Metering device and container with measuring device

Abstract

To provide a measuring device and a container with the measuring device, which can select the measuring quantity of granular materials such as tablets and which permits a user to take the appropriate quantity of granular materials.SOLUTION: A measuring device includes: a measuring section provided with a plurality of storage sections for measuring the quantity of granular materials by storing granular materials; measuring quantity selection means capable of selecting the measuring quantity of granular materials by selecting the quantity of the storage sections to be stored, of the plurality of storage sections; and measuring quantity fixing means of fixing the selection of the measuring quantity by the measuring quantity selection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device capable of measuring granular matter, such as tablets, and a container with a measuring device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a drug storage device is known as a container with a measuring device capable of measuring the required number of granular materials such as tablets (Patent Document 1). As shown in Fig. 14, this drug storage device 901 includes a bottle-shaped container body 902 for storing tablets, and a dispensing device 903 as a measuring device attached to the top of the container body 902.

[0003] The distribution device 903 has a cylindrical chamber 904 with a bottom, an inlet 943 for allowing tablets to flow from inside the container body 902 into the chamber 904, a movable baffle 905 covering approximately half of the bottom plate of the chamber 904 from the top side, and an outlet 944 for allowing tablets to flow out from the chamber 904 to the outside. A plurality of holding portions 940 into which tablets can be fitted are provided on the top side of the bottom plate of the chamber 904. The movable baffle 905 is rotatable with respect to the chamber 904, with the cylindrical axis of the chamber 904 as the central axis. By rotating the movable baffle 905 to change the position of the movable baffle 905 in the circumferential direction, the movable baffle 905 can cover or expose each holding portion 940 of the chamber 904.

[0004] This drug storage device 901 is used, for example, when a patient weighs a large number of tablets for one prescribed dose. Specifically, the patient rotates the movable baffle 905 so that a predetermined number (one prescribed dose) of holding parts 940 are exposed, and opens the inlet 943 with the outlet 944 closed to allow tablets to flow from the container body 902 into the chamber 904. Next, the patient fits tablets into all of the exposed holding parts 940, and then opens the outlet 944 with the inlet 943 closed to remove the tablets from the chamber 904. In this way, in the drug storage device 901, the number of tablets to be weighed by the dispensing device 903 can be freely set, and a predetermined number of tablets can be removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6225173 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the medicine storage device, the number of tablets to be weighed can be freely changed, so that the patient can freely set the number of tablets (number of doses).

[0007] However, for example, even if a pharmacist prescribes tablets according to the contents of a prescription, if a patient changes the measured number of tablets at their own discretion when taking the medicine rather than following the prescription, there is a risk that the patient will not take the appropriate number of tablets as prescribed.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a measuring device and a container with a measuring device that allows the user to select the measured number of granular materials, such as tablets, and ensures that the user takes the appropriate number of granular materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The weighing device of the present invention comprises a weighing section provided with a plurality of storage sections which store granular objects and thereby measure the number of granular objects, a weighing number selection means which can select the number of granular objects to be measured by selecting the number of storage sections which can store objects from among the plurality of storage sections, and a weighing number fixing means which fixes the selection of the weighing number by the weighing number selection means.

[0010] According to this configuration, in addition to being able to select the measured number of granular materials using the measured number selection means, the measured number fixing means fixes the selection of the measured number of granular materials by the measured number selection means. For example, by selecting the measured number based on a prescription at the time of prescription using the measured number selection means and fixing the measured number using the measured number fixing means, it is possible to regulate the operation of the measured number selection means by the user, thereby making it possible to have the user measure out an appropriate number of granular materials and take the appropriate number of granular materials.

[0011] In addition, in the weighing device, the weighing number selection means may be configured to select a weighing number by movement relative to the weighing unit, and the weighing number fixing means may be configured to fix the weighing number by being attached to the weighing unit so as to restrict the movement of the weighing number selection means.

[0012] With this configuration, in addition to being able to select the measured number of granular objects by moving the measured number selection means, the measured number fixing means restricts the movement of the measured number selection means to fix the selected measured number of granular objects, thereby ensuring that the user measures out the appropriate number of granular objects and takes the appropriate number of granular objects.

[0013] In addition, in the weighing device, the weighing number fixing means may be configured to engage with the weighing number selection means and to be attached to the weighing unit in a state of being immovably engaged with the weighing unit, thereby regulating the selection of the weighing number by the weighing number selection means.

[0014] According to this configuration, the measured number fixing means, which engages with the measured number selection means and is attached to the measuring section, regulates the number of granular objects measured by the measured number selection means, thereby ensuring that the user measures out the appropriate number of granular objects and takes the appropriate number of granular objects.

[0015] In addition, in the weighing device, the weighing section may be configured to be attachable to a container body that contains granular material, and the weighing number fixing means may be configured to be positioned between the weighing section and the container body when the weighing section is attached to the container body.

[0016] According to this configuration, since the measuring number fixing means is disposed between the measuring section and the container body, it is difficult for the restriction on the measuring number selection means to be released by mistake, thereby ensuring that the appropriate number of granular materials is administered.

[0017] The container with a measuring device of the present invention comprises a container body that contains granular material, and a measuring device attached to the container body, the measuring device being the above-mentioned measuring device.

[0018] According to this configuration, in addition to being able to select the measured number of granular materials using the measured number selection means, the measured number fixing means fixes the selection of the measured number of granular materials by the measured number selection means. For example, by selecting the measured number based on a prescription using the measured number selection means at the time of prescription and fixing the measured number using the measured number fixing means, it is possible to regulate the operation of the measured number selection means by the user, thereby allowing the user to measure an appropriate number of granular materials and then administer the medicine.

[0019] Another container with a weighing device of the present invention comprises a weighing device for weighing granular material, and a container body to which the weighing device is attached and which contains the granular material, the weighing device comprising a weighing section provided with a plurality of storage sections which contain the granular material and thereby measure the number of the granular material, and a weighing number selection means which can select the number of the granular material to be weighed by selecting the number of open storage sections among the plurality of storage sections, and the container body comprises a weighing number fixing means which fixes the number selected by the weighing number selection means.

[0020] According to this configuration, in addition to being able to select the measured number of granular materials using the measured number selection means, the measured number fixing means fixes the selection of the measured number of granular materials by the measured number selection means. For example, by selecting the measured number based on a prescription at the time of prescription using the measured number selection means and fixing the measured number using the measured number fixing means, it is possible to regulate the operation of the measured number selection means by the user, thereby making it possible to have the user measure out an appropriate number of granular materials and take the appropriate number of granular materials. Effect of the Invention

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a measuring device and a container with a measuring device that enable the user to select the number of granular materials, such as tablets, to be measured and ensure that the user takes the appropriate number of granular materials. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a side view of a container with a measuring device according to this embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the container with the metering device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1A. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the container with the measuring device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the fixing ring with the metering device. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which a second defining portion of the metering device is placed at a metering position. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram for illustrating a state in which the second defining portion of the metering device is placed at the removal position. [Figure 8A]FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which all of the storage sections of the metering device can be stored. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which six receiving sections of the weighing device can be received. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which one receiving portion of the weighing device can be received. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which an overcap of the metering device can be fitted into a second defining portion. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the overcap of the metering device cannot be fitted into the second defining portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration inside the overcap. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a container with a measuring device according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a container with a measuring device according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a container with a measuring device according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a conventional drug storage device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. The container with a measuring device according to this embodiment is used when preparing a required number of granular materials such as tablets. The user is assumed to be a parent of a pediatric patient who handles granular materials such as tablets on a daily basis.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1A, the container 1 with a measuring device includes a container body 2 and a measuring device 3 attached to the container body 2.

[0025] The container body 2 is a member for containing granular material. For example, the container body 2 is cylindrical with a bottom. Specifically, the container body 2 is a bottle. The container body 2 of this embodiment has a mouth part 20 located on the top side, and a containing body part 21 that is continuous with the mouth part 20 and has an outer diameter larger than that of the mouth part 20.

[0026] The mouth portion 20 is an outlet for removing the granular content from the container body 2. The mouth portion 20 is substantially cylindrical as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5. The mouth portion 20 has, for example, a cylindrical mouth body 200 and a container thread portion 201 which is a thread provided around the mouth body 200.

[0027] The mouth body 200 of this embodiment is, for example, cylindrical with a uniform diameter. An edge 203 located on the top side of the mouth body 200 defines an opening 204 of the mouth 20.

[0028] Hereinafter, the extending direction of the mouth portion 20, i.e., the height direction of the mouth portion 20 (the vertical direction in Figs. 1A, 2, and 5) will be simply referred to as the "vertical direction". The extending end direction of the mouth portion 20 will also be referred to as the "upward direction". Furthermore, the opposite direction to the extending end direction of the mouth portion 20 in the vertical direction (the base end direction of the mouth portion 20) will be referred to as the "downward direction".

[0029] The container body 21 has a shoulder 210 that is continuous with the opening 20. An upper surface 211 of the shoulder 210 is, for example, a flat surface.

[0030] The weighing device 3 is a member capable of weighing and removing a predetermined number of granular objects from among the multiple granular objects contained in the container body 2. The weighing device 3 also includes a weighing section 4 that weighs the granular objects, a weighing number selection means 5 that can select the number of granular objects to be weighed, and a weighing number fixing means 6 that fixes the number selected by the weighing number selection means 5. The weighing device 3 of this embodiment includes an overcap 7 that can protect the weighing section 4 by being attached to the weighing section 4.

[0031] The measuring section 4 is a member provided with a plurality of storage sections 400 that store granular materials and thereby measure the number of granular materials. The measuring section 4 of this embodiment is a substantially cylindrical member.

[0032] Furthermore, the measuring unit 4 is configured to be attachable to the container body 2. That is, the measuring unit 4 is a separate body from the container body 2. Furthermore, a measuring number fixing means 6 is detachably attached to the measuring unit 4.

[0033] The measuring unit 4 of this embodiment has a measuring main body 40 in which a plurality of storage sections 400 are provided. The measuring unit 4 also has a measuring partition section 42 that defines a measuring space 41 in which the granular material is stored during measuring. The measuring unit 4 has an inlet 43 through which the granular material enters the measuring space 41 from the container body 2, and an outlet 44 through which the granular material is discharged from the measuring space 41 to the outside (see FIG. 5).

[0034] In the measuring section 4 of the present embodiment, the inlet 43 is provided on the inside of the measuring section 4. Also, in the measuring section 4, the outlet 44 is provided on the side of the measuring section 4.

[0035] The shape of the metering main body 40 in this embodiment is a cylinder whose top is closed by a top surface. Specifically, the metering main body 40 includes a substantially cylindrical side wall 401 and a top surface 402 in which a plurality of storage sections 400 are provided. Furthermore, the metering main body 40 includes a plurality of main body ribs 403 each extending downward and radially and arranged with gaps in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 2). The metering main body 40 also includes an inlet defining portion 404 extending downward and defining the inlet 43. The main body rib 403 is an inclined surface that slopes upward toward the inlet defining portion 404.

[0036] A plurality of storage units 400 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the side wall unit 401 on the top surface 402 of the measuring main body 40 (see FIG. 5). In the measuring main body 40 of this embodiment, the storage units 400 are arranged on approximately half the circumference of the top surface 402. A top surface opening 402a is provided in the center of the top surface 402. This makes the top surface 402 a circular plate. The top surface 402 is also inclined downward toward the top surface opening 402a.

[0037] The storage section 400 is at least one of a through hole and a recess. The storage section 400 in this embodiment is, for example, a recess. As shown in FIG. 8A, 12 storage sections 400 are provided on the top surface 402. Some of the storage sections 400 are arranged in the radial direction. The storage sections 400 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction may be spaced apart or continuous. The storage sections 400 adjacent to each other in the radial direction may be spaced apart or continuous.

[0038] In this embodiment, some (e.g., six) of the accommodating portions 400 are disposed on the inner periphery side of the top surface portion 402, and the remaining accommodating portions 400 (e.g., six accommodating portions 400) are disposed on the outer periphery side of the top surface portion 402. Specifically, some of the accommodating portions 400 are disposed in a line in the circumferential direction on the inner periphery side of the top surface portion 402, and the remaining accommodating portions 400 are disposed in a line in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery side of the top surface portion 402.

[0039] The inlet defining portion 404 is generally cylindrical with a bottom (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the inlet defining portion 404 includes a defining tubular portion 405 having a portion (e.g., half in the circumferential direction) missing in the circumferential direction, and a defining bottom portion 406 provided at the bottom of the defining tubular portion 405. The defining bottom portion 406 extends inward in the circumferential direction from the lower end edge of the defining tubular portion 405. The defining bottom portion 406 is, for example, disk-shaped.

[0040] A first locking portion 407 capable of locking the measurement number selecting means 5 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 401 of the measuring main body 40 (see FIG. 5). A second locking portion 408 capable of locking the measurement number fixing means 6 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 401. A third locking portion 409 capable of locking the measurement number fixing means 6 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 401. The measurable measurement numbers are displayed (for example, printed) in a row on the top of the side wall portion 401. A thread capable of screwing into the container thread portion 201 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 401.

[0041] The first locking portion 407 in this embodiment is, for example, a groove extending in the vertical direction. Moreover, the first locking portion 407 is arranged, for example, at equal intervals on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall portion 401, at a position corresponding to the display of the weighing number. Furthermore, the number of the first locking portions 407 is the same as the number of the storage portions 400 (specifically, 12). The first locking portion 407 in this embodiment is arranged on approximately half of the outer circumferential surface of the side wall portion 401. Moreover, the first locking portion 407 is arranged on the radially outer side of the first portion 4021 where the storage portion 400 is not provided in the top surface portion 402.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second locking portion 408 is a rib protruding in the radially outward direction. The number of the second locking portion 408 is, for example, one. Specifically, the lower portion of the second locking portion 408 is locked with the weighing number fixing means 6. In addition, the upper portion of the second locking portion 408 is locked with the overcap 7.

[0043] The third locking portion 409 in this embodiment is a rib protruding in the radially outward direction. The third locking portion 409 extends in the circumferential direction. A pair of the third locking portions 409 are provided in the circumferential direction, sandwiching the second locking portion 408 therebetween. The third locking portion 409 is disposed on the radially outward side of the second portion 4022 in which the storage portion 400 is provided in the top surface portion 402. Furthermore, the third locking portion 409 is disposed approximately in the center in the up-down direction of the outer circumferential surface of the side wall portion 401, and an upper portion of the third locking portion 409 is locked to the overcap 7.

[0044] Note that three or more third locking portions 409 may be arranged with gaps in the circumferential direction. Also, third locking portions 409 may be arranged over the entire outer circumferential surface of side wall portion 401 in the circumferential direction.

[0045] The measurement defining portion 42 is a member that defines the measurement space 41 together with the measurement main body portion 40 (e.g., the top surface portion 402). The measurement defining portion 42 defines the measurement space 41 on the measurement main body portion 40 (e.g., the top surface portion 402). The measurement defining portion 42 of this embodiment includes a first defining portion 45 that defines a side surface of the measurement space 41 and a second defining portion 46 that defines a top surface of the measurement space 41.

[0046] The first demarcating portion 45 is, for example, substantially cylindrical. Specifically, the first demarcating portion 45 includes a cylindrical demarcating cylindrical portion 450 and a demarcating extension portion 451 extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the demarcating cylindrical portion 450. An outlet 44 is provided in the first demarcating portion 45 (for example, the demarcating cylindrical portion 450) by chipping off a part of the upper half in the circumferential direction of the first demarcating portion 45 (for example, the demarcating cylindrical portion 450).

[0047] The second defining portion 46 is a member that separates or communicates the inside of the container body 2 with the measuring space 41. In addition, the second defining portion 46 opens and closes at least one of the inlet 43 and the outlet 44 for the granular material with respect to the measuring portion 4. The second defining portion 46 in this embodiment opens and closes both the inlet 43 and the outlet 44.

[0048] The second demarcating portion 46 in this embodiment is substantially cylindrical with a bottom. The second demarcating portion 46 can be changed between a take-out position (see FIG. 7B) where the granular material can be taken out and a weighing position (see FIG. 7A) where the granular material cannot be taken out. Specifically, the second demarcating portion 46 can rotate around the cylindrical axis of the side wall portion 401 as a central axis with respect to the weighing main body 40, and this rotation allows the position to be changed between the take-out position and the weighing position. When the second demarcating portion 46 is in the take-out position, it closes the inlet 43 and opens the outlet 44, and when the second demarcating portion 46 is in the weighing position, it opens the inlet 43 and closes the outlet 44.

[0049] The second demarcating portion 46 is, for example, a transparent member. Therefore, it is possible to visually confirm through the second demarcating portion 46 whether or not a granular object is contained in the containing portion 400 of the measuring main body 40.

[0050] The second defining portion 46 of this embodiment has a cylindrical outlet opening / closing portion 460 that opens and closes the outlet 44 (see FIG. 5). The second defining portion 46 also has a blocking portion 461 that blocks the bottom of the outlet opening / closing portion 460 and blocks the measurement space 41 from above. The second defining portion 46 further has a metering engagement portion 462 that extends upward from the blocking portion 461 and is engageable with the overcap 7. The second defining portion 46 further has an inlet opening / closing portion 463 that extends downward from the blocking portion 461 and opens and closes the inlet 43.

[0051] 10, the outlet opening / closing unit 460 is provided with a cutout portion 464 in which a lower half of the outlet opening / closing unit 460 in the circumferential direction is cut away. The shape and size of the cutout portion 464 are such that it can overlap with the outlet 44 of the measuring unit 4.

[0052] The blocking portion 461 is a disk-shaped member (see FIG. 5). The blocking portion 461 extends radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the outlet opening / closing portion 460.

[0053] The metering engagement portion 462 extends upward and, for example, in the circumferential direction of the second defining portion 46. Specifically, the metering engagement portion 462 is an arc-shaped rib when viewed from above. In other words, the metering engagement portion 462 is cylindrical with a portion (for example, half) missing in the circumferential direction.

[0054] In the second defining portion 46 of the present embodiment, the cutout portion 464 is disposed in a half circumference of the outlet opening / closing portion 460 close to the metering engagement portion 462. Specifically, the cutout portion 464 is disposed outside the center of the metering engagement portion 462 of the outlet opening / closing portion 460 in the circumferential direction.

[0055] The inlet opening / closing portion 463 extends downward and, for example, in the circumferential direction of the second defining portion 46. Specifically, the inlet opening / closing portion 463 is an arc-shaped rib when viewed from below. In other words, the inlet opening / closing portion 463 is cylindrical with a portion (for example, half) missing in the circumferential direction. The inlet opening / closing portion 463 of this embodiment is located on the same side as the notch portion 464 with respect to the central axis of the second defining portion 46 (for example, the cylindrical axis of the second defining portion 46). That is, the inlet opening / closing portion 463 is disposed on a virtual line connecting the central axis of the second defining portion 46 (for example, the cylindrical axis of the second defining portion 46) and the notch portion 464 when viewed from above.

[0056] The outer diameter of the inlet opening / closing part 463 in this embodiment is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the defining cylinder part 405 of the measuring main body part 40 (see FIG. 2). The inlet opening / closing part 463 is disposed inside (in the radially inward direction) of the defining cylinder part 405 in a state where it is fitted into the top surface opening part 402a of the measuring main body part 40.

[0057] When the second defining portion 46 is in the metering position, the above-mentioned second defining portion 46 is disposed so that the notch 464 and the outlet 44 do not overlap (specifically, the notch 464 and the outlet 44 are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the second defining portion 46), thereby blocking the outlet 44 (see FIG. 7A). At this time, the second defining portion 46 is disposed so that the inlet opening / closing portion 463 and the inlet 43 do not overlap (specifically, the inlet opening / closing portion 463 and the inlet 43 are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the second defining portion 46), thereby opening the inlet 43.

[0058] Furthermore, when the second defining portion 46 is in the removal position, the cutout portion 464 and the outlet 44 are positioned to overlap, thereby opening the outlet 44 (see FIG. 7B). At this time, the second defining portion 46 is positioned so that the inlet opening / closing portion 463 and the inlet 43 overlap, thereby closing the inlet 43. Furthermore, since the inlet defining portion 404 includes the defining bottom portion 406, it is possible to reliably prevent granular matter from flowing from the internal space of the storage main body portion 21 into the measuring space 41.

[0059] 8A, 8B, and 8C, the measuring space 41 has a main measuring space 47 into which granular materials can flow, and a preliminary measuring space 48 into which granular materials cannot flow. The measuring space 41 is a substantially annular space when viewed from above. In the measuring space 41 of this embodiment, a part of the measuring space 41 is the main measuring space 47, and the remaining space of the measuring space 41 is the preliminary measuring space 48.

[0060] The main measuring space 47 is located above at least a part of the second portion 4022 of the top surface 402 in which the storage portion 400 is provided. The preliminary measuring space 48 is located above at least a part of the first portion 4021 of the top surface 402 in which the storage portion 400 is not provided.

[0061] The weighing number selection means 5 is capable of selecting the weighing number by selecting the number of capable storage sections 400 from among the plurality of storage sections 400. The weighing number selection means 5 of the present embodiment is configured to select the number of capable storage sections 400 by blocking storage sections 400 that are not desired to be stored from among the plurality of storage sections 400. Specifically, the weighing number selection means 5 is configured to select the number of capable storage sections 400 by blocking storage sections 400 that are not desired to be stored from among the plurality of storage sections 400 provided in the main weighing space 47.

[0062] Moreover, the weighing number selection means 5 is configured to select the weighing number by moving relative to the weighing unit 4. Specifically, the weighing number selection means 5 selects the weighing number by moving relative to the weighing unit 4 along the circumferential direction of the weighing unit 4.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 8A, the weighing number selection means 5 of this embodiment does not close any of the storage sections 400, thereby setting the number of storage sections 400 that can be accommodated to the number of all storage sections 400 provided in the weighing section 4. Also, as shown in Fig. 8B, the weighing number selection means 5 closes all but a portion of the storage sections 400 provided in the main weighing space 47, thereby setting the number of storage sections 400 that can be accommodated to the number of these portions of the storage sections 400. Furthermore, the weighing number selection means 5 closes all but one of the multiple storage sections 400 provided in the main weighing space 47, thereby setting the number of storage sections 400 that can be accommodated to one.

[0064] The weighing number selection means 5 of this embodiment includes a selective blocking unit 50 that is disposed above the top surface 402 of the weighing main body 40 and is capable of blocking the storage unit 400. Furthermore, the weighing number selection means 5 moves relative to the weighing unit 4 in the circumferential direction to change the blocking number of the storage unit 400 and select the weighing number.

[0065] Furthermore, the measurement number selecting means 5 has a selection extending portion 54 extending from the selective blocking portion 50 arranged in the measurement space 41 to the outside of the measurement space 41 (see FIG. 5). Specifically, the measurement number selecting means 5 has a selection operating portion 51 constituting at least a part of the selective extending portion 54, which extends from the selective blocking portion 50 in a radially outward direction (for example, in a direction outward from the measurement space 41). Furthermore, the measurement number selecting means 5 has a selection fixing portion 52 constituting at least a part of the selective extending portion 54, which extends further downward from the extending end of the selection operating portion 51. Furthermore, the measurement number selecting means 5 has a selection wall portion 53 provided on the selective blocking portion 50.

[0066] The selective blocking portion 50 is a plate-like member extending in the circumferential direction of the top surface portion 402. The selective blocking portion 50 has a size and shape capable of blocking at least a portion (a portion in the case of the weighing number selecting means 5 of this embodiment) of the storage portion 400 provided in the weighing portion 4. Specifically, the selective blocking portion 50 is annular plate-like with a portion missing in the circumferential direction.

[0067] The selection extension portion 54 is a member that engages with the selection fixing means 6 to fix the selection of the weighing number. In addition, the selection extension portion 54 extends so as to follow the outer circumferential surface of the side wall portion 401 of the measuring main body 40. The selection extension portion 54 of this embodiment includes a selection operation portion 51 and a selection fixing portion 52.

[0068] The selection operation unit 51 is, for example, a lever for operating the number of doses. Specifically, a protrusion is provided on the inside of this lever. When the number of doses selection means 5 of this embodiment is moved relative to the measuring unit 4 to match the number of doses to the prescribed number, the protrusion provided on the inside of the lever engages with the first locking portion 407 of the measuring main body 40, providing a clicking sensation, making it easy to see the alignment of the lever.

[0069] The selection operation unit 51 of this embodiment is provided with a display window 510 that displays a weighing number (for example, a weighing number displayed (printed) on the side wall portion 401). When the display window 510 displays a specific weighing number, the selection closing unit 50 is disposed to open the storage units 400 by the number of the specific weighing number.

[0070] The selective fixing portion 52 is engageable with the measurement number fixing means 6. As shown in Fig. 4, the selective fixing portion 52 of this embodiment has a fixing protrusion 520 protruding radially outward as an engaging portion engageable with the measurement number fixing means 6. The fixing protrusions 520 are, for example, arranged in a pair in the circumferential direction.

[0071] The selective wall portion 53 extends upward from the selective blocking portion 50 and also extends radially outward (specifically, from the inner end edge to the outer end edge of the selective blocking portion 50) (see FIG. 5). The selective wall portion 53, together with the demarcating extension portion 451 and the inlet opening / closing portion 463, separates the main measuring space 47 and the preliminary measuring space 48. Furthermore, the movement of the selective wall portion 53 changes the partition position between the main measuring space 47 and the preliminary measuring space 48, changing the sizes of both spaces.

[0072] The measured number fixing means 6 of this embodiment is configured to fix the measured number by being attached to the measuring unit 4 so as to restrict movement of the measured number selecting means 5. Moreover, the measured number fixing means 6 is configured to restrict the selection of the measured number by the measured number selecting means 5 by engaging with the measured number selecting means 5 and being attached to the measuring unit 4 in a state of being immovably engaged with the measuring unit 4. Furthermore, the measured number fixing means 6 is configured to be disposed between the measuring unit 4 and the container body 2 in a state in which the measuring unit 4 is attached to the container body 2 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0073] The measurement number fixing means 6 is annular (for example, circular) as shown in Figures 4 and 6. The measurement number fixing means 6 also restricts the rotational movement of the measurement number selecting means 5 relative to the measurement unit 4. Furthermore, the measurement number fixing means 6 engages with the measurement unit 4 so as not to be rotatable. The measurement number fixing means 6 of this embodiment fits non-rotatably with the measurement unit 4 by fitting externally therearound and engaging with the measurement unit 4.

[0074] The metered number fixing means 6 of this embodiment has a non-uniform radial thickness. The metered number fixing means 6 has a thicker thickness in a first fixing region 61 which is a portion in the circumferential direction, and a thinner thickness in a second fixing region 62 which is the remainder in the circumferential direction.

[0075] The measured number fixing means 6 has a first fixing portion 610 that fits into and is locked to the side wall portion 401 (e.g., the second locking portion 408) of the measuring main body 40 (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, the measured number fixing means 6 has a second fixing portion 620 that fits into and is locked to the selection extension portion 54 (e.g., the selection fixing portion 52 (specifically, the fixing protrusion 520)) of the measured number selecting means 5.

[0076] Furthermore, by engaging the first fixing portion 61 with the weighing main body portion 40, the rotational movement of the weighing number fixing means 6 relative to the weighing main body portion 40 is restricted, and in this state, by engaging the second fixing portion 620 with the selection extension portion 54 of the weighing number selection means 5, the rotational movement of the weighing number selection means 5 can be fixed.

[0077] The above-described weighing device 3 includes a weighing main body 40 in which a plurality of storage sections 400 are provided, and a weighing partition section 42 that defines a weighing space 41 together with the weighing main body 40 (see FIG. 5). The weighing number selecting means 5 includes a selective closing section 50 that is disposed in the weighing space 41 and can close the storage section 400, and a selective extension section 54 that extends from the selective closing section 50 to the outside of the weighing space 41. The weighing number fixing means 6 is engaged with the weighing main body 40 and with the selective extension section 54, thereby restricting the movement of the weighing number selecting means 5. The selective extension section 54 is extended along the outer peripheral surface of the weighing main body 40, and the weighing number fixing means 6 is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the weighing main body 40 and with the selective extension section 54 on the outer peripheral surface, thereby restricting the movement of the weighing number selecting means 5.

[0078] The overcap 7 is a member that protects the measuring part 4 and the like, and also functions as a tray for receiving the granular material removed from the measuring space 41. In addition, the overcap 7 can be fitted into the second defining part 46 in the measuring position, but cannot be fitted into the second defining part 46 in the removal position.

[0079] The overcap 7 of the present embodiment is tubular with its top closed by a top surface. Specifically, the overcap 7 includes a cap tube portion 70 having a substantially cylindrical shape and a cap top plate 71. The overcap 7 also includes a cap extension portion 72 extending from the inner surface of the cap top plate 71.

[0080] The cap tube portion 70 is a portion that protects the side portion of the measuring part 4. The cap tube portion 70 is provided with a tube portion engaging portion 700 that can engage with the side portion of the measuring part 4 (for example, the second locking portion 408 of the measuring main body 40) by cutting out a part in the circumferential direction of the lower portion of the cap tube portion 70.

[0081] The cap top plate 71 is a portion that protects the top of the measuring unit 4. As shown in Fig. 10, the cap top plate 71 of this embodiment is provided with a measuring groove 710 that allows the number of granular objects to be easily measured when the cap top plate 71 is used as a receiving tray.

[0082] The metering groove 710 is disposed on the inner surface of the cap top plate 71. The metering groove 710 extends in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the metering groove 710 extends in an arc shape. The metering groove 710 may be disposed on the outer side of the cap top plate 71.

[0083] The cap extension portion 72 is engageable with the top of the metering section 4 (for example, the metering engagement portion 462 of the metering partition portion 42) (see FIG. 5). The cap extension portion 72 also extends downward and, for example, in the circumferential direction of the cap tube portion 70. Specifically, the cap extension portion 72 is a rib that has the same shape and size as the metering engagement portion 462 when viewed from above.

[0084] Furthermore, the cap extension portion 72 is configured to be able to interfere with the measuring portion 4 in a state in which the granular material can be removed. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9A, the cap extension portion 72 does not interfere with the second defining portion 46 (e.g., the measuring engagement portion 462) in the measuring position, so that the overcap 7 can be fitted into the second defining portion 46. At this time, as shown in Fig. 9B, the cap extension portion 72 interferes with the second defining portion 46 (e.g., the measuring engagement portion 462) in the removal position, so that the overcap 7 cannot be fitted into the second defining portion 46.

[0085] Next, one embodiment of a method of using the weighing device 3 will be described.

[0086] First, a pharmacist or the like prepares a metering device 3 with a fixed metering number based on the contents of a prescription. For example, the pharmacist selects the number of metering units 400 that can be accommodated among the multiple storage units 400 using the metering number selection means 5 to select the metering number of the metering device 3 (see Figs. 8A to 8C). Specifically, the pharmacist operates the selection operation unit 51 to move the selection blocking unit 50, and the number of storage units 400 blocked by the selection blocking unit 50 corresponds to the contents of the prescription. More specifically, the selection blocking unit 50 is moved so that the number visible from the display window 510 of the selection operation unit 51 corresponds to the number corresponding to the contents of the prescription. For example, based on a prescription such as "Take 6 tablets at a time only in the morning for 5 days," the pharmacist moves the selection blocking unit 50 so that the number visible from the display window 510 of the selection operation unit 51 corresponds to the number "6" corresponding to the contents of the prescription (see Fig. 8B).

[0087] Next, the pharmacist, based on the contents of the prescription, places a plurality of granular materials into the container body 2. For example, the pharmacist places 30 tablets into the container body 2 based on the above-mentioned prescription.

[0088] The pharmacist also places the measurement number fixing means 6 between the container body 2 and the measuring unit 4. Specifically, the measuring unit 4 to which the measurement number fixing means 6 is attached is connected to the container body 2. In addition, in the state in which the measurement number fixing means 6 is placed between the container body 2 and the measuring unit 4, the upper limit of the position of the measurement number fixing means 6 is restricted by the third locking portion 409 of the measuring unit 4, and the lower limit of the position of the measurement number fixing means 6 is restricted by the shoulder portion 210 of the container body 2, so that the measurement number fixing means 6 is prevented from coming off (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, the measurement number cannot be changed in the measurement number selecting means 5 unless the measurement number fixing means 6 is removed.

[0089] Finally, the pharmacist attaches the overcap 7 to the metering device 3 with the second defining portion 46 in the metering position.

[0090] When a user, such as a patient, takes a granular material, he or she removes the overcap 7 from the measuring device 3 and turns the container with measuring device 1 (container body 2 with the measuring device 3 attached) upside down, and the granular material enters the measuring space 41 from the container body 2 through the inlet 43. Furthermore, when the user returns the container with measuring device 1 to its original position and shakes it left and right, the surplus of the granular material that is not in the storage section 400 returns from the inlet 43 to the container body 2, and the fixed number of granular materials are measured out. The user can visually confirm the measured number through the transparent second defining portion 46.

[0091] After the user confirms the weighing of the granular material, the user places the second defining portion 46 in the removal position, closes the entrance 43 of the weighing unit 4, and opens the exit 44 of the weighing unit 4 (see FIG. 9B). In this state, the user can remove the weighed granular material from the container 1 with a weighing device. In the container 1 with a weighing device of this embodiment, the overcap 7 also functions as a tray, so that the weighed tablets can be prevented from becoming damp when picked up by hand without the need for a separate tray (see FIG. 10).

[0092] According to the above-described weighing device 3, in addition to being able to select the weighed number of granular objects using the weighed number selection means 5, the weighed number fixing means 6 fixes the selection of the weighed number of granular objects by the weighed number selection means 5. For example, by selecting the weighed number based on a prescription at the time of prescription using the weighed number selection means 5 and fixing the weighed number using the weighed number fixing means 6, it is possible to regulate the operation of the weighed number selection means 5 by the user, thereby enabling the user to weigh an appropriate number of granular objects and take the appropriate number of granular objects.

[0093] In the container with a measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the measuring number fixing means 6 is fixed between the measuring section 4 and the container body 2. Therefore, the positional restriction on the measuring number selecting means 5 is unlikely to be released by mistake, and this makes it possible to reliably administer an appropriate number of granular materials. Moreover, in the container with a measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the measuring number fixing means 6 is unlikely to fall off the measuring section 4.

[0094] The container of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, and part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0095] In the container 1 with a measuring device according to the above embodiment, the connection may be made such that it is not possible to release the connection after the connection between the container body 2 and the measuring unit 4 is completed. Specifically, a stopper may be provided to fix the container at the position where the connection between the container screw unit 201 and the screw on the inner peripheral surface of the side wall unit 401 of the measuring body unit 40 is completed. In this case, since the measuring unit 4 cannot be removed from the container body 2, the restriction on the measuring number selection means 5 will not be released by mistake.

[0096] In the container with a measuring device 1 of the above embodiment, the measuring unit 4 and the measuring number fixing means 6 are separate bodies, but as shown in Fig. 11, the measuring unit 4 and the measuring number fixing means 6 may be connected by a breakable bridge 8 and formed as a single unit. The bridge 8 of this embodiment extends from the lower end of the measuring main body 40 (e.g., the side wall 401). In this case, the measuring number fixing means 6 will not fall off from the measuring unit 4. Furthermore, when assembling the measuring unit 4 and the measuring number fixing means 6, it is only necessary to push the measuring unit 4 in from above, making assembly easy.

[0097] In addition, in the container 1 with the measuring device of the above embodiment, the third locking portion 409, which is a rib extending in the radially outward direction of the measuring number fixing means 6, is disposed between the measuring unit 4 and the container body 2, but other portions of the measuring number fixing means 6 may be disposed between the measuring unit 4 and the container body 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the lower end portion of the measuring number fixing means 6 may be disposed between the measuring unit 4 and the container body 2. Specifically, the measuring number fixing means 6 may include a fixed main body portion 63 extending in the vertical direction and a fixed extension portion 64 extending in the radially inward direction from the inner peripheral surface of the fixed main body portion 63 (for example, the lower end edge of the inner peripheral surface of the fixed main body portion 63). The fixed extension portion 64 is disposed between the measuring unit 4 (for example, the side wall portion 401 of the measuring main body portion 40) and the container body 2 (for example, the shoulder portion 210 of the container body 210).

[0098] In the container 1 with a measuring device of the above embodiment, the measuring number fixing means 6 is disposed between the measuring unit 4 and the container body 2 so that the upper limit of the position of the measuring number fixing means 6 is regulated by the measuring unit 4 and the lower limit of the position of the measuring number fixing means 6 is regulated by the container body 2. However, for example, the measuring number fixing means 6 may be fixed between the measuring unit 4 and the container body 2. Specifically, the fixed extension portion 64 may be sandwiched between the lower end edge of the side wall portion 401 and the upper surface 211 of the shoulder portion 210 of the container body 2. That is, the thickness (dimension in the vertical direction) of the fixed extension portion 64 may be approximately equal to the dimension between the lower end edge of the side wall portion 401 and the upper surface 211 of the shoulder portion 210 of the container body 2. Even in such a case, the restriction on the measuring number selecting means 5 is unlikely to be released by mistake, and thus an appropriate number of granular objects can be reliably administered.

[0099] The measured number fixing means 6 may be fixed between the measuring part 4 and the container body 2 by being adhered to at least one of the measuring part 4 and the container body 2.

[0100] Furthermore, in the container 1 with a weighing device of the above embodiment, the weighing device 3 is provided with the weighing number fixing means 6, but the container body 2 may be provided with the weighing number fixing means 6. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the container 1 with a weighing device includes a weighing device 3 for weighing granular materials, and a container body 2 to which the weighing device 3 is attached and which contains the granular materials, and the container body 2 may be provided with a weighing number fixing means 6 for fixing the selection of the weighing number by the weighing number selecting means 5. In this case, the weighing device 3 includes a weighing section 4 provided with a plurality of storage sections 400 that contain the granular materials and thereby measure the number of the granular materials, and a weighing number selecting means 5 that can select the number of the granular materials to be weighed by selecting the number of the storage sections 400 that are open among the plurality of storage sections 400. In this container 1 with a weighing device, for example, the weighing number fixing means 6 is arranged so as to surround the mouth portion 20 of the container body 2.

[0101] Even in this configuration, in addition to being able to select the measured number of granular materials using the measured number selection means 5, the measured number fixing means 6 fixes the selection of the measured number of granular materials by the measured number selection means 5. For example, by selecting the measured number based on a prescription at the time of prescription using the measured number selection means 5 and fixing the measured number using the measured number fixing means 6, it is possible to regulate the operation of the measured number selection means 5 by the user, thereby enabling the user to measure out an appropriate number of granular materials and take the appropriate number of granular materials.

[0102] In addition, in this container 1 with a measuring device, the container body 2 and the measuring body 4 are fitted together by engaging the circumferential projection 205 provided on the outer surface of the mouth 20 of the container body 2 with the circumferential projection 401a provided on the inner surface of the side wall 401 of the measuring body 40. As a result, once the container body 2 and the measuring body 4 are fitted together, the measuring unit 4 cannot be removed from the container body 2, and the measured number is maintained without being changed.

[0103] The weighing device 3 only needs to have a portion in the weighing section 4 where the storage section 400 is provided, a weighing number selection means 5, and a weighing number fixing means 6, and does not necessarily need to have at least one of the weighing defining section 42, the second defining section 46, and the overcap 7, etc.

[0104] The container body 2 in the above embodiment is a tall bottle, but it may be a low jar container or a flat compact container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...container, 2...container body, 3...measuring device, 4...measuring section, 5...measuring number selection means, 6...measuring number fixing means, 7...overcap, 20...mouth section, 21...accommodating body section, 40...measuring body section, 41...measuring space, 42...measuring partition section, 43...inlet, 44...outlet, 45...first partition section, 46...second partition section, 47...main measuring space, 48...auxiliary measuring space, 50...selective closing section, 51...selective operation Working portion, 52...selective fixing portion, 53...selective wall portion, 54...selective extension portion, 61...first fixing region, 62...second fixing region, 63...fixed main body portion, 64...fixed extension portion, 70...cap tube portion, 71...cap top plate, 72...cap extension portion, 8...bridge, 200...mouth body, 201...container thread portion, 203...edge, 204...opening, 205...circumferential projection, 210...shoulder portion, 211...upper surface, 4 00...accommodation section, 401...side wall section, 401a...circumferential projection, 402...top surface section, 402a...top surface opening, 403...main body rib, 404...inlet defining section, 405...defining cylinder section, 406...defining bottom section, 407...first locking section, 408...second locking section, 409...third locking section, 450...defining cylinder section, 451...defining extension section, 460...outlet opening / closing section, 461...blocking section, 462...metering engagement section, 463... Inlet opening / closing portion, 464...notch portion, 510...display window, 520...fixing protrusion portion, 610...first fixing portion, 620...second fixing portion, 700...tube portion engagement portion, 710...metering groove, 901...medicine storage device, 902...container body, 903...dispensing device, 904...chamber, 905...movable baffle, 940...retaining portion, 943...inlet, 944...outlet, 4021...first portion, 4022...second portion

Claims

1. a measuring unit provided with a plurality of storage units that store granular objects and thereby measure the number of the granular objects; A weighing number selection means for selecting the number of granular objects to be weighed by selecting the number of containers capable of accommodating the objects from among the plurality of containers; a measurement number fixing means for fixing the selection of the measurement number by the measurement number selection means, The measuring section has an inlet through which the granular material enters, and includes a substantially cylindrical side wall section and a top surface section in which the plurality of storage sections are provided, The top surface portion is provided with the plurality of storage portions arranged in a circumferential direction of the side wall portion, The top surface portion is provided with a top surface opening portion that is continuous with the inlet, A weighing device, wherein the top surface is inclined downwardly toward the top surface opening.

2. The weighing number selection means is configured to select a weighing number by movement relative to the weighing unit, The weighing device according to claim 1 , wherein the weighing number fixing means is configured to fix the weighing number by being attached to the weighing part so as to restrict the movement of the weighing number selecting means.

3. The weighing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weighing number fixing means is configured to engage with the weighing number selection means and to be attached to the weighing section in a state of being immovably engaged with the weighing section, thereby restricting the selection of the weighing number by the weighing number selection means.

4. The measuring unit is configured to be attachable to a container body that contains granular material, The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the measuring number fixing means is configured to be disposed between the measuring unit and the container body when the measuring unit is attached to the container body.

5. A container body for containing granular material; a measuring device attached to the container body; A container with a metering device, wherein the metering device is a metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A weighing device for weighing the granular material; a container body to which the metering device is attached and which contains granular material; The metering device comprises: a measuring unit provided with a plurality of storage units that store granular objects and thereby measure the number of the granular objects; A weighing number selection means for selecting the number of open storage sections among the plurality of storage sections, thereby selecting the number of granular objects to be weighed, The container body includes a measurement number fixing means for fixing the measurement number selected by the measurement number selecting means, The measuring section has an inlet through which the granular material enters from the container body, and includes a substantially cylindrical side wall section and a top surface section on which the plurality of storage sections are provided, The top surface portion is provided with the plurality of storage portions arranged in a circumferential direction of the side wall portion, The top surface portion is provided with a top surface opening portion that is continuous with the inlet, A container with a measuring device, wherein the top surface is inclined downwardly toward the top surface opening.

Images