WO2022218576A1

WO2022218576A1 - Medicament dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2022218576A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/050596
Authority: WO
Inventors: Katrin Viertel; Jürgen Burkert; Robert GÜHNE; Daniel BÖBER; Christoph Walter
Original assignee: Anmed Gmbh; wirewire GmbH
Priority date: 2021-04-15
Filing date: 2022-01-13
Publication date: 2022-10-20
Also published as: EP4322904A1; DE102021109534A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a medicament dispenser (10), comprising a plurality of storage shelves (1) which have compartments (2), wherein each compartment (2) is paired with a respective metering device (3), which can be inserted into the compartment and which can be removed therefrom, for storing and for removing solid or liquid medicaments, such as tablets, pills, liquids, or the like. Each metering device (3) has a cover (4) which can be moved between a closed position (5) and an open position (6), and each compartment (2) is paired with detection means (8) which detect and/or monitor the correct positioning as well as the placement, removal, and exchange of each of the metering devices (3) in the compartment (2).

Description

Designation: Medicine Dispenser Description

The invention relates to a medication dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1 .

Patients who have to take medication in pill form often use a medication dispenser with several compartments in which the medication to be taken, for example, spread over the day or within a week, is sorted.

For this purpose, for example, four compartments for the medication for a day or seven compartments for the medication for a week can be provided. The required pills are simply entered into the appropriate compartments. At the specified times, the patient or his assistant opens the appropriate compartment, removes the medication and the patient consumes it.

Such a medication system with a medication tray is known from EP 2 194 952 B1. A foil sealing the individual containers extends over the upper side of the tray and thus also over all the containers that are positioned in the receiving locations. The film is therefore welded both to the edge areas of the containers and to the surface areas of the tray plate in between. For each container, the film is perforated along the outer contour of the rim to allow for the selective removal of individual containers while retaining and sealing non-removed containers. To remove the medicines contained in the container, the piece of film forming the lid is pulled off. With this known packaging system, the trays are not reusable and there is a relatively high volume generated in the facilities in which the system is used bulky plastic waste. The trays produced by deep-drawing are thin-walled and unstable, which makes them difficult to handle. Furthermore, medication changes are difficult to implement because the entire system has to be replaced.

A medication system with a medication tray is known from WO 2017/080981 A1, with a substantially rectangular tray plate with a number of individual and separate receiving points running in rows and with a large number of containers containing medication, which can be removed individually in the Pick-up points are positioned with plastic film, which is provided with perforations along the outer contours of the containers, sealed to the container rims.

WO 01/08106 A1 in particular discloses an arrangement of a medicine dispenser which removably holds a blister card and which dispenser is further provided with detection means which are designed to detect the blister card after insertion into the dispenser.

DE 603 14 1 16 T2 discloses a dispensing device for drugs and a blister pack for use in the dispensing device.

A container for medication is known from EP 2 319 675 A1. This container, which is produced in a two-component injection molding process, has a cup with an upper cup rim with an outwardly projecting and peripheral flange, which is adjoined on the outside by a lid rim. A sealing foil is bonded to the flange surface and the surface of the skirt portion.

From JP 2004 98663 A a container with a lid is known, the lid consisting of three layers located one on top of the other. This The three-layer lid is welded directly to a flange surrounding the cup.

These manual drug storage and dispensing systems offer only rudimentary recording capabilities. Furthermore, with these systems it is not always possible to ensure that the correct medication is placed in the correct compartment, which corresponds to the correct time for taking this medication. In addition, multiple pill placement can occur, resulting in an overdose, or placement can be inadvertently omitted, which can result in an underdose.

A patient may forget to take medication at a prescribed time, open an incorrect compartment, or otherwise not take medication. In addition, a patient may forget that they took a certain dose of medication and possibly take an extra dose. When two people share responsibility for a patient, both people may mistakenly give the patient a dose of the same drug, resulting in an overdose.

For these aforementioned reasons, automated and semi-automated systems have been developed in recent years.

In such more modern systems, a so-called “smart”, ie electronic medication dispenser is provided, with certain information being processed electronically or digitally, for example pre-programmed withdrawal times for the medication or audiovisual information addressed to the patient or the user of the medication dispenser. WO2013/025520 A1 discloses such a system and a method for dispensing medication and a dispensing device which has a plurality of compartments within a housing for cups to be arranged therein or removed therefrom. The compartments have respective lids each having a latch that secures the lid in a locked position in the closed position. The device also includes an actuator mechanism that selectively unlocks each lid at a predetermined time to move the lid to the open position. The medication dispenser compartments each receive a removable cup that is accessible when one of the associated lids is in the open position.

A disadvantage of the drug systems known from the prior art is that loading the compartments with drugs and removing them by the user is very complicated and is implemented by a complex structure with a spring mechanism and locking of the compartments.

Based on the disadvantages described above, the object of the invention is to provide a medication system with a reusable, stable, safe, easy-to-clean and comfortable-to-use medication dispenser that provides audio-visual instructions for taking the right medication at a specific time.

The medication dispenser should also be suitable for monitoring compliance with medication intake and for communicating with external institutions or people.

The problem is solved with a medicine dispenser according to claim 1 . Presentation of the invention

The invention relates to a medicine dispenser with a storage shell having a plurality of compartments. A dosing device that can be inserted into and removed from it for storing and removing solid or liquid medicines, such as tablets, pills, liquids or the like, is assigned to each compartment.

Furthermore, each metering device has a cover which can be moved between a closed position and an open position.

According to the invention, detection means are assigned to each compartment, which detect and/or monitor the correct positioning and placement, removal and replacement of each of the dispensers in the compartment.

The removal and insertion of each doser from or into an assigned compartment can be followed in real time by the detection means. It is detected whether a respective dosing device is used in the assigned compartment or whether the respective compartment is empty.

If a “wrong” doser is removed from a compartment that is assigned to the doser, a preferably acoustic and/or visual signal can be emitted. This provides the user with instant instructions on how to take the correct medication at a specific time.

The lids are arranged on the dispensers so that the dispenser can be inserted into or removed from an associated compartment with the lid preferably closed. This prevents solid or liquid medication from falling or running out of the dosing device when it is inserted or removed. For this reason Elderly or disabled people in particular can also easily and safely operate the dispensers assigned to the various compartments.

The disadvantages of the prior art are avoided by the invention, according to which a complex spring mechanism closes or locks the cover arranged on the receptacle for the dispenser and the dispenser is inserted and removed without a cover.

According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the detection means assigned to each dosing device are designed in such a way that they determine the actual state of each compartment and forward it to a regulating and control device, in particular whether a dosing device is used in a respective compartment or not. In addition, the underside of each doser can be detected by the respective sensor at a defined time interval, for example once per second, and the status “doser present” or “doser removed” can be logged and further processed by the control unit.

The control and regulation device, for example a computer, monitors the access to each of the dosers and can be designed to compare the monitored access status of each doser with a pre-programmed schedule and, in response to this comparison, to provide a signal that is forwarded to a communication device .

For example, it can be detected that each of the dosers is removed from the compartment, replaced with another doser and/or several dosers are refilled.

The detection means can be in the form of distance sensors, preferably optical sensors, in particular infrared sensors. These sensors emit IR waves and measure the time it takes for the IR waves to bounce back to the sensor. So the distance to reflecting object, ie the doser, are measured. The detection means are preferably arranged below each individual doser in the compartment of the storage tray.

In particular, each compartment is assigned an associated detection means or a sensor, which detects the actual state of the compartment, i.e. determines whether the correct dispenser is used or not.

In addition, it is conceivable that the detection means detect whether the medication filled in a dosing device was actually removed at a predetermined or specifiable point in time. For this application, the metering device can be transparent or translucent, so that the sensors can detect the medication introduced therein.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the storage shell can be accommodated in a housing, in particular can be pushed and/or pressed into the housing. The medication with the individual dispensers is preferably located on the removable and reusable storage tray, which can be stored separately, ie. H. can also be filled without the other components of the medication system. The storage tray can either be slid onto the housing from the side or pressed onto the housing from above and, in particular, latched in the end position. The successful insertion of the storage tray can be audio-visually confirmed and logged in the software.

It is also possible to operate the medication system with a storage tray and disposable dispensers. These can also be inserted into the housing and offer the same functionality as the version with reusable storage trays. the The storage tray for the doser can be replaced and is particularly dishwasher-safe.

In addition, it is conceivable to provide a protective hood, which protects the individual storage bowl against external influences and also provides protection, in particular against individual dispensers falling out of the storage bowl. The protective hood can also be placed over the entire drug system to ensure protection against external influences.

A further variant of the invention provides that the housing has an outer shell, within which an inner shell for receiving the storage shell is arranged, and has a housing cover closing the housing, in particular by means of a clip connection. In this way a modular system is formed which is easy to assemble. Furthermore, the individual components are easy to manufacture, for example as injection molded parts, and easy to replace. The clip connection makes it particularly easy to open the housing, for example for cleaning.

The shape of the bottom of the housing can correspond to the shape of the top of the housing so that a large number of assembled medication dispensers can be stacked one on top of the other in a simple and compact manner, for example for transport or storage.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a printed circuit board for the electronics is arranged between the outer shell and the inner shell. In this way, a compact construction of the medication dispenser is achieved. Furthermore, the electronics are securely housed in the housing and protected from external influences such as dust or liquids, for example liquid medicines. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage shell for the metering device can be inserted and/or latched into the inner shell of the housing by means of a guide device with guide rails arranged on the inner shell. In this way, a safe and easy insertion of the storage shell into the inner shell of the housing is possible. In particular, the guide can have a latching point which specifies a defined final state of the storage shell. Alternatively, it is also possible to insert or remove the storage shell from above by pressing it into the housing.

According to a further variant of the invention, the inner shell and/or storage shell and/or the dispenser are at least partially transparent or translucent. In this way, visual fluids can be introduced into the metering device and/or the inner shell so that they are clearly visible to the user. For example, the dosing device and/or the inner shell can be illuminated by a light source and in this way can be specially identified or highlighted. In particular, it is conceivable that a withdrawal time for the medication is displayed in such a way that the—correct—doser is lit or illuminated. Because of the at least partial transparency or translucency, this metering device is then clearly visible to a user. Alternatively or additionally, the inner shell can also be at least partially transparent or translucent, in particular in order to direct visual information through the inner shell and/or storage shell to the individual dispensers, so that they can be individually illuminated.

In a further advantageous embodiment it is provided that each cover of the metering device is spring-loaded in order to be prestressed in the closed position. The lid can be brought into two bistable states, namely the open position and the closed position, by the springing integrated in or by the plastic. ok

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lid of the dispenser has a holding frame for receiving a label. This holding frame can be formed, for example, by an edge or projection with an undercut that protrudes relative to the outer surface of the lid, so that a label is held on the lid. This label can contain information such as patient name, date of birth, day of the week, time of administration, QR code (medication included). In a particularly simple manner, this information can be printed onto pre-punched cardboard, broken out and “clipped” onto the cover, for example using a commercially available printer. After use, these can be easily removed, disposed of and reprinted after reloading.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the regulation and control device controls the removal from each of the dosers based on a predefinable or predetermined schedule in such a way that each of the dosers can be selectively marked, in particular illuminated, at a predetermined point in time, so that the user knows the time for the removal of the medication can be signaled particularly clearly.

A development of the invention provides that the detection means are arranged on the printed circuit board arranged in the outer shell, so that the construction becomes more compact overall.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a communication device, in particular a wireless communication device, preferably a radio module, is provided for communication with the regulating and control device. Using this communication device, it is possible, for example, to import updates such as firmware updates or to provide an app connection. The communication device can enable the user to communicate with at least one monitoring system a remote device assigned to the user, e.g. a smartphone, to communicate. The communication device can communicate with a remote monitoring system to provide information based on a status of medication delivery.

Using these radios, real-time remote monitoring can be provided for caregivers or third parties to monitor adherence to the medication schedule. It is also beneficial to keep accurate records showing when medications were taken or accessed and what medications were taken.

Provision can also be made for each compartment of the storage shell to be assigned a light source, in particular one or more LEDs preferably arranged on the printed circuit board, and coupled to the regulating and control device and selectively controllable in each case. For example, a specific compartment, and thus also the dosing device assigned to this compartment, can be illuminated in order to indicate to the user that a medication is to be removed from this dosing device

This visual signal can be triggered depending on a signal previously stored in the regulation and control device or alternatively by a time previously defined in an app.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the communication device is designed in such a way that it transmits control information to the regulation and control device of the medication dispenser, which contains predetermined times at which each of the dispensers can be marked, in particular illuminated, for a user. As an alternative or in addition to the visual signaling, at least one acoustic signal generator for outputting an audio signal is also conceivable, for example a buzzer or a loudspeaker, which can be coupled to the regulating and control device.

The acoustic signal can be used to alert the user to the time at which medication is to be taken or, for example, to be informed of the need for updates, a critical battery condition or the like.

Thus, the medication dispenser provides audible and visual alerts, including an alert that includes a pre-recorded personalized audio and/or visual reminder. When the time for the scheduled alarm arrives, the recorded reminder prompt to take the medication dose is played.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one actuating button is provided for resetting a programming of the medication dispenser and/or for making an emergency call and/or a freely configurable actuating button. It is also conceivable to provide several operating buttons.

The functions of the freely configurable operating button can be specified selectively via an APP. In particular, the functions of the actuating button can differ depending on whether it is pressed briefly or for a longer period of time, i.e. is pressed.

The conceivable functions include the emergency call function, manual confirmation by the user that the tray has been correctly inserted, for example with new medication, volume control of the medication dispenser, muting or deactivation of the muting, initial device setup or adding a linked user account, or confirming the pairing of a specific medication dispenser with a specific app user.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the compartments for the dispensers are arranged in columns and rows, preferably in straight lines, in the storage shell. In this way, an orderly arrangement of the dispensers in the compartments that is easy to understand and intuitive to use, in particular for older people or people with disabilities, is realized.

According to a development of the invention, a rechargeable battery is arranged in the housing, which can be electrically charged by means of a USB connection, in particular a USB-C connection or by means of Qi induction. In this way, the medication dispenser can also be used wirelessly for mobile use.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, further detection means are provided which detect successful insertion of the storage shell into the inner shell and forward a signal to the regulating and control device and/or emit an optical or acoustic confirmation signal. These detection means can be formed by individual detection means or a group of detection means assigned to the individual compartments. Conclusions can be drawn from the signals determined by these detection means as to whether the storage shell has been correctly inserted into the inner shell or has been removed from it. The individual detection means can be activated at a defined time interval or pattern for the detection of this function and, if necessary, supported by the detection of a valid signal from an RFID reader. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one RFID transponder, also known as an RFID tag, with stored information is provided on the storage tray, which can be read using an RFID reader arranged on the printed circuit board to read out this information.

During the filling process with the individual dispensers, the storage shell with an RFID tag can be supplied with information about these dispensers and/or a corresponding medication. For example, a unique user name for which the medication is intended can be stored on the RFID tag. After inserting the storage tray into the medication dispenser, it communicates with the information on the storage tray's RFID tag.

The following application scenarios are possible as a result:

The medication dispenser is pre-registered to a specific and unique person. When the storage tray is inserted, the dispenser programmed for that person checks whether the correct storage tray has actually been inserted.

The medication dispenser is not pre-registered to a specific person. The RFID tag teaches the medication dispenser which personal medication is to be placed in the medication dispenser with the storage tray. The possible audio-visual alarm function is retrieved from the database according to this information and/or transmitted with the RFID tag.

Fallback in the event of a network failure: If the radio network, for example an NB-loT network - is temporarily unavailable, the times or periods of the audiovisual signals of the medication system are read from the RFID tag and updated accordingly.

Optional security feature: Through auditory and/or visual signals, personal data, such as the person's name, can be output immediately after the storage tray has been inserted.

The RFID tag can be used alone or in combination with the other detection means, i. H. the sensors record when the

storage tray is inserted correctly. Optionally, an auditory and/or visual confirmation signal can then be given by the donor.

Further goals, advantages, features and application possibilities of the present invention result from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. All features described and/or illustrated form the subject matter of the present document, either alone or in any meaningful combination

Invention, also independent of its summary in the claims or their back reference.

Some of them show schematically:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the medication dispenser according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a dosing device with a cover in a closed position (a) and in an open position (b),

3 shows the medication dispenser according to FIG. 1 with an empty storage tray and a partially closed housing,

FIG. 4 shows the medication dispenser according to FIG. 3 in a further position with the housing closed,

FIG. 5 shows the medication dispenser according to FIG. 1 with a storage shell with dosing devices arranged therein and a partially closed housing,

FIG. 6 shows the medication dispenser according to FIG. 5 in a further position with the housing closed,

FIG. 7 shows a metering device in a detailed view and

FIG. 8 shows the medication dispenser according to FIG. 1 with a storage shell with dosing devices arranged therein in a position partially pushed into the outer shell.

Components that are the same or have the same effect are provided with reference symbols in the following figures of the drawing based on an embodiment in order to improve legibility. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the medication dispenser 10 according to the invention with a storage shell 1 with a plurality of compartments 2 in an exploded view. In the present case, the compartments 2 are arranged in rectilinear columns and rows in the storage tray 1 .

Each compartment 2 is assigned a dosing device 3 that can be inserted into and removed from it and has a lid 4 arranged thereon for storing and removing solid or liquid medicines such as tablets, pills, liquids or the like.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the cover 4 of the dispenser 3 can be moved between a closed position 5 and an open position 6 . FIG. 2 a) shows the closed position 5 and FIG. 2 b) the open position.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of the metering device 3 with the cover 4 . The lid 4 of the metering devices 3 is spring-loaded in order to be pretensioned in the closed position 5 . The lid 4 is brought into two bistable states by the springs integrated in or by the plastic, namely the open position 6 and the closed position 5.

As can also be seen from FIGS. 2a) and 7, the cover 4 of the metering device 3 has a folding frame 31 for receiving a label. In the present case, this folding frame 31 is formed by an edge or projection with an undercut that protrudes relative to the outer surface of the lid, so that a label is held on the lid 4 . This label can contain information such as patient name, date of birth, day of the week, time of administration, QR code (medication included).

As FIG. 1 also shows, the storage tray 1 can be accommodated in a housing 7, in particular can be pushed and/or slid into the housing 7 pressable. In the present case, the housing 7 has an outer shell 15 within which an inner shell 16 for receiving the storage shell 1 is arranged. A housing cover 17 closes the housing 7 by means of a clip connection 30. The housing cover 17 has a see-through window in the present exemplary embodiment. However, it is also conceivable for the housing cover 17 to be completely transparent or translucent.

FIG. 8 shows the medicine dispenser according to FIG. 1 with a storage shell with dosing devices arranged therein in a position partially pushed into the outer shell. The housing cover 17 is not shown in this illustration.

For easy insertion of the storage shell 1 into the housing 7, the storage shell 1 can be inserted or snapped into the inner shell 16 of the housing 7 by means of a guide device 19 with guide rails 20 arranged on the inner shell 16. However, it is also conceivable that the storage shell 1 is pressed onto the inner shell 16 from above and is latched in the end position.

The storage shell 1 and/or the dispenser 3 and/or the housing 7 and/or the outer 15 or inner shell 16 are made of plastic, in particular ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), PC (polycarbonate), PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene). This makes these components easy to manufacture and hygienic to use as they are dishwasher safe.

FIG. 3 shows the medication dispenser 10 with an empty storage shell 1, ie without a doser 3 inserted in the compartments 2, with the housing 7 partially closed. Figure 4 shows the medication dispenser 10 with the housing 7 closed. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the corresponding positions according to FIGS. 3 and 4 for a storage shell 1 filled with dispensers 3 .

As can also be seen from the exploded view according to FIG. 1, a printed circuit board 18 for electronic components is arranged between the outer shell 15 and the inner shell 16 .

A surface 28 for a label, for example for a serial number of the circuit board, a QR code for an app or a lot number, is visible to the user on the medication dispenser 10 . This marking 28 can be used to uniquely identify the wireless communication device 13 of the respective medication dispenser 10 specifically installed on the printed circuit board 18 . For example, based on the information on the label or a QR code or a serial number, an application on a mobile end device, i.e. an app, can be informed which specific user is assigned to a specific medication dispenser 10 .

Each compartment 2 is assigned detection means 8 embodied as sensors, in particular optical sensors 9, for example infrared sensors, which detect and/or monitor the correct positioning and placement, removal and replacement of each of the dispensers 3 in compartment 2. In particular, the sensors 9 take each individual ACTUAL state of each compartment 2, i.e. whether the dosing device 3 is used in the compartment 2 assigned to it or not, and forward the recorded value to a regulating and control device 11 presently arranged on the printed circuit board 18 .

The detection means 8 are arranged below each doser 3 on the printed circuit board 18, so that the doser underside of each doser 3 used in compartment 2 is detected by the respective sensor 8 at defined time intervals, for example once per second The status "doser present" or "doser removed" if no doser 3 is used in compartment 2 is logged and further processed by the control unit 11.

The regulation and control device 1 1 controls the removal to each of the dosers 3 based on a specifiable or predetermined schedule such that each of the dosers 3 can be selectively marked, for example illuminated, at a predetermined point in time.

For this purpose, the inner shell 16 and/or the dispensers 3 are at least partially transparent or translucent. As can also be seen from FIG. 1, each compartment 2 of the storage tray 1 is assigned a light source 12 designed as an LED, which is coupled to the regulating and control device 11 and can each be selectively controlled. These LEDs 12 are arranged on the circuit board 18 .

The LEDs 12 are used to provide visual cues to the user. In particular, the dosers 3 can be illuminated by the LEDs 12 and in this way can be specially identified or highlighted, for example to visually indicate a time when the medication is taken. This ensures that the correct dispenser 3 is illuminated and the correct medication is taken. Because of the at least partial transparency or translucency, this metering device 3 is then clearly visible to a user. Alternatively or additionally, the inner shell 16 can also be at least partially transparent or translucent, in particular in order to direct visual information through the inner shell 16 and/or the storage shell 1 to the individual dispensers 3 .

In the present embodiment shown in Figure 1, the medication dispenser 10 has a wireless communication device 13, in particular a radio module for communication with the control and Controller 1 1 on. This radio module 13 is designed in such a way that it transmits control information to the regulation and control device 11 of the medication dispenser 10, which contains predetermined times at which each of the dispensers 3 can be marked, in particular illuminated, for a user. It is also possible, for example, to use the communication device 13 to import updates, such as firmware updates, or to provide an app connection.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, an acoustic signal generator 21 is provided for outputting an audio signal and is coupled to the regulating and control device 11. The acoustic signal can be used to alert the user to the time at which medication is to be taken or, for example, to be informed of the need for updates, a critical battery condition or the like.

An electronic or technical component in the form of an actuating button 14 is used to reset a programming of the medication dispenser 10 and/or to make an emergency call. The actuating button 14 can have an actuating element 24 in the form of a plastic component which the user actuates.

It is also conceivable that further actuating buttons are provided, which can be freely configured. The functions of the freely configurable operating button 14 can be specified selectively via an APP. In particular, the functions of the control buttons can differ depending on whether they are pressed for a short time or for a longer period of time, i. H. is pressed.

For wireless use of the medication dispenser, a rechargeable battery 22 is arranged in the housing 7, which can be connected by means of a USB connection 23, in particular a USB-C connection or by means of a Qi Induction is electrically chargeable. This battery 22 is arranged in the area of the circuit board 18 .

The sensors 9 can be combined into groups to form a further detection means, so that a successful insertion of the storage tray 1 into the inner tray 16 of the housing 7 can also be detected and a corresponding signal can be forwarded to the regulation and control device 11. An optical or acoustic confirmation signal can optionally be output.

The detection of whether the storage tray 1 is removed or inserted is primarily done by grouping and activating a plurality of detection means 8 at a defined time interval/pattern and possibly supported by the detection of a valid signal from the RFID reader.

FIG. 1 also shows that at least one RFID transponder 26 with stored information is provided on the storage tray 1, which can be read using an RFID reader 27 arranged on the printed circuit board 18 for reading out this information.

The storage shell 1 with the RFID tag 26 can be supplied with information about these dispensers 3 and/or a corresponding medication during the filling process with the individual dispensers 3 . For example, a unique user name for which the medication is intended can be stored on the RFID tag 26 . After the storage tray 1 has been placed in the medication dispenser 10 , the latter communicates with the information on the RFID tag 26 of the storage tray 1 . This information is read out by means of an RFID reader 27 arranged on the printed circuit board 18 . As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3, the medication dispenser 10 has Braille writing 25 attached to the storage tray 1 .

Reference List

1 storage tray

2 tray

3 dispensers

4 lids

5 closed position

6 open position

7 housing

8 detection means

9 optical sensor

10 medicine dispensers

1 1 Regulation and control device

12 light source

13 wireless communication device

14 operating button

15 outer shell

16 inner shell

17 housing cover

18 circuit board

19 guide device

20 guide rail

21 buzzer

22 rechargeable battery

23 USB port

24 actuation button

25 Braille

26 RFID transponders

27 RFID reader

28 area for label Insert label clip connection holding frame

Claims

patent claims

1 . Medicine dispenser (10), with a storage shell (1) having a plurality of compartments (2), each compartment (2) having a dosing device (3) that can be inserted and removed from it for storing and removing solid or liquid medicines, such as tablets , pills, liquids or the like, each dispenser (3) having a lid (4) which can be moved between a closed position (5) and an open position (6) and each compartment (2) being assigned detection means (8). are which detect and/or monitor the correct positioning, placement, removal and replacement of each of the dosers (3) in the compartment (2).

2. Medicine dispenser (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the detection means (8) assigned to each dispenser (3) are designed in such a way that they determine the actual state of each compartment (2) and are connected to a regulating and control device (1 1) forward, in particular whether a dispenser (3) is used in a respective compartment (2) or not.

3. Medicine dispenser (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detection means (8) are designed as optical sensors (9).

4. Medicine dispenser (10) according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the storage shell (1) can be accommodated in a housing (7), in particular in the housing (7) can be pushed and/or pressed on.

5. medication dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing (7) has an outer shell (15) inside which an inner shell (16) for receiving the storage shell (1) is arranged and has a housing cover (17) closing the housing (7), in particular by means of a clip connection (30).

6. medication dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the outer shell (15) and the inner shell (16) a printed circuit board (18) is arranged.

7. Medicine dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage shell (1) for the doser (3) can be fitted into the inner shell (16 ) of the housing (7) can be inserted and/or latched.

8. medication dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner shell (16) and / or the dispenser (3) and / or the storage shell (1) is at least partially transparent or translucent or are.

9. Medicine dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each cover (4) of the dispenser (3) is spring-loaded to be biased in the closed position (5).

10. medication dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (4) of the dispenser (3) has a holding frame (31) for receiving a label.

1 1 . Drug dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the regulation and control device (1 1) the removal of each of the dosers (3) based on one predeterminable or predetermined schedule controls such that each of the dosers (3) at a predetermined time selectively marked, in particular is illuminated.

12. Medicine dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection means (8) are arranged on the printed circuit board (18) arranged in the outer shell (15).

13. medication dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a, in particular wireless communication device (13), preferably a radio module for communication with the regulation and control device (1 1) is provided.

14. Medicine dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each compartment (2) of the storage shell (1) has a light source (12), in particular one or more LEDs preferably arranged on the printed circuit board (18), and with the regulation and control device (1 1) coupled and selectively controlled.

15. Medicine dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (13) is designed such that it transmits control information to the regulation and control device (11) of the medicine dispenser (10) which contains predetermined times, for which each of the dispensers (3) can be marked, in particular illuminated, for a user.

16. Medicine dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an acoustic signal transmitter (21) for outputting an audio signal, for example a buzzer or a Loudspeaker, provided and m ith the regulation and control device (1 1) is coupled.

17. Medication dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one actuating button (14) is provided for resetting programming of the medication dispenser (10) and/or for making an emergency call and/or a freely configurable actuating button.

18. Medicine dispenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compartments (2) for the doser (3) are arranged in, preferably rectilinear columns and rows in the storage tray (1).

19. Medicine dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rechargeable battery (22) is arranged in the housing (7), which is connected by means of a USB connection (23), in particular a USB-C connection or by means of Qi -Induction is electrically chargeable.

20. Medicine dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that further detection means are provided which detect successful insertion of the storage shell (1) in the inner shell (16) and send a signal to the regulating and control device (11). forward and/or output an optical and/or acoustic confirmation signal, in particular that the further detection means are formed by a grouping of individual detection means (9) assigned to the compartments (2).

21 . Medicine dispenser (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that preferably at least one on the storage tray (1), in particular on each compartment (2) arranged RFID transponder (26) is provided with stored information which can be read out by means of an RFID reader (27) preferably arranged on the printed circuit board (18).