Device for metering and dispensing solid elements, such as tablets

Abstract

An apparatus for metering and dispensing solid elements comprises a feed unit (2), a separation unit (3) and a dispensing unit (4), which are rotatable relative to one another. The separation unit (3) comprises a groove or through-hole (5) for accommodating a solid element. A compartment (6a-b) for containing a solid element is at least partially formed by the feed unit. The feeding unit comprises a feeding port (2a) facing the separating unit. The dispensing unit (4) comprises a guide surface (7) of the dispensing unit which interacts with the separating unit (3), said guide surface comprising a holding portion (7a) and a dispensing portion with a dispensing opening (7b). The first unidirectional rotation mechanism (8a-b) only allows the feeding unit (2) to rotate relative to the separating unit (3) in a first rotational direction. The second one-way rotation mechanism (9a-b) only allows the separation unit (3) to rotate relative to the dispensing unit (4) in the second direction of rotation. The stepping means divides the rotation in the first direction of rotation into angular steps corresponding to the angular distance between the grooves or through-holes (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for metering and dispensing solid elements, such as tablets containing drugs and / or nutritional supplements for the treatment or prevention of diseases. Background Art

[0002] The treatment, control or prevention of certain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, has a narrow therapeutic window, so precise drug administration is required to achieve the desired effect and avoid side effects. Other examples of such diseases include, but are not limited to, epilepsy, cancer, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia. For some nutritional supplements, precise dose control is also important.

[0003] Devices for metering and dispensing (i.e., counting a certain number of tablets and ejecting the tablets to the user) are known in the art. For example, the applicant's prior patents EP2367519B1 and EP2948390B1 disclose an electronic device including a controller and a drive motor, which can meter and dispense tablets contained in a cartridge.

[0004] Non-motorized devices are also known in the art. For example, EP2847096B1 discloses a device including a metering surface with recesses in which tablets can be held. US 9,815,611B2 discloses another type of device in which the user rotates a wheel having chambers on its inner side, and the tablets are received in the chambers and transferred to a receiver with metering graduations.

[0005] Although the above non-motorized devices have advantages in terms of cost and complexity, the dosing accuracy may not be satisfactory because the number of tablets must be determined visually; in European patent EP2847096B1, the tablets on the metering surface are manually counted, and in US patent US9,815,611B2, the number of tablets is determined visually using metering graduations. This visual determination method may be challenging for some users, especially for Parkinson's disease patients. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a manual / non-motorized metering and dispensing device that can achieve precise metering and is easy to use.

[0007] The present invention achieves these and other objects by means of the device according to the independent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for metering and / or dispensing solid elements (such as tablets), the apparatus comprising a feeding unit, a separating unit, and a dispensing unit. The feeding unit, the separating unit, and the dispensing unit are arranged to be rotatable relative to each other. The separating unit includes a plurality of grooves or through-holes. The size of each groove or through-hole is adapted to accommodate a predetermined number of solid elements, for example, one solid element. The compartment for accommodating the solid elements is at least partially formed by the feeding unit, and wherein the feeding unit is provided with at least one feeding port facing the separating unit to convey the solid elements from the compartment to one or more of the grooves or through-holes aligned with the at least one feeding port in the rotational direction. The dispensing unit includes a guiding surface arranged to cooperate with the separating unit, the guiding surface including a holding portion arranged to form a wall portion (such as a lower wall portion) of one or more grooves or through-holes of the separating unit aligned with the holding portion in the rotational direction, and the guiding surface further includes a dispensing portion having a dispensing port for dispensing the solid elements accommodated in one or more grooves or through-holes of the separating unit. A first one-way rotation mechanism is configured to allow only the feeding unit to rotate relative to the separating unit in a first rotational direction. The first one-way rotation mechanism includes a stepping device or is arranged to cooperate with a stepping device, and the stepping device divides the rotation in the first rotational direction into angular steps corresponding to the angular distance between a predetermined number of the grooves or through-holes. A second one-way rotation mechanism is configured to allow only the separating unit to rotate relative to the dispensing unit in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0009] In other words, the device includes three movable parts, namely a feeding unit, a separating unit, and a dispensing unit, which are rotatable relative to each other, preferably about a common axis of rotation. The separating unit is disposed between the feeding unit and the dispensing unit and can be described as being sandwiched between the feeding unit and the dispensing unit. The feeding unit and the dispensing unit are rotatable relative to each other between an initial position and an end position such that the dispensing opening and the feeding opening do not overlap. In other words, the plurality of grooves or through-holes of the separating unit can be regarded as forming compartments for accommodating one or more tablets. The separating unit has a generally circular cross-section, and a plurality of grooves or through-holes can be formed at or adjacent to the periphery of the separating unit, i.e., arranged in a circular pattern. Since the separating unit is rotatable, the compartments / grooves / through-holes can rotate along a movement path such as a circular movement path. The compartment for accommodating the solid elements is at least partially formed by the feeding unit, that is, the compartment can be formed only in the feeding unit or jointly formed by the feeding unit and another component. The solid elements can be tablets or granules, i.e., the device is applicable / configured to meter and dispense tablets or pharmaceutical granules. When the device is used / suitable for pharmaceutical granules, each groove or through-hole of the separating unit usually accommodates more than one granule (solid element). The device is applicable / configured to meter and dispense tablets in the form of micro-tablets having a size in the range of 1-6 mm (e.g., 2-5 mm or 3-4 mm).

[0010] At least one feeding opening towards the separating unit is formed to open towards one or more grooves or through-holes aligned with the at least one feeding opening in the rotational direction. The guiding surface of the dispensing unit is arranged to cooperate with the separating unit, for example, by being disposed substantially adjacent to the separating unit, i.e., the separating unit rotates on (above) the guiding surface or maintains a short distance from the guiding surface. The retaining portion of the guiding surface is arranged to form the wall portion (lower wall portion when the dispensing unit is disposed below the separating unit) of one or more grooves or through-holes of the separating unit aligned with the retaining portion in the rotational direction to prevent the solid elements contained therein from leaving. The guiding surface further includes a dispensing portion having a dispensing opening for dispensing the solid elements accommodated in one or more grooves or through-holes of the separating unit, and the one or more grooves or through-holes are aligned with the dispensing opening in the rotational direction.

[0011] The functions of the first one-way rotation mechanism and the second one-way rotation mechanism are described as follows: In the first rotational direction, the feeding unit is rotatable relative to the separating unit (due to the first one-way rotation mechanism) and also relative to the dispensing unit (between the feeding unit and the dispensing unit, neither the first one-way rotation mechanism nor the second one-way rotation mechanism is engaged). In the second rotational direction, the feeding unit rotates together with the separating unit (due to the first one-way rotation mechanism) relative to the dispensing unit (due to the second one-way rotation mechanism).

[0012] When viewed in the first rotational direction, the feed opening can be described as being disposed in front of the dispensing opening such that when the feed unit rotates relative to the separation unit and the dispensing unit in the first direction, solid elements are fed into one or more grooves or through-holes of the separation unit (but are prevented from leaving due to the retaining portion of the guiding surface); and when the feed unit rotates relative to the dispensing unit in the second direction, the solid elements are dispensed through the dispensing opening.

[0013] The stepping device provides the following function: for each angular step of rotation of the feed unit, a certain number of solid elements are filled into the through-holes or grooves of the separation unit. This number is equal to the predetermined number (preferably one) of grooves or through-holes corresponding to the angular distance multiplied by the predetermined number (preferably one) of solid elements that each groove or through-hole can be adapted to accommodate. Thus, for each angular step of rotation of the feed unit, the dose of a certain number of solid elements (preferably one) is increased. Therefore, the dose can be conveniently determined by the number of rotational steps. The stepping device can be formed (or co-formed) by a first one-way rotational mechanism or can be a separate stepping mechanism.

[0014] In an embodiment, the device can be equipped with a counting indicator for indicating the number of angular steps of rotation or the total number of solid elements filled into the through-holes / grooves of the separation unit (this total number is equal to the predetermined number (such as one) of grooves or through-holes corresponding to the angular distance multiplied by the predetermined number (such as one) of solid elements that each groove or through-hole is adapted to accommodate). For example, the dispensing unit can be provided with a numbered collar, and the feed unit can be provided with a ridge that rotates and displaces along the numbered collar to indicate the number of steps or the number of solid elements.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly comprising a device according to the first aspect of the present invention or an embodiment thereof and a plurality of solid elements, wherein the solid elements are tablets accommodated in the compartments of the device. The tablets can contain a drug and / or a nutritional supplement for treating or preventing a disease.

[0016] The present invention is based on the recognition that by separating counting / metering and dispensing into two independent rotational movements in opposite directions, during the first rotational movement, the through-holes / grooves can be accurately filled with solid elements, so that the solid elements can be counted by a stepping device that divides the first rotational movement into angular steps corresponding to the angular distance between a predetermined number of grooves or through-holes. Thus, the number of solid elements is precisely related to the number of rotational steps without visually determining the number of tablets.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first one-way rotation mechanism and the stepping device together form a ratchet mechanism including a first ratchet portion of the separation unit and at least one first pawl of the feeding unit, and the first ratchet portion and the at least one first pawl mesh with each other. The first ratchet portion may be formed as an external gear on a part of the separation unit, that is, a tooth profile on the periphery of a part of the separation unit. A pawl may also be referred to as a detent. Such an embodiment is advantageous because the number of components is reduced (since the same components are used to implement both mechanisms).

[0018] In an embodiment, the second one-way rotation mechanism is formed as a ratchet mechanism including a second ratchet portion of the separation unit and at least one second pawl of the distribution unit, and the second ratchet portion meshes with the at least one second pawl. The second ratchet portion may be formed as an internal gear on the separation unit, that is, a tooth profile on the inner periphery of the separation unit. A pawl may also be referred to as a detent. The pitch of the second ratchet portion may be half of the pitch of the first ratchet portion.

[0019] In other embodiments, the first one-way rotation mechanism and / or the second one-way rotation mechanism are formed by other devices other than the ratchet mechanism. For example, the first one-way rotation mechanism and / or the second one-way rotation mechanism may include a wedge clutch. In an embodiment where the first one-way rotation mechanism includes a wedge clutch, the stepping device needs to be formed separately.

[0020] In an embodiment, the size, diameter or cross-section of each through hole of the separation unit corresponds to (n + d) times the size or diameter of a solid element, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and d is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7. For example, the size of the through hole may be 1.1 - 1.7 times the diameter of the solid element (n = 1). Such an embodiment is advantageous because such a size allows a solid element to fit easily, but since the size is large enough to be different from twice the diameter, there is no risk of two solid elements being wedged into the through hole.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first ratchet portion of the separation unit is formed with ratchet teeth, and the leading side of the ratchet teeth includes a first part and a second part, where the first part is located radially inside relative to the second part, and the first part has a steeper inclination than the second part. This may be advantageous because the first part (with a larger inclination) requires a larger rotational force during the initial rotational movement, so that the user of the device does not accidentally rotate the feeding unit.

[0022] In an embodiment, the dispensing unit further includes a dispensing chamber communicatively arranged with the dispensing opening so as to dispense the solid elements into the dispensing chamber. The chamber of the dispensing unit may be provided with an outlet opening, and the dispensing unit may be provided with a release unit which can be operated by a user of the device to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein, in the closed position, the release unit blocks the outlet opening to prevent the solid elements from leaving the dispensing chamber, and in the open position, the outlet of the release unit at least partially overlaps with the outlet opening to enable the solid elements to leave the dispensing chamber. Such embodiments including a dispensing chamber are advantageous because during operation, the feeding unit rotates in a first direction to count the number of tablets, and then during rotation in a second direction, the tablets are dispensed one by one from the through holes or grooves of the separating unit through the dispensing opening into the dispensing chamber, and then the tablets are ejected all at once through the outlet opening. Thus, counting (by rotation in the first and second directions) and ejecting the tablets (by the user moving the release unit) are carried out separately, making the device more user-friendly.

[0023] In an embodiment, the device further includes a restricting member which is arranged to cooperate with the feeding unit and the dispensing unit such that the release unit can only be moved to the open position at a predetermined relative position between the feeding unit and the dispensing unit. The restricting member may be arranged to cooperate with the feeding unit and the dispensing unit in such a way that the restricting member is arranged to rotate together with the feeding unit and is provided with a slot, and the release unit is provided with a protrusion such that the release unit can only be moved to the open position when the protrusion aligns with the slot to allow the protrusion to enter the slot while the feeding unit and the dispensing unit are in a predetermined relative position to each other.

[0024] In an embodiment, in addition to the above restricting function, or as an alternative to the restricting function, the restricting member may be configured to fix the feeding unit, the separating unit and the dispensing unit together. For example, the restricting member may be configured to engage with a part of the feeding unit that axially passes through the separating unit and the dispensing unit. In such an embodiment, the restricting member is crucial for fixing the device together. The restricting member may be made of polyoxymethylene (POM). Based on drop tests, it has been proven that POM can endow the device with good durability. The restricting member may be provided with a snap element which engages with the said part of the feeding unit through a through hole or a groove. By optimizing the snap element to reduce the tension when it engages with the feeding unit, it can be foreseen that the restricting member can be made of other materials such as polypropylene (PP).

[0025] In an embodiment, at least one feed port is provided as a feed port having an angular extent of extension, and the angular extent of extension of the feed port corresponds to the angular extent of extension of the one or more grooves or through-holes. The angular extent of extension of the feed port may correspond to the angular extent of extension of two to ten grooves or through-holes, for example, the angular extent of extension of four grooves or through-holes. A feed port having an angular extent of extension corresponding to two or more through-holes may be advantageous because each through-hole or groove is exposed to the feed port for a longer time. In an embodiment where the stepping device divides the rotation in a first rotational direction into angular steps corresponding to an angular pitch between one groove or through-hole, each through-hole or groove is exposed to the feed port during at least two angular steps, thus providing at least two opportunities to fill each through-hole or groove. This can improve the accuracy of metering.

[0026] In an embodiment, the feeding device is provided with at least one impact element, which is arranged in the compartment or forms a wall portion of the compartment (such as a wall portion of the feeding unit), and the impact element is at least partially displaceable so as to move or agitate one or more solid elements stored in the compartment. The impact element is displaceable by being provided with a deflectable free end, for example, by contacting a gear portion of the separation unit (such as a toothed profile around the periphery of the separation unit). The feeding unit may be provided with at least two impact elements arranged parallel to each other. The impact element moves / agitates the solid element in contact with (leaning / abutting against) the impact element, but since there are usually multiple solid elements stored in the compartment, such movement / agitation spreads from the solid element in contact with the impact element to other solid elements. The impact element may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the separation unit (in the stationary / undisplaced position of the impact element).

[0027] In an embodiment, the device further includes a housing member, wherein the compartment is formed by the housing member and the feeding unit.

[0028] In an embodiment, the device further includes at least one top cover portion or component that divides the compartment into an upper part and a lower part, and the at least one top cover portion or component covers a partial cross-section of the feeding unit such that at least one opening is formed between the upper part and the lower part. The top cover portion can be a part of the feeding unit, i.e., integrally formed, or a separate component, i.e., a top cover component. For example, the top cover component is disposed within the feeding unit or the housing component, or between the feeding unit and the housing component. The at least one top cover portion may include at least one surface that slopes towards the lower part of the compartment. One or more of the at least one surface is provided with at least one rib or at least one slot disposed in the at least one surface, and the at least one rib or slot is disposed at an angle with respect to its sloping direction, for example, perpendicularly. In an alternative embodiment, the top cover portion is provided with a plurality of through-holes. The above embodiment including at least one top cover portion is advantageous because the top cover portion can relieve the pressure on the tablets located near the feeding port, and these pressures come from the column of tablets stacked thereon. The reduction of this pressure makes it easier for the tablets to move, which means that the through-holes or grooves in the separation unit are more easily filled. This can improve the dosing accuracy.

[0029] In an embodiment including at least one sloping surface, the feeding unit may be provided with a tapered portion (which may also be referred to as a funnel portion) that gradually narrows towards the feeding port, wherein the top cover portion is disposed at a certain distance from the tapered portion at the opening, and the distance is (n + d) times the size or diameter of a solid element, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and d is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7. For example, the distance may be 1.1 - 1.7 times the diameter of the solid element (n = 1). Such an embodiment is advantageous because it allows a solid element to pass through easily, but since the distance is sufficiently different from twice the diameter, there is no risk of two solid elements wedging between the top cover portion and the tapered portion.

[0030] In an embodiment where the top cover portion is provided with a plurality of through-holes, the size, diameter, or cross-section of each through-hole corresponds to (n + d) times the size or diameter of a solid element, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and d is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7. For example, the size of the through-hole may be 1.1 - 1.7 times the diameter of the solid element (n = 1). Such an embodiment is advantageous because such a size allows a solid element to pass through easily, but since the size is sufficiently different from twice the diameter, there is no risk of two solid elements wedging into the through-holes.

[0031] In an embodiment, the device further includes a stopper, which can be fixed at a predetermined position around the feeding unit and / or the dispensing unit. The stopper is arranged to cooperate with the separation unit and the dispensing unit so as to limit the relative rotation between them within a plurality of angular steps corresponding to the predetermined position where the stopper is fixed. In other words, the relative rotation can be limited to a plurality of angular steps corresponding to the number of solid elements to be metered. The stopper may include a sleeve portion coaxially arranged with the feeding unit and rotatable relative to the feeding unit, provided with an indicating portion for indicating the predetermined position of the stopper. The stopper is also provided with a limiting member, which extends vertically downward into the dispensing unit to serve as a stop for the radially outward protruding rotation limiting member of the feeding unit, so that the relative rotation between the separation unit and the dispensing unit is limited within a plurality of angular steps corresponding to the predetermined position where the stopper is fixed.

[0032] In an embodiment, the feeding unit is provided with a feeding surface portion adjacent to the feeding port and facing the first rotation direction, wherein the feeding surface portion is inclined towards the dispensing port. In an embodiment where the feeding unit and the separation unit are arranged to rotate about a common rotation axis, the feeding surface portion is inclined at an angle with respect to the plane normal to the common rotation axis, and the angle is in the range of 100 - 130 degrees, for example, 115 degrees. Such an inclined feeding surface portion is advantageous because the solid elements are pushed forward and upward (along the first rotation direction and away from the separation unit), which means that the rotation of the solid elements is promoted, and thus the through holes or grooves can be effectively filled without the risk of crushing the solid elements.

[0033] The width of the feeding surface portion (the radial extension range defined by the common rotation axis) can be (n + d) times the size or diameter of a solid element, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and d is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7. Such an embodiment is advantageous because the solid elements can be prevented from getting stuck. For example, the width of the through hole size can be 1.1 - 1.7 times the diameter of the solid element (n = 1). Such a width is sufficient to prevent a single solid element from getting stuck, but is large enough to be significantly different from twice the diameter, so there is no risk of two solid elements wedging in.

[0034] In an embodiment, at least two grooves or through-holes are each provided with an inlet portion having a chamfer or a fillet facing the feeding unit, wherein adjacent opening peripheries formed by adjacent inlet portions are in contact with each other. This geometry is advantageous because solid elements can easily fall into the through-holes or grooves and will not lie on the separating unit if they do not fall into the through-holes or grooves. In an embodiment of the assembly, the height of the chamfer or fillet of the inlet portion is in the range of 0.2 to 0.7 times the radius of the solid element, such as 0.4 to 0.5 times, such as 0.42 times. Such a chamfer or fillet is advantageous because it promotes the rotation of the solid elements.

[0035] In an embodiment, at least two grooves or through-holes are each provided with an outlet portion having a chamfer or a fillet facing the dispensing unit. This geometry is advantageous because solid elements can easily fall out of the through-holes or grooves. In an embodiment of the assembly, the height of the chamfer or fillet of the outlet portion is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 times the radius of the solid element, such as 0.7 to 1.0 times, such as 0.8 times. Such a chamfer or fillet is advantageous for preventing the solid elements from accidentally leaving the through-holes or grooves during rotation.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of metering and dispensing a predetermined number of solid elements using the device according to the first aspect of the present invention or an embodiment thereof. The method includes:

[0037] · - rotating the feeding unit relative to the dispensing unit from an initial position in the first direction by a number of angular steps associated with (or equal to) the predetermined number of solid elements, and

[0038] · - rotating the feeding unit relative to the dispensing unit in the second direction back to the initial position.

[0039] The first rotation causes the predetermined number of solid elements to be fed into the through-holes or grooves, while the second rotation causes the predetermined number of solid elements to be dispensed through the dispensing opening.

[0040] The features of the above embodiments can be combined in any practicable manner to form embodiments having combinations of these features. In addition, all features and advantages of the embodiments described in connection with the first aspect of the present invention can be applied to the corresponding embodiments of the second and third aspects of the present invention, and vice versa. Description of the Drawings

[0041] The above discussion and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of the drawings, which show presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

[0042] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the components of an embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the illustrated embodiment in an assembled state along a substantially vertical plane;

[0044] Figure 3 shows Figure 2 a detailed view of;

[0045] Figure 4 shows Figures 1-3 a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in, taken on a horizontal plane directly above the first pawl of the feed unit;

[0046] Figure 5 shows Figures 1-4 a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment in, showing solid elements within a container, the cross-sectional view being taken on a vertical plane;

[0047] Figure 6 shows Figures 1-5 a side top view of the embodiment in, the device shown not including a housing member;

[0048] Figure 7 shows Figures 1-6 a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in, taken on a horizontal plane directly below the first pawl of the feed unit;

[0049] Figure 8 shows a disassembled view corresponding to Figure 1 with the difference that a release unit and a restraint are also shown;

[0050] Figure 9 shows Figures 1-6 a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in, taken in a horizontal plane passing through the dispensing unit, the release unit, and the restraint;

[0051] Figure 10 shows a side top view of an embodiment of a device according to a first aspect of the present invention, the device being provided with a stop; and

[0052] Figure 11 shows Figure 10 a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in, taken on a horizontal plane directly above the first pawl of the feed unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figure 1Shows an exploded view of components of an embodiment of a device according to a first aspect of the present invention. The device includes a feeding unit 2, a dispensing unit 4, and a separating unit 3 sandwiched between the feeding unit and the dispensing unit. The feeding unit, the separating unit, and the dispensing unit are arranged to be rotatable relative to each other about a common axis of rotation.

[0054] The separating unit 3 is generally circular in shape, similar to a gear. A plurality of through-holes 5 are formed near the periphery of the separating unit, i.e., arranged in a circular pattern. In other embodiments, the through-holes may be replaced by grooves in the periphery of the separating unit, and the grooves form chambers of corresponding sizes.

[0055] The size of each through-hole is adapted to accommodate one tablet.

[0056] Compartments 6a, 6b for accommodating tablets are formed by the feeding unit 2 and the housing members 17a-b, where the cylindrical housing member 17a is arranged to coaxially surround a part of the feeding unit 2. The feeding unit is provided with vertically extending ridges 18 (the vertical direction is defined by the common axis of rotation of units 2-4), and during assembly, the ridges are received in the slots of the housing member 17a such that the feeding unit 2 and the housing member 17a rotate together.

[0057] The feeding unit 2 is provided with a feeding port 2a facing the separating unit 3 (see Figure 4 ), for conveying tablets from the compartment to each of four through-holes (such as Figure 2 5’ in Figure 1 ), and these through-holes are aligned with the feeding port in the rotational direction. The dispensing unit is below the separating unit (assuming the upright position shown in Figure 1 ) and includes a guiding surface 7. The separating unit is arranged to rotate at a position very close to (or on) the guiding surface. The guiding surface includes a holding portion 7a, which is arranged to form the lower wall portion of the through-hole of the separating unit that is aligned with the holding portion in the rotational direction; the guiding surface also includes a dispensing portion having a dispensing port 7b, and the dispensing port is arranged to allow the solid elements in the through-hole of the separating unit to be dispensed, and the through-hole is aligned with the dispensing port to be dispensed in the rotational direction.

[0058] The first one-way rotation mechanism and the stepping device together form a ratchet mechanism. The first one-way rotation mechanism only allows the feeding unit to rotate relative to the separating unit in a first rotational direction. The stepping device divides the rotation in the first rotational direction into angular steps, and the angular steps correspond to the angular distance between the through-holes. The ratchet mechanism includes a first ratchet portion 8b of the separating unit and two mutually engaging first pawls 8a, 8a’ of the feeding unit (see also Figure 4 ). The first ratchet portion 8b is formed as an external gear at the inner periphery of the circular flange portion protruding upward of the separating unit (see Figure 1), i.e., the tooth profile around the flange part.

[0059] The second one-way rotation mechanism is formed as a ratchet mechanism. The second one-way rotation mechanism only allows the separation unit to rotate relative to the distribution unit in the second rotation direction, which is opposite to the first rotation direction. The ratchet mechanism includes a second ratchet part 9b of the separation unit and two mutually engaged second pawls 9a, 9a' of the distribution unit (see also Figure 4 ). The second ratchet part is formed as an internal gear on the separation unit, i.e., the tooth profile of the inner periphery of the separation unit.

[0060] In addition, as Figure 1 shown, the distribution unit further includes a distribution chamber 10 communicated with the distribution port to distribute solid elements into the distribution chamber.

[0061] The device further includes a top cover part 13, and the top cover part 13 divides the compartment into an upper part 6b and a lower part 6a. As Figure 1 shown, the top covers a partial cross-section of the feeding unit, thereby forming at least one opening 13c between the upper part 6b and the lower part 6a (see Figure 5 ). The surface 13a is inclined towards the lower part 6a of the compartment. Three ribs 13b are arranged on the surface 13a, and these ribs are arranged perpendicular to their inclined direction.

[0062] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the shown embodiment along a substantially vertical plane in the assembled state. The cross-sectional view is used to show the feeding port 2a and four through holes 5' aligned with the opening along the rotation direction.

[0063] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 a detailed view. As Figure 3 shown, the feeding unit is provided with a feeding surface part 2b, and the feeding surface part 2b is adjacent to the feeding port 2a and faces the first rotation direction (R1, see Figure 4 ), wherein the feeding surface part is inclined towards the discharging port at an angle 2b' with respect to the plane normal to the common rotation axis (the horizontal plane when the device is vertically arranged), and the angle 2b' is 115 degrees. The width of the feeding surface part 2b (the radial extension range defined by the common rotation axis) is 1.2 times the diameter of the tablet.

[0064] In addition, as Figure 3As shown, each through-hole 5’ is respectively provided with an inlet portion (such as 5a) having a chamfer / fillet and facing the feeding unit 2, where the adjacent opening perimeters formed by the adjacent inlet portions (such as 5a) are in contact with each other. The chamfer / fillet height of the inlet portion is about 0.42 times the radius of the tablet. In addition, each through-hole is respectively provided with an outlet portion (such as 5b) having a chamfer / fillet and facing the dispensing unit. The chamfer / fillet of the outlet portion starts at a distance of about 0.8 times the radius of the tablet from the inlet.

[0065] Figure 4 shows Figures 1-3 a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in [reference], the cross-sectional view being taken on a horizontal plane directly above the first pawl of the feeding unit. In Figure 4 it, two first pawls 8a, 8a’ and two second pawls 9a, 9a’ can be seen. The first ratchet portion 8b of the separating unit is formed with ratchet teeth, the leading sides of these ratchet teeth including a first part and a second part, where the first part 8b’ is located radially inward relative to the second part 8b”, and the first part has a steeper inclination than the second part.

[0066] The feeding unit is provided with a rotation restricting member 2c protruding radially outward, and the rotation restricting member is arranged to cooperate with the radially inward protruding stop portions 4a, 4b of the dispensing unit 4. The feeding unit and the dispensing unit can rotate relative to each other between an initial position (2c is at 4b) and an end position (2c is at 4a) such that the dispensing port and the feeding port do not overlap.

[0067] Figure 5 shows Figures 1-4 a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment in [reference], where there are some tablets 1 in the container, so Figure 5 it also shows an embodiment of the component according to the second aspect of the present invention. The cross-sectional view is taken on a vertical plane. The feeding unit is provided with a tapered / funnel portion 2’ that tapers towards the feeding port, where the distance d between the top cover portion 13 and the tapered portion at the opening 13c is 1.4 times the diameter of the tablet.

[0068] Figure 6 shows Figures 1-5 a side top view of the embodiment in [reference], where the shown device does not include a housing component. Figure 7 shows Figures 1-6Cross-sectional view of the middle embodiment, the cross-sectional view being taken on a horizontal plane directly below the first pawls 8a, 8a' of the feeding unit. The feeding device is provided with two impact elements 11a-b arranged in parallel with each other, the impact elements 11a-b being integrally formed with the feeding device so as to form the wall portion of the compartment 6a. Each impact element is displaceable by means of its respective free end 11a'-b', the free end being deflectable by coming into contact and meshing with the gear profile around the separation unit 3. Thus, when the separation unit rotates, the free ends 11a'-b' are displaced. The geometry of the compartment 6a is thereby changed, and the tablets therein are agitated / moved, thereby preventing the tablets from getting stuck. The impact elements 11a-b agitate / move the solid elements in contact with (leaning against / abutting against) them, and thereby agitate / move the adjacent solid elements in the compartment.

[0069] Figure 8 Shows a disassembled view corresponding to Figure 1 , with the difference that the release unit 14 and the restrictor 15 are also shown. Figure 9 Shows Figures 1-6 A cross-sectional view of the middle embodiment, the cross-sectional view being taken on a horizontal plane passing through the dispensing unit 4, the release unit 14 and the restrictor 15. As can be seen from Figure 9 , the chamber 10 of the dispensing unit 4 is provided with an outlet opening 10a, and the dispensing unit is provided with a release unit 14, which can be operated by the user of the device to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position (as Figure 9 shown), the release unit blocks the outlet opening to prevent the tablets from leaving the chamber, and in the open position, the outlet (through-hole) 14a of the release unit is aligned with the outlet opening to allow the tablets to leave the chamber. The release unit is formed as a sliding element, which is elastically loaded to the closed position, and the sliding element is provided with a push-button portion 14c, which is adapted to receive a thrust from the user to overcome the elastic loading. The restrictor 15 is arranged to cooperate with the feeding unit and the dispensing unit such that the release unit can only be moved to the open position at a predetermined relative position between the feeding unit and the dispensing unit. This function is achieved by the fact that the restrictor rotates together with the feeding unit 2 and is provided with a slot 15a, wherein when the feeding unit is aligned in the rotational direction to eject the tablets, i.e., when it rotates back to its initial position (upward arrow position), the protrusion 14b is aligned with the slot 15a and can enter the slot 15a, and only then can the sliding element be pushed.

[0070] The restrictor 15 has an additional function - to fix the feeding unit, the separation unit and the dispensing unit together. This is achieved by the engagement of the restrictor with the shaft portion 2a of the feeding unit (see Figure 5 ), the shaft portion 2a being axially (asFigure 8 shown as downward) through the separation unit 3 and partially through the dispensing unit 4. When the restricting member is mounted in place to surround the (lower end) of the shaft portion, the restricting member is provided with snap elements 15a, 15b which engage with through-holes or grooves in the shaft portion 2a.

[0071] Figure 10 A side top view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown, the apparatus being provided with a stop. Figure 11 is shown Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the embodiment in, the cross-sectional view being taken on a horizontal plane directly above the first pawl of the feed unit. Figures 10-11 The embodiment in is the same as the embodiment in Figures 1-9 except that it further includes a stop which can be fixed at a predetermined position (e.g. 16', 16") around the periphery of the dispensing unit. The stop is arranged to cooperate with the separation unit and the dispensing unit to limit the relative rotation therebetween to a number of angular steps corresponding to the predetermined position at which the stop is fixed. The stop includes a sleeve portion 16 arranged coaxially with the feed unit (and rotatable relative thereto), an indicating portion 16a which can be rotated to any counting position (set to 1 in Figures 10-11 ), and a limiting member 16b extending vertically downward into the interior of the dispensing unit. In Figure 10 , the stop has been fixed in position 1, as indicated by the indicating portion 16a. The limiting member 16b will prevent the feed unit from rotating beyond the counting position 1 by preventing the restricting member 2c of the feed unit. As shown in Figure 11 , the limiting member 16b cooperates with a groove (e.g. 16c) in the inner surface of the dispensing unit.

[0072] The apparatus can meter and dispense tablets in the following manner. First, the feed unit 2 (and the housing members 17a-b) are in the above-described initial position (this can also be seen directly from the fact that the ridge 18 is in the starting position 19, see Figure 1 ). Starting from the initial / starting position, the feed unit (and the housing members 17a-b) are rotated relative to the dispensing unit by a number of angular steps in a first direction, the number of angular steps being equal to the number of required tablets to be dispensed. The rotation of the feed unit / housing members relative to the dispensing unit in the first direction is preferably achieved by the user holding / fixing the dispensing unit and rotating the feed unit / housing members in the first direction. Alternatively, the same relative rotation can also be achieved by holding / fixing the feed unit / housing members and rotating the dispensing unit in a second rotational direction (opposite to the first direction). The number of angular steps / tablets is indicated by the ridge 18 on the numbered collar in the dispensing unit 4 (see Figure 1 ). Assuming the use of Figures 10-11In the embodiments described, the stopper is set to a number of steps equal to the desired number of tablets, which prevents the feed unit from rotating further. The first rotation causes the desired number of tablets to be fed into the respective through-holes of the separation unit 3, but the tablets remain therein because the holding portion of the dispensing unit 4 forms a wall portion for the through-holes to prevent the tablets from leaving.

[0073] In embodiments where the device does not include a numbered collar, the user can manually count the number of steps of rotation. Thus, a numbered collar is advantageous (but not essential).

[0074] In embodiments where the device does not include a stopper, the user needs to be more careful when rotating the feed unit / housing part to ensure that the number of steps is not exceeded. Thus, a stopper is advantageous (but not essential).

[0075] After the above rotation in the first direction, the feed unit (and the housing parts 17a - b) is rotated back to the initial position relative to the dispensing unit in the second direction. The second rotation causes the desired number of tablets to be dispensed through the dispensing opening into the chamber 10. Preferably, the rotation of the feed unit / housing part relative to the dispensing unit in the second direction is achieved by the user holding / fixing the dispensing unit and rotating the feed unit / housing part in the second direction. Alternatively, the same relative rotation can be achieved by holding / fixing the feed unit / housing part and rotating the dispensing unit in the first rotation direction.

[0076] After the rotation in the second direction, the button part 14c of the release unit 14 is pressed to align the outlet (through-hole) 14a of the release unit with the outlet opening 10a of the chamber 10, thereby ejecting the (desired number of) tablets.

[0077] In embodiments where the device does not include the dispensing chamber 10 and the release unit 14, the solid elements are directly dispensed from the through-holes of the separation unit during rotation, for example, dispensed into the user's hand, on the table, into a water cup or a similar place. Thus, the dispensing chamber and the associated release unit are advantageous (but not essential).

[0078] The above description and drawings should be considered as non-limiting examples of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that several changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the through-holes can be replaced by grooves (as described above). In addition, the feed opening can have an angular extension range that corresponds to a smaller or larger angular extension range of the through-holes. Furthermore, the ratchet mechanism can be replaced by other types of one-way rotation mechanisms. In addition, one or both of the housing parts can be integrally formed with the feed unit. Additionally, each through-hole can be adapted to accommodate two or more tablets.

Claims

1. An apparatus for metering and dispensing solid elements such as tablets (1), comprising: - a feeding unit (2), - a separating unit (3), and - a dispensing unit (4), wherein the feeding unit (2), the separating unit (3) and the dispensing unit (4) are arranged to be rotatable relative to each other; wherein the separating unit (3) includes a plurality of grooves or through-holes (5, 5'), and the size of each groove or through-hole is adapted to accommodate a predetermined number of solid elements; wherein the compartments (6a - b) for accommodating the solid elements are at least partially formed by the feeding unit (2), and wherein the feeding unit is provided with at least one feeding port (2a) facing the separating unit (3) to convey the solid elements from the compartments (6a - b) to one or more of the grooves or through-holes (5, 5') aligned with the at least one feeding port (2a) in the rotational direction; wherein the dispensing unit (4) includes a guiding surface (7) arranged to cooperate with the separating unit (3), the guiding surface (7) includes a holding portion (7a), the holding portion (7a) is arranged to form the walls of one or more of the grooves or through-holes (5, 5') of the separating unit (3) aligned with the holding portion (7a) in the rotational direction, and the guiding surface (7) further includes a dispensing portion having a dispensing port (7b), the dispensing port (7b) being arranged to allow the solid elements accommodated in one or more of the grooves or through-holes (5, 5') of the separating unit (3) to be dispensed; wherein a first one-way rotation mechanism (8a - b) is configured to allow only the feeding unit (2) to rotate relative to the separating unit (3) in a first rotational direction (R1); wherein a second one-way rotation mechanism (9a - b) is configured to allow only the separating unit (3) to rotate relative to the dispensing unit (4) in a second rotational direction (R2), the second rotational direction (R2) being opposite to the first rotational direction (R1); and wherein the first one-way rotation mechanism (8a - b) includes a stepping device, or is arranged to cooperate with the stepping device, and the stepping device divides the rotation in the first rotational direction into angular steps corresponding to the angular distance between a predetermined number of the grooves or through-holes (5).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The dispensing unit (4) further includes a dispensing chamber (10) communicated with the dispensing port (7b) such that the solid elements are dispensed into the dispensing chamber.

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first one-way rotation mechanism and the stepping device together form a ratchet mechanism including a first ratchet portion (8b) of the separating unit and at least one first ratchet pawl (8a) of the feeding unit, and the first ratchet portion (8b) and the at least one first ratchet pawl (8a) are engaged with each other.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second one-way rotation mechanism is formed as a ratchet mechanism including a second ratchet portion (9b) of the separation unit and at least one second pawl (9a) of the distribution unit, and the second ratchet portion (9b) meshes with the at least one second pawl (9a).

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one feed port (2a) is provided as a feed port having an angular extension range, and the angular extension range of the feed port (2a) corresponds to the angular extension range of one or more of the grooves or through holes (5’).

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The angular extension range of the feed port (2a) corresponds to the angular extension ranges of two to ten of the grooves or through holes, for example, the angular extension range of four of the grooves or through holes (5’).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The feed unit (2) is provided with at least one impact element (11a-b), and the impact element (11a-b) is arranged in the compartment or forms a wall portion of the compartment. The impact element is at least partially displaceable so as to move or agitate one or more solid elements stored in the compartment (6a). Wherein, the impact element (11a-b) is displaceable through its free end (11a’-b’), and the free end can be deflected by contacting the gear portion (12) of the separation unit (3).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The feed unit (2) is provided with at least two impact elements (11a-b) arranged in parallel with each other.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a top cover portion (13) that divides the compartment into an upper portion (6b) and a lower portion (6a), and the top cover portion covers a partial cross-section of the feed unit (2), thereby forming at least one opening between the upper portion (6b) and the lower portion (6a).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The top cover portion (13) includes at least one surface (13a) that is inclined towards the lower portion (6a) of the compartment.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein, One or more of the at least one surface (13a) are provided with at least one rib (13b) or at least one slot arranged in the at least one surface, and the at least one rib (13b) or slot is arranged at an angle with respect to its inclination direction.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The top cover portion (13) is provided with a plurality of through holes.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The distribution chamber (10) of the distribution unit is provided with an outlet opening (10a), and wherein, the distribution unit is provided with a release unit (14), and the release unit (14) can be operated by a user of the device to move between a closed position and an open position. Wherein, in the closed position, the release unit blocks the outlet opening to prevent solid elements from leaving the distribution chamber, and wherein, in the open position, the outlet (14a) of the release unit at least partially overlaps with the outlet opening (10a) to allow solid elements to leave the distribution chamber (10).

14. The device according to claim 13, further comprising a restricting member (15), the restricting member (15) being arranged to cooperate with the feeding unit (2) and the dispensing unit (4), wherein, The restricting member is arranged to rotate together with the feeding unit (2), and the restricting member is provided with a slot (15a); the releasing unit (14) is provided with a protrusion (14b), such that the releasing unit (14) can be moved to the open position only when the protrusion (14b) is aligned with the slot (15a) to allow the protrusion to enter the slot, with the feeding unit and the dispensing unit in a predetermined relative position to each other.

15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a stopper (16), the stopper (16) being fixable at a predetermined position (16', 16") around the feeding unit (2) and / or the dispensing unit (4), the stopper (16) including a sleeve portion arranged coaxially with the feeding unit (2) and rotatable relative to the feeding unit (2), and an indicating portion (16a) for indicating the predetermined position of the stopper, the stopper further being provided with a limiting member (16b), the limiting member extending vertically downward into the dispensing unit (4) to serve as a stop for a radially outwardly protruding rotation restricting member (2c) of the feeding unit (2), so that the relative rotation between the separating unit (3) and the dispensing unit (4) is restricted within a number of angular steps corresponding to the predetermined position at which the stopper (16) is fixed.

16. The device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises at least one housing part (17a, 17b), wherein, The compartments (6a, 6b) are formed by the at least one housing member (17a, 17b) and the feeding unit (2).

17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The feeding unit (2) is provided with a feeding surface portion (2b), the feeding surface portion being adjacent to the feeding port (2a) and facing the first rotation direction (R1), wherein the feeding surface portion (2b) is inclined towards the dispensing port (7b).

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein, The feeding unit (2) and the separating unit (3) are arranged to rotate about a common axis of rotation, wherein the feeding surface portion (2b) is inclined at an angle (2b') relative to a plane normal to the common axis of rotation, the angle (2b') being in the range of 100 - 130 degrees, for example 115 degrees.

19. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of at least two of the grooves or through-holes (5, 5') is provided with an inlet portion (5a) having a chamfer or a rounded corner facing the feeding unit (2), wherein adjacent opening peripheries formed by adjacent inlet portions are in contact with each other.

20. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of at least two of the grooves or through-holes (5, 5') is provided with an outlet portion (5b) having a chamfer or a rounded corner facing the dispensing unit (4).

21. The device according to claim 2, or the device according to any one of claims 3-20 dependent on claim 2, wherein, The first ratchet portion (8b) of the separating unit (3) is formed with ratchet teeth, a leading side of the ratchet teeth including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion (8b') is located radially inward relative to the second portion (8b"), and wherein the first portion (8b') has a steeper inclination than the second portion (8b").

22. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guiding surface (7) of the dispensing unit (4) is arranged to be substantially adjacent to the separating unit (3).

23. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The separation unit (3) has a substantially circular cross-section, and wherein the plurality of grooves or through-holes (5, 5') are formed at or adjacent to the periphery of the separation unit (3).

24. A component, comprising the device according to any one of the preceding claims and a plurality of solid elements (1), which are tablets accommodated in the compartments (6a, 6b) of the device, and the solid elements (1) comprise a drug and / or a nutritional supplement for treating or preventing a disease.

25. An assembly according to claim 24 when dependent on any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein The feed unit (2) of the device is provided with a tapered portion (2') that tapers towards the feed opening, wherein the top cover portion (13) is arranged at a distance from the tapered portion at the opening, and the distance is (n + d) times the size or diameter of one of the solid elements (1), where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and d is in the range of 0.1 to 0.

7.

26. The component according to claim 24, which cites claim 12, wherein, The cross-section of each of the plurality of through-holes is equivalent to (n + d) times the size or diameter of one of the solid elements (1), where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and d is in the range of 0.1 to 0.

7.

27. An assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 26 when dependent on claim 17 or 19, wherein The width of the feed surface portion (2b) is (n + d) times the size or diameter of one of the solid elements, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and d is in the range of 0.1 to 0.

7.

28. An assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 27 when dependent on claim 19, wherein The height of the chamfer or fillet of the inlet portion (5a) is in the range of 0.2 to 0.7 times the radius of the solid element (1), such as 0.4 to 0.5 times, such as 0.42 times.

29. The component according to any one of claims 24 - 28, which cites claim 20, wherein, The chamfer or fillet of the outlet portion (5b) starts at a distance from the top of the groove or through-hole (5'), and the distance is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 times the radius of the solid element (1), such as 0.7 to 1.0 times, such as 0.8 times.

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