WO2018046218A1

WO2018046218A1 - Dispenser for articles, in particular for test strips

Info

Publication number: WO2018046218A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/070182
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kai Tiesberger
Original assignee: Sanner Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-09-06
Filing date: 2017-08-09
Publication date: 2018-03-15
Also published as: CN109154595A; DE102016116668A1; CN109154595B

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser for articles (2), having a container (3) which forms a receiving space (4) for the articles (2), wherein the container (3) has a first container part (5) and a second container part (7), wherein the second container part (7) has a dispensing apparatus (8) with a dispensing opening (9) for the articles (2), wherein the second container part (7) is displaceable relative to the first container part (5) such that a volume of the receiving space (4) changes. The invention is characterized in that a cap (6) is provided on the first container part (5), which cap can assume an open and a closed position and which cap, in the closed position thereof, bears against the first container part (5) and covers the second container part (7).

Description

Patent application

Applicant: Sanner GmbH, 64625 Bensheim Dispensers for objects, in particular for test strips

The invention relates to a dispenser for objects with a container, which forms a receiving space for the articles, wherein the container has a first container part and a second container part, wherein the second container part has a dispensing device with a discharge opening for the

Having objects, wherein the second container part is displaceable relative to the first container part such that the volume of the

Recording room changes. In particular, the invention is concerned with a dispenser for strip-shaped articles, such as e.g. Test strips.

Test strips are used e.g. used in medicine to check properties of fluids. For example, diabetics use test strips that can be used to check the blood's sugar content. Furthermore, test strips are used to assess other characteristics of body fluids such as body fluids. to determine the pH, protein content, etc. However, test strips are also used in other fields of technology to check the properties of liquids. In general, test strips are sensitive to moisture. Therefore, it is important to keep the test strips protected in a closed container. If necessary, can be arranged in the container, a desiccant, the penetrating

Can absorb moisture. Test strips usually have a section in which an analysis substance is arranged. To avoid false results, it is important that the section with the

Analytical substance is not touched with your fingers.

In WO 2006/009534 A1 is already a dispenser for test strips

been proposed. Another prior art dispenser for test strips is known from US 9,248,950 B2. The dispenser has a plunger, which is arranged displaceably in a housing part. To protect the receiving space against moisture ingress, the housing is sealed from the plunger by a rubber seal.

The invention has the object of providing a dispenser for objects, such as in particular test strips, which combines easy handling with safe storage of the objects.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, it is provided that a cap is provided on the first container part, which can assume an open and a closed position and which rests in its closed position on the first container part and covers the second container part.

The design with the first and second container parts, which can be displaced relative to one another, and a cap which rests in its closed position on the first container part and covers the second container part in which the dispenser is arranged, enables secure storage of the articles and good handleability. In particular, strip-shaped articles, such as e.g. Test strips, safely stored and delivered reliably. Since a displacement of a volume of the receiving space changes, after removing one or more of the objects, the volume of the receiving space can be adapted to the number of objects remaining in the receiving space. This can be achieved in particular that the objects do not move in an undesirable manner in the receiving space. This bows

Damage to the objects before and facilitates the delivery through the dispenser. In particular, in the recording room the

Items stacked up to be added. By adjusting the volume of the receiving space can be achieved after removal of several items that the remaining space in the receiving space remain stacked even when the container is moved. In addition, the penetration of moisture and dirt is largely avoided. By the cap, which rests in the closed position on the first container part and covers the second container part, a reliable seal can be achieved, which also works after repeated opening and closing. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is inexpensive and can be produced with high process reliability.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the first container part has a support for the objects, which limits together with the second container part the volume of the receiving space. In particular, it can be provided that the support the

Receiving space in a first direction (e.g., down) limited and that the second container part the receiving space in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction (for example, upwards) limited.

Preferably, the support for receiving a stack of

strip-shaped objects, such as e.g. Test strips formed. According to a preferred embodiment, the support may be shaped like a table.

Preferably, the support forms a flat surface. The overlay may also be configured to receive two or more stacks of articles. In this case, the support may comprise a plurality of support sections.

Furthermore, it can be provided in an advantageous manner that the support is arranged on a support portion arranged perpendicular to the support. This contributes to easy handling and safe storage of the items. In particular, the support section arranged in this way enables the first and second container parts to be displaced relative to one another without difficulty, while the volume of the

Recording room is reduced. Between the support portion and an outer wall of the first container part, a cavity for receiving a portion of the second container part may be formed. In particular, the first and second apron described in more detail below can be accommodated in this cavity. A development of this inventive concept provides that the support and the support portion form a substantially cuboidal portion of the first container part. It can be provided that the

Support section has four sides, of which two sides are arranged parallel to each other.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the support portion is connected via a connecting portion with a portion of the first container part, which forms a region of the outer wall of the first container part. In particular, the connecting portion may be arranged perpendicular to the support portion.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the first container part has an outer wall and a space spaced from the outer wall

Inner wall has.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the second container part has a base on which a support device for objects received in the receiving space is arranged. This contributes to easy handling. The support means may preferably surround the support laterally. In particular, the support means may be tubular. In this case, a cross section of the support device can be adapted to the support. In a particularly preferred

Embodiment slides the support means laterally along the support, when the first and second container parts are moved relative to each other. The support device is preferably designed for bearing against stacked objects. In particular, the (stacked)

Objects between the support of the first container part, the

Be included support means and the inside of the base of the second container part. Preferably, the support means may be configured to support one or more stacks of articles. Preferably, a first skirt is provided on the base extending from the base to the first container part and forming the support means. In this case, the apron can be arranged perpendicular to the support and / or the base.

Furthermore, it is preferred if a second skirt is provided on the base, which surrounds the first skirt with a distance. The second skirt may be further out on the base. Preferably, the second skirt is disposed at an edge portion of the base.

A preferred embodiment provides that the first container part forms a cavity in which at least a portion of the second container part is received. Furthermore, it is preferred if the second skirt for attachment to a

Inside the first container part is formed.

According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that latching means are provided which fix the first container part relative to the second container part, but allow that after removal of one or more of the objects of the second container part is moved to the first container part. The latching means may in particular be formed between the second skirt and the inside of the first container part. The locking means may comprise projections which are formed on the skirt and / or the first container part and elastically latching

mesh.

According to the invention it can be provided that the base a first

Section and a second portion which is offset in height to the first section, wherein between the first and second section

Dispensing opening is arranged. The discharge opening may be formed in particular slit-shaped. An advantageous embodiment provides that the second section forms a first guide section for an object pushed through the discharge opening. Preferably, the guide surface is flat. A length of the first guide surface in the withdrawal direction is between 10% and 25% (preferably between 15% and 25%) of a total length of the

Object. The total length is the length of the item in

Removal direction.

It is further preferred if the second section is assigned a second guide section arranged laterally of the first guide section for the object to be dispensed. In particular, the second guide section can form a lateral guide for the object during the dispensing process. Preferably, the second guide portion is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first guide portion. In particular, a height of the second guide section can be between 1 and 10 times (preferably between 2 and 5 times) a height of the object.

A further improvement is achieved when at one of the

Receiving space adjacent area of the base, a third guide portion is provided for the object to be dispensed. The third

Guide portion may be arranged parallel to the first guide portion. The first and third guide portions are preferably arranged such that the first guide portion faces in a first direction and the third guide portion in a direction toward the first direction

opposite direction. Thereby, an object to be dispensed can be e.g. be guided up and down. A length of the third guide portion in the withdrawal direction is preferably between 10% and 25% (preferably between 15% and 25%) of a total length of the

Object.

A preferred embodiment provides that the cap over a

Film hinge is connected to the first container part. This contributes to one easy handling. In particular, the first container part and the cap can form a coherent injection molded part, which is produced together in an injection mold. Preferably, the cap has a peripheral cap edge, which comes into abutment in the closed position of the cap on the first container part. In particular, so that a seal between the cap and the first container part can be achieved. It is preferred if between the cap and the first container part a circumferential sealing line is formed.

Furthermore, it is preferred if a circumferential sealing portion is formed on the first container part, which relative to an outer wall of the

Container part is offset radially inward. In particular, a step may be provided between the sealing portion and the outer wall.

Advantageously, the dispensing device can be designed such that in each case a single of the objects can be dispensed through the dispensing opening. The handling is further improved by the

Dispensing device has an actuating element, which consists of a

Starting position is displaced towards the discharge opening in a dispensing position. In particular, the actuating element can be moved translationally from the starting position into the dispensing position. The actuating element can be designed, for example, as an actuating button. The actuating button may have a finger rest surface which can be easily grasped with the fingers.

A preferred embodiment provides that the second container part has a sliding guide for the actuating element. This can do that

Actuator particularly easy to move from the starting position to the dispensing position (and back again). In an advantageous manner it can be provided that the actuating element is positively connected, but displaceably connected to the second container part. In particular, the second container part a schlitzfömige

Having recess, wherein the actuating element has a guide means that extends into the slot-shaped recess. Preferably, two parallel slot-shaped recesses may be provided, wherein the guide means comprise two projections which extend into the two parallel slot-shaped recesses. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the actuating element a

Operating portion for abutment on one of the objects. The actuating portion may be formed in particular as an actuating cam. The base of the second container part may be a slot-shaped

Have recess through which the actuating portion extends. The operating portion may include a guide portion and a

Stop surface for attachment to the top of the recording room

have recorded items. Preferably, the

Guide area and the stop surface arranged perpendicular to each other. The guide portion extends parallel to a longitudinal direction of the article over at least 10% of a total length of the article. Preferably, the guide area extends over less than 40% of the total length of the article.

It is preferably provided that the first container part has a portion which forms a region of an outer wall of the container.

It is preferably provided that the second container part a

comprising integral plastic injection molded part forming the base and the first and second aprons.

Preferably, it is provided that the first container part a

Bottom portion which is on a side opposite the cap the container is arranged. The bottom section may in particular be a separate plastic injection molded part.

It is preferably provided that the first container part a

Desiccant chamber, in which a desiccant is received. Preferably, silica gel may be provided as a desiccant. The desiccant chamber is connected to the receiving space such that moisture in the receiving space can be absorbed by the desiccant.

It is preferably provided that the first container part and the cap in the closed state of the cap form a moisture-proof housing shell. It can be provided that the first container part and the cap are made of a plastic with barrier properties.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the second container part is arranged in the interior of the housing shell.

It is preferably provided that test strips are received in the receiving space.

Other objects, features, advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. All described and / or illustrated features alone or in any meaningful combination form the subject matter of the invention, regardless of the summary in individual claims or their relationships.

Show it:

Fig. 1 a: A perspective view of an inventive

Dispenser with the cap in the closed position;

Fig. 1 b: A top view of the dispenser of Fig. 1 a; Fig. 1 c is a longitudinal section through the dispenser of Figure 1 b along the line AA.

Fig. 2a The dispenser of Fig. 1 a with the cap in the open

Position;

Fig. 2b is a plan view of the dispenser of Fig. 2a;

Fig. 2c shows a longitudinal section through the dispenser of Fig. 2b along the

Line B-B;

Fig. 2d is an enlarged view of a section of the container of Fig. 2c;

Fig. 2e shows a cross section through the dispenser of Fig. 2b along the

Line H-H;

Fig. 3a, the dispenser of Fig. 2a during the delivery of a

Object;

Fig. 3b is a plan view of the dispenser of Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3c shows a longitudinal section through the dispenser of Fig. 3b along the

Line C-C;

Fig. 4a The dispenser of Fig. 3a immediately after the delivery of

Object;

Fig. 4b is a plan view of the dispenser of Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4c is a longitudinal section through the dispenser of Fig. 4b along the

Line D-D;

Fig. 5a shows the dispenser of Fig. 4a after the actuator has been returned to the home position;

Fig. 5b is a plan view of the dispenser of Fig. 5a;

Fig. 5c is a longitudinal section through the dispenser of Fig. 5b along the

Line E-E;

FIG. 6 shows the dispenser of FIG. 5c after the second container part has been moved towards the first container part; FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first container part; FIG.

8 shows a perspective view of the second container part;

9 shows an enlarged view of the actuating element;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the bottom portion; The figures show a dispenser 1 for objects 2. The dispenser shown here is designed in particular for flat objects 2 to be dispensed, such as test strips. The dispenser 1 comprises a container 3, which forms a receiving space 4 for the objects 2. The receiving space 4 is hermetically sealed against the environment of the donor. Thus, the articles 2 can be reliably protected from environmental influences, such as moisture and dust, stored in the receiving space 4.

The container 3 has a first container part 5 and a cap 6. These form when the cap 6 is in the closed position shown in Figures 1 a to 1 c, a closed, in particular dust and moisture-proof envelope. For this purpose, the first container part 5 and the cap 6 may be made of a plastic with barrier effect, which diffuses moisture in only a greatly reduced extent.

FIG. 1 c further shows that the container 3 has a second

Container part 7 has. The second container part 7 has a dispensing device 8 with a dispensing opening 9 for the objects 2. The cap 6 covers in its closed position, as shown in Figures 1 a to 1 c

shown, the second container part 7 tightly. With that

Dirt and moisture prevented from entering the

Reception room 4 to enter.

FIG. 1 c further shows that the objects 2 each comprise elongated strips. The simplified illustrated items 2 are test strips comprising a strip-shaped holder made of plastic, on which a test substance is arranged in a region. FIG. 1 c clearly shows that the objects 2 are accommodated in a stacked form in the receiving space 4. The stacked objects 2 lie on a support 10. The stacked objects 2 are included held between an inner side of the second container part 7 and the support 10.

FIG. 1 c further shows that the support 10 has a flat surface. In addition, the support 10 is shaped like a table.

The support 10 is arranged on a perpendicular to the support 10

Support section 1 1 arranged. In this case, support 10 and support portion 1 1 are formed substantially cuboid. The support section 1 1 comprises two sections which are arranged on the longitudinal sides of the support 10 and two sections which are arranged on the transverse sides of the support 10.

The first container part 5 has a portion 12 which forms a region of the outer wall of the container 3. The support portion 1 1 is connected via a connecting portion 13 with the area 12. As

shown, the connecting portion 13 is arranged perpendicular to the support portion 1 1.

The second container part 7 has a base 14. At this one is

Support means 15 arranged for received in the receiving space 4 items 2. The support means 15 is tubular in the illustrated embodiment and has a rectangular cross-section. In addition, the support means 15 surrounds the support 10. If, as explained in more detail below, the first container part 5 is moved relative to the second container part 7, slides the support means 15 laterally on the support 10 and / or the support portion 1 1 along. The support means 15 fixes the objects 2 located on the support 10 laterally. Thereby, the stacked objects 2 can each be held in position. At the base 14, a first skirt 16 is provided which extends from the base 14 to the first container part 5. The skirt 16 is arranged perpendicular to the support 10. The apron 16 forms the

Supporting device 15. Furthermore, a second skirt 17 is arranged on the base 14, which surrounds the first skirt 16 with a distance. The second skirt 17 is arranged on the edge region of the base 14.

FIG. 1 c further shows that the first container part 5 has a

Cavity 18 forms, in which a portion of the second container part 7 is received. FIG. 1 c further shows that the second skirt 17 bears against an inner side of the first container part 5.

The cap 6 is connected via a film hinge 19 with the first container part 5. In this case, the first container part 5 and the cap 6 form a coherent injection molded part.

The cap 6 has a peripheral cap edge 20 which comes into sealing contact with the first container part 5 in the closed position of the cap 6. In this case, as shown, formed between the cap 6 and the first container part 5, a circumferential sealing line.

The other figures show the same dispenser 1 or parts thereof. Therefore, the description above also applies to the other figures. Below, we will explain with reference to the other figures, both the operation and other features of the dispenser 1.

Figure 2a shows the dispenser 1 with the cap 6 in the open position. In this position, the dispenser 8 is accessible. As shown in FIGS. 2 a to 2 c, the dispensing device 8 has an actuating element 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 21 is formed as an actuating button, which has an upwardly facing

Finger resting surface has. The second container part 7 has a sliding guide for the actuating element 21. The sliding guide comprises in the illustrated embodiment two parallel slot-shaped recesses 22. The actuating element 21 has a corresponding guide means 23 which extends into the slot-shaped recesses 22. The actuator 21 is captive on the second container part 7, but slidably mounted. Figures 2a to 2c show the actuator 21 in its initial position. The actuating element 21 can be moved from this position to the discharge opening 9 in the discharge position shown in Figures 3a to 3c. Since the actuating element 21 has an actuating portion 24 for abutment with the uppermost of the objects 2 accommodated in the receiving space 4, during the displacement the uppermost article 2 is pushed out so far through the dispensing opening 9 that the end can be gripped by two fingers. It can be clearly seen in FIG. 2d that the

Operating portion 24 is formed as an actuating cam, which extends through a centrally disposed slot-shaped recess 25 of the base 14.

Figures 4a to 4c show the dispenser 1 after removal of the uppermost object 2. The actuator 21 is still in the

Dispensing position and is then moved back into the starting position shown in Figures 5a to 5c. After one of the objects 2 has been removed from the receiving space 4, the receiving space 4 is no longer completely filled. When the actuator 21 in the in the

4a-c shown prevents the adjacent to the top of the remaining in the receiving space 4 objects 2

Operating portion 24, that the second container part 7 to the first

Container part 5 can be moved towards. After the

Actuating portion 24 has been moved back to the starting position (see Fig. 5a-c), can be moved relative to the first container part 5 by slight pressure on the second container part 7 of this relative to the first container part

Change volume of the receiving space 4 and in particular to reduce. This is shown in FIG. Here it can be seen that the second container part 7 was moved down. In this position, the inside of the base 14 rests against the top of the objects 2 again. The dispenser 1 can now by closing the cap 6 until the next dispensing operation

getting closed. Furthermore, it can be clearly seen in FIG. 4 that a

Stop for the actuator 21 is provided, the

Discharge position of the actuating element 21 defined. In this case, the stop is designed such that the actuating element 21 with the

Operating portion 24 can not be moved in the removal direction over the stack addition.

The illustrated dispenser 1 has latching means 26 which fix the second container part 5 relative to the first container part 7, but allow the second container part 7 to be displaced towards the first container part 5 after removal of one (or more) of the objects 2, to adjust the volume of the receiving space 4 to the reduced number of items 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking means 26 are arranged on the second skirt 17 and on an inner side of the first container part 5. The latching means 26 comprise rows of projections which are arranged on the second container part 7. These can with

Projections which are arranged on the inside of the first container part 5, are brought into engagement. The projections on the first container part 5 are designed as elastically movable clamping straps 40 which allow movement of the second container part 7 towards the first container part 5, but block movement in the opposite direction. In this way, the second container part 7 can not be accidentally removed from the first container part 5 or pulled outward to the extent that the objects 2 assume a disordered position in the receiving space 4. The articles 2 are flexible and flexible, eg if they are test strips. However, in order to be able to discharge it reliably through the discharge opening 9, it is provided that the base 14 has a first section 27 and a second section 28, which leads to the first section 27 is offset in height. In this case, the discharge opening 9 is arranged between the first section 27 and the second section 28. This can be seen well in FIG. 2c, for example. The second section 28 forms a first guide section for a pushed through the discharge opening 9

Object. This can be clearly seen in particular in Figure 3c, in which the uppermost object 2 is partially pushed through the discharge opening 9. The first guide surface is flat and has a length in the removal direction, which is between 10% and 75% of

Total length of the object 2 is located.

The second section 28 is assigned a second guide section 29 on both sides of the first guide section. The second guide section 29 in this case comprises surfaces which are arranged perpendicular to the guide section, which is formed by the second section 28 of the base.

Furthermore, a third guide section 30 is provided on a region of the base 14 adjoining the receiving space 4. The third

Guide portion 30 is disposed parallel to the first guide portion formed by second portion 28 of base 14. The first and the third guide section 30 have in opposite directions

Directions. The third guide section (30) delimits the discharge opening 9.

The figures show that the first container part 5 a

Floor section 31 has. The bottom portion 31 is a separate part inserted from below into the container 3. In the bottom portion 31, a desiccant chamber 32 is provided. This can be equipped, for example, with silica gel or another suitable drying agent (not shown). The desiccant chamber 32 communicates with the receiving space 4 in

Connection, so that the receiving space 4 and the objects 2 received therein are protected against moisture. For this is the

Desiccant chamber 32 with a moisture-permeable cover 33, for example, provided from cardboard. FIG. 7 clearly shows that a circumferential sealing section 34 is formed on the first container part 5. This is offset relative to an outer wall 35 of the first container part 5 radially inwardly. In this case, a step is provided between the sealing portion 34 and the outer wall 35.

Claims

Dispenser for items (2) with a container (3) that has a

Receiving room (4) for the objects

(2) forms, being the container

(3) has a first container part (5) and a second container part (7), the second container part (7) having a dispensing device (8) with a dispensing opening (9) for the objects (2), the second container part (7 ) is displaceable relative to the first container part (5) in such a way that a volume of the receiving space (4) changes, characterized in that a cap (6) is provided on the first container part (5), which has an open and a closed position can take and which in its closed position rests on the first container part (5) and covers the second container part (7).

Dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the first container part (5) has a support (10) for the objects (2), which together with the second container part (7) increases the volume of the receiving space

(4) limited.

Dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that the edition

(10) on a support section arranged perpendicular to the support (10).

(1 1) is arranged.

Dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that the support (10) and the support section (1 1) form a substantially cuboid section of the first container part

(5) form.

Dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second container part (7) has a base (14) on which a support device (15) for items received in the receiving space (4).

Objects (2) are arranged.

6. Dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that a first skirt (16) is provided on the base (14), which extends from the base (14) to the first container part (5) and forms the support device (15). .

7. Dispenser according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a second apron (17) is provided on the base (14), which encloses the first apron (16) at a distance.

8. Dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that the second skirt (17) is designed to rest on an inside of the first container part (5).

9. Dispenser according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the base (14) has a first section (27) and a second section (28) which is offset in height from the first section (27), with between the first and second sections (27, 28) the delivery opening (9) is arranged.

10. Dispenser according to claim 9, characterized in that the second section (28) forms a first guide section for an object (2) pushed through the dispensing opening (9).

1 1 . Dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that the second section (28) is assigned a second guide section (29) for the object to be dispensed, which is arranged laterally of the first guide section.

12. Dispenser according to one of claims 5 to 1 1, characterized in that a third guide section (30) for the object (2) to be dispensed is provided on an area of the base (14) adjacent to the receiving space (4). Dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that locking means (26) are provided which fix the first container part (5) relative to the second container part (7), but allow one or more of the objects (2 ) the second container part (7) is moved towards the first container part (5).

Dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that test strips (2) are accommodated in the receiving space (4).