Powder dispenser, powder dispensing device

Abstract

A simple configuration allows for precise weighing of a predetermined amount of powder. [Solution] The powder dispenser 1 comprises a filling port 11 into which powder is filled, a storage section 12 for storing powder, an opening provided below the storage section in the height direction for introducing powder downwards in the height direction, a rotating body 20 having an outer peripheral surface 21 facing below the input section in the height direction and having a recess 22 on its outer peripheral surface for receiving a predetermined amount of powder, and a dropping section 30 provided below the rotating body in the height direction for dropping the powder received in the recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder dispenser and a powder dispensing device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a powder dispensing device that measures a predetermined amount of powder used in pharmaceuticals and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the powder dispensing device of Patent Document 1, the dispensing unit has a shutter bolt that can move in the vertical direction and a flow orifice that can be closed by the shutter bolt. The control unit includes at least one actuator having an electric motor and a transmission device whose operation is directed to the shutter bolt of the dispensing unit, an actuator element that can be manually operated, and a drive shaft.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the conventional powder dispensing device, further improvement has been demanded for precisely measuring a predetermined amount of powder with a simple configuration for manufacturing one pharmaceutical tablet.

[0006] The present invention takes the above problems as an example, and an object thereof is to provide a powder dispenser that can precisely measure a predetermined amount of powder with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the powder dispenser according to the present invention comprises: a filling port into which powder is filled; a storage section for storing the powder; an opening provided below the height of the storage section for dispensing the powder downward in the height direction; a rotating body provided such that its outer circumferential surface faces the downward in the height direction of the dispensing section, and having a recess on its outer circumferential surface for receiving a predetermined amount of the powder, and rotating about an axis; and an opening provided below the height of the rotating body for dispensing the powder received in the recess.

[0008] In the powder dispenser according to the present invention, the axial dimensions of the input section and the dispensing section may correspond to the axial dimensions of the recess.

[0009] In the powder dispenser according to the present invention, the input section has a first surface extending in the height direction and in a direction perpendicular to the height direction and the axial direction, and the first surface may have a shape at its lower end in the height direction that is aligned with the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body.

[0010] In the powder dispenser according to the present invention, the input section has a second surface extending in the height direction and the axial direction, and the second surface may have a shape at its lower end in the height direction that is aligned with the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body.

[0011] In the powder dispenser according to the present invention, a housing section for housing the rotating body is provided, and the housing section may have a partition wall that seals the outer circumference side of the outer surface of the rotating body and the outside of the disc surface.

[0012] The powder dispenser according to the present invention may also include a drive unit for driving the rotating body and a non-contact coupling for transmitting the driving force of the drive unit to the rotating body via the partition wall.

[0013] To achieve the above objective, the powder dispensing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a powder dispenser for dispensing a predetermined amount of powder, and a weighing unit for weighing the dispensed powder, wherein the powder dispenser comprises a filling port into which the powder is filled, a storage unit for storing the powder, an opening provided below the height of the storage unit for introducing the powder to the lower side in the height direction, a rotating body provided such that its outer circumferential surface faces the lower side in the height direction of the introduction unit, and having a recess on its outer circumferential surface for receiving a predetermined amount of the powder, and rotating about an axis, and an opening provided below the height of the rotating body for dropping the powder received in the recess.

[0014] In the powder dispensing apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of powder dispensers may be provided, and a support section may be provided that rotates about a second axis extending in the height direction, and the powder dispensers are mounted at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The powder dispenser according to the present invention allows for the precise measurement of a predetermined amount of powder with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a powder dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a partial transparent front view of the powder dispenser according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the powder dispenser according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the case body of the powder dispenser according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the case body of the powder dispenser according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the rotating body of the powder dispenser according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of the powder dispenser according to this embodiment, viewed from the rear. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a powder dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] 1. Outline of the Embodiment First, an outline of typical embodiments of the invention disclosed in the present application will be described. In the following description, as an example, reference numerals on the drawings corresponding to the components of the invention are described with parentheses.

[0018] 〔1〕In a typical embodiment of the present invention, there are a filling port (11) filled with powder, a storage part (12) for storing the powder, an opening provided on the lower side in the height direction of the storage part, and an input part (13) for inputting the powder downward in the height direction. The outer peripheral surface (21) is provided so as to face the lower side in the height direction of the input part, and has a concave part (22) for receiving a predetermined amount of the powder on the outer peripheral surface, and a rotating body (20) that rotates about the axial direction. An opening provided on the lower side in the height direction of the rotating body, and a dropping part (30) for dropping the powder received in the concave part. A powder dispenser (1).

[0019] 〔2〕In the present invention, the dimensions in the axial direction of the input part and the dropping part correspond to the dimensions in the axial direction of the concave part. The powder dispenser according to 〔1〕.

[0020] 〔3〕In the present invention, the input part has a first surface (14) extending in the height direction and in a direction perpendicular to the height direction and the axial direction. The first surface has a shape in which the lower end (15) in the height direction follows the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body. The powder dispenser according to 〔1〕 or 〔2〕.

[0021] 〔4〕In the present invention, the input part has a second surface (16) extending in the height direction and the axial direction. The second surface has a shape in which the lower end (17) in the height direction follows the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body. The powder dispenser according to 〔3〕.

[0022] [5] The powder dispenser according to [4], further comprising a housing section (40) for housing the rotating body, wherein the housing section has partition walls (43, 44) that seal the outer circumferential side of the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body and the outer side of the disc surface.

[0023] [6] The powder dispenser according to [5], further comprising a drive unit (50) for driving the rotating body and a non-contact joint (60) for transmitting the driving force of the drive unit to the rotating body via the partition wall.

[0024] [7] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the powder dispensing device (3) comprises a powder dispenser (1) for dispensing a predetermined amount of powder, and a weighing unit (2) for weighing the dispensed powder, wherein the powder dispenser comprises a filling port (11) into which the powder is filled, a storage unit (12) for storing the powder, an opening provided below the storage unit in the height direction for introducing the powder to the lower side in the height direction (13), a rotating body (20) whose outer peripheral surface (21) faces the lower side of the introduction unit in the height direction and which has a recess (22) on its outer peripheral surface for receiving a predetermined amount of powder, and which rotates about an axis, and an opening provided below the rotating body in the height direction for introducing the powder received in the recess (30).

[0025] [8] The powder dispensing apparatus according to [7], wherein a plurality of the powder dispensers are provided, and a support portion (70) rotates about a second axis extending in the height direction, and the powder dispensers are mounted at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0026] 2. Specific Examples of Embodiments Hereinafter, a powder dispenser and powder dispensing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a powder dispenser 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partial see-through front view of the powder dispenser 1.

[0028] In this embodiment, the powder dispenser 1 is a device that weighs (dispenses) a predetermined amount of powder per tablet when manufacturing pharmaceutical tablets (hereinafter referred to as "tablets") as powder molded products.

[0029] For convenience, in the following explanation, arrow a will be considered the front and arrow b the rear in the direction of axis A of the rotating body 20. Also, arrow c will be considered the upper side in the height direction and arrow d will be considered the lower side in the height direction. The height direction is also called the up and down direction. Furthermore, in the direction perpendicular to axis A and the height direction, arrow e will be considered the right side and arrow f will be considered the left side.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the powder dispenser 1 comprises a case 10, a rotating body 20, a drive unit 50, and a non-contact joint 60. The powder dispenser 1 has a filling port 11 into which the powder is filled, a storage unit 12 for storing the powder, and an input unit 13 for introducing the powder downwards in the vertical direction, all located above the rotating body 20 in the vertical direction. The powder dispenser 1 also has a dispensing unit 30 into which the powder received in the recess 22 of the rotating body 20 is dropped, located below the rotating body 20 in the vertical direction. The powder dispenser 1 is used when positioned such that its height is within the range of the vertical direction and the angle of repose of the powder from the vertical direction, for example, within a range of 20° centered on the vertical direction. The angle of repose is determined according to the powder to be dispensed.

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the powder dispenser 1.

[0032] Case 10 consists of a case body 18 and a lid 19. As shown in Figure 3, Case 10 houses a rotating body 20 (see Figures 1 and 2) with the case body 18 and the lid 19. Powder for dispensing is fed into the rotating body 20 housed in Case 10. The powder dispensed by the rotating body 20 is dropped out of Case 10 to the outside.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the case body 18 of the powder dispenser 1. Figure 5 is a front view showing the case body 18.

[0034] The case body 18 has a filling port 11, a storage section 12, an input section 13, a storage section 40, and partition walls 43 and 44. The front of the case body 18 is open between the storage section 12 and the storage section 40. The lid 19 is a plate-shaped member that can cover and close the storage section 12 and the storage section 40 of the case body 18 from the front. By closing the front of the case body 18 with the lid 19, the storage section 12 and the storage section 40 can be sealed.

[0035] The filling port 11 is located at the upper end of the case body 18. The filling port 11 communicates with the storage section 12 and, via the storage section 12, with the containment section 40. In other words, powder for dispensing can be filled into the storage section 12 from the filling port 11.

[0036] The storage section 12 is located in the case body 18 below the filling port 11 and above the storage section 40. The storage section 12 is located on the rear side of the case body 18 and is a groove-shaped space defined by a first planar surface 14 that extends in the height direction (up and down direction) and in the left and right direction which is perpendicular to the height direction and the axial direction, and a second surface 16 that extends in the up and down direction and in the axial direction (front and back direction). The lower side of the storage section 12 is connected to the storage section 40 by the input section 13. When the lid 19 is attached to the case body 18, the front side of the storage section 12 is sealed by the lid 19.

[0037] The input section 13 is located on the lower side in the height direction of the storage section 12. The input section 13 is an opening for introducing powder from the storage section 12 downwards in the height direction. In the input section 13, the lower end 15 in the height direction of the first surface 14, which communicates with the containment section 40, and the lower end 17 in the height direction of the second surface 16 have a shape that follows the outer circumferential surface 21 of the rotating body 20. Also, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the axial dimension W1 of the input section 13 is approximately the same as or less than the axial dimension W2 of the recess 22, depending on the axial dimension of the recess 22. When the lid 19 is attached to the case body 18, the front of the input section 13 is sealed by the lid 19. Therefore, leakage of powder into the containment section 40 from the front of the input section 13 can be prevented.

[0038] The housing section 40 is located in the case body 18, below the storage section 12. The housing section 40 is a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical space defined in the case body 18 by a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical partition wall 43 extending in the axial direction and a partition wall 44 located on the rear side of the case body 18 that extends in the height direction (up and down direction) and in the left and right direction, which is perpendicular to the height direction and the axial direction. The upper side of the housing section 40 is in communication with the storage section 12. As shown in Figure 2 and other figures, the housing section 40 can accommodate the rotating body 20. In the housing section 40, the partition wall 43 surrounds and seals the outer circumference of the outer circumference 21 of the rotating body 20. Also, in the housing section 40, the partition wall 44 surrounds and seals the outside of the disc surface 24 of the rotating body 20.

[0039] Here, as described above, the end 15 of the first surface 14 and the end 17 of the second surface 16 of the storage section 40, which are located in the input section 13, have a shape that conforms to the outer circumferential surface 21 of the rotating body 20. Furthermore, the gap between the partition wall 43 and the outer circumferential surface 21 of the rotating body 20 is such that it is possible to rotatably accommodate the rotating body 20 while suppressing the entry of powder between the end 17 of the second surface 16 and the partition wall 43. With the storage section 40 formed in this way, the storage section 12 can store the powder that is filled in the space without leaking out through the input section 13 when the rotating body 20 is housed in the storage section 40.

[0040] The dropping section 30 is located in the case body 18, below the height of the housing section 40 in which the rotating body 20 is housed. The dropping section 30 is an opening (hole) that connects the inside and outside of the housing section 40. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the axial dimension W3 of the dropping section 30 is approximately the same as or less than the axial dimension W2 of the recess 22, depending on the axial dimension of the recess 22. The powder received in the recess 22 of the rotating body 20 is dropped from the dropping section 30.

[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the rotating body 20 of the powder dispenser 1.

[0042] The rotating body 20 has an outer circumferential surface 21, a recess 22, and a disc surface 24. The rotating body 20 is formed in a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape. The rotating body 20 is installed inside the housing section 40 such that its outer circumferential surface 21 faces the lower side of the input section 13 in the height direction. Inside the housing section 40, the rotating body 20 rotates about its axis. The rotating body 20 has a recess 22 on its outer circumferential surface 21 that can receive a predetermined amount of powder.

[0043] Multiple recesses 22 are provided on the outer circumferential surface 21 at predetermined intervals, for example, at equal intervals. The recesses 22 are provided on the outer circumferential surface 21 on the front side, that is, on the side opposite to the disc surface 24 side where the non-contact joint 60 (see Figure 7) of the rotating body 20 is provided, so that they are located directly below the input section 13 and directly above the dropping section 30 when the rotating body 20 is housed inside the housing section 40. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the axial dimension W2 of the recess 22 can be set according to the axial dimension W1 of the input section 13 and the axial dimension W3 of the dropping section 30. Specifically, the axial dimension W2 of the recess 22 is the same as or approximately the same as the axial dimension W1 of the input section 13 and the axial dimension W3 of the dropping section 30. The depth and circumferential dimensions of the recess 22 can be appropriately set according to the type of powder to be dispensed and the required amount of powder in the tablet.

[0044] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the powder dispenser 1 as seen from the rear.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, in the powder dispenser 1, the non-contact coupling 60 is provided on the rear side of the rotating body 20, that is, on the disc surface 24 facing the partition wall 44 of the housing section 40. The non-contact coupling 60 is a magnetic non-contact power transmission device that can transmit power non-contactly through the partition wall 44 from a non-contact coupling 51 provided on the drive unit 50, which is located outside the partition wall 44. Because the non-contact couplings 51 and 60 are provided, there is no need to pass a shaft between the drive unit 50 and the rotating body 20 in the powder dispenser 1, and therefore no shaft hole is provided in the partition wall 44.

[0046] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the powder dispensing device 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] The powder dispenser 1 can be used by attaching it to a powder dispensing device 3, for example, as shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the powder dispensing device 3 comprises a plurality of powder dispensers 1, a support section 70 on which the powder dispensers 1 are mounted at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction and which rotates around an axis A1, which serves as a second axis extending in the height direction, and a weighing section 2 for weighing the powder dispensed by the powder dispensers 1.

[0048] [Operation of powder dispensers and powder dispensing devices] The operation and effects of the powder dispenser and powder dispensing device described above will now be explained.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the powder dispenser 1 comprises a storage section 12 for storing powder filled from a filling port 11, a rotating body 20 that rotates around its axis, and a dispensing section 30 provided on the lower side of the rotating body 20 in the height direction, which is an opening from which powder received in a recess is dispensed. The storage section 12 has an input section 13 on its lower side in the height direction, which is an opening for dispensing powder downwards in the height direction. The rotating body 20 is provided so that its outer peripheral surface 21 faces the lower side of the input section 13 in the height direction. The rotating body 20 also has a recess 22 on its outer peripheral surface 21 that receives a predetermined amount of powder.

[0050] As described above, the powder dispenser 1 allows powder stored in the storage section 12 to fall downward in the direction of gravity due to its own weight, and is dispensed into the recess 22 of the rotating body 20 located below the storage section 12 in the height direction. When the rotating body 20 rotates, the powder dispensed into the recess 22 is dispensed downward from the dispensing section 30 located below the direction of gravity due to the rotating body 20. Therefore, the powder dispenser 1 allows for precise dispensing of a predetermined amount of powder with a simple configuration by utilizing gravity acting on the powder.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, in the powder dispenser 1, the axial dimension W1 of the input section 13 and the axial dimension W3 of the dispensing section 30 may correspond to the axial dimension of the recess 22. Specifically, the axial dimension W1 of the input section 13 and the axial dimension W3 of the dispensing section 30 are approximately the same size as or less than the axial dimension W2 of the recess 22. With the recess 22, input section 13, and dispensing section 30 configured in this way, the powder dispenser 1 can prevent the powder introduced from the input section 13 from flowing to parts other than the recess 22. In other words, the powder dispenser 1 allows for more precise weighing of a predetermined amount of powder with a simple configuration.

[0052] Furthermore, in the powder dispenser 1, the input section 13 has a first surface 14 extending in a direction perpendicular to the height direction and the axial direction, and the lower end 15 of the first surface 14 may have a shape that follows the outer circumferential surface 21 of the rotating body 20. By providing the end 15 of the first surface 14 at narrow intervals along the outer circumferential surface 21, the powder that protrudes above the outer circumferential surface 21 on the recess 22 can be scraped off as the recess 22 passes over the end 15. In other words, the powder dispenser 1 allows for more precise weighing of a predetermined amount of powder with a simple configuration.

[0053] Furthermore, in the powder dispenser 1, the input section 13 has a second surface 16 extending in the height direction and the direction of the disc surface 24, and the lower end 17 of the second surface 16 may have a shape that follows the outer circumferential surface 21 of the rotating body 20. With the second surface 16 configured in this way, the powder dispenser 1 can prevent the powder introduced from the input section 13 from flowing to parts other than the recess 22. In other words, the powder dispenser 1 can measure a predetermined amount of powder more precisely with a simple configuration.

[0054] Furthermore, the powder dispenser 1 may include a housing section 40 for housing the rotating body 20, and the housing section 40 may have partition walls 43, 44 that seal the outer periphery of the outer circumferential surface 21 of the rotating body and the outside of the disc surface 24. With the housing section 40 configured in this way, the powder dispenser 1 can prevent the powder introduced from the input section 13 from flowing to parts other than the recess 22. In other words, the powder dispenser 1 can measure a predetermined amount of powder more precisely with a simple configuration.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the rotating body 20 in the powder dispenser 1 may be equipped with a non-contact joint 60. The non-contact joint 60 transmits the driving force of the drive unit 50 to the rotating body 20 via the partition walls 43 and 44. By providing the non-contact joint 60, the powder dispenser 1 does not need to have a shaft hole in the partition wall 44. Therefore, the powder dispenser 1 can prevent powder from leaking out of the housing. In addition, the powder dispenser 1 allows for easy attachment and detachment of the drive unit 50 and the rotating body 20. In other words, the powder dispenser 1 can be replaced depending on the type of powder or drug to be dispensed, thereby preventing contamination by powders and other substances.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the powder dispensing device 3 comprises the powder dispenser 1 described above and a weighing unit 2 for weighing the dispensed powder. With the powder dispensing device 3 equipped with the powder dispenser 1, a predetermined amount of powder can be weighed precisely with a simple configuration.

[0057] Furthermore, the powder dispensing device 3 may be equipped with multiple powder dispensers 1 and a support section 70 that rotates around a second axis A1 extending in the height direction, and on which the powder dispensers 1 are mounted at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. By providing the support section 70, the powder dispensing device 3 can perform a greater number of dispensing operations.

[0058] Therefore, with the powder dispenser 1 and the powder dispensing device 3 equipped with the powder dispenser 1, a predetermined amount of powder can be precisely measured with a simple configuration.

[0059] Furthermore, the powder dispenser 1 can be used in relatively confined spaces such as pharmacies in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, as well as laboratories in universities, research institutions, and companies, in order to produce the necessary tablets in a timely manner according to the patient's condition. In addition, because the powder dispenser 1 is small, it can be easily moved to any desired location.

[0060] Furthermore, those skilled in the art may modify the present invention as appropriate in accordance with prior art knowledge. Such modifications, insofar as they still possess the configuration of the present invention, are of course included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1...Powder dispenser, 2...Weighing section, 3...Powder dispensing device, 10...Case, 11...Filling port, 12...Storage section, 13...Input section, 14...First surface, 15,17...End section, 16...Second surface, 18...Case body, 19...Lid section, 20...Rotating body, 21...Outer surface, 22...Recess, 24...Disc surface, 30...Discharge section, 40...Storage section, 43,44...Partition wall, 50...Drive section, 51,60...Non-contact joint, 70...Support section, A,A1...Axis

Claims

1. A filling port into which the powder is filled, A storage section for storing the aforementioned powder, An opening provided on the lower side in the height direction of the storage section, comprising an input section for introducing the powder into the lower side in the height direction, A rotating body is provided such that its outer circumferential surface faces the lower side in the height direction of the input section, and has a recess on its outer circumferential surface for receiving a predetermined amount of the powder, and rotates about an axial direction, An opening provided on the lower side in the height direction of the rotating body, comprising a dropping section from which the powder received in the recess is dropped, Equipped with, Powder dispenser.

2. The axial dimensions of the input section and the dropping section correspond to the axial dimensions of the recess. The powder dispenser according to claim 1.

3. The input section has a first surface that extends in the height direction and in a direction perpendicular to the height direction and the axial direction, The first surface has a shape such that the lower end in the height direction is aligned with the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body. The powder dispenser according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The input section has a second surface extending in the height direction and the axial direction, The second surface has a shape such that the lower end in the height direction is aligned with the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body. The powder dispenser according to claim 3.

5. It comprises a housing section for housing the aforementioned rotating body, The housing has a partition wall that seals the outer circumferential side of the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body and the outside of the disc surface. The powder dispenser according to claim 4.

6. A drive unit that drives the rotating body, A non-contact coupling that transmits the driving force of the drive unit to the rotating body via the partition wall, Equipped with, The powder dispenser according to claim 5.

7. A powder dispenser that dispenses a predetermined amount of powder, A weighing unit for weighing the dispensed powder, A powder dispensing device equipped with, The aforementioned powder dispenser is A filling port into which the aforementioned powder is filled, A storage section for storing the aforementioned powder, An opening provided on the lower side in the height direction of the storage section, comprising an input section for introducing the powder into the lower side in the height direction, A rotating body is provided such that its outer circumferential surface faces the lower side in the height direction of the input section, and has a recess on its outer circumferential surface for receiving a predetermined amount of the powder, and rotates about an axial direction, An opening provided on the lower side in the height direction of the rotating body, comprising a dropping section from which the powder received in the recess is dropped, Equipped with, Powder dispensing device.

8. Multiple of the aforementioned powder dispensers are provided, The device includes a support that rotates around a second axis extending in the height direction, and on which the powder dispensers are mounted at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 7.

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