EP2370327B1 - Cartridge, a pharmaceutical dispenser containing said cartridge and applications of said cartridge and said pharmaceutical dispenser - Google Patents
Cartridge, a pharmaceutical dispenser containing said cartridge and applications of said cartridge and said pharmaceutical dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2370327B1 EP2370327B1 EP20090760102 EP09760102A EP2370327B1 EP 2370327 B1 EP2370327 B1 EP 2370327B1 EP 20090760102 EP20090760102 EP 20090760102 EP 09760102 A EP09760102 A EP 09760102A EP 2370327 B1 EP2370327 B1 EP 2370327B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cartridge
- dispenser
- medicament
- tablets
- portions
- 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.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 claims description 106
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 40
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000005556 hormone Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229940088597 hormone Drugs 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000003826 tablet Substances 0.000 description 246
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 59
- 239000006187 pill Substances 0.000 description 10
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 8
- 235000010603 pastilles Nutrition 0.000 description 8
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 7
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- 239000008298 dragée Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 206010011224 Cough Diseases 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229940124558 contraceptive agent Drugs 0.000 description 3
- 239000003433 contraceptive agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007947 dispensing tablet Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007937 lozenge Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002657 hormone replacement therapy Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 229910000639 Spring steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- 239000002220 antihypertensive agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940030600 antihypertensive agent Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000009395 breeding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001488 breeding effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
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- NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N novaluron Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(OC(F)(F)C(OC(F)(F)F)F)=CC=C1NC(=O)NC(=O)C1=C(F)C=CC=C1F NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
- B65D83/0409—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills the dispensing means being adapted for delivering one article, or a single dose, upon each actuation
- B65D83/0418—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills the dispensing means being adapted for delivering one article, or a single dose, upon each actuation the articles being substantially flat and stacked one upon the other and the dispensing-closing device sliding the article to be dispensed along the flat side of the next article
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
- A61J1/03—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
- A61J7/0409—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers
- A61J7/0481—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers working on a schedule basis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2583/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D2583/04—For dispensing annular, disc-shaped or spherical or like small articles or tablets
- B65D2583/0404—Indications, e.g. directions for use
- B65D2583/0409—Indications, e.g. directions for use of dates or follow-numbers
Definitions
- the invention relates to a cartridge for a drug dispenser, are contained in the solid drug portions, such as tablets, in a columnar arrangement. Furthermore, the invention relates to the drug dispenser with the interchangeable cartridge contained therein as well as uses of the cartridge and the drug dispenser for storing or dispensing drug portions, such as hormone preparations.
- solid drug portions for example tablets
- PTPs push-through packs
- a mostly transparent plastic film which has receiving troughs for the portions, welded to an aluminum foil, with the individual cells form, in which the tablets are included.
- the tablets are taken from the individual cells through the aluminum foil before they are taken by pushing through the receiving trough.
- This type of packaging is widely used because it keeps each tablet safe and protected from harmful external influences.
- the solid drugs are provided in vials in which the individual tablets are each unpacked. In this case, the users must remove the tablets individually by hand.
- the tablets again in each case unpacked, are in a columnar arrangement in a tube. Also in this case, the individual tablets are removed by hand. This is problematic in that there is a risk that individual tablets fall out and thereby damaged or contaminated. In addition, the user has no control and no overview of the number of tablets already taken.
- a safe medication aid and a gentle treatment of the drug portions it is advantageous if such packaged solid drug portions for ingestion by the user in a drug dispenser to be provided.
- the drug portions are contained in the dispenser and can be dispensed from the dispenser as needed.
- the advantage of such systems is, inter alia, that the drug portions are protected in the dispenser against external influences and that it is possible to provide by suitable means that the portions are dispensed in a pre-metered amount.
- a dispenser which includes at one end a slot for receiving a blister strip.
- the blister strip is only partially withdrawn from the dispenser so that only a single tablet or a limited number of tablets is exposed. This is ensured by the fact that the blister has projections, engage in the gripper to specify a defined feed when pulling the blister from the dispenser.
- US Pat. No. 6,409,020 B1 Another dispenser is disclosed which contains a blister with circularly arranged blister cells.
- the tablets in the blister cells are generally accessible through a window on the top of the dispenser, but only if a user presses on at least one of the side of the dispenser attached tabs of a strip that extends in the idle state through the window, thus the tablets covers and thus protects against unauthorized access. On the other hand, if the user presses on the tab, the strip is bent open and releases the tablets.
- a tablet dispenser for receiving a tablet reservoir which comprises a transport element and a slide for removing the tablets from the reservoir.
- a dosing dispenser for tablet-shaped products specified in which these products are stacked in a reservoir has at one end a pedestal with a mounted on the top of slide rail and an adapter part located above and at the other end a closure lid.
- DE 42 30 452 A1 discloses a container for storage and single issue recorded in carriers dragées.
- the carrier is in the form of an elongated tube in which the dragees are located. At one end of the carrier is a Dispensing opening provided for the dragees, and at the other end, the carrier is closed with a stopper.
- a dispenser for refreshment and cough drops is in U.S. Patent No. 5,080,258 disclosed.
- the lozenges contained in this dispenser are stacked. Under spring force, the pastilles are pushed upwards in a guide and thus get into an ejector head, which has an ejection claw, with which the pastilles are dispensed individually on the side of the dispenser.
- EP 1 189 822 B1 discloses a tablet dispenser for medical purposes. This contains a formed in the form of a tube container in which the tablets are stacked and are under spring tension. The tablets are dispensed laterally from the dispenser by means of an ejection mechanism actuated by the head of the dispenser.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,230,440 discloses a dispenser for tablets, such as contraceptives, flares for lighters or sweets, such as candies.
- the tablets or similar are contained in a stack in a sleeve that can be inserted into the dispenser.
- the tablets or similar are issued at the side of the dispenser.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,048,720 there is described a candy or tablet dispenser having a housing and a magazine latchable therein. Through the magazine two chambers are formed in the housing. In one of the chambers, the magazine contains the sweets or tablets. The sweets or tablets are ejected sideways when operating the dispenser by actuating a thumb actuable slider on the magazine, and thus an ejector for laterally dispensing a single candy or tablet.
- a dispenser for pharmaceutical tablets which consists of a magazine for the tablets, an outer container which accommodates the magazine, and a closure.
- the closure is screwed onto the lower end of the outer container.
- the tablets are loaded spring loaded.
- US 3,854,626 A is a donor for pills specified, which has a reservoir for receiving the pills and in which the pills are piled up spring loaded.
- a dispenser for dispensing tablets comprising a tubular housing having a reservoir for the tablets and a dispensing opening at one end and means for transporting the tablets.
- racks extend, which displace a pressure floor resting against the last tablet in the ratchet feed in the direction of a cover lifting off from a casing mouth edge by a thickness of the tray.
- US 3,612,349 A is a pill dispenser specified with a ratchet-like pestle.
- the pills in the dispenser are conveyed by means of an operating element extending into the interior of the dispenser via a pressure piece to a dispensing opening.
- the pressure piece engages on the inner wall of the dispenser via resilient fingers which engage in ratchet teeth on the inner wall of the interior.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,366,112 is a dispenser for refreshment and cough drops described in which the pastilles are stacked. Under spring force, the pastilles are pushed upwards and ejected individually by an ejector head with ejection claw. The pastilles are in a magazine. To apply the spring force to the pastilles, a spring-loaded arm passes through the magazine and pushes the pastilles in the magazine up to the ejector head. The lozenges are how to U.S. Patent No. 5,080,258 indicated, discharged laterally from the dispenser.
- the present invention is based on the problem that the known drug dispensers do not provide sufficiently simple and safe handling and the drug portions contained therein are not accommodated sufficiently gentle. Therefore, the object is to provide a drug dispenser and a cartridge for a drug dispenser in which such a cartridge for drug portions is, the drug dispenser and the cartridge are simple and safe to use and in particular ensure that the drug portions during transport and storage or use in the dispenser should not be affected or stored gently.
- solid-drug portions and “portion of medicaments” are used below in the description of the invention and in the patent claims, they include pills, dragées, capsules, tablets and other solid administration forms.
- tablettes To simplify the description of the invention is hereinafter representative for other (solid) drug portions the term “tablets” is used. Therefore, when using this term, any type of (solid) drug portions should be understood.
- the cartridge according to the invention and the solid drug dispenser are used together to dispense the tablets, wherein the cartridge, which has a storage space for the tablets, is inserted therein for use of the dispenser.
- the cartridge and dispenser are preferably for administration of drugs, and more preferably for administration of hormone preparations, and most preferably contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy medicaments in the form of tablets.
- the drug contained in the cartridge is a hormone preparation, such as for contraception
- it may be taken in a conventional manner, for example, at about a 24-hour rhythm, in a two-phase fixed regimen. This is followed by an income-free (interruption) period.
- the no-taking period may be 7 days, but may also be 4 days or any other fixed number of days.
- certain medicaments can be taken for contraception, for example, in a flexible intake schedule, the administration phase for example at least 24 days and lasts for a maximum of 120 days and the interruption period for example 4 days.
- the cartridge according to the invention can be used in the drug dispenser and interchangeable. It will be replaced when it is empty. An empty cartridge is replaced by a filled cartridge.
- the filled cartridge is used to refill the dispenser with the tablets.
- this can in a preferably sealed container, for example in a sealed bag or in a blister, such as aluminum foil, in which a cold-forming a receiving trough for the cartridge is inserted, be housed, as long as the cartridge is not yet to be inserted into the dispenser.
- the cartridge may also be firmly connected to the dispenser so that the dispenser is discarded when the cartridge is emptied.
- the cartridge is formed with a reservoir for receiving the tablets in a columnar arrangement.
- the cartridge is therefore preferably cylindrical and preferably has a cylindrical reservoir.
- the dispenser has receiving means for the cartridge, for example a receiving shaft extending in the axial direction, into which the cartridge can be inserted.
- the cartridge and the dispenser can be in a spatial-physical relationship to each other and together form the inventive combination of drug dispenser and cartridge, which are assembled into a unit.
- the cartridge comprises a transport safety device which is frictionally seated in the cartridge housing in order to prevent the movement of the tablets during the storage and transport of the cartridge.
- This transport safety device is formed by a tolerance compensating plug which is seated in a friction-locked manner in the reservoir and can be displaced in the axial direction. This tolerance compensation plug is inserted before filling the cartridge with the tablets in the pantry and firmly pressed after filling the cartridge with the tablets on the stack of tablets.
- the tolerance compensation plug frictionally seated in the storage room, he can hold the stack of tablets tightly packed even if the cartridge is not in the dispenser, such as when the cartridge is handled separately, for example, during storage or during transport. It is necessary to firmly hold the stack of tablets together to prevent the tablets from moving freely in the reservoir so that they would not tip over and tilt and interfere with dispensing of the tablets. In addition, the tablets could also be subject to unwanted abrasion when continued to move against each other. It should also be noted that the tablets have a thickness tolerance have, leading to a height variation of the tablet stack. For example, if the thickness tolerance of a 3 mm thick tablet is ⁇ 150 ⁇ m, the variation in the height of a stack of 30 tablets is approximately ⁇ 4.5 mm.
- the tolerance compensation plug Due to the tolerance compensation plug, the stack is always held regardless of its actual height in the storage room, ie even if the cartridge is not yet inserted into the dispenser.
- the tolerance compensation plug has for example against a compression spring, such as the resilient means U.S. Patent No. 5,230,400 , which would press the tablets in the storage space against each other and thus fix, the advantage that the tablets are packed powerless lying on each other during transport and storage and not, as in the compression spring, depending on theginahrenen the stacked tablets, varying spring tension.
- a much gentler storage of the tablets is achieved than in the case of the known magazines.
- the plug has at least one latching means for latching with a profile which preferably extends in the axial direction on the inner wall of the storage space of the cartridge.
- This profile may for example be formed by a transverse groove profile, which consists of mutually parallel transverse grooves.
- the transverse groove profile may form at least one axially extending ratchet strip on the cartridge inner wall or may be provided on the entire inner circumference of the inner wall of the cartridge.
- the at least one latching means on the tolerance compensation plug can be formed in particular by at least one outwardly acting and latching with the profile spring element with locking lugs.
- two spring elements can be provided with latching lugs on opposite sides of a base part of the plug, wherein the spring elements are preferably approximately axially projecting and outwardly resilient spring arms which have in the profile, for example in two opposing ratchet strips, engaging locking lugs.
- the tolerance compensation plug can be introduced with the spring elements first in the storage space of the cartridge, so that the at least one locking means is upwards and thus counteracts slipping out.
- the cartridge has a separating device, preferably at one end.
- This separating device is preferably designed such that the tablets are dispensed individually or in another defined number, for example two tablets at the same time.
- the separating device is designed such that it can be actuated via an operative connection between the separating device and an actuating device or a plurality of actuating devices which is / are provided on the medicament dispenser.
- the actuators may include both manual actuation means provided on the drug dispenser for dispensing one or more tablets simultaneously, and means in the dispenser for transferring the movement generated by the manual actuation of the actuation means from the actuation means to the singulator, include.
- the actuator or the actuator for the separating device in this embodiment is attached to the drug dispenser.
- These actuators stand with the separating device in a preferably mechanical operative connection.
- an electromechanical or purely electronic active connection can be provided, for example, on the separating device on the cartridge, which can also be referred to as a driver.
- a driver By actuating the actuating means on the dispenser, in this case, a movement is transmitted, for example, to a claw provided with a recess in the medicament dispenser and from this claw to the driver and thus to the separating device.
- the movement generated by manual actuation of the actuating means on the dispenser is preferably transferred to the jaw via the further intermediate mechanical elements, such as transport levers, which constitute the means for transmitting the movement from the actuating means to the separating device.
- the separating device serves to output to the user the tablets contained in the cartridge individually or in a defined number.
- the user is enabled to safely remove the tablets from the cartridge without inadvertently dispensing more than one tablet at a time.
- the separating device largely closes the storage space and thus the tablets contained in the storage space against external influences, so that the tablets contained therein can not be damaged or otherwise impaired.
- the separating device serves for example during transport and during storage, but also during operation by the user as a closure element, so that the tablets are protected against external influences.
- the separating device By providing the separating device on the cartridge is further ensured that tablets can not accidentally fall out because the closure element can not be accidentally solved.
- the separating device can preferably only be actuated, and it can thus tablets individually (or in a defined number) are released only when the cartridge is inserted into the drug dispenser.
- Manual actuation means are provided on the drug dispenser for actuation of the singulating device on the cartridge because, for ease of handling, it is necessary to operate the manual actuation means on the dispenser to dispense a single tablet (or a defined number of tablets).
- the assembly effort when inserting the cartridge into the dispenser is minimal: For example, it may be sufficient that the cartridge is inserted in the axial direction in the receiving means for the cartridge in the dispenser, without a cover would have to be removed and without other mounting measures would have to be taken , Thus, it is not necessary, for example, a lid as in the case of the donor of U.S. Patent No. 5,230,440 to remove the cartridge in the receiving shaft in the dispenser insert. This greatly facilitates the use of the dispenser with the cartridge. This advantage is achieved in particular by the fact that the separating device is simultaneously a closure element and is provided on the cartridge and not on the dispenser.
- the separating device is repeated during operation of the dispenser and frequently actuated to remove the tablets. Since the singulation device is provided on the cartridge and not on the drug dispenser, wear on the singulation device caused thereby does not adversely affect the user to the same extent as if the singulation device were provided on the drug dispenser because the singulation device interacts with the dispensing device Cartridge is replaced if the latter no longer contains tablets. If the separating device were provided on the dispenser and not on the cartridge, it would have to be designed for a much longer service life by suitable choice of materials and suitable design. Furthermore, abrasion from the tablets, which may accumulate mainly in the separating device, disposed of with the cartridge and does not accumulate during the entire life of the donor in this. After all, this abrasion in combination with (air) moisture is a good breeding ground for the nucleation.
- the separating device has a slider that is displaceable essentially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge.
- the slider serves as a component with which the tablets are separated.
- the slider can each take a tablet separately and move with a sliding movement relative to the stack separately.
- the tablets are piled in the cartridge in a columnar stack located in the reservoir in the cartridge. Then, the slider can be arranged at one end of this stack and separate the tablets one after the other from the stack.
- the slider may preferably have a receptacle open on both sides in the axial direction for a defined drug portion, for example for a single tablet or for two tablets at the same time or for several, ie more than two, tablets at the same time.
- this receptacle When receiving the tablet from the stack, this receptacle is closed to the side that lies on the opposite side of the stack.
- the receptacle is preferably dimensioned so that (only) a single tablet (or a defined number of tablets) fits into it.
- the height of this compartment may be as high as or slightly higher than the height of a single tablet (or the height of a stack of a defined number of tablets). Therefore, in this case, only a single tablet (or a defined number of tablets) added to the receiving compartment and separated with the sliding movement of the stack of tablets.
- the separating device may further comprise a lower shell.
- the slide is displaceable relative to the storage space in the cartridge between two sliding positions perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge.
- the lower shell can u.a. serve to close the receiving compartment to the side which is located on the side opposite the storage space in the cartridge when the receiving compartment in one of the sliding positions (second sliding position) is aligned with the storage space.
- a tablet enters the receptacle and is held there by the lower shell. Subsequently, the slider is moved to the other of the two sliding positions (first sliding position), in which the tablet can be removed.
- the lower shell in this case may have an offset to the cartridge axis and aligned with the open receptacle discharge opening when the slider is in one of the two sliding positions of the slider, preferably in the first sliding position.
- the tablet then falls out through the dispensing opening and can be removed.
- the tablet is removed on the side of the separating device, which lies opposite the storage space.
- the first sliding position can also be selected so that the tablet is dispensed on the same side of the separating device as the storage space.
- the slider would have to protrude laterally beyond the dispenser and be the first sliding position of the receiving compartment in the laterally projecting part of the slider.
- the tablets may also be dispensed laterally, i.
- the tablets may each be stored in a position and separated, in which they are arranged with their major surfaces lying one on top of another, or even in a position in which they are standing, i. with side surfaces lying on each other, are arranged.
- the separating device is preferably switched over between the two sliding positions.
- One of the two sliding positions can be a rest position and the other shift position a second position, from which the separating device returns by itself back to the rest position, such as in this second position is under a spring tension, which carries them back to the rest position. It is possible that the second sliding position, in which the receiving compartment in the slide is aligned with the storage space of the cartridge, the rest position, or even that the first sliding position, in which the receiving compartment in the slide is aligned with the discharge opening in the lower shell, the rest position.
- the lower shell of the cartridge can in particular be inserted flush with the outer skin of the dispenser. This prevents the user from tampering with the cartridge by manipulating the dispenser, such as before the cartridge is completely emptied. Further, the cartridge is inserted into the dispenser so that the tablets and thus the medical agents in the tablets do not touch the dispenser or its parts when singulated and dispensed from the dispenser. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for drug law reasons.
- the cartridge and the drug dispenser are designed so that the cartridge can be inserted into the dispenser only in an (axial) rotational orientation, so that one of the two cartridge halves, which delimit the storage space comprising the tablets, to the front and the others are aligned with the back of the dispenser.
- the cartridge is designed so that the tablets can be dispensed in the axial direction.
- the tablets are not dispensed laterally from the dispenser, but at an end face of the dispenser in a direction which is in the axial direction, i. along the axis of the cartridge or parallel to this axis.
- the drug dispenser is designed so that the tablets are dispensed in the axial direction.
- a user can extract the tablets to be dispensed simply by holding the dispenser in one hand, and the person can manipulate the dispensing means for dispensing the tablet with this hand, so that the tablet falls into the other hand ,
- the person using the dispenser with the side on which the cartridge is inserted into the dispenser Hold over the other hand and then press the dispenser to dispense the tablet.
- a further orientation of the donor with respect to the donor not holding hand is not required, so that the tablet safely falls into the hand of the user and the user can thus grasp the tablet safely.
- a misoperation in which the tablet accidentally falls and does not reach the user's hand is therefore virtually eliminated.
- the handling of the dispenser is safer and more reliable than that of the known dispenser.
- the cartridge contains a pelletizer which can be displaced in the axial direction in the storage space and which penetrates through at least one axial slot in the cartridge and which is suitable for transporting the advancing means located in the medicament dispenser, for example a feed arm which is likewise preferably displaceable in the axial direction, and for transferring a preferably externally acting, preferably axially directed elastic force on the tablets contained in the cartridge in the columnar arrangement and thus serves to hold down the columnar arrangement of tablets by the feed means.
- a pelletizer which can be displaced in the axial direction in the storage space and which penetrates through at least one axial slot in the cartridge and which is suitable for transporting the advancing means located in the medicament dispenser, for example a feed arm which is likewise preferably displaceable in the axial direction, and for transferring a preferably externally acting, preferably axially directed elastic force on the tablets contained in the cartridge in the columnar arrangement and thus serves to hold down the columnar arrangement of tablets by the feed means.
- At least one elastic means can be provided which, upon insertion of the cartridge into the drug dispenser, exerts an elastic force on the cartridge in the axial direction against a direction in which the cartridge (900) enters into the Drug dispenser (1) is inserted (insertion direction).
- This ensures that the cartridge is in the dispenser under a tension, preferably spring tension.
- the force acting on the cartridge spring force causes the tablets in the cartridge are pressed against each other so that they do not fall over when moving the dispenser in the reservoir of the cartridge. By the tablets are always under spring tension, once set order in the stack of tablets is not released.
- the spring collar is preferably exerted by elastic means formed in the form of at least one constant-force spring, in particular two constant-force springs.
- elastic means formed in the form of at least one constant-force spring, in particular two constant-force springs.
- the above-mentioned feed means for example the above-mentioned feed handle, which is preferably movable along the receiving shaft, can in particular also serve for transmitting an elastic force to the tablets contained in the cartridge in a columnar arrangement.
- This feed means can on the one hand have the function to transmit the externally applied elastic force to the stack of tablets. This is done for example by fastening a spring or two springs on the feed means and on an abutment in the drug dispenser.
- two constant force springs are provided, one of which is attached to one end of the advancing means, for example at one end of the advancing bar, and the other at the other end of the advancing means, for example at the other end of the advancing bar, so that a symmetrical force the feed is transmitted.
- the advancing means can also serve to release the latches for ejecting the cartridge, i. the advancing means may be at least part of means for releasing a lock.
- the advancing means for example the advancing bar
- a force is exerted on the stack of tablets in the storage space, resulting, for example, from springs acting on the advancing means, for example constant force springs, so that the stack of tablets is constantly under the action of force in the axial direction when the cartridge is in the medicament dispenser located.
- springs acting on the advancing means for example constant force springs
- the stack of pills is constantly under the action of force in the axial direction when the cartridge is in the medicament dispenser located.
- the stack of pills is pressed against the receiving compartment in the separating device so that a tablet always enters the receiving compartment when the pusher is in the first sliding position.
- the advancing means sliding on the outside of the cartridge for example the feed handle, can be in positive contact with the tablet rider.
- axially freely movable tablet tab in the storage space of the cartridge per se axially freely movable tablet tab can reach through at least one axial slot on the cartridge, for example with one arm or with two arms (in this case by an axial slot), so that the feed means on this arm or another projection can exert the force on the tablet tab and thus on the stack of tablets.
- the tablet stack then, when the cartridge is in the drug dispenser, an axial force exerted, which acts in the direction of the separating device.
- the stack is always pressed down so that a tablet, when the receiving compartment in the separating device is aligned with the storage space, can get into the receiving compartment.
- the feed means when inserting a filled cartridge into the dispenser in the insertion direction, the feed means, for example the feed handle, can be carried along, for example by the feed means being carried along above the tablet tab.
- this feed means can also lock the cartridge via at least one suitable latching means in the dispenser, such as by the entrained feed means starts at a arranged in the upper region of the dispenser run-on surface of a locking lever for locking the cartridge in the dispenser.
- this feed means can then be successively moved downwards, so that the filling level in the cartridge is coded via its position in the dispenser.
- this feed means arrives in a (lower) end position, which is predetermined by the empty cartridge is, thereby the lock of the cartridge can be solved so that the cartridge can be removed from the dispenser.
- This can for example be done by the feed means in the lowest position brings the locking lever in an unlocked position and optionally additionally unlocks suitable ejection means for the cartridge.
- At least one locking means is provided for locking the cartridge in the dispenser.
- This locking latch with the latching means is preferably designed to lock the cartridge after insertion into the dispenser, i. can not be removed without loosening the lock, as long as there are still tablets in the cartridge. Only after the cartridge is empty, the lock can be released in this case again to be able to remove the cartridge from the dispenser so that a new filled with tablets cartridge can be used.
- such a latching means may be formed, for example, by one or more detents on the cartridge and one or more detent profiles, for example eyelets, on the dispenser latching with the detents, or vice versa by one or more detents on the dispenser and one or more detent profiles. for example, eyelets, on the cartridge.
- other locking means are possible, such as locking lugs that engage behind projections or two interlocking locking profiles o.ä.
- the at least one locking means is rotatable. It may preferably be formed by rotatable locking lever, which may in particular be two-armed and equipped with locking lugs. The locking lugs can be provided in each case in particular at the lower part of the locking lever.
- each locking lug locks latching preferably on the locking levers with a detent eye or the like provided on the cartridge.
- a detent for example, a projection may be provided on which the latch abuts, or a recess into which engages the detent.
- a pressure point which locks when locking behind a corresponding latching nose or a projection approximately in the dispenser housing.
- the locking levers with the detents may project into an area adjacent to the area in which the cartridge is received in the dispenser, for example in the front area of the dispenser adjacent to the cartridge receiving means in the dispenser, for example the receiving shaft , At the cartridge are then provided in the adjacent area receiving lugs, in which engage the locking lugs of the locking lever.
- This adjacent area may be located, for example, on the lower shell of the cartridge.
- an ejection barrier may be provided, which may include, for example, a release lever.
- manually operable ejection means for ejecting the cartridge such as an eject button, blocked, so that the removal of the cartridge is only possible if the cartridge contains no more tablets.
- This lock blocks the operation of these external ejectors and only releases them when the cartridge is empty.
- This lock can be solved in particular by the above-mentioned means for releasing the lock.
- At least one detent means results in locking of the cartridge in the dispenser, i. that the at least one latching means can no longer be released without a separate unlocking of this latch
- at least one means for releasing the latch must furthermore be provided.
- this means for releasing the lock is designed so that the lock is only solvable when no drug portion is in the cartridge. Without locking the latching could be solved simply by manually overcoming the locking force of the at least one locking means. This would be possible if the at least one latching means is formed by suitable design of the latching connection forming parts so that they slide upon application of a detent means releasing force along each other, so that the latching is released.
- the at least one means for Release the lock manually or preferably be solved by an existing mechanism in the dispenser or by a combination of these means.
- at least one unlocking means may be provided in the dispenser, which, depending on the filling level of the cartridge with tablets, release the locking lugs of the locking levers, preferably only when the cartridge is empty.
- the at least one locked latching means is released by the at least one unlocking means by the at least one latching means is switched without external manual actuation from a locking position to the unlocked position.
- This unlocking means may in particular be the advancing means described above, which brings the locking of the cartridge when inserted into the locked position and after emptying of the cartridge in the unlocked position.
- the feed means presses against one or more upper parts of the locking lever.
- the advancing means can also act on the ejection barrier and then release it when preferably no more tablets are in the cartridge.
- the feed means for releasing the blockage of the ejection means actuate the release lever, so that the ejector slide and thus the ejection means are unlocked.
- the ejector pushes by pressing the ejector against one or more lower parts of the locking means, preferably the locking lever, and unlocks in this way the latched with the locking means cartridge.
- the unlocking can be effected for example by suitable means in the drug dispenser, the position of which depends on the fill level of the cartridge.
- suitable means in the drug dispenser the position of which depends on the fill level of the cartridge.
- this may be provided on the cartridge axially movably mounted feed bracket or other movable feed means, which / is located, for example, each in height of the cartridge located in the topmost position tablet. Only when there is no more tablet in the cartridge, the feed handle or the other feed means is also at the lower pole position and solves the lock in this case.
- the same means for releasing the lock can be provided, such as the aforementioned feed arm or the other feed means whose position is dependent on the level of the cartridge.
- actuating means for dispensing drug portions intended.
- a further actuating means can also be provided on a further narrow side of the medicament dispenser, preferably on the second narrow side opposite the first narrow side.
- actuating means serve to dispense one tablet at a time from the cartridge by manual operation.
- the actuating means may be in a mechanical, electromechanical or electronic operative connection with the separating device via suitable transmission means, in order to release one tablet each from the cartridge.
- the actuating means By providing the actuating means on the narrow sides of the drug dispenser, they can be easily actuated even when the user operates the dispenser with one hand only, such as by the user holding the dispenser in one hand and pressing the narrow sides of the dispenser Exercises dispenser and thereby actuates the actuating means.
- the actuating means may also be mounted elsewhere on the dispenser, for example on the front or the back of the dispenser or one or both end faces.
- the transmission means via which the actuating means are in mechanical operative connection with the separating device, are formed by means for transmitting a movement generated by actuation of the actuating means to a separating device provided on the cartridge.
- a separating device provided on the cartridge.
- transport levers are used, which can be synchronized, for example, in each case via a rack and a meshing with this gear.
- the transport levers can, for example, with the separating device directly in a mechanical operative connection, such as positive connection, are, for example by a driver on the separating device and standing with the driver in operative connection recess on at least one of the transport lever or vice versa.
- a window may be provided in a housing outside of the drug dispenser, so that the tablets located in the cartridge are visible from the outside.
- the tablet tab may be rich in contrast to the tablets and, for example, to the background of the cartridge and / or the components of the dispenser otherwise visible through the window. This simplifies the visual inspection of the filling level of the cartridge through the window.
- the cartridge may preferably at least partially consist of a transparent material. In principle, however, it can also consist at least partially of a translucent material.
- the part of the cartridge may consist of a transparent or translucent material that is visible through the window in the housing of the dispenser, so that the tablets contained in the cartridge are visible.
- the drug dispenser can have an electronic display for displaying the number of tablets taken and / or still to be taken and / or the number of tablets still remaining in the cartridge. Each of these information can alternatively be displayed by manual selection, for example.
- the electronic display may additionally be configured to display alarms, such as exceeding or falling short of a period of time in which a tablet is to be taken, and the charging status of a battery used in the dispenser.
- the display can also be used to visualize the status of various intake phases, for example the indication that the user is in a first, second, third or nth phase, wherein the first phase is, for example, a constant 24 days, the second phase for example, can be flexible from 0 to 96 days and the third phase, for example, again constant 4 days.
- an electronic circuit preferably in the form of a circuit board with a semiconductor integrated circuit accommodated thereon. Furthermore, switches, preferably electrical operating buttons, can be mounted on the board and connected in order to be able to make the necessary inputs, for example for the selection of the display mode (number of tablets taken, number of tablets still in the cartridge).
- electrical switches may be provided in the dispenser to automatically detect certain operating conditions of the dispenser with the cartridge, such as the initial commissioning of the dispenser by the first insertion or insertion of the cartridge into the dispenser, whereby, for example, to power the electrical circuit and the electronic indicating batteries, ie connected to the circuitry and the display, continue to dispense a tablet, eject the cartridge, and / or detect a certain number of the few remaining cartridges in the cartridge to correctly display how many tablets are still in the cartridge.
- it is usually sufficient starting from the number of tablets in a completely filled Cartridge each calculate how many tablets are still in it, if each detected when a tablet is issued. However, if the number of tablets varies because of an inevitable thickness tolerance of the tablets in the fully filled cartridge, this indication may be erroneous. By detecting that, for example, there are still four tablets in the cartridge, this error can be ruled out.
- dispenser 1 is used to dispense tablets T, which are taken for example for contraception.
- the donor is capable of dispensing contraceptives taken daily in a so-called flexible regimen, ie, in a first ingestion phase lasting 24 days, then in a second ingestion phase lasting 0 to 96 days such that the first and second the second intake phase can last up to 120 days.
- the user decides at the end of the first intake phase when the intake should be aborted and a phase free of income should be started.
- the first intake phase follows.
- the donor can also be used for dispensing other tablets T, for example, hormone replacement therapy drugs, diuretics or antihypertensives.
- the dispenser 1 comprises a dispenser housing 10, which has a housing front shell 11.1 (FIG. Fig. 1A ) and a housing rear shell 11.2 ( Fig. 1B ) and the two housing shells connecting and the dispenser on three narrow sides comprehensive, consisting of several parts housing part 12 which in the lower area on each side as an actuating button 14, 15 is formed.
- the housing part is made of a composite material to ensure that the part located on the one end side in the area 13 is rigid, while the two are laterally on the dispenser on the narrow sides located actuating button are designed to be movable towards the dispenser body towards key movement (see arrows).
- the housing part can also be formed as a deformable hard shell, which can be pushed into the lower area, so that the actuating buttons are formed.
- an electronic display 16 and control buttons 17, 18 are provided in the front housing shell 11.1.
- the control over the intake of the tablets T is exercised by means of the electronic display.
- the operating buttons 14, 15 are used to select a menu item displayed by the display, for example for battery control or the day of use, the day of pause and the number of still in the cartridge tablets and to choose whether the tablet intake should be canceled.
- Fig. 1B the back of the dispenser 1 is shown.
- the rear side contains a window 20 which extends in the axial direction and allows the tablet T contained in the cartridge to be recognized.
- the housing rear shell 11.2 of the cartridge in the region of the window and the cartridge housing must be designed to be transparent at least in the part visible through the window.
- a part of the cartridge is to be seen, namely the cartridge lower shell 920, which rests flush on the housing of the dispenser.
- a discharge opening 922 for the tablets T can be seen ( Fig. 1A ).
- Inserted into the housing front shell 11.1 is the cartridge ejection button 19, which is pushed in the direction of the arrow to eject the cartridge from the dispenser when it is empty.
- Fig. 2 is a part of the dispenser 1 (without skin) and a cartridge inserted into the dispenser 900 seen from the rear side.
- the cartridge is inserted into the dispenser from below (see arrow), wherein on the cartridge there is a separating device 910, part of which is the cartridge lower shell 920 and over which the cartridge rests against the dispenser housing in the lower area of the dispenser ( Fig. 1A ).
- the cartridge also includes a cartridge housing 930 in which the tablets T are located. This housing is passed through a cartridge front shell 933 and through a cartridge rear shell (not shown), which is preferably made of a transparent material for use in the dispenser, in order to be able to recognize the tablets through the window 20 on the dispenser rear side ( Fig. 1B ).
- the dispenser 1 contains inside a housing inner frame 100, which takes over substantially all static functions of the donor.
- the housing inner frame has, for example, a central web 110 (concealed), which is cylindrically curved from one side to accommodate the cartridge housing 930 (the front half of the cartridge housing is only partially visible).
- the concavity of this web forms together with other (not shown here) components of the donor a receiving shaft (indicated by reference numeral 150) into which the cartridge can be inserted from below into the dispenser.
- the receiving shaft is indicated here only by dashed lines and is characterized by an elongated cavity.
- Fig. 3 For example, the lower part of the housing inner frame 100 of the skin-removed dispenser 1 is shown as viewed from the front side.
- the separating device 910 of the cartridge in this case, without the lower shell 920 is shown. Therefore, a tablet slide 940 belonging to the separating device can be seen here, which slides in and is received by a slide holder 950 and which has a through opening 942 which also serves as a receptacle for tablets T to be dispensed. In a first position, this receiving compartment is aligned with the discharge opening of the lower shell, so that a tablet located in the receiving compartment can be dispensed to the outside.
- the receptacle When the tablet pusher has been moved to a second position (to the left as indicated by the arrow), the receptacle is flush with the reservoir space for the tablets formed by the cartridge housing 930 (not shown) so that a tablet can fall into the receptacle in this position.
- the receptacle is closed in this position by the cartridge lower shell 920 (not shown) down.
- the actuation buttons 14, 15 on the dispenser housing 10 are pressed to actuate the dispenser 1 inwards ( Fig. 1A ; see arrows). They act on two transport levers, a right transport lever 210 and a left transport lever 220. These two transport levers have racks 212 and 222 and are on these racks with a gear 230 in operative connection.
- the gear is mounted on the housing inner frame 100.
- the right transport lever is supported via a compression spring 240 on an abutment 102, so that this transport lever and thus also the left transport lever after the actuation of the actuating button back to the starting position, ie in a position in which both levers are extended to the outside, return ( first position).
- a boom 224 is further formed, which has a recess 226.
- a driving lug 944 is formed, which engages in this recess.
- the receptacle 942 is aligned in the tablet slide with the discharge opening 922 in the cartridge lower shell 920.
- the transport levers are pushed inwards and push the tablet slide to the left (second position).
- the receiving compartment is moved into a position aligned with the storage space of the cartridge, so that a tablet falls from the storage space into the receiving compartment.
- the transport lever and thus also located in the slide tray are moved under spring force back to the right, so that the receiving tray again comes into alignment with the output opening position. This dispenses a tablet from the dispenser.
- Fig. 4 is a filled with tablets T cartridge 900 shown in section from the front.
- the cartridge has a separating device 910 with the cartridge lower shell 920 that can be seen here, and a cartridge housing 930 that consists of the cartridge front shell (not shown) and the cartridge rear shell 932.
- a cylindrical storage space is created in which the tablets are stacked.
- Between the two cartridge shells is on one side (right) an axially extending slot.
- the cartridge 900 can be handled separately in the form shown, ie be used to refill the dispenser 1 by the cartridge is inserted from the front side into the substantially cylindrical receiving shaft 150 in the dispenser and locked there.
- it is preferably sealed in a water-tight and airtight secondary packaging, for example in a bag or a blister.
- a tablet tab 960 which can basically move freely in the storage space of the cartridge in the axial direction ( Fig. 4A ).
- the tablet rider engages with a rider arm 961 through the axially extending slot between the cartridge front shell 933 (not shown) and the cartridge rear shell 932.
- the tablet rider rests on the stack of pills.
- the axial movement of the tablet tab is limited by a tolerance compensation plug 970 upwards. This plug is inserted before filling the cartridge 900 with the tablets T in the pantry and pressed after filling the cartridge on the stack of tablets and the tablet tab.
- the tolerance compensation plug slides frictionally in the storage space, it is pressed onto the stack of tablets outside the dispenser during handling of the cartridge and holds the stack together, so that the individual tablets can not slip against each other or move against each other. This avoids, on the one hand, abrasion of the tablets and, on the other hand, that the tablets can also stand upright or at an angle during free movement. This prevents tilting and thus tilting of the tablets in the storage space.
- this has a base body 971 and two spring elements with locking lugs 972, 972 ', which bear against the inner wall of the cartridge housing.
- the inner wall in the areas in which the locking lugs are in contact with the inner wall opposite ratchet tracks 975, in which engage the locking lugs (see detailed illustration Fig. 4A ).
- These ratchet lanes are formed only on a length of about 2 cm, since the tolerance compensation plug should keep the tablets tightly packed only when fully filled cartridge, so that the plug must enter into the frictional connection with the inner wall of the cartridge housing only in the area in which only the fluctuation of the stack height resulting from the thickness tolerance of the individual tablets has to be compensated.
- Fig. 5 the donor 1 is shown without outer skin seen from the back, which contains a filled with tablets T cartridge 900.
- the cartridge contains the tablet rider 960 seated on the stack of tablets, which has a rider arm 961 protruding from the cartridge housing 930.
- the tolerance compensation plug 970 which includes the spring elements with locking lugs 972 (here one of the spring elements is shown).
- the latching noses of the spring elements engage in the ratchet tracks 975.
- the dispenser 1 also includes a feed handle 300 which engages around the central web 110 of the housing inner frame 100 and is movable along this web in the axial direction and guided thereon, for example by a dovetail guide, which passes through the side surfaces of the web and the U-shaped web. Leg 311, 312 of the bracket is formed, or by a locking of these U-legs with the side surfaces of the web ( Fig. 6 ).
- Fig. 6 the housing inner frame 100 is shown with the feed handle 300 from the back of the dispenser 1 from.
- the feed bracket has two arms 315, 316, which are formed at approximately at right angles to the U-legs 311, 312 thereto. At the ends of these booms are fastenings for the constant force springs 320, 330 at their respective one end.
- the constant force springs are fastened with their respective other ends in the lower part of the housing inner frame 100 and wound there. Thereby, a movement of the feed arm in the axial direction upwards can be achieved only against the spring force of the constant force springs.
- the constant force springs but also in corresponding brackets, for example, at the arms, be kept wound up on the feed yoke and the other ends are attached below the housing frame.
- a left locking lever 420 and a right locking lever 410 are provided for the cartridge.
- the locking levers are mounted on the housing inner frame 100 on pivot points 415, 425. At the respective lower ends of the locking lever locking lugs 412, 422 are provided ( Fig. 7 . 7A . 7B ).
- spring arms 417, 427 which are integrally formed above the respective pivot points on the locking levers, snapped over corresponding press points 418, 428 behind associated projections 419, 429 on the housing inner frame, so that the locking lever are immovably held in this position ( Fig. 5A ). Therefore, the locking lever are locked in place in the locking position after insertion of a filled cartridge, so that the cartridge can not be removed without further aids. This ensures that a cartridge after insertion and locking in the dispenser can not be removed again, provided that the cartridge is completely filled during insertion, since the feed handle is pushed up when pushing the filled cartridge up to the contact surfaces of the locking lever and this in transferred the locking position. This lock is maintained until the cartridge is completely empty.
- an ejector mechanism which cancels the lock caused by the locking lever. Details of this ejection mechanism 'are in the 8A, 8B . 8C . 8D and 8E shown:
- a release lever 500 is provided, which is located immediately behind the ejection button 19 (hidden) ejector slide 600.
- the release lever is by means of a leg spring 510 ( Fig. 8C . 8D ) fixed in a substantially vertical position.
- the release lever is mounted via axles 520, 520 'on the housing front shell 11.1 in claws 121, 122, which are integrally formed on the housing front shell 11.1.
- the release lever is pivotable in the bearing of the claws (arrows in 8A, 8B . 8C . 8D ), but only against the spring force of the leg spring.
- the release lever 500 blocks the ejector slide 600 and thus the eject button 19 by locking lugs 531, 532 (or alternatively, only a single locking lug) in the rest position of the release lever in front of corresponding projections 611, 612 (alternatively only in front of a single projection) of the ejector slide and block the translatory movement of the slider downwards (ejection lock).
- Fig. 8C For this purpose, the ejector bar blocked by the release lever is shown, while the ejector slide in the illustration of Fig. 8D unlocked and already pushed down.
- the feed handle 300 in the dispenser 1 slides down ( Fig. 8B ).
- the feed handle engages the lever 540 of the release lever 500 and tilts the latter with the lower end against the spring force of the leg spring 510 forward ( Fig. 8B ; Arrow).
- the release lever releases the ejector slider 600 by moving the locking tabs 531, 532 away from the corresponding projections 611, 612 of the ejector slider.
- the function of the locking levers 410, 420 when unlocking the cartridge 900 is in Fig. 8E
- the lock of the cartridge is released by pushing the ejector slide 600 down by approx. 2 mm (arrow).
- the ejector comes with its contact surfaces 551, 552 with the lower legs of the locking lever 410, 420 in contact, so that they are pressed to the outside (arrows).
- the locking lugs 412, 422 of the locking lever are pressed outward and moved out of the eyelets 981, 982 of the cartridge. This will release the cartridge.
- the cartridge can now be ejected downwards.
- the locking lugs of the ejector slide simultaneously act as ejection tabs, since they attack at the edge of the top of the cartridge lower shell 920 and push them by the downward movement downward.
- the cartridge can then be grasped by hand and pulled out of the receiving shaft 150 of the dispenser 1.
- the ejector returns after pressing under spring force in the original position back.
- the leg spring 510 is used.
- the dispenser 1 has an electronic display 16 and two electronic control buttons 17, 18 ( Fig. 1A ).
- the electronic display serves to indicate the number of tablets T in the cartridge 900 and the status of the tablet intake, ie whether the first administration phase of 24 days has already expired or not and, if the former is the case, the number of days that have already elapsed in the second flexible intake phase. Furthermore, it can be displayed if during the intake phase a tablet was not taken within a certain time window. In addition, the display can also show how many days have already elapsed in an event-free phase that may have been initiated. In addition, the display may indicate a battery status. With the control buttons the transition to the capture-free phase and the selection of different menu items can be selected.
- the dispenser 1 contains batteries 1010, 1020 (FIG. Fig. 2 . 5 ) (alternatively, only a single battery), which should maintain the functionality of the dispenser 1 as long as possible, without having to be changed. Therefore, when a cartridge 900 is first inserted into the dispenser, the dispenser includes an initialization switch 710 disposed on the housing inner frame (FIG. Fig. 9 ). This switch is formed by a switch arm 430 of the left locking lever 420 at its upper leg. When inserting the cartridge this pushes the upper leg of the left locking lever to the outside, because the feed bar 300 slides on the stop surface 426 on the upper leg of this locking lever along and pushes the leg outward ( Fig. 5 ).
- the integrally formed on the left locking lever switch arm is pressed against the initialization switch and actuates it.
- the previously located in a rest position without energy consumption electronics is initialized and remains switched on by the special design of the initialization switch even after removing the cartridge.
- a second switch (not shown) next to the initialization switch 710 is actuated, which remains on only as long as the upper leg of the right latch is pushed outward, ie as long as the cartridge remains in the dispenser. After removing the cartridge, this second switch is turned off by the inward pivoting of the upper leg of the locking lever 420. This second switch gives the signal to the electronics that there is a cartridge in the dispenser.
- the number of tablets T present in the dispenser can be calculated in each case by the target specification that there is always a certain number of tablets T in a filled cartridge, for example 30 tablets, and by a further signal forwarded to the electronics, with which each withdrawal of a tablet from the donor is registered.
- a further signal forwarded to the electronics arrives at Removing an empty cartridge from the dispenser and reinserting a filled cartridge by the further signal from the second switch the information to the electronics that now again a completely filled cartridge is in the dispenser.
- the further signal with which a removal of a tablet T from the dispenser 1 is registered, is generated by a third switch (not shown), which is located in the region of one of the transport levers 210, 220 and which is switched with each actuation of the transport lever and while this generates further signal.
- the dispenser 1 includes a fourth switch (not shown) in the lower region of the receiving shaft 150, with which the sliding past the feed arm 300 registered and forwarded as an additional signal to the electronics.
- This fourth switch serves to signal the remaining number of tablets in the cartridge to the electronics shortly before the final emptying of the cartridge 900, for example, when there are only five tablets T in the cartridge. This is determined by the exact spatial positioning of this fourth switch on the receiving shaft, whereby the fourth switch is operated only when removing a tablet, if there are still a predetermined number of tablets in the cartridge. Namely, this control count may be necessary to properly indicate to the user how many tablets are still in the cartridge when there are only a few left.
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Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Kartusche für einen Arzneimittelspender, in der Feststoff-Arzneimittelportionen, beispielsweise Tabletten, in einer säulenförmigen Anordnung enthalten sind. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung den Arzneimittelspender mit der darin enthaltenen auswechselbaren Kartusche sowie Verwendungen der Kartusche und des Arzneimittelspenders zur Aufbewahrung bzw. zur Ausgabe von Arzneimittelportionen, beispielsweise von Hormonpräparaten.The invention relates to a cartridge for a drug dispenser, are contained in the solid drug portions, such as tablets, in a columnar arrangement. Furthermore, the invention relates to the drug dispenser with the interchangeable cartridge contained therein as well as uses of the cartridge and the drug dispenser for storing or dispensing drug portions, such as hormone preparations.
Es ist bekannt, einem Anwender Feststoff-Arzneimittelportionen, beispielsweise Tabletten, in unterschiedlichen Verpackungsarten zur Verfügung zu stellen. Beispielsweise werden derartige feste Arzneien sehr häufig in so genannten Blisterverpackungen (PTP: push-through pack) jeweils einzeln eingeschweißt geliefert, in denen diese im Allgemeinen in versiegelten Zellen abgepackt sind. Hierzu wird eine meist durchsichtige Kunststofffolie, die Aufnahmemulden für die Portionen aufweist, mit einer Aluminiumfolie verschweißt, wobei sich die einzelnen Zellen bilden, in denen die Tabletten enthalten sind. Die Tabletten werden den einzelnen Zellen vor der Einnahme durch Durchdrücken von der Aufnahmemulde aus durch die Aluminiumfolie hindurch entnommen. Diese Verpackungsart ist weit verbreitet, weil jede einzelne Tablette dadurch sicher verwahrt und vor äußeren schädlichen Einflüssen geschützt ist. In einer anderen Verpackungsform werden die festen Arzneien in Fläschchen bereitgestellt, in denen sich die einzelnen Tabletten jeweils unverpackt befinden. Die Anwender müssen die Tabletten in diesem Falle einzeln mit der Hand entnehmen. In einer weiteren Verpackungsform befinden sich die Tabletten, wiederum jeweils unverpackt, in einer säulenförmigen Anordnung in einem Röhrchen. Auch in diesem Falle werden die einzelnen Tabletten mit der Hand entnommen. Dies ist insofern problematisch, als die Gefahr besteht, dass einzelne Tabletten herausfallen und dabei beschädigt oder verschmutzt werden. Außerdem hat der Anwender keine Kontrolle und keinen Überblick über die Anzahl der bereits genommenen Tabletten.It is known to provide a user with solid drug portions, for example tablets, in various types of packaging. For example, such solid drugs are very often supplied individually packaged in so-called push-through packs (PTPs) in which they are generally packaged in sealed cells. For this purpose, a mostly transparent plastic film, which has receiving troughs for the portions, welded to an aluminum foil, with the individual cells form, in which the tablets are included. The tablets are taken from the individual cells through the aluminum foil before they are taken by pushing through the receiving trough. This type of packaging is widely used because it keeps each tablet safe and protected from harmful external influences. In another form of packaging, the solid drugs are provided in vials in which the individual tablets are each unpacked. In this case, the users must remove the tablets individually by hand. In another packaging form, the tablets, again in each case unpacked, are in a columnar arrangement in a tube. Also in this case, the individual tablets are removed by hand. This is problematic in that there is a risk that individual tablets fall out and thereby damaged or contaminated. In addition, the user has no control and no overview of the number of tablets already taken.
Um eine bequeme Dosierung, eine sichere Medikationshilfe und eine schonende Behandlung der Arzneimittelportionen zu gewährleisten, ist es vorteilhaft, wenn derartig verpackte feste Arzneimittelportionen zur Einnahme durch den Anwender in einem Arzneimittelspender bereitgestellt werden. In diesem Falle sind die Arzneimittelportionen in dem Spender enthalten und können bei Bedarf aus dem Spender ausgegeben werden. Der Vorteil derartiger Systeme besteht zum einen u.a. darin, dass die Arzneimittelportionen in dem Spender gegen äußere Einflüsse geschützt sind und dass die Möglichkeit besteht, mit geeigneten Mitteln vorzusehen, dass die Portionen in vordosierter Menge ausgegeben werden.In order to ensure a convenient dosage, a safe medication aid and a gentle treatment of the drug portions, it is advantageous if such packaged solid drug portions for ingestion by the user in a drug dispenser to be provided. In this case, the drug portions are contained in the dispenser and can be dispensed from the dispenser as needed. The advantage of such systems is, inter alia, that the drug portions are protected in the dispenser against external influences and that it is possible to provide by suitable means that the portions are dispensed in a pre-metered amount.
Für die Verwendung von Arzneien, die in Blisterstreifen verpackt sind, ist beispielsweise in
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Ein Spender für Erfrischungs- und Hustenpastillen ist in
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Zu den meisten bekannten oben angegebenen Arzneimittelspendern ist nicht angegeben, wie die Tabletten, Pastillen, Bonbons o.ä. in die Spender eingebracht werden. In
Weiterhin hat sich herausgestellt, dass, sofern in den Dokumenten zum Stand der Technik offenbart ist, dass ein Magazin für die Tabletten o.ä. ausgetauscht werden kann (
Von daher liegt der vorliegenden Erfindung das Problem zugrunde, dass die bekannten Arzneimittelspender keine ausreichend einfache und sichere Handhabung bieten und die darin enthaltenen Arzneimittelportionen nicht ausreichend schonend untergebracht sind. Daher stellt sich die Aufgabe, einen Arzneimittelspender sowie eine Kartusche für einen Arzneimittelspender vorzusehen, in dem sich eine derartige Kartusche für die Arzneimittelportionen befindet, wobei der Arzneimittelspender und die Kartusche hinsichtlich ihrer Bedienung einfach und sicher sind und insbesondere gewährleisten, dass die Arzneimittelportionen während des Transportes und der Lagerung sowie bei der Verwendung im Spender nicht beeinträchtigt bzw. schonend aufbewahrt werden.Therefore, the present invention is based on the problem that the known drug dispensers do not provide sufficiently simple and safe handling and the drug portions contained therein are not accommodated sufficiently gentle. Therefore, the object is to provide a drug dispenser and a cartridge for a drug dispenser in which such a cartridge for drug portions is, the drug dispenser and the cartridge are simple and safe to use and in particular ensure that the drug portions during transport and storage or use in the dispenser should not be affected or stored gently.
Dieses Problem bzw. diese Aufgabe wird durch die auswechselbare Kartusche gemäß Patentanspruch 1, einen eine derartige auswechselbare Kartusche enthaltenden Arzneimittelspender für Feststoft-Arzneimittelportionen gemäß Patentanspruch 5, die Verwendung der Kartusche gemäß Patentanspruch 12 und die Verwendung des die auswechselbare Kartusche enthaltenden Arzneimittelspenders gemäß Patentanspruch 14 gelöst. Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.This problem and this object is achieved by the interchangeable cartridge according to claim 1, a drug dispenser for Feststoft drug portions containing such a removable cartridge according to claim 5, the use of the cartridge according to
Soweit nachfolgend in der Erfindungsbeschreibung und in den Patentansprüchen die Begriffe "Feststoff-Arzneimittelportionen" und "Arzneimittelportion" verwendet werden, so sind darunter Pillen, Dragees, Kapseln, Tabletten und andere feste Darreichungsformen zu verstehen. Zur Vereinfachung der Beschreibung der Erfindung wird nachfolgend stellvertretend für andere (Feststoff-)Arzneimittelportionen der Begriff "Tabletten" verwendet. Daher soll bei Verwendung dieses Begriffes jeweils eine beliebige Art der (Feststoff-)Arzneimittelportionen zu verstehen sein.Insofar as the terms "solid-drug portions" and "portion of medicaments" are used below in the description of the invention and in the patent claims, they include pills, dragées, capsules, tablets and other solid administration forms. To simplify the description of the invention is hereinafter representative for other (solid) drug portions the term "tablets" is used. Therefore, when using this term, any type of (solid) drug portions should be understood.
Sofern nachfolgend in der Erfindungsbeschreibung und in den Patentansprüchen Begriffe benutzt werden, die insbesondere Konstruktionselemente des erfindungsgemäßen Gegenstands bezeichnen, wie "Aufnahmemittel" und dgl., sind diese Begriffe, unabhängig davon, ob sie im Singular oder im Plural verwendet werden, sowohl im Singular als auch im Plural zu verstehen.Unless used in the description of the invention and in the patent terms, which designate particular construction elements of the subject invention, such as "recording means" and the like., These terms, whether they are used in the singular or plural, both in the singular and to understand also in the plural.
Die erfindungsgemäße Kartusche und der Feststoff-Arzneimittelspender werden zur Ausgabe der Tabletten gemeinsam verwendet, wobei die Kartusche, die einen Vorratsraum für die Tabletten aufweist, zur Benutzung des Spenders in diesen eingesetzt wird. Die Kartusche und der Spender dienen vorzugsweise zur Verabreichung von Arzneimitteln und besonders bevorzugt zur Verabreichung von Hormonpräparaten und am meisten bevorzugt von Kontrazeptiva oder Arzneimitteln für die Hormonersatztherapie in Form von Tabletten.The cartridge according to the invention and the solid drug dispenser are used together to dispense the tablets, wherein the cartridge, which has a storage space for the tablets, is inserted therein for use of the dispenser. The cartridge and dispenser are preferably for administration of drugs, and more preferably for administration of hormone preparations, and most preferably contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy medicaments in the form of tablets.
Ist das in der Kartusche enthaltene Arzneimittel beispielsweise ein Hormonpräparat, etwa zur Kontrazeption, so kann dieses in herkömmlicher Art und Weise beispielsweise in etwa 24-stündigem Rhythmus in einem zweiphasigen festen Einnahmeschema genommen werden. Daran schließt sich ein einnahmefreier (Unterbrechungs-)Zeitraum an. Beispielsweise kann der einnahmefreie Zeitraum 7 Tage, aber auch 4 Tage oder eine andere feste Anzahl von Tagen betragen. Anstelle der zuvor genannten festen Zeiträume von beispielsweise 21 Einnahme- und 7 Unterbrechungstragen oder auch 24 Einnahme- und 4 Unterbrechungstagen oder auch anstelle eines anderen festen Einnahmeregimes können bestimmte Arzneimittel beispielsweise zur Kontrazeption auch in einem flexiblen Einnahmeschema genommen werden, wobei die Einnahmephase beispielsweise mindestens 24 Tage und höchstens 120 Tage andauert und die Unterbrechungsphase beispielsweise 4 Tage.For example, if the drug contained in the cartridge is a hormone preparation, such as for contraception, it may be taken in a conventional manner, for example, at about a 24-hour rhythm, in a two-phase fixed regimen. This is followed by an income-free (interruption) period. For example, the no-taking period may be 7 days, but may also be 4 days or any other fixed number of days. Instead of the abovementioned fixed periods of, for example, 21 ingestion and 7 interruption days or even 24 ingestion and 4 interruption days or in place of another fixed regimen, certain medicaments can be taken for contraception, for example, in a flexible intake schedule, the administration phase for example at least 24 days and lasts for a maximum of 120 days and the interruption period for example 4 days.
Die erfindungsgemäße Kartusche ist in den Arzneimittelspender einsetzbar und auswechselbar. Sie wird dann ausgewechselt, wenn sie leer ist. Eine leere Kartusche wird durch eine gefüllte Kartusche ersetzt. Die gefüllte Kartusche dient zum Nachfüllen des Spenders mit den Tabletten. Zur sicheren Aufbewahrung und zum Transport der Kartusche kann diese in einem vorzugsweise versiegelten Behälter, beispielsweise in einem verschlossenen Beutel oder in einem Blister, etwa aus Aluminiumfolien, in deren eine durch Kaltverformen eine Aufnahmemulde für die Kartusche eingebracht ist, untergebracht sein, solange die Kartusche noch nicht in den Spender eingesetzt werden soll. Grundsätzlich kann die Kartusche jedoch auch fest mit dem Spender verbunden sein, so dass der Spender dann, wenn die Kartusche geleert ist, verworfen wird.The cartridge according to the invention can be used in the drug dispenser and interchangeable. It will be replaced when it is empty. An empty cartridge is replaced by a filled cartridge. The filled cartridge is used to refill the dispenser with the tablets. For safe storage and transport of the cartridge this can in a preferably sealed container, for example in a sealed bag or in a blister, such as aluminum foil, in which a cold-forming a receiving trough for the cartridge is inserted, be housed, as long as the cartridge is not yet to be inserted into the dispenser. In principle, however, the cartridge may also be firmly connected to the dispenser so that the dispenser is discarded when the cartridge is emptied.
Die Kartusche ist mit einem Vorratsraum zur Aufnahme der Tabletten in einer säulenförmigen Anordnung ausgebildet. Die Kartusche ist daher bevorzugt zylindrisch und weist bevorzugt einen zylindrischen Vorratsraum auf.The cartridge is formed with a reservoir for receiving the tablets in a columnar arrangement. The cartridge is therefore preferably cylindrical and preferably has a cylindrical reservoir.
Um die Auswechselbarkeit der erfindungsgemäßen Kartusche für Tabletten in dem Arzneimittelspender zu erreichen, weist der Spender Aufnahmemittel für die Kartusche auf, beispielsweise einen sich in axialer Richtung darin erstreckenden Aufnahmeschacht, in den die Kartusche eingeschoben werden kann. Zur Verwendung des Arzneimittelspenders wird die Kartusche in die Aufnahmemittel, beispielsweise in den Aufnahmeschacht, eingesetzt, beispielsweise eingeschoben. Somit können die Kartusche und der Spender in einer räumlich-körperlichen Beziehung zueinander stehen und bilden zusammen die erfindungsgemäße Kombination aus Arzneimittelspender und Kartusche, die zu einer Einheit zusammenbaubar sind.In order to achieve the interchangeability of the cartridge according to the invention for tablets in the drug dispenser, the dispenser has receiving means for the cartridge, for example a receiving shaft extending in the axial direction, into which the cartridge can be inserted. To use the drug dispenser cartridge is inserted into the receiving means, for example in the receiving shaft, inserted, for example. Thus, the cartridge and the dispenser can be in a spatial-physical relationship to each other and together form the inventive combination of drug dispenser and cartridge, which are assembled into a unit.
Erfindungsgemäß umfasst die Kartusche eine reibschlüssig im Kartuschengehäuse sitzende Transportsicherung zur Verhinderung der Bewegung der Tabletten während der Aufbewahrung und des Transportes der Kartusche. Diese Transportsicherung ist durch einen im Vorratsraum reibschlüssig sitzendenund in axialer Richtung verschiebbaren Toleranzausgleichsstöpsel ausgebildet. Dieser Toleranzausgleichsstöpsel wird vor dem Befüllen der Kartusche mit den Tabletten in den Vorratsraum eingesetzt und nach dem Befüllen der Kartusche mit den Tabletten auf den Tablettenstapel fest aufgedrückt.According to the invention, the cartridge comprises a transport safety device which is frictionally seated in the cartridge housing in order to prevent the movement of the tablets during the storage and transport of the cartridge. This transport safety device is formed by a tolerance compensating plug which is seated in a friction-locked manner in the reservoir and can be displaced in the axial direction. This tolerance compensation plug is inserted before filling the cartridge with the tablets in the pantry and firmly pressed after filling the cartridge with the tablets on the stack of tablets.
Indem der Toleranzausgleichsstöpsel reibschlüssig im Vorratsraum sitzt, kann er den Tablettenstapel auch dann dicht gepackt festhalten, wenn sich die Kartusche nicht im Spender befindet, etwa wenn die Kartusche separat gehandhabt wird, beispielsweise bei der Lagerung oder beim Transport. Das feste Zusammenhalten des Tablettenstapels ist erforderlich, um zu verhindern, dass sich die Tabletten im Vorratsraum frei bewegen können, so dass sie nicht kippen und damit verkanten und die Ausgabe der Tabletten behindern könnten. Außerdem könnten die Tabletten bei fortgesetzter Bewegung gegeneinander auch unerwünschtem Abrieb unterliegen. Dabei ist auch zu berücksichtigen, dass die Tabletten eine Dickentoleranz aufweisen, die zu einer Höhenvariation des Tablettenstapels führt. Beträgt die Dickentoleranz einer 3 mm dicken Tablette beispielsweise ± 150 µm, so beträgt die Variation der Höhe eines Stapels von 30 Tabletten ca. ± 4,5 mm. Durch den Toleranzausgleichsstöpsel wird der Stapel unabhängig von dessen tatsächlicher Höhe im Vorratsraum stets festgehalten, d.h. auch dann, wenn die Kartusche noch nicht in den Spender eingesetzt ist. Der Toleranzausgleichsstöpsel hat beispielsweise gegenüber einer Druckfeder, etwa dem federnden Mittel aus
Um den Reibschluss des Toleranzausgleichsstöpsels im Vorratsraum der Kartusche zu ermöglichen, weist der Stöpsel mindestens ein Rastmittel zur Verrastung mit einem sich an der Innenwand des Vorratsraumes der Kartusche vorzugsweise in axialer Richtung erstreckenden Profil auf. Dieses Profil kann beispielsweise durch ein Querrillenprofil gebildet sein, das aus parallel zueinander verlaufenden Querrillen besteht. Beispielsweise kann das Querrillenprofil mindestens einen sich axial erstreckenden Ratschenstreifen auf der Kartuscheninnenwand bilden oder auf dem gesamten Innenumfang der Kartuscheninnenwand vorgesehen sein. Durch Ausbilden des Profils in Form eines Ratschenprofils wird in der einen Richtung (zur Ausgabeöffnung hin) Formschluss und in der anderen Richtung Reibschluss des Stöpsels erreicht.In order to enable the frictional engagement of the tolerance compensation plug in the storage space of the cartridge, the plug has at least one latching means for latching with a profile which preferably extends in the axial direction on the inner wall of the storage space of the cartridge. This profile may for example be formed by a transverse groove profile, which consists of mutually parallel transverse grooves. For example, the transverse groove profile may form at least one axially extending ratchet strip on the cartridge inner wall or may be provided on the entire inner circumference of the inner wall of the cartridge. By forming the profile in the form of a ratchet profile, frictional engagement of the stopper is achieved in one direction (towards the dispensing opening) and in the other direction frictional engagement of the stopper.
Das mindestens eine Rastmittel am Toleranzausgleichsstöpsel kann insbesondere durch mindestens ein nach außen wirkendes und mit dem Profil verrastendes Federelement mit Rastnasen gebildet sein. Beispielsweise können zwei Federelemente mit Rastnasen an einander gegenüber liegenden Seiten eines Basisteils des Stöpsels vorgesehen sein, wobei die Federelemente bevorzugt etwa axial abstehende und nach außen federnde Federarme sind, die in das Profil, beispielsweise in zwei einander gegenüber stehende Ratschenstreifen, eingreifende Rastnasen aufweisen. Der Toleranzausgleichsstöpsel kann mit den Federelementen zuerst in den Vorratsraum der Kartusche eingeführt werden, so dass das mindestens eine Rastmittel nach oben steht und so dem Herausrutschen entgegen wirkt.The at least one latching means on the tolerance compensation plug can be formed in particular by at least one outwardly acting and latching with the profile spring element with locking lugs. For example, two spring elements can be provided with latching lugs on opposite sides of a base part of the plug, wherein the spring elements are preferably approximately axially projecting and outwardly resilient spring arms which have in the profile, for example in two opposing ratchet strips, engaging locking lugs. The tolerance compensation plug can be introduced with the spring elements first in the storage space of the cartridge, so that the at least one locking means is upwards and thus counteracts slipping out.
In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung weist die Kartusche eine Vereinzelungsvorrichtung auf und zwar bevorzugt an einem Ende. Diese Vereinzelungsvorrichtung ist vorzugsweise so ausgebildet, dass die Tabletten jeweils einzeln oder in einer anderen definierten Anzahl, beispielsweise zwei Tabletten gleichzeitig, ausgegeben werden. Hierzu ist die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung so ausgebildet, dass sie über eine Wirkverbindung zwischen der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung und einer Betätigungsvorrichtung oder mehreren Betätigungsvorrichtungen, die am Arzneimittelspender vorgesehen ist/sind, betätigt werden kann. Die Betätigungsvorrichtungen können sowohl manuelle Betätigungsmittel, die am Arzneimittelspender vorgesehen sind, um eine Tablette (oder auch mehrere Tabletten gleichzeitig) auszugeben, als auch Einrichtungen im Spender, die zum Übertragen der durch das manuelle Betätigen der Betätigungsmittel erzeugten Bewegung von den Betätigungsmitteln zur Vereinzelungsvorrichtung dienen, umfassen. Da die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung für die Tabletten in dieser Ausführungsform der Erfindung an der Kartusche vorgesehen ist, ist eine derartige Vorrichtung am Arzneimittelspender nicht vorgesehen. Dagegen ist die Betätigungsvorrichtung oder sind die Betätigungsvorrichtungen für die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung in dieser Ausführungsform am Arzneimittelspender angebracht. Diese Betätigungsvorrichtungen stehen mit der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung in einer vorzugsweise mechanischen Wirkverbindung. Denkbar ist auch eine elektromechanische oder rein elektronische Wirkverbindung. Zur Realisierung einer mechanischen Wirkverbindung kann beispielhaft an der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung an der Kartusche ein Stift vorgesehen sein, der auch als Mitnehmer bezeichnet werden kann. Durch Betätigen der Betätigungsmittel am Spender wird in diesem Falle eine Bewegung beispielsweise auf eine an diesen Mitnehmer angepasste mit einer Ausnehmung versehene Klaue im Arzneimittelspender und von dieser Klaue auf den Mitnehmer und damit auf die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung übertragen. Die durch manuelle Betätigung der Betätigungsmittel am Spender erzeugte Bewegung wird vorzugsweise über die weiteren zwischengeschalteten mechanischen Elemente, etwa Transporthebel, die die Einrichtungen zum Übertragen der Bewegung von den Betätigungsmitteln auf die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung darstellen, auf die Klaue übertragen.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge has a separating device, preferably at one end. This separating device is preferably designed such that the tablets are dispensed individually or in another defined number, for example two tablets at the same time. For this purpose, the separating device is designed such that it can be actuated via an operative connection between the separating device and an actuating device or a plurality of actuating devices which is / are provided on the medicament dispenser. The actuators may include both manual actuation means provided on the drug dispenser for dispensing one or more tablets simultaneously, and means in the dispenser for transferring the movement generated by the manual actuation of the actuation means from the actuation means to the singulator, include. Since the separating device for the tablets is provided on the cartridge in this embodiment of the invention, such a device on the drug dispenser is not provided. On the other hand, the actuator or the actuator for the separating device in this embodiment is attached to the drug dispenser. These actuators stand with the separating device in a preferably mechanical operative connection. Also conceivable is an electromechanical or purely electronic active connection. To realize a mechanical operative connection, a pin can be provided, for example, on the separating device on the cartridge, which can also be referred to as a driver. By actuating the actuating means on the dispenser, in this case, a movement is transmitted, for example, to a claw provided with a recess in the medicament dispenser and from this claw to the driver and thus to the separating device. The movement generated by manual actuation of the actuating means on the dispenser is preferably transferred to the jaw via the further intermediate mechanical elements, such as transport levers, which constitute the means for transmitting the movement from the actuating means to the separating device.
Das Vorsehen der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung an der Kartusche hat mehrere vorteilhafte Funktionen:The provision of the separating device on the cartridge has several advantageous functions:
Die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung dient dazu, dem Anwender / der Anwenderin die in der Kartusche enthaltenen Tabletten einzeln oder in einer definierten Anzahl auszugeben. Somit wird der Anwender / die Anwenderin in die Lage versetzt, die Tabletten sicher aus der Kartusche zu entnehmen, ohne dass versehentlich mehr als eine Tablette gleichzeitig ausgegeben wird.The separating device serves to output to the user the tablets contained in the cartridge individually or in a defined number. Thus, the user is enabled to safely remove the tablets from the cartridge without inadvertently dispensing more than one tablet at a time.
Weiterhin schließt die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung den Vorratsraum und damit die in dem Vorratsraum enthaltenen Tabletten gegen äußere Einflüsse weitgehend ab, so dass die darin enthaltenen Tabletten nicht beschädigt oder anderweitig beeinträchtigt werden können. Insbesondere dient die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung beispielsweise beim Transport und bei der Lagerung, aber auch bei der Bedienung durch den Anwender / die Anwenderin als Verschlusselement, so dass die Tabletten gegen äußere Einflüsse geschützt werden.Furthermore, the separating device largely closes the storage space and thus the tablets contained in the storage space against external influences, so that the tablets contained therein can not be damaged or otherwise impaired. In particular, the separating device serves for example during transport and during storage, but also during operation by the user as a closure element, so that the tablets are protected against external influences.
Durch das Vorsehen der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung an der Kartusche ist ferner gewährleistet, dass Tabletten nicht unbeabsichtigt herausfallen können, da das Verschlusselement nicht versehentlich gelöst werden kann. Denn die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung kann vorzugsweise nur dann betätigt werden, und es können somit Tabletten einzeln (oder in einer definierten Anzahl) nur dann freigegeben werden, wenn die Kartusche in den Arzneimittelspender eingesetzt ist. Für die Betätigung der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung an der Kartusche sind manuelle Betätigungsmittel am Arzneimittelspender vorgesehen, denn für eine einfache Handhabung ist es erforderlich, die manuellen Betätigungsmittel am Spender zu betätigen, um eine einzelne Tablette (oder eine definierte Anzahl an Tabletten) auszugeben. Jedenfalls ist es wegen der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung unmöglich, dass mehr als eine Tablette (oder mehr als eine definierte Anzahl an Tabletten) aus der Kartusche ausgegeben wird, und es ist auch äußerst unwahrscheinlich, dass das Verschlusselement der Kartusche an der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung bereits dann manuell ausgelöst wird, wenn sich die Kartusche nicht im Spender befindet.By providing the separating device on the cartridge is further ensured that tablets can not accidentally fall out because the closure element can not be accidentally solved. For the separating device can preferably only be actuated, and it can thus tablets individually (or in a defined number) are released only when the cartridge is inserted into the drug dispenser. Manual actuation means are provided on the drug dispenser for actuation of the singulating device on the cartridge because, for ease of handling, it is necessary to operate the manual actuation means on the dispenser to dispense a single tablet (or a defined number of tablets). In any case, because of the singulation device, it is impossible for more than one tablet (or more than a defined number of tablets) to be dispensed from the cartridge, and it is also extremely unlikely that the closure element of the cartridge will be manually triggered on the singulation device already. if the cartridge is not in the dispenser.
Außerdem ist der Montageaufwand beim Einsetzen der Kartusche in den Spender minimal: Beispielsweise kann es ausreichen, dass die Kartusche in axialer Richtung in das Aufnahmemittel für die Kartusche im Spender eingeschoben wird, ohne dass eine Abdeckung entfernt werden müsste und ohne dass andere Montagemaßnahmen ergriffen werden müssten. Somit ist es nicht erforderlich, beispielsweise einen Deckel wie im Falle des Spenders des
Weiterhin wird die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung bei der Bedienung des Spenders wiederholt und häufig betätigt, um die Tabletten zu entnehmen. Da die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung an der Kartusche vorgesehen ist und nicht am Arzneimittelspender, wirkt sich ein dadurch verursachter Verschleiß an der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung für den Anwender / die Anwenderin nicht in demselben Ausmaß nachteilig aus wie dann, wenn die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung am Arzneimittelspender vorgesehen wäre, weil die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung mit der Kartusche ausgewechselt wird, wenn letztere keine Tabletten mehr enthält. Wäre die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung am Spender und nicht an der Kartusche vorgesehen, müsste sie durch geeignete Wahl der Materialien und eine geeignete Konstruktion für eine sehr viel längere Lebensdauer ausgelegt sein. Weiterhin wird Abrieb von den Tabletten, der sich vor allem in der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung ansammeln kann, mit der Kartusche entsorgt und sammelt sich nicht während der gesamten Lebensdauer des Spenders in diesem an. Immerhin ist dieser Abrieb in Kombination mit (Luft-)Feuchte ein guter Nährboden für die Keimbildung.Furthermore, the separating device is repeated during operation of the dispenser and frequently actuated to remove the tablets. Since the singulation device is provided on the cartridge and not on the drug dispenser, wear on the singulation device caused thereby does not adversely affect the user to the same extent as if the singulation device were provided on the drug dispenser because the singulation device interacts with the dispensing device Cartridge is replaced if the latter no longer contains tablets. If the separating device were provided on the dispenser and not on the cartridge, it would have to be designed for a much longer service life by suitable choice of materials and suitable design. Furthermore, abrasion from the tablets, which may accumulate mainly in the separating device, disposed of with the cartridge and does not accumulate during the entire life of the donor in this. After all, this abrasion in combination with (air) moisture is a good breeding ground for the nucleation.
In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung weist die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung einen im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Achse der Kartusche verschiebbaren Schieber auf. Der Schieber dient als Bauelement, mit dem die Tabletten vereinzelt werden. Der Schieber kann jeweils eine Tablette separat aufnehmen und mit einer Schiebebewegung gegenüber dem Stapel separat verschieben. Bevorzugt sind die Tabletten in der Kartusche in einem säulenförmigen Stapel aufgeschichtet, der sich in dem Vorratsraum in der Kartusche befindet. Dann kann der Schieber an einem Ende dieses Stapels angeordnet sein und die Tabletten nacheinander aus dem Stapel separieren.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the separating device has a slider that is displaceable essentially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge. The slider serves as a component with which the tablets are separated. The slider can each take a tablet separately and move with a sliding movement relative to the stack separately. Preferably, the tablets are piled in the cartridge in a columnar stack located in the reservoir in the cartridge. Then, the slider can be arranged at one end of this stack and separate the tablets one after the other from the stack.
Hierzu kann der Schieber vorzugsweise ein in axialer Richtung beidseitig offenes Aufnahmefach für eine definierte Arzneimittelportion, beispielsweise für eine einzelne Tablette oder auch für zwei Tabletten gleichzeitig oder auch für mehrere, d.h. mehr als zwei, Tabletten gleichzeitig, aufweisen. Bei der Aufnahme der Tablette von dem Stapel ist dieses Aufnahmefach zu der Seite geschlossen, die auf der dem Stapel gegenüber liegenden Seite liegt. Das Aufnahmefach ist bevorzugt so dimensioniert, dass (nur) eine einzelne Tablette (oder auch eine definierte Anzahl an Tabletten) darin Platz findet. Um die Vereinzelung wirksam und reproduzierbar zu erreichen, kann die Höhe dieses Fachs genauso hoch sein wie oder geringfügig höher sein als die Höhe einer einzelnen Tablette (oder die Höhe eines Stapels einer definierten Anzahl an Tabletten). Daher wird in diesem Falle nur eine einzige Tablette (bzw. eine definierte Anzahl an Tabletten) in das Aufnahmefach aufgenommen und mit der Schiebebewegung von dem Tablettenstapel vereinzelt.For this purpose, the slider may preferably have a receptacle open on both sides in the axial direction for a defined drug portion, for example for a single tablet or for two tablets at the same time or for several, ie more than two, tablets at the same time. When receiving the tablet from the stack, this receptacle is closed to the side that lies on the opposite side of the stack. The receptacle is preferably dimensioned so that (only) a single tablet (or a defined number of tablets) fits into it. To effectively and reproducibly achieve the singulation, the height of this compartment may be as high as or slightly higher than the height of a single tablet (or the height of a stack of a defined number of tablets). Therefore, in this case, only a single tablet (or a defined number of tablets) added to the receiving compartment and separated with the sliding movement of the stack of tablets.
Die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung kann ferner eine Unterschale umfassen. Weiterhin ist der Schieber relativ zum Vorratsraum in der Kartusche zwischen zwei Schiebestellungen senkrecht bzw. im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Achse der Kartusche verschiebbar. Die Unterschale kann u.a. dazu dienen, das Aufnahmefach zu der Seite zu verschließen, die sich auf der dem Vorratsraum in der Kartusche gegenüber liegenden Seite befindet, wenn das Aufnahmefach in einer der Schiebestellungen (zweite Schiebestellung) mit dem Vorratsraum fluchtet. In diesem Falle gelangt eine Tablette in das Aufnahmefach und wird dort durch die Unterschale gehalten. Anschließend wird der Schieber in die andere der beiden Schiebestellungen (erste Schiebestellung) verschoben, in der die Tablette entnommen werden kann.The separating device may further comprise a lower shell. Furthermore, the slide is displaceable relative to the storage space in the cartridge between two sliding positions perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge. The lower shell can u.a. serve to close the receiving compartment to the side which is located on the side opposite the storage space in the cartridge when the receiving compartment in one of the sliding positions (second sliding position) is aligned with the storage space. In this case, a tablet enters the receptacle and is held there by the lower shell. Subsequently, the slider is moved to the other of the two sliding positions (first sliding position), in which the tablet can be removed.
In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform kann die Unterschale in diesem Falle eine zur Kartuschenachse versetzte und mit dem offenen Aufnahmefach fluchtende Ausgabeöffnung aufweisen, wenn sich der Schieber in einer der beiden Schiebestellungen des Schiebers, vorzugsweise in der ersten Schiebestellung, befindet. Die Tablette fällt dann durch die Ausgabeöffnung heraus und kann so entnommen werden. Die Tablette wird dabei auf der Seite der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung entnommen, die dem Vorratsraum gegenüber liegt. In einer alternativen Ausführung zur Ausgabe der Tablette kann die erste Schiebestellung auch so gewählt werden, dass die Tablette auf derselben Seite der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung wie der Vorratsraum ausgegeben wird. Hierzu müsste der Schieber über den Spender seitlich hinausragen und sich die erste Schiebestellung des Aufnahmefaches im seitlich überragenden Teil des Schiebers befinden. Weiter können die Tabletten auch seitlich ausgegeben werden, d.h. in der Ebene, in der die Tabletten während des Schiebevorganges durch den Schieber bewegt werden. In allen diesen Fällen können die Tabletten sowohl jeweils in einer Position gelagert sein und vereinzelt werden, in der sie mit ihren Hauptflächen aufeinander liegend angeordnet sind, oder auch in einer Position, in der sie stehend, d.h. mit Seitenflächen aufeinander liegend, angeordnet sind.In a preferred embodiment, the lower shell in this case may have an offset to the cartridge axis and aligned with the open receptacle discharge opening when the slider is in one of the two sliding positions of the slider, preferably in the first sliding position. The tablet then falls out through the dispensing opening and can be removed. The tablet is removed on the side of the separating device, which lies opposite the storage space. In an alternative embodiment for dispensing the tablet, the first sliding position can also be selected so that the tablet is dispensed on the same side of the separating device as the storage space. For this purpose, the slider would have to protrude laterally beyond the dispenser and be the first sliding position of the receiving compartment in the laterally projecting part of the slider. Further, the tablets may also be dispensed laterally, i. in the plane in which the tablets are moved by the slider during the sliding process. In all these cases, the tablets may each be stored in a position and separated, in which they are arranged with their major surfaces lying one on top of another, or even in a position in which they are standing, i. with side surfaces lying on each other, are arranged.
Die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung wird vorzugsweise zwischen den zwei Schiebestellungen umgeschaltet. Die eine der beiden Schiebestellungen kann eine Ruhestellung sein und die andere Schiebestellung eine zweite Stellung, von der aus die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung von allein wieder in die Ruhestellung zurückkehrt, etwa indem sie in dieser zweiten Stellung unter einer Federspannung steht, die sie in die Ruhestellung zurück befördert. Es ist möglich, dass die zweite Schiebestellung, in der das Aufnahmefach im Schieber mit dem Vorratsraum der Kartusche fluchtet, die Ruhestellung ist, oder auch dass die erste Schiebestellung, in der das Aufnahmefach im Schieber mit der Ausgabeöffnung in der Unterschale fluchtet, die Ruhestellung ist.The separating device is preferably switched over between the two sliding positions. One of the two sliding positions can be a rest position and the other shift position a second position, from which the separating device returns by itself back to the rest position, such as in this second position is under a spring tension, which carries them back to the rest position. It is possible that the second sliding position, in which the receiving compartment in the slide is aligned with the storage space of the cartridge, the rest position, or even that the first sliding position, in which the receiving compartment in the slide is aligned with the discharge opening in the lower shell, the rest position.
Die Unterschale der Kartusche kann insbesondere bündig mit der Außenhaut des Spenders eingesetzt sein. Dadurch wird verhindert, dass der Anwender / die Anwenderin die Kartusche durch Manipulation aus dem Spender entnimmt, etwa bevor die Kartusche vollständig geleert ist. Ferner ist die Kartusche im Spender so eingesetzt, dass die Tabletten und somit die medizinischen Wirkstoffe in den Tabletten bei der Vereinzelung sowie deren Ausgabe bzw. Freigabe aus dem Spender den Spender oder deren Teile nicht berühren. Diese Ausführungsform ist aus arzneimittelrechtlichen Gründen besonders vorteilhaft.The lower shell of the cartridge can in particular be inserted flush with the outer skin of the dispenser. This prevents the user from tampering with the cartridge by manipulating the dispenser, such as before the cartridge is completely emptied. Further, the cartridge is inserted into the dispenser so that the tablets and thus the medical agents in the tablets do not touch the dispenser or its parts when singulated and dispensed from the dispenser. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for drug law reasons.
In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die Kartusche und der Arzneimittelspender so ausgebildet, dass die Kartusche nur in einer (axialen) Rotationsausrichtung in den Spender eingeschoben werden kann, so dass eine der beiden Kartuschenhälften, die den die Tabletten umfassenden Vorratsraum begrenzen, zur Vorderseite und die andere zur Rückseite des Spenders ausgerichtet sind. Dies ermöglicht, dass die beiden Kartuschenhälften unterschiedlich genutzt werden können. Beispielsweise kann die eine Hälfte bedruckt sein, etwa mit einer Information über die in der Kartusche enthaltenen Tabletten, und die andere Hälfte transparent, um die Tabletten auch von außen sichtbar zu machen.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge and the drug dispenser are designed so that the cartridge can be inserted into the dispenser only in an (axial) rotational orientation, so that one of the two cartridge halves, which delimit the storage space comprising the tablets, to the front and the others are aligned with the back of the dispenser. This allows the two cartridge halves to be used differently. For example, one half may be printed, such as with information about the tablets contained in the cartridge, and the other half transparent, to make the tablets visible from the outside.
In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist die Kartusche so ausgebildet, dass die Tabletten in axialer Richtung ausgegeben werden können. Darunter ist zu verstehen, dass die Tabletten nicht seitlich aus dem Spender ausgegeben werden, sondern an einer Stirnseite des Spenders und zwar in einer Richtung, die in axialer Richtung verläuft, d.h. entlang der Achse der Kartusche oder parallel zu dieser Achse. Hierzu ist es außerdem vorteilhaft, wenn auch der Arzneimittelspender so ausgebildet ist, dass die Tabletten in axialer Richtung ausgegeben werden.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is designed so that the tablets can be dispensed in the axial direction. By this is meant that the tablets are not dispensed laterally from the dispenser, but at an end face of the dispenser in a direction which is in the axial direction, i. along the axis of the cartridge or parallel to this axis. For this purpose, it is also advantageous if the drug dispenser is designed so that the tablets are dispensed in the axial direction.
Somit kann eine benutzende Person die auszugebenden Tabletten einfach dadurch entnehmen, dass der Spender in der einen Hand gehalten wird, wobei die Person die am Spender vorgesehenen Betätigungsmittel zur Ausgabe der Tablette auch mit dieser Hand betätigen kann, so dass die Tablette in die andere Hand fällt. Hierzu ist es ausreichend, wenn die benutzende Person den Spender mit der Seite, an der die Kartusche in den Spender eingesetzt worden ist, über die andere Hand hält und dann den Spender betätigt, um die Tablette auszugeben. Dabei ist eine weitergehende Orientierung des Spenders gegenüber der den Spender nicht haltenden Hand nicht erforderlich, so dass die Tablette sicher in die Hand des Anwenders / der Anwenderin fällt und dieser die Tablette somit sicher fassen kann. Eine Fehlbedienung, bei der die Tablette versehentlich herunterfällt und nicht in die Hand des Anwenders / der Anwenderin gelangt, ist daher praktisch ausgeschlossen. Somit ist die Handhabung des Spenders sicherer und zuverlässiger als die der bekannten Spender.Thus, a user can extract the tablets to be dispensed simply by holding the dispenser in one hand, and the person can manipulate the dispensing means for dispensing the tablet with this hand, so that the tablet falls into the other hand , For this it is sufficient if the person using the dispenser with the side on which the cartridge is inserted into the dispenser Hold over the other hand and then press the dispenser to dispense the tablet. In this case, a further orientation of the donor with respect to the donor not holding hand is not required, so that the tablet safely falls into the hand of the user and the user can thus grasp the tablet safely. A misoperation in which the tablet accidentally falls and does not reach the user's hand is therefore virtually eliminated. Thus, the handling of the dispenser is safer and more reliable than that of the known dispenser.
Die Kartusche enthält einen im Vorratsraum in axialer Richtung verschiebbaren und durch mindestens einen axialen Schlitz in der Kartusche hindurch greifenden Tablettenreiter, der zur Mitnahme des sich in dem Arzneimittelspender befindenden Vorschubmittels, beispielsweise eines Vorschubbügels, der ebenfalls vorzugsweise in axialer Richtung verschiebbar ist, sowie zum Übertragen einer bevorzugt außen angreifenden, vorzugsweise axial gerichteten elastischen Kraft auf die in der Kartusche in der säulenförmigen Anordnung enthaltenen Tabletten und damit zum Niederhalten der säulenförmigen Anordnung aus Tabletten durch das Vorschubmittel dient.The cartridge contains a pelletizer which can be displaced in the axial direction in the storage space and which penetrates through at least one axial slot in the cartridge and which is suitable for transporting the advancing means located in the medicament dispenser, for example a feed arm which is likewise preferably displaceable in the axial direction, and for transferring a preferably externally acting, preferably axially directed elastic force on the tablets contained in the cartridge in the columnar arrangement and thus serves to hold down the columnar arrangement of tablets by the feed means.
Zur Erzeugung der elastischen Kraft kann gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung mindestens ein elastisches Mittel vorgesehen sein, das beim Einschieben der Kartusche in den Arzneimittelspender eine elastische Kraft auf die Kartusche in axialer Richtung entgegen einer Richtung ausübt, in der die Kartusche (900) in den Arzneimittelspender (1) eingeschoben wird (Einschubrichtung). Dadurch wird erreicht, dass die Kartusche im Spender unter einer Spannung, vorzugsweise Federspannung, steht. Die auf die Kartusche wirkende Federkraft bewirkt, dass die Tabletten in der Kartusche gegeneinander gedrückt werden, so dass sie beim Bewegen des Spenders im Vorratsraum der Kartusche nicht hin- und herfallen. Indem die Tabletten immer unter Federspannung stehen, wird die einmal eingestellte Ordnung im Tablettenstapel nicht wieder aufgehoben.To generate the elastic force, according to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one elastic means can be provided which, upon insertion of the cartridge into the drug dispenser, exerts an elastic force on the cartridge in the axial direction against a direction in which the cartridge (900) enters into the Drug dispenser (1) is inserted (insertion direction). This ensures that the cartridge is in the dispenser under a tension, preferably spring tension. The force acting on the cartridge spring force causes the tablets in the cartridge are pressed against each other so that they do not fall over when moving the dispenser in the reservoir of the cartridge. By the tablets are always under spring tension, once set order in the stack of tablets is not released.
Die Federkaft wird vorzugsweise durch in Form mindestens einer Konstantkraftfeder, insbesondere von zwei Konstantkraftfedern, ausgebildeten elastischen Mitteln ausgeübt. Dadurch kann der sich im Vorratsraum der Kartusche befindende Tablettenstapel unabhängig von der aktuellen Höhe, d.h. vom Füllstand der Kartusche, immer mit derselben Kraft beaufschlagt werden, so dass die Tabletten schonend behandelt werden, ohne auf den Vorteil der Spannungsbeaufschlagung auf den Tablettenstapel dann verzichten zu müssen, wenn dieser nur noch sehr klein ist, beispielsweise zwei oder drei Tabletten umfasst. Das mindestens eine elastische Mittel kann beispielsweise durch ein Federstahlband gebildet sein.The spring collar is preferably exerted by elastic means formed in the form of at least one constant-force spring, in particular two constant-force springs. As a result, the stack of tablets located in the storage space of the cartridge can always be subjected to the same force, regardless of the current height, ie the level of the cartridge, so that the tablets are treated gently, without having to forego the advantage of applying voltage to the stack of tablets if only this is still very small, for example, comprises two or three tablets. The at least one elastic means may be formed for example by a spring steel strip.
Das oben genannte Vorschubmittel, beispielsweise der oben genannte Vorschubbügel, das vorzugsweise entlang des Aufnahmeschachtes beweglich ist, kann insbesondere auch zur Übertragung einer elastischen Kraft auf die in der Kartusche in einer säulenförmigen Anordnung enthaltenen Tabletten dienen. Dieses Vorschubmittel kann zum einen die Funktion haben, die von außen anliegende elastische Kraft auf den Tablettenstapel zu übertragen. Dies geschieht beispielsweise durch Befestigung einer Feder oder auch von zwei Federn an dem Vorschubmittel sowie an einem Gegenlager im Arzneimittelspender. Vorzugsweise sind zwei Konstantkraftfedern vorgesehen, von denen die eine an einem Ende des Vorschubmittels, beispielsweise an einem Ende des Vorschubbügels, und die andere an dem anderen Ende des Vorschubmittels, beispielsweise an dem anderen Ende des Vorschubbügels, befestigt sind, so dass eine symmetrische Kraft auf das Vorschubmittel übertragen wird. Alternativ kann auch eine einzige Feder vorgesehen sein, die an dem Vorschubmittel angreift. In diesem Falle sollten dadurch erzeugte asymmetrische Kräfte ausgeglichen werden. Wie oben bereits erläutert, kann das Vorschubmittel unter anderem auch dazu dienen, die Verriegelungen zum Auswerfen der Kartusche zu lösen, d.h. das Vorschubmittel kann zumindest Teil von Mitteln zum Lösen einer Verriegelung sein.The above-mentioned feed means, for example the above-mentioned feed handle, which is preferably movable along the receiving shaft, can in particular also serve for transmitting an elastic force to the tablets contained in the cartridge in a columnar arrangement. This feed means can on the one hand have the function to transmit the externally applied elastic force to the stack of tablets. This is done for example by fastening a spring or two springs on the feed means and on an abutment in the drug dispenser. Preferably, two constant force springs are provided, one of which is attached to one end of the advancing means, for example at one end of the advancing bar, and the other at the other end of the advancing means, for example at the other end of the advancing bar, so that a symmetrical force the feed is transmitted. Alternatively, a single spring may be provided, which acts on the feed means. In this case, asymmetric forces generated thereby should be compensated. As explained above, among other things, the advancing means can also serve to release the latches for ejecting the cartridge, i. the advancing means may be at least part of means for releasing a lock.
Über das Vorschubmittel, beispielsweise den Vorschubbügel, wird eine Kraft auf den Tablettenstapel im Vorratsraum ausgeübt, die beispielsweise von am Vorschubmittel angreifenden Federn, beispielsweise Konstantkraftfedern, herrührt, so dass der Tablettenstapel ständig unter einer Krafteinwirkung in axialer Richtung steht, wenn sich die Kartusche im Arzneimittelspender befindet. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass sich die Tabletten im Vorratsraum nicht frei bewegen können. Durch diese Kraft wird der Tablettenstapel gegen das Aufnahmefach in der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung gedrückt, so dass immer eine Tablette in das Aufnahmefach gelangt, wenn sich der Schieber in der ersten Schiebestellung befindet. Um dies zu bewerkstelligen, kann das außen an der Kartusche entlang gleitende Vorschubmittel, beispielsweise der Vorschubbügel, mit dem Tablettenreiter in formschlüssigem Kontakt stehen. Hierzu kann der im Vorratsraum der Kartusche an sich axial frei bewegliche Tablettenreiter durch mindestens einen Axialschlitz an der Kartusche hindurch greifen, beispielsweise mit einem Arm oder auch mit zwei Armen (in diesem Falle durch jeweils einen Axialschlitz), so dass das Vorschubmittel über diesen Arm oder einen anderen Vorsprung die Kraft auf den Tablettenreiter und somit auf den Tablettenstapel ausüben kann. Auf diese Weise wird auf den Tablettenstapel dann, wenn sich die Kartusche in dem Arzneimittelspender befindet, eine Axialkraft ausgeübt, die in Richtung auf die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung wirkt. Dadurch wird der Stapel stets nach unten gedrückt, so dass eine Tablette dann, wenn das Aufnahmefach in der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung mit dem Vorratsraum fluchtet, in das Aufnahmefach gelangen kann.By means of the advancing means, for example the advancing bar, a force is exerted on the stack of tablets in the storage space, resulting, for example, from springs acting on the advancing means, for example constant force springs, so that the stack of tablets is constantly under the action of force in the axial direction when the cartridge is in the medicament dispenser located. This ensures that the tablets can not move freely in the storage room. As a result of this force, the stack of pills is pressed against the receiving compartment in the separating device so that a tablet always enters the receiving compartment when the pusher is in the first sliding position. In order to accomplish this, the advancing means sliding on the outside of the cartridge, for example the feed handle, can be in positive contact with the tablet rider. For this purpose, in the storage space of the cartridge per se axially freely movable tablet tab can reach through at least one axial slot on the cartridge, for example with one arm or with two arms (in this case by an axial slot), so that the feed means on this arm or another projection can exert the force on the tablet tab and thus on the stack of tablets. In this way, the tablet stack then, when the cartridge is in the drug dispenser, an axial force exerted, which acts in the direction of the separating device. As a result, the stack is always pressed down so that a tablet, when the receiving compartment in the separating device is aligned with the storage space, can get into the receiving compartment.
Ganz allgemein können beim Einschieben einer gefüllten Kartusche in den Spender in der Einführrichtung das Vorschubmittel, beispielsweise der Vorschubbügel, mitgeführt werden, etwa indem das Vorschubmittel über den Tablettenreiter nach oben mitgenommen wird. Dabei kann dieses Vorschubmittel die Kartusche außerdem über mindestens ein geeignetes Rastmittel im Spender verriegeln, etwa indem das mitgeführte Vorschubmittel an einer im oberen Bereich des Spenders angeordneten Anlauffläche eines Verriegelungshebels zur Verriegelung der Kartusche im Spender anläuft. Beim sukzessiven Entladen der Kartusche kann dieses Vorschubmittel dann sukzessive nach unten bewegt werden, so dass über dessen Position im Spender der Füllstand in der Kartusche kodiert wird. Kommt dieses Vorschubmittel schließlich in einer (unteren) Endposition an, die durch die leere Kartusche vorgegeben ist, kann dadurch die Verriegelung der Kartusche gelöst werden, so dass die Kartusche aus dem Spender herausgenommen werden kann. Dies kann beispielsweise geschehen, indem das Vorschubmittel in der untersten Position die Verriegelungshebel in eine entriegelte Stellung bringt und gegebenenfalls zusätzlich geeignete Auswurfmittel für die Kartusche entriegelt.In general, when inserting a filled cartridge into the dispenser in the insertion direction, the feed means, for example the feed handle, can be carried along, for example by the feed means being carried along above the tablet tab. In this case, this feed means can also lock the cartridge via at least one suitable latching means in the dispenser, such as by the entrained feed means starts at a arranged in the upper region of the dispenser run-on surface of a locking lever for locking the cartridge in the dispenser. During successive unloading of the cartridge, this feed means can then be successively moved downwards, so that the filling level in the cartridge is coded via its position in the dispenser. Finally, this feed means arrives in a (lower) end position, which is predetermined by the empty cartridge is, thereby the lock of the cartridge can be solved so that the cartridge can be removed from the dispenser. This can for example be done by the feed means in the lowest position brings the locking lever in an unlocked position and optionally additionally unlocks suitable ejection means for the cartridge.
Damit die Kartusche nach dem Einsetzen in den Aufnahmeschacht oder, ganz allgemein, nach dem Einsetzen der Kartusche in die Aufnahmemittel im Spender fixiert bleibt, ist mindestens ein Rastmittel zum VerrastenNerriegeln der Kartusche im Arzneimittelspender vorgesehen. Diese VerrastungNerriegelung mit den Rastmitteln ist vorzugsweise so gestaltet, dass die Kartusche nach dem Einschieben in den Spender verriegelt wird, d.h. ohne Lösen der Verriegelung dann nicht mehr entnommen werden kann, solange sich noch Tabletten in der Kartusche befinden. Erst nachdem die Kartusche leer ist, kann die Verriegelung in diesem Falle wieder gelöst werden, um die Kartusche aus dem Spender herausnehmen zu können, so dass eine neue mit Tabletten gefüllte Kartusche eingesetzt werden kann.In order for the cartridge to remain fixed in the dispenser after insertion into the receiving shaft or, more generally, after insertion of the cartridge into the receiving means, at least one locking means is provided for locking the cartridge in the dispenser. This locking latch with the latching means is preferably designed to lock the cartridge after insertion into the dispenser, i. can not be removed without loosening the lock, as long as there are still tablets in the cartridge. Only after the cartridge is empty, the lock can be released in this case again to be able to remove the cartridge from the dispenser so that a new filled with tablets cartridge can be used.
Zum Verrasten kann ein derartiges Rastmittel beispielsweise durch eine oder mehrere Rastnasen an der Kartusche und ein oder mehrere Rastprofile, beispielsweise Ösen, am Spender, die mit den Rastnasen verrasten, gebildet sein oder umgekehrt durch eine oder mehrere Rastnasen am Spender und ein oder mehrere Rastprofile, beispielsweise Ösen, an der Kartusche. Grundsätzlich sind natürlich auch andere Rastmittel möglich, etwa Rastnasen, die hinter Vorsprünge greifen oder zwei ineinander greifende Rastprofile o.ä. Beispielsweise ist das mindestens eine Rastmittel drehbeweglich. Es kann bevorzugt durch drehbewegliche Verriegelungshebel gebildet sein, die insbesondere zweiarmig sein können und mit Rastnasen ausgerüstet sein können. Die Rastnasen können insbesondere jeweils am unteren Teil des Verriegelungshebels vorgesehen sein. Die Verrigelungsmittel befinden sich im Spender. Jede Rastnase verrastet verriegelnd vorzugsweise an den Verriegelungshebeln mit einer an der Kartusche vorgesehenen Rastöse o.ä.. Anstelle einer Rastöse kann beispielsweise auch ein Vorsprung vorgesehen sein, an dem die Rastnase anschlägt, oder auch eine Aussparung, in die die Rastnase eingreift. Um die Verriegelung zusätzlich zu sichern, kann ferner an den Verriegelungshebeln an einer anderen Stelle als der, an der eine Rastnase oder ein Vorsprung vorgesehen ist, ein Drückpunkt vorgesehen sein, der beim Verriegeln hinter einer entsprechenden Rastnase oder einem Vorsprung etwa im Spendergehäuse verrastet.For latching, such a latching means may be formed, for example, by one or more detents on the cartridge and one or more detent profiles, for example eyelets, on the dispenser latching with the detents, or vice versa by one or more detents on the dispenser and one or more detent profiles. for example, eyelets, on the cartridge. In principle, of course, other locking means are possible, such as locking lugs that engage behind projections or two interlocking locking profiles o.ä. For example, the at least one locking means is rotatable. It may preferably be formed by rotatable locking lever, which may in particular be two-armed and equipped with locking lugs. The locking lugs can be provided in each case in particular at the lower part of the locking lever. The Verrigelungsmittel are in the dispenser. Each locking lug locks latching preferably on the locking levers with a detent eye or the like provided on the cartridge. Instead of a detent, for example, a projection may be provided on which the latch abuts, or a recess into which engages the detent. In order to additionally secure the lock, may further be provided on the locking levers at a location other than that on which a latching lug or a projection, a pressure point which locks when locking behind a corresponding latching nose or a projection approximately in the dispenser housing.
In einer besonders günstigen Ausführungsform können die Verriegelungshebel mit den Rastnasen in einen Bereich ragen, der an den Bereich angrenzt, in den die Kartusche in den Spender aufgenommen wird, etwa im Stirnbereich des Spenders angrenzend an die Aufnahmemittel für die Kartusche im Spender, beispielsweise den Aufnahmeschacht. An der Kartusche sind dann in dem angrenzenden Bereich Aufnahmeösen vorzusehen, in die die Rastnasen der Verriegelungshebel eingreifen. Dieser angrenzende Bereich kann sich beispielsweise an der Unterschale der Kartusche befinden.In a particularly favorable embodiment, the locking levers with the detents may project into an area adjacent to the area in which the cartridge is received in the dispenser, for example in the front area of the dispenser adjacent to the cartridge receiving means in the dispenser, for example the receiving shaft , At the cartridge are then provided in the adjacent area receiving lugs, in which engage the locking lugs of the locking lever. This adjacent area may be located, for example, on the lower shell of the cartridge.
Zusätzlich kann auch eine Auswurfsperre vorgesehen sein, die beispielsweise einen Freischalthebel umfassen kann. Mit der Auswurfsperre werden externe, manuell betätigbare Auswurfmittel zum Auswerfen der Kartusche, beispielsweise eine Auswurftaste, blockiert, so dass die Entnahme der Kartusche nur dann möglich ist, wenn die Kartusche keine Tabletten mehr enthält. Diese Sperre blockiert die Betätigung dieser externen Auswurfmittel und löst diese erst dann wieder, wenn die Kartusche leer ist. Diese Sperre kann insbesondere durch die oben erwähnten Mittel zum Lösen der Verriegelung gelöst werden. Hierzu kann ein durch das Auswurfmittel betätigbarer Auswurfschieber vorgesehen sein, wobei die Kartusche noch mindestens eine Arzneimittelportion enthält.In addition, an ejection barrier may be provided, which may include, for example, a release lever. With the ejection lock external, manually operable ejection means for ejecting the cartridge, such as an eject button, blocked, so that the removal of the cartridge is only possible if the cartridge contains no more tablets. This lock blocks the operation of these external ejectors and only releases them when the cartridge is empty. This lock can be solved in particular by the above-mentioned means for releasing the lock. For this purpose, it is possible to provide an ejection slide which can be actuated by the ejection means, the cartridge also containing at least one medicament portion.
Falls das vor genannte mindestens eine Rastmittel zu einer Verriegelung der Kartusche im Spender führt, d.h. dass das mindestens eine Rastmittel ohne eine separate Entriegelung dieser Verriegelung nicht mehr gelöst werden kann, muss ferner mindestens ein Mittel zum Lösen der Verriegelung vorgesehen sein. Vorzugsweise ist dieses Mittel zum Lösen der Verriegelung so ausgebildet, dass die Verriegelung nur dann lösbar ist, wenn sich keine Arzneimittelportion mehr in der Kartusche befindet. Ohne Verriegelung könnte die Verrastung einfach durch manuelles Überwinden der Rastkraft des mindestens einen Rastmittels gelöst werden. Dies wäre dann möglich, wenn das mindestens eine Rastmittel durch geeignete Ausbildung der die Rastverbindung bildenden Teile so ausgebildet ist, dass diese bei Aufwendung einer die Rastmittel lösenden Kraft aneinander entlang gleiten, so dass die Verrastung gelöst wird.If the aforesaid at least one detent means results in locking of the cartridge in the dispenser, i. that the at least one latching means can no longer be released without a separate unlocking of this latch, at least one means for releasing the latch must furthermore be provided. Preferably, this means for releasing the lock is designed so that the lock is only solvable when no drug portion is in the cartridge. Without locking the latching could be solved simply by manually overcoming the locking force of the at least one locking means. This would be possible if the at least one latching means is formed by suitable design of the latching connection forming parts so that they slide upon application of a detent means releasing force along each other, so that the latching is released.
Falls jedoch eine Verriegelung beim Einrasten des mindestens einen Rastmittels stattfindet, etwa weil die Rastnasen und Rastprofile so ausgebildet sind, dass die Verrastung ohne Zerstörung des mindestens einen Rastmittels nicht gelöst werden kann, wenn nicht gleichzeitig die Verriegelung gelöst wird, muss das mindestens eine Mittel zum Lösen der Verriegelung manuell oder vorzugsweise durch einen im Spender vorhandenen Mechanismus gelöst werden oder auch durch eine Kombination dieser Mittel. Hierzu kann im Spender mindestens ein Entriegelungsmittel vorgesehen sein, das abhängig vom Füllstand der Kartusche mit Tabletten die Rastnasen der Verriegelungshebel lösen und zwar vorzugsweise nur dann, wenn die Kartusche leer ist. In diesem Falle wird das mindestens eine verriegelte Rastmittel durch das mindestens eine Entriegelungsmittel gelöst, indem das mindestens eine Rastmittel ohne äußere manuelle Betätigung von einer Verriegelungsstellung in die entriegelte Stellung umgeschaltet wird. Dieses Entriegelungsmittel kann insbesondere das oben beschriebene Vorschubmittel sein, das die Verriegelung der Kartusche beim Einschieben in die verriegelte Stellung und nach Entleerung der Kartusche in die entriegelte Stellung bringt. Zum Verriegeln werden die Rastmittel verrastet, indem das Vorschubmittel gegen einen oder mehrere obere Teile des Verriegelungshebels drückt. Ferner kann das Vorschubmittel auch auf die Auswurfsperre wirken und diese dann lösen, wenn sich vorzugsweise keine Tabletten mehr in der Kartusche befinden. Hierzu kann das Vorschubmittel zum Lösen der Blockade des Auswurfmittels den Freischalthebel betätigen, so dass der Auswurfschieber und damit das Auswurfmittel entriegelt werden. Vorzugsweise drückt der Auswurfschieber durch Betätigen des Auswurfmittels gegen einen oder mehrere untere Teile des Rastmittels, vorzugsweise des Verriegelungshebels, und entriegelt auf diese Weise die mit dem Rastmittel verrastete Kartusche.However, if a locking takes place when engaging the at least one locking means, such as because the locking lugs and locking profiles are formed so that the latching can not be solved without destroying the at least one locking means, if not the same time the lock is released, the at least one means for Release the lock manually or preferably be solved by an existing mechanism in the dispenser or by a combination of these means. For this purpose, at least one unlocking means may be provided in the dispenser, which, depending on the filling level of the cartridge with tablets, release the locking lugs of the locking levers, preferably only when the cartridge is empty. In this case, the at least one locked latching means is released by the at least one unlocking means by the at least one latching means is switched without external manual actuation from a locking position to the unlocked position. This unlocking means may in particular be the advancing means described above, which brings the locking of the cartridge when inserted into the locked position and after emptying of the cartridge in the unlocked position. For locking the locking means are locked by the feed means presses against one or more upper parts of the locking lever. Furthermore, the advancing means can also act on the ejection barrier and then release it when preferably no more tablets are in the cartridge. For this purpose, the feed means for releasing the blockage of the ejection means actuate the release lever, so that the ejector slide and thus the ejection means are unlocked. Preferably, the ejector pushes by pressing the ejector against one or more lower parts of the locking means, preferably the locking lever, and unlocks in this way the latched with the locking means cartridge.
Die Entriegelung kann beispielsweise durch geeignete Mittel im Arzneimittelspender bewirkt werden, deren Stellung vom Füllstand der Kartusche abhängig ist. Beispielsweise kann hierzu der an der Kartusche axial beweglich angebrachte Vorschubbügel oder ein anderes bewegliches Vorschubmittel vorgesehen sein, der/das sich beispielsweise jeweils in Höhe der sich in der Kartusche an oberster Stellung befindenden Tablette befindet. Erst wenn sich keine Tablette mehr in der Kartusche befindet, befindet sich der Vorschubbügel oder das andere Vorschubmittel auch an der unteren Polstellung und löst in diesem Falle die Verriegelung.The unlocking can be effected for example by suitable means in the drug dispenser, the position of which depends on the fill level of the cartridge. For example, this may be provided on the cartridge axially movably mounted feed bracket or other movable feed means, which / is located, for example, each in height of the cartridge located in the topmost position tablet. Only when there is no more tablet in the cartridge, the feed handle or the other feed means is also at the lower pole position and solves the lock in this case.
Um das externe, manuelle Auswurfmittel zum Auswerfen der Kartusche entriegeln zu können, d.h. die Blockade der Auswurfsperre lösen zu können, können wiederum dieselben Mittel zum Lösen der Verriegelung vorgesehen sein, etwa der vorgenannte Vorschubbügel oder das andere Vorschubmittel, deren Stellung vom Füllstand der Kartusche abhängig ist.In order to unlock the external, manual ejection means for ejecting the cartridge, i. To be able to solve the blockage of the ejection lock, in turn, the same means for releasing the lock can be provided, such as the aforementioned feed arm or the other feed means whose position is dependent on the level of the cartridge.
In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist an mindestens einer Schmalseite des Arzneimittelspenders ein Betätigungsmittel zur Ausgabe von Arzneimittelportionen vorgesehen. Weiterhin kann auch an einer weiteren Schmalseite des Arzneimittelspenders, vorzugsweise an der der ersten Schmalseite gegenüber liegenden zweiten Schmalseite, ein weiteres Betätigungsmittel vorgesehen sein. Diese Betätigungsmittel dienen dazu, jeweils eine Tablette durch manuelle Betätigung aus der Kartusche auszugeben. Hierzu können die Betätigungsmittel über geeignete Übertragungsmittel in einer mechanischen, elektromechanischen oder elektronischen Wirkverbindung mit der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung stehen, um jeweils eine Tablette aus der Kartusche freizusetzen. Indem die Betätigungsmittel an den Schmalseiten des Arzneimittelspenders vorgesehen sind, können diese selbst dann leicht betätigt werden, wenn der Anwender / die Anwenderin den Spender nur einhändig bedient, etwa indem der Anwender / die Anwenderin den Spender in einer Hand hält und Druck auf die Schmalseiten des Spenders ausübt und dabei die Betätigungsmittel betätigt. Anstelle der Platzierung der Betätigungsmittel an einer oder beiden Schmalseiten des Spenders können die Betätigungsmittel auch an anderer Stelle am Spender angebracht sein, beispielsweise auf der Vorderseite oder der Hinterseite des Spenders oder auch einer oder beiden Stirnseiten.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, on at least one narrow side of the drug dispenser is an actuating means for dispensing drug portions intended. Furthermore, a further actuating means can also be provided on a further narrow side of the medicament dispenser, preferably on the second narrow side opposite the first narrow side. These actuating means serve to dispense one tablet at a time from the cartridge by manual operation. For this purpose, the actuating means may be in a mechanical, electromechanical or electronic operative connection with the separating device via suitable transmission means, in order to release one tablet each from the cartridge. By providing the actuating means on the narrow sides of the drug dispenser, they can be easily actuated even when the user operates the dispenser with one hand only, such as by the user holding the dispenser in one hand and pressing the narrow sides of the dispenser Exercises dispenser and thereby actuates the actuating means. Instead of the placement of the actuating means on one or both narrow sides of the dispenser, the actuating means may also be mounted elsewhere on the dispenser, for example on the front or the back of the dispenser or one or both end faces.
In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die Übertragungsmittel, über die die Betätigungsmittel in einer mechanischen Wirkverbindung mit der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung stehen, durch Einrichtungen zur Übertragung einer durch Betätigen der Betätigungsmittel erzeugten Bewegung auf eine an der Kartusche vorgesehene Vereinzelungsvorrichtung gebildet. Hierzu sind beispielsweise Transporthebel verwendbar, die gegebenenfalls beispielsweise über jeweils eine Zahnstange und ein mit diesen kämmendes Zahnrad synchronisierbar sind. Die Transporthebel können beispielsweise mit der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung unmittelbar in einer mechanischen Wirkverbindung, beispielsweise formschlüssigen Verbindung, stehen, etwa indem ein Mitnehmer an der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung und eine mit dem Mitnehmer in einer Wirkverbindung stehenden Ausnehmung an mindestens einem der Transporthebel oder umgekehrt vorgesehen sind.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmission means, via which the actuating means are in mechanical operative connection with the separating device, are formed by means for transmitting a movement generated by actuation of the actuating means to a separating device provided on the cartridge. For this purpose, for example, transport levers are used, which can be synchronized, for example, in each case via a rack and a meshing with this gear. The transport levers can, for example, with the separating device directly in a mechanical operative connection, such as positive connection, are, for example by a driver on the separating device and standing with the driver in operative connection recess on at least one of the transport lever or vice versa.
Weiterhin kann in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in einer Gehäuseaußenseite des Arzneimittelspenders ein Fenster vorgesehen sein, so dass die in der Kartusche befindlichen Tabletten von außen sichtbar sind. Damit ist eine visuelle Kontrolle des Füllstandes der Kartusche möglich. Außerdem kann der Tablettenreiter gegenüber den Tabletten und beispielsweise auch gegenüber dem Hintergrund der Kartusche und/oder den ansonsten durch das Fenster sichtbaren Komponenten des Spenders kontrastreich gefärbt sein. Dies vereinfacht die visuelle Prüfung des Füllstandes der Kartusche durch das Fenster.Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a window may be provided in a housing outside of the drug dispenser, so that the tablets located in the cartridge are visible from the outside. For a visual control of the level of the cartridge is possible. In addition, the tablet tab may be rich in contrast to the tablets and, for example, to the background of the cartridge and / or the components of the dispenser otherwise visible through the window. This simplifies the visual inspection of the filling level of the cartridge through the window.
Hierzu kann die Kartusche vorzugsweise zumindest teilweise aus einem transparenten Material bestehen. Grundsätzlich kann sie aber auch zumindest teilweise aus einem transluzenten Material bestehen. Insbesondere kann der Teil der Kartusche aus einem transparenten oder transluzenten Material bestehen, der durch das Fenster im Gehäuse des Spenders sichtbar ist, so dass die in der Kartusche enthaltenen Tabletten sichtbar sind.For this purpose, the cartridge may preferably at least partially consist of a transparent material. In principle, however, it can also consist at least partially of a translucent material. In particular, the part of the cartridge may consist of a transparent or translucent material that is visible through the window in the housing of the dispenser, so that the tablets contained in the cartridge are visible.
Zusätzlich kann der Arzneimittelspender eine elektronische Anzeige zur Darstellung der Anzahl genommener und/oder noch zu nehmender Tabletten und/oder der Anzahl sich noch in der Kartusche befindenden Tabletten aufweisen. Jede dieser Informationen kann beispielsweise durch manuelle Wahl alternativ angezeigt werden. Die elektronische Anzeige kann zusätzlich so ausgebildet sein, dass Alarmsignale angezeigt werden, beispielsweise die Überschreitung oder Unterschreitung einer Zeitspanne, in der eine Tablette genommen werden soll, sowie der Ladestatus einer in dem Spender verwendeten Batterie. Weiterhin kann mit der Anzeige auch der Status verschiedener Einnahmephasen visualisiert werden, etwa die Anzeige, dass sich der Anwender / die Anwenderin in einer ersten, zweiten, dritten oder n-ten Phase befindet, wobei die erste Phase beispielsweise konstant 24 Tage, die zweite Phase beispielsweise flexibel von 0 bis 96 Tage und die dritte Phase beispielsweise wiederum konstant 4 Tage umfassen kann.In addition, the drug dispenser can have an electronic display for displaying the number of tablets taken and / or still to be taken and / or the number of tablets still remaining in the cartridge. Each of these information can alternatively be displayed by manual selection, for example. The electronic display may additionally be configured to display alarms, such as exceeding or falling short of a period of time in which a tablet is to be taken, and the charging status of a battery used in the dispenser. Furthermore, the display can also be used to visualize the status of various intake phases, for example the indication that the user is in a first, second, third or nth phase, wherein the first phase is, for example, a constant 24 days, the second phase for example, can be flexible from 0 to 96 days and the third phase, for example, again constant 4 days.
Um die genannten Angaben auf der elektronischen Anzeige anzeigen zu können, ist eine elektronische Schaltung, vorzugsweise in Form einer Platine mit einer darauf untergebrachten integrierten Halbleiterschaltung, vorgesehen. Auf der Platine können ferner Schalter, bevorzugt elektrische Bedienungstaster montiert, und angeschlossen sein, um die erforderlichen Eingaben, etwa für die Wahl des Anzeigemodus' (Anzahl der genommenen Tabletten, Anzahl der sich noch in der Kartusche befindlichen Tabletten), vornehmen zu können. Außerdem können elektrische Schalter im Spender vorgesehen sein, um bestimmte Betriebszustände des Spenders mit der Kartusche automatisch ermitteln zu können, etwa die erstmalige Inbetriebnahme des Spenders durch das erstmalige Einsetzen bzw. Einschieben der Kartusche in den Spender, wodurch beispielsweise zur Stromversorgung der elektrischen Schaltung und der elektronischen Anzeige dienende Batterien aktiviert werden, d.h. mit der Schaltung und der Anzeige verbunden werden, weiterhin die Ausgabe einer Tablette, das Auswerfen der Kartusche und/oder das Detektieren einer bestimmten Anzahl von wenigen in der Kartusche verbleibenden Tabletten, um korrekt anzeigen zu können, wie viele Tabletten sich noch in der Kartusche befinden. Für die letztgenannte Funktion ist es normalerweise zwar ausreichend, ausgehend von der Anzahl der Tabletten in einer vollständig gefüllten Kartusche jeweils auszurechnen, wie viele Tabletten sich noch darin befinden, wenn jeweils detektiert wird, wenn eine Tablette ausgegeben wird. Allerdings kann diese Anzeige dann, wenn die Anzahl der Tabletten wegen einer unvermeidlichen Dickentoleranz der Tabletten in der vollständig gefüllten Kartusche schwankt, fehlerbehaftet sein. Durch das Detektieren, dass sich beispielsweise noch vier Tabletten in der Kartusche befinden, kann dieser Fehler ausgeschlossen werden.In order to be able to display the stated information on the electronic display, an electronic circuit, preferably in the form of a circuit board with a semiconductor integrated circuit accommodated thereon, is provided. Furthermore, switches, preferably electrical operating buttons, can be mounted on the board and connected in order to be able to make the necessary inputs, for example for the selection of the display mode (number of tablets taken, number of tablets still in the cartridge). In addition, electrical switches may be provided in the dispenser to automatically detect certain operating conditions of the dispenser with the cartridge, such as the initial commissioning of the dispenser by the first insertion or insertion of the cartridge into the dispenser, whereby, for example, to power the electrical circuit and the electronic indicating batteries, ie connected to the circuitry and the display, continue to dispense a tablet, eject the cartridge, and / or detect a certain number of the few remaining cartridges in the cartridge to correctly display how many tablets are still in the cartridge. For the latter function, it is usually sufficient, starting from the number of tablets in a completely filled Cartridge each calculate how many tablets are still in it, if each detected when a tablet is issued. However, if the number of tablets varies because of an inevitable thickness tolerance of the tablets in the fully filled cartridge, this indication may be erroneous. By detecting that, for example, there are still four tablets in the cartridge, this error can be ruled out.
Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert, die in den Figuren schematisch dargestellt sind. Die Erfindung ist jedoch nicht auf die Beispiele beschränkt, sondern gibt nur bevorzugte Ausführungsformen an. Andere Ausführungsformen mit Varianten der einzelnen Merkmale der Erfindung sind gleichfalls denkbar und in den Schutzbereich der Erfindung einbezogen. Gleiche Bezugsziffern in den einzelnen Figuren bezeichnen dabei gleiche oder funktionsgleiche bzw. hinsichtlich ihrer Funktionen einander entsprechende Elemente. Im Einzelnen zeigen:
- Fig. 1A:
- eine perspektivische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Spenders mit eingesetzter Kartusche in der Vorderansicht;
- Fig. 1B:
- wie
Fig. 1A in der Rückansicht; - Fig. 2:
- eine perspektivische Darstellung des Innenraums des Spenders mit einer eingeschobenen Kartusche, wobei der Spender von der Rückseite aus gezeigt ist;
- Fig. 3:
- einen perspektivischen Ausschnitt des unteren Teils des Gehäuseinnengerüstes mit den zur Ausgabe von Tabletten erforderlichen Teilen der Vereinzelungseinrichtung, wobei das Gehäuseinnengerüst von der Vorderseite des Spenders aus gezeigt ist;
- Fig. 4:
- eine Schnittansicht der mit Tabletten befüllten Kartusche mit der Vereinzelungsvorrichtung von der Vorderseite aus gesehen;
- Fig. 4A:
- eine Schnittansicht des Kopfes der Kartusche von der Vorderseite aus gesehen;
- Fig. 5:
- eine perspektivische Ansicht des Spenders ohne Außenhaut mit einer mit Tabletten gefüllten eingeschobenen Kartusche (geöffnet) von der Rückseite aus gesehen;
- Fig. 5A:
- wie
Fig. 1 , Ausschnitt des Drückpunktes am linken Verriegelungshebel; - Fig. 6:
- eine perspektivische Ansicht des Gehäuseinnengerüstes des Spenders mit dem Vorschubbügel und den Konstantkraftfedern von der Rückseite des Spenders aus gesehen;
- Fig. 7:
- eine Detailansicht des Spenders ohne Außenhaut von der Rückseite aus gesehen mit den Verriegelungen für die Kartusche;
- Fig. 7A:
- eine Ansicht wie
Fig. 7 , perspektivische Detailansicht des linken Teils des Spenders mit verriegelter Kartusche; - Fig. 7B:
- wie
Fig. 7A mit entriegelter Kartusche; - Fig. 8A:
- eine perspektivische Teildarstellung des unteren Teils des Spenders ohne seitliches Gehäuseteil mit der Auswurftaste und der Freischalttaste bei voller Kartusche von der rechten Seite aus gesehen;
- Fig. 8B:
- wie
Fig. 8A , bei leerer Kartusche; - Fig. 8C:
- perspektivische Ansicht der Freischalttaste mit Schenkelfeder und Auswurfschieber von der Rückseite aus gesehen;
- Fig. 8D:
- wie
Fig. 8C , beim Auswerfen der Kartusche; - Fig. 8E:
- Schnitt durch den Spender ohne Gehäusevorder- und -rückteil von der Rückseite aus gesehen;
- Fig. 9:
- Detailansicht des Spenders, von der Rückseite aus gesehen.
- Fig. 1A:
- a perspective view of the dispenser according to the invention with inserted cartridge in front view;
- 1B:
- as
Fig. 1A in the rear view; - Fig. 2:
- a perspective view of the interior of the dispenser with an inserted cartridge, the dispenser is shown from the back;
- 3:
- a perspective section of the lower part of the housing inner frame with the parts required for dispensing tablets of the singulator, wherein the housing inner frame is shown from the front of the dispenser;
- 4:
- a sectional view of the tablet filled cartridge with the separating device seen from the front side;
- Fig. 4A:
- a sectional view of the head of the cartridge seen from the front side;
- Fig. 5:
- a perspective view of the donor without outer skin with a tablet filled cartridge inserted (open) seen from the back;
- Fig. 5A:
- as
Fig. 1 , Section of the pressing point on the left locking lever; - Fig. 6:
- a perspective view of the housing inner frame of the dispenser with the feed arm and the constant force springs seen from the back of the dispenser;
- Fig. 7:
- a detailed view of the donor without outer skin seen from the back with the latches for the cartridge;
- Fig. 7A:
- a view like
Fig. 7 , perspective detail view of the left part of the dispenser with locked cartridge; - Fig. 7B:
- as
Fig. 7A with unlocked cartridge; - 8A:
- a partial perspective view of the lower part of the dispenser without side housing part with the eject button and the release button with full cartridge seen from the right side;
- Fig. 8B:
- as
Fig. 8A with empty cartridge; - 8C:
- perspective view of the release button with leg spring and ejector seen from the back;
- Fig. 8D:
- as
Fig. 8C when ejecting the cartridge; - Fig. 8E:
- Section through the dispenser without housing front and back seen from the back;
- Fig. 9:
- Detail view of the dispenser, seen from the back.
Der in
Selbstverständlich kann der Spender auch zur Ausgabe anderer Tabletten T eingesetzt werden, beispielsweise von Arzneimitteln zur Hormonersatztherapie, von Diuretika oder von Antihypertonika.Of course, the donor can also be used for dispensing other tablets T, for example, hormone replacement therapy drugs, diuretics or antihypertensives.
Der Spender 1 umfasst ein Spendergehäuse 10, das eine Gehäusevorderschale 11.1 (
In der Gehäusevorderschale 11.1 sind eine elektronische Anzeige 16 sowie Bedienungstaster 17, 18 vorgesehen. Die Kontrolle über die Einnahme der Tabletten T wird mittels der elektronischen Anzeige ausgeübt. Die Bedienungstaster 14, 15 dienen zur Wahl eines von der Anzeige angezeigten Menupunktes, beispielsweise zur Batteriekontrolle oder des Einnahmetags, des Pausentags und der Anzahl der sich noch in der Kartusche befindenden Tabletten sowie zur Auswahl, ob die Tabletteneinnahme abgebrochen werden soll.In the front housing shell 11.1, an
In
Im unteren Bereich des Spenders 1 ist ein Teil der Kartusche zu sehen, nämlich die Kartuschenunterschale 920, die am Gehäuse des Spenders bündig anliegt. In der Kartuschenunterschale ist eine Ausgabeöffnung 922 für die Tabletten T zu sehen (
In
Der Spender 1 enthält im Inneren ein Gehäuseinnengerüst 100, das im Wesentlichen alle statischen Funktionen des Spenders übernimmt. Das Gehäuseinnengerüst weist beispielsweise einen mittleren Steg 110 auf (verdeckt), der von einer Seite zylindrisch eingewölbt ist, um das Kartuschengehäuse 930 aufzunehmen (die vordere Hälfte des Kartuschengehäuses ist nur teilweise erkennbar). Die Einwölbung dieses Steges bildet zusammen mit weiteren (hier nicht gezeigten) Bauelementen des Spenders einen Aufnahmeschacht (mit Bezugsziffer 150 angedeutet), in den die Kartusche von unten in den Spender eingeschoben werden kann. Der Aufnahmeschacht ist hier lediglich strichliert angedeutet und ist durch einen länglichen Hohlraum gekennzeichnet.The dispenser 1 contains inside a housing
In
Die Betätigungstaster 14, 15 am Spendergehäuse 10 werden zur Betätigung des Spenders 1 nach innen gedrückt (
Der rechte Transporthebel ist über eine Druckfeder 240 an einem Widerlager 102 abgestützt, so dass dieser Transporthebel und somit auch der linke Transporthebel nach dem Betätigen der Betätigungstaster wieder in die Ausgangsstellung, d.h. in eine Stellung, in der beide Hebel nach außen ausgefahren sind, zurückkehren (erste Stellung). Am rechten Transporthebel ist ferner ein Auslegerarm 224 angeformt, der eine Ausnehmung 226 aufweist. Am Tablettenschieber 940 ist eine Mitnehmernase 944 angeformt, die in diese Aussparung eingreift. Indem die Transporthebel 210, 220 durch die Federkraft der Druckfeder 240 nach außen gedrückt werden, befinden sich die Hebel in der unbelasteten (ersten) Stellung außen, so dass sich der Tablettenschieber in der (in
In
Die Kartusche 900 kann in der gezeigten Form separat gehandhabt, d.h. zum Nachfüllen des Spenders 1 benutzt werden, indem die Kartusche von der Stirnseite her in den im Wesentlichen zylindrischen Aufnahmeschacht 150 im Spender eingeschoben und dort verrastet wird. Zum Transport und zur Lagerung der separaten Kartusche wird diese vorzugsweise in einer wasser- und luftdichten Sekundärverpackung, beispielsweise in einem Beutel oder einem Blister, versiegelt.The
Im Kartuschengehäuse 930 befindet sich oberhalb des Stapels aus Tabletten T ein Tablettenreiter 960, der sich im Vorratsraum der Kartusche in axialer Richtung grundsätzlich frei bewegen kann (
In
Der Spender 1 enthält außerdem einen Vorschubbügel 300, der um den mittleren Steg 110 des Gehäuseinnengerüstes 100 herum greift und entlang dieses Steges in axialer Richtung beweglich ist und an diesem geführt wird, beispielsweise durch eine Schwalbenschwanzführung, die durch die Seitenflächen des Steges und die U-Schenkel 311, 312 des Bügels gebildet wird, oder durch eine Verrastung dieser U-Schenkel mit den Seitenflächen des Steges (
In
Beim Einschieben der Kartusche von unten in den Aufnahmeschacht 150 (hier nicht dargestellt) im Spender 1 (Pfeil) greift der durch den Axialschlitz zwischen der Kartuschenhinterschale (nicht dargestellt) und der Kartuschenvorderschale 933 der Kartusche hindurch greifende Reiterarm 961 (
Beim Einschieben der Kartusche 900 in den Aufnahmeschacht 150 des Spenders 1 wird die Kartusche im Spender verriegelt. Hierzu sind ein linker Verriegelungshebel 420 und ein rechter Verriegelungshebel 410 für die Kartusche vorgesehen. Die Verriegelungshebel sind auf dem Gehäuseinnengerüst 100 auf Drehpunkten 415, 425 gelagert. An den jeweiligen unteren Enden der Verriegelungshebel sind Rastnasen 412, 422 vorgesehen (
Diese greifen in entsprechende Ösen 981, 982 an der Gehäusevorderschale 932 der Kartusche ein (
Um eine entleerte Kartusche aus dem Spender auswerfen zu können, ist ein Auswurfmechanismus vorgesehen, der die durch die Verriegelungshebel bewirkte Sperre wieder aufhebt. Einzelheiten dieses Auswurfmechanismus' sind in den
Um die Kartusche auswerfen zu können, ist ein Freischalthebel 500 vorgesehen, der sich unmittelbar hinter dem die Auswurftaste 19 (verdeckt) aufweisenden Auswurfschieber 600 befindet. Der Freischalthebel ist mittels einer Schenkelfeder 510 (
Der Freischalthebel 500 blockiert den Auswurfschieber 600 und damit die Auswurftaste 19, indem Sperrnasen 531, 532 (oder alternativ auch nur eine einzige Sperrnase) in der Ruhestellung des Freischalthebels vor entsprechenden Vorsprüngen 611, 612 (alternativ auch nur vor einem einzigen Vorsprung) des Auswurfschiebers liegen und die translatorische Bewegung des Schiebers nach unten blockieren (Auswurfsperre). In
Wenn sich die Kartusche 900 durch Ausgabe von Tabletten T leert, gleitet der Vorschubbügel 300 im Spender 1 nach unten (
Die Funktion der Verriegelungshebel 410, 420 beim Entriegeln der Kartusche 900 ist in
Der Spender 1 weist eine elektronische Anzeige 16 sowie zwei elektronische Bedienungstaster 17, 18 auf (
Der Spender 1 enthält Batterien 1010, 1020 (
Gleichzeitig mit der Initialisierung der Elektronik beim erstmaligen Einschieben einer Kartusche 900 in den Spender 1 wird ein zweiter sich neben dem Initialisierungsschalter 710 befindender Schalter (nicht dargestellt) betätigt, der nur solange eingeschaltet bleibt, wie der obere Schenkel der rechten Verriegelung nach außen gedrückt ist, d.h. solange wie die Kartusche im Spender bleibt. Nach dem Herausnehmen der Kartusche wird dieser zweite Schalter durch das Nach-innen-schwenken des oberen Schenkels des Verriegelungshebels 420 wieder ausgeschaltet. Dieser zweite Schalter gibt an die Elektronik das Signal weiter, dass sich eine Kartusche im Spender befindet. Dadurch kann jeweils die Anzahl der sich im Spender befindenden Tabletten T berechnet werden und zwar durch die Sollvorgabe, dass sich in einer gefüllten Kartusche stets eine bestimmte Anzahl an Tabletten T befindet, beispielsweise 30 Tabletten, sowie durch ein an die Elektronik weiter geleitetes weiteres Signal, mit dem jede Entnahme einer Tablette aus dem Spender registriert wird. Außerdem gelangt beim Herausnehmen einer leeren Kartusche aus dem Spender und erneuten Einsetzen einer gefüllten Kartusche durch das weitere Signal vom zweiten Schalter die Information an die Elektronik, dass sich nun wieder eine vollständig gefüllte Kartusche im Spender befindet.Simultaneously with the initialization of the electronics when first inserting a
Das weitere Signal, mit dem eine Entnahme einer Tablette T aus dem Spender 1 registriert wird, wird durch einen dritten Schalter (nicht dargestellt) erzeugt, der sich im Bereich eines der Transporthebel 210, 220 befindet und der bei jeder Betätigung der Transporthebel geschaltet wird und dabei dieses weitere Signal erzeugt.The further signal, with which a removal of a tablet T from the dispenser 1 is registered, is generated by a third switch (not shown), which is located in the region of one of the transport levers 210, 220 and which is switched with each actuation of the transport lever and while this generates further signal.
Weiterhin enthält der Spender 1 einen vierten Schalter (nicht dargestellt) im unteren Bereich des Aufnahmeschachtes 150, mit dem das Vorbeigleiten des Vorschubbügels 300 registriert und als zusätzliches Signal an die Elektronik weitergeleitet wird. Dieser vierte Schalter dient dazu, kurz vor der endgültigen Entleerung der Kartusche 900, beispielsweise wenn sich nur noch fünf Tabletten T in der Kartusche befinden, die noch vorhandene Anzahl an Tabletten in der Kartusche an die Elektronik zu signalisieren. Dies wird durch die genaue räumliche Positionierung dieses vierten Schalters am Aufnahmeschacht festgelegt, wodurch der vierte Schalter nur dann bei der Entnahme einer Tablette betätigt wird, wenn sich noch eine vorbestimmte Anzahl Tabletten in der Kartusche befindet. Diese Kontrollzählung kann nämlich erforderlich sein, um dem Anwender / der Anwenderin korrekt anzeigen zu können, wie viele Tabletten sich noch in der Kartusche befinden, wenn es nur noch wenige sind. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, dass keine falsche Annahme bezüglich der Anzahl der restlichen Tabletten getroffen wird, da es kritisch sein könnte, wenn der Anwender / die Anwenderin nicht rechtzeitig gewarnt würde, dass die Kartusche entleert worden ist. Diese Vorsichtsmaßnahme ist vorteilhaft, wenn die Füllmenge einer Kartusche mit Tabletten auch mit allen Kontrollmaßnahmen in der Befüllungssequenz der Kartuschen nicht sicher eingehalten werden kann. Denn die Höhe einer einzelnen Tablette hat eine Toleranz, so dass die Höhe des Tablettenstapels ebenfalls schwanken kann. Auf jeden Fall kann der Anwender / die Anwenderin jedoch über das Fenster 20 in der Gehäusehinterschale 11.2 erkennen, ob sich noch Tabletten in der Kartusche befinden.Furthermore, the dispenser 1 includes a fourth switch (not shown) in the lower region of the receiving
Es versteht sich, dass die hier beschriebenen Beispiele und Ausführungsformen lediglich der Veranschaulichung dienen und dass verschiedene Modifikationen und Änderungen der Beispiele und Ausführungsformen sowie auch Kombinationen von im Übrigen in dieser Anmeldung beschriebenen Merkmalen für einen Fachmann ohne weiteres erkennbar sind.It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustration only and that various modifications and changes to the examples and embodiments as well as combinations of features otherwise described in this application will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (14)
- A cartridge (900) that can be inserted into a medicament dispenser (1) for solid medicament portions (T) and that is designed with a reservoir for receiving the medicament portions (T), comprising
a tolerance compensation plug (970) that sits with a frictional fit in the reservoir, that is movable in the axial direction, and that serves as a transport safety mechanism for preventing movement of the medicament portions (T) during storage and transport of the cartridge (900), wherein the tolerance compensation plug (970) has at least one locking means (972) for locking onto a profile (975) located on the inside wall of the reservoir of the cartridge (900),
and a tablet rider (960) which is movable in the axial direction in the reservoir and which engages through at least one axial slit in the cartridge (900) and with which a force acting in the axial direction is transferred to the medicament portions (T) in the cartridge, thus serving to hold down a column-shaped arrangement of medicament portions (T),
wherein the tolerance compensation plug (970) is pressed onto the column-shaped arrangement of medicament portions (T) and the tablet rider (960). - The cartridge (900) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the at least one locking means (972) is formed by at least one outwardly acting spring element with locking lugs that locks onto the profile (975).
- The cartridge (900) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge (900) is designed to dispense the medicament portions (T) in the axial direction.
- The cartridge (900) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tablet rider (960) serves to entrain a thrust means (300) located in the medicament dispenser (1).
- A medicament dispenser (1) for solid medicament portions (T), with an exchangeable cartridge (900) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4 contained therein, which medicament dispenser (1) has receiving means for the cartridge (900).
- The medicament dispenser (1) for solid medicament portions (T), with an exchangeable cartridge (900) contained therein, as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the receiving means for the cartridge (900) are in the form of a receiving shaft (150) which extends in the axial direction and is designed for insertion of the cartridge (900), and the reservoir of the cartridge is designed to receive the medicament portions (T) in a column-shaped arrangement.
- The medicament dispenser (1) for solid medicament portions (T), with an exchangeable cartridge (900) contained therein, as claimed in either of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that at least one elastic means (320, 330) is provided in the medicament dispenser (1) and, upon insertion of the cartridge (900) into the medicament dispenser (1), exerts an elastic force on the cartridge (900) in the axial direction counter to a direction in which the cartridge (900) is inserted into the medicament dispenser (1).
- The medicament dispenser (1) for solid medicament portions (T), with an exchangeable cartridge (900) contained therein, as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the at least one elastic means (320, 330) is formed by at least one constant-force spring.
- The medicament dispenser (1) for solid medicament portions (T), with an exchangeable cartridge (900) contained therein, as claimed in one of claims 6 - 8, characterized in that the medicament dispenser (1) has a thrust means (300) which moves along the receiving shaft (150) and which transfers an elastic force to the medicament portions (T) contained in the cartridge (900).
- The medicament dispenser (1) for solid medicament portions (T), with an exchangeable cartridge (900) contained therein, as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the tablet rider (960) serves to entrain the thrust means (300) located in the medicament dispenser (1).
- The medicament dispenser (1) for solid medicament portions (T), with an exchangeable cartridge (900) contained therein, as claimed in one of claims 5 - 10, characterized in that the medicament dispenser (1) and the cartridge (900) are designed to dispense the medicament portions (T) in an axial direction.
- The use of the cartridge (900) as claimed in one of claims 1 - 4, for storage of medicament portions (T).
- The use as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the medicament portions (T) are hormone preparations.
- The use of the medicament dispenser (1) for solid medicament portions (T), with the exchangeable cartridge (900) contained therein, as claimed in one of claims 5 - 11, for storing and dispensing medicament portions (T).
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SI200930642T SI2370327T1 (en) | 2008-11-26 | 2009-11-14 | Cartridge, a pharmaceutical dispenser containing said cartridge and applications of said cartridge and said pharmaceutical dispenser |
PL09760102T PL2370327T3 (en) | 2008-11-26 | 2009-11-14 | Cartridge, a pharmaceutical dispenser containing said cartridge and applications of said cartridge and said pharmaceutical dispenser |
CY20131100593T CY1114135T1 (en) | 2008-11-26 | 2013-07-15 | Cartridge, a Dispensing Drug Containing the Cartridge Logo and Applications of the Cartridge Logo and the Dispenser Cartridge |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102008059673A DE102008059673A1 (en) | 2008-11-26 | 2008-11-26 | Cartridge, a drug dispenser containing the cartridge and uses of the cartridge and the drug dispenser |
PCT/EP2009/008125 WO2010060548A1 (en) | 2008-11-26 | 2009-11-14 | Cartridge, a pharmaceutical dispenser containing said cartridge and applications of said cartridge and said pharmaceutical dispenser |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2370327A1 EP2370327A1 (en) | 2011-10-05 |
EP2370327B1 true EP2370327B1 (en) | 2013-04-24 |
Family
ID=41522386
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20090760102 Not-in-force EP2370327B1 (en) | 2008-11-26 | 2009-11-14 | Cartridge, a pharmaceutical dispenser containing said cartridge and applications of said cartridge and said pharmaceutical dispenser |
Country Status (39)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9248949B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2370327B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5596699B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101570895B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102264610B (en) |
AR (1) | AR074228A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2009319437B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0921365A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2744375C (en) |
CL (2) | CL2011001229A1 (en) |
CO (1) | CO6430451A2 (en) |
CR (1) | CR20110277A (en) |
CU (1) | CU23946B1 (en) |
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-
2008
- 2008-11-26 DE DE102008059673A patent/DE102008059673A1/en not_active Ceased
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2009
- 2009-11-14 EP EP20090760102 patent/EP2370327B1/en not_active Not-in-force
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11744412B2 (en) | 2021-10-07 | 2023-09-05 | Deb Ip Limited | Dispenser system |
US11744413B2 (en) | 2021-10-07 | 2023-09-05 | Deb Ip Limited | Dispenser assembly |
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