EP0786420B1 - Tablet dispenser for dispensing individual tablets - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser (1), for the delivery of individual tablets (2), has a container (4) which pivots within its housing (3) in relation to it. In the closed position, the dispensing opening (6) of the container is offset from the outlet opening of the housing by at least part of its swing path or by the whole of the closing movement swing path. A barrier (9) at the inner side of the housing is over the outlet opening which is not moved by the swing movement of the container and its channel (7) but slides through a swing action on the lowest tablet and over the next highest tablet in the outlet route.

Description

The invention relates to a tablet dispenser Individual dosing of tablets or tablet-shaped bodies, for example of sweetener tablets, according to the preamble of Claim 1.

Such a tablet dispenser is known from DE-A-34 17 751. If the container is swiveled inside the housing that the tablets through the lock from the dispensing opening are held, the delivery opening is at the same time open outside or below. This makes it possible for Example when transporting the tablet dispenser in a bag Small objects enter this dispensing opening especially if the tablet dispenser is in any Wise lying or even "upside down" in your pocket is arranged, with the donation opening at the same time can be released from the tablets so that between the Lock and the edge of the donation opening also smaller Partially or even completely penetrate objects could. This may be known for the function of this Tablet dispenser or - if "wrong tablets" penetrate - be harmful or even dangerous to the user.

There is therefore the task of being a tablet dispenser to create the type mentioned, in which the advantages that safe isolation and output are preserved one tablet at a time is possible without the Dispensing opening hindering a later dispensing process Foreign objects can penetrate.

This task is accomplished with the means and features of Claim 1 solved.

This can be achieved in that the According to the invention provided projection as a closure in the Dispensing opening located on the inside of the bottom of the housing entirely closes, so that a practically completely closed Donors can be made available even during its transportation, for example, in a pocket User does not hinder the donation process later Foreign objects can penetrate.

The projection used to close the dispensing opening can get a double function that the for locking the projection opening serving is dimensioned such that it with the housing swiveled and in the dispensing position Dispensing opening and the donation opening in particular at the Inside of the opposite wall of the housing strikes. The dimensions and arrangements of the openings and the projection are also relative to the housing walls chosen so that the projection used for locking at the same time a stop to limit the Can form pivoting movement. Although a separate one could Stop will be provided for this purpose, however, will be by this arrangement advantageously the stop at the same time as a closure or vice versa the closure also used as a stop.

The lock can be used as a locking projection on the inside of the Housing above the dispensing opening at a distance from the floor be arranged of the housing, which is about the diameter or largest dimension of the tablet oriented in the dispensing direction equivalent. Such a head start can be very easy on the Provided in one piece on the inside of the housing and represents a very simple arrangement to the separate the last from the penultimate tablet if the one in the Output channel of stack of tablets located along with this Channel is pivoted into the dispensing position because then the Lock is practically squeezed between the two tablets so that the lower tablet covers the openings can fall out while the upper one rests on the lock. The locking projection therefore only needs a correspondingly flat one Platelet to be, which is easily between two tablets can penetrate, especially if this round Have the outer circumference for this locking projection forms funnel-shaped insertion opening.

Particularly useful for the production and handling when filling the tablet dispenser it is when the container is on at least one substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis located, approximately vertically oriented in the use position Side is open when this side of the housing in Rest position and in the use position is covered and if the container on the opposite side of the open side has a wall so that it is open on the side, slide-like or box-like container for filling is trained and after being filled by one of its largest Dimension approximately corresponding opening in the direction of through the open side can be inserted into the housing and in particular in the position of use can be locked therein or is definable.

A container is therefore provided, which at least removes the inner slider of a matchbox corresponds and be filled from its open side can, before it is then inserted into the housing and thereby is also closed on the open side. This results in the possibility of using one with only two parts in the essentially closed tablet dispensers are available too in which no part of the container during the Dispensing process are pushed out of the bottom of the housing got to. Because one is perpendicular to the swivel axis arranged side of the container completely or possibly only the filling can be left partially open from there very easy to perform and moreover this can be open Side of a corresponding side wall of the housing in Use position to be completed well how to do it knows for example from EP-A-0 408 774.

The side of the container that is open for filling can be approximately at right angles to the bottom of the housing and in the use position in the be arranged substantially vertically. So that's what to fill Container compared to the later use position Expediently tilted by 90 ° and can also in this position first be pushed into the housing. Since after that open side of the container closed by the housing is closed and even during the donation process remains because the donation process does not postpone the Container relative to the housing, but only one Requires pivoting, after inserting the Container of the tablet dispenser in any position be stored and transported without its filling can fall out.

The one that limits the open side of the container to that opposite wall of the edge of the container can after inserting it into the housing in the housing Close the existing insertion opening. Because the container only is open on one side, so it has one of the open ones Side opposite wall and one opposite this protruding edge, so that a corresponding receptacle is formed. This edge is therefore expedient dimensioned that he the insertion opening of the housing after the Inserting the container closes, so that all around closed tablet dispenser is formed.

The housing can have walls protruding from its base and the insertion opening can be between two opposite, parallel walls can be arranged, the especially substantially at right angles to the floor are arranged. So it becomes practical between those of that Walls extending from the floor to the edges of the insertion opening provided that then later by parts of the housing itself is completed.

The housing can be parallel to one another at right angles transverse walls arranged to each other a Breakthrough or the like recess or a resilient have a flexible place behind which the container is arranged and this breakthrough or this compliant The container can be made accessible in the swivel direction and a pressure on the container in the breakthrough or over the flexible part of the housing can be used to pivot the Container relative to the housing - or vice versa Swiveling the housing relative to the container - in Dispense position, especially against a restoring force. Thus, there is no need to carry out the pivoting movement additional part of the tablet dispenser needed and on very simple way the container located in the housing so far made accessible that the relative pivoting movement between these two parts can be done easily.

For example, in the opening of the housing accessible, possibly at rest something in it engaging part of the container designed as a push button his. The arrangement described above results in a ease of use, in which the user Tablet dispenser can be gripped practically with two fingers, one of which on the breakthrough or resilient point or pushbutton rests and its other a solid, opposite housing wall is supported, so that squeezing the two fingers the dispensing process triggers and a loosening of the finger pressure the restoring force takes effect, so that the provision is made, through which the shaft comes out of the barrier area again, so the tablets in that shaft by one Tablet size can slip, so that already the next donation process is prepared again. The user can therefore, relatively quick repetitive donation movements perform one tablet at a time output.

The breakthrough - for pivoting during the Donation process - can be done across the entire parallel to the bottom of the Housing dimensions of the transverse wall are sufficient if necessary around those located at the ends of the transverse wall Corners into the neighboring walls arranged at right angles to it of the case about the amount that the measure of Pivoting of the container relative to the housing in this Cross-sectional area corresponds. Accordingly, he can do it well part of the container accessible through the breakthrough of the housing can be detected and pressed in, this indenting movement has the desired pivoting result because the Swivel axis at a distance from this breakthrough and the Printing area.

The container can be in the area of the donation opening leading channel and adjacent to the bottom of the housing - in Use position immediately above - a reduced one Have cross-section so that in the direction of rotation between the Container and the housing a free space is formed, and in this free space can at least one return spring, in particular a leaf spring can be arranged by the Swiveling the container into the dispensing position can be tensioned is, which then generates the restoring force by which Let go of the container by itself back into the Rest position is pivoted back. So it will be for them Pivoting movement required space used to Return spring for pivoting back out of the To accommodate the donation position.

Advantageously, the projection can Close the discharge opening in the return spring protruding free space. Thus the presence of the At the same time, free space is used for the locking projection to accommodate for the dispensing opening.

The return spring can be designed like a leaf spring and with the Container in particular be integrally connected and with her free end on an inside part of the Housing, in particular on one with the housing for Example of a rib connected in one piece or on the inside the housing wall itself be supported. So she is with approximately vertically oriented position of use, in which the Pivot axis for the pivoting movement of the container, for example runs horizontally and the floor is in its lowest, approximately horizontal position, also from top to bottom progressively oriented, where expediently with her attacks the upper end of the pivotable container while their free lower end on the inside on the housing is supported indirectly or directly.

A convenient tablet dispenser can be designed so that the bottom of the housing and the parallel cross sections have a rectangular or square cross section and the Swivel axis parallel to the longer or the shorter side of the rectangle runs. It runs parallel to the shorter one Rectangular side, may be a little bigger Swivel path are provided, which is then approximately in the direction of longer side of the rectangle. In the opposite case there are shorter swiveling distances, which may depend on The shape and size of the tablets could be preferred.

It is favorable if the container in the housing by means of a rounded area pivoted and in this Storage is locked. It can then be a special one Swivel axis in the form of an axis part that is molded or should be plugged in, avoided. It is possible that on the inside of the housing and / or the Matching projections and on the outside of the container Recesses for mutual locking, in particular an inseparable snap connection are arranged. this has the additional advantage that a later user can use the Container not without destroying the tablet dispenser from the Pull out the housing and possibly with "wrong" tablets can fill.

The housing can have a projection projecting into its interior have that in a slot in one of the walls of the container engages or snaps into the use position and in particular has a sawtooth shape, the steep Limiting the sawtooth-like projection the slot end in Reaches behind the position of use, so that over the flatter Limitation of the sawtooth-like projection the insertion of the Container is possible, but then pulling out of the steep boundary is prevented.

An additional or different possibility of locking and Connection of the container in the housing with the possibility the relative pivotability of these two parts against each other can be that the housing in its Inside a projecting in the direction of the pivot axis Has thickening in the open at this point and rounded portion of the container engages, being the largest Thickness or strength of this thickening in the axis for the Pivotal movement is arranged and the edges of the open Side of the container in this area is circular or run circular and on the surface of the thickening next to whose most inward protruding areas rest, so that the thickening so this rounded area of the Centered and determined, but also the Swiveling permitted.

Although the container could be on its through the housing closable filling opening have an additional lid, however, due to the features and Measures can be saved, with the additional Possibility gives at least a portion of this open Side of the container to use as a swivel bearing part, if namely in an annular region of the open side a correspondingly designed thickening of the housing engages and so forms the counter bearing.

Overall, the result is a very simple tablet dispenser, in which the donation movement through a for itself Usual and usual pressure movement and one of them resulting relative movement between the housing and the container is caused, but the container and the housing pivoted relative to each other and no longer shifted be so that to release a tablet no longer one Part must be pushed out of the other, so on no additional risk of damage at this point consists.

Another possibility of locking can be that a thickening of the housing wall in a recess of the wall of the container opposite the open side engages latching, the middle of the thickening and the Corresponds to depression of the swivel axis.

The floor between the upstanding walls can, except for the dispensing opening must be closed throughout. This will penetration of foreign bodies into the housing also on everyone prevented elsewhere in the floor area.

Fig.1

eine Seitenansicht und

Fig.2

eine demgegenüber um 90° gedrehte andere Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispieles eines erfindungsgemäßen Spenders, wobei das äußere Gehäuse und in Ausschnitten Teile eines inneren Behältnisses erkennbar sind,

Fig.3

einen Längsschnitt durch den Spender gem. Fig.2 mit der Blickrichtung gem. Fig.2, wobei das in das äußere Gehäuse durch eine Einschuböffnung einsetzbare Behältnis teilweise eingeschoben ist und teilweise noch aus der Einschuböffnung vorsteht,

Fig.4

eine der Fig.3 entsprechende Darstellung nach dem Füllen des Behältnisses und endgültigen Einschieben in die Gebrauchsposition, in der die Spendeöffnung des Behältnisses verschlossen ist,

Fig.5

einen Längsschnitt durch den Spender mit äußerem Gehäuse und innerem Behältnis gem. der Schnittlinie V-V in Fig.4 sowie

Fig.6

eine der Fig.4 entsprechende, teilweise im Längsschnitt gehaltene Ansicht des Behältnisses, wobei das Gehäuse im Schnitt dargestellt ist und das Behältnis in die Spendeposition verschwenkt ist,

Fig.7

eine Seitenansicht eines abgewandelten Ausführungsbeispieles eines erfindungsgemäßen Tablettenspenders, bei welchem die Verschwenkung eines inneren Behältnisses gegenüber dem äußeren Gehäuse in Richtung der kürzeren Querschnittsabmessung erfolgt,

Fig.8

einen Längsschnitt durch den Tablettenspender gem. Fig.7 mit einer Blickrichtung, die der Ansicht gem. Fig.7 entspricht,

Fig.9

einen gegenüber Fig.8 um 90° gedrehten Längsschnitt des Spenders etwa gem. der Schnittlinie IX-IX in Fig.7, wobei das Behältnis relativ zu dem Gehäuse in die Spendeposition verschwenkt ist,

Fig.10

einen der Fig.9 entsprechenden Längsschnitt des Tablettenspenders gem. der Schnittlinie IX-IX in Fig.7, wobei das Behältnis relativ zu dem Gehäuse durch die Kraft einer Rückstellfeder aus der Spendeposition in die Verschlußposition zurückverschwenkt ist sowie

Fig.11

eine gegenüber Fig.7 um 90° gedrehte Seitenansicht, wobei das Behältnis nur teilweise in das Gehäuse eingeschoben ist und seine offene Seite dem Betrachter zugewandt ist, von welcher aus eine Füllung mit den Tabletten vor dem endgültigen Einschieben und Verrasten erfolgen kann.

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with the details that belong to it, using the drawing. It shows in a partially schematic representation:

Fig.1

a side view and

Fig.2

another side view of an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser according to the invention rotated by 90 °, the outer housing and parts of an inner container being recognizable in cutouts,

Figure 3

a longitudinal section through the dispenser acc. Fig.2 with the line of sight acc. 2, the container that can be inserted into the outer housing through an insertion opening being partially inserted and partially still protruding from the insertion opening,

Figure 4

3 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 3 after the container has been filled and finally inserted into the use position in which the dispensing opening of the container is closed,

Figure 5

a longitudinal section through the dispenser with outer housing and inner container acc. the section line VV in Fig.4 and

Figure 6

4 shows a view of the container, partially in longitudinal section, corresponding to FIG. 4, the housing being shown in section and the container being pivoted into the dispensing position,

Figure 7

2 shows a side view of a modified exemplary embodiment of a tablet dispenser according to the invention, in which the pivoting of an inner container relative to the outer housing takes place in the direction of the shorter cross-sectional dimension,

Figure 8

a longitudinal section through the tablet dispenser acc. Fig.7 with a viewing direction that the view acc. 7 corresponds to

Figure 9

a longitudinal section of the dispenser rotated by 90 ° compared to FIG. the section line IX-IX in FIG. 7, the container being pivoted relative to the housing into the dispensing position,

Figure 10

a longitudinal section of the tablet dispenser corresponding to FIG. the section line IX-IX in Figure 7, wherein the container is pivoted relative to the housing by the force of a return spring from the dispensing position to the closed position and

Figure 11

a side view rotated by 90 ° in relation to FIG. 7, the container being only partially inserted into the housing and its open side facing the viewer, from which a filling with the tablets can take place before the final insertion and locking.

In the embodiments described below in terms of their function, but if necessary differently designed parts with matching reference numbers Mistake.

A tablet dispenser designated as a whole serves for Single dose of tablets 2, that is, he takes a larger one Stock of tablets 2 inside and allows that Separating and releasing users with a push of a button a single tablet 2, as indicated in Fig. 6, 8 and 9 is.

In both embodiments, this tablet dispenser 1 outer housing 3 and a fitting in this housing 3, slipcase-like container 4 for receiving the tablets 2. In the 3 and 11, the container 4 is only partially in the Housing 3 inserted and you can see that it is from the side of Viewer is open, similar to a lower part of a box or the slider of a matchbox is designed from Outside outline apart.

On one in the use position, in which a tablet 2 can be output, lower, in the exemplary embodiment horizontal Bottom 5, the housing 3 has an outlet opening 6 and that Container 4 at the end of a downward channel 7 arranged dispensing opening 8. The cross section of the dispensing opening 6 and the dispensing opening 8 corresponds approximately to the outline or the size of the tablet 2, so leave it at the right one Orientation through, but prevents the escape from at the same time several tablets 2. The donation opening is when not in use 8 acc. Fig. 4 and acc. Fig.10 closed by the bottom 5. The Container 4 is movable relative to the housing 3 so that the Donation opening 8 and the dispensing opening 6 together an isolated Let tablet 2 pass and let the next tablet pass Is blocked.

In both embodiments, it is provided that Container 4 relative to the housing 3 within the housing 3 is pivotable, so that one can also say the other way around that the Housing 3 can be pivoted relative to the container 4. In The rest position is the dispensing opening 8 of the container 4 according to 4 and 10 opposite the discharge opening 6 of the housing 3 at least by part of the swivel path or by the whole Swivel path offset in the swivel direction, the swivel direction is indicated in Figure 4 by the double arrow Pf1. there can be seen on the inside of the housing 3 above the Output opening 6 a lock 9, which when pivoting the Container 4 and the associated channel 7 immobile compared to the housing 3, because it with the housing 3 acc. Figure 5 and 8 is in particular connected in one piece and under the at this pivoting the bottom tablet 2 acc. Fig. 6 and acc. 8 and over which the next higher tablet 2 can be moved. Practical is in the stack of tablets 2 that are inside of channel 7 is between the lowest and the next higher Tablet 2 effective by the pivoting movement of the lock 9, the two tablets mentioned on both sides of this lock 9 are pushed past, so that the lower tablet 2 of this Lock 9 is not prevented from falling out, the next higher Tablet but cannot fall out.

The lock 9 is in the embodiment as a locking projection the inside of the housing 3 above the dispensing opening 6 in a distance from the bottom 5 of the housing 3, which is about the diameter or according to the direction of delivery. the arrow Pf2 6 and 9 oriented largest dimension of the tablet 2 equivalent. You can see this locking projection forming the lock 9 particularly well in Figure 5 on one of the housing walls, however also in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. Fig.8 on a corresponding Area of the housing, the locking projection also in Fig.11 is indicated with broken lines. He is also in Fig.3 indicated, although he is in the sectional view shown there located above the drawing level. The same goes for for Fig. 6, where the locking projection also functions is shown, although it is in this sectional view actually located above the drawing level.

When looking at Figures 3 and 5 or 8 and 11 it is clear that the container 4 at an essentially located at right angles to the pivot axis A, in the use position approximately vertically oriented side is open that this side of the housing 3 or a housing wall 11 in the rest position and in Use position, ie when donating, is covered, this Housing wall 11 at the same time the channel 7 on the same side completes. It can also be seen that the container 4th on the opposite side of the open side has a wall 12 so that it as a side open, slide-like or box-like container 4 for filling the open side is formed, in which the wall 12th is arranged flat and horizontally. This is after filling Container 4 by approximately its largest dimension Insertion opening 13 (see Figs. 3 and 11) in the direction of through the open side stretched level can be inserted into the housing 3 and can be locked or locked in the position of use. at this insertion process, the container 4 comes out of the in 3 or 11 position shown in the position acc. Fig.4 or 10th

A tablet dispenser 1 can thus be produced from only two parts be, one part of which is the container 4, that of the open Page slightly filled with tablets 2 and then through the Can be inserted into the housing 3, which is the second part of the tablet dispenser 1. After that closes the housing 3, the container 4, so that the tablets 2 can be stored safely. The swiveling already mentioned allows the tablets 2 to be separated and a single one Output.

The open side of the container 4 for filling is in the Embodiment approximately at right angles to the bottom 5 of the housing 3 and arranged substantially vertically in the use position.

When looking at Figures 3, 4 and 6 and the Fig.5 on the one hand and analogous to Figures 7 to 10 and Fig.11 on the other hand, it is clear that the open side of the Container 4 delimiting to the opposite wall 12 this container 4 extending edge 14 after insertion of the container 4 in the housing 3 which in the housing 3rd located insertion opening 13 closes. The dimensions of this Parts are selected accordingly and you can see that a in the viewing direction acc. Fig. 3 or 11 part-circular course this edge 14 in each case the largest lateral dimension of the Containers 4 and thus the edges of the insertion opening 13 overlaps somewhat in the use and closed position. This Overlap can be seen particularly well in FIGS. 4 and 6 on the one hand or Fig. 9 and 10 on the other hand. Thus arise in Fig.1 and 7 shown, closed on the outside, made of two parts Compound tablet dispenser 1.

In both embodiments it is provided that the housing 3 walls 11, 15, 16 and 17 rising from its base 5 and the insertion opening 13 between two opposite, parallel walls 11 and 15 is arranged, which are arranged substantially at right angles to the floor 5 are. The perpendicular to these walls 11 and 15 further walls 16 and 17, also parallel to one another are, on the other hand, shortened and therefore give their practicality whole width, the insertion opening 13 is free from the upright Edge 14 is closed, as you can see it well in Fig.1 and in Fig. 7 recognizes. The walls 16 and 17 form transverse walls to the first-mentioned walls 11 and 15 and are therefore in hereinafter also called "transverse wall 16" or "transverse wall 17".

In Figures 2, 3, 4 and 6 on the one hand and Figures 7, 9 and 10 on the other hand and above all particularly clearly in Fig.3, 6 and 9 it is shown that the housing 3 in one of the perpendicular to the two arranged parallel to each other Walls 11 and 15 located transverse wall 17 an opening 18 or the like recess, possibly also different a resilient of the illustrated embodiments flexible point, behind which opening 18 the container 4 or an area of this container 4 arranged accessible is. This opening 18 makes the container 4 in Swivel direction accessible and a pressure on the container 4 in the passage 18 is used to relative to the container 4 Housing 3 from the position shown in Fig.4 in the Fig.6 to pivot illustrated dispensing position against a restoring force to be described. In the same way, the second embodiment, the container 4 by the Breakthrough 18 from the starting and rest position acc. Figure 10 in the dispensing position acc. Fig.9 be pivoted, this being also happens against a restoring force. The one mentioned Restoring force ensures that when easing or releasing the pressure on the container 4 automatically again relative to the housing 3 in the opposite direction, is pivoted into the rest position. The direction of pivoting is indicated in Figure 4 by the double arrow Pf1, which in Figure 9 also indicated and in Fig. 10 because of the better overview was omitted.

In both embodiments it is indicated that the in the Opening 18 of the housing 3 accessible, each in the rest position something engaging therein part of the container 4 as a push button 19 is formed, which makes it easier to operate. Furthermore can engage something in the opening 18 in the rest position Pushbutton 19 defining the container 4 within the Improve housing 3.

While in the embodiment according to 7 the breakthrough 18 the side of the housing 3 is arranged with the larger dimension and is therefore of sufficient size, although it is only about a part of this dimension is sufficient, it is in the embodiment gem. Figures 1 to 6 dimensioned so that it over the entire dimension parallel to the bottom 5 of the housing 3 Cross wall 17 is sufficient and gem. Fig.2 and 3 something about that at the ends of the transverse wall 17 corners located in the Neighboring walls 11 and 15 of the housing arranged at right angles thereto 3 continues, approximately by the amount of the pivoting of the container 4 relative to the housing 3 in this cross-sectional area equivalent. This is particularly evident in Fig. 6, where in the pivoted position, the outside of the push button 19 approximately on the boundary of the opening 18 in the walls 11 and 15 runs.

In both exemplary embodiments, one can see when comparing the cross sections arranged at right angles to each other that the channel 7 seen in one direction of view only one at a time Can take tablet over the other while in the other Looking direction (Fig.4) also several tablets side by side can be arranged, but then in the lower region of the Channel 7 a constriction 20 is arranged so that there is only a tablet 2 from that formed by this constriction 20 Donation opening 8 can emerge.

In the swivel direction from the rest position to the delivery position in front of the donation opening 8 can be recognized by the one to this Donation opening 8 leading channel 7 on the outside an approximately flush with the plane formed by the edges of the donation opening 8 a projection 21, the dimensions of which are selected so that it at rest acc. Fig. 4 or acc. Fig.10 the dispensing opening 6 in the bottom 5 of the housing 3 completely covers the inside and even protrudes a little bit more. Here is the bottom of this projection 21 flat and flat, so that the projection 21st can be guided closely over the top of the bottom 5, that is a good closure of the dispensing opening 6 when not in use forms.

It becomes clear when looking at Figures 6 and 9 that this projection 21 expediently a double function has, because it also serves as a stop to limit the Pivotal movement with respect to the transverse wall 16, on which he then abuts when the dispensing opening 6 and the dispensing opening 8 so are in agreement that a single tablet 2 down is released in the direction of arrow Pf2.

It is clear in the same figures that the container 4th in the area of its channel leading to the donation opening 8 and adjacent to the bottom 5 of the housing 3 a diminished Cross section or a smaller side dimension, so that in Swivel direction acc. the arrow Pf1 between the container 4 and the housing 3 at this point a free space 22 is formed. This Free space 22 is reduced by the aforementioned pivoting movement and in this free space 22 is a return spring 23, in Embodiment a leaf spring arranged by the Swiveling the container 4 stretched into the dispensing position is, which generates the restoring force to this pivoting movement undo again. The projection 21 for closing the output opening 6 also projects into this the return spring 23 containing free space 22 and prevents a minimum this space falls below 22 and above all the donation opening 8 can be pivoted too far relative to the discharge opening 6.

The return spring 23 is designed like a leaf spring and in both Embodiments connected in one piece to the container 4. In the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 6 it is based with its free end 23a on an inside part of the housing 3, namely on one for the same with the housing integrally connected rib 24 and gem in the embodiment. Figures 7 to 11 on the inside of the transverse wall 16 of the Housing 3 itself.

While the leaf or return spring 23 in the embodiment gem. Figures 1 to 6 oriented from top to bottom and its free end 23a is arranged at its lowest point is, according to the exemplary embodiment. Figures 7 to 11 directed obliquely from bottom to top and its free end 23a is on its upper part.

In both embodiments, the bottom 5 of the housing 3 and the parallel cross sections rectangular or square trained and the pivot axis A runs in the exemplary embodiment gem. Figures 7 to 11 parallel to the longer and in Embodiment according to Figures 1 to 6 parallel to the shorter side of the rectangle. This can vary depending on the shape and size of the Tablets 2 are chosen because the arrangement acc. Fig.1 to 6 allows a slightly larger swivel path, but with a smaller one Tablets may not be necessary or undesirable could.

The container 4 is in the housing 3 by means of at least one (Fig.5) or by means of two (Fig.8) rounded areas in still to be described and pivoted in this manner Storage or locked in this position. You can see on the inside of the housing 3 and the outside of the Container 4 matching projections and depressions for mutual locking, wherein in FIGS. 9 and 10 it is shown that the housing 3 in each case at least one in can have its inside protruding projection 25 which in one Slot 26 in the wall-shaped edge 14 of the container 4 in Use position snaps into place or snaps into place. The lead 25 in this case has a sawtooth shape, the steep Limitation 25a the slot end in the container 4 in the use position engages behind, so that the container 4 no longer in the position shown in Fig. 11 can be pulled out. In reverse direction, however, it can cross the sloping boundary 25b, which is due to its pivotability and a certain elasticity is possible.

Furthermore, the housing 3 has in both embodiments Inside a projecting in the direction of the pivot axis A. Thickening 27, in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 7 to 11 there are even two such thickenings 27. It recognizes one clearly shows in Figure 8 that a thickening 27 in the at this Engages the open and rounded area of the container 4, the greatest thickness or thickness of this thickening 27 in the Axis A is arranged for the pivoting movement and the edges 14 the open side of the container 4 in this area run part-circular and on the surface of the thickening 27 next to their most inward-facing area, be centered by the thickening 27. Recognized in Fig. 8 the second thickening on the opposite side 27, with a corresponding reduction in cross section Wall 12 fits together, as in the embodiment according to Fig.5 is provided, where such a latching with With the help of a thickening 27 and a reduction in cross section appropriate place is provided. This leads to a simultaneous locking and pivoting by the already mentioned snap connection supplemented with the help of the projection 25 can be, but according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 and 6 need not be added where an additional one when not in use Locking is made by the push button 18.

Overall, a tablet dispenser 1 is made up of only two parts put together that are easy to put together, so one allow quick assembly, but also filling with the Tablets 2 are done very simply before final assembly can. The operation of this tablet dispenser is also easy, because the user, in a known manner, just a pushing motion must perform through which the dispensing opening 8 with the dispensing opening 6 is brought into overlap, so that one by a lock individual tablet 2 can fall out of the rest of the stock. A restoring force ensures that the release of the actuation pressure undo the pivoting movement, whereby the tablet supply from the area of the separation lock 9 arrives so that the tablets slide accordingly can. This means that the donation process can be repeated as often as required until the tablet runs out. The Tablets 2 in the usual way through a sloping wall 29 and sloping trough 30 get to the channel 9, such as it from the tablet dispensers according to EP-A-0 408 774 or EP-A-0 600 123 is known in principle. Located under the sloping wall 29 most of the free space 22 already mentioned, in which the return spring 23 can also be arranged.

Since the container 4 relative to the housing by the donation movement 3 is pivoted and not moved, an exit of one Slide part from the housing 3 and thus a risk of damage avoided from the outset for such a part.

The tablet dispenser 1 for single dosing of tablets 2 has an outer housing 3 and a relatively movable in this Container 4, which takes the tablets 2 in itself. This Container 4 has a downward channel 7, to which one lead inclined wall 29 and an inclined groove 30 so that the Tablets 2 get into this channel 7, one at the end Dispensing opening 8 is arranged, the dimension of which is that of the tablet 2 corresponds approximately and which is closed when not in use. The container 4 can be pivoted relative to the housing 3, whereby the dispensing opening 8 in accordance with a Output opening 6 of the housing 3 is brought, so that a previously scattered tablet 2 can be issued. This is done by the pivoting movement of a lock 9 so effective that it in the discharge channel 7, the lowest tablet 2 from the next higher The tablet separates before the two openings for the dispensing process are matched. A pushing out of a part of the channel 7 from the housing 3 and its bottom 5 in the Donation is avoided.

Claims (20)

1. Tablet dispenser (1) for the single dosing of tablets (2) or tablet-shaded bodies, for example, saccharin tablets, which tablet dispenser (1) has a housing (3) and a container (4), which fits into this housing (3), for accommodating the tablets (2), the housing (3) having a delivery opening (6) on a lower base (5), when viewed with respect to the position of use, more especially a horizontal base, and the container (4) having a dispensing opening (8), which is disposed at the end of a downwardly orientated channel (7), when viewed with respect to the position of use, the cross-section of which dispensing opening corresponds more especially substantially to the shape or to the size of the tablet (2), and said dispensing opening being closed when not in use, the container (4) being displaceable relative to the housing (3) in such a manner that the dispensing opening (8) and the delivery opening (6) jointly permit a single tablet (2) to pass therethrough, and the passage for the next tablet is blocked, the container (4) being pivotable relative to the housing (3) in this housing (3) and, in the position of rest, the dispensing opening (8) of the container (4) being offset relative to the delivery opening (6) of the housing (3) by at least a portion of the pivotal path or by the entire pivotal path in the pivotal direction, and a barrier (9) being disposed on the inside of the housing (3) above the delivery opening (6), said barrier being non-displaceable during the pivotal movement of the container (4) and of the channel (7) belonging to said container, and said barrier separating the lowermost tablet (2) from the next highest tablet during this pivotal movement, characterised in that, when viewed with respect to the pivotal direction, a projection member (21) is disposed externally in front of the dispensing opening (8) of the container at the channel (7), which leads to this dispensing opening (8), substantially flush with the plane formed by the edges of the dispensing opening (8), the dimensions of said projection member being so selected that the projection member completely covers the inside of the delivery opening (6) in the base (5) of the housing (3) in the position of rest.
2. Tablet dispenser according to claim 1, characterised in that the projection member (21), which serves to close the delivery opening (6), is so dimensioned that, when the housing (3) is pivoted, and when the delivery opening (6) and the dispensing opening (8) are in the dispensing position, it forms a stop member, more especially it abuts against the inside of the well of the housing (3) situated opposite said member.
3. Tablet dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the barrier (9) is disposed as a blocking projection member on the inside of the housing (3) above the delivery opening (6) at a spacing from the base (5) of the housing (3), which spacing corresponds substantially to the diameter of the tablet (2) or to the greatest dimension, orientated in the delivery direction of said tablet.
4. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the container (4) is open at at least one roughly vertically orientated side, when viewed with respect to the position of use, which side is situated substantially at right angles to the pivotal axis (A), in that this side is covered by the housing (3) in the position of rest and in the position of use, and in that the container (4) has a wall (12) on the side opposite the open side, so that it is in the form of a laterally open, slider-like or box-like container (4) for filling purposes and is insertable into the housing (3), after the filling process, through an opening (13) which roughly corresponds to its greatest dimension, in the direction of the plane stretched by the open side, and it is lockable or securable in said housing, more especially in the position of use.
5. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the side of the container (4), which is open for filling purposes, is disposed roughly at right angles to the base (5) of the housing (3) and substantially vertically in the position of use.
6. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the edge (14) of the container (4), which defines the open side of the container (4) and extends to the oppositely situated wall (12), closes the insert aperture (13), situated in the housing (3), after said container has been inserted into the housing (3).
7. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the housing (3) has walls (11, 15, 16, 17), which extend upwardly from its base (5), and the insert aperture (13) is disposed between two parallel walls (11, 15), which are situated opposite each other and are disposed more especially substantially roughly at right angles to the base (5).
8. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the housing (3) has an opening (18) or similar cutaway portion or an elastically resilient location in a transverse wall (17), which is situated at right angles to the walls (11, 15) disposed parallel to each other, behind which opening, cutaway portion or location there is disposed the container (4), and in that this opening (18) or this resilient location makes the container (4) accessible in the pivotal direction, and in that a pressure on the container (4) in the opening (18) or via the resilient location of the housing (3) serves to pivot the container (4) relative to the housing (3) in the dispensing position, more especially in opposition to a restoring force.
9. Tablet dispenser according to claim 8, characterised in that the part of the container (4), which is accessible in the opening (18) of the housing (3) and possibly engages somewhat therein in the position of rest, is in the form of a push-button (19).
10. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the opening extends over the entire dimension of the transverse wall (17), which runs parallel to the base (5) of the housing (3), and said opening continues, possibly around the corners, situated at the ends of the transverse wall (17), into the neighbouring walls (11, 15) of the housing (3), which are disposed at right angles thereto, by roughly the dimension which corresponds to the dimension of the pivotal movement of the container (4) in this cross-sectional region.
11. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the container (4) has a reduced cross-section in the region of its channel (7), which leads to the dispensing opening (8), and adjacent to the base (5) of the housing (3), so that a space (22) is formed between the container (4) and the housing (3) in the pivotal direction, and in that at least one return spring (23), more especially a leaf spring, is disposed in this space, which spring is tensionable by pivoting the container (4) into the dispensing position.
12. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the projection member (21) protrudes into the space (22), containing the return spring (23), for closing the delivery opening (6).
13. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the return spring (23) is in the form of a leaf spring and is, more especially, integrally connected to the container (4) and is supported by its free end (23a) on an internally disposed part of the housing (3), more especially on a rib (24), which is connected to the housing therefor, or on the inside of the housing wall itself.
14. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the base (5) of the housing (3) and the cross-sections, parallel thereto, have a rectangular or square configuration, and the pivotal axis (A) extends parallel to the longer or shorter side of the rectangle.
15. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the container (4) is pivotably mounted in the housing (3) by means of at least one rounded region and is locked in this position.
16. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that projection members and indentations, which fit into one another for mutual locking, more especially a non-detachable snap-in connection, are disposed on the inside of the housing (3) and/or on the outside of the container (4).
17. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the housing (3) has a projection member (25) protruding into the interior of said housing, which projection member engages in a slot (26) in the wall-like edge (14) of the container (4) in the position of use or snaps into said slot and, more especially, has a sawtooth-like configuration, the steep boundary (25a) of the sawtooth-like projection member engaging behind the slot end in the position of use.
18. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the housing (3) has in its interior a thickened portion (27), which protrudes in the direction of the pivotal axis (A) and engages in the region of the container (4) which is open and rounded at this location, the greatest thickness or gauge of this thickened portion (27) being disposed in the axis (A) for the pivotal movement, and the edges (14) of the open side of the container (4) extending in this region in the shape of a graduated circle and lying on the surface of the thickened portion (27) adjacent the region thereof which protrudes the furthest inwardly.
19. Tablet dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that a thickened portion (27) of the housing wall engages so as to lock in an indentation in the wall of the container (4) situated opposite the open side, the centre of the thickened portion (27) and of the indentation corresponding to the pivotal axis (A).
20. Tablet dispenser according to one of the above claims, characterised in that the base (5) is continuously closed between the upwardly extending walls (11, 15, 16, 17) apart from the delivery opening (6).

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