A device for administering and dispensing solid elements such as drug tablets.

Abstract

A device for administering and dispensing solid elements, comprising a supply unit (2), a separation unit (3), and a dispensing unit (4) that are rotatable relative to each other. The separation unit (3) comprises a recess or through hole (5) for accommodating solid elements. Compartments (6a-b) for accommodating solid elements are formed at least partially by the supply unit. The supply unit comprises a supply opening (2a) toward the separation unit. The dispensing unit (4) comprises a guide surface (7) of the dispensing unit that cooperates with the separation unit (3), the guide surface comprising a holding portion (7a) and a dispensing portion having a dispensing opening (7b). A first unidirectional rotation mechanism (8a-b) allows the supply unit (2) to rotate relative to the separation unit (3) only in a first rotational direction. A second unidirectional rotation mechanism (9a-b) allows the separation unit (3) to rotate relative to the dispensing unit (4) only in a second rotational direction. The stepping means subdivides the rotation in the first direction into angular steps corresponding to the angular distance between the recesses or through holes (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for administering 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 concentration range and thus requires accurate dosing in order to provide the desired effect and to avoid side effects. Other examples of such diseases include, but are not limited to, epilepsy, cancer, depression, ADHD, and schizophrenia. In some cases of nutritional supplements, accurate dosing is also important.

[0003] Devices for administration and dispensing, i.e., devices for counting the number of tablets and releasing the tablets to the user, are known in the art. For example, in the applicant's previous patents EP2367519B1 and EP2948390B1, an electronic device comprising a control device and a drive motor is disclosed, which device administers and dispenses tablets housed in a cassette.

[0004] Non-electric devices are also known in the art. For example, EP2847096B1 discloses a device comprising a metering surface provided with recesses in which tablets can be held. US Patent No. 9,815,611(B2) discloses a different type of device in which the user rotates a wheel having an inner chamber and the tablets are received in the chamber and transferred to a receiver provided with a dosing scale.

[0005] While the non-electric devices described above offer advantages in terms of cost and complexity, they may have insufficient dosing accuracy because the number of tablets must be visually determined. In EP2847096B1, tablets on the weighing surface are counted manually, and in U.S. Patent No. 9,815,611(B2), the number of tablets is visually determined using a dosing scale. Such visual determination can be difficult for some users, particularly those with Parkinson's disease. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] EP2367519B1 [Patent Document 2] EP2948390B1 [Patent Document 3] EP2847096B1 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 9,815,611(B2) [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a manual / non-electric dosing and dispensing device that offers accurate administration and ease of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The other objectives described above are achieved by the present invention through the device described in the independent claim.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device is provided for administering and / or dispensing solid elements such as drug tablets, comprising a supply unit, a separation unit, and a dispensing unit. The supply unit, separation unit, and dispensing unit are arranged to rotate relative to each other. The separation unit comprises a plurality of recesses or through-holes. Each recess or through-hole may have a size adapted to accommodate a predetermined number of solid elements, such as one solid element. A compartment for accommodating the aforementioned solid elements is at least partially formed by the supply unit, and the supply unit is provided with at least one supply opening toward the separation unit for supplying solid elements from the aforementioned compartment into one or more of the aforementioned recesses or through-holes, the aforementioned recesses or through-holes being rotatably aligned with the aforementioned at least one supply opening. The dispensing unit comprises a guide surface arranged to cooperate with the separation unit, the guide surface comprising a retaining portion arranged to form a wall portion (such as a lower wall portion) for one or more recesses or through holes of the separation unit, the one or more recesses or through holes rotating and aligning with the aforementioned retaining portion, and a dispensing portion having a dispensing opening arranged to allow solid elements contained in one or more recesses or through holes of the separation unit to be dispensed. A first unidirectional rotation mechanism is configured to allow rotation of the supply unit relative to the separation unit only in a first rotational direction. The first unidirectional rotation mechanism comprises stepping means for subdividing the rotation in the aforementioned first direction into angular steps corresponding to a predetermined number of aforementioned recesses or through holes, or is configured to cooperate with such stepping means. A second unidirectional rotation mechanism is configured to allow rotational movement of the separation unit relative to the dispensing unit only in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0010] In other words, the device comprises three movable parts: a supply unit, a separation unit, and a dispensing unit, which are rotatable relative to each other, preferably around a common axis of rotation. The separation unit is positioned between the supply unit and the dispensing unit, and may also be described as being sandwiched between the supply unit and the dispensing unit. The supply unit and the dispensing unit may be rotatable relative to each other between an initial position and an end position, such that the dispensing opening and the supply opening do not overlap. In short, it can be said that the multiple recesses or through-holes of the separation unit described above form a chamber for one or more tablets. The separation unit may have a substantially circular cross-section, and the multiple recesses or through-holes may be formed around the separation unit or adjacent to the separation unit, i.e., in a circular configuration. Since the separation unit is rotatable, the chambers / recesses / through-holes are rotatable along a motion path, such as a circular motion path. Compartments for housing solid elements are formed at least partially by the supply unit described above, in the sense that the compartments may be formed solely in the supply unit or by another part in addition to the supply unit. The solid element may be a drug tablet or drug granule; that is, the device may be adapted / configured to administer and dispense drug tablets or drug granules. When the device is used / adapted to drug granules, each recess or through-hole in the separation unit typically accommodates two or more granules (solid elements). The device may also be adapted / configured to administer and dispense drug tablets in the form of mini-tablets having a size in the range of 1 to 6 mm, such as 2 to 5 mm or 3 to 4 mm.

[0011] At least one supply opening facing the separation unit is formed to open toward one or more recesses or through-holes that are rotatably aligned with the at least one supply opening. The guide surface of the dispensing unit is arranged to cooperate with the separation unit, for example, by being positioned substantially in contact with the separation unit, i.e., by being positioned so that the separation rotates on or a short distance from the guide surface. The retaining portion of the guide surface is positioned to form a wall portion for one or more recesses or through-holes of the separation unit (a lower wall portion if the dispensing unit is positioned below the separation unit), and one or more recesses or through-holes are rotatably aligned with the retaining portion to prevent solid elements contained therein from falling out. The guide surface further comprises a dispensing portion having a dispensing opening, which is positioned to allow solid elements contained in one or more recesses or through-holes of the separation unit that are rotatably aligned with the dispensing opening to be dispensed.

[0012] The functions of the first and second unidirectional rotation mechanisms can be described as follows: In the first rotation direction, the supply unit can rotate relative to the separation unit (by the first unidirectional rotation mechanism) and can also rotate relative to the dispensing unit (without either the first or second unidirectional rotation mechanism engaging between the supply unit and the dispensing unit). In the second rotation direction, the supply unit rotates together with the separation unit (by the first unidirectional rotation mechanism) relative to the dispensing unit (by the second unidirectional rotation mechanism).

[0013] The supply opening can be described as being positioned in front of the dispensing opening when viewed in the first rotational direction, such that when the supply unit is rotated in a first direction relative to the separation unit and the dispensing unit, solid elements are supplied to one or more recesses or through holes in the separation unit (but prevented from flowing out by a retaining portion of the guide surface), and when the supply unit is rotated in a second direction relative to the dispensing unit, solid elements are dispensed through the dispensing opening.

[0014] The stepping means provides the function that each angular step in which the supply unit is rotated corresponds to a specific number of solid elements to be filled into the through-holes or recesses of the separation unit. This number is equal to the product of a predetermined number of recesses or through-holes (preferably one) to which the angular distance corresponds and a predetermined number of solid elements (preferably one) to which each recess or through-hole is adapted to accommodate. Thus, each angular step in which the supply unit is rotated increases the dosage by a specific number of solid elements (preferably one). Thus, the dosage can be conveniently determined by the number of steps rotated. The stepping means may be formed by (or together with) a first unidirectional rotation mechanism, or it may be a separate stepping mechanism.

[0015] In some embodiments, the device may be provided with a counting indicator that shows the number of rotated angular steps or the total number of solid elements filled in the through-holes / recesses of the separation unit (this is equal to the number of predetermined recesses or through-holes corresponding to the angular distance (e.g., one) multiplied by the number of predetermined solid elements adapted to accommodate each recess or through-hole (e.g., one)). For example, the dispensing unit may be provided with numbered collars, and the supply unit may be provided with ridge portions that rotate and move along the numbered collars to indicate the number of steps or the number of solid elements.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a device is provided comprising a device according to a first aspect or embodiment thereof, and a plurality of solid elements which are tablets housed in a compartment of the aforementioned device. The tablets may contain drugs and / or nutritional supplements for the treatment or prevention of disease.

[0017] The present invention is based on the insight that through holes / recesses can be accurately filled with solid elements during the first rotational motion by separating counting / dosing from dispensing into two separate rotational motions in opposing directions, so that the number of solid elements can be counted by stepping means that subdivide the first rotational motion into angular steps corresponding to the angular distance between a predetermined number of recesses or through holes. Therefore, the number of solid elements correlates precisely with the number of rotational steps, and visual determination of the number of tablets is not required.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first unidirectional rotation mechanism and stepping means are formed together as a ratchet mechanism comprising a first ratchet gear portion of the aforementioned separation unit and at least one first ratchet finger of the aforementioned supply unit, which engage with each other. The first ratchet gear portion may be formed as an external gear on a portion of the separation unit, i.e., as a serrated contour around a portion of the separation unit. The ratchet finger may also be called a pawl. Such embodiments are advantageous because they keep the number of parts low (since both mechanisms are realized using the same parts).

[0019] In some embodiments, the second unidirectional rotation mechanism is formed as a ratchet mechanism comprising a second ratchet gear portion of the aforementioned separation unit and at least one second ratchet finger of the aforementioned dispensing unit, which engage with each other. The second ratchet gear portion may be formed as an internal gear on the separation unit, i.e., as a serrated contour on the inner circumference of the separation unit. The ratchet finger may also be called a pawl. The steps of the second ratchet gear portion may be half the length of the steps of the first ratchet gear portion.

[0020] In other embodiments, the first one-way rotation mechanism and / or the second one-way rotation mechanism are formed by means other than a ratchet mechanism. For example, the first one-way rotation mechanism and / or the second one-way rotation mechanism may include a sprag clutch. In an embodiment where the first one-way rotation mechanism includes a sprag clutch, the stepping means need to be formed separately.

[0021] In some embodiments, the through-holes of the separation unit each have a size, diameter, or cross-section corresponding to (n + d) times the size or diameter of one of the solid elements, where n is an integer ≧ 1 and d is in the range from 0.1 to 0.7. For example, the size of the through-hole can be 1.1 to 1.7 times the diameter (n = 1) of the solid element. Such a size allows one solid element to fit easily, but the size does not reach twice the diameter, so there is no risk that two solid elements can be trapped in the through-hole, and such embodiments are advantageous.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first ratchet gear of the separation unit is formed with ratchet teeth having a leading side with first and second portions, the first portion being disposed radially inward of the second portion, and the first portion having a steeper slope than the second portion. This can be advantageous because the first portion (having a steep slope) results in a large rotational force being required during the initial rotational movement so that the user of the device does not accidentally rotate the supply unit.

[0023] In some embodiments, the dispensing unit further comprises a dispensing chamber positioned in communication with a dispensing opening, thereby dispensing 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 that can be displaced between a closed position and an open position by the user of the device, in the closed position, the release unit blocks the outlet opening to prevent solid elements from leaving the dispensing chamber, and in the aforementioned open position, the outlet of the release unit at least partially overlaps the outlet opening to allow solid elements to leave the aforementioned dispensing chamber. Such embodiments comprising a dispensing chamber are advantageous because, during operation, the supply unit is rotated in a first direction to count the number of tablets, and then, during rotation in a second direction, the tablets are dispensed one at a time from through holes or recesses in the separation unit through the dispensing opening into the dispensing chamber, and then the tablets are released all at once through the outlet opening. Therefore, the counting of the tablets (by rotation in the first and second directions) and the release of the tablets (by the user displacing the release unit) are separated, resulting in a device that is convenient to use.

[0024] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a limiting member arranged to cooperate with the supply unit and the dispensing unit so as to allow the release unit to be displaced to the aforementioned open position only at a predetermined relative position between the supply unit and the dispensing unit. The limiting member may be arranged to cooperate with the supply unit by being arranged to rotate with the supply unit and having a slot, and by being provided with a projection on the release unit, so as to allow the release unit to be displaced to the aforementioned open position only at a predetermined relative position between the supply unit and the dispensing unit when the projection is aligned with a slot so that the projection can enter the slot.

[0025] In some embodiments, the limiting member can be configured to hold together the supply unit, the separation unit, and the dispensing unit, in addition to or instead of the above-described limiting function. For example, the limiting member can be configured to engage a portion of the supply unit that projects axially through the separation unit and the dispensing unit. In such embodiments, the limiting member is important for holding the device together. The limiting member can be manufactured from polyoxymethylene (POM). POM has been proven to provide advantageous durability of the device based on the drop test. The limiting member can be provided with snap elements that engage the aforementioned portion (through-hole or recess) of the supply unit. It can be predicted that the limiting member can be manufactured from other materials such as polypropylene (PP) by optimizing the snap elements to reduce the tension in the snap elements when engaged with the supply unit.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one supply opening is provided as a supply opening having an angular range corresponding to one or more of the aforementioned angular ranges of the aforementioned recesses or through-holes. The angular range can correspond to the angular ranges of 2 to 10 recesses or through-holes, such as 4 recesses or through-holes. A supply opening having an angular range corresponding to two or more through-holes can be advantageous because each through-hole or recess is exposed towards the supply opening for a longer period of time. In embodiments where the stepping means subdivides the rotation in the first direction into angular steps corresponding to one angular distance between one recess or through-hole, each through-hole or recess is exposed towards the supply opening during at least two angular steps, and thus at least two opportunities are provided to fill each through-hole or recess. This can improve the administration accuracy.

[0027] In some embodiments, the supply device is provided with at least one impact element positioned in the aforementioned compartment or forming a wall portion for the aforementioned compartment (such as a wall portion of the aforementioned supply unit), wherein the impact element is at least partially displaceable to displace or oscillate one or more solid elements stored within the aforementioned compartment. The impact element may be displaceable by having a free end that can be deflected by contact with a gear portion of the aforementioned separation unit, such as a serrated contour around the separation unit. The supply unit may be provided with at least two impact elements arranged in parallel. The impact elements displace / oscillate solid elements that are in contact with the impact element (leaning against / contacting the impact element), but since typically multiple solid elements are stored within the aforementioned compartment, the displacement / oscillation is transmitted from the solid element in contact with the impact element to other solid elements. The impact elements may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the separation unit (in the stationary / non-displaced position of the impact element).

[0028] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a housing component, and the aforementioned compartment is formed by the aforementioned housing component and the aforementioned supply unit.

[0029] In some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one roof portion or roof component that divides the compartment into upper and lower parts, the said at least one roof portion or roof component covering a portion of the cross-section of the supply unit such that it forms at least one opening between the said upper and lower parts. The roof portion may be part of the supply unit, i.e., integrally formed, or it may be a separate part, i.e., a roof component, which is, for example, located within the supply unit, within a housing component, or between the supply unit and the housing component. The at least one roof portion may comprise at least one surface that slopes toward the said lower part of the compartment. One or more of the at least one surfaces may be provided with at least one raised rib or at least one slot located on the at least one surface, the at least one raised rib or slot being located at an angle to its direction of slope, for example, perpendicular. In alternative embodiments, the roof portion is provided with a plurality of through holes. The above embodiments comprising at least one roof portion are advantageous because the roof portion reduces the pressure on the tablets near the supply opening as the rows of tablets lie on the roof portion. Such pressure reduction allows the tablet to move more easily, which means that the through-holes or recesses in the separation unit are filled more easily. This can improve dosing accuracy.

[0030] In some embodiments having at least one inclined surface, the supply unit may be provided with a tapered portion (sometimes called a funnel portion) that narrows toward the supply opening, in which case the aforementioned roof portion is positioned at a certain distance from the aforementioned tapered portion at the aforementioned opening, and this distance is (n+d) times the size or diameter of one of the solid elements, where n is an integer ≥ 1 and d is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7. For example, this distance may be 1.1 to 1.7 times the diameter of the solid element (n=1). Such embodiments are advantageous because they allow one solid element to pass through easily, but the distance is nowhere near twice the diameter, and there is no risk of two solid elements being trapped between the roof portion and the tapered portion.

[0031] In some embodiments where multiple through-holes are provided in the roof section, each through-hole has a size, diameter, or cross-section corresponding to (n+d) times the size or diameter of one of the solid elements, where n is an integer ≥ 1 and d is within the range of 0.1 to 0.7. For example, the size of the through-hole may be 1.1 to 1.7 times the diameter of the solid element (n=1). Such a size is advantageous because it allows one solid element to pass through easily, but the size does not come close to twice the diameter, and there is no risk of two solid elements being trapped in the through-hole.

[0032] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a retaining member that can be fixed at a predetermined position around the supply unit and / or dispensing unit, the retaining member being arranged to cooperate with the separation unit and the aforementioned dispensing unit to limit the relative rotation between the separation unit and the dispensing unit to a number of angular steps corresponding to a predetermined position to which the retaining member is fixed. In other words, the relative rotation may be limited to a number of angular steps corresponding to the number of solid elements to be administered. The retaining member may further comprise a sleeve portion that is coaxial with the supply unit and rotatable relative to the supply unit, wherein an indicator member is arranged to indicate a predetermined position of the retaining member, and the retaining member is further provided with a limiting member, the limiting member acting as a retainer for a rotation limiting member extending vertically downward into the dispensing unit and projecting radially outward from the supply unit, such that the relative rotation between the separation unit and the aforementioned dispensing unit is limited to a number of angular steps corresponding to a predetermined position to which the retaining member is fixed.

[0033] In some embodiments, the supply unit is provided with a supply surface portion, which is adjacent to the supply opening and oriented in the first rotational direction, where the supply surface portion is inclined toward the dispensing opening. In some embodiments, where the supply unit and the separation unit are arranged to rotate around a common axis of rotation, the supply surface portion is inclined at an angle with respect to a plane having the common axis of rotation as its normal, and the angle is in the range of 100 to 130 degrees, such as 115 degrees. Such an inclined supply surface portion is advantageous because the solid elements are pushed forward and upward (in the first rotational direction and away from the separation unit), which means that the rotation of the fixed elements is facilitated, thereby allowing the through-hole recesses to be efficiently filled without crushing the solid elements.

[0034] The supply surface portion may have a width (radial spread determined by the aforementioned common axis of rotation) that is (n+d) times the size or diameter of one of the solid elements, where n is an integer ≥ 1 and d is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7. Such embodiments are advantageous because solid elements are prevented from becoming jammed. For example, the width of the through hole may be 1.1 to 1.7 times the diameter of the solid element (n=1). Such a width is sufficient to prevent one fixed element from becoming jammed, but is nowhere near twice the diameter, and therefore there is no risk of two solid elements becoming trapped.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least two of the through holes or recesses are provided with chamfered or rounded entrance portions facing the supply unit, and the periphery of the opening formed by adjacent entrance portions is in contact with each other. Such geometry is advantageous because solid elements can easily fall into the through holes or recesses and will not remain on the separation unit without falling into the through holes or recesses. In some embodiments of this configuration, the chamfering or rounding of the entrance portions has a height in the range of 0.2 to 0.7 times the radius of the solid element, such as 0.4 to 0.5 times, 0.42 times, etc. Such chamfering or rounding is advantageous because it facilitates the rotation of the solid element.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least two of the through holes or recesses are provided with chamfered or rounded exit portions toward the dispensing unit. Such geometry is advantageous because solid elements easily fall out of the through holes or recesses. In some embodiments of this configuration, the chamfering or rounding of the exit portions has a height in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 times the radius of the solid element, such as 0.7 to 1.0 times, 0.8 times, etc. Such chamfering or rounding is advantageous in preventing solid elements from accidentally falling out of the through holes or recesses while rotating.

[0037] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for administering and dispensing a predetermined number of solid elements using a device according to the first aspect of the present invention or an embodiment thereof. The method is: - Rotating the supply unit relative to the dispensing unit from its initial position by a number of angular steps correlated with (or equal to) the predetermined number of solid elements in the aforementioned first direction, and, - Rotate the supply unit in a second direction relative to the dispensing unit to return it to the initial position mentioned above. Includes.

[0038] The first rotation results in the aforementioned predetermined number of solid elements being supplied to the through-hole or recess, while the second rotation results in the aforementioned predetermined number of solid elements being dispensed through the dispensing opening.

[0039] The features of the above embodiments can be combined in any practically feasible way to form embodiments having a combination of those features. Furthermore, all the features and advantages of the above embodiments in relation to the first aspect of the present invention may be applied to the corresponding embodiments of the second and third aspects of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0040] Next, the embodiments of the present invention discussed above and other embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating currently preferred embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] This is an exploded assembly diagram of a component of one embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-section of the embodiment in Figure 1, in its assembled form, along a substantially vertical plane. [Figure 3] This is a detailed view from Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figures 1 to 4 are cross-sectional views of the embodiments, taken in the horizontal plane directly above the first ratchet finger of the supply unit. [Figure 5] These are partial cross-sectional views of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5, along with the solid elements inside the container, and are cross-sectional views taken in a vertical plane. [Figure 6] These are side-top views of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5, where the device is shown without housing components. [Figure 7] Figures 1 to 6 are cross-sectional views of the embodiments, taken in the horizontal plane directly below the first ratchet finger of the supply unit. [Figure 8] This exploded assembly diagram corresponds to Figure 1, except that the release unit and limiting member are also shown. [Figure 9] Figures 1 to 6 are cross-sectional views of embodiments, taken in a horizontal plane passing through the dispensing unit, release unit, and limiting member. [Figure 10] This is a side view of one embodiment of a device according to a first aspect of the present invention, in which a fastening member is provided on the device. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment, taken in a horizontal plane directly above the first ratchet finger of the supply unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] Figure 1 shows an exploded assembly view of the components of one embodiment of a device according to a first aspect of the present invention. The device comprises a supply unit 2, a dispensing unit 4, and a separation unit 3 sandwiched between the supply unit and the dispensing unit. The supply unit, separation unit, and dispensing unit are arranged to rotate relative to each other about a common axis of rotation.

[0043] The separation unit 3 has a substantially circular shape, similar to a gear. Multiple through holes 5 are formed adjacent to each other around the separation unit, i.e., in a circular configuration. In other embodiments, the through holes may be replaced by recesses around the separation unit that form chambers of corresponding sizes.

[0044] Each through-hole is sized to accommodate one tablet.

[0045] Compartments 6a and 6b for housing tablets are formed by the supply unit 2 and housing components 17a and 17b, where the cylindrical housing component 17a is coaxially positioned around a portion of the supply unit 2. The supply unit is provided with a vertically extending ridge portion 18 (the vertical direction is determined by the common axis of rotation of units 2 to 4), which is received into a slit in the housing component 17a during assembly so that the supply unit 2 and the housing component 17a rotate together.

[0046] The supply unit 2 is provided with a supply opening 2a (see Figure 4) facing the separation unit 3 to supply tablets to each of the four through holes (e.g., 5', see Figure 2) from the compartment, and the through holes are rotatably aligned with the supply opening. The dispensing unit has a guide surface 7 below the separation unit (assuming an upright position as shown in Figure 1), and the separation unit is positioned to rotate at close range to (or on) the guide surface. The guide surface has a retaining portion 7a positioned to form a lower wall portion for the through holes of the separation unit, and the through holes are rotatably aligned with the retaining portion, and the guide surface further has a dispensing portion having a dispensing opening 7b, which is positioned to allow the dispensing of solid elements contained in the through holes of the separation unit, which are rotatably aligned with the dispensing opening.

[0047] A first unidirectional rotation mechanism that allows the supply unit to rotate relative to the separation unit only in a first rotational direction, and a stepping means that subdivides the rotation in the first rotational direction into angular steps corresponding to the angular distance between a single through hole, are formed together as a ratchet mechanism comprising a first ratchet gear portion 8b of the separation unit and two first ratchet fingers 8a, 8a' of the supply unit (see also Figure 4) that engage with each other. The first ratchet gear portion 8b is formed as an outer gear on a circular flange portion projecting upward from the separation unit on the inner circumference of the separation unit (see Figure 1), i.e., as a serrated contour around the flange portion.

[0048] A second unidirectional rotation mechanism, which enables the rotational movement of the separation unit relative to the dispensing unit only in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, is formed as a ratchet mechanism comprising a second ratchet gear portion 9b of the separation unit and two second ratchet fingers 9a, 9a' of the dispensing unit (see also Figure 4), which engage with each other. The second ratchet gear portion is formed as an internal gear on the separation unit, i.e., as a serrated contour on the inner circumference of the separation unit.

[0049] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 1, the dispensing unit further comprises a dispensing chamber 10 arranged in communication with the dispensing opening, and as a result, the solid element is dispensed into the dispensing chamber.

[0050] The device further comprises a roof component 13 that divides the compartment into an upper 6b and a lower 6a. As can be seen in Figure 1, the roof covers a portion of the cross-section of the supply unit so as to form at least one opening (see Figure 5) between the upper 6b and the lower 6a. The surface 13a slopes toward the lower 6a of the compartment. Three raised ribs 13b are positioned on the surface 13a, with the ribs positioned perpendicular to the direction of the slope.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a cutaway internal view of the embodiment in Figure 1 along a substantially vertical plane in the assembled configuration. The cutaway internal view is shown to show the supply opening 2a and four through holes 5' rotated and aligned with the opening.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a detailed view from Figure 2. As can be seen in Figure 3, the supply unit is provided with a supply surface portion 2b adjacent to the supply opening 2a and facing the first rotation direction (R1, see Figure 4). The supply surface portion is inclined toward the dispensing opening at an angle 2b' with respect to a plane having the aforementioned common rotation axis as its normal (the horizontal plane when the device is positioned vertically), and this angle is 115 degrees. The supply surface portion 2b has a width of 1.2 times the diameter of the tablet (radial spread determined by the aforementioned common rotation axis).

[0053] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 3, each through-hole 5' is provided with a chamfered / rounded inlet portion (e.g., 5a) facing the supply unit 2, and the perimeters of the openings formed by adjacent inlet portions (e.g., 5a) are in contact with each other. The chamfering / rounding of the inlet portions has a height of approximately 0.42 times the radius of the tablet. In addition, each through-hole is provided with a chamfered / rounded outlet portion (e.g., 5b) facing the dispensing unit. The chamfering / rounding of the outlet portions begins at a distance of approximately 0.8 times the radius of the tablet from the inlet.

[0054] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, which is taken in a horizontal plane directly above the first ratchet finger of the supply unit. In Figure 4, two first ratchet fingers 8a, 8a' and two second ratchet fingers 9a, 9a' are visible. The first ratchet gear 8b of the separation unit is formed with ratchet teeth having a leading side comprising first and second parts, the first part 8b' being positioned radially inward from the second part 8b'', and the first part having a steeper incline than the second part.

[0055] The supply unit is provided with a rotation limiting member 2c that protrudes radially outward, and this rotation limiting member 2c is arranged to cooperate with stopper portions 4a and 4b that protrude radially inward from the dispensing unit 4. The supply unit and the dispensing unit are rotatable relative to each other between an initial position (2c is at 4b) and an end position (2c is at 4a) so that the dispensing opening and the supply opening do not overlap.

[0056] Figure 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, along with several tablets 1 in the container, and thus also shows an embodiment of the configuration according to a second aspect of the present invention. The cross-section is taken in a vertical plane. The supply unit is provided with a tapered / funnel portion 2' that tapers toward the supply opening, and the roof component 13 is positioned at the opening 13c at a distance d of approximately 1.4 times the diameter of the tablet from the aforementioned tapered portion.

[0057] Figure 6 shows a side top view of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 5, where the device is shown without housing components. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 6, this cross-sectional view is taken in the horizontal plane directly below the first ratchet fingers 8a, 8a' of the feeding unit. The feeding device is provided with two parallel impact elements 11a to b formed integrally with the feeding device to form a wall portion of compartment 6a. The impact elements are displaceable by their free ends 11a' to b', which are deflectable by engaging and contacting the gear contour around the separation unit 3. Thus, as the separation unit rotates, the free ends 11a' to b' are displaced. The geometry of compartment 6a is thereby changed, and the tablets within compartment 6a are oscillated / displaced, which prevents the tablets from jamming. The collision elements 11a-b cause the solid elements in contact with the collision element (leaning against / contacting the collision element) to oscillate / displace, which in turn causes the nearby solid elements within the compartment to oscillate / displace.

[0058] Figure 8 shows an exploded assembly view that corresponds to Figure 1, except that the release unit 14 and the limiting member 15 are also shown. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in Figures 1-6, which is taken in a plane passing through the dispensing unit 4, the release unit 14, and the limiting member 15. As can be seen in 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 that can be displaced between a closed position and an open position by the user of the device. In the closed position (shown in Figure 9), the release unit blocks the outlet opening to prevent the tablet 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 tablet to leave the chamber. The release unit is formed as a sliding element that is elastically loaded toward the closed position, and the sliding element is provided with a push-button portion 14c adapted to receive a pushing force from the user in order to overcome the aforementioned elastic load. The limiting member 15 is positioned to cooperate with the supply unit and the dispensing unit so as to allow the release unit to be displaced to the aforementioned open position only at a predetermined relative position between the supply unit and the dispensing unit. This functionality is achieved in that the limiting member rotates with the supply unit 2 and is provided with a slot 15a, in which case when the supply unit rotates and aligns to release the tablet, that is, when the supply unit is rotated to its original initial position (the position of the upward-pointing arrow), the projection 14b aligns with the slot 15a and can enter the slot 15a, which allows the sliding element to be pressed only at that time.

[0059] The limiting member 15 has an additional function for holding the supply unit, separation unit, and dispensing unit together. This is achieved by the limiting member engaging with the axle portion 2a of the supply unit (see Figure 5), which protrudes axially through the separation unit 3 and partially through the dispensing unit 4 (downward as seen in Figure 8). The limiting member is provided with snap elements 15a and 15b, which engage with through holes or recesses in the axle portion 2a when the limiting member is fitted into a predetermined position to surround the (lower) end of the axle portion.

[0060] Figure 10 shows a side top view of one embodiment of a device according to a first aspect of the present invention, the device being provided with a retaining member. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in Figure 10, this cross-sectional view is taken in a horizontal plane directly above the first ratchet finger of the supply unit. The embodiments in Figures 10-11 are identical to the embodiments in Figures 1-9, except that they further include a retaining member that can be fixed at predetermined positions (e.g., 16', 16") around the dispensing unit. The retaining member is arranged to cooperate with the separation unit and the dispensing unit to limit the relative rotation between the separation unit and the dispensing unit to a number of angular steps corresponding to the predetermined positions where the retaining member is fixed. The retaining member includes a sleeve portion 16 arranged coaxially with the supply unit (and rotatably relative to the supply unit) and any The unit comprises a display portion 16a that is rotatable to a counter position (set to 1 in Figures 10-11) and a limiting member 16b that extends vertically downward into the interior of the dispensing unit. In Figure 10, the stopper is fixed in position 1, which is indicated by the display portion 16a. Thus, the limiting member 16b prevents the dispensing unit from rotating further than the counter position 1 by stopping the limiting member 2c of the dispensing unit. As can be seen in Figure 11, the limiting member 16b cooperates with a recess (e.g., 16c) on the inner surface of the dispensing unit.

[0061] The device may be used as follows to administer and dispense tablets. Initially, the supply unit 2 (and housing components 17a-b) is in the initial position described above (this is visually indicated by the ridge 18 being in the starting position 19; see Figure 1). From the initial / starting position, the supply unit (and housing components 17a-b) is rotated in a first direction relative to the dispensing unit by a number of angular steps equal to the desired number of tablets to be dispensed. The rotation of the supply unit / housing components relative to the dispensing unit in the first direction is preferably achieved by the user holding / securing the dispensing unit and rotating the supply unit / housing components in the first direction. Alternatively, the same relative rotation may be achieved by holding / securing the supply unit / housing components 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 of the dispensing unit 4 (see Figure 1). Assuming the embodiments shown in Figures 10-11 are used, the retaining member is set to a number of steps equal to the desired number of tablets, which prevents the supply unit from rotating further. The first rotation results in the desired number of tablets being supplied to each through-hole of the separation unit 3, but the tablets remain in the through-holes as the retaining portion of the dispensing unit 4 forms a wall portion of the through-hole that prevents the tablets from falling out.

[0062] In some embodiments where the device does not have numbered colors, the number of rotated steps can be counted manually by the user. Therefore, numbered colors are advantageous (but are optional).

[0063] In some embodiments where the device does not have a retaining member, the user needs to rotate the supply unit / housing component more carefully to ensure that the number of steps is not exceeded. Therefore, a retaining member is advantageous (but optional).

[0064] After the rotation in the first direction described above, the supply unit (and housing components 17a-b) is rotated in a second direction relative to the dispensing unit back to its original initial position. The second rotation results in a desired number of tablets being dispensed into the chamber 10 through the dispensing opening. The rotation of the supply unit / housing components in the second direction relative to the dispensing unit is preferably achieved by the user holding / securing the dispensing unit and rotating the supply unit / housing components in the second direction. Alternatively, the same relative rotation can be achieved by holding / securing the supply unit / housing components and rotating the dispensing unit in the first rotation direction.

[0065] After rotation in the second direction, the button portion 14c of the release unit 14 is pressed so that the outlet (through hole) 14a of the release unit aligns with the outlet opening 10a of the chamber 10, and as a result, (the desired number) of tablets are released.

[0066] In some embodiments where the device does not include a dispensing chamber 10 and a release unit 14, the solid element is dispensed directly from a through-hole in the separation unit during rotation, for example, into the user's hand, on a table, into a drinking glass, etc. Therefore, the dispensing chamber and associated release unit are advantageous (but optional).

[0067] The above description and accompanying drawings should be interpreted as non-limiting examples of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will notice that several changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, through holes can be replaced with recesses (as described above). Furthermore, the feeding opening can have an angular range corresponding to fewer or more through holes. Furthermore, the ratchet mechanism can be replaced with other types of unidirectional rotating mechanisms. Furthermore, one or both of the housing components can be formed integrally with the feeding unit. Furthermore, the through holes can be adapted to accommodate two or more tablets, each.

Claims

1. A device for administering and dispensing solid elements such as drug tablets (1), - Supply unit (2), - Separation unit (3), and, - Dispensing unit (4) Equipped with, The supply unit (2), separation unit (3), and dispensing unit (4) are arranged to rotate relative to each other. The separation unit (3) comprises a plurality of recesses or through holes (5, 5') each having a size adapted to accommodate a predetermined number of solid elements, The compartments (6a-b) for housing the solid elements are at least partially formed by the supply unit (2), and at least one supply opening (2a) facing the separation unit (3) is provided in the supply unit to supply the solid elements from the compartments (6a-b) to each of the one or more recesses or through holes (5, 5'), and the recesses or through holes (5, 5') are rotatably aligned with the at least one supply opening (2a). The dispensing unit (4) comprises a guide surface (7) arranged to cooperate with the separation unit (3), the guide surface (7) comprising a holding portion (7a) arranged to form a wall portion for one or more recesses or through holes (5, 5') of the separation unit (3), the holding portion (7a) being rotated and aligned with the holding portion (7a), and a dispensing portion having a dispensing opening (7b) arranged to allow solid elements contained in one or more recesses or through holes (5, 5') of the separation unit (3) to be dispensed. The first unidirectional rotation mechanism (8a-b) is configured to enable the rotational movement of the supply unit (2) relative to the separation unit (3) only in the first rotation direction (R1), The second unidirectional rotation mechanism (9a-b) is configured to enable the rotational movement of the separation unit (3) relative to the dispensing unit (4) only in the second rotation direction (R2) opposite to the first rotation direction (R1). The first unidirectional rotation (8a-b) mechanism is a device comprising or arranged to cooperate with the stepping means for subdividing the rotation in the first direction into angular steps corresponding to a predetermined number of angular distances between the recesses or through holes (5).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit (4) further comprises a dispensing chamber (10), the dispensing chamber (10) being arranged in communication with the dispensing opening (7b) so that the solid element is dispensed into the dispensing chamber.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first unidirectional rotation mechanism and the stepping means are together formed as a ratchet mechanism comprising a first ratchet gear portion (8b) of the separation unit and at least one first ratchet finger (8a) of the supply unit that engage with each other.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second unidirectional rotation mechanism is formed as a ratchet mechanism comprising a second ratchet gear portion (9b) of the separation unit and at least one second ratchet finger (9a) of the dispensing unit that engage with each other.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one supply opening (2a) is provided as a single supply opening having an angular range corresponding to the angular range of the one or more recesses or through holes (5').

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the angular range corresponds to the angular range of two to ten recesses or through holes, such as four recesses or through holes (5').

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the supply unit (2) is provided with at least one collision element (11a to b) that is positioned within the compartment or forms a wall portion of the compartment, the collision element is at least partially displaceable to displace or oscillate one or more solid elements stored within the compartment (6a), and the collision element (11a to b) is displaceable by having free ends (11a' to b') that can be deflected by contact with the gear portion (12) of the separation unit (3).

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the supply unit (2) is provided with at least two collision elements (11a to b) arranged in parallel.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a roof portion (13) that divides the section into an upper (6b) and a lower (6a), wherein the roof portion covers a portion of the cross-section of the supply unit (2) so as to form at least one opening between the upper (6b) and the lower (6a).

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the roof portion (13) comprises at least one surface (13a) that slopes toward the lower part (6a) of the compartment.

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

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

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the dispensing chamber (10) of the dispensing unit is provided with an outlet opening (10a), the dispensing unit is provided with a release unit (14) that can be displaced between a closed position and an open position by the user of the device, in the closed position the release unit blocks the outlet opening to prevent solid elements from leaving the dispensing chamber, and in the open position the outlet (14a) of the release unit at least partially overlaps the outlet opening to allow solid elements to leave the dispensing chamber (10).

14. The device according to claim 13, further comprising a limiting member (15), wherein the limiting member (15) is arranged to rotate with the supply unit (2) and the release unit (14) is provided with a slot 15a, and the release unit (14) is provided with the protrusion (14b), so as to cooperate with the supply unit (2) and the dispensing unit (4), so as to allow the release unit (14) to be displaced to the open position only at a predetermined relative position between the supply unit and the dispensing unit when the protrusion (14b) is aligned with the slot (15a) so as to allow the protrusion to enter the slot (15a).

15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a stopper member (16) that can be fixed at a predetermined position (16', 16") around the supply unit (2) and / or dispensing unit (4), wherein the stopper member (16) comprises a sleeve portion that is coaxial with the supply unit (2) and rotatable relative to the supply unit (2), and an indicator portion (16a) positioned to indicate the predetermined position of the stopper member, and the stopper member is further provided with a limiting member (16b), the limiting member (16b) acting as a stopper for a rotation limiting member (2c) that extends vertically downward into the interior of the dispensing unit (4) and projects radially outward from the supply unit (2), such that the relative rotation between the separation unit (3) and the dispensing unit (4) is limited to a number of angular steps corresponding to the predetermined position where the stopper member (16) is fixed.

16. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising at least one housing component (17a, 17b), wherein the compartment (6a, 6b) is formed by the at least one housing component (17a, 17b) and the supply unit (2).

17. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the supply unit (2) is provided with a supply surface portion (2b), the supply surface portion is adjacent to the supply opening (2a) and faces the first rotation direction (R1), and the supply surface portion (2b) is inclined toward the dispensing opening (7b).

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the supply unit (2) and the separation unit (3) are arranged to rotate around a common axis of rotation, and the supply surface portion (2b) is inclined at an angle (2b') with respect to a plane having the common axis of rotation as its normal, the angle being within the range of 100 to 130 degrees, such as 115 degrees.

19. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein at least two of the through holes or recesses (5, 5') are provided with chamfered or rounded entrance portions (5a) toward the supply unit (2), and the periphery of the opening formed by adjacent entrance portions is in contact with one another.

20. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein at least two of the through holes or recesses (5, 5') are provided with an outlet portion (5b) that is chamfered or rounded toward the dispensing unit (4).

21. The device according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 20 as dependent on claim 2, wherein the first ratchet gear (8b) of the separation unit (3) is formed having ratchet teeth having a leading side comprising first and second portions, the first portion (8b') is arranged radially inward from the second portion (8b''), and the first portion (8b') has a steeper incline than the second portion (8b'').

22. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the guide surface (7) of the dispensing unit (4) is positioned in substantially contact with the separation unit (3).

23. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the separation unit (3) has a substantially circular cross-section, and the plurality of recesses or through holes (5, 5') are formed around or adjacent to the separation unit (3).

24. An apparatus comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, and a plurality of solid elements (1) which are tablets housed in the compartments (6a, 6b) of the device, wherein the solid elements (1) include drugs and / or nutritional supplements for the treatment or prevention of disease.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, as dependent on any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the supply unit (2) of the device is provided with a tapered portion (2') that tapers toward the supply opening, the roof portion (13) is positioned at a certain distance from the tapered portion in the opening, the distance being (n+d) times the size or diameter of one of the solid elements (1), where n is an integer ≥ 1 and d is within the range of 0.1 to 0.

7.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, as dependent on claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of through holes has a cross-section corresponding to (n+d) times the size or diameter of one of the solid elements (1), where n is an integer ≥ 1 and d is within the range of 0.1 to 0.

7.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 26 when dependent on claim 17, wherein the supply surface portion (2b) has a width of (n+d) times the size or diameter of one of the solid elements, where n is an integer ≥ 1 and d is within the range of 0.1 to 0.

7.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 27, as dependent on claim 19, wherein the chamfer or rounding of the entrance portion (5a) has a height within the range of 0.2 to 0.7 times the radius of the solid element, such as 0.4 to 0.5 times or 0.42 times the radius of the solid element.

29. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 28, as dependent on claim 20, wherein the chamfering or rounding of the exit portion (5b) begins at a certain distance from the top of the through hole (5') or recess located within an interval of 0.5 to 1.5 times the radius of the solid element (1), such as 0.7 to 1.0 or 0.8 times the radius of the solid element (1).

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