JP2020522371A - Pill dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A tablet dispenser (10) is provided. The tablet dispenser (10) comprises a body (11) having a base (11a) for positioning on the base in use. The body (11) has at least two tablet drop channels (12) extending in a direction of an angle (β) with respect to a base surface formed by the base (11a) and at least two arranged in superposition with respect to the base (11a). A support structure (13) for housing one tablet cartridge unit (15). Each tablet cartridge unit has an opening (158) which allows tablets from the associated tablet cartridge unit (15) to be released by gravity into the tablet drop channel (12). Enabling, each tablet cartridge unit (15) is inclined at an angle (α) with respect to the base plane. [Selection diagram] Figure 2a

Description

The present invention relates generally to medical dispensers, and more particularly to tablet cartridges and to personal or hospital multiple cartridge medical tablet dispensers.

Medical tablet dispensers are used in clinics and home care to improve medication compliance and monitoring. Compliance is improved only by allowing the patient to formulate the correct amount and type of tablets based on the dosing regimen accessible to the medical tablet dispenser. Since many patients require several types of medication, there is a need to provide a medical tablet dispenser that can dispense different types of medication from a single tablet dispenser.

While many solutions are known, typically such multiple tablet type dispensers are mechanically rather complex to allow different types of tablets to be dispensed from a single unit. Is.

An improved tablet dispenser unit that is less complex than conventional units and provides improved robustness would be advantageous.

It is an object of the invention to at least alleviate the above problems.

According to an aspect, a tablet dispenser is provided. The tablet dispenser unit comprises a body having a base for positioning on the base during use. The body comprises tablet drop channels extending in an angle to the base surface formed by the base. Furthermore, the body comprises a support structure for accommodating at least two tablet cartridge units arranged in superposition with respect to the base, each tablet cartridge unit having an opening, the opening comprising an associated tablet cartridge unit. Allows the tablets from to be released by gravity into the tablet drop channel, each tablet cartridge unit tilted at an angle to the base surface.

According to another aspect, a tablet cartridge unit is provided. The tablet cartridge unit comprises a compartment member having a cylindrical coversheet having an inner wall disposed therein, and a plurality of flexible flanges disposed on the cylindrical coversheet between an outer boundary of the coversheet and an inner wall. Further, the tablet cartridge unit comprises an associated socket for receiving a compartment member in use, the socket comprising a cylindrical socket base plate and an outer wall extending at least partially along an outer boundary of the socket base plate, the outer wall covering the cover. Having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the seat, allowing the socket to surround the compartment member in use, two adjacent flanges, an inner wall, a cover sheet, an outer wall, and a socket base plate hold at least one tablet To form a tablet compartment. The socket base plate comprises means for removably attaching the cylindrical inner wall of the associated compartment member to the socket, the compartment member allowing rotational alignment of each tablet compartment and opening when attached. So that it can rotate with respect to the socket.

The above as well as additional objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. ..

FIG. 6 shows isometric views from different perspectives of the tablet dispenser provided herein. FIG. 6 shows isometric views from different perspectives of the tablet dispenser provided herein. FIG. 6 shows an isometric view from different perspectives of the tablet dispenser provided herein with the outer cover removed. FIG. 6 shows an isometric view from different perspectives of the tablet dispenser provided herein with the outer cover removed. FIG. 6 shows an isometric view from different perspectives of the tablet dispenser provided herein with the outer cover removed. FIG. 6 shows an isometric view from different perspectives of the tablet dispenser provided herein with the outer cover removed. FIG. 6 shows isometric views from different perspectives of the tablet cartridge unit provided herein. FIG. 6 shows isometric views from different perspectives of the tablet cartridge unit provided herein. FIG. 4 shows isometric views from different perspectives of the tablet cartridge unit of FIGS. 3a and 3b when attached and assembled to the cartridge receiving member of the associated support structure. FIG. 4 shows isometric views from different perspectives of the tablet cartridge unit of FIGS. 3a and 3b when attached and assembled to the cartridge receiving member of the associated support structure. FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of an alternative socket for the tablet cartridge unit of FIGS. 3a-4b. FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of an alternative socket for the tablet cartridge unit of FIGS. 3a-4b. FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of an alternative socket for the tablet cartridge unit of FIGS. 3a-4b. FIG. 6 shows isometric views of the bottom of the tablet dispenser unit at different stages as the cup is introduced into the tablet dispenser unit. FIG. 6 shows isometric views of the bottom of the tablet dispenser unit at different stages as the cup is introduced into the tablet dispenser unit. FIG. 6 shows isometric views of the bottom of the tablet dispenser unit at different stages as the cup is introduced into the tablet dispenser unit.

With reference to Figures 1a and 1b, a tablet dispenser 10 is provided. The tablet dispenser comprises a body 11 having a base 11a for positioning on the base in use. The body 11 comprises a tablet drop channel 12 extending in the direction of an angle β with respect to the base surface formed by the base 11a. In normal use, the base surface is aligned with the horizontal upper surface of a table or desk, for example, and the tablet drop channels extend along a direction having a component along the vertical axis of said surface. The main body 11 further includes a support structure 13 that accommodates at least two tablet cartridge units 15 that are arranged to overlap each other with respect to the base 11a. Each tablet cartridge unit is provided with an opening 158, which allows tablets stored in the tablet compartment of said tablet cartridge unit 15 to be expelled by gravity into the tablet drop channel 12. To do. For this purpose, each tablet cartridge unit 15 is inclined at an angle α with respect to the base surface. Therefore, both the drop channel and the tablet cartridge unit are respectively arranged at an angle with respect to the base surface.

Preferably, the tilt angle α of each tablet cartridge unit with respect to the base surface is less than the angle β between the extension of the drop channel and the extension of the base surface, as perhaps best seen with respect to the cross-sectional view of FIG. In some situations, the extension of the tablet drop channel is located approximately orthogonal to the base surface. As seen in Figures 2a to 2d, the cover of the body has been removed to better show the internal structure of the tablet dispenser.

As seen at the bottom of FIG. 1b, the tablet dispenser has an optional communication interface such as Ethernet, a USB to connect the tablet dispenser to an external device for external monitoring, remote update of dosing schedule, etc. A power connector including may be provided. Also, as seen in FIG. 1a, a display and dispense button for providing useful information to the user may be provided on the tablet dispenser unit. 3a to 4b, each tablet cartridge unit 15 comprises a compartment member 151 having a cylindrical cover sheet 152 with an inner wall 153 disposed therein. A number of flexible flanges 154 are disposed on the cylindrical coversheet 152 between the outer boundary of the coversheet 152 and the inner wall 153. Accordingly, the flange 154 extends radially from the inner wall 153 toward the outer boundary of the cover sheet 152, as best seen in the upper portion of Figure 3a. Moreover, each tablet cartridge unit 15 further comprises an associated socket 155 for removably receiving the compartment member 151 prior to use. The socket 155 comprises a cylindrical socket base plate 156 and an outer wall 157 extending at least partially along the outer boundary of the socket base plate 156. The opening 158 may be provided in a portion of the outer wall 157, as best shown in Figures 3a and 3b. The outer wall 157 has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the cover sheet 152 and allows the socket 155 to surround the compartment member 152 during assembly. A tablet compartment for holding at least one tablet when assembled is formed between two adjacent flanges 154, inner wall 153, cover sheet 152, outer wall 157, and socket base plate 156. Since the compartment member 151 comprises a number of flanges 154, several tablet compartments are formed in the space between the compartment member 151 and the respective socket 155 when assembled.

Each tablet cartridge unit may be pre-filled with tablets, for example before reaching the end customer. Each tablet cartridge unit may be pre-filled by placing the tablet in the associated space between the two flanges 154 of the compartment member 151 and, when complete, gently pressing the associated socket 151 onto the compartment member. The cartridge is assembled. Identification means indicating the type of tablet in the tablet cartridge unit, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), an ID tag, a label, or the like may be provided outside the outer wall 157. Such identification means may be read before using the tablet dispenser so that the tablet dispenser knows the type of medication stored in each tablet cartridge unit. The identifying means, eg, QR code, may include information such as patient ID, drug ID, tablet volume, drug start/end date, cartridge serial number, and the like.

As seen in Figures 3a and 3b, the inner wall 153 may be cylindrical in shape. The socket base plate 156 comprises means 159 for releasably attaching the inner wall 153 of the associated compartment member 151 to the socket 155. In this way, the compartment member 151, when assembled, can rotate with respect to the socket 155 to allow rotational alignment of each tablet compartment and opening 158 in use.

Means 159 for removably attaching the inner wall 153 to the socket, as seen in FIGS. 3a and 3b, are provided, for example, in the socket 155 which engages a flange 1531 extending radially from the inner wall 153 of the compartment member 151. A snap lock or clamp 159 may be included.

The cover sheet 152 includes a cylindrical ridge pattern 41 provided on the side opposite to the inner wall 153, and a flexible flange 154. The cylindrical ridge pattern has one engaging surface 411 for each tablet compartment. Therefore, the number of engagement surfaces 411 is equal to the number of flanges 154 of the compartment member 151. In use, each engagement surface 411 is arranged to receive a force, eg, from a spring-biased telescoping pusher member (25), as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, with a compartment member 151 associated therewith. It is adapted to rotate with respect to the socket 155 and aligns the opening 158 with the next tablet compartment in the order of the tablet cartridge unit.

The socket base plate 156 may be provided with protrusions 35 that project in a direction having a component in the same direction as the outer wall 157, perhaps best shown at the bottom of FIG. 3b. This protrusion, which may be provided as a rounded protrusion, is arranged in use to engage one of the flexible flanges 154, when said flange 154 moves over it during its rotational movement relative to the socket 155. In addition, the flexible flange is adapted to bend to increase the size of the tablet compartment, preventing the tablet from clogging the tablet compartment when the tablet compartment is aligned with the opening 158. For example, the inherent flexibility of plastic materials such as PVC, ABS, PET and PMMA is sufficient to accommodate this bending of the flange.

FIG. 5 a is an isometric view of alternative socket 155 with stabilizing element 52 provided at the edge of outer wall 157 across opening 158 of socket 155. The stabilizing element 52 reduces the risk of undesired bending of the socket 155 during use. If such undesired bending is large enough, the tablets of the tablet cartridge unit may become unplaced or may be unintentionally released from the tablet cartridge unit.

FIG. 5 b shows an isometric view of an alternative socket 155, which is adjacent to the opening 158, for example the socket 155 radially forward of the opening, comprises a sloping plate 51. The tilt plate 51 may be spring biased and may have an idle or tilt condition that projects or tilts into the associated tablet compartment such that engagement of the tilt plate 51 causes rotation of adjacent flanges 154 of the compartment member 151. Prevent movement. This is particularly beneficial during shipping of the tablet cartridge unit 15 assembled in use. This is because it is possible to prevent unintentional rotational movement between the compartment member 151 and the socket 155, and eliminate the risk of unintended ejection of tablets from the tablet cartridge unit. The inclined plate 51 also has an aligned state, and in the aligned state, the upper surface of the inclined plate 51 is aligned with the socket base plate 156. Therefore, in the aligned state, the upper surface is flat with the socket base plate and does not prevent the tablet from sliding toward the opening 158. The tilt plate 51 may change from its idle state to its aligned state when attached to the support structure 13, and a member (not shown) of the support member 13 engages the bottom surface of the tilt plate 51 to cause the tilt plate 51 to move. From its idle state to its aligned state.

Of course, the ramp plate need not be directly in front of the opening 158, as shown in Figures 5b and 5c. The sloping plate 51 may be provided at other locations on the socket base plate, such as adjacent tablet compartment portions. However, it should be appreciated that, during shipping, the tablet compartment provided with the sloping plate is preferably free of tablets to prevent such tablets from falling.

FIG. 5 c shows an isometric view of an alternative socket 155 that includes both the stabilizing element 52 and the ramp plate 51.

1a and 6a to 6c, the body 11 at its sidewall may be provided with an opening 16 for accessing the bottom of the tablet drop channel 12. The cup 30 may be introduced into the opening during use.

The tablet dispenser 10 may further include a sensor 17 for detecting the presence of the cup 30 when inserted through the opening 16. The opening 16 is in communication with the tablet drop channel.

The lift assembly 20 is located on the tablet dispenser 10 and is arranged to move between different heights, thereby aligning with each tablet cartridge unit 15.

The lift assembly 20 may include a fixed guide rail 21. Further, the bracket 22 is movable along the guide rail 21 by the operation of an electric motor 23 that is operably coupled to the bracket 22 via an associated drive belt 24. The electric motor 23 may be an electric step motor mounted in a tablet dispenser as shown in Figure 2c. By the operation of the electric motor, the drive belt 24 connected to the bracket 22 moves the bracket 22 along the guide rail 22, and is provided adjacent to the guide rail 21 and superposed at different heights along the guide rail 21. It is adapted to be aligned with the associated tablet cartridge unit 15 and/or cartridge receiving member 131.

The movable member may be provided with a detector, for example a camera (not shown), for detecting the identification information (identification means, for example, the above-mentioned QR code, ID tag or ID label) of each tablet unit. The identification information includes at least the type of tablets contained in the tablet cartridge unit 15, but may also include the number of tablets stored in each tablet compartment if multiple tablets are stored therein.

In use, the detector scans the QR code or ID label and matches it with the dosing schedule and patient information available to the control unit of the tablet dispenser unit. The control unit prevents the tablet cartridge unit from being reused after the tablets are exhausted. The serial number of each tablet cartridge unit (optionally together with the stored usage history of said tablet cartridge unit) can be stored by the control unit, after the tablet cartridge unit has been removed from the tablet dispenser. This is because it is prevented from being reused at a later stage. A tablet cartridge unit with incorrect information can be prevented from being used. This is because at least some of the information in the tablet cartridge unit (eg patient ID, tablet type, dosing schedule) needs to match the information already stored or expected by the control unit of the tablet dispenser unit. .. The detector may be controlled to scan all QR codes or ID labels each time the cover 11 of the tablet dispenser unit is closed. For this purpose, a sensor that detects when the cover 11 is closed may trigger a signal to the control unit to scan the tablet cartridge unit. It may also be configured to scan the tablet cartridge unit 15 just prior to dispensing the medication.

The lift assembly 20 may be operably associated with at least one spring-biased telescopic pushing member 25 for engaging the engagement surface 411 of the ridge pattern 41 of each tablet cartridge unit 15. In its idle state, the spring biased telescoping pressure member 25 is not in contact with either the ridge pattern 41 or any associated engagement surface 411 (see FIGS. 4a and 4b). The spring of the telescoping pressure member acts to move the telescoping pressure member to its idle state.

Upon engagement with the rotating member 26 of the lift assembly 20, the spring-biased telescoping member can be pushed from its idle state to engage the engagement surface 411 against the spring force of the spring. , Compartment member 151 is rotated relative to its socket 155 to align the next tablet compartment with opening 158.

The rotating member 26 can therefore engage and disengage the telescoping pressure member 25 during use. The rotating member 26 may have an arcuate shape to improve engagement and disengagement of the telescoping pressure member. The rotary member 26 may be eccentric and translates the rotary movement of the rotary member 26 into a translational movement that engages/disengages the telescoping pusher member 25 in use.

The rotating member 26 may be attached to the bracket 22 and its associated rotation may be controlled by the servomotor 261. The rotation axis of the rotating member may be parallel to the longitudinal extension of the guide rail 21. When the rotating member 26 returns to its idle position by the action of the servomotor 261, it disengages from its associated telescoping pressure member 25, which is urged by the spring force of its associated spring. Return to the state. The servomotor 261 may also be mounted on the bracket 22 and thus follows the movement of the bracket along the guide rail 21 during operation of the electric motor 23.

Therefore, as the bracket 22 moves along the guide rail 21, the rotating member 26 follows this movement. As shown in FIGS. 4a-4b and 6a-6b, by providing a telescoping pressure member 25 associated with each tablet cartridge unit 15, the rotating member 26 is guided to a height associated with each tablet cartridge unit 15. It is moved by an electric motor along the rails 21 and the operation of the servomotor 261 enables the engagement/disengagement between the associated telescopic pressing member 25 and the rotating member 26 of each tablet cartridge unit 15.

As shown in Figures 4a to 4b, the telescoping pressure member 25 may be connected to the cartridge receiving member 131 of the support structure 13 shown in Figures 4a to 4b. Further, the support structure 13 may include a plurality of cartridge receiving members 131, each of which is arranged overlaid on the base 11a of the tablet dispenser. Each cartridge receiving member may include a hollow channel section 132 that forms part of the tablet drop channel 12. In this way, several cartridge receiving members 131 can be stacked one above the other to form the tablet drop channel 12 together with their respective hollow channel sections 132.

Of course, the operation of the lift assembly, including the operation of the electric motor 23, the detector, the rotating member 26, and the associated servomotor 261, uses a control unit having computer processing power and an associated memory for storage. It may be controlled. Of course, all software-related functions of the tablet dispenser unit, such as display operation, save/update/execute dosing plan, button, communication interface (Ethernet (registered trademark), USB) operation, require computer processing power. It may be controlled by a control unit having.

Claims (20)

A tablet dispenser (10) comprising:
A body (11) having a base (11a) for positioning on the base when in use,
The body (11) is
A tablet drop channel (12) extending in an angle (β) with respect to a base surface formed by the base (11a),
A support structure (13) for accommodating at least two tablet cartridge units (15) arranged in superposition with respect to the base (11a), each tablet cartridge unit having an opening (158), Said openings (158) allow tablets from the associated tablet cartridge unit (15) to be expelled by gravity into the tablet drop channel (15), each tablet cartridge unit (15) having a base surface. A support structure (13) inclined at an angle (α) with respect to
A tablet dispenser (10), comprising: A tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 1, wherein each tablet cartridge unit (15) comprises a compartment member (151), the compartment member (151) having a cylindrical shape with an inner wall (153) arranged therein. A cover sheet (152) having a plurality of flexible flanges (154) disposed on the cylindrical cover sheet (152) between an outer boundary of the cover sheet (152) and the inner wall (153). , Tablet dispenser (10). A tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 2, wherein each tablet cartridge unit (15) further comprises an associated socket (155) for removably receiving the compartment member (151) prior to use. (155) comprises a cylindrical socket base plate (156) and an outer wall (157) extending at least partially along an outer boundary of the socket base plate (156), the outer wall (157) being the cover sheet (157). 152) having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the socket (155), allowing the socket (155) to surround the compartment member (152) in use, two adjacent flanges (154), the inner wall (153), the A tablet dispenser (10) wherein a cover sheet (152), said outer wall (157) and socket base plate (156) together form a tablet compartment for holding at least one tablet. A tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner wall (153) is cylindrical in shape and the socket base plate (156) comprises the cylindrical inner wall (153) of the associated compartment member (151). Means (159) for releasable attachment to socket (155) to allow rotational alignment of each tablet compartment with said opening (158) during use when compartment member (151) is attached A tablet dispenser (10) adapted to be rotatable with respect to the socket (155), as described above. The tablet dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cover sheet (152) has a cylindrical ridge pattern (41) provided on the side opposite to the inner wall (153). A flexible flange (154), the cylindrical ridge pattern having one engagement surface for each tablet compartment, and in use the engagement surface (411) comprises the compartment member (151). A tablet dispenser (10) adapted to rotate with respect to its associated socket (155), aligning said opening (158) with the next tablet compartment in the order of the tablet cartridge unit. The tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 4 or 5 in combination with claim 2, wherein the socket base plate (156) is provided with a protrusion protruding in a direction having a component in the same direction as the outer wall (157). The protrusion is arranged to engage one of the flexible flanges (154) in use and is adapted to bend the flexible flange to increase the size of the tablet compartment. A tablet dispenser (10) that avoids the tablets from clogging the tablet compartment when the compartment is aligned with the opening (158). A tablet dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, at the side wall of which the body (11) has an opening (16) for accessing the bottom of the tablet drop channel (12). Further provided is a tablet dispenser (10). A tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 7, wherein the body (11) is inserted into the receiving cup (11) when inserted through an opening (16) for accessing the bottom of the tablet drop channel (12). Tablet dispenser (10) further comprising a sensor (17) for detecting the presence of (30). The tablet dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a lift assembly (20), the lift assembly (20) comprising a bracket (22). ) Is adapted to move between different heights along the guide rail (21) and is aligned with each tablet cartridge unit (15), the tablet dispenser (10). The tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 9, wherein the lift assembly (20) comprises a detector for detecting identification information of each tablet unit, the identification information comprising a tablet cartridge unit (155). A tablet dispenser (10) comprising at least the type of tablet contained in. A tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the lift assembly (20) comprises an engagement surface (411) of a ridge pattern (41) of a compartment member (151) of each tablet cartridge unit (15). ), a tablet dispenser (10) operatively associated with at least one spring-biased telescoping pusher member (25) for engaging with. The tablet dispenser (10) of claim 11, wherein the lift assembly (20) further comprises a rotating member (26) for engaging/disengaging the telescoping pressure member (25) in use. , Tablet dispenser (10). A tablet dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the support structure (13) comprises at least two cartridge receiving members (131), each superposed on the base. Tablet dispenser (10), wherein each cartridge receiving member comprises a hollow channel section (132) forming a portion of the tablet drop channel (12). The tablet dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the socket base plate (156) adjacent to the opening (158) comprises an inclined plate (51) having an idle state, In the idle state, it projects into the associated tablet compartment and in use the adjacent flanges (154) of the compartment member (151) by engagement of said ramp plate (51) during transportation of the associated tablet cartridge unit (15). A tablet dispenser (10) for blocking the rotational movement of the. A tablet dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a stabilizing element (52) crosses the opening (158) of the socket (155) across the edge of the outer wall (157). A tablet dispenser (10) provided in the. A tablet cartridge unit (15),
A compartment member (151) having a cylindrical cover sheet (152) having an inner wall (153) disposed therein, wherein a plurality of flanges (154) are provided on the cylindrical cover sheet (152) at an outer boundary of the cover sheet (152). A compartment member (151) disposed between the inner wall (153) and the inner wall (153);
An associated socket (155) for receiving the compartment member (151) in use, the socket (155) at least partially along a cylindrical socket base plate (156) and an outer boundary of the socket base plate (156). An outer wall (157) extending therethrough, the outer wall (157) having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the cover sheet (152) to allow the socket (155) to surround a compartment member in use. Two adjacent flanges (154), the inner wall (153), the cover sheet (152), the outer wall (157) and the socket base plate (156) form a tablet compartment for holding at least one tablet. And the associated socket (155),
Equipped with
The socket base plate (156) comprises means (159) for removably attaching the cylindrical inner wall (153) of the associated compartment member (151) to the socket (155), which compartment member (151) attaches to. A tablet cartridge unit (15) adapted to be rotatable relative to said socket (155) to allow rotational alignment of each tablet compartment with the opening (158) when opened. ). The tablet cartridge unit (15) according to claim 16, wherein the socket base plate (156) adjacent to the opening (158) comprises an inclined plate (51) having an idle state, in the idle state it comprises: A tablet cartridge unit (15) which projects into the associated tablet compartment and prevents rotational movement of adjacent flanges (154) of the compartment member (151) by engagement of said sloping plate (51). 18. The tablet cartridge unit (15) according to claim 17, wherein the inclined plate (51) further has an alignment state, the top surface of which is aligned with the top surface of the surrounding socket base plate (156). Yes, tablet cartridge unit (15). The tablet cartridge unit (15) according to claim 16, wherein a stabilizing element (52) is provided at an edge of the outer wall (157) across the opening (158) of the socket (155). Further comprising a tablet cartridge unit (15). The tablet cartridge unit (15) according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the flange (154) is flexible.

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