JP2021126254A - Tablet packing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To implement a tablet packing machine capable of detecting whether or not a lid of a tablet feeder is appropriately closed and a tablet packing machine easily visually confirming a content in a various tablet adaptive type tablet feeder.SOLUTION: Provision of lid open/close state detection means 29 for detecting an open/close state of a lid 52a of a various tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 in addition to pulled-out state detection means for detecting whether or not a tablet feeder storage part 20 is positioned within a lockable range makes it possible to determine whether or not it can be assumed that a tablet is fed to the appropriate tablet feeder 52 and also whether or not progress to tablet discharge is enabled. In addition, addition a half mirror 52b to a transparent lid 52a makes it possible to easily view a content of the tablet feeder 52 even if the tablet feeder 52 is on an upper stage or lower stage and even if a sight position of a viewer is high or low.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a tablet packaging machine that collects tablets that have been dropped and discharged from a tablet feeder that stores a large number of tablets and sequentially discharges them, and separates and packages them by a packaging device. The present invention relates to a tablet packing machine that can be held in a storage unit and the tablet feeder can be pulled out forward from the chemical storage unit.

The tablet packing machine (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4) basically has a drug storage section containing a large number of tablet feeders and an upper tablet collecting mechanism for guiding and dropping the discharged tablets downward, and below the drug storage section. A controller (control) consisting of a lower tablet collection mechanism that is located and collects and drops falling tablets, a packaging device that is located below it and separates and seals the falling tablets into separate packaging, and a microprocessor system, etc. It is equipped with a device). And many of such tablet packing machines hold a large number of tablet feeders side by side (vertical), left and right (horizontal), front and back (back) in a cubic chemical storage, and they. At least a plurality of tablet feeders in the front and rear can be pulled out together from the chemical storage section to the front.

In addition, many tablet packing machines are also equipped with a tablet hand-spreading device, or even if they are not equipped with a tablet hand-spreading device, they secure holding members and equipment space for the addition of the tablet hand-spreading device.
Since the basic usage of the tablet hand-spreading device is to manually disperse tablets that are not in the chemical storage into a large number of compartments, a large number of compartments to be hand-spread are arranged in front, back, left and right. It is provided with a detachable hand-spreading unit and a sequential discharge mechanism unit in which the bottoms of these compartments are usually opened in chamber units to drop tablets. The equipment position of such a tablet hand-spreading device in the tablet packaging machine is located below the drug storage section (see, for example, FIG. 1 of Patent Document 2, FIG. 2 of Patent Document 3, and FIG. 5 of Patent Document 4). It is a place where it is easy to manually sprinkle the drug, such as a portion near the lower end of the above (see, for example, FIG. 9 of Patent Document 3 and FIG. 12 of Patent Document 4).

The tablet feeder is a tablet cassette (small container part) that sequentially drops tablets when a large number of tablets of one type are put in, stored and held, and is driven to be discharged, and a tablet cassette (small container part) that supports and drives the discharge. It is provided with a base unit (driving unit) for performing.
Of these, most of the tablet cassettes were removable, so-called specific tablet-only types, with an emphasis on not limiting the location of tablet replenishment (tablet cassette 51 in FIG. 9A attached to the present application and Patent Documents 1 to 1). A so-called multi-tablet adaptation type tablet feeder has also been developed with an emphasis on the wide range of common use for tablets of various shapes and sizes and the ease of adjustment work to adapt to individual tablets (see FIG. 9 (b)). ), (C) Tablet cassette 52 and Patent Document 5).

In addition to the cassette detachable type, a so-called cassette fixed type in which the cassette is integrated with the drive unit has also been put into practical use as such a tablet feeder of the various tablet adaptation type (see, for example, paragraph 0054 of Patent Document 5). ).
A typical example of a tablet cassette of such a multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder (see Patent Document 5) is that a swinging member is introduced into a width regulating member for a tablet being rotationally fed, and various types can be obtained by adjusting the width regulation. Since it can be used for tablets of the above, even if the types and shapes of the tablets are different to some extent, it is not necessary to replace the cassette or use the cassette properly, so the sharing rate is high.

However, it is difficult to increase the tablet capacity of such a multi-tablet compatible type tablet cassette because it also has a tablet alignment mechanism and a width regulation mechanism, and it can be attached to and detached from the drive unit by a horizontal slide. In order to do so, further sacrifice will be made regarding the capacity of tablets. Therefore, it is often used by being fixedly incorporated in a part of the chemical storage part.
Such a multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder has been attempted by first replacing a small number such as one or two of a large number of specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeders already installed (for example, FIG. 5 of Patent Document 5). 6 (c)).

If such a multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder is highly evaluated as being able to fill the gap between the function of the specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder and the function of the tablet hand-spreading device, the number of installations will be increased and the cassette will be attached and detached. The cassette fixed type, which has a larger capacity than the type, has come to be preferred, and in order to facilitate the work such as tablet replenishment, a plurality of various tablet adaptive type tablet feeders are arranged in a row on a long shelf in the front and back to form a unit. At the same time, an attempt was made to configure the unit (tablet feeder row shelf) so that it could be pulled out from the chemical storage section.

When a plurality of units are equipped in the chemical storage section so that they can be pulled out forward, a locking means may be provided to prevent forward movement due to excessive pulling out and to prevent a mistake in selecting a pulling target.
As an example, the drawer of the tablet feeder row shelf may be locked or released by a solenoid, or manually released, and the locked state may be detected by a sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, there are those in which the drawer of the tablet feeder hangar is locked by a machine and those in which the drawer is locked in combination with electronic control (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

Specifically, when one is pulled out, the other objects are locked, when all are pushed in, the lock is released, and when one of the adjacent objects that are paired is pulled out, the adjacent objects that are pulled out are not paired. The drawer of the thing is locked.
Further, although it relates to the withdrawal of the information processing device rather than the withdrawal of the tablet feeder, there is also a case where the tablet feeder is locked when pushed in and released when the pulling portion is touched (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-237702 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-288576 JP 2013-078525 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-0856666 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-023969

However, since the tablet feeding destination is not the tablet feeder row shelf itself, but one of several tablet feeders lined up on the tablet feeder row shelf, it is possible to accurately prevent tablet feeding mistakes. In order to do so, it is required to add a guide function for the tablet feeder and an exclusion function other than the tablet feeder not only for the tablet feeder row shelves but also for the tablet feeder. The guidance function of the tablet loading destination can be embodied by lighting the LED attached to each unit, and the charging exclusion function other than the tablet loading destination can be embodied by an alarm for an operation other than the tablet loading destination.

In this way, it can be logically said that the guide function of the charging destination and the charging exclusion function other than the tablet charging destination can be embodied in the same manner regardless of whether the addition destination is the tablet feeder row shelf or the tablet feeder.
However, physically, the tablet feeder row shelves are large, whereas the tablet feeders are small, and mechanically, the tablet feeders are lined up on the tablet feeder row shelves, and the tablet feeders are placed in the chemical storage section. There is a subordinate relationship that the tablet feeder is also taken in and out of the drug storage section following it when it is taken in and out of.

The loading / unloading function of the tablet feeder other than the tablet loading destination is not related to the withdrawal operation from the drug storage section, and especially in the case of a multi-tablet applicable type tablet feeder, the lid that closes the large tablet loading port on the upper surface is opened and closed. It will be related to the means to do so.
In this case, if the lid is open enough to insert tablets, not only is it easy to see, but also mechanical interference occurs when trying to push the tablet feeder row shelves into the chemical storage, so undesired pushing operations are certain. Is avoided. Further, after the tablet is put in, if the lid of the tablet feeder is closed, the corresponding tablet feeder row shelf can be smoothly pushed into the chemical storage section.

However, the height of the tablet feeder with the lid closed is slightly lower than the maximum height of the feeder row shelves to avoid interference, so even if the lid is not completely closed, it is closed to some extent. Then, mechanically, the corresponding tablet feeder and the tablet feeder row shelf can be smoothly pushed into the chemical storage section.
However, if the lid is not completely closed, the opening of the lid may be expanded due to the vibration of the tablet feeder or the contact of the tablet inside the tablet feeder, or the tablet waste or even the tablet itself may be the tablet feeder. It is assumed that there will be problems such as spilling out from.

Therefore, even if the tablet feeder rowing shelves in which various tablet compatible type tablet feeders are lined up are pulled out from the drug storage section and the tablet feeder lid is opened, the tablet feeder lid is properly closed when returning to the drug storage section. It is required to realize a packaging machine.
Specifically, the first technical issue is to realize a tablet packing machine capable of detecting whether or not the lid of the tablet feeder is properly closed.
In addition, if the multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder that opens and closes with the lid is fixed to the tablet feeder row shelf, it becomes difficult to visually check the inside of the tablet feeder, so even if the tablet feeder is a multi-tablet compatible type, the contents can be easily visually confirmed. Realizing a packaging machine is a second technical issue.

The tablet packing machine of the present invention (Solution 1) was devised to solve such a problem.
A drug storage section that houses a large number of tablet feeders and an upper tablet collection mechanism that guides the discharged tablets downward and drops them, and a lower tablet collection that is arranged below the drug storage and collects the falling tablets and provides them for packaging. In a tablet packing machine equipped with a mechanism,
A tablet feeder storage unit that holds some of the tablet feeders and is provided corresponding to each tablet feeder and has a lid that can open and close the upper surface of the corresponding tablet feeder, and the tablet feeder storage unit are described above. A drawer mechanism that supports the tablet feeder so that it can be pulled out forward from the chemical storage portion, a drawer lock mechanism that can prevent the tablet feeder storage portion from being pulled out forward, and the tablet feeder storage portion are located within the lockable range of the drawer lock mechanism. It is characterized by including a drawer state detecting means for detecting whether or not the tablet is open, and a lid open / closed state detecting means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid.
The lid may be directly mounted on the tablet feeder storage portion, or may be mounted on the tablet feeder storage portion in an indirect manner via the tablet feeder.

Further, the tablet packing machine of the present invention (solution 2) is the tablet packing machine of the solution 1, and the drawer lock mechanism is provided at the front end portion of the tablet feeder storage portion and the front end portion of the chemical storage portion. It is characterized by being attached.

Further, the tablet packing machine of the present invention (solution 3) is the tablet packing machine of the solution 2, wherein an electric portion of the drawer lock mechanism is attached to the chemical storage portion, and the drawer lock mechanism of the drawer lock mechanism is provided. Among them, the manual part is attached to the tablet feeder storage part, and the drawer lock mechanism is unlocked by the operation of the electric part and the operation of the manual part. And.

Further, the tablet packing machine of the present invention (Solution 4) is the tablet packing machine of the above-mentioned solutions 1 to 3, and whether or not the lid open / closed state detecting means is opened to the extent that the lid can insert tablets. It is characterized in that it detects whether or not the lid is closed to the extent that it can prevent the tablet from spilling.

Further, the tablet packing machine of the present invention (Solution 5) is the tablet packing machine of the above-mentioned solutions 1 to 4, and the lid is made of a transparent member, and the lid is provided with a translucent mirror. It is characterized by.

Further, the tablet packing machine of the present invention (Solution 6) is arranged in a drug storage section containing a large number of tablet feeders and an upper tablet collecting mechanism for guiding and dropping the discharged tablets downward, and below the drug storage section. In a tablet packaging machine equipped with a lower tablet collecting mechanism that collects falling tablets and supplies them for packaging, some of the tablet feeders are held and attached corresponding to each tablet feeder. A tablet feeder storage unit having a lid that can open and close the upper surface of the tablet feeder and a drawer mechanism that supports the tablet feeder storage unit so that it can be pulled out forward from the chemical storage unit are provided, and the lid is transparent. It is made of a member and is characterized in that a semitransparent mirror is attached to the lid.
The lid may be directly mounted on the tablet feeder storage portion, or may be mounted on the tablet feeder storage portion in an indirect manner via the tablet feeder.

Further, the tablet packing machine of the present invention (Solution 7) is the tablet packing machine of the above-mentioned solutions 5 and 6, and is provided with a lighting guide member that transmits light through the lid from the outside to the inside at the time of lighting. It is characterized by being.

Further, the tablet packing machine of the present invention (solution 8) is the tablet packing machine of the solution 7, and a light scattering portion is provided at a light transmitting penetrating portion of the lighting guide member in the lid. It is characterized by that.

Further, the tablet packing machine of the present invention (solution 9) is the tablet packing machine of the solutions 7 and 8, and the translucent mirror of the lid when closed serves as a light transmission destination of the lighting guide member. It is characterized by being.

Further, the tablet packing machine of the present invention (solution 10) is the tablet packing machine of the above-mentioned solutions 1 to 9, and the operation console for inputting instructions is externally attached to the chemical storage portion in a state where the position can be easily changed. It is characterized by being.

In such a tablet packing machine of the present invention (solution 1), in addition to the fact that the tablet feeder storage portion is pulled out, it is also detected that the tablet feeder lid is opened, so that an appropriate tablet feeder is appropriate. It is possible to determine whether or not the situation is such that it can be assumed that the tablet has been put into the tablet.
In addition to the fact that the tablet feeder storage unit is pushed back to the chemical storage unit, it is also detected that the tablet feeder lid is closed. It is also possible to determine whether or not.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a tablet packing machine capable of detecting whether or not the tablet feeder lid is properly closed when the tablet feeder storage portion is locked, and the first technical problem is solved. Will be done.

Further, in the tablet packing machine of the present invention (Solution 2), the drawer lock mechanism can be used for both the mounting portion to the tablet feeder storage portion and the mounting portion to the chemical storage portion in the housing. Since it is arranged at the front end, which is a part where it is easy to hang, maintenance work such as repair or replacement required in case of damage can be easily performed.

Further, in the tablet packing machine of the present invention (Solution 3), since the electric part of the drawer lock mechanism is concentrated in the chemical storage part, it is easy to route the electric wire.
Moreover, by making the drawer lock mechanism unlocked not only by the operation of the electric part but also by the operation of the manual part, it is easy to perform inspections and maintenance work by cutting off the power supply for safety etc. It is something that can be done.

Further, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (Solution 4), not only whether or not the lid is sufficiently opened but also whether or not the lid is sufficiently closed can be detected. It is also possible to accurately determine the odd open state and closed state. That is, in addition to the fact that the tablet feeder storage part is pulled out, it is also detected that the tablet feeder lid is not only opened but also sufficiently opened. Therefore, it can be assumed that the tablet has been put into an appropriate tablet feeder. It is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not it is. Further, in addition to the fact that the tablet feeder storage unit is pushed back to the chemical storage unit, it is also detected whether the tablet feeder lid is not only closed to some extent but also completely closed. It is also possible to accurately determine whether or not the situation is such that the tablet feeder is locked and the tablet feeder is discharged.

Further, in the tablet packing machine of the present invention (solutions 5 and 6), the lid of the tablet feeder is made transparent and a semi-transparent mirror (half mirror) is attached to make the lid simply transparent. Then, it is good to look down from the top, but it is difficult to see when looking up from the bottom. The contents of the tablet feeder can be visually observed by raising or lowering the line-of-sight position of the viewer, regardless of whether it is in the lower row.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a tablet packing machine in which the contents can be easily visually confirmed even if the tablet feeder is a multi-tablet applicable type, and the second technical problem is solved.

Further, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (Solution 7), a lighting guide member is provided so that light penetrates the lid of the tablet feeder from the outside to the inside when it is lit. When the corresponding lighting guide member is turned on when guiding the tablet feeder of the tablet insertion destination to the operator, the light is scattered to some extent when it passes through the lid or hits the inner surface of the lid. Therefore, since the lid becomes brighter or colored as a whole, even if the lid is made of a transparent member, it is not dazzling and easy to see. In addition, even if the lighting guide member is in a place where it is difficult to see directly, such as the lid of the tablet feeder or the back of the main body, the presence or absence of lighting can be easily and accurately visually recognized, so that restrictions on the arrangement of the members are relaxed. Further benefits can also be enjoyed.

Further, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (Solution 8), the light scattering function is enhanced by providing the light scattering portion, so that the visibility is improved.

Further, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (Solution 9), the light transmission of the lighting guide member is directed toward the translucent mirror, so that the translucent mirror also exhibits a light scattering function. It is possible to easily improve the visibility.

Further, in the tablet packing machine of the present invention (Solution 10), when the operation table for inputting instructions is attached to the chemical storage part, the operation table is made easy to change the position by an arm or the like. It is possible to easily perform operations such as inputting instructions related to tablet replenishment work, etc., which is performed by pulling out the tablet feeder from the chemical storage section.

Regarding Example 1 of the present invention, the structure of the tablet packing machine is shown, (a) is a front view of the appearance, and (b) is a front view of the inside. (A) to (d) are both left side views of the tablet packing machine, and (e) is a perspective view of the front surface of the chemical storage section. (A) to (c) are all perspective views of the tablet feeder storage portion. (A) is a perspective view of a multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder with an open lid, and (b) is a side view of a tablet feeder with a closed lid and a tablet feeder row shelf. (A) and (b) are left side views of the tablet packing machine, and (c) to (e) are perspective views of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism. The main part of the drawer lock mechanism is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view, and (c) and (d) are front views. FIG. 2 is a side view of a multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder with a lid closed and a tablet feeder row shelf for Example 2 of the present invention. About Example 3 of this invention, it is a side view of the multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder and the tablet feeder rowing shelf with the lid closed. Different types of tablet cassettes are shown, (a) is a left side view, a front view and a right side view of a tablet feeder cassette for a specific tablet, and (b) is a left side view of a small multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder. The figure, the front view and the right side view, (c) is the left side view of the large-sized multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder.

A specific embodiment for carrying out such a tablet packing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to Examples 1 to 3 below.
The first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 embodies the above-mentioned solutions 1 to 7 and 10 (claims 1 to 7 and 10 at the time of filing), and the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is , The above-mentioned solution 8 (claim 8 at the time of filing) is embodied, and the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8 embodies the above-mentioned solution 9 (claim 9 at the time of filing). Is.
For the sake of simplicity, the illustrations include fasteners such as bolts, connectors such as hinges, transmission members such as timing belts, electric circuits such as motor drivers, and electronic circuits such as controllers. It is omitted, and the ones necessary for the explanation of the invention and the related ones are mainly shown.

The specific configuration of Example 1 of the tablet packaging machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B show the entire tablet packing machine 10, where FIG. 1A is a front view of the exterior and FIG. 1B is a front view of the inside. 2 (a) to 2 (d) are left side views of the tablet packing machine 10, and FIG. 2 (e) is a perspective view of the front surface of the chemical storage section 13.

Further, FIGS. 3A to 3C are perspective views of the tablet feeder storage unit 20. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the multi-tablet adaptable type tablet feeder 52 with the lid 52a open, and FIG. 4B shows the multi-tablet adaptable type tablet feeder 52 and the tablet feeder rowing shelf 23 with the lid 52a closed. It is a side view of. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are left side views of the tablet packing machine 10, and FIGS. 5 (c) to 5 (e) are perspective views of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30. 6A and 6B show a main part of the drawer lock mechanism 40, where FIG. 6A is a front view, FIG. 6B is a plan view, and FIGS. 6C and 6D are front views.

Further, FIGS. 9 and 9 show different types of tablet cassettes, in which (a) is a left side view, a front view and a right side view relating to the cassette of the tablet feeder 51 for a specific tablet, and (b) is suitable for various small tablets. The left side view, the front view and the right side view of the type tablet feeder 52, and (c) is the left side view of the large-sized multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52. The tablet feeder storage unit 20 of FIG. 9 (b) has the same installation surface as the specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder 51 of FIG. 9 (a) and can replace the specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder 51. The multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 of c) can replace two specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeders 51, and both can be installed on the tablet feeder rowing shelf 18 of the tablet feeder storage 14. Since it is installed in the tablet feeder storage unit 20, the size is suitable for it.

The tablet packing machine 10 (see FIG. 1A) has a lower packaging device 11, a tablet hand-spreading device equipment section 12 above the tablet packing device 11, a chemical storage section 13 above the tablet hand-spreading device, and an arm-shaped support section 15a. A touch panel 15 (operation console) that is easily supported by the user and a control device (not shown) housed inside the housing are provided. The storage unit 20 and the storage unit 20 are incorporated in a state where they can be pulled out forward.
The tablet feeder hangar 14 is shown in two horizontal rows arranged side by side, but may be three or more horizontal rows or a single row, and each row is further divided into upper and lower rows so that each can be pulled forward arbitrarily. It may be.

The touch panel 15 (operation console) is an operation unit for instruction input having a display screen (see FIG. 1A), and an arm-shaped support portion 15a that easily changes its position and posture is (FIG. 1). 1 (a)), one end is connected to the rear back of the touch panel 15, and the other end is connected to the top of the chemical storage 13 (more specifically, a part of the upper surface of the top plate of the housing). The touch panel 15 is held above the tablet feeder storage unit 20 at a position slightly in front of or to the side of the tablet feeder storage unit 20. The support portion 15a is mainly formed by alternately connecting several rod-shaped link members and joint members to form an arm shape, and a universal joint (universal joint) or the like is adopted for the joint members, so that the support portion 15a is a support portion. Within the range where the 15a can be expanded and contracted and bent, the position and posture of the touch panel 15 can be changed by lightly pushing and pulling the touch panel 15 with a hand, and the position and posture of the touch panel 15 can be maintained by releasing the hand from the touch panel 15. It has become so.

The tablet feeder storage unit 20 is shown in which three are arranged in three vertical stages and one horizontal row, but other arrangements may be used as long as the tablet feeder storage unit 20 includes an arrangement of two or more vertical stages. In the configuration example of three vertical stages as shown in the figure, regarding the mutual relationship between the tablet feeder storage unit 20 in the uppermost stage and the tablet feeder storage unit 20 in the middle stage, the one in the uppermost stage 20 corresponds to the upper tablet feeder storage unit, and the tablet feeder storage unit 20 in the uppermost stage corresponds to the upper tablet feeder storage unit. The middle one 20 corresponds to the lower feeder storage part. Regarding the mutual relationship between the tablet feeder storage unit 20 in the middle stage and the tablet feeder storage unit 20 in the lowermost stage, the one in the middle stage 20 corresponds to the upper tablet feeder storage unit, and the one in the lowermost stage 20 corresponds to the lower stage feeder storage unit. Corresponds to. Further, the drawer mechanisms 22, 22, and 22 that support the corresponding tablet feeder storage portions 20 also have a relative upper-lower relationship.

Inside the tablet packing machine 10, below the drug storage section 13 (see FIG. 1B), the tablets that have fallen apart from the drug storage section 13 are received and collected, and then the lower packaging device is used. A large funnel-shaped lower tablet collecting mechanism 16 that feeds into 11 and a small lower tablet collecting mechanism 16a that receives tablets sequentially sent from a tablet hand-spreading device (not shown) of the tablet hand-spreading device equipment 12 and also feeds them to the packaging device 11. , The packaging device 11 is equipped with a packaging device 11 that feeds the double-folded packaging paper in the longitudinal direction and divides the tablets into predetermined widths while inserting and packaging the dropped tablets from the lower tablet collecting mechanisms 16 and 16a.

Inside the tablet feeder hangar 14 in the drug storage unit 13 that occupies the upper part of the tablet packing machine 10 (see FIG. 1B), a plurality of specific tablet-specific type tablet feeders 51 can be arranged side by side in a row. The shelves 18 are installed in a state of being arranged in 6 upper and lower rows and 2 rows on the left and right, and an upper tablet collecting mechanism 17 is equipped so as to vertically penetrate between the 2 rows on the left and right. Then, the tablets discharged from the specific tablet-dedicated type tablet feeder 51 are guided to the lower lower tablet collecting mechanism 16 by the upper tablet collecting mechanism 17.

Further (see FIG. 1B), the tablet feeder storage portions 20, 20, 20 occupying a corner of the chemical storage portion 13 are inside the arrangement portions of the tablet feeder storage portions 20, 20, 20 before being described later. A multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 is also equipped in a state of being hidden behind the plates 25, 25, 25. The handle 33 mounted on the front surface of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 is also hidden behind the front plate 25.
The multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 guides the feeder discharge tablet to the lower lower tablet collecting mechanism 16 in the same manner as the upper tablet collecting mechanism 17, but the specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder 51 of the tablet feeder row shelf 18 Instead of the discharge tablet, the discharge tablet of the multi-purpose tablet adaptation type tablet feeder 52 of the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is accepted. Moreover, the tablet feeder storage unit 20 for receiving the tablet is not only one, but a plurality of tablets 20, 20, 20 which are connected one above the other.

The illustrated tablet feeder storage unit 20 (see FIG. 2) is provided with a handle 21 on the front surface (see FIG. 2A) and is supported by a drawer mechanism 22 (see FIG. 2B). From the one to the lower one, it can be individually pulled out forward or pushed backward (see FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (d)). Further, on the front plate 25 at the front end of the tablet feeder storage unit 20 (see FIGS. 2 (e) and 3 (a)), in addition to the handle 21, the rocking plate body 24, the manual lock 43, and an LED display (not shown) are shown. Etc. are also attached. Further (see FIGS. 2 (d), (e), and 3), a plurality of (four in the figure) multi-purpose tablet adaptable type tablet feeder 52 are placed in front of and behind the tablet feeder row shelf 23 supported by the withdrawal mechanism 22. It can be mounted side by side in a row.

The multi-tablet applicable type tablet feeder 52 may be a cassette detachable type like the specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder 51, but unlike the specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder 51 in which the filling tablet is hardly changed, as described above. By making simple adjustments, specifically, for example, by replacing sample tablets, tablets of various shapes and sizes can be used properly (see also Patent Document 5), so during tablet replenishment work. From the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of mistakes such as tablet misplacement as much as possible, a cassette fixing type that is normally fixed apart from maintenance work is adopted (see also paragraph 0054 of Patent Document 5).

Further, the multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 (see FIG. 4) has an openable lid 52a connected to the upper portion of the rear end (right end in FIG. 4) of the container portion 52c via a hinge-shaped member, and a lid thereof. A half mirror 52b (semi-transparent mirror) attached to the center of the inner surface of the 52a is also equipped. Then, when the front end portion of the lid 52a is pushed up with a finger or the like, the lid 52a swings backward and upward (upper right in FIG. 4), and the upper surface (particularly the tablet loading port) of the container portion 52c is opened until the tablet can be loaded (in particular, the tablet loading port). (See FIG. 4A), when the front end portion of the lid 52a is pulled down with a finger or the like, the lid 52a swings forward and downward (lower left in FIG. 4) to be in a horizontal state, and the upper surface of the container portion 52c is closed. (See FIG. 4 (b)).

The outer box member of the container portion 52c is opaque, but the lid 52a is transparent, so that the tablet storage state in the container portion 52c can be visually recognized from the outside even when the lid 52a is closed. Moreover, at that time, if the light transmission of the half mirror 52b is used, it can be visually recognized from above, and if the reflected light of the half mirror 52b is used, it can be visually recognized from below.
Further (see FIGS. 3A and 4B), the tablet feeder storage unit 20 includes a lighting guide member 26 and a lid open / closed state detecting means 29 for each of the various tablet adaptable type tablet feeders 52 mounted therein. Is attached.

The lighting guide member 26 (see FIG. 4B) is composed of, for example, an LED display, and is mounted on a back plate portion of the tablet feeder row shelf 23 that stands up at the rear. One lighting guide member 26 is provided for each of the various tablet adaptive type tablet feeders 52 (see FIG. 3A), and each lighting guide member 26 is lit according to the control of the control device. , The tablet feeder 52 to which the tablet is to be charged is notified to the tablet feeder. The light transmission destination of the lighting guide member 26 is the back plate portion of the lid 52a of the corresponding tablet feeder 52 (see FIG. 4B), and the light is diffused when passing through the back plate portion (FIG. 4). (Refer to the alternate long and short dash line with an arrow in (b)), the inner surface of the lid 52a is widely illuminated so that the lid 52a appears to shine as a whole (right in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (c)). See second tablet feeder 52).

The lid open / closed state detecting means 29 (see FIG. 3A) is mainly composed of, for example, a magnetic sensor, and is attached to the back plate portion of the tablet feeder rowing shelf 23 in the same manner as the lighting guide member 26. It is located behind the multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 and detects the open / closed state of the corresponding lid 52a, but it only detects whether the lid 52a is sufficiently open to the tablet loading state. Instead, it is also detected whether or not the lid 52a is sufficiently closed to a state where the tablet can be prevented from spilling.
The detection can be embodied by a plurality of magnetic sensors having different sensitivity levels, and can also be embodied by comparing the output value of a single magnetic sensor with a plurality of threshold values having different levels.

The detection result of such a lid open / closed state detecting means 29 is transmitted to the control device. Then, in response to this, the control device that controls the tablet loading management, etc., ranges from the state in which the corresponding lid 52a is sufficiently closed (see FIG. 3A) to the tablet loading ready state (see FIG. 3B). When it is known that the tablet has been opened based on the detection value of the lid open / closed state detecting means 29, it is determined that the tablet feeding has started for the corresponding multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52.
Further, it is found that the control device is sufficiently closed from that state to the point where the lid 52a can prevent the tablet from spilling, based on the detection of the lid open / closed state detecting means 29 (FIGS. 3 (b) to 3 (FIG. 3)). (Refer to the change to a)), it is determined that the tablet feeding to the corresponding multi-tablet adaptation type tablet feeder 52 is completed.

Further, when the control device finds that the open / closed state of the lid 52a remains in the intermediate state for a predetermined time or more based on the detection of the lid open / closed state detecting means 29, the control device determines that the lid 52a is not properly opened / closed. After making a judgment, the lighting guide member 26 corresponding to the corresponding multi-tablet applicable type tablet feeder 52 is turned on for explicit purposes (see the second from the right in FIG. 3C), and the touch panel 15 or a buzzer (not shown) is used. It is also designed to issue an alarm.
Further, the control device selects only one multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 at a time as the tablet feeding destination, and the lighting guide member 26 corresponding to the selected tablet feeder 52 is selected as the tablet feeding destination. It is designed to be lit for clarity (see Fig. 3 (a) second from the right). The lighting state for guidance in the normal state (see FIG. 3A) and the lighting state for the alarm at the time of the above-mentioned error (see FIG. 3C) are different in color, presence / absence of blinking, and the like.

The lower end of the swing plate body 24 is connected to the lower end of the front surface of the front plate 25 via a swing support shaft (see FIGS. 2 (d), (e), and 3), and a fingertip or a fingertip. It can be rocked lightly with. Then, when the free end and the swing end are raised (see FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (c)), the posture becomes vertical and the front plate 25 is attached to the front plate 25. On the other hand, when the free end and the swinging end are lowered (see FIGS. 2 (d), (e), and 3), the posture becomes sideways and becomes like a small table, such as a tablet bottle. Small items such as dispensing instructions can be placed on it.

The multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 (see FIG. 5) is arranged immediately beside the three-stage tablet feeder storage portions 20, 20, 20 and guides the tablets discharged from them downward to drop them. As mentioned above, this is also supported by the multi-stage extraction mechanism 37 inside the chemical storage portion 13 (see FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b)) so that the chemical storage portion 13 can be pulled forward. (See FIG. 5 (b)). Further, the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 has a length in the front-rear direction shorter than that of the tablet feeder storage portion 20, and is always at the left end of the front plates 25, 25, 25 of the tablet feeder storage portions 20, 20, 20 on the right side. It is located rearward (see FIGS. 1, 5 (a) and 5 (b)).

The front plates 25, 25, and 25 whose left end protrudes forward of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 in this way prevent the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 from being pulled out forward from the tablet feeder storage unit 20. It serves as a relative withdrawal position regulating means, and also serves as a member for restricting the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 from being pulled forward from the chemical storage section 13.
Further, the tablet feeder storage unit 20 provided with such a front plate 25 is provided only on the right side of the left and right of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 (see FIG. 1B), and the multi-stage tablet feeder storage unit 20 is provided. Since there is no regulating member such as the front plate 25 on the left side of the tablet collecting mechanism 30, when the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 is pulled forward from the chemical storage section 13 (see FIG. 5B), the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 is collected. The left side of the mechanism 30 is released.

Further, the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 (see FIGS. 5C to 5E) is far from the tablet feeder storage portions 20, 20, 20 of the shallow box-shaped main body 31 and both side surfaces of the main body 31. It is mainly composed of a removable side plate 35 which is arranged on the left open side surface corresponding to the side and closes the corresponding side surface at the time of mounting. The right side plate of the main body 31 is provided with openings 32, 32, 32 for receiving tablets discharged from the tablet feeder storages 20, 20 and 20, and a handle 33 is provided at the front end of the main body 31. A side plate holding member 34 that receives the lower end of the side plate 35 from below is provided at a position of the lower end of the main body 31 located below the open side surface.

For example, a small lever-operated hooking member 36 is mounted on the upper part of the side plate 35. When the portion 31 is hooked, the open side surface of the main body portion 31 is closed (see FIG. 5C). Further, when all the hooking members 36, 36 are removed, the upper part of the side plate 35 is separated from the open side surface of the main body 31 (see FIG. 5D), but the side plate holding member 34 is composed of, for example, a hooking member, and the side plate 35 Since the lower end portion is received with a little play, the side plate 35 is held in a slightly tilted state. Further, when the side plate 35 is lifted by putting hands on the left and right ends of the side plate 35, for example, the side plate 35 is completely separated from the main body 31 so that the inside of the main body 31 is largely exposed (FIG. FIG. 5 (e)).

As described above, the manual lock 43 is provided on the front plate 25 of the tablet feeder storage unit 20 (see FIGS. 2 (e) and 3 (a)), but the drawer lock mechanism 40 including the manual lock 43 is provided. (See FIG. 6) is attached to the front end of the tablet feeder storage portion 20 and the front end of the chemical storage portion 13. Specifically, the drawer lock mechanism 40 includes a swing member 44 mounted on the tablet feeder storage section 20 together with the manual lock 43, an electromagnetic drive section 41 mounted on the frame portion of the chemical storage section 13, and electromagnetic waves. It is provided with an advancing / retreating member 42 capable of advancing / retreating from the driving unit 41 toward the rocking member 44. The advancing / retreating member 42 is always urged to the forward side (left side) by a spring or the like (not shown) and protrudes from the frame portion of the chemical storage portion 13 toward the tablet feeder storage portion 20, and the tip portion thereof is a swinging member. When it comes to the front of 44 (see FIG. 6A), the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is in a locked state in which it cannot be pulled out from the chemical storage unit 13 forward.

Moreover (see FIG. 6B), a slope is formed at the tip of the advancing / retreating member 42, and when the swinging member 44 comes into contact with the slope, the advancing / retreating member 42 retracts toward the electromagnetic drive unit 41 due to the component force (see FIG. 6B). Since it moves to the right in the figure), when the pulled out tablet feeder storage portion 20 is pushed into the chemical storage portion 13, the swing member 44 temporarily retracts the advance / retreat member 42 and moves backward (FIG. 6 (b)). The drawer of the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is normally locked, whereas the tablet feeder storage unit 20 can be pushed in at any time.
Further, although complicated illustrations are omitted because they can be configured by a magnetic sensor or the like, the drawer state detecting means for detecting whether or not the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is located within the lockable range of the drawer lock mechanism 40 are also provided. It is provided corresponding to the tablet feeder storage unit 20 of the above.

Further (see FIG. 6C), even when the electromagnetic drive unit 41 is excited by the control of the control device, the advancing / retreating member 42 retracts to the electromagnetic drive unit 41 side due to an electromagnetic force exceeding the spring force (see FIG. 6C). Since it moves to the right in the figure), the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is in a state where it can be pulled out as well as pushed in. That is, electric unlocking is possible.
Moreover (see FIG. 6D), when the key 45 is inserted into the manual lock 43 and turned to the unlocking side, the swing member 44 also rotates accordingly, and the swing member 44 engages with the advance / retreat member 42. Manual unlocking is also possible because the posture and state will not be met.

Further, the control device corresponds to the state in which the lid open / closed state detecting means 29 does not detect that the lid 52a is sufficiently closed to the extent that the tablet can be prevented from spilling (see FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (c)). Even when it is detected by the above-mentioned drawer state detecting means that the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is located within the lockable range of the drawer lock mechanism 40, an alarm is issued. Moreover, this alarm is made clearer than the above-mentioned alarm relating to the halfway lid opening / closing state so that the operator can be surely noticed.

The usage mode and operation of the tablet packing machine 10 of Example 1 will be described.

Tablet replenishment to the specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder 51 mounted on the tablet feeder row shelf 18 is performed by pulling out the tablet feeder storage 14 and then attaching and detaching the tablet cassette, and the tablet dropping route of the upper tablet collecting mechanism 17. Cleaning is also performed by pulling out the tablet feeder storage 14, and tablet replenishment to the hand-spreading device of the tablet hand-spreading device equipment 12 is performed by hand-spreading to the pull-out type mounting unit or the removable pre-spreading unit. That is, the tablets to be dispensed are packaged by the cooperative operation of these, the lower tablet collecting mechanisms 16, 16a, and the packaging device 11 under the control device, as in the conventional case (for example, Patent Documents 2 to 4). (See), the operation and the like related to the tablet feeder storage unit 20 and the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 will be described in detail below.

When the tablet feeder storage 14 and the tablet feeder storage unit 20 are housed in the housing of the tablet packaging machine 10 and put into a waiting state (see FIGS. 1 and 2A), in the tablet packaging machine 10, the tablet feeder storage 14 is placed. The tablet feeder storage unit 20 is stopped in the housing by the lock mechanism (see, for example, FIG. 5 of Patent Document 4), and the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is stopped in the housing by the corresponding drawer lock mechanism 40 (see FIG. 6 (a)). The collection mechanism 30 is stopped in the housing by the front plate 25 of the tablet feeder storage unit 20 (see FIG. 1).

Then, when the dispensing instruction data is set in the control device of the tablet packing machine 10 by the operation of the touch panel 15 or the processing of the higher-level dispensing management system, the content of the dispensing instruction is displayed on the touch panel 15 by the control device.
Since the touch panel 15 is externally attached to the housing chemical storage unit 13 in a state where the position and posture can be easily changed, a repeated explanation will be omitted thereafter, but the touch panel 15 is manually moved to a place where it is easy to see and operate, or the direction is changed. It is good to proceed with the work.

Further, when the dispensing target contains tablets that are not contained in either the specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder 51 of the tablet feeder storage 14 or the multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 of the tablet feeder storage unit 20, the data of the control device. By the management process, first, as for the multi-tablet adaptation type tablet feeder 52, an empty one, that is, a tablet to which a tablet has not been assigned or a tablet whose discharge has been confirmed for all tablets is searched for. If an empty tablet feeder 52 is found by the control device, the tablet feeder 52 is selected as the allocation target. When an empty tablet feeder 52 is not found, an allocation process is performed for the hand-spreading device.

When a tablet to be dispensed is assigned to the various tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 of the tablet feeder storage unit 20, a list of target tablets is displayed on the touch panel 15, so that the operator looks at it to prepare the target tablet and prepares the target tablet. If there are multiple types, replenish one type at a time in an appropriate order. In the replenishment work, first, the control device is made to acquire identification information such as a barcode attached to a tablet container or the like.
Then, the lighting guide member 26 (LED indicator) related to the tablet feeder 52 selected as the allocation destination is turned on by the control of the control device (the second tablet feeder 52 from the right and the lighting guide in FIG. 3A). See member 26).

Further, by the control of the control device, the LED display on the front surface of the tablet feeder storage unit 20 on which the tablet feeder 26 is mounted is also turned on (not shown), and the drawer lock mechanism related to the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is further lit. 40 is electrically changed from the locked state to the unlocked state (see FIG. 6 (c)).
Therefore (see FIG. 2A), if the operator puts his / her hand on the handle 21 of the tablet feeder storage unit 20 and pulls it toward you according to the lighting guidance, the appropriate tablet feeder storage unit 20 can be pulled out from the chemical storage unit 13. Yes (see FIGS. 2 (b)-(d)).

Then (see FIGS. 2 (d) and 2 (e)), the corresponding tablet also follows the lighting guidance by the lighting guide member 26 on the left side surface of the tablet feeder storage unit 20 pulled out by the operator (see FIG. 3 (a)). Determine the feeder 52 and manually open its lid 52a. At that time, the light emitted from the lighting guide member 26 is scattered inside the lid 52a, and the lid 52a shines or is colored as a whole. Even if the lid 52a of another tablet feeder 52 is accidentally started to be opened, in that case, an alarm is issued by the control device, so that the mistake is immediately known. Only the lid 52a of the appropriate tablet feeder 52 is opened (see FIG. 3B).

Then, when the appropriate lid 52a is opened sufficiently wide, that is, when the tablet is opened to the point where the tablet can be put in, that is detected by the lid open / closed state detecting means 29, and the lighting guide member is controlled by the control device that receives the lid open / closed state detecting means 29. 26 is turned off (see FIG. 3B). Therefore, it becomes less dazzling and the inside of the container portion 52c becomes easier to see.
Further, before and after that, at an appropriate time, the operator swings the foremost rocking plate body 24 toward the side of the pulled out tablet feeder storage unit 20 and other tablet feeder storage units 20 (). (See FIGS. 2 (d), (e), and 3), a tablet bottle, a dispensing instruction sheet, and the like are placed on the rocking plate body 24 (not shown).

Now that the tablet is ready to be charged into the appropriate tablet feeder 52, the operator adds an appropriate amount of the tablet and makes adjustments to adapt the tablet feeder 52 to the input tablet.
Specifically, in the case of the multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52, most adjustments can be completed quickly and accurately by setting the sample tablet at an appropriate position on the tablet feeder 52, but if other adjustment work is also required, Do that too.
Further, when additional information such as detailed information on the tablet is required, the operator may give the necessary information to the control device by operating the touch panel 15 or the like.

After the tablet has been fed into the tablet feeder 52, the operator manually closes the open lid 52a. Then, when the lid 52a is sufficiently closed to the extent that the tablet can be prevented from spilling, this is detected by the lid open / closed state detecting means 29, and the control device that receives the lid advances the control content. When it is desired to reconfirm the tablet storage state of the tablet feeder 52 that has been filled with the tablets and the other tablet feeder 52 that has been pulled out together with the tablet feeder 52 at that time, if the lid 52a is below, the lid is covered. By looking through the 52a and the half mirror 52b and seeing the reflected image of the half mirror 52b through the front surface of the lid 52a if the lid 52a is above, the tablet storage state can be easily checked without opening the lid 52a. You can be sure.
Then, the operator puts away the objects on the rocking plate body 24, erects the rocking plate body 24, and further pushes the tablet feeder storage unit 20 into the chemical storage unit 13 (see FIG. 2A).

Then, the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is locked by the corresponding drawer lock mechanism 40 and stopped in the chemical storage unit 13 (see FIG. 6B).
Normally, this completes the preparation for one type of tablet, but if the lid 52a of the multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 containing the tablet does not close to the point where it can prevent the tablet from spilling for some reason ( (See FIG. 3C)), for example, under a situation where the lid 52a is difficult to close due to the biting of a tablet piece or the like, the lid 52a seems to be closed at first glance, but it is sufficiently closed. In such a case, the content of control of the control device will be different from that in the normal state as described in detail below.

Specifically, under the control of the control device, the lighting guide member 26 corresponding to the corresponding tablet feeder 52 and the LED display on the front surface of the corresponding tablet feeder storage unit 20 are displayed differently from those at the time of loading guidance, for example, blinking. A display that can be identified as an alarm is displayed by a different color or the like (see FIG. 3C), and an alarm message is displayed or an alarm sound is emitted on the touch panel 15. Then, when the operator who notices the defect re-closes the corresponding lid 52a, the corresponding tablet feeder storage unit 20 is locked by the drawer lock mechanism 40 under the control of the control device, and all the alarms and the like are cleared. NS.

Further, when the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is pushed into the chemical storage unit 13 without the operator noticing these alarms, the drawer lock mechanism 40 related to the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is locked by the control of the control device. While being maintained in the released state (see FIG. 6C), a clearer alarm is issued, so that the operator immediately pulls out the corresponding tablet feeder storage unit 20 from the above-mentioned closing of the lid 52a. Redo.
This completes the preparation for one type of tablet, and the operator repeats the same work for other tablets if necessary.

Then, when all the preparations are completed, the automatic dispensing by the control device is started by operating the touch panel 15 or the like.
Then, the tablets to be packaged are automatically discharged in tablet units from both the specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder 51 and the multi-tablet applicable type tablet feeder 52, and are basically packaged from the tablet hand-spreading device (12). The hand-sown tablets are automatically discharged in units, and they are combined by the lower tablet collecting mechanisms 16 and 16a and then packaged by the packaging device 11.

In this way, the packaging process using the multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 is performed, and when this is repeated several times, the inside of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 constituting the tablet guide path can be cleaned. You will need it. When this happens, the operator stops the operation of the tablet packing machine 10, and then first pulls out all the tablet feeder storage units 20, 20, and 20 forward from the chemical storage unit 13 (FIG. 5A). (See), at that time, put the key into the manual lock 43 on the front surface of the tablet feeder storage unit 20 to be pulled out (see FIG. 2 (e)), insert the key and turn it (see FIG. 6 (d)), and turn the tablet feeder storage unit. By manually releasing the lock of 20, the tablet feeder storage unit 20 can be pulled out forward.

When all the tablet feeder storage portions 20, 20, 20 are pulled out (see FIG. 5A), there is nothing to prevent the front pulling out of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30, so that the front surface of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 is removed. A hand is placed on the handle 33 and pulled forward to pull out the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 from the chemical storage section 13 (see FIG. 5 (b)). Then, of the side surfaces of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30, the side surface without the tablet feeder storage portion 20 is largely exposed. Since the side plate 35 is mounted on the exposed side surface (see FIGS. 5 (b) and 5 (c)), the operator performs the subsequent work from the exposed side. Then, when the operator removes the hooking member 36 at the upper part of the side plate 35, the side plate 35 is tilted (see FIG. 5D), but since the lower end portion of the side plate 35 is loosely held by the side plate holding member 34, the side plate 35 is loosely held. 35 maintains a slightly tilted state.

Since the side plate 35 in that state can be easily removed from the main body 31 by being lifted by the worker, the worker can easily clean the side plate 35 at a place different from the main body 31.
Further, since the inside of the main body 31 from which the side plate 35 is removed is largely exposed (see FIG. 5E), the operator can easily clean the main body 31 in a face-to-face state.
In this way, the tablet dropping path of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism 30 is easily cleaned. Then, although the complicated explanation that is repeated after cleaning is omitted, the subsequent automatic tablet packaging can be appropriately performed by performing the operation in the reverse order of the above.

The tablet packing machine 10 of the present invention, which shows the side surface of the multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 in FIG. 7, differs from that of Example 1 described above in that a light scattering portion 52d is added to the tablet feeder 52. Is.

The light scattering portion 52d is embodied by additional processing such as roughening the surface roughness or adding a member such as attaching a coarse transparent light diffusing plate, and is provided at the corresponding portion of the lid 52a of the tablet feeder 52. The corresponding portion is a portion where the light transmission of the lighting guide member 26 clearly penetrates when the lid 52a is closed.
When such a light scattering unit 52d exists in the light transmitting path of the lighting guide member 26, the degree of diffusion increases when the light sent from the lighting guide member 26 to the lid 52a passes through the light scattering unit 52d. Therefore (see the two-dot chain line with an arrow in FIG. 7), the overall spread and uniformity of the light condition of the lid 52a are increased, so that the corresponding tablet feeder 52 can be easily visually recognized.

The tablet packing machine 10 of the present invention, which shows the side surface of the multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 in FIG. 8, differs from that of the above-described first embodiment in that the light transmission direction of the lighting guide member 26 is slightly inclined upward. The point is that the tablet feeder 52 is a half mirror 52b (semi-transparent mirror) on the lower surface of the lid 52a with the lid 52a closed.
This can be easily realized by tilting the lighting guide member 26, and since an additional member such as the light scattering unit 52d is unnecessary, it is possible to avoid an increase in cost.

In this case, the light transmitted from the lighting guide member 26 to the lid 52a is diffused in the lid 52a by using the reflection function of the half mirror 52b (see the two-dot chain line with an arrow in FIG. 8). Visibility is improved. Moreover, the diffusion enhancement and visibility improvement due to the reflection function are large in the front-down direction (lower left direction in FIG. 8) of the tablet feeder 52.
On the other hand, the light emitted in the front-up direction (upper left direction in FIG. 8) of the tablet feeder 52 by the transmission function of the translucent mirror enhances the visibility from that direction.
Therefore, the visibility at the time of lighting guidance is improved regardless of whether the line-of-sight position of the worker from the front (left direction in FIG. 8) is high or low.

[others]
In the above embodiment, as a specific example of a lid that is attached corresponding to the tablet feeder and can open and close the upper surface of the corresponding tablet feeder, it is connected to the rear end of the multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 via a support shaft. Although the lid 52a is mentioned, the manner in which the lid of the tablet feeder storage portion is provided is not limited thereto. The lid may be a lid that can open and close the upper surface of the tablet feeder, for example, a lid whose rear end is connected to the tablet feeder row shelf 23, and opens and closes by rotation or rocking. Instead, it may be a lid that opens and closes by raising and lowering.

In the above embodiment, the lid 52a is opened and closed only by an external force such as a human hand, but a mechanical force acts as long as it assists the operation without interfering with the manual operation. You may. For example, a weak locking means that works with the lid closed and the locked state is released by a light manual opening operation, or a spring hinge with a weaker force that urges the lid in the opening direction. Etc. may be attached to the tablet feeder 52.

In the above embodiment, when there are a plurality of various tablet adaptive type tablet feeders 52 to be replenished, the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is individually used as the drug storage unit 13 regardless of whether or not they are mounted in the same tablet feeder storage unit 20. Although the usage of taking in and out from the tablet feeder has been described, when a plurality of tablet feeders 52 to be replenished are mounted in the same tablet feeder storage unit 20, the situation is given to the operator by using the guidance and confirmation on the touch panel 15 together. The tablet feeder storage unit 20 may be allowed to be replenished in order to a plurality of tablet feeders 52 while the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is pulled out.

In the above embodiment, the installation heights of the tablet hand-spreading device equipment portion 12 and the tablet feeder storage portion 20 are different, but they may be installed at the same height or close to each other (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4). .. For the tablet hand-spreading device (12), it is assumed that various tablets are manually scattered and dropped directly on the tablet sprinkling device (12) or on the pre-spreading unit attached to and detached from the tablet sprinkling device (12). Regarding the dedicated type tablet feeder 51 and the multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 of the tablet feeder storage unit 20, it is sufficient that one type of tablet can be charged, and it may be charged using a bottle or a measuring cup, and further, it is manually charged. You can, but you don't have to scatter it.

Further, regarding the tablet discharge control algorithm (control procedure such as which of a large number of tablet feeders is to be discharged at each packaging timing), the multi-tablet applicable type tablet feeder 52 is a specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder 51. A common discharge control program is used for those tablet feeders 51 and 52.
On the other hand, a separate discharge control program is used for the tablet hand-spreading device (12) having a different tablet discharge control algorithm.

In the above embodiment, when the multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52 to be charged is selected by using the touch panel 15, the LED is turned on in the tablet feeder storage unit 20 on which the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is mounted, and the tablet feeder storage unit 20 is immediately used. The drawer lock mechanism 40 was supposed to be released, but other methods may be used. For example, if an operating member such as a push button is attached to the front surface of the tablet feeder storage units 20, 20, 20 and there are a plurality of tablet feeder storage units 20 to be tablet-inserted, first, the corresponding plurality of LEDs are displayed. All lights are turned on, and after waiting for any one of the operating members to be operated, the drawer lock mechanism 40 of the corresponding tablet feeder storage unit 20 is released, and the corresponding LED is clarified by blinking or the like. You may do so.

In the above embodiment, the multi-tablet adaptable type tablet feeder 52 is of the type in which the sample tablet is replaced, but the multi-tablet adaptable type tablet feeder 52 is not limited to that type.
Further, a cutter mechanism for dividing tablets may be incorporated or combined with the multi-tablet adaptive type tablet feeder 52, and the same applies to the specific tablet dedicated type tablet feeder 51.

In the above embodiment, the tablet bottle and the dispensing instruction sheet are mentioned as objects on which the rocking plate 24 at the front end of the tablet feeder storage portion 20 can be laid on its side and temporarily placed on it. Using an imaging device such as a camera mounted on the housing of the packaging machine 10 or a mobile terminal with a photographing function, the tablet bottle on the rocking plate 24, the bar code attached to the dispensing instruction sheet, and other information can be displayed. When read, the information may be transmitted to the control device and used for confirmation of dispensing work, auditing, and the like.

The application of the present invention is not limited to a tablet packaging machine dedicated to tablets, and the present invention can also be applied to a tablet packaging machine combined with a powder packaging machine.

10 ... Tablet packaging machine,
11 ... Packaging device, 12 ... Tablet hand-spreading device equipment section, 13 ... Chemical storage section,
14 ... Tablet feeder hangar, 15 ... Touch panel (operation console), 15a ... Support
16, 16a ... Lower tablet collection mechanism, 17 ... Upper tablet collection mechanism,
18 ... Tablet feeder row shelves (for specific tablet type tablet feeders),
20 ... Tablet feeder storage unit (for various tablet compatible type tablet feeders),
21 ... Handle, 22 ... Drawer mechanism, 23 ... Tablet feeder row shelves, 24 ... Swing plate body,
25 ... Front plate (relative drawer position regulating means, member that regulates forward pulling of the multi-stage tablet collecting mechanism),
26 ... Lighting guide member (LED), 29 ... Cover open / closed state detecting means (magnetic sensor),
30 ... Multi-stage tablet collection mechanism, 31 ... Main body, 32 ... Tablet inlet, 33 ... Handle,
34 ... Side plate holding member, 35 ... Side plate, 36 ... Hooking member, 37 ... Multi-stage drawer mechanism,
40 ... Drawer lock mechanism, 41 ... Electromagnetic drive unit, 42 ... Advance / retreat member (engagement member),
43 ... Manual lock, 44 ... Swing member (engagement member), 45 ... Key,
51 ... Type tablet feeder for specific tablets,
52 ... Multi-tablet compatible type tablet feeder,
52a ... lid, 52b ... half mirror (semi-transparent mirror),
52c ... Container part (main body part), 52d ... Light scattering part

Claims (10)

A drug storage section that houses a large number of tablet feeders and an upper tablet collection mechanism that guides the discharged tablets downward and drops them, and a lower tablet collection that is arranged below the drug storage and collects the falling tablets and provides them for packaging. In a tablet packing machine equipped with a mechanism,
A tablet feeder storage unit that holds some of the tablet feeders and is provided corresponding to each tablet feeder and has a lid that can open and close the upper surface of the corresponding tablet feeder, and the tablet feeder storage unit are described as described above. A drawer mechanism that supports the tablet feeder so that it can be pulled out forward from the chemical storage portion, a drawer lock mechanism that can prevent the tablet feeder storage portion from being pulled out forward, and the tablet feeder storage portion are located within the lockable range of the drawer lock mechanism. A tablet packaging machine including a drawer state detecting means for detecting whether or not the tablet is open, and a lid open / closed state detecting means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid. The tablet packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the drawer lock mechanism is attached to a front end portion of the tablet feeder storage portion and a front end portion of the chemical storage portion. The electric part of the drawer lock mechanism is attached to the chemical storage part, the manual part of the drawer lock mechanism is attached to the tablet feeder storage part, and the operation of the electric part also causes the manual part. The tablet packing machine according to claim 2, wherein the drawer lock mechanism is unlocked by the operation of the portion. The lid open / closed state detecting means detects whether or not the lid is opened to the extent that the tablet can be put in, and also detects whether or not the lid is closed to the extent that the tablet can be prevented from spilling. The tablet packing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein there is. The tablet packaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lid is made of a transparent member and a semi-transparent mirror is attached to the lid. A drug storage section that houses a large number of tablet feeders and an upper tablet collection mechanism that guides the discharged tablets downward and drops them, and a lower tablet collection that is arranged below the drug storage and collects the falling tablets and provides them for packaging. In a tablet packing machine equipped with a mechanism, a tablet feeder storage equipped with a lid that holds some of the tablet feeders and is attached corresponding to each tablet feeder and can open and close the upper surface of the corresponding tablet feeder. A part and a pull-out mechanism for supporting the tablet feeder storage part so as to be able to be pulled out forward from the chemical storage part are provided, the lid is made of a transparent member, and a translucent mirror is attached to the lid. A tablet packaging machine characterized by that. The tablet packaging machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a lighting guide member for transmitting light that penetrates the lid from the outside to the inside at the time of lighting is provided. The tablet packaging machine according to claim 7, wherein a light scattering portion is provided in a portion of the lid through which light is transmitted from the lighting guide member. The tablet packaging machine according to claim 7, wherein the translucent mirror of the lid at the time of closing serves as a light transmission destination of the lighting guide member. The tablet packing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an operation console for inputting instructions is externally attached to the chemical storage portion in a state where the position can be easily changed.

Images