this way, a lift element can be dispensed with altogether or can be configured very simply, in particular without elastic elements, in order to cooperate with the housing. In addition, the holding means may comprise a plurality of second spring tongues / folding sheds, which are arranged on the conveying element and which are suitable for cooperating with the discharge opening of the opposite end of the stack of tablets or the lift element, that they movement of the conveying element relative to the tablet stack or the Allow lift element against the direction of conveyance and take in the direction of movement of the conveyor element in the conveying direction, the bottom tablet or lift element.

In one embodiment, the conveying element is essentially tubular, that is to say designed as a hollow cylinder. In this case, the conveying element receives the stack of tablets in its interior. The side wall (shell wall) of the conveying element can be arbitrarily broken to save material, as long as the stability of the conveying element is ensured. The conveying element preferably has a distal delivery area, which is suitable for limiting the stack of tablets in the conveying direction. For this purpose, the conveying element preferably has a corresponding top wall, which closes off the conveying element in the distal direction. In this distal dispensing area, a dispensing opening is preferably formed laterally such that a frontmost tablet of the tablet stack received in the dispensing area can be removed from the dispensing area transversely to the conveying direction by the dispensing opening.

Through a lateral removal opening is achieved that tablets are reliably removed in the desired amount, because the tablets can not fall out of the dispenser relatively uncontrolled. The lateral removal opening in the conveying element (and not in the housing) form, causes the reasons mentioned below a suitable limitation of the movement of the conveying element from the delivery position into the conveying position. Thus, it is achieved that the tablet stack is moved after removal of a tablet by the required path length by pressing the conveying element upwards, so as to prepare a next tablet for the removal.

Preferably, the conveying element from the conveying position in the removal position, ie in the conveying direction, spring-loaded. In this way, a one-hand operation is facilitated. The conveyor element is preferably arranged in this case so that it can be pressed with the thumb against the spring force in the housing. When you release the conveyor element is pressed back into the dispensing position due to the spring force.

This can be achieved by arranging a spring element between the housing and the conveying element. This spring element can in particular be arranged between a proximal end region of the conveying element and a bottom region of the housing. In a simple embodiment, the spring element comprises a first ring, a second ring and a plurality of elastic webs, which connect the rings and extend substantially within a peripheral surface inclined to the conveying direction.

The spring element and the lift element can be manufactured in one piece with each other in a simple manner and connected to each other via predetermined breaking points. The predetermined breaking points are then dimensioned such that they either break during assembly of the dispensing device, but at the latest during a first actuation of the conveying element. A common one-piece production of spring element and lift element advantageously lowers the manufacturing and assembly costs.

Instead of a spring element, a spring force can also be generated by the housing itself. For this purpose, the housing may have a bellows-like region, which is expandable with respect to the conveying direction against a spring force. The bellows-like region divides the housing into a distal portion adjacent to the withdrawal opening and a proximal portion remote from the withdrawal opening. The conveying element is then inserted into the proximal section such that the proximal section is entrained against the conveying direction when the conveying element moves in relation to the distal section, thereby expanding the bellows-like region. As a result, this area generates a restoring spring force on the conveyor element.

The tablets are basically stacked in the dispenser and fixed in this position. Mechanical damage to the tablets are thus avoided. This is especially important when it comes to accurate dosages. For example, if a tablet that serves the health of a person, mechanically damaged, a patient would take by taking the mechanically damaged tablet too low a dose. Therefore, this embodiment is mainly used for the storage of drugs that are administered in tablet form.

However, if a tablet is removed and subsequently the remaining stack of pills is not immediately displaced upward again in the direction of the removal opening or cover, the advantageous fixation is basically no longer guaranteed. This case occurs, for example, when a conveyor element must be manually operated in order to move the remaining stack of tablets suitably upwards in the direction of the removal opening. In order to avoid even this undesirable case, in one embodiment of the invention there is an upper stop adjacent to the dispensing opening and / or adjacent to the lid of the dispenser.

The stop may for example be formed annularly within the conveying element. This stop is arranged so that it is located immediately below the prepared for removal tablet. The remaining part of the stack of tablets then hits with its "upper" end against this stop and is so even in its position held when the tablet above it is removed. The risk of mechanical damage to the tablets is minimized because the tablets are kept below the stop. The elasticity and dimension of the stop is so matched to the tablets that by sufficient pressure one tablet of the tablet stack can pass the stop so as to reach the position from which this tablet can be removed.

In order to make the dispensing device simpler and cheaper, the conveying element comprises in one embodiment of the invention, two half-shells, which are assembled into a tube. The two half-shells are preferably connected to one another by positive locking. It is relatively difficult to manufacture a tube with internal blocking scales and the like. This problem is solved by manufacturing two half-shells, which can be made much simpler and thus cheaper. In order to support a secure connection between the half-shells, preferably the removal area with top wall and removal opening of the conveyor element is manufactured separately and slipped over the two assembled half-shells so that the half-shells are held together at least in addition by the separately produced removal area.

Between the various embodiments described any combinations are possible. For example, e.g. the way in which the spring force is generated, regardless of whether a lift element is present and how this is guided.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Dispensers;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht des Dispensers der Fig. 1 in Blickrichtung II-II;

Fig. 3

einen zentralen Längsschnitt durch den Dispenser der Fig. 1 in Blickrichtung II-II;

Fig. 4

einen Längsschnitt gemäss Fig. 3, aber mit geöffnetem Deckel;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Dispensers der Fig. 1 mit geöffnetem Deckel;

Fig. 6

eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht des Dispensers mit geöffnetem Deckel;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Schnittansicht des Gehäuses des Dispensers der Fig. 1;

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Ansicht des inneren Rohrs des Dispensers der Fig. 1;

Fig. 9

eine Seitenansicht des inneren Rohrs in der Blickrichtung IX-IX der Fig. 5;

Fig. 10

eine vergrösserte perspektivische Ansicht des Lifts und des Federelements des Dispensers der Fig. 1;

Fig. 11

eine weitere vergrösserte perspektivische Ansicht der Teile der Fig. 10;

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht der Teile der Fig. 10 in einer Blickrichtung, die um 90° gegenüber der Blickrichtung IX-IX verdreht ist;

Fig. 13

einen zentralen Längsschnitt durch die Teile der Fig. 10 in Blickrichtung IX-IX;

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Variante der Teile der Fig. 10;

Fig. 15

eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht der Variante der Fig. 14;

Fig. 16

einen zentralen Längsschnitt durch die Variante der Fig. 14 in Blickrichtung IX-IX;

Fig. 17

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Gehäuses eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels;

Fig. 18

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Gehäuses eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels;

Fig. 19

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Gehäuses eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels;

Fig. 20

eine vergrösserte Darstellung eines Ausschnitts eines inneren Rohrs mit Klappschuppen;

Fig. 21

einen zentralen Längsschnitt durch einen Dispenser gemäss einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel, entlang einer Schnittebene, die durch die Rastnocken des Liftelements hindurch verläuft;

Fig. 22

eine vergrösserte Detailansicht eines proximalen Endbereichs der Fig. 21;

Fig. 23

eine perspektivische Ansicht des äusseren Rohrs des Dispensers der Fig. 21;

Fig. 24

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Abschlusselements des Dispensers der Fig. 21;

Fig. 25

eine Aufsicht auf ein Liftelement;

Fig. 26

ein erster seitlicher Schnitt durch einen Ausschnitt einer Ausführungsform der Abgabevorrichtung; sowie

Fig. 27

ein zweiter seitlicher Schnitt durch einen Ausschnitt einer Ausführungsform der Abgabevorrichtung

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of a dispenser;

Fig. 2

a side view of the dispenser of Fig. 1 in viewing direction II-II;

Fig. 3

a central longitudinal section through the dispenser of Fig. 1 in viewing direction II-II;

Fig. 4

a longitudinal section according to Fig. 3 but with the lid open;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of the dispenser of Fig. 1 with lid open;

Fig. 6

another perspective view of the dispenser with the lid open;

Fig. 7

a sectional perspective view of the housing of the dispenser of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8

a perspective view of the inner tube of the dispenser of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 9

a side view of the inner tube in the direction IX-IX of Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 10

an enlarged perspective view of the lift and the spring element of the dispenser of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 11

another enlarged perspective view of the parts of the Fig. 10 ;

Fig. 12

a side view of the parts of the Fig. 10 in a direction of view, which is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the line of sight IX-IX;

Fig. 13

a central longitudinal section through the parts of Fig. 10 in the direction IX-IX;

Fig. 14

a perspective view of a variant of the parts of Fig. 10 ;

Fig. 15

another perspective view of the variant of Fig. 14 ;

Fig. 16

a central longitudinal section through the variant of Fig. 14 in the direction IX-IX;

Fig. 17

a perspective view of the housing of a second embodiment;

Fig. 18

a perspective view of the housing of a third embodiment;

Fig. 19

a perspective view of the housing of a fourth embodiment;

Fig. 20

an enlarged view of a section of an inner tube with Folding scales;

Fig. 21

a central longitudinal section through a dispenser according to a fifth embodiment, along a sectional plane passing through the locking cams of the lift element through;

Fig. 22

an enlarged detail view of a proximal end of the Fig. 21 ;

Fig. 23

a perspective view of the outer tube of the dispenser of Fig. 21 ;

Fig. 24

a perspective view of the end element of the dispenser of Fig. 21 ;

Fig. 25

a plan view of a lift element;

Fig. 26

a first side section through a section of an embodiment of the dispensing device; such as

Fig. 27

a second side section through a section of an embodiment of the dispenser

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the FIGS. 1 to 6 a first embodiment of an inventive tablet dispenser is shown. The dispenser, that is to say the dispensing device, has a housing 100 in the form of an outer tube 110 with a cover 120 integrally connected thereto via a foil hinge 121. The outer tube 110 has a cylindrical sidewall divided by a V-shaped orientation aid 116 for mounting into a first sidewall region 111 and a second sidewall region 112 of slightly smaller internal diameter. Also, the outer diameter is advantageous for the purpose of external, optical orientation aid correspondingly smaller, as out FIG. 1 is apparent. The inner wall of the outer tube thus comprises a funnel-shaped downwardly tapered guide for locking cams 302 or the like of a lift element to be used. By the leadership of the locking cams are directed to the desired position, which especially facilitates the assembly of the corresponding items of the dispenser.

The outer tube 110 is closed at the bottom by a bottom 113 and connected to this one piece and thus cohesively. At the upper end of the outer tube, an opening aid 114 is formed opposite to the film hinge 121. The cover 120 of the housing has a short, cylindrical side wall region 123 and an upper cover wall 122. Preferably, this side wall area is only as high as required in order to be able to seal the removal opening 203 of the conveying element, which protrudes in relation to the housing, in a moisture-proof manner. Thus, the height of the lid is at most only slightly higher than the height of the removal opening 203. Basically, the height of the side wall 123 is therefore greater than the thickness of a tablet and less than twice the thickness of a tablet. However, this does not apply if the tablets are much thinner compared to the height of the discharge opening. The less high the sidewall region 120 is, the more mechanically stable it is and the less is the risk of undesired leakage. It is therefore advantageously omitted in this embodiment to accommodate a desiccant in the lid, which would increase the height of the lid undesirable.

Opposite the film hinge 121, an opening aid 124 is also formed on the lid. In addition, a not shown here first opening warranty element may be formed on the cover, which is irreversibly changed or destroyed when first opening the lid and is thus suitable to indicate the integrity of the dispenser. The lid may also be designed differently than shown here and in particular have a child safety, as known from the prior art in various forms. It can also be designed as a screw cap, etc. However, a screw cap has the disadvantage that two hands are usually required to open the dispenser and close again. It is therefore preferable to use a snap-on lid, which is permanently connected to the dispenser by means of a film hinge and thus can not be lost.

In the outer tube 110, a conveying element in the form of an inner tube 200 is arranged, which is particularly well in the FIGS. 3 and 4 is recognizable. The inner tube 200 is open at the bottom. It has a substantially cylindrical side wall 201 on the outside. At the upper end of the inner tube, this is closed with a removal region 202 which partially covers the tube at the top and releases a lateral opening 203 for removing in each case one tablet 501 from a stack of tablets 500 received in the inner tube. It is ensured that there is an upper stop for the foremost tablet 501 independently of the lid, which can be removed. The risk of mechanical damage is thus further reduced. By the tube is only partially covered at the top, the top tablet can be easily reached from above and laterally pushed out easily. This is particularly advantageous if the upper tablet is clamped. Otherwise, the inner tube may be completely covered at the top, without fear of major handling disadvantages.

The inner tube 200 lies with its open lower end 207 on a spring element 400. It is longitudinally displaceable in the outer tube 110 along the common cylinder axis of the inner and the outer tube in a conveying direction 205 and counter to this conveying direction. The initial position, which is also referred to as the delivery position is the in the FIGS. 3 and 4 shown position. In this position, the inner tube 200 protrudes so far beyond the upper edge of the outer tube 110, that the removal opening 203 is laterally freely accessible. The topmost tablet 501 of this stack can be pushed laterally in the delivery position with the lid 120 open through the removal opening 203 or u. U. automatically fall out of the removal area when the dispenser is rotated with the removal opening 203 down to the horizontal.

An uppermost tablet can automatically fall out, in particular, when the annular stop 208 - also called retaining bead - is positioned so that the uppermost tablet 501 is mounted so as to be easily displaceable. This can be achieved, in particular, by leaving a minimal clearance (upwards or downwards) for the uppermost tablet 201, so that on the one hand the uppermost tablet 501 can easily fall out laterally and, on the other hand, possible movements along the longitudinal axis II-II are restricted in this way, that mechanical damage is not to be feared. The possibility, being able to use the dispenser with only one hand is better supported in this embodiment.

The inner tube can be pushed against the conveying direction 205 in the outer tube, wherein the spring element 400 is compressed and exerts a force acting in the conveying direction restoring force on the inner tube. The inner tube can be pushed against this restoring force into a second position, the so-called conveying position. When the inner tube is released, it automatically returns to the delivery position due to the return force.

In the presentation of the FIGS. 1 to 6 the hinge 121 of the lid 120 is arranged on the diametrically opposite side of the removal opening 203. Instead, another angle may be provided herebetween, in particular an arrangement of hinge and removal opening offset by 90 degrees about the conveying direction.

In the inner tube 200, a lift element 300 is guided. The lowest tablet 503 of the tablet stack 500 rests on the lift element 300.

The operation of the dispenser is as follows. If, after delivery of the topmost tablet 501, another tablet of the stack 500 is to be removed, the user presses the inner tube 200 against the spring force of the spring element 400 in the conveying position. In this case, the lift element 300 is held on the outer tube 110 such that the stack of tablets 500 remains unchanged relative to the outer tube 110 in its position. The inner tube 200 thus ultimately shifts downwards by the thickness of a tablet relative to the stack of tablets 500 until the top wall of the removal region 202 rests on the now uppermost tablet and prevents further movement of the inner tube against the conveying direction. Now, when the inner tube is released, the spring element 400 pushes the inner tube back into the dispensing position. In this case, the lift element is now taken from the inner tube 200 in the conveying direction 205. As a result, the entire stack of tablets 500 shifts upwards by the height of one tablet relative to the outer tube. The top one Tablet of the tablet stack 500 is now in turn ready for removal in the removal area 202.

The interaction of inner tube, outer tube, lift element and spring element is in the FIGS. 7 to 13 explained in more detail, which each show these elements individually.

The lift element 300 has a frusto-conical sidewall 301, which is closed at the top with a cover surface 306. In the side wall there are two opposite longitudinal slots 305, which make it possible to compress the lift element along a transverse direction which is perpendicular to the connecting line of the slots 305. This results in a deformation force F _R , as shown in the FIG. 11 is indicated. On the side wall 301 of the lift element 300 are offset by 90 ° to the slots 305 two locking cams 302 are formed. The locking cams have a sliding surface 303 which is inclined at a shallow angle to the longitudinal axis and whose distance from the central axis increases continuously downwards. At the lower end, the locking cams 302 each have a stop surface 304, the surface normal of which points essentially counter to the conveying direction.

The lift element 300 and the spring element 400 are made in common in the present example of an elastic plastic, e.g. Polyethylene (PE), manufactured. The lift element 300 is connected via narrow bridges 309 with the spring element 400, which form predetermined breaking points. During assembly or at the latest on the first actuation of the tablet dispenser break these predetermined breaking points, and the lift element is completely independent of the spring element.

The spring element consists of a lower ring 401, a thereto along the conveying direction staggered upper ring 402 and a plurality of spring bars 403 (five spring bars in the present example), which connect the two rings and inclined to the longitudinal axis. When the two rings 401, 402 of the spring element are pressed towards each other, spring forces 403 produce elastic shearing forces, which push the two rings apart again, and in this way generate a spring force. However, the spring element can also be designed differently, in particular be made of plastic, in another known manner, preferably made of plastic.

The inner tube 200 has a plurality of blocking sheds 204 on the inside of its side wall 201. Each of these blocking scales has a sliding surface, which is inclined to the longitudinal axis, so that the inner diameter of the side wall 201 in the region of this sliding surface first each upwardly (in the conveying direction) tapers, then abruptly again in the region of an upwardly facing abutment surface dilate. The lift member can slide up inside the inner tube 200 (in the conveying direction). In this case, it is slightly elastically deformed by the sliding surfaces of the blocking scales 204. As soon as the lower edge 308 of the lifting element 300 has left the region of a sliding surface and has come over the abutment surface, the lifting element widens slightly again. If an attempt is now made to push back the lifting element in the opposite direction to the conveying direction in the inner tube, the lower edge 308 of the lifting element abuts against the abutment surface of the relevant blocking block, thereby preventing it from being pushed back. As a result, the lift element can only move upwards (in the conveying direction) incrementally in the inner tube by the distance of adjacent blocking sheds.

The inner tube 200 has on opposite sides of the side wall 201 two longitudinal slots 205 through which locking cams 302 of the lift element are passed. These locking cams cooperate with blocking sheds 115, which are formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the outer tube 110. These blocking scales form a narrow strip which extends along the longitudinal direction and is slightly recessed into a groove of the side wall. The lift element 300 is longitudinally guided with the locking cams 302 in this groove and is secured against rotation in this way with respect to the outer tube.

By the locking cams 302 are guided through the slots 205 of the inner tube, and the inner tube 200 against the outer tube 110 is secured against rotation. This ensures that the removal opening of the conveyor element always remains accessible.

The orientation aid 116 contributes to the fact that the locking cams 302 reach the recessed blocking sheds 115.

Alternatively, unwanted twisting can also be ensured by a separate tongue and groove connection between the outer and inner tube, which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing device. In particular, in this case, the blocking shed may be configured, for example, annular.

The locking cams 302 have a sliding surface 303 which extends inclined to the longitudinal axis, so that the distance of the sliding surface from the central axis increases towards the bottom. At the lower end of the locking cam stop surfaces 304 are formed, which are directed substantially downwards (counter to the conveying direction). When the lift element is pushed upwards relative to the outer tube, the locking cams 302 slide with the sliding surfaces 303 over the blocking sheds 115. As a result, the lifting element is compressed against the deformation force F _R in the transverse direction. As soon as the latching cams 302 with its stop surface has passed over a blocking shed 115, it is pressed by the deformation force into the region between two successive blocking sheds. If an attempt is now made to push back the lifting element against the conveying direction, the stop surface 304 strikes an oppositely directed stop surface of the blocking shed 115, so that pushing back is prevented.

The lift element 300 is therefore both in relation to the outer tube 110 and against the inner tube 200 only gradually by the distance between two successive blocking sheds 115 and 204 in the conveying direction and blocked correspondingly stepwise against displacement in the opposite direction. In this way, it is ensured that the lift element 300 remains stationary when the inner tube 200 is pressed into the outer tube 110 with respect to the outer tube, so that the inner tube 200 shifts in relation to the stack of tablets counter to the conveying direction by the thickness of a tablet. It is further ensured that the lift element is taken along by the return movement of the inner tube of this in the conveying direction by the thickness of a tablet. The thickness of a tablet corresponds exactly to this Distance between two successive blocking sheds 115 and 204. In this way, the tablet stack is promoted in each back-and-forth movement of the inner tube by the thickness of a tablet in the conveying direction.

However, the blocking sheds may also have a distance corresponding to only an integer fraction of the thickness of a tablet. In this case, the locking cam of the lift element slides in the promotion of a tablet over several locksheds away. This makes it possible to use the same dispenser for tablets of different thickness. In addition, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of locking cams arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction on the lifting element in order to better distribute the restraining forces.

In a variant of this first embodiment, the lift element can additionally be designed as a holder for a desiccant, as shown in FIGS FIGS. 14 to 16 is shown. For this purpose, the lift element has an annular receiving region 310, in which a cylindrical tablet or a granulate of a desiccant 311 is received. The desiccant is held in the receiving area 310 by a holding plate 312, which can be made of gas-permeable cardboard, for example. In order to allow a gas exchange between the desiccant 311 and the area of the tablet stack, the top wall 306 of the lift element in this embodiment has a plurality of through-openings 307.

Alternatively or additionally, the inner tube 201 can be formed from a plastic composite material which itself has moisture-absorbing (hygroscopic) properties, for example a molecular sieve-like material. Such a plastic material is, for example, in WO 97/032663 disclosed. To produce the inner tube of a moisture-absorbing material advantageously causes the interior to be kept homogeneously dry. The tablets are accordingly homogeneously protected from moisture. In addition, since the tablets are kept stacked in position, this will additionally ensure that tablets are not protected differently from moisture with varying degrees of success.

A second embodiment of the present invention is in FIG. 17 illustrating the housing 100 'of a correspondingly designed tablet dispenser. The same parts are provided below with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the spring element 400 described above is replaced by a bellows-type region 117 in the region of the side wall of the housing, which subdivides the housing into a distal section and a proximal section 118 adjacent to the bottom 113. The inner tube 200 is configured in a similar manner to the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, there is again a lift member which, in the same way as in the first embodiment, cooperates with the blocker sheds 115 of the housing and barrier sheds of the inner tube, so that the lift element is thick both in the inner tube and the outer tube a tablet is displaceable in the conveying direction, while it is blocked against displacement against the conveying direction. In the dispensing position, the inner tube is in this embodiment with its lower end on the bottom 113 of the outer tube. If now the inner tube is pressed counter to the conveying direction of the delivery position in the conveying position, it pulls the bellows-like portion 117 apart against an elastic restoring force. This elastic restoring force causes, in this embodiment, the inner tube 200 returns to the release position after releasing. However, this embodiment requires a comparatively complicated production and is therefore less preferable.

A third embodiment is in Fig. 18 which, in turn, shows the housing 100 "of a dispenser, where the lifting element is guided on the housing via two diametrically opposite control cams 130. For this purpose, the lifting element has two corresponding control pins which engage in the control cam , with sections that are inclined at approximately 45 ° to the longitudinal axis, and with sections that extend transversely to the longitudinal axis, where the inner tube is again configured in a similar manner to the first two embodiments Control pins are fixed in the transverse sections of the control cam. As the inner tube moves back, it slides along a sloping section Section taken and passes with the control pin in the next transverse section. To ensure this, the inner tube may be fixed in the proximal housing area in such a way that, during the return movement, a torque is produced on the inner tube and thus on the lift element, which presses the lift element into the transverse sections. Of course, the embodiment with control cam can also be realized with a spring element 400 instead of a bellows-like design on the housing.

In a fourth embodiment, as in the Figures 19 and 20 is illustrated, a lift element can be completely eliminated. In this embodiment, a plurality of spring tongues (folding shed) 140 are arranged on the inner surface of the side wall of the housing, which project in the relaxed position of the inner wall obliquely upwards (distally) and inwardly inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis. This is in the Fig. 19 shown. Corresponding spring tongues 210 are also arranged on the inside of the side wall of the inner tube 200 'and oriented in the same manner as shown in the enlarged view of the inner tube 200' in the Fig. 20 is recognizable. The tablets of the tablet stack 500 can slide over these spring tongues 140 and 210 in the conveying direction. They press the spring tongues 140 and 210 against an elastic force to the outside. As soon as the respective lower tablet of the tablet stack has slid over a spring tongue, this folds into the relaxed position due to its spring force and now lies with its upper end on the underside of the lowermost tablet. In this way it prevents the bottom tablet from being pushed back.

The further operation of this embodiment corresponds to the operation of the first embodiment: the inner tube is in turn pressed against the spring force of a spring element in the outer tube from the delivery position into the delivery position. During this push-in movement, the tablet stack remains stationary relative to the outer tube because of its engagement with the folding shed 130 of the outer tube. When you release the inner tube of this is pressed back by the spring element back into the dispensing position and takes it due to the engagement of the folding shells / spring tongues of the inner tube with the stack of tablets with this and thereby overall promotes the stack of tablets up to the thickness of a single tablet.

Of course, in this embodiment, a lift element can be used, which is formed in the simplest case as a flat, round disc with the diameter of a single tablet and on which the bottom tablet rests. In this case, this lift element acts together with the folding scales / spring tongues instead of the lowermost tablet. Of course, also in this embodiment, a bellows-like region may be formed on the housing as in the second or third embodiment, which acts as a spring element. Also in this variant, the inner tube may be formed of a moisture-absorbing plastic material.

In the embodiments illustrated above, the outer tube or housing has a fixed bottom 113. The filling therefore necessarily takes place from above through the area of the lid. In particular, the inner tube and possibly the lift and the spring element must be introduced from above into the outer tube. In this case, either aids are necessary to be able to insert the lift or the stack of tablets into the outer tube (eg to press in the locking elements or folding sheds), or these parts can be designed so that the lift or the stack of tablets at least in the heated state can be inserted from above with suitable force application in the outer tube.

However, the filling is simpler if the outer tube is initially open at the bottom and is closed at the lower end only after filling. In this case, the outer tube, the lid, and a first-opening indicator (e.g., a guarantee band) may be integrally molded with each other, in particular.

Such an embodiment is in the FIGS. 21 to 24 exemplified. The outer tube 110 of the housing 100 '''' in this embodiment is open at its proximal end 119 and has in this area on its inner surface, for example, one or two circumferential annular grooves, which serve as locking grooves for a proximal end element (Bottom cap) 150 serve. The bottom cap 150, which in the Fig. 24 shown alone, has a bottom 151 and an outer circumferential, short side wall 152. On the outside of the side wall, for example, one or two circumferential webs are formed, which cooperate with the locking grooves in the outer tube such that the closing element 150 is securely held in the outer tube 110 positively after it has been inserted into the outer tube for the first time. From the region of the bottom 151 bounded by the side wall 152, a bellows-like region 153 projects upwards, which ends at its upper (distal) end on a receiving ring 154 into which the complementarily configured lower end 207 of the inner tube protrudes. As a result, the bellows-like portion 153 in this embodiment replaces the spring member of the first embodiment. Instead, however, may of course also be provided in this embodiment with an open proximal end a separate spring element, or the housing may itself be provided with a bellows-like area, as in the embodiment of Fig. 18 the case is.

In order to facilitate assembly, the proximal end element can also be made in one piece with the lift element. Alternatively, the inner tube can be made in one piece with the spring element and separated from the housing. If the closure element is integrally connected to the lift element, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing technology, there is a predetermined breaking point between the proximal closure element and the lift element. It may also be an integral production of proximal end element, spring element and be provided with the spring element via a predetermined breaking point associated lift element so as to achieve manufacturing and / or assembly advantages.

In this embodiment, the filling takes place from the proximal side. After completion of the filling, the closing element 150 is pressed into the outer tube and then remains fixed by the connection between annular grooves and webs in the outer tube.

It is not mandatory, but advantageous, to connect the lower end of the outer tube 100 '''' by positive engagement with the ground. Regardless of whether through Positive fit or for example alone or supplementally by adhesion and / or by gluing, welding, etc., the bottom 150 is connected to outer tube 100 '''', it is in any case advantageous to ensure a moisture-tight closure. The minimum requirement for this is that no play remains in the connection between bottom 150 and outer tube 100 "". Advantageously, there is at least one press fit, or the bottom is connected to the lower end of the outer tube cohesively, for example by welding, so as to connect particularly moisture-proof.

Although it was known in the art how tablets in dispenser can be protected from moisture. But he was no way known, as is possible with a dispensing device in which, for example by means of a lift element tablets can be transported individually in the direction of removal opening.

• Gehäuse: Polypropylen (PP) oder Polyethylen (PE)
• inneres Rohr: PP, PE oder feuchtigkeitsabsorbierendes Composite
• Lift/Federelement: PP oder PE

The individual elements of the dispenser are preferably made of the following materials by injection molding, but other materials are also possible:

• Housing: Polypropylene (PP) or Polyethylene (PE)
• inner tube: PP, PE or moisture-absorbing composite
• Lift / spring element: PP or PE

The FIGS. 25 to 27 show a further particularly preferred embodiment of the lift element 300. Instead of existing plastic locking cams project on both sides of the two ends of a preferably made of spring steel, flat, elastic element 600, as the top view of a lift element in FIG. 25 clarified. The two ends are bent downwards towards the outside, like the FIG. 26 illustrated. In FIG. 26 will be a lateral cut through the in FIG. 25 shown lift element shown. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the two ends of the preferably made of spring steel element 600 biased against preferably smooth inner wall portions of the outer tube. If there are a first wall portion 111 and a second wall portion 112 for the reasons mentioned above, the ends of the preferably made of spring steel flat element 600 abut against the inner wall portions 111, as partial in FIG. 26 will be shown. The lift element is as described above inside an inner tube 200, which in FIG. 26 however not visible. The ends of the preferably spring steel flat element 600 extend through two longitudinal slots of the inner tube. Since the ends of the preferably made of spring steel element 600 are bent down as shown, it is possible without bias despite bias, the lift element in the manner described to move upwards in the direction of removal opening. However, the lift member 300 does not shift downwardly as the ends cling to the adjacent inner wall portion.

Although steel is more expensive than plastic. However, a production of blocking shed 115 or the like can now be omitted, whereby the production of the outer tube can be cheapened. The essential advantage of this embodiment is then that the lift element can be moved upwards relative to the outer tube in a stepless manner and held in any desired position, so that an opposite movement is prevented. This creates a prerequisite for accommodating and removing tablets of any desired size in the dispenser as long as they fit through the dispensing opening.

In addition, there is another, preferably made of spring steel, flat, elastic element 601, the two ends also protrude laterally from the lift element and are bent downwards. These two ends are biased against inner wall portions of the inner tube 200, as shown FIG. 27 is apparent. FIG. 27 corresponds to the illustration FIG. 26 , However, a section rotated by 90 ° (rotation about a longitudinal axis) is shown here. These inner wall regions are also preferably smooth, that is not provided in the manner described above with barrier scales and the like. If the inner tube serving as a conveying element is then pressed from the dispensing position into the conveying position, then the lifting element 300 moves relative to the inner tube in the direction of the removal opening. This relative movement is enforced because the lift element is not moved downwardly for the aforementioned reasons relative to the outer tube. If, subsequently, the inner tube is moved into the dispensing position, the lifting element will not move relative to the inner tube for the reasons stated. However, the lift element becomes relative to the outer tube moved upwards towards the lid. This movement of the lift element together with locking is infinitely possible. It is therefore no longer necessary, in contrast to the aforementioned embodiments, to tune the dispensing device to the thickness of tablets used.

The flat elements 601 preferably protrude less far laterally than the flat elements 600, as they only have to extend to inner wall portions of the inner tube and not to inner wall portions of the outer tube. Preferably, the flat element 600 includes right angles with the flat member 601 so as to minimize the risk of interference during use. Instead of only two flat elements 600 and 601, a larger number of flat elements can be provided, which are then preferably arranged in a star shape. However, this solution is basically more expensive to manufacture. Instead of a flat element 600 or 601, whose ends protrude laterally, according to downwardly facing spring tongues may be attached to the lift element, which preferably also consist of spring steel.

Although it is cheaper to provide no blocking shed and the like on inner walls. This does not mean, however, that any form of lockshed at the in the FIGS. 25 to 27 shown embodiment must be omitted. Thus, for example, very small dimensioned barrier scales can be provided, which have a distance from one another, which is substantially smaller compared to the thickness of tablets provided. By the distance between two barrier sheds is chosen small, so for example, less than 1/3 of the thickness of a tablet located in the dispenser, an approximation to the case of stepless movement and locking of the lift element is achieved. The smaller the distance between the blocking shed, the better this approximation succeeds, with the consequence that the production of the dispensing device does not have to be matched to the thickness of tablets provided. It can then be dispensed with a material which has comparable properties as spring steel.

The two elements 600 and 601 need not necessarily be made of steel, if the inner walls are not provided with blocking shed and the like. It is also possible to choose a material with which the same described effects can be achieved. It is particularly important that the material behaves sufficiently elastic, so that despite bias a movement of the lift element in the direction of the lid or removal opening is possible. On the other hand, the material is to be selected so that the lift element is able to move in the direction of the removal opening relative to the outer or inner tube and the movement in the opposite direction is preferably prevented or at least sufficiently hindered.

Also, the shapes of the elements 600 and 601 may vary as long as the desired effects described above are achieved.

A variety of other modifications are possible, and the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments shown here. For example, the conveying element does not need to be tubular as in the examples described above, but may also have another shape which ensures sufficient power transmission from the top to the bottom. While it is preferred that the conveyor element at least partially surrounds the stack of tablets, this is not mandatory for the function, and arrangements are also conceivable in which the conveyor element is arranged, for example, only rod-shaped or partially cylindrical on a single side of the tablet stack or only along two opposite sides of the tablet stack. The shape of the housing is readily adaptable to different needs, and the housing in no way needs to have a tubular shape. In particular, a different shape than the circular cylindrical basic shape shown above is conceivable, for example a shape with a square inner cross section. A variety of other variants are possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100, 100 ', 100 ", 100' '', 100 '' ''

Housing (outer shell)

110

outer tube

111

first sidewall area

112

second sidewall area

113

ground

114

opening aid

115

blocking scales

116

guidance

117

bellow

118

proximal section

119

proximal (lower) end region

120

snap-on lid

121

film hinge

122

top wall

123

Side wall

124

opening aid

125

Stop for tablet stack

130

guide curve

140

Folding scales (spring tongues)

150

proximal end element (bottom cap)

151

ground

152

Side wall

153

bellows area

154

receiving ring

200, 200 '

Conveying element (delivery pipe, inner pipe)

201

Side wall

202

Removal area with top wall

203

removal opening

204

blocking scales

205

conveying direction

206

slot

207

lower end (proximal end region)

208

retaining bead

210

spring tongues

300

lift element

301

Side wall

302

locking cams

303

sliding surface

304

stop surface

305

slot

306

cover surface

307

opening

308

lower edge

309

Breaking point

310

reception area

311

desiccant

312

retaining plate

400

spring element

401

lower ring

402

upper ring

403

spring Bars

500

stack of tablets

501

foremost tablet

502

second leading tablet

503

posterior tablet

600

made of spring steel, flat element

601

made of spring steel, flat element

Claims (39)

1. dispensing device for receiving a stack of tablets (500) and for the singled dispensing tablets (501) the stack of tablets, said dispenser comprising: a housing (100, 100 ', 100'',100''') receiving the stack of tablets (500); a removal opening (203) for withdrawing each one tablet (501) or a predetermined number of tablets; such as a conveying element (200) movable relative to the housing in order to convey the stack of tablets (500) along a conveying direction (205) to the removal opening (203), characterized,
that the conveying element (200) relative to the housing between a delivery position and a conveying position back and forth, and
are that holding means are present, which are designed to hold the stack of tablets (500) upon movement of the conveying element (200) from the dispensing position to the transport position in such a way relative to the housing, that the conveying element (200) against the stack of tablets (500) against the conveying direction (205) shifts, and the tablet stack (500) in a return movement of the conveying element (200) from the conveying position to the dispensing position relative to the conveying element (200) to hold that the tablet stack (500) from the conveyor element (200) in the Conveying direction (205) is taken, so that the tablet stack (500) is promoted in each forward and backward movement of the conveying element by a predetermined amount in the conveying direction. 2. Dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the holding means comprise a lift element (300), on which the tablet stack (500) at its the removal opening (203) opposite the proximal end (502) rests and which with the housing (100, 100 '; 100 ") is cooperable with respect to the housing along the conveying direction (203) while it is moving is prevented from moving with respect to the housing (100, 100 ', 100 ") in the opposite direction to the conveying direction (203) and which cooperates with the conveying element (200) in such a way that it moves the conveying element (200) relative to the housing (300). against the conveying direction (205) permits and in a movement of the conveying element (200) in the conveying direction (205) is taken from the conveying element (200). 3. A dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the lift element (300) with the housing (100; 100 ') via a first ratchet connection (115, 302) co-operates which a movement of the lift member (300) relative to the housing (100; 100') in the conveying direction (205) permits and prevents against the conveying direction. 4. Dispensing device according to claim 3, wherein on an inner surface of the housing (100, 100 ') a plurality of blocking sheds (115) are formed, which cooperate with at least a first latching region (302) of the lifting element (300) such that they move the lift element (300) relative to the housing (100) in the conveying direction allow (205) and hinder against the conveying direction. 5. Dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the lift element (300) transversely to the conveying direction (205) is elastically deformable against a deformation force, and wherein the at least one first latching portion (302) of the lift element (300) by the deformation force (F _R ) elastically against the blocking shed (115) is pressed. 6. Dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one first latching area is designed as an elastic spring tongue. 7. A dispenser according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the conveyor element (200) has a slot (206) which extends substantially along the conveying direction (205), and wherein the first latching region of the lift element through the slot (206) to cooperate with the blocking sheds (115). 8. Dispensing device according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the lift element (300) with the conveying element (200) via a second ratchet connection (204, 308) cooperates, which movement of the conveying element (200) relative to the lifting element (300) opposite Conveying direction allows and which causes the lift element (300) with a movement of the conveying element (200) relative to the housing (100, 100 ') in the conveying direction by the conveying element (200) is entrained. 9. A dispenser according to claim 8, wherein the conveying element (200) has a plurality of blocking sheds (204) which cooperate with at least one second latching area (308) of the lift element (300) such that it moves the conveying element (200) relative to the Allow lift element against the direction of conveyance and hinder in the conveying direction. 9. A dispenser according to claim 8, wherein the lift element (300) is elastically deformable transversely to the conveying direction against a deformation force, and wherein the at least one second latching portion (308) by the deformation force is elastically pressed against the blocking sheds (204) of the conveying element. 10. Dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the lift element (300) relative to the housing (100 ") in a control cam (130) is guided, which allows due to their shape that the lift element (300) in the conveying direction by the conveyor element (200) entrained while hindering movement of the lift member (300) relative to the housing (100 ") against the direction of conveyance. 11. A dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the control cam (130) has a serrated shape, with first portions which extend at a shallow angle to the conveying direction, and second portions which are substantially transversely to the conveying direction. 12. Dispensing device according to one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the lift element (300 ') has a receiving area (310) for a desiccant (311). 13. Dispensing device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding means comprise a plurality of first spring tongues (140) which are arranged on an inner surface of the housing (100 ''') and are suitable, in such a way with the removal opening (203). to cooperate opposite end of the stack of tablets or a tabletop-carrying lift element that they allow movement of the tablet stack or the lift element relative to the housing (100 ''') in the conveying direction and prevent against the conveying direction. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the retaining means further comprises a plurality of second resilient tongues disposed on the conveyor element and adapted to cooperate with the end of the tablet stack or lift element opposite the dispensing opening to oppose movement of the conveyor element allow the stack of tablets or the lifting element against the conveying direction and take with the movement of the conveying element in the conveying direction the tablet lying behind or lift element. 15. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying element (200) is substantially tubular and is adapted to at least partially receive the stack of tablets (500). 16. Dispensing device according to claim 15, wherein the conveying element has a distal delivery region (202) which is suitable for delimiting the stack of tablets in the conveying direction, and in which the removal opening (203) is formed such that a foremost tablet () received in the delivery region ( 501) of the tablet stack (500) transversely to the conveying direction (205) through the Removal opening (203) from the delivery area (202) can be removed. 17. Dispensing device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the conveying element (200) has in its side wall region at least one substantially along the conveying direction extending longitudinal slot (206) through which the holding means at least partially protrude. 18. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying element (200) is spring-loaded from the conveying position into the dispensing position. 19. A dispenser according to claim 18, which comprises a spring element (400) which is arranged between the housing (100) and the conveying element (200). 20. Dispensing device according to claim 19, wherein the spring element (400) between a removal opening opposite the proximal end portion (207) of the conveying element (200) and a bottom portion (113) of the housing (100) is arranged. 21. Dispensing device according to claim 20, wherein the spring element (400) has a first ring (401), a second ring (402) and a plurality of connecting the rings, inclined to the conveying direction, elastic webs (403). 22. Dispensing device according to one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the spring element (400) and the lift element (300) are made in one piece with each other and are connected to each other via predetermined breaking points (309). 23. A dispenser according to claim 18, wherein the housing (100 ') has a bellows-like region (117) which is expandable with respect to the conveying direction against a spring force and the housing in one of the removal opening subdivided adjacent distal portion and a proximal portion (118) remote from the withdrawal opening, and wherein the conveying element (200) is inserted into the proximal portion such that the proximal portion (118) in a movement of the conveying element (200) relative to the distal portion is taken against the conveying direction and thereby the bellows-like region (117) is expanded. 24. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying element (200) is made of a hygroscopic plastic material. 25. Dispensing device preferably according to one of the preceding claims with a moisture-proof sealed interior for receiving tablets (500, 501), characterized by a transport means (117, 140, 200, 210, 300, 400) for the transport of tablets to a removal opening (203) the dispenser. 26. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims with a continuously in the direction of removal opening (203) movable lift element, and with means (600, 601) for continuously obstructing the lift element (300) in the opposite direction. 27. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a lift element (300) with two spring steel elements (600, 601) or four spring tongues is provided, the ends of which are bent downwardly away from the removal opening of the dispenser to the outside and under Pretension on inner wall portions of the dispenser abut. 28. A dispenser according to the preceding claim, wherein the inner wall areas are smooth. 29. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, with means which prevent rotation of the housing relative to the conveying element. 30. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, with a bottom (113) of the housing of the dispensing device, which is connected to an outer shell (100 '''') by positive engagement, adhesion and / or adhesive. 31. Dispensing device, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with means (140, 210, 208, 300) for fixing the tablets of the tablet stack (500), which are located below a preferably lateral removal opening (203). 32. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims with an upper stop (208) for the part of the tablet stack (500), which does not comprise a prepared for a removal tablet (501). 33. Dispensing device according to the preceding claim, wherein the stop (125) is arranged so that one or more located above the stopper tablets (501) are held with play within the dispenser. 34. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims with a lid (120) which is only as high as necessary in order to close a discharge opening (203) moisture-proof and in particular does not comprise a drying agent. 35. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims with medicaments contained therein in tablet form, wherein the medicaments preferably comprise iron or iron compounds. A method for withdrawing a tablet located in a dispenser by placing tablets in the dispenser by means of a lift element (300) are transported in the direction of the lid (120) and subsequently a tablet (501) is removed. 37. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein a conveying element (205) of the dispensing device moves back and forth and thereby the lifting element is transported in the direction of the lid. 38. The method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the dispenser is sealed moisture-proof and a lid (120) of the dispensing device is opened for the purpose of removing a tablet.

Images