WO1989001448A1

WO1989001448A1 - Dispenser of doses of elements in pieces

Info

Publication number: WO1989001448A1
Application number: PCT/EP1988/000700
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ludger Hackmann; Josef Wilken
Original assignee: Bramlage Gesellschaft Mit Beschränkter Haftung
Priority date: 1987-08-08
Filing date: 1988-08-03
Publication date: 1989-02-23
Also published as: AU2137588A; DE3726460A1

Abstract

A dispenser (1) of doses of elements in pieces (2), in particular tablets, has a cylindrical dosing part capable of pivoting around its longitudinal axis and having recesses (6) that form dosing chambers (8) together with a dispenser housing (5). A dispensing hole (10) is provided in the housing, the dosing chambers are closed in relation to the inside of the dispenser in the area of the dispensing hole by a partitioning element and an inner bottom (9) of the dispenser extends obliquely downwards in the direction of the dosing recesses. In order to achieve a discharge as complete as possible of the dispenser, a treatment as gentle as possible of the elements in pieces and an advantageous operational design, the partitioning element has the form of a sloping element (12) that extents upwards from a bottom area to a top area of the dosing chambers.

Description

Dispenser for a portioned delivery of lumpy elements

The invention relates to a dispenser for portioned delivery of lumpy elements according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Such a dispenser has become known, for example, from DE-PS 28 22 581. In this known dispenser, the metering chambers are closed in the area of the dispenser opening by a separating element which is designed as a web of the same height over its circumferential extent. This is disadvantageous in several ways. In particular, it can be observed that the last lumpy elements often lie in the area of the web and can only be achieved by shaking or the like that they reach recesses in the dosing. In addition, the rectangular corner areas of the separating element can even partially cause damage to the lumpy elements or jamming.

In view of this state of the art, the object of the invention is to design and develop the known dispenser in such a way that as complete an emptying as possible can be achieved, while at the same time protecting the lumpy elements as much as possible and having an advantageous operating configuration. This object is achieved in a dispenser with the features of claim 1.

The last lumpy elements can roll back from the rising ramp element into metering openings at the beginning of the ramp element of the metering recesses. The risk of damage to the lumpy elements or jamming is also lower. The ramp element contributes to a gentler throughput of the lumpy elements. In an embodiment of the invention it is provided that the ramp surface is inclined to a horizontal, in such a way that it slopes towards the inside of the dispenser. The ramp surface forms a slope that runs in opposite directions to the inner floor. This embodiment advantageously supports removal of the lumpy elements from the area of the dosing openings when the dosing part rotates. A further lumpy element is guided away from an already filled dosing opening; drifting in is prevented.

It is also of particular importance that a metering opening is only a few tenths of a millimeter larger than a lumpy element and is formed with sharp edges on the input side. This measure effectively counteracts the risk that a further lumpy element is driven into an already filled metering opening. No shearings, breaks, etc. of the lumpy elements can occur. This measure is particularly important in combination with the previously described opposite slope of the ramp surface.

The ramp element preferably extends over a circumferential angle of approximately 30 to 50 degrees. Nevertheless, in particular in an embodiment in which only a certain number of lumpy elements are output, as described further below, the ramp element can advantageously be designed over a larger circumferential angle. det be. In addition, the ramp element is advantageously molded onto the floor area.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner floor is conical in cross section. The inclination of the floor surface can preferably be up to 45 degrees or even more. The cone thus determined forms, together with the cylindrical metering part, such an acute angle that in the area of the metering recesses there is only space — in cross section — for very few elements.

According to a further teaching of the invention, it is provided that radial stirring bars are formed on the inner wall of the metering part. The necessary rotation of the dosing part relative to the fixed housing and the fixed inner floor makes it possible, when these stirring bars are formed, that the piece-like elements are very advantageously fed to the dosing recesses.

In the case of a dispenser of the type described in the introduction, it is already known that a lower cover is provided, in which portioned elements can initially be caught. The lid can then be removed together with the portioned elements located therein. In such an embodiment, the invention further proposes that the lid can be locked with respect to rotation. This has advantages in several respects. First, the lid can only be removed by moving it downwards. Accidental twisting of the lid cannot lead to loosening or falling off of the lid. In addition, such a rotation lock is also advantageous for those persons who are only dependent on their key sense when using such a dispenser. This alone enables you to determine at which end of the dispenser the portioned elements are to be rotated and at which end the portioned elements can then be removed. The rotation lock can be realized by a web-like element which engages in the dispenser housing. In the case of a specific embodiment, several web-like formations of this type are provided. It is also preferred to implement the anti-rotation device by means of a corrugation on the circumference in the interaction area between the lower cover and the dispenser housing.

Alone or in combination with the measure described above, a further advantageous embodiment provides that the cover can (also) be locked in the vertical position by means of a bayonet lock or the like in the closed position. With such a configuration, accidental removal or loss of the cover is practically completely prevented.

The invention further proposes that the dispenser housing and the metering part are at least partially designed with a radial spacing from one another and that circumferential sealing lamellae are formed between the dispenser housing and the metering part. It has been shown that with a dispenser of the type described in the introduction, moisture can penetrate into the interior in an undesirable manner. In this regard, the design according to the invention creates an effective moisture barrier.

In addition, it is provided in a further advantageous embodiment that the dispenser housing interacts with the dosing part via a ratchet. To initiate the portioning movement, a small resistance must be overcome in each case with a ratchet. This is advantageous, for example, when it is used by persons who are mainly or solely dependent on their sense of touch. Furthermore, the ratchet can be designed such that one movement, or two or the like, corresponds to the output of an element. It can do it alone this determines how many lumpy elements are given out.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the given if in combination with the measure mentioned above, it is provided that the metering part can only be rotated over a certain circumferential angle. The determined circumferential angle corresponds to a certain number of lumpy elements which are output during the rotation. If, for example, 10 tablets each are to be dispensed, the dispenser according to the invention can be set up so that 10 tablets are dispensed when the metering part is rotated.

The invention is explained in further detail below with the aid of the accompanying exemplary embodiment drawing, the drawing showing:

1 shows a side view of a dispenser according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a vertical cross section through a dispenser according to FIG. 1;

3 shows a horizontal cross section through a dispenser according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, cut along the line III-III in FIG. 2;

Fig. 4 is a view according to arrow A in Fig. 2 and

5 shows a cross-sectional view according to FIG. 3, in one embodiment with metering chambers formed only over a partial region of the circumference.

Shown and described is a dispenser 1 (FIG. 1) which is used for portioned delivery of lumpy elements, in particular special of tablets 2 is used. The dispenser 1 has a cylindrical metering part 3 which can be rotated about its longitudinal axis and which has an outwardly projecting metering wheel 4 in its upper region and is accommodated in a dispenser housing 5 in its lower region.

In the lower edge area of the metering part 3, metering recesses 6 are formed, which together with an area 7 of the dispenser housing 5 form metering chambers 8.

The dispenser housing 5 also has an inner base 9 which is conical in cross section. A dispenser opening 10 is provided in an edge region of the inner base 9. Elements 2 located in the metering chambers 8 are transported to the dispenser opening 10 by rotating the metering part 3 and then fall into the lower cover 11.

The inner floor 9 is formed over part of its circumference with a ramp element 12 acting as a separating element. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the ramp element 12 extends over a circumferential angle of approximately 40 degrees. The ramp element rises continuously from a lower level of the inner floor 9, as can be seen in the left floor area of FIG. 2, to a height which exceeds the height of the metering chambers 6, as can be seen in the right area of FIG. 2. This incline has the effect that when the dispenser 1 is almost completely emptied, the last lumpy elements 2 can roll down or slide off the ramp element 12 back into an area in which they can enter a metering chamber 6. With regard to the properties of the lumpy elements 2, the slope of the ramp element 12 can be different.

As can also be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the surface of the ramp element 12 does not run horizontally in cross section, but rises outwards to form a opposite slope. As a result, a lumpy element 2 is guided away from a (already filled) metering chamber 6. Driving in and possibly associated damage to the lumpy element 2 is prevented. For this purpose, it is further provided in combination that a metering chamber 6 is only a few tenths of a millimeter larger than a lumpy element 2, and that the metering chamber 6 is also formed with sharp edges on the input side.

On the inner wall of the dosing part 3 radial stirring bars 13 are formed, which ensure movement in the lumpy elements upon rotation of the dosing part 3 and thus contribute to an optimal distribution and introduction of the lumpy elements 2 into the dosing chambers 6.

The lower cover 11 is secured against rotation by a web-like shape 14 of the dispenser housing 5, which engages in a corresponding slot in the cover 11. A plurality of such web-like formations 14 can also be provided. However, it is preferred — which is not shown in detail — that the lower cover 11 is provided in the area in which it cooperates with the dispenser housing 5 by means of a large number of corrugated shapes, the corresponding area of the dispenser housing 5 being counter to this has formations that provide the rotation lock.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the metering part 3 and the dispenser housing 5 are formed in a region below the metering wheel 4 with a radial distance from one another. The metering part 5 has sealing lips 15 in this area, which are advantageous with regard to a moisture barrier. A plurality of sealing lips 15 can be provided; in the exemplary embodiment shown, two circumferential sealing lips 15 are provided.

In its lower area, immediately above a metering chamber 6, the metering part 3 and the metering housing 5 are further provided with ratchet shapes 16 which are in engagement with one another.

In the dispenser 1 of the exemplary embodiment shown, only a limited rotation of the metering part 3 in one direction is possible, since stops 17 and 18 are formed on the metering housing 5 and the metering part 3, respectively, which block further rotation. The optional arrangement of the stops 17 and 18 on the dosing part 3 and the dosing housing 5 can determine how many lumpy elements 2 are output when the dosing part 3 is rotated.

The dispenser 1 can also be closed by an upper cover 19, which is removable.

A preferred embodiment in this regard is shown in FIG. 5. The dosing part 3 has dosing recesses 6 only over a partial area of its circumference. The area of the dosing recesses 6 is delimited by stops 18, which are each formed on a side wall of a dosing recess 6. In this embodiment, which is not shown in detail, the ramp element can extend over a larger circumferential angle, in particular also in the area of the metering part 3, which is not formed with metering recesses 6.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, the drawing and the claims can be of importance both individually and in any combination for realizing the invention in its most varied configurations.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Dispenser for a portioned delivery of lumpy Ele- /. elements, in particular tablets, with a cylindrical metering part which can be rotated about its longitudinal axis and which, in cooperation with a dispenser housing, forms metering chambers

Has metering recesses, a dispenser opening being provided in the housing, the metering chambers in the area of the dispenser opening to the inside of the dispenser being closed by a separating element, and an inner bottom of the dispenser being designed to drop off towards the metering recesses, characterized in that the separating element is designed as a ramp area (12) rising from a floor area to a roof area of the metering chambers (6).

2. Dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the ramp surface is inclined to a horizontal, such that it drops towards the inside of the dispenser.

3. Dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ramp element (12) is formed over a circumferential angle of about 30 to 50 °.

4. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner bottom (9) is conical in cross section.

5. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that radial stirring bars (13) are formed on the inner wall of the metering part (3).

6. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, the dispenser having a lower cover, in which portioned elements can initially be caught, characterized in that the cover (11) can be locked with respect to rotation.

7. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (11) can be locked in the closed position.

8. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser housing (5) and the dosing part (3) are at least partially formed with a radial distance from one another and that between the dispenser housing (5) and the dosing part (3) circumferential sealing lamellae (15) are formed.

9. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser housing (5) cooperates with the metering part (3) via a ratchet (16).

10. Dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metering part (3) can only be rotated over a certain circumferential angle.