EP3926594A1 - Storage container for a storage and dispensing station - Google Patents
Storage container for a storage and dispensing station Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3926594A1 EP3926594A1 EP20180291.5A EP20180291A EP3926594A1 EP 3926594 A1 EP3926594 A1 EP 3926594A1 EP 20180291 A EP20180291 A EP 20180291A EP 3926594 A1 EP3926594 A1 EP 3926594A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- base
- storage
- separating device
- storage container
- depressions
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000012384 transportation and delivery Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 abstract description 70
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 abstract description 33
- 235000015872 dietary supplement Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 206010012186 Delayed delivery Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009795 derivation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007786 electrostatic charging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/005—Special arrangements for insuring that only one single article may be dispensed at a time
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
- G07F11/44—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored in bulk
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/0092—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a storage container for a storage and dispensing station for small piece goods, in particular drugs or nutritional supplements.
- Modern blister machines such as those in the WO 2013/034504 A1 are disclosed, include, depending on the expansion stage, several hundred supply and delivery stations. A plurality of medicament portions of a specific medicament are stored in each of these, and individual medicament portions can be dispensed upon request. With the automatic blister, the medication portions stored in the supply and dispensing stations are compiled and blistered individually for each patient according to the medically prescribed input times.
- a separating device which is arranged in the storage container of the storage and dispensing station, separates a single drug portion and transfers it to a guide device of the automatic blister via a dispensing opening in the storage container.
- a guide device By means of the guide device, a dispensed medicament portion is fed to a packaging device, possibly with the interposition of a collecting device, which blisters individual or several medicament portions in accordance with a medical prescription.
- the separation device comprises a rotor with a plurality of channels, which are usually on the outer circumference of the Rotors are arranged.
- the dimensions of the channels must be adapted to the respective drug portions to be separated in such a way that the drug portions can only be arranged one above the other in a channel, but not next to one another.
- the channels can be dimensioned, for example, in such a way that only one drug portion can be received in one channel.
- a channel is moved over the dispensing opening in the bottom surface of the housing of the storage container, and the drug portion arranged in the channel (at the lowest point) slips or falls into the dispensing opening due to gravity.
- a retaining section of a retaining means or separator is guided or arranged at least in or above the channel in the area above the dispensing opening that is aligned with the dispensing opening. With respect to the height of the channel, the retaining section is arranged in this or above it in such a way that only one medicament portion can be arranged below the retaining section.
- the retaining section is guided into the channel in order to separate the lowermost medicament portion from those arranged above, individual projections separating channels have a slot which receives the retaining section. If the retaining section is arranged or guided over the channels, it is regularly only slightly guided over the upper ends of the projections, so that it is avoided that further drug portions get into the channel when the drug portion is dispensed.
- the separating device is in an at least internally circular cylindrical shape Arranged portion of the housing of the storage container and comprises a base surface facing the housing bottom surface.
- a gap is always formed between the housing bottom surface and the base of the separating device.
- the drug portion in the following only referred to as drug portion, but the same applies to food supplements and corresponding small items
- the drug portion does not fall through the dispensing opening due to gravity, but rather pulls itself under the base area during the actual dispensing process or possibly also when moving over the bottom surface of the housing and remains attached to the base area.
- the consequence is a non-delivery or delayed delivery of the drug portion, which leads to an incorrect combination of drug portions, with a delayed delivery leading to two incorrect compositions - one drug portion is missing in one composition, one drug portion too many is blistered in another composition.
- the second variant in particular is particularly critical against the background of undesired interactions between certain types of medicament.
- the storage container according to the invention for a storage and dispensing station for small items comprises a housing enclosing a receiving space for small items with an internally circular cylindrical section and a housing bottom surface having a dispensing opening, one arranged in the circular cylindrical section Separating device with a plurality of channels for receiving at least one small item and with a base area facing the housing bottom surface, the base area having discharge openings of the channels.
- the storage container further comprises a retaining means with a positioning means and a retaining portion, wherein the positioning means holds the retaining means over the dispensing opening.
- the base area of the separating device has a plurality of depressions and / or elevations at least in sections (and in particular in the area of the discharge openings of the channels) to reduce a possible contact area between base area and small piece goods, the shape and size of which is selected such that an electrostatic attraction between small items and the base is reduced.
- depressions and / or elevations are used, since with a flat base one thing always causes the other - if the depressions predominate, the elevations are the "outstanding" feature, if the elevations predominate, the depressions are the outstanding feature. It is essential that the reduction in the contact area leads to a reduced electrostatic attraction, so that a Pulling in or sticking of drug portions to the base is avoided.
- the design of the depressions / elevations also depends on the shape of the medicament portions to be separated - if, for example, flat circular medicament portions are to be separated, depressions should not be selected so that the flat medicament portion with the flat section fits more or less exactly into a recess . For the person skilled in the art, however, a choice of suitable depressions / elevations results immediately from the exact shape and further characteristics of the medicament portions to be separated.
- the reduction in the contact area reduces possible electrostatic attraction between the base area and the drug portion, drawing in or sticking does not take place, and incorrect delivery of drug portions is avoided.
- the channels are defined as outwardly open channels on the outer circumference of the separating device by a plurality of webs
- depressions / elevations are arranged in the webs. Due to the rotary movement during the separation and the arrangement on the outer circumference, in such a case the "pulling in” regularly takes place under a web, so that it makes sense to provide the web with depressions / elevations.
- further depressions / elevations can also be arranged on the remaining, mostly ring-shaped section of the base area, in particular in the area of the discharge opening of the channels.
- the exact design of the depressions / elevations depends on the exact structure of the separating device and the medicament portions to be separated.
- the problem of drawing in or getting stuck on the base surface occurs in particular light, flat or oval portions of medicine.
- the depressions are particularly easy to produce, it is provided that depressions (or at least some of them) are designed as radial grooves. Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that depressions are designed as coaxial grooves.
- the radial grooves are designed to be open to the outer circumference of the separating device. In addition, in this embodiment it is particularly easy to make the grooves from a structural point of view.
- FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2 show various oblique views of a preferred embodiment of the storage container 1 according to the invention.
- the storage container 1 according to the invention comprises a housing 10 which encloses a receiving space 2 for medicament portions and has an internally circular cylindrical section 11 in the lower section.
- the storage container 1 further comprises a base plate 12 and a cover 14, which is arranged on the housing 10 during operation of the storage and dispensing station and can be removed for refilling.
- it comprises a handle 13 in the "front" area.
- a separating device 30 with a surface 31 facing the receiving space 2 is arranged in the inner circular cylindrical section 11.
- three projections 34 are arranged on the surface 31 which ensure a movement of the medicament portions within the receiving space and thus promote a sliding of medicament portions into channels 32.
- the channels are arranged on the outer circumference of the separating device 30.
- the channels are defined by a plurality of webs 33 which are arranged on a base body of the separating device. The webs themselves can be attached, but they can also be formed in that the channels 32 are milled out of the base body.
- Figure 3 shows a plan view of the preferred embodiment, the separating device 30 being omitted in this plan view.
- the housing comprises a housing bottom surface 15 in which a dispensing opening 16 is arranged.
- a connecting means 17 is arranged "below" the dispensing opening, via which the dispensed medicament portion of a (not shown) guide device is passed.
- the separating device is activated by means of an in Figure 3 indicated coupling means 50 is rotated in such a way that a channel is arranged above the dispensing opening 16, so that a medicament portion arranged in a channel falls through the dispensing opening 16 and the connecting means 17 due to gravity.
- Figures 4a and 4b show sectional views of the preferred embodiment of the storage container according to the invention, with Figure 4b the interior of the separating device can be seen.
- the separating device 30 is held in the circular cylindrical section 11 via the coupling means 50.
- the separating device which in the embodiment shown is designed to be ring-shaped on the inside as a result of the coupling with the coupling means 50, and a gap is formed in the housing bottom surface 15, into which medicament portions can be drawn if necessary.
- the base area of the separating device further comprises areas which are formed by the webs 33, as can be seen more clearly in the following figures.
- the electrostatic attraction between them can cause a medicament portion to adhere to the base surface 36, in particular in the area of the webs.
- the invention provides for a possible contact area between the medicament portion and the base area to be reduced by making depressions / elevations in the base area. How to at Figure 4b can recognize already indicated, In the embodiment shown, radial grooves 37 are provided, which ensure such a reduction.
- a retaining section 41 of the retaining means 40 is guided via a slot in the circular cylindrical section 11 of the housing into the area above the dispensing opening 16 and is always aligned with the dispensing opening. This has the effect that, in the embodiment shown, the retaining section is always held above the channel openings which are rotated towards the dispensing opening for dispensing a medicament portion. Entry of further drug portions into the aligned channel is not possible, even if there is no longer any drug portion in the aligned channel.
- the channels are adapted to the medicament portions in such a way that only one medicament portion is disposed in each channel below the retaining portion.
- the retaining section 41 of the retaining means 40 is held via a positioning means 42, which in the embodiment shown is attached to the outside of the housing. How exactly the restraint means is constructed and arranged, however, is irrelevant to the present invention.
- Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the combination separating device 30 / retaining means 40 and it is illustrated how the retaining section 41 above a receiving opening of a channel prevents further medicament portions from entering this channel.
- Figures 7a and 7b show further views of the separating device according to the preferred embodiment. It can be seen that a possible contact area between the drug portion and the base area is reduced by radial grooves 37, as a result of which the electrostatic attraction is reduced - drawing in or sticking (as in Figure 6a ) is omitted if the specializations are chosen accordingly.
- the radial grooves are primarily formed in the area of the webs 33, since the in Figure 6a The situation shown is responsible for a large part of the wrong deliveries.
- the radial grooves are "outward" open, that is to say they have an outlet opening, so that this can easily be introduced into the base area.
- grooves that are designed to be open can also be simply and thoroughly cleaned - drug debris can be moved outwards out of the groove.
- additional grooves can be arranged in the inner ring area of the base surface; alternatively (or additionally) the grooves can also be designed coaxially.
- the reduction in the contact area can be obtained by, for example, providing the base sections of the webs 33 with a plurality of small elevations - such a design of the base can also ensure a required reduction in the electrostatic attraction between the base and the drug portion.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Die Erfindung betrifft einen Vorratsbehälter für eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation für Kleinstückgüter, insbesondere Arzneimittel oder Nahrungsergänzungsprodukte. Bei bekannten Vorratsbehälter bleiben die zu vereinzelnden Kleinstückgüter regelmäßig unter der Grundfläche der Vereinzelungseinrichtung hängen. Der erfindungsgemäße Vorratsbehälter löst dieses Problem und umfasst ein Gehäuse (10) mit einem kreiszylinderförmigen Abschnitt (11), eine in dem kreiszylinderförmigen Abschnitt (11) des Gehäuses (10) angeordnete Vereinzelungseinrichtung (30) mit mehreren Kanälen (32) und mit einer Grundfläche (36) sowie ein Rückhaltemittel (40). Erfindungsgemäß ist die Grundfläche (36) der Vereinzelungseinrichtung (30) zumindest abschnittsweise zur Verminderung einer möglichen Kontaktfläche zwischen Grundfläche und Kleinstückgut mit einer Mehrzahl von Vertiefungen (37) und/oder Erhebungen versehen, wobei deren Form und Größe derart gewählt ist, dass eine elektrostatische Anziehung zwischen Kleinstückgütern und der Grundfläche (36) vermindert ist.The invention relates to a storage container for a storage and delivery station for small items, in particular medicines or nutritional supplements. In known storage containers, the small piece goods to be separated regularly get caught under the base of the separation device. The storage container according to the invention solves this problem and comprises a housing (10) with a circular-cylindrical section (11), a separating device (30) arranged in the circular-cylindrical section (11) of the housing (10) and having a plurality of channels (32) and having a base area ( 36) and a restraining means (40). According to the invention, the base (36) of the separating device (30) is provided, at least in sections, with a plurality of depressions (37) and/or elevations to reduce a possible contact area between the base and small items, the shape and size of which is selected in such a way that electrostatic attraction between small piece goods and the base (36) is reduced.
Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen Vorratsbehälter für eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation für Kleinstückgüter, insbesondere Arzneimittel oder Nahrungsergänzungsprodukte.The present invention relates to a storage container for a storage and dispensing station for small piece goods, in particular drugs or nutritional supplements.
Moderne Blisterautomaten, wie sie beispielsweise in der
Zur Zusammenstellung der Arzneimittelportionen werden entsprechende Vorrats- und Abgabestationen zur Abgabe einer oder mehrerer Arzneimittelportionen angesteuert. Bei der Ansteuerung einer Vorrats- und Abgabestation wird mit einer Vereinzelungseinrichtung, die in dem Vorratsbehälter der Vorrats- und Abgabestation angeordnet ist, eine einzelne Arzneimittelportion separiert und über eine Abgabeöffnung in dem Vorratsbehälter einer Führungseinrichtung des Blisterautomaten übergeben. Mittels der Führungseinrichtung wird eine abgegebene Arzneimittelportion, gegebenenfalls unter Zwischenschaltung einer Sammeleinrichtung, einer Verpackungseinrichtung zugeführt, welche einzelne oder mehrere Arzneimittelportionen entsprechend einer ärztlichen Vorgabe verblistert.To compile the drug portions, appropriate storage and dispensing stations for dispensing one or more drug portions are controlled. When activating a storage and dispensing station, a separating device, which is arranged in the storage container of the storage and dispensing station, separates a single drug portion and transfers it to a guide device of the automatic blister via a dispensing opening in the storage container. By means of the guide device, a dispensed medicament portion is fed to a packaging device, possibly with the interposition of a collecting device, which blisters individual or several medicament portions in accordance with a medical prescription.
Zur Vereinzelung der Arzneimittelportionen, die in einem Vorratsbehälter einer Vorrats- und Abgabestation gelagert sind, umfasst die Vereinzelungseinrichtung einen Rotor mit einer Mehrzahl von Kanälen, die üblicherweise am Außenumfang des Rotors angeordnet sind. Die Kanäle müssen an die jeweils zu vereinzelnden Arzneimittelportionen hinsichtlich ihrer Abmessungen derart angepasst werden, dass in einem Kanal die Arzneimittelportionen lediglich übereinander, nicht aber nebeneinander angeordnet sein können. Die Kanäle können beispielsweise derart bemessen sein, dass in einem Kanal lediglich eine Arzneimittelportion aufgenommen werden kann. Zur Abgabe einer Arzneimittelportion aus einem Kanal wird ein Kanal über die Abgabeöffnung in der Bodenfläche des Gehäuses des Vorratsbehälters bewegt, und die in dem Kanal (an unterster Stelle) angeordnete Arzneimittelportion rutscht beziehungsweise fällt schwerkraftbedingt in die Abgabeöffnung. Um zu vermeiden, dass weitere in dem oder über dem Kanal lagernde Arzneimittelportionen ebenfalls abgegeben werden, also eine unbekannte Anzahl von Arzneimittelportionen abgegeben wird, ist in dem Bereich über der Abgabeöffnung ein Rückhalteabschnitt eines Rückhaltemittels bzw. Separators zumindest in oder über dem Kanal geführt beziehungsweise angeordnet, der an der Abgabeöffnung ausgerichtet ist. Der Rückhalteabschnitt ist in Bezug auf die Höhe des Kanals derart in diesem oder über diesem angeordnet, dass unter dem Rückhalteabschnitt lediglich eine Arzneimittelportion angeordnet sein kann. Sofern der Rückhalteabschnitt in den Kanal geführt ist, um die unterste Arzneimittelportion von darüber angeordneten zu trennen, weisen einzelne Kanäle separierende Vorsprünge einen Schlitz auf, welcher den Rückhalteabschnitt aufnimmt. Sofern der Rückhalteabschnitt über den Kanälen angeordnet beziehungsweise geführt ist, ist dieser regelmäßig nur geringfügig über den oberen Enden der Vorsprünge geführt, so dass vermieden wird, dass bei Abgabe der Arzneimittelportion weitere Arzneimittelportionen in den Kanal gelangen.To separate the medicament portions that are stored in a storage container of a storage and dispensing station, the separation device comprises a rotor with a plurality of channels, which are usually on the outer circumference of the Rotors are arranged. The dimensions of the channels must be adapted to the respective drug portions to be separated in such a way that the drug portions can only be arranged one above the other in a channel, but not next to one another. The channels can be dimensioned, for example, in such a way that only one drug portion can be received in one channel. To dispense a drug portion from a channel, a channel is moved over the dispensing opening in the bottom surface of the housing of the storage container, and the drug portion arranged in the channel (at the lowest point) slips or falls into the dispensing opening due to gravity. In order to avoid that further drug portions stored in or above the channel are also dispensed, i.e. an unknown number of drug portions is dispensed, a retaining section of a retaining means or separator is guided or arranged at least in or above the channel in the area above the dispensing opening that is aligned with the dispensing opening. With respect to the height of the channel, the retaining section is arranged in this or above it in such a way that only one medicament portion can be arranged below the retaining section. If the retaining section is guided into the channel in order to separate the lowermost medicament portion from those arranged above, individual projections separating channels have a slot which receives the retaining section. If the retaining section is arranged or guided over the channels, it is regularly only slightly guided over the upper ends of the projections, so that it is avoided that further drug portions get into the channel when the drug portion is dispensed.
Die Vereinzelungseinrichtung ist bei bekannten Vorratsbehältern in einem zumindest innen kreiszylinderförmigen Abschnitt des Gehäuses des Vorratsbehälters angeordnet und umfasst eine der Gehäuse-Bodenfläche zugewandte Grundfläche. Um eine möglichst reibungsfreie Drehbarkeit der Vereinzelungseinrichtung zu gewährleisten und ein Ableiten von z. B. Arzneimittelabrieb zu gewährleisten, ist zwischen Gehäuse-Bodenfläche und Grundfläche der Vereinzelungseinrichtung stets ein Spalt ausgebildet. Bei der Vereinzelung selbst reiben die Arzneimittel- und Nahrungsmittelergänzungsportionen aneinander und an Bauteilen des Vorratsbehälters, wodurch diese Bauteile und die Arzneimittel- und Nahrungsmittelergänzungsportionen elektrostatisch aufgeladen werden, so dass eine elektrostatische Anziehung zwischen diesen besteht. Aufgrund dieser elektrostatischen Anziehung kann es bei einer Ausrichtung eines Kanals an der Abgabeöffnung der Gehäuse-Bodenfläche vorkommen, dass die Arzneimittelportion (im Nachfolgenden wird lediglich von Arzneimittelportion gesprochen, entsprechendes gilt aber auch für Nahrungsmittelergänzungsprodukte und entsprechende Kleinstückgüter) nicht schwerkraftbedingt durch die Abgabeöffnung fällt, sondern sich bei dem eigentlichen Abgabevorgang oder ggf. auch bei einer Bewegung über die Gehäuse-Bodenfläche unter die Grundfläche zieht und an der Grundfläche hängen bleibt. Folge ist eine Nichtabgabe oder verspätete Abgabe der Arzneimittelportion, was zu einer fehlerhaften Zusammenstellung von Arzneimittelportionen führt, wobei eine verspätete Abgabe zu zwei fehlerhaften Zusammenstellungen führt - bei einer Zusammenstellung fehlt eine Arzneimittelportion, bei einer anderen nachfolgenden Zusammenstellung wird eine Arzneimittelportion zu viel verblistert. Insbesondere die zweite Variante ist vor dem Hintergrund von unerwünschten Wechselwirkungen zwischen bestimmen Arzneimittelarten besonders kritisch.In known storage containers, the separating device is in an at least internally circular cylindrical shape Arranged portion of the housing of the storage container and comprises a base surface facing the housing bottom surface. In order to ensure the most friction-free rotatability of the separating device and a derivation of z. B. to ensure drug abrasion, a gap is always formed between the housing bottom surface and the base of the separating device. During the isolation itself, the medicament and food supplement portions rub against one another and on components of the storage container, whereby these components and the medicament and food supplement portions are electrostatically charged, so that there is an electrostatic attraction between them. Due to this electrostatic attraction, when a channel is aligned with the dispensing opening of the bottom surface of the housing, the drug portion (in the following only referred to as drug portion, but the same applies to food supplements and corresponding small items) does not fall through the dispensing opening due to gravity, but rather pulls itself under the base area during the actual dispensing process or possibly also when moving over the bottom surface of the housing and remains attached to the base area. The consequence is a non-delivery or delayed delivery of the drug portion, which leads to an incorrect combination of drug portions, with a delayed delivery leading to two incorrect compositions - one drug portion is missing in one composition, one drug portion too many is blistered in another composition. The second variant in particular is particularly critical against the background of undesired interactions between certain types of medicament.
Es ist Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, einen Vorratsbehälter für eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation für Kleinstückgüter bereitzustellen, bei welchem fehlerhafte Arzneimittelabgaben durch ein Hängenbleiben einer Arzneimittelportion an der Grundfläche der Vereinzelungseinrichtung vermieden werden.It is the object of the present invention to provide a storage container for a storage and dispensing station for To provide small piece goods in which incorrect dispensing of medicaments due to a medicament portion getting stuck on the base of the separating device are avoided.
Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch einen Vorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 1. Der erfindungsgemäße Vorratsbehälter für eine Vorrats- und Abgabestation für Kleinstückgüter umfasst ein einen Aufnahmeraum für Kleinstückgüter umschließendes Gehäuse mit einem innen kreiszylinderförmigen Abschnitt und einer eine Abgabeöffnung aufweisenden Gehäuse-Bodenfläche, eine in dem kreiszylinderförmigen Abschnitt angeordnete Vereinzelungseinrichtung mit mehreren Kanälen zur Aufnahme zumindest eines Kleinstückguts und mit einer der Gehäuse-Bodenfläche zugewandten Grundfläche, wobei die Grundfläche Abgabeöffnungen der Kanäle aufweist. Der Vorratsbehälter umfasst ferner ein Rückhaltemittel mit einem Positioniermittel und einem Rückhalteabschnitt, wobei das Positioniermittel das Rückhaltemittel über der Abgabeöffnung hält.This object is achieved by a storage container according to claim 1. The storage container according to the invention for a storage and dispensing station for small items comprises a housing enclosing a receiving space for small items with an internally circular cylindrical section and a housing bottom surface having a dispensing opening, one arranged in the circular cylindrical section Separating device with a plurality of channels for receiving at least one small item and with a base area facing the housing bottom surface, the base area having discharge openings of the channels. The storage container further comprises a retaining means with a positioning means and a retaining portion, wherein the positioning means holds the retaining means over the dispensing opening.
Erfindungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass die Grundfläche der Vereinzelungseinrichtung zumindest abschnittsweise (und insbesondere im Bereich der Abgabeöffnungen der Kanäle) zur Verminderung einer möglichen Kontaktfläche zwischen Grundfläche und Kleinstückgut eine Mehrzahl von Vertiefungen und/oder Erhebungen aufweist, wobei deren Form und Größe derart gewählt ist, dass eine elektrostatische Anziehung zwischen Kleinstückgütern und der Grundfläche vermindert ist.According to the invention it is provided that the base area of the separating device has a plurality of depressions and / or elevations at least in sections (and in particular in the area of the discharge openings of the channels) to reduce a possible contact area between base area and small piece goods, the shape and size of which is selected such that an electrostatic attraction between small items and the base is reduced.
Erfindungsgemäß wird von Vertiefungen und/oder Erhebungen gesprochen, da bei einer ebenen Grundfläche stets das eine das andere bedingt - wenn die Vertiefungen überwiegen, sind die Erhebungen das "herausragende" Merkmal, wenn die Erhebungen überwiegen, sind die Vertiefungen das herausragende Merkmal. Wesentlich ist, dass die Verminderung der Kontaktfläche zu einer verminderten elektrostatischen Anziehung führt, so dass ein Einziehen oder Anhaften von Arzneimittelportionen an der Grundfläche vermieden wird. Die Gestaltung der Vertiefungen/Erhebungen ist auch abhängig von der Form der zu vereinzelnden Arzneimittelportionen - wenn beispielsweise flache kreisförmige Arzneimittelportionen zu vereinzeln sind, sollten beispielweise Vertiefungen nicht so gewählt werden, dass die flache Arzneimittelportion mit dem flachen Abschnitt mehr oder weniger genau in eine Vertiefung passt. Eine Wahl der geeigneten Vertiefungen/Erhebungen ergibt sich für den Fachmann aber sofort aus der genauen Gestalt und weiteren Charakteristika der zu vereinzelnden Arzneimittelportionen.According to the invention, depressions and / or elevations are used, since with a flat base one thing always causes the other - if the depressions predominate, the elevations are the "outstanding" feature, if the elevations predominate, the depressions are the outstanding feature. It is essential that the reduction in the contact area leads to a reduced electrostatic attraction, so that a Pulling in or sticking of drug portions to the base is avoided. The design of the depressions / elevations also depends on the shape of the medicament portions to be separated - if, for example, flat circular medicament portions are to be separated, depressions should not be selected so that the flat medicament portion with the flat section fits more or less exactly into a recess . For the person skilled in the art, however, a choice of suitable depressions / elevations results immediately from the exact shape and further characteristics of the medicament portions to be separated.
Die Verminderung der Kontaktfläche vermindert eine mögliche elektrostatische Anziehung zwischen Grundfläche und Arzneimittelportion, ein Einziehen oder Anhaften findet nicht statt, eine fehlerhafte Abgabe von Arzneimittelportionen wird vermieden.The reduction in the contact area reduces possible electrostatic attraction between the base area and the drug portion, drawing in or sticking does not take place, and incorrect delivery of drug portions is avoided.
Bei einer besonders einfach herstellbaren bevorzugten Ausführungsform, bei welcher die Kanäle als nach außen offene Kanäle am Außenumfang der Vereinzelungseinrichtung durch eine Mehrzahl von Stegen definiert sind, sind Vertiefungen/Erhebungen in den Stegen angeordnet. Bedingt durch die Drehbewegung bei der Vereinzelung und der Anordnung am Außenumfang findet in einem solchen Fall das "Einziehen" regelmäßig unter einen Steg statt, so dass es sinnvoll ist, den Steg mit Vertiefungen/Erhebungen zu versehen. Zusätzlich können aber auch weitere Vertiefungen/Erhebungen an dem verbleibenden, zumeist ringförmig ausgebildeten Abschnitt der Grundfläche angeordnet sein, insbesondere im Bereich der Ausgabeöffnung der Kanäle.In a particularly easy to manufacture preferred embodiment, in which the channels are defined as outwardly open channels on the outer circumference of the separating device by a plurality of webs, depressions / elevations are arranged in the webs. Due to the rotary movement during the separation and the arrangement on the outer circumference, in such a case the "pulling in" regularly takes place under a web, so that it makes sense to provide the web with depressions / elevations. In addition, however, further depressions / elevations can also be arranged on the remaining, mostly ring-shaped section of the base area, in particular in the area of the discharge opening of the channels.
Wie bereits oben dargelegt, ist die genaue Ausgestaltung der Vertiefungen/Erhebungen von dem genauen Aufbau der Vereinzelungseinrichtung und den zu vereinzelnden Arzneimittelportionen abhängig. Das Problem des Einziehens bzw. Hängenbleibens an der Grundfläche tritt aber insbesondere bei leichten flachen oder ovalen Arzneimittelportionen auf. Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform, bei welcher die Vertiefungen besonders einfach herstellbar sind, ist es vorgesehen, dass Vertiefungen (bzw. zumindest ein Teil davon) als radiale Nuten ausgebildet sind. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann vorgesehen sein, dass Vertiefungen als koaxiale Nuten ausgebildet sind.As already explained above, the exact design of the depressions / elevations depends on the exact structure of the separating device and the medicament portions to be separated. The problem of drawing in or getting stuck on the base surface occurs in particular light, flat or oval portions of medicine. In a preferred embodiment, in which the depressions are particularly easy to produce, it is provided that depressions (or at least some of them) are designed as radial grooves. Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that depressions are designed as coaxial grooves.
Unabhängig von der genauen Ausgestaltung der Vertiefungen/Erhebungen ist es regelmäßig notwendig, die Vereinzelungseinrichtung zu reinigen - entweder weil diese ausgetauscht werden soll, oder weil sich zu viel Arzneimittelabrieb in dem Vorratsbehälter angeordnet hat. Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform, bei welcher Vertiefungen besonders leicht gründlich gereinigt werden können, ist es vorgesehen, dass die radialen Nuten zum Außenumfang der Vereinzelungseinrichtung offen ausgebildet sind. Darüber hinaus ist es bei dieser Ausführungsform konstruktiv besonders einfach die Nuten einzubringen.Regardless of the exact design of the depressions / elevations, it is regularly necessary to clean the separating device - either because it is to be replaced or because there is too much drug debris in the storage container. In a preferred embodiment, in which depressions can be thoroughly cleaned particularly easily, it is provided that the radial grooves are designed to be open to the outer circumference of the separating device. In addition, in this embodiment it is particularly easy to make the grooves from a structural point of view.
Im Nachfolgenden wird eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Vorratsbehälters anhand der beigefügten Zeichnung beschrieben, in welcher
-
Figuren 1a, 1b und 2 verschiedene Schrägansichten der bevorzugten Ausführungsform zeigen, -
eine Draufsicht der bevorzugten Ausführungsform zeigt, wobei die Vereinzelungseinrichtung fortgelassen ist,Figur 3 -
Figuren 4a und 4b Schnittansichten der bevorzugten Ausführungsform zeigen, wobei beiFigur 4b das Innere der Vereinzelungseinrichtung veranschaulicht ist, -
Figur 5 eine Kombination aus Vereinzelungseinrichtung und Rückhaltemittel zeigt, -
Figur 6 eine Seitenansicht der Vereinzelungseinrichtung bei Abgabe einer Arzneimittelportion zeigt, und -
Figuren 7a und 7b Detailansichten der Vereinzelungseinrichtung zeigen.
-
Figures 1a, 1b and2 show various oblique views of the preferred embodiment, -
Figure 3 shows a plan view of the preferred embodiment, wherein the separating device is omitted, -
Figures 4a and 4b Show sectional views of the preferred embodiment, wherein atFigure 4b the interior of the separating device is illustrated, -
Figure 5 shows a combination of separating device and retaining means, -
Figure 6 shows a side view of the separating device when dispensing a medicament portion, and -
Figures 7a and 7b Show detailed views of the separating device.
Bedingt durch die elektrostatische Aufladung der Arzneimittelportionen und/oder der Vereinzelungseinrichtung kann die elektrostatische Anziehung zwischen diesen bewirken, dass eine Arzneimittelportion an der Grundfläche 36, insbesondere im Bereich der Stege, anhaftet. Um dies zu vermeiden sieht die Erfindung vor, eine mögliche Kontaktfläche zwischen Arzneimittelportion und Grundfläche zu vermindern, und zwar indem Vertiefungen/Erhebungen in die Grundfläche eingebracht werden. Wie man bei
In den
Wie eingangs erwähnt, kann es insbesondere bei leichten und/oder flachen Arzneimittelportionen vorkommen, dass diese nicht über die Abgabeöffnung abgegeben werden, sondern aufgrund der elektrostatischen Anziehung in den Spalt zwischen der Grundfläche der Vereinzelungseinrichtung und der Gehäuse-Bodenfläche gezogen werden. Auch ist es aufgrund einer möglichen elektrostatischen Anziehung zwischen der Grundfläche und einer zu vereinzelnden Arzneimittelportion möglich, dass diese bei einer Abgabesituation nicht schwerkraftbedingt abgegeben wird, sondern in der Situation, dass ein Teil der Grundfläche der Vereinzelungseinrichtung über die Abgabeöffnung 16 gedreht ist, von elektrostatischen Anziehungskräften unter den Abschnitt der Grundfläche gezogen wird, der dann über der Abgabeöffnung angeordnet ist. Eine entsprechende Situation ist in
Bei alternativen Ausführungsformen können zusätzliche Nuten im inneren Ringbereich der Grundfläche angeordnet sein; alternativ (oder zusätzlich) können die Nuten auch koaxial ausbildet sein. Bei wieder anderen Ausführungsformen kann die Verminderung der Kontaktfläche erhalten werden, indem beispielsweise die Grundflächenabschnitte der Stege 33 mit einer Mehrzahl von kleinen Erhebungen versehen werden - auch eine solche Gestaltung der Grundfläche kann für eine benötigte Verminderung der elektrostatischen Anziehung zwischen Grundfläche und Arzneimittelportion sorgen.In alternative embodiments, additional grooves can be arranged in the inner ring area of the base surface; alternatively (or additionally) the grooves can also be designed coaxially. In still other embodiments, the reduction in the contact area can be obtained by, for example, providing the base sections of the
Claims (5)
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Vertiefungen/Erhebungen in den Stegen (33) angeordnet sind.Storage container (1) for a storage and delivery station for small piece goods according to claim 1, wherein the channels (32) on the outer circumference of the separating device (30) are defined by a plurality of webs (33),
characterized in that depressions / elevations are arranged in the webs (33).
Priority Applications (9)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP20180291.5A EP3926594A1 (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2020-06-16 | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
US16/920,088 US11352194B2 (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2020-07-02 | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
PCT/EP2021/063993 WO2021254738A1 (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2021-05-26 | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
CN202180041895.1A CN115699116A (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2021-05-26 | Storage container for storage and distribution station |
KR1020227041032A KR20230020967A (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2021-05-26 | Storage containers for storage and dispensing stations |
JP2022577239A JP2023531896A (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2021-05-26 | Storage container for storage and dispensing station |
US17/738,451 US11691804B2 (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2022-05-06 | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
US18/143,278 US12030710B2 (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2023-05-04 | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
US18/664,069 US20240294323A1 (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2024-05-14 | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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EP20180291.5A EP3926594A1 (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2020-06-16 | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
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US20110163112A1 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2011-07-07 | Takazono Corporation | Medication Container and Medication Dispensing Apparatus |
WO2013034504A1 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2013-03-14 | Carefusion Switzerland 317 Sàrl | System and method for packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions |
US20160001956A1 (en) * | 2014-07-03 | 2016-01-07 | Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh | Storage container for automated dispensing of individual medicament portions |
EP3389022A1 (en) * | 2017-04-11 | 2018-10-17 | Becton Dickinson Rowa Germany GmbH | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
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2020
- 2020-06-16 EP EP20180291.5A patent/EP3926594A1/en active Pending
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US20110163112A1 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2011-07-07 | Takazono Corporation | Medication Container and Medication Dispensing Apparatus |
WO2013034504A1 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2013-03-14 | Carefusion Switzerland 317 Sàrl | System and method for packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions |
US20160001956A1 (en) * | 2014-07-03 | 2016-01-07 | Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh | Storage container for automated dispensing of individual medicament portions |
EP3389022A1 (en) * | 2017-04-11 | 2018-10-17 | Becton Dickinson Rowa Germany GmbH | Storage container for a storage and dispensing station |
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