JP2022009426A - Particulate matter feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a particulate matter feeding device capable of appropriate supply in accordance with characteristics of a particulate matter.

SOLUTION: A particulate matter feeding device includes: a container 21 storing a particulate matter M; a particulate matter M feeding part 2b feeding the particulate matter M to an object T from the container 21; and a control part controlling the particulate matter feeding part 2b. The container 21 is provided with an information reading part which imparts unique information associated with a drive condition of the particulate matter feeding part 2b every kind of the particulate matter M stored and acquires the unique information from the container 21. The unique information matches easiness of dispersion of the particulate matter M. The control part 9 sets a drive condition of the particulate matter feeding part 2b on the basis of the unique information acquired by the information reading part and, by feeding the particulate matter M by controlling the particulate matter feeding part 2b in accordance with the drive condition, can suppress dispersion of the particulate matter M when fed.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a powder or granular material supply device used for supplying powder or granular material.

As an example of the powder or granular material supply device, there is the device described in Patent Document 1. In this device, an impeller is provided in the container, and the powder is supplied by discharging the powder from the drop port with the space between the blades as a “one-size-fits-all”.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-180563

By the way, on the other hand, the behavior at the time of discharge differs depending on the properties of the powder or granular material. However, in the invention according to Patent Document 1, attention has not been paid to the difference in the properties of the powder or granular material at all.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a powder or granular material supply device capable of appropriately supplying powder or granular material according to the properties of the powder or granular material.

The present invention includes a container for storing the powder or granular material, a powder or granular material supply unit for supplying the powder or granular material from the container to the object to be supplied, and a control unit for controlling the powder or granular material supply unit. , The container is provided with unique information associated with the driving conditions of the powder or granular material supply unit for each type of stored powder or granular material, and an information reading unit for acquiring the specific information from the container is provided. The unique information is provided according to the ease with which the powder or granular material is scattered, and the control unit sets the driving conditions of the powder or granular material supply unit based on the unique information acquired by the information reading unit. This is a powder or granular material supply device capable of suppressing scattering of powder or granular material at the time of supply by controlling the powder or granular material supply unit so as to correspond to the driving conditions and supplying the powder or granular material.

According to the above configuration, since it is possible to suppress the scattering (scattering) of the powder or granular material at the time of supply, it is possible to reliably supply the powder or granular material to the object to be supplied.

Further, the container is provided with a supply port that is open to the outside to supply the powder or granular material, and the powder or granular material supply unit rotates in the container to transfer the powder or granular material toward the supply port. It has a transfer body, and the unique information may include information on the rotation speed of the transfer body.

According to the above configuration, by including the information on the rotation speed of the transferred body in the unique information, for example, for the powder or granular material that is easily scattered (easily scattered), the control unit controls to slow down the rotation speed of the transferred body. It is possible to reliably supply the powder or granular material to the object to be supplied.

From the above, according to the present invention, the control of the powder or granular material supply unit by the control unit can be optimized according to the type of the powder or granular material. Therefore, it is possible to provide a powder or granular material supply device capable of appropriately supplying the powder or granular material according to the properties of the powder or granular material.

It is a front view which shows the appearance of the weighing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a perspective view of the main part of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a front view of the main part of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a plan view of the main part of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment, and is the top view in the case of performing weighing automatically. It is a top view of the main part of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment, and is the top view at the time of manual weighing. It is a front view and the plan side perspective view which shows the powder container of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a perspective view of the back surface and the bottom surface side which shows the powder container of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the powder container of the weighing device which concerns on the same embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the main part of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment, and is sectional drawing for demonstrating the state which the powder container is aligned with the dispensing position. In the weighing device according to the same embodiment, the relationship between the first supply port and the second supply port and the lower transfer body is shown in a schematic view in a plan view by extracting both of them. In the weighing device according to the same embodiment, it is a perspective view (shown in an upright state) on the bottom surface side showing the relationship between the partition body and the lower transfer body by extracting both of them. In the weighing device according to the same embodiment, it is a schematic view of the bottom view showing the relationship between the first supply port and the second supply port and the opening / closing body, and (A) shows the first supply port and the second supply port. Both indicate the first open state in which both are open, (B) indicates the second open state in which only the second supply port is open, and (C) indicates that both the first supply port and the second supply port are closed. Indicates a closed state. It is a perspective view of the back surface and the plane side which shows the state which the powder container is attached to the holding body in the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the payout mechanism of the weighing device which concerns on the same embodiment by itself. It is a block diagram which showed the structure which concerns on the control of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control concerning the powder supply of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the information displayed on the information display part of the weighing apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is the schematic of the plan view which shows the tray integrated part of the weighing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment.

Hereinafter, a weighing device 1 provided with a powder supply device 2a as a powder or granular material supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The direction indication in the following description corresponds to the direction shown in FIG. The "width direction" is also referred to as a "left-right direction". Further, the tray T (see FIG. 18) as a supply target used in the present embodiment moves in the order of the tray standby unit 4, the weighing unit 3, and the tray accumulating unit 6. Therefore, the arrangement relationship of each component may be described by using an expression such as "upstream" by comparing the moving direction of the tray T to a flow.

The powder or granular material to be supplied by the powder or granular material supply device according to the present invention is an amorphous object in an aggregated state, for example, a powder or granular object. The object to be supplied handled by the powder supply device 2a in the present embodiment is the powder M, which is a powdery or granular chemical.

[Overview]
The weighing device 1 of the present embodiment can mechanically perform the weighing work of the powder M, which has been manually performed by a worker such as a pharmacist when dispensing the powder, and may be performed by the worker if necessary. It is a device that can be done manually. The weighing device 1 can mechanically or manually supply the powder M to the tray T placed on the weighing unit 3 for weighing. One type of powder M is supplied to each tray T of the present embodiment, and an operator mixes different types of powder M as necessary in a post-process (such as when charging into a packaging device). However, depending on the case, it is possible to supply a plurality of types of powder M to each tray T. Further, the area for accommodating the powder M of each tray T may be divided into a plurality of areas so that different types of the powder M can be accommodated in each of the partitioned areas.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the weighing device 1 of the present embodiment mainly includes a payout unit 2, a weighing unit 3, a tray standby unit 4, a tray transfer unit 5, a tray collecting unit 6, and an information writing unit 7. , A device-side display unit 8, a control unit 9 (see FIG. 16), and a housing 10. Hereinafter, the main configurations of each part will be described.

[Payout section]
The dispensing unit 2 moves the powder container 21, which is a container that can store and store the powder M, the holding body 22 that holds the powder container 21 detachably, and the powder container 21 held by the holding body 22. A mechanism 23 and a dispensing mechanism 24 for discharging the powder M from the powder container 21 are provided, and a table 25 for supporting the powder container 21, the holding body 22, the moving mechanism 23, and the dispensing mechanism 24 is provided. It should be noted that FIGS. 3 to 6 show a state in which the powder container 21 is not attached to a part of the holding bodies 22.

(Powder container)
A plurality of powder containers 21 are provided in the horizontal direction. The powder container 21 is moved to the payout position P1 for paying out the powder M by the moving mechanism 23. As shown in FIG. 10, the powder discharged by the dispensing mechanism 24 falls from the powder container 21 and is stored in the tray T placed on the weighing unit 3 located below. In this embodiment, 14 powder containers 21 are provided. However, the quantity of the powder container 21 is not limited to this. Normally, each of the powder containers 21 of the present embodiment contains the powder M according to the type. That is, one type of powder M is contained in one powder container 21. However, for example, with respect to the powder M which is used in a large amount, one kind of powder M can be contained in two or more powder containers 21.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the powder container 21 has a cylindrical body portion 211, a bottom member 212 provided at the bottom portion which is one end (lower end) of the body portion 211, and the other end of the body portion 211. It has a lid portion 213 provided at (upper end). The bottom member 212 is composed of a bottom upper member 212a and a bottom lower member 212b. In the powder container 21, the space for accommodating the powder M is defined by the body portion 211 and the bottom member 212, and the other end of the body portion 211 is closed by the lid portion 213 to store the contained powder M in the powder container 21. do. Then, based on the weighing detection value in the weighing unit 3, a fixed amount of the powder M is dispensed from the dispensing mechanism 24 to the tray T. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the body portion 211 will be the vertical direction. The powder container 21 of the present embodiment is arranged so that the axial direction substantially coincides with the vertical direction and stands upright on a horizontal plane. The powder container 21 is attached to and detached from the holding body 22 with the bottom member 212 positioned on the lower side.

The body portion 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The body portion 211 of the present embodiment is made of, for example, a transparent material. Therefore, the powder M contained in the body portion 211 is visible from the outside of the body portion 211. Thereby, the amount of the powder M in the powder container 21 can be grasped from the outside. The transparent material may occupy the entire body portion 211, or may occupy only a part of the viewing window. Further, on the back side of the body portion 211, an RFID tag 214 is provided in a state of being housed in a case. Information necessary for paying out the powder M, such as unique information described later, is written in the RFID tag 214.

The bottom member 212 is formed with a supply port for discharging the powder M by dropping it. This supply port is open to the outside, and the powder M can be dropped from here to supply the powder M to the tray T. As shown in FIG. 9, this supply port is formed on the bottom upper member 212a and has a first supply port 2121 and a second supply port 2122 which are separately opened at the bottom of the powder container 21. Since each supply port 2121,122 is divided into two locations, the height of the "mountain" formed on the tray T by the dropped powder M can be lowered as compared with the case where the tray T is dropped from one location. Therefore, the possibility that the powder M is scattered outside the tray T is reduced, and a stable supply of the powder M is possible. In the bottom lower member 212b, a bottom passage 2123, which is one passage, is formed further below the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122. As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom passage 2123 is open to the bottom surface of the powder container 21. As shown in FIG. 10, the bottom passage 2123 communicates with the communication port 221a of the holding body 221 when the powder container 21 is attached to the holding body 22.

The first supply port 2121 communicates with the outer peripheral hole 2181 and is opened so that the powder M can be dropped from the outer peripheral hole 2181. The first supply port 2121 is located below the outer peripheral hole 2181. The first supply port 2121 of the present embodiment is located directly below the outer peripheral hole 2181. Therefore, the powder M stored in the powder container 21 falls directly.

The second supply port 2122 is provided at a position displaced in the circumferential direction from the inner peripheral hole 2182 of the partition body 218. In this embodiment, the deviation is about 180 °. Further, the second supply port 2122 is provided at a position deviated from the first supply port 2121 in the circumferential direction and at a position overlapping in the radial direction. By setting the second supply port 2122 to a position deviated from the first supply port 2121 in the circumferential direction (position not overlapping), the opening area of the second supply port 2122 can be expanded by the amount of overlapping in the radial direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the radial outer edge portion of the second supply port 2122 can be separated radially outward from the transfer region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 of the lower transfer body 219. Further, the outer peripheral partition portion 2183 can be separated radially outward from the transfer region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 of the lower transfer body 219 at the same position in the circumferential direction as the second supply port 2122. Therefore, the second supply port 2122 can be opened with a margin in the radial direction. Therefore, the powder M transferred by the lower transfer body 219 can be dropped from the second supply port 2122 and reliably supplied to the tray T. The second supply port 2122 drops from the inner peripheral hole 2182 of the partition body 218, and then drops the powder M transferred by the lower transfer body 219 (transferred by approximately 180 ° in this embodiment). .. The powder M is discharged by dropping the powder M from both the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122, or only the second supply port 2122 (at this time, the first supply port 2121 is closed).

The first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are provided at positions close to each other at the bottom of the powder container 21. Specifically, the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are provided adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Due to this positional relationship, the flows of the powder M falling from the supply ports 2121, 2122 can partially overlap or at least be adjacent to each other. Therefore, the position where the powder M falls from each of the supply ports 2121,122 can be approached.

The bottom lower member 212b has a rotating shaft 21B for rotating a member (stirring body 215, upper transfer body 217, lower transfer body 219) that rotates inside the powder container 21, and a driving force from the dispensing mechanism 24. A drive input shaft 21C for receiving the drive input shaft 21C, a mechanism for moving the opening / closing body 21A, and the like are provided.

The lid portion 213 is a portion that closes one end of the body portion 211. The lid portion 213 is rotatably attached to the body portion 211 around an axis parallel to the radial direction of the body portion 211.

(Internal structure of powder container)
Next, the internal structure of the powder container 21 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, in the lower part of the inside of the powder container 21, the stirring body 215, the shielding body 216, the transfer body (upper transfer body) 217, the partition body 218, and the transfer body (lower transfer body) are in this order from the top. ) 219, the opening / closing body 21A is arranged. Among these, the powder supply unit 2b as the powder or granular material supply unit is configured so as to have at least the upper transfer body 217, the lower transfer body 219, the partition body 218, and the opening / closing body 21A. The powder supply unit 2b functions to supply the powder M from the powder container 21 to the tray T. The powder supply unit 2b is controlled by the control unit 9. The rotating shaft 21B causes the stirring body 215, the upper transfer body 217, and the lower transfer body 219 to rotate coaxially and integrally. This rotation is about a central axis (vertical axis in this embodiment) that intersects the bottom of the powder container 21. Further, in order to allow the powder to be transferred intermittently by the lower transfer body 219, the rotation may be an intermittent rotation.

The driving force for rotation is transmitted from the driving input shaft 21C to the rotating shaft 21B. As shown in FIG. 8, the drive input shaft 21C is provided with an input fitting portion 21C1 at the rear end side end portion. The input fitting portion 21C1 has a shape that can be fitted to the output fitting portion 2421 (see FIG. 15) at the front end portion of the drive output shaft 242 in the payout mechanism 24, and has irregularities that are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. ing. The input fitting portion 21C1 is arranged on the front side of the bottom member 212b of the bottom member 212 with respect to the back surface, and is positioned so that the unevenness does not protrude outward. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drive input shaft 21C from unexpectedly rotating due to an object colliding with the powder container 21 removed from the holding body 22.

The agitator 215 has a rising blade 2151 having a shape extending radially and then rising upward, and a horizontal blade 2152 extending radially. As the stirring body 215 rotates, the rising blade 2151 touches the powder M adhering to the inner surface of the body portion 211, so that the powder M can be dropped. The horizontal blade 2152 can move the powder M present above the shield 216. Therefore, when the riser blade 2151 rotates, the powder M contained in the powder container 21 is discharged in a funnel flow shape (the powder M in the portion close to the inner surface of the body portion 211 remains, and the body portion 211 remains. It is possible to suppress (a state in which only the powder M in a portion away from the inner surface of the portion 211 falls) and pay out in a mass flow shape (a state in which the powder M inside the body portion 211 drops uniformly). Further, by rotating the horizontal blade 2152, it is possible to prevent the powder M from remaining above the shield 216.

The shield 216 is fixed inside the powder container 21, and integrally includes an outer peripheral hole shield 2161, an inner peripheral hole shield 2162, and a connecting ring 2163. The outer peripheral hole shield 2161 is located above the outer peripheral hole 2181 of the partition body 218, and shields the outer peripheral hole 2181 from above. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned "shielding" means covering the outer peripheral hole 2181 above the upper transfer body 217 to the extent that the fall of the powder M from the outer peripheral hole 2181 due to the rotation of the upper transfer body 217 is not hindered. There is. The outer peripheral hole shield 2161 makes it possible to prevent the pressure of the powder M stored in the powder container 21 from being applied to the powder M transferred to the outer peripheral hole 2181 by the upper transfer body 217. Similarly, the inner peripheral hole shielding body 2162 is located above the inner peripheral hole 2182 of the partition body 218, and shields the inner peripheral hole 2182 from above. The inner peripheral hole shield 2162 makes it possible to prevent the pressure of the powder M stored in the powder container 21 from being applied to the powder M transferred to the lower transfer body 219. The connecting ring 2163 connects the outer peripheral hole shield 2161 and the inner peripheral hole shield 2162.

A plurality of transfer pieces 2171 extending in the out-of-diameter direction are arranged on the upper transfer body 217 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The transfer piece 2171 of the present embodiment has a shape extending so as to be displaced in the circumferential direction with respect to the radial direction, but the shape of the transfer piece 2171 is not particularly limited. The upper transfer body 217 transfers the powder M located in the transfer region 217a between the transfer pieces 2171 in the rotational direction by rotating. As a result, the upper transfer body 217 can transfer the powder M placed on the partition body 218. The outer edge of the upper transfer body 217 (the radial end edge of the transfer piece 2171) rotates radially outward of the outer peripheral hole 2181 and the inner peripheral hole 2182 of the partition body 218. Therefore, the powder M to be transferred falls from the outer peripheral hole 2181 and the inner peripheral hole 2182.

The partition body 218 partitions the inside of the powder container 21 up and down. The partition body 218 includes an outer peripheral hole 2181 and an inner peripheral hole 2182 that penetrate vertically, and an outer peripheral partition portion 2183. The outer peripheral hole 2181 and the inner peripheral hole 2182 are located so as to substantially face each other with the center of the partition body 218 interposed therebetween. The outer peripheral hole 2181 is located on the outer side in the radial direction, and the inner peripheral hole 2182 is located on the inner side in the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 12, the outer peripheral partition portion 2183 is arranged so as to surround the outer edge of the lower transfer body 219 (the radial end edge of the transfer piece 2191) in the outer diameter direction, and is a region where the lower transfer body 219 rotates. Is partitioned with respect to the out-of-diameter region of the region. The outer peripheral partition portion 2183 can guide the powder M transferred by the lower transfer body 219 so as not to escape to the outside diameter. The outer peripheral partition portion 2183 is located outside the diameter of each of the supply ports 2121 and 2122 at the same position in the circumferential direction as the first supply port 2121 and at the same position in the circumferential direction as the second supply port 2122. The outer peripheral partition portion 2183 of the present embodiment is integrally provided with the partition body 218, and extends downward from the lower surface of the partition body 218.

The lower transfer body 219 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the upper transfer body 217. The transfer region 219a of the lower transfer body 219 is located on the inner diameter side of the transfer region 217a of the upper transfer body 217. A plurality of transfer pieces 2191 extending in the out-of-diameter direction are arranged on the lower transfer body 219 at intervals in the circumferential direction. For example, a semicircular transfer region 219a is formed between the transfer pieces 2191. It is desirable that the transfer region 219a is a region formed by a plurality of transfer pieces 2191 and whose outer diameter is open. The lower transfer body 219 rotates to transfer the powder M located in the transfer region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 in the rotational direction. As a result, the lower transfer body 219 can transfer the powder M that has fallen from the inner peripheral hole 2182 of the partition body 218 by the upper transfer body 217. As shown in FIG. 9, the transfer region 219a of the lower transfer body 219 is configured so that the volume of the powder M that can be transferred is smaller than that of the transfer region 217a of the upper transfer body 217. Therefore, the lower transfer body 219 can supply a relatively small amount of the powder M as compared with the upper transfer body 217.

The opening / closing body 21A has an opening 21A1 opened in the circumferential direction and a closing portion 21A2 adjacent to the opening 21A1 in the circumferential direction. The opening / closing body 21A can be in the first open state in which both the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 at the bottom of the powder container 21 are opened by rotation (see FIG. 13A). Further, the opening / closing body 21A can be in the second open state in which the first supply port 2121 is closed and only the second supply port 2122 is opened (see FIG. 13B). Further, the opening / closing body 21A can be in a fully closed state in which both the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are closed (see FIG. 13B).

(Holder)
The holding body 22 is a portion that holds the powder container 21 detachably. The holding body 22 includes a holding main body 221 for holding the powder container 21 and a fixed portion 223 fixed to the moving mechanism 23. The holding body 22 of the present embodiment is configured to hold one powder container 21. Therefore, the number of holding bodies 22 is provided corresponding to the number of powder containers 21. The holding body 22 of this embodiment is provided with 14 pieces. However, the holding body 22 may be configured to hold a plurality of powder containers 21 together.

The holding main body 221 is formed with a communication port 221a at a position corresponding to the supply port (first supply port 2121 and second supply port 2122) of the powder container 21. As shown in FIG. 10, the powder M discharged from the powder container 21 passes through the communication port 221a and falls.

The fixed portion 223 is screwed to the belt of the moving mechanism 23, which will be described later, which is the moving main body 231, whereby the holding body 22 is supported by the moving mechanism 23. This support is provided in a state where the fixed portion 223 can move in the left-right direction (specifically, can swing). In the present embodiment, the fixed portion 223 can be moved by bending the belt. However, the configuration for making the movable is not limited to this, and various configurations can be used. By supporting the fixed portion 223 so as to be movable, the powder container 21 can be smoothly connected to the payout mechanism 24 at the payout position P1.

As shown in FIG. 14, a horizontally long slit 2231 penetrates the lower portion of the fixed portion 223. In the holding body 22 at the payout position P1, the opening / closing operation lever 243 (see FIG. 15) of the payout mechanism 24 is passed through the slit 2231. Further, in the center on the left and right at the lowermost portion of the fixed portion 223, an alignment recess 2232 for aligning the holding body 22 at the payout position P1 is provided.

(Movement mechanism)
The moving mechanism 23 is a mechanism for moving the powder container 21 held by the holding body 22. Specifically, the moving mechanism 23 moves the powder container 21 by moving the holding body 22. The moving mechanism 23 moves the plurality of powder containers 21 in the horizontal direction. The moving mechanism 23 of the present embodiment orbits the holding body 22 in a horizontal plane. FIG. 5 shows the moving trajectory Q of the powder container 21. The moving mechanism 23 of the present embodiment has a moving main body 231 for moving the holding body 22 and a moving driving unit 232 for driving the moving main body 231. As the moving main body 231, a belt is used in this embodiment. Then, in order to detect the powder container 21 at the payout position P1 and the attachment / detachment position P2, which will be described later, the RFID reader / writer 233 capable of reading and writing information to the RFID tag 214 (see FIG. 10) provided in the powder container 21 pays out. It is provided at a position corresponding to the RFID tag 214 of the powder container 21 at the position P1 and the attachment / detachment position P2.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a payout position P1 for discharging the powder M from the powder container 21 is set in the moving track Q. Further, the moving track Q is set with a attachment / detachment position P2 for attaching / detaching the powder container 21 to / from the holding body 22. The attachment / detachment position P2 is detachable because, for example, a space is secured above the powder container 21 only in the attachment / detachment position P2, and the powder container 21 is placed on the ceiling portion in the housing 10 in other portions. This can be achieved by catching it and making it non-detachable.

The attachment / detachment position P2 is provided at a position different from the payout position P1 in the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, the detachable position P2 is a position close to the payout position P1 when the payout position P1 is used as a reference, and is a position where one to three adjacent powder containers 21 are held. The reason why the attachment / detachment position P2 is not the same as the delivery position P1 is that the tray T is located below the delivery position P1, so that the powder M adhering to the attachment / detachment powder container 21 drops and vibration during attachment / detachment. This is because the powder M may be unintentionally mixed into the tray T due to the powder M falling from the holding body 22. Then, due to this positional relationship, the powder container 21 from which the powder M has disappeared can be moved to the attachment / detachment position P2, the powder container 21 can be removed from the holding body 22, and the powder M can be quickly replenished. Further, the powder container 21 after replenishing the powder can be quickly moved to the discharge position P1. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time from the state where the powder M is exhausted to the resumption of payout. If it is next to each other, when the powder container 21 is attached / detached at the attachment / detachment position P2, the operator's hand or the attachment / detachment powder container 21 hits the powder container 21 at the delivery position P1 and causes an unintended drop of the powder. Since there is a possibility, it is preferable that two or more are next to each other.

In the present embodiment, the moving mechanism 23 orbits the holding body 22, so that the moving orbit Q of the powder container 21 is an orbit. The moving mechanism 23 can rotate the powder container 21 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, if necessary (for example, so that the moving distance to the payout position P1 is small). The moving trajectory Q of this embodiment has an oval shape. Therefore, the moving orbit Q, which is the orbit of the present embodiment, is composed of a pair of straight orbits Q1 in which the holding body 22 moves on a straight line, and a pair of curved orbits Q2 in which the holding body 22 moves while curving. The moving orbit Q, which is an orbit, is not limited to an oval shape, and may be a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, or the like. Further, the moving mechanism 23 is not limited to the one that reciprocates the holding body 22 in a circular manner, and may be a mechanism that reciprocates in a linear or curved shape within a predetermined range.

The weighing unit 3, the tray standby unit 4, the tray transfer unit 5, and the tray accumulating unit 6 in the present embodiment are located below the front side range (the front half range) of the moving track Q, respectively.

Hereinafter, one side of the pair of straight orbits Q1 is referred to as a front side, the other side is referred to as a back side (depth side), and the direction in which the pair of straight orbits Q1 face each other is referred to as a depth direction (sometimes referred to as a front-rear direction). .. Further, the direction in which the pair of curved orbitals Q2 face each other is defined as the width direction (sometimes referred to as the left-right direction). The payout position P1 is set in the range on the front side in the moving track Q. Further, the attachment / detachment position P2 is also set in the range on the front side in the moving track Q. In the present embodiment, the size of the housing 10 is determined according to the length (size) of the moving track Q of the powder container 21. That is, the length in the depth direction of the housing 10 is determined based on the facing distance of the pair of straight tracks Q1 in the moving track Q of the powder container 21, and the width of the housing 10 is determined based on the facing distance of the pair of curved tracks Q2. The length of the direction is determined.

The moving main body 231 of the present embodiment is configured as a belt type whose surface is arranged along the vertical direction. The fixed portion 223 of the holding body 22 is fixed to this belt. The moving body 231 is formed in an annular shape. The center of the annular belt is the orbital center around which the holding body 22 orbits. The moving body 231 is formed in an oval shape. A moving trajectory Q of the powder container 21 is formed along the circumferential direction of the moving main body 231, and the holding body 22 and the powder container 21 orbit around the outer periphery of the moving main body 231. The moving main body 231 is provided with fixing portions 231a for fixing the fixed portions 223 of the holding body 22 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

The moving drive unit 232 orbits the moving main body 231. The moving drive unit 232 drives or stops the moving main body 231 based on a command from the control unit 9.

(Payout mechanism)
The dispensing mechanism 24 is a mechanism for discharging the powder M from the powder container 21 that has moved to the predetermined dispensing position P1 on the moving track Q of the powder container 21. The dispensing mechanism 24 is configured to dispense a predetermined amount of the powder M to the supply port (first supply port 2121 and / or second supply port 2122).

FIG. 15 shows the payout mechanism 24 in this embodiment as a single unit. The payout mechanism 24 includes a base portion 24a and a main body portion 24b that can be moved back and forth (front-back direction) with respect to the base portion 24a by a built-in drive mechanism. The base portion 24a has a built-in payout drive unit 241 that generates a driving force when paying out. The payout drive unit 241 drives or stops the payout mechanism 24 based on a command from the control unit 9.

The drive output shaft 242 protrudes from the front end surface of the main body portion 24b. The drive output shaft 242 is provided with an output fitting portion 2421 at the front end. The output fitting portion 2421 has a shape that can be fitted to the input fitting portion 21C1 (see FIG. 8) at the rear end of the drive input shaft 21C in the powder container 21, and has irregularities that are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. ing. The drive output shaft 242 rotates around a shaft extending back and forth by transmitting the driving force of the payout drive unit 241. The drive of the drive output shaft 242 by the payout drive unit 241 is performed by, for example, a belt drive.

An opening / closing operation lever 243 projects above the drive output shaft 242 on the front end surface of the main body portion 24b. The opening / closing operation lever 243 of the present embodiment is a plate-shaped body whose front end is bifurcated. The opening / closing operation lever 243 is configured to move in the left-right direction with respect to the main body portion 24b. The opening / closing operation lever 243 is inserted into the bottom member 212 of the powder container 21 through a horizontally long slit 2231 that penetrates the fixed portion 223 of the holding body 22. By moving the opening / closing operation lever 243 in this state, the opening / closing body 21A in the powder container 21 is switched between the first open state, the second open state, and the fully closed state.

On the front end surface of the main body portion 24b, the alignment protrusion 244 projects below the drive output shaft 242. The alignment projection 244 of the present embodiment includes a roller-shaped introduction portion 2441 at the front end portion. The introduction unit 2441 is rotatable around the vertical axis. The alignment protrusion 244 enters the alignment recess 2232 (see FIG. 14) provided in the lower portion on the back surface side of the holding body 22 as the main body portion 24b moves to the front side (front). Since the introduction portion 2441 is rotatable and the support of the holding body 22 to the moving mechanism 23 is movable in the left-right direction (specifically, it can be swung), the alignment protrusion 244 is smoothly aligned. It can be inserted into the recess 2232. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the variation in the position of the powder container 21 that has moved to the payout position P1.

Here, the operation of the payout mechanism 24 when the drive output shaft 242 and the drive input shaft 21C are connected will be described with reference to FIG. 17 (flow chart). The main body portion 24b advances to the front side in order to connect to the powder container 21 that has moved to the dispensing position P1 (S1 in FIG. 17). In this case, the drive input shaft 21C is driven with respect to the input fitting portion 21C1. If the output fitting portion 2421 of the output shaft 242 can be fitted unevenly, the connection between the drive output shaft 242 and the drive input shaft 21C is completed (S9, S10 in FIG. 17).

However, uneven fitting may not be possible due to contact between the convex portion of the input fitting portion 21C1 of the drive input shaft 21C and the convex portion of the output fitting portion 2421 of the drive output shaft 242. In this case, the advance of the main body portion 24b stops in the middle, and a behavior such as being pushed back to the back side occurs. Therefore, by detecting this behavior with a limit sensor or the like (S2 in FIG. 17), the connection is reconnected. Can perform the operation for. As an operation for reconnecting, first, the main body portion 24b stops the advance (S3 in FIG. 17) and temporarily retracts to the back side (S4 in FIG. 17). As a result, the drive output shaft 242 is separated from the drive input shaft 21C, so that the protrusions are released from contact with each other. This retreat is performed until the detection of the limit sensor or the like is not detected (S5, S6 in FIG. 17), and then the drive output shaft 242 is rotated by a predetermined angle (S7, S8 in FIG. 17). Specifically, the output fitting portion 2421 is rotated by an angle such that the positional relationship of the unevenness alternates. After that, the main body portion 24b advances to the front side (S1 in FIG. 17). As a result, the connection between the drive output shaft 242 and the drive input shaft 21C is completed. The completion of the connection is detected by another sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the correct connection state (S9 in FIG. 17), and the advance of the main body portion 24b is stopped (S10 in FIG. 17). If the connection fails again, the above-mentioned operation is performed again (returning to S1 in FIG. 17).

(table)
The table 25 mounts the powder container 21, the holding body 22, the moving mechanism 23, and the dispensing mechanism 24. The table 25 is formed in a plate shape. The table 25 is formed in a rectangular shape having a long side and a short side corresponding to the moving trajectory Q of the powder container 21. The moving trajectory Q is set substantially at the center of the table 25. The moving main body 231 is installed on the table 25 so that the longitudinal direction and the extending direction of the moving main body 231 coincide with each other. The moving main body 231 is installed in the central portion of the table 25. The table 25 is installed horizontally, and the powder container 21 and the holding body 22 are arranged horizontally.

The table 25 is formed with an opening 251 at a position corresponding to the payout position P1 on the moving (orbiting) orbit of the powder container 21. That is, when the holding body 22 and the powder container 21 are located at the discharge position P1, the supply port (first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122) of the powder container 21, the communication port 221a of the holding body 22, and the opening of the table 25 are opened. The 251s are overlapped in the vertical direction. As a result, the powder M in the powder container 21 is discharged.

The table 25 is provided on the lower surface of the table 25 and includes a shutter that opens and closes the opening 251 of the table 25. The shutter of this embodiment is formed in a plate shape. The shutter may be arranged, for example, on the lower side of the holding body 221. The shutter in the table 25 is not essential in the payout unit 2, and may not be provided.

[Weighing section]
The weighing unit 3 as a weight detecting unit places a tray T containing the powder M discharged from the powder container 21 and weighs the powder M supplied to the tray T. Further, in order to obtain a detected weight value used by the control unit 9 to control the powder supply unit 2b, the weight of the powder M is detected. Further, the powder M supplied to the tray T is weighed by the dispensing mechanism 24 without being discharged from the powder container 21. The weighing unit 3 is located below the payout unit 2 in the vertical direction so as to overlap the payout unit 2. Specifically, the weighing unit 3 is arranged under the table 25. The weighing unit 3 of the present embodiment is an electronic balance. The weighing detection value in the weighing unit 3 is sent to the control unit 9. Then, the weighing detection value is displayed on the display unit of the weighing unit (electronic balance) 3, and the powder M is manually supplied to the tray T without being dispensed from the powder container 21 by the dispensing mechanism 24. It is visually recognized by the operator.

The weighing unit 3 of the present embodiment is configured to be movable in the depth direction. In the automatic weighing mode (first mode) described later, the weighing unit 3 is located at the first position S1 on the back side (far side from the operator) in the depth direction, and the manual weighing mode (second mode) described later. Then, it can be positioned at the second position S2 on the front side (the side closer to the operator) in the depth direction. The weighing unit 3 is placed on a gantry 101 that is movable in the depth direction, and the weighing unit 3 moves when the gantry 101 moves. The gantry 101 is pulled out by the operator gripping the handle 102. However, it is also possible to provide a drive unit for pulling out so that the gantry 101 is automatically pulled out when the manual weighing mode is switched to.

Here, the lock portion 3a is provided on the door 10b installed on the front side of the weighing portion 3 in the housing 10. In the automatic weighing mode, the lock portion 3a is locked so that the door 10b cannot be opened, so that the weighing portion 3 is held immovably in the first position S1 and cannot be moved to the second position S2. It is also possible to provide the lock portion 3a on the gantry 101 so that the lock portion 3a locks the weighing portion 3 so as not to move in the automatic weighing mode.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first position S1 is a position where at least a part of the weighing unit 3 overlaps with the payout unit 2 (table 25) in the vertical direction. The first position S1 is set on the lower side of the payout position P1. Therefore, the first position S1 is a position suitable for automatic weighing. The second position S2 is a position where the weighing unit 3 is on the front side with respect to the payout unit 2 (table 25). In the second position S2, the upper part of the weighing unit 3 is opened as a working space, and as will be described later, a space for performing the manual weighing operation in the manual weighing mode (second mode) is secured. Therefore, the second position S2 is a position suitable for manual weighing. As described above, since it is sufficient that the first position S1 corresponds to the position at the time of automatic weighing and the second position S2 corresponds to the position at the time of manual weighing, the first position S1 and the second position S2 are the present. It is not limited to the positional relationship in the depth direction as in the embodiment, and various positional relationships can be used.

[Tray standby section]
The tray standby unit 4 is a portion that holds the tray T before being moved to the weighing unit 3. The tray standby unit 4 holds a plurality of trays T (9, but not limited to, 9 in this embodiment). The tray standby unit 4 is configured to mount the tray T and transport the tray T so that the tray transfer unit 5 can grip the tray T. At least a part of the tray standby part 4 (a part on the back side in the present embodiment) is located below the payout part 2 in the vertical direction so as to overlap the payout part 2. The tray standby unit 4 has a standby tray transfer unit 41 for mounting and transporting the tray T, and a standby drive unit 42 for driving the standby tray transfer unit 41.

The standby tray transfer unit 41 is composed of a belt conveyor extending in a predetermined direction. The standby tray transfer unit 41 of the present embodiment extends in the depth direction. The plurality of trays T are arranged and stacked in the extending direction (depth direction) of the standby tray transfer unit 41. FIG. 3 shows, as an example, a state in which three trays T are arranged in the depth direction, the trays T are stacked on each tray T, and the trays T are stacked in a total of three stages (nine trays T). The standby tray transfer unit 41 of the present embodiment is installed under the table 25 in the payout unit 2. The standby tray transfer unit 41 is arranged so that more than half of the standby tray transfer unit 41 overlaps the table 25 in the vertical direction in the depth direction. The standby tray transfer unit 41 moves from the front side to the back side, and moves the placed tray T to the back (rear) side in the depth direction and below the transfer unit main body 51 of the tray transfer unit 5.

The standby drive unit 42 drives the standby tray transfer unit 41. The standby drive unit 42 drives or stops the standby tray transfer unit 41 based on a command from the control unit 9.

[Tray transfer unit]
The tray transfer unit 5 is a portion for transferring the tray T. The tray transfer unit 5 is configured to remove the tray T from the weighing unit 3 at least after weighing. Specifically, the tray transfer unit 5 is configured to move the tray T from the tray standby unit 4 to the weighing unit 3 prior to the discharge of the powder, and remove the tray T from the weighing unit 3 after the powder is discharged. Further, the tray transfer unit 5 of the present embodiment is placed on the tray accumulation unit 6 after the tray T is removed from the weighing unit 3. In this way, the tray transfer section 5 is a section that transfers a series of trays T from the tray standby section 4 to the tray stacking section 6 via the weighing section 3. The tray transfer section 5 is located below the payout section 2 in the vertical direction so as to overlap the payout section 2.

The tray transfer unit 5 has a transfer unit main body 51 for transferring the tray T and a transfer drive unit 52 for driving the transfer unit main body 51.

The transfer unit main body 51 moves in the left-right direction (X direction) and the up-down direction (Y direction). The transfer unit main body 51 is configured to grip the tray T. The transfer unit main body 51 of the present embodiment has a pair of arms 51a. The transfer unit main body 51 grips the tray T with the pair of arms 51a and transfers the tray T. The pair of arms 51a are separated from each other in the left-right direction, and are configured to approach and separate from each other.

The transfer unit main body 51 is located above the tray standby unit 4 in the standby state in which the tray T is not transferred. The position in the standby state is the standard position of the transfer unit main body 51. The transfer unit main body 51 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the standard position. Although the transfer unit main body 51 of the present embodiment does not move in the depth direction, it can be configured to be movable. When the tray T mounted on the tray standby unit 4 is transferred to the weighing unit 3, the transfer unit main body 51 moves downward (descends) from the standard position to grip the tray T and holds the tray T. It moves upward (ascends) while being grasped. The transfer unit main body 51 moves to the right (right side in FIG. 3) in the left-right direction via the standard position, and stops above the weighing unit 3. Subsequently, the transfer unit main body 51 moves downward to place the tray T on the weighing unit 3, releases the tray T after mounting, and stands by at a position where the tray T is released.

The transfer unit main body 51 grips the tray T containing the powder M after the powder M is discharged to the tray T. Then, it rises while holding the tray T and moves to the right as it is. The transfer section main body 51 moves to the upper part of the tray stacking section 6 and descends at a predetermined position to place the tray T on the tray stacking section 6. The transfer unit main body 51 releases the tray T after being placed and moves upward. Then, the transfer unit main body 51 moves to the left (left side in FIG. 3) and returns to the standard position.

[Tray accumulation part]
The tray collecting unit 6 is a post-weighing tray storage place on which the tray T containing the weighed powder M is placed. The tray T placed on the tray collecting unit 6 is taken out by an operator and sent to a post-process (packaging device). The empty tray T after being sent to the subsequent process is cleaned by a suction device or the like to remove the residual powder M, and then returned to the tray standby unit 4 by the operator.

The tray accumulating portion 6 is located so as to overlap below the payout portion 2 (table 25). The tray accumulating unit 6 is configured so that a plurality of trays T (three, but not limited to, three in this embodiment) can be placed. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two of the three trays T arranged in the left-right direction are exposed to the front side, and the operator weighs these two trays T. It can be taken out of the device 1. The tray collecting unit 6 is configured to mount and transport the tray T. The tray stacking unit 6 has a stacking tray transfer section 61 for mounting and transporting the tray T, and a stacking drive section 62 for driving the stacking tray transfer section 61.

The stacking tray transfer unit 61 is composed of a belt conveyor extending in a predetermined direction. The integrated tray transfer unit 61 of the present embodiment extends in the left-right direction. The plurality of trays T are arranged in the extending direction (left-right direction) of the integrated tray transfer unit 61. FIG. 3 shows, as an example, a state in which three trays T are arranged in the left-right direction (three trays T). The integrated tray transfer unit 61 of the present embodiment is installed under the table 25 in the payout unit 2. The stacking tray transfer unit 61 is arranged so that substantially the entire area overlaps with the table 25 in the vertical direction. When the transfer unit main body 51 mounts the tray T on the stack tray transfer section 61 and returns to the standard position, the stack tray transfer section 61 moves from the left side to the right side in the left-right direction and moves the mounted tray T to the left. Move from to the right. As a result, the tray T moves to a position where it can be taken out of the weighing device 1.

The integration drive unit 62 drives the integration tray transfer unit 61. The integrated drive unit 62 drives or stops the integrated tray transfer unit 61 based on a command from the control unit 9.

The tray transfer unit 5 may remove the tray T from the weighing unit 3, and then the tray T may be integrated in the tray accumulation unit 6 for each supply instruction corresponding to the prescription information. In order to deal with this, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, parallel tray integration units 6X and 6Y are formed by forming a plurality of accumulation tray transfer units 61 in parallel with a belt conveyor, and each tray integration unit 6X is formed in response to a supply instruction. It is also possible to configure the tray T to be placed separately on the 6Y. In this case, the tray transfer section 5 is configured to be able to move the tray T above the belt conveyor corresponding to the tray stacking sections 6X and 6Y. That is, the tray transfer unit 5 functions as a distribution means for distributing a plurality of trays T for each supply instruction corresponding to the prescription information.

[Information writing unit]
The information writing unit 7 writes information for identifying the powder M, such as prescription information of the powder stored in the tray T, to the information display unit T1 provided on the tray T. Writing is performed by non-contact (wireless) power supply. Writing is performed in both the automatic weighing mode and the manual weighing mode, which will be described later. The information display unit T1 displays prescription information of the powder to be contained. The information display unit T1 of the tray T will be described later. The information writing unit 7 is configured to be able to write an optically readable identifier to the information display unit T1. The information writing unit 7 is installed on the upstream side of the weighing unit 3, and writes prescription information to the information display unit T1 before the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3.

In the present embodiment, the information writing unit 7 is arranged, for example, on the front side (position shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3) of the transfer unit main body 51 located at the standard position. The information writing unit 7 writes prescription information to the information display unit T1 on the route in which the tray T moves from the tray standby unit 4 to the weighing unit 3. That is, the information writing unit 7 writes the prescription information to the information display unit T1 before the powder M is supplied to the tray T. For example, the information writing unit 7 may write prescription information to the tray T that has been lifted from the tray waiting unit 4 by the transfer unit main body 51 and stopped at the standard position. Not limited to this, the information writing unit 7 may write the prescription information in the information display unit T1 until the tray T is placed on the tray collecting unit 6. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an operator from making a mistake when taking out the tray T from the tray collecting unit 6. However, assuming the execution of the manual weighing mode, the information writing unit 7 needs to write the prescription information to the information display unit T1 until the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3. As a result, it is possible to prevent the powder M from being erroneously supplied when the powder M is manually supplied to the tray T without being discharged from the powder container 21 by the dispensing mechanism 24.

Further, the information writing unit 7 can also write prescription information to the information display unit T1 after the weighing unit 3 has been weighed. In this case, the information to be written may include information on the actual supply (for example, a weighed value (actual measurement value) or the fact that the powder M discharged from the powder container 21 does not reach the target amount) in addition to the prescription information. .. As a result, if there is a shortage of the powder M paid out to the tray T, the worker can be alerted, and the shortage of the powder cannot be supplemented and the powder M is mistakenly sent to a subsequent process (such as packaging). Can be suppressed.

[Device side display]
The device-side display unit 8 is a portion that displays predetermined information regarding the supply of the powder. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device-side display unit 8 is provided on the front side of the housing 10. The device-side display unit 8 of this embodiment is a monitor. The device-side display unit 8 may also serve as an operation unit (operation panel) for the operator to perform a predetermined operation.

[Control unit]
The control unit 9 is a part that controls the operation of the entire weighing device 1. The main part connected to the control unit 9 is shown in FIG. The control unit 9 dispenses the powder M from the powder container 21 by the dispensing mechanism 24 while weighing with the weighing unit 3 according to the target value of the powder amount related to the supply instruction input via the connected instruction input unit 9a. An automatic weighing mode as a first mode of dispensing, and a second mode of weighing the powder M charged into the tray T by the weighing unit 3 without discharging the powder M from the powder container 21 by the dispensing mechanism 24. Switch between manual weighing mode and. The supply instruction includes, for example, the type of powder to be dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 24, the supply amount of each powder, the target value of supply, and the like. Examples of the instruction input unit 9a include an input unit that receives prescription information from a host system installed in a dispensing pharmacy, a bar code reader, an RFID reader, a keyboard, and a touch panel, and can take various forms.

The storage unit 9b is a part that stores information necessary for control by the control unit 9. As shown in FIG. 16, the storage unit 9b of the present embodiment is provided separately from the control unit 9 and is connected to the control unit 9. However, for example, the storage unit 9b may be configured as a part of the control unit 9, and the arrangement in the weighing device 1 is not particularly limited.

In the automatic weighing mode, the control unit 9 drives the dispensing drive unit 241 to dispense the powder from the powder container 21. The control unit 9 controls the drive of the payout drive unit 241 according to the weighing detection value input from the weighing unit 3, and dispenses the powder amount according to the supply instruction. The following plurality of patterns can be exemplified as the control of the control unit 9 in the present embodiment.

The control unit 9 can set the automatic weighing mode when the powder M according to the supply instruction is contained in the powder container 21, and the manual weighing mode when the powder M is not. Specifically, when the powder M to be dispensed is the A drug, the powder M according to the supply instruction is input to the control unit 9 as the A drug together with the target value of the amount of the powder to be supplied. When the A drug is contained in the powder container 21, the control unit 9 causes the dispensing mechanism 24 to dispense the A drug (automatic weighing mode). On the other hand, when the medicine A is not contained in the powder container 21, the control unit 9 does not instruct the payout mechanism 24 to pay out, and executes the manual weighing mode. In the present embodiment, in the automatic weighing mode, the powder M is automatically weighed according to the target value of the powder amount according to the supply instruction. In the manual weighing mode, the payout mechanism 24 does not perform the payout. Therefore, for example, the operator transfers the medicine A from the powder bottle containing the medicine A to the tray T and weighs the medicine A in the weighing unit 3.

Further, when the powder M to be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode is insufficient, the control unit 9 replenishes the powder container 21 with the powder M and the operator decides whether to continue the dispensing in the automatic weighing mode or to switch to the manual weighing mode. It can be configured to be selectable. That is, when the powder container 21 is emptied, or when it is predicted that the amount of powder in the powder container 21 will be insufficient for the target value by the end of the payout, the worker puts the powder container 21 in the powder container 21. It is possible to select whether to replenish the powder M and continue the automatic weighing (automatic weighing mode), or to manually weigh the amount of the powder that is insufficient for the target value (manual weighing mode). The operator can make the selection, for example, on the operation panel (device side display unit 8 or the like).

Here, the emptying of the powder container 21 can be detected because there is no change (specifically, increase) in the weighing detection value in the weighing unit 3 for a certain period of time. Further, the shortage of the powder amount in the powder container 21 can be predicted by comparing the target value of the powder amount according to the supply instruction with the remaining amount of the powder grasped before the start of dispensing.

Further, when the powder M to be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode is insufficient, the control unit 9 can end the operation related to the automatic weighing mode and shift to the manual weighing mode. That is, the control unit 9 may automatically shift from the automatic weighing mode to the manual weighing mode without the judgment of the operator. In this case, the operator may be able to set in advance whether or not the control unit 9 is to perform the control. The control unit 9 can display the amount of powder required to be supplied to the tray T in the manual weighing mode on the device side display unit 8. Specifically, the control unit 9 is based on the weighing detection value of the powder contained in the tray T and the target value of the powder amount to be supplied to the tray T after the powder M is insufficient and the automatic weighing mode is terminated. The amount of powder that is insufficient is calculated, and the amount of powder that is insufficient is displayed on the display unit 8 on the device side. As a result, the operator only needs to supply the displayed amount of powder to the tray T in the state of being switched to the second mode, and the manual weighing operation becomes easy. Further, the device-side display unit 8 may not display the insufficient amount of powder, but may display the weighed value of the powder contained in the tray T and the target value of the amount of powder to be supplied to the tray T. It suffices if the display can grasp the amount of powder that is insufficient for the person.

Further, when the plurality of types of powders M according to the supply instruction include a powder M contained in one of the plurality of powder containers 21 and a powder M not contained in any of the plurality of powder containers 21, the control unit 9 first sets the automatic weighing mode and then performs the automatic weighing mode. It can be configured to be selectable by the operator, either in the manual weighing mode or in the manual weighing mode first and then in the automatic weighing mode. Further, the control unit 9 may first set the automatic weighing mode and then the manual weighing mode without selecting the above. Further, the control unit 9 may set the manual weighing mode prior to the automatic weighing mode and set the automatic weighing mode after the manual weighing mode is completed without the above selection.

Further, when the control unit 9 is instructed to execute the manual weighing mode during the execution of the automatic weighing mode when the dispensing of a plurality of kinds of powders is performed, the control unit 9 sets the automatic weighing mode when the dispensing of the powder being executed is completed. You can interrupt and switch to manual weighing mode.

The control unit 9 of the present embodiment operates the lock unit 3a in the automatic weighing mode so that, for example, the door 10b located on the front side of the weighing unit 3 cannot be opened. Further, the control unit 9 releases the operation of the lock unit 3a in the manual weighing mode.

The control unit 9 moves the powder container 21 to the discharge position P1, and then the tray transfer unit 5 moves the tray T from the tray standby unit 4 to the weighing unit 3. That is, the control unit 9 controls the powder container 21 so as not to pass through the discharge position P1 while the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3.

When the table 25 includes a shutter, the control unit 9 closes the shutter of the table 25 while the plurality of powder containers 21 are being moved by the moving mechanism 23, and the tray transfer unit 5 moves the tray T to the weighing unit 3. Later release the shutter. Further, the control unit 9 is opened before the powder M is discharged from the shutter and the powder container 21. Specifically, the control unit 9 releases the shutter after the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3 and after the zero adjustment (tare) of the weighing unit 3.

[Case]
The housing 10 is configured to surround the payout unit 2, the weighing unit 3, the tray standby unit 4, the tray transfer unit 5, the tray integration unit 6, the information writing unit 7, the device side display unit 8, and the control unit 9. To. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 10 is formed with a detachable window 10a for attaching and detaching the powder container 21 at a position corresponding to the attachment / detachment position P2 of the powder container 21. Further, in the housing 10, a door 10b is installed on the front side of the weighing unit 3 (FIGS. 1 and 2 show an open state of the door 10b). In the manual weighing mode, the operator opens the door 10b and pulls out the weighing unit 3 to the second position S2 to perform manual weighing. In addition to the above-mentioned parts, the housing 10 is supplied with powder such as a journal printer for printing prescription information and supply result information of the supplied powder on paper, a barcode reader for managing the powder container 21, and the like. Therefore, various mechanisms can be provided to support the necessary work.

[tray]
The tray T used in the weighing device 1 of the present embodiment is for accommodating the powder M to be supplied. The tray T has a shape that allows the powder M supplied by being placed on the weighing unit 3 to be weighed and transferred by the tray transfer unit 5, and is shown in FIG. 18 in the present embodiment. As described above, it is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flat and has an open upper end. As shown in FIG. 3, the tray T preferably has a shape that allows a plurality of trays to be stacked upward. Further, the tray T has a lateral protrusion T2 that engages with a pair of arms 51a of the tray transfer portion 5 or allows an operator to hang a finger.

As shown in FIG. 18, the tray T includes an information display unit T1 on which prescription information of the powder to be contained is displayed. The information display unit T1 is provided on one of the four side surfaces. The information display unit T1 of the present embodiment is configured to be attached to the main body of the tray T by inserting it as shown in the figure, but it can also be attached to the side surface of the tray T, for example. In this embodiment, a display unit provided with electronic paper is used as the information display unit T1. Since the electronic paper can hold the displayed contents without requiring electric power, it can contribute to energy saving as compared with, for example, a liquid crystal display. Further, the information writing unit 7 can rewrite the information displayed on the information display unit T1. Further, the information display unit T1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the display written by the information writing unit 7 is held until the next writing by the information writing unit 7. It should be noted that the identifier displayed on the information display unit T1 may be read by a device in a subsequent process (such as a packaging device), and the display of the information display unit T1 including the identifier may be erased.

Various information can be displayed on the information display unit T1. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, as prescription information, reception number J1, reception date / time J2, patient name J3, age J4, drug name J5, drug type symbol display J6, weighing value J7, barcode J8, RP number J9, etc. are used. Can be displayed. In addition, the prescription information includes patient information (patient name, patient ID, patient's date of birth, patient's age), drug information (drug name, drug code, dose), usage information (usage, usage code), and dosage information. Information such as (internal use, external use, etc.), type of examination (outpatient, hospitalization, etc.), prescription issuance date and time, etc. is included. The reception number J1 is a number assigned to each prescription information when a host system installed in a dispensing pharmacy or the like receives prescription information from a higher-level computer such as a prescription ordering system. The reception date and time J2 is the date and time when the host system receives the prescription information. In the host system, in order to assign dispensing instructions to each dispensing device based on the prescription information received from the host computer, the prescription information is grouped according to specific conditions such as drug type, usage, and time of administration, and each grouped data is grouped. Is given an RP number (RP1, RP2 ...). In addition, the prescription information received from the host system is the information necessary to operate each dispensing device (patient name, patient ID, patient's date of birth, patient's age, drug name, drug code, dose, usage, usage). Code etc.) is excerpted. Then, in the host system, the reception number and the reception date and time, the RP number of each grouped data, and the excerpted prescription information corresponding to each data are stored in association with each other, and each dispensing device is operated. Dispensing information is generated. The control unit 9 acquires the dispensing information and gives a supply instruction based on the acquired dispensing information.

The display corresponding to the barcode J8 may be an optically readable identifier such as a two-dimensional code in addition to the illustrated barcode (one-dimensional code). Information unique to each dispensing information generated by the host system is stored in the identifier. Since the identifier can easily read information by a reading means such as a barcode reader, there is an advantage that mechanical processing in a subsequent process is easy. Therefore, for example, by reading the identifier with a reading means, the dispensing information stored in the host system is called, and a system is constructed in which the dispensing information can be automatically input from the host system to the packaging device. be able to. Further, the information display unit T1 may be provided with an electrically readable identifier such as an RFID tag in place of or together with the optically readable identifier.

[Explanation of usage]
An outline of a method of using the weighing device 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. The following usage is only an example and is not limited to this. Prior to use, the operator accommodates the powder M in each of the plurality of powder containers 21. At this time, each powder container 21 may contain different types of powder M, or two or more powder containers 21 may contain the same type of powder M. Next, the operator attaches the powder container 21 containing the powder M to the holding body 22 at the attachment / detachment position P2.

Next, the prescription information is input to the weighing device 1 via the instruction input unit 9a. Then, the control unit 9 controls the tray transfer unit 5 to move the tray T in the tray standby unit 4 to the weighing unit 3 and operates the moving mechanism 23 to orbit the holding body 22. The control unit 9 operates the information writing unit 7 for the tray T in the middle of the movement to write the prescription information to the information display unit T1 provided on the tray T. When the powder container 21 containing the powder M to be discharged comes to the discharge position P1, the control unit 9 stops the moving mechanism 23. When the powder container 21 containing the powder M to be discharged is located at the discharge position P1, the tray T is moved to the weighing unit 3.

Next, the control unit 9 operates the dispensing mechanism 24 to start dispensing the powder. The control unit 9 controls the dispensing mechanism 24 based on the weighing detection value sent from the weighing unit 3, and stops driving the dispensing mechanism 24 when the amount of the powder M corresponding to the prescription information is supplied to the tray T. Let me.

Next, the control unit 9 controls the tray transfer unit 5 to move the tray T to which the powder is supplied from the weighing unit 3 to the tray accumulating unit 6. The operator holds the tray T moved to the tray collecting unit 6 by hand and puts it into the packaging device or the like.

The above description is the usage in the automatic weighing mode. In the manual weighing mode, as in the automatic weighing mode, the tray T in the tray standby unit 4 is moved to the weighing unit, and the information writing unit 7 is operated during the movement to operate the information writing unit T1 provided in the tray T. To write prescription information. When the tray T is moved to the weighing unit, the control unit 9 unlocks the lock unit 3a. As a result, the door 10b can be opened. The operator opens the door 10b, grips the handle 102, and pulls out the weighing unit 3 together with the gantry 101 to the second position S2. The tray T may not be moved to the weighing unit 3 by the tray transfer unit 5, and the operator may place the tray T on the weighing unit 3. In this case, the control unit 9 unlocks the lock unit 3a when the operator operates the display unit 8 on the device side. Then, after the weighing unit is pulled out to the second position S2, the powder M is supplied to the tray T from the powder bottle. The operator adjusts the supply amount so as to correspond to the prescription information while visually recognizing the weighing detection value displayed on the display unit of the weighing unit 3. The tray T to which the powder is supplied is removed by the operator from the weighing unit 3 and put into a packaging device or the like. Further, after the powder M is supplied to the tray T, the weighing unit is returned to the first position S1, and the control unit 9 controls the tray transfer unit 5 to control the tray T to which the powder is supplied, as in the automatic weighing mode. It may be moved from the weighing unit 3 to the tray accumulating unit 6.

[Details of supply control]
Next, regarding the control regarding the supply of the powder, the viewpoints will be divided into three, and Control A to Control C will be illustrated below. These controls A to C can be performed separately or simultaneously.

(Control A)
The control A aims to supply the powder M with a small error in a short time, and is a control for reducing the supply amount of the powder M on the way. The control unit 9 performs a pre-supply operation as a first supply operation and then a post-supply operation as a second supply operation.

The front supply operation is an operation of rotating the upper transfer body 217 and the lower transfer body 219 while the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are open. By this operation, the powder M is transferred by the upper transfer body 217, the powder M is dropped from the outer peripheral hole 2181 to supply the powder M from the first supply port 2121, and the powder M is dropped from the inner peripheral hole 2182. The powder M is conveyed by the lower transfer body 219, and the powder M is supplied from the second supply port 2122. Since the powder M can be supplied simultaneously from both supply ports 2121,122, the supply amount per unit rotation amount of each of the transfer bodies 217 and 219 can be increased.

In the rear supply operation, after the front supply operation, the first supply port 2121 is closed, the powder M is transferred by the upper transfer body 217, the powder M is dropped from the inner peripheral hole 2182, and the powder is dropped by the lower transfer body 219. This is an operation of transporting M, supplying the powder M from the second supply port 2122, and then performing the supply operation. Since the powder M is supplied from the second supply port 2122 by closing the first supply port 2121, the supply amount per unit rotation amount of each of the transfer bodies 217 and 219 can be reduced as compared with the previous supply operation. Further, in the present embodiment, the rotation speed of each of the transfer bodies 217 and 219 per unit time is smaller than that of the pre-supply operation. Therefore, the supply amount is smaller than that in the case of rotating for the same time as the previous supply operation.

In this control A, the control unit 9 is based on a target weight value (preset value) related to the weight of the powder M to be supplied and a detected weight value (value that changes every moment) obtained from the weighing unit 3. The powder supply unit 2b is controlled. When the control unit 9 reaches an intermediate weight value set smaller than the target weight value during the front supply operation, the control unit 9 shifts to the rear supply operation. In the post-supply operation, the control unit 9 intermittently rotates the lower transfer body 219 until the detected weight value obtained from the weighing unit 3 reaches the target weight value. The intermittent rotation of the lower transfer body 219 is performed by an angle corresponding to the transfer area 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 in the lower transfer body 219.

In performing the post-supply operation, the storage unit 9b stores the weight value of the powder M corresponding to the transfer region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 of the lower transfer body 219. Then, the control unit 9 transfers an angle corresponding to the transfer region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 corresponding to the insufficient weight value of the detected weight value obtained from the weighing unit 3 (that is, one transfer region 219a). The lower transfer body 219 is intermittently rotated by an angle obtained by dividing the insufficient weight value by the weight value of the powder M by the angle between the transfer pieces 2191. Thereby, the powder M can be supplied so as to reach the target weight value.

(Control B)
The control B is a control for the purpose of appropriately supplying the powder M according to the properties of the powder M (for example, the powder M having a property of being easily scattered (easily scattered)).

In performing the control B, the powder container 21 is provided with unique information associated with the driving conditions of the powder supply unit 2b for each type of the stored powder M. Specifically, the unique information is written in the RFID tag 214.

The RFID reader / writer 233 as the information reading unit acquires the unique information from the RFID tag 214 of the powder container 21. The control unit 9 sets the drive conditions of the powder supply unit 2b based on the unique information acquired by the RFID reader / writer 233, controls the powder supply unit 2b so as to correspond to the drive conditions, and supplies the powder M.

The specific information includes information on the surplus supply weight value related to the supply amount of the powder M that is actually supplied after the instruction to stop the supply is given. The surplus supply is caused by a time lag from the instruction to stop the supply to the time when the powder M actually finishes falling (falling completely). Specifically, it takes time for the opening / closing body 21A to close each of the supply ports 2121,122, and the falling powder M is present below the opening / closing body 21A. The control unit 9 controls the powder supply unit 2b based on the target weight value related to the weight of the powder M to be supplied and the surplus supply weight value to supply the powder M.

The unique information can include information on the rotation speed of each of the transfer bodies 217 and 219. Using this information, for example, with respect to the powder M that is easily scattered (easily scattered), the control unit 9 can control to slow down the rotation speed of each of the transferred bodies 217 and 219. As a result, the scattering (scattering) of the powder M at the time of supply can be suppressed, and the tray T can be reliably supplied. The rotation speed may be either a peripheral speed or an angular speed.

Further, the unique information can include information on the supply amount of the powder M corresponding to the rotation amount of each of the transfer bodies 217 and 219. Using this information, the transfer bodies 217 and 219 can be controlled according to the relationship between the rotation amount of the transfer bodies 217 and 219 and the supply amount of the powder M. Here, since the transfer region 219a of the lower transfer body 219 is configured to have a smaller volume of the powder M that can be transferred than the transfer region 217a of the upper transfer body 217, it is possible to supply the powder M diligently. be. Therefore, by including the information on the supply amount of the powder M corresponding to the rotation amount of the lower transfer body 219 in the specific information, the target weight value and the surplus supply weight related to the weight of the powder M to be supplied are included. With respect to the supply of the powder M for filling the difference from the value, the supply accuracy can be improved.

In addition, the unique information includes information on the maximum amount of powder M that can be supplied per tray T. This information can be used to control the tray T so that the powder M does not overflow.

(Control C)
The control C is a control for sequentially switching a plurality of supply operations in which the supply amount per unit time and the supply accuracy are set differently for the purpose of completing the supply of the powder M quickly.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of supply operations are set to a large supply operation as the first supply operation, a medium supply operation as the second supply operation, and a small supply operation as the third supply operation. The control unit 9 executes the control of the supply operation by the powder supply unit 2b in the order of the large supply operation, the medium supply operation, and the small supply operation. The medium supply operation is an operation in which the supply amount of the powder M per unit time is smaller and the supply accuracy is higher than the large supply operation. The small supply operation is an operation in which the supply amount of the powder M per unit time is smaller and the supply accuracy is higher than the medium supply operation. In the present embodiment, the large supply operation is an operation of supplying by the upper transfer body 217 and the lower transfer body 219 that continuously rotate with the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 open. The middle supply operation is an operation in which supply is performed by the lower transfer body 219 that continuously rotates with only the second supply port 2122 open. The amount of rotation per unit time of the medium supply operation is set smaller than the amount of rotation per unit time of the large supply operation. The small supply operation is an operation in which supply is performed by the lower transfer body 219 that rotates intermittently with only the second supply port 2122 open. Although the upper transfer body 217 is also rotating during the medium supply operation and the small supply operation, since the first supply port 2121 is closed, the upper transfer body 217 at this time is the partition body 218. It is the lower transfer unit 219 that functions for the downward delivery of the powder M and directly functions for the supply of the powder M (ie, the upper transfer unit 217 is indirect for the supply of the powder M). Functions as a target).

In other words, the above-mentioned "supply accuracy" is the degree of approach when the actual supply amount (cumulative amount) is brought closer to the target value of the supply amount of the powder M. In the present embodiment, in the middle supply operation, the powder M transferred by the upper transfer body 217 is not supplied from the first supply port 2121 and is narrower than the region 217a between the transfer pieces 2171 of the upper transfer body 217. Since the powder M transferred by the region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 of the side transfer body 219 is supplied, the powder M transferred by the upper transfer body 217 is supplied from the first supply port 2121 in a large supply operation. The supply accuracy is improved. Further, in the small supply operation, the lower transfer body 219 is intermittently rotated to supply the lower transfer body 219 in each transfer region 219a, so that the supply accuracy is improved as compared with the continuous rotation (medium supply operation). I'm raising it. That is, the small supply operation improves the supply accuracy by changing the rotation mode of the lower transfer body 219.

Further, the control unit 9 has a first intermediate weight value and a second intermediate with respect to the supply amount of the powder M, based on a target value specified by input via the instruction input unit 9a by the user or the like of the powder supply device 2a. Set the weight value. The first intermediate weight value is a value smaller than the target value. The first intermediate weight value is set to a value at which the value detected by the weighing unit 3 does not exceed the second intermediate weight value even if the excess powder M is supplied by the large supply operation. The second intermediate weight value is smaller than the target value and larger than the first intermediate weight value. The second intermediate weight value is set to a value at which the value detected by the weighing unit 3 does not exceed the target value even if the excess powder M is supplied by the medium supply operation. The "extra powder M" is a powder M that is actually supplied after the instruction to stop the supply is given. Since the amount of the excess powder M varies depending on the specific gravity and fluidity of the powder, it is determined for each powder M. By the above setting, the medium supply operation is always performed without omitting the middle supply operation until the second intermediate weight value is reached. By always performing the medium supply operation, for example, compared to suddenly shifting from the large supply operation to the small supply operation with a small supply amount, the small supply can be started in a state approaching the target value, so that the small supply can be started in a short time. It is possible to reach the target value.

As shown in FIG. 17 (flow chart), in this control C, the control unit 9 first continuously drives the payout drive unit 241 of the payout mechanism 24 to execute a large supply operation (S11 in FIG. 17). At the same time, the control unit 9 rotates the opening / closing body 21A in the opening direction (S12 in FIG. 17). When a sensor (not shown) detects a state in which the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are open (first open state) (S13 in FIG. 17), the rotation of the opening / closing body 21A is stopped (S13 in FIG. 17). S14 in FIG. 17).

When the value detected by the weighing unit 3 exceeds the first intermediate weight value, the control unit 9 ends the large supply operation and instructs the payout mechanism 24 to perform the medium supply operation (S15 in FIG. 17). In the medium supply operation, the payout drive unit 241 of the payout mechanism 24 is continuously driven as in the large supply operation (S16 in FIG. 17). At the same time, the control unit 9 rotates the opening / closing body 21A (S17 in FIG. 17). When the first supply port 2121 is closed and the second supply port 2122 is open (second open state) is detected by a sensor (not shown) (S18 in FIG. 17), the rotation of the opening / closing body 21A is stopped. (S19 in FIG. 17).

Next, when the value detected by the weighing unit 3 exceeds the second intermediate weight value, the control unit 9 ends the medium supply operation and instructs the payout mechanism 24 to perform the small supply operation (S20 in FIG. 17). In the small supply operation, the continuous drive of the payout drive unit 241 of the payout mechanism 24 is stopped (S21 in FIG. 17), and the payout mechanism 24 is intermittently driven (S22 in FIG. 17). This intermittent drive is repeated until the value detected by the weighing unit 3 reaches the target value (S23 in FIG. 17). When the value detected by the weighing unit 3 reaches the target value, the control unit 9 rotates the opening / closing body 21A (S24 in FIG. 17). When the state in which the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are closed (fully closed state) is detected by a sensor (not shown) (S25 in FIG. 17), the rotation of the opening / closing body 21A is stopped (FIG. 17). 17 S26). Control C ends here.

After the control C, the main body portion 24b of the dispensing mechanism 24 retracts to the back side so that the used powder container 21 can be removed from the dispensing position P1 (S27 in FIG. 17). When the sensor (not shown) detects that the main body 24b has moved to the standby position (S28 in FIG. 17), the retreat of the main body 24b stops (S29 in FIG. 17).

The control unit 9 of the present embodiment temporarily stops the supply operation of the powder M by the powder supply unit 2b during the small supply operation, and in that state, the weighing unit 3 of the powder M supplied from the powder supply unit 2b. It is possible to detect the weight (S21 to S23 in FIG. 17). Since the weight can be detected while the supply operation is temporarily stopped, the current state of the powder M supply status can be accurately grasped. At this time, the control unit 9 restarts the supply operation when the value detected by the weighing unit 3 does not reach the target value (S22 in FIG. 17), and when the detected value by the weighing unit 3 reaches the target value (S22 in FIG. 17). In S23) of FIG. 17, the supply operation is terminated (shift to S24 of FIG. 17).

[Summary of embodiments]
Hereinafter, the combination of the configurations in the weighing device 1 according to the embodiment and the actions that can be expected to be performed by the combination of the configurations will be described separately in the first to fifth embodiments. Further, the combination of configurations in the powder supply device 2a provided in the weighing device 1 according to the embodiment and the actions that can be expected to be performed by the combination of the configurations will be described separately in the sixth to ninth embodiments.

(First Embodiment)
The weighing device 1 of the first embodiment has a powder container 21 capable of accommodating the powder M, a payout unit 2 for discharging the powder M from the powder container 21, and a powder dispensed from the powder container 21. A weighing unit 3 for placing a tray T to receive M and weighing the powder M discharged to the tray T, a tray transfer unit 5 for removing the tray T from the weighing unit 3 after weighing, and a powder after weighing. A tray accumulating portion 6 on which a plurality of the trays T accommodating the M are placed is provided.

According to the above configuration, a plurality of trays T containing the powder M are placed on the tray accumulating portion 6, so that the tray T is temporarily retained in the tray accumulating portion 6. Therefore, the powder M can be supplied to the next tray with the tray T placed on the tray accumulating portion 6, and the tray T containing the powder M is weighed by the weighing device 1 each time the powder M is supplied. No need to remove from. Further, since the powder M to be packaged next can be weighed even if the packaging is not completed, the operating rate of the weighing device is not lowered. Compared to a configuration in which post-process processing such as packaging is performed immediately after weighing, an operator is accommodated in any tray T among a plurality of trays T by using another dispensing device such as a packaging device. Since the powder M can be dispensed, the degree of freedom in the post-process after weighing can be increased. Further, a plurality of types of powders M can be weighed and each powder M can be packaged in parallel using a plurality of packaging devices.

Further, the weighing device 1 includes an information writing unit 7 for writing information for identifying the powder M accommodated in the tray T to the information display unit T1 provided on the tray T.

According to the above configuration, since the information for identifying the powder M contained in the tray is displayed on the information display unit provided on the tray T, it is possible to prevent the operator from mistaking the tray T. In addition, it is possible to prevent the operator from supplying the erroneous powder M to the packaging device or the like in the subsequent process. Further, it is possible to prevent the powder M from being erroneously supplied when the powder M is manually supplied to the tray T without being discharged from the powder container 21 by the dispensing unit 2.

Further, the information writing unit 7 writes an optically readable identifier to the information display unit T1.

According to the configuration, the information writing unit 7 writes an optically readable identifier to the information display unit T1. Therefore, by equipping the dispensing device with a device for reading the identifier, the powder M contained in the tray T can be identified in the dispensing device.

Further, electronic paper is used as the information display unit T1.

According to the above configuration, the content displayed on the information display unit T1 can be held without requiring electric power. Further, the information writing unit 7 can rewrite the information displayed on the information display unit T1.

Further, the tray transfer unit 5 removes the tray T from the weighing unit 3, and then integrates the tray T in the tray accumulating unit 6 for each supply instruction corresponding to the prescription information.

According to the above configuration, the trays are collected and collected in the tray collecting unit for each supply instruction corresponding to the prescription information, so that the operator does not easily confuse which supply instruction the tray T corresponds to.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to remove the tray T containing the powder M from the weighing device 1 each time the powder M is supplied, and even if the packaging is not completed, the tray T is next. Since the powder M to be packaged can be weighed, the operating rate of the weighing device 1 is not lowered. In addition, the degree of freedom in the post-process after weighing can be increased. Further, a plurality of types of powders M can be packaged in parallel using, for example, a plurality of packaging devices. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently weigh the powder M and provide an easy-to-use weighing device 1.

(Second embodiment)
The weighing device 1 of the second embodiment has a plurality of powder containers 21 each capable of accommodating the powder M and having supply ports (first supply port 2121 and second supply port 2122), and the plurality of powder containers 21. With a payout unit 2 having a moving mechanism 23 for moving the powder M and a payout mechanism 24 for paying out the powder M from the powder container 21 moved to a predetermined payout position P1 on the moving trajectories Q of the plurality of powder containers 21. A tray T for receiving the powder M discharged from the powder container 21 is placed, and a weighing unit 3 for weighing the powder M discharged to the tray T, and a plurality of weighing units 3 before being moved to the weighing unit 3. A tray waiting section 4 for holding the tray T, a tray transfer section 5 for moving the tray T from the tray waiting section 4 to the weighing section 3, and removing the tray T from the weighing section 3 after dispensing, and a tray transfer section after weighing. A post-weighing tray storage area 6 on which the tray T containing the powder M is placed is provided, and the plurality of powder containers 21 are horizontally arranged in the payout unit 2 and the tray standby unit 4 is provided. , The tray transfer section 5, the weighing section 3, and the post-weighing tray storage area 6 are located below the payout section 2, respectively.

According to the above configuration, a plurality of powder containers 21 are arranged horizontally in the payout section 2, and the tray standby section 4, the tray transfer section 5, the weighing section 3, and the post-weighing tray storage area 6 are located below the payout section 2, respectively. It is located on top of each other. Therefore, the space on the lower side of the payout unit 2 can be effectively used. Therefore, since the components in the device can be arranged three-dimensionally, the device can be configured small in the width direction and the depth direction, and can be arranged even in a narrow place.

Further, in the tray standby unit 4, a plurality of the trays T are arranged in the depth direction.

According to the above configuration, since the tray T on the tray standby unit 4 is arranged in the depth direction, the number of trays that can be held in the tray standby unit 4 can be increased without increasing the width dimension of the device.

Further, the post-weighing tray storage area 6 is a tray stacking section 6 on which a plurality of the trays T containing the weighed powder M are placed, and the tray stacking section 6 overlaps below the payout section 2. Is located.

According to the above configuration, since the tray accumulating portion 6 on which the plurality of trays T are placed is located so as to overlap below the payout portion 2, the plurality of trays T after weighing are placed in the space on the lower side of the payout portion 2. Can be placed. Therefore, even when a plurality of trays T are placed in the tray storage area 6 after weighing, the plurality of trays T can be integrated while the device remains compact without expanding the device in the width direction and the depth direction.

Further, the payout unit 2 has a plurality of holding bodies 22 that detachably hold the plurality of powder containers 21, and the plurality of holding bodies 22 orbit on the orbit Q extending from the front side to the back side. It is configured as.

According to the above configuration, since the holding body 22 is configured to orbit on the orbital Q from the front side to the back side, the moving orbit Q can be overlapped between the front side and the back side in the front view. Therefore, the weighing device 1 can be configured to be small in the width direction.

Further, the tray standby unit 4, the tray transfer unit 5, the weighing unit 3, and the weighing rear tray storage area 6 are located below the range on the front side of the orbit Q, respectively.

According to the above configuration, since the tray standby unit 4, the tray transfer unit 5, the weighing unit 3, and the post-weighing tray storage area 6 are located below the range on the front side in the orbit Q, the front surface where the operator performs the work. It is easy to access each part from the side, and it is easy to manually pay out or take out the tray T after weighing.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the components in the device can be arranged three-dimensionally, the device can be configured small in the width direction and the depth direction, and can be arranged even in a narrow place. can. Therefore, it is possible to provide the weighing device 1 that can handle a narrow installation location.

(Third embodiment)
The weighing device 1 of the third embodiment has a plurality of powder containers 21 each capable of accommodating the powder M and having supply ports (first supply port 2121 and second supply port 2122), and the plurality of powder containers 21. A plurality of holding bodies 22 that are detachably held, a moving mechanism 23 that moves the plurality of powder containers 21 held by the holding body 22, and a predetermined payout position on the moving track Q of the plurality of powder containers 21. A payout unit 2 having a payout mechanism 24 for paying out the powder M from the powder container 21 moved to P1 and a powder M located below the payout position P1. A tray T to be received is placed, and a weighing unit 3 for weighing the powder M discharged to the tray T is provided. In the dispensing unit 2, the plurality of powder containers 21 are arranged in a horizontal direction. The moving mechanism 23 moves the plurality of powder containers 21 in the horizontal direction, the powder container 21 is moved to the dispensing position P1 by the moving mechanism 23, and the powder M discharged by the dispensing mechanism 24 drops. The attachment / detachment position P2, which is housed in the tray T placed on the weighing unit 3 and in which the powder container 21 can be attached / detached to / from the holding body 22, is provided at a position horizontally different from the dispensing position P1. ing.

According to the above configuration, the position where the powder M is discharged from the powder container 21 and the position where the powder container 21 is attached / detached to / from the holding body 22 are set at different positions in the horizontal direction, so that when the powder container 21 is attached / detached. The tray T is not located on the lower side of the powder container 21 for attachment / detachment. Therefore, the powder M adhering to the supply port (first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122) of the powder container 21 to be attached / detached and the holding body 22 is suddenly placed on the weighing unit 3 or the weighing unit 3. It is possible to prevent the tray T from falling onto the tray T.

Further, the plurality of holding bodies 22 are configured to orbit on the orbit Q from the front side to the back side, and the attachment / detachment position P2 is located in the range of the front side in the orbit Q.

According to the above configuration, since the attachment / detachment position P2 is located on the front side in the orbit Q, the powder container 21 can be easily accessed from the front side where the operator performs the work, and the attachment / detachment workability is good.

Further, when the attachment / detachment position P2 is based on the payout position P1, it may be located at one to three adjacent holding bodies 22.

According to the above configuration, when the attachment / detachment position P2 is set to a position where one to three adjacent holding bodies 22 are located with respect to the delivery position P1, the powder container 21 is set from the delivery position P1. Since the powder container 21 can be quickly moved to the attachment / detachment position P2 and the powder container 21 can be quickly moved to the delivery position P1 after the powder container 21 is attached at the attachment / detachment position P2, the time required for attaching / detaching the powder container 21 is shortened. can do.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the powder M remaining in the supply port (first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122) of the powder container 21 to be attached / detached and the holding body 22 is present. It is possible to prevent the weighing unit 3 and the tray T placed on the weighing unit 3 from being accidentally dropped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the different types of powder M from being mixed (cross-contamination), and it is possible to provide a safe weighing device 1.

(Fourth Embodiment)
The weighing device 1 of the fourth embodiment has a powder container 21 capable of accommodating the powder M, and has a payout unit 2 for discharging the powder M from the powder container 21 and a powder dispensed from the powder container 21. A tray T for receiving the M is placed, and a weighing unit 3 for weighing the powder M discharged to the tray T and a control unit 9 for controlling the operation of the entire device are provided, and the control unit 9 is an input. An automatic weighing mode (first mode) in which the powder M is dispensed from the powder container 21 by the dispensing unit 2 while weighing by the weighing unit 3 according to the target value of the powder amount according to the supplied supply instruction. Switching between a manual weighing mode (second mode) in which the powder M charged into the tray T is weighed by the weighing unit 3 without discharging the powder M from the powder container 21 by the dispensing unit 2. Can be done.

According to the above configuration, since the automatic weighing mode (first mode) and the manual weighing mode (second mode) can be switched, the container is not housed in the powder container 21, and the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is used. When supplying the powder M that cannot be dispensed in the mode) (including the case where the powder M cannot be dispensed due to insufficient remaining amount), the manual weighing mode (second mode) can be switched to weigh the desired powder M.

Further, the control unit 9 sets the automatic weighing mode (first mode) when the powder M according to the supply instruction is the powder M housed in the powder container 21, and when the powder M is not, the powder M is described. The manual weighing mode (second mode) is used.

According to the above configuration, even when the powder M according to the supply instruction is not stored in the powder container 21, the dispensing unit 2 is prepared by performing the work in the manual weighing mode (second mode). No powder M can also be weighed.

Further, when the powder M to be discharged in the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is insufficient, the control unit 9 replenishes the powder container 21 with the powder M and uses the automatic weighing mode (first mode). The operator can select whether to continue the payout or switch to the manual weighing mode (second mode).

According to the above configuration, the powder M can be replenished in the powder container 21 during the payout to continue the payout. Further, the powder can be manually weighed without replenishing the powder container 21 with the powder M. In this way, it is left to the operator's judgment whether to pay out in the automatic weighing mode (first mode) or in the manual weighing mode (second mode), and the degree of freedom of work can be increased. can.

Further, when the powder M to be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is insufficient, the control unit 9 terminates the operation related to the automatic weighing mode (first mode), and the manual weighing mode (first mode). Move to the second mode).

According to the above configuration, when the powder M to be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is insufficient, the manual weighing mode (second mode) is automatically switched to, so that the work can be simplified. can.

Further, the weighing device 1 further includes a device-side display unit 8, and the control unit 9 displays the amount of powder required to be charged into the tray in the manual weighing mode (second mode). Display on 8.

According to the above configuration, the amount of powder required to be charged into the tray T in the manual weighing mode (second mode) can be displayed on the display unit 8 on the device side, so that the powder M to be supplied to the tray T is insufficient. The amount of powder used can be grasped by the operator, and the burden of manual weighing work can be reduced.

Further, the payout unit has a plurality of the powder containers 21, each of the powder containers 21 contains powder M for each type, and the plurality of types of powder M according to the supply instruction include a plurality of powder M. When there is a powder M housed in any of the powder containers 21 and a powder M that is not, the control unit 9 first sets the automatic weighing mode (first mode) and then the manual weighing mode (first mode). 2 mode), or the manual weighing mode (second mode) and then the automatic weighing mode (first mode) can be selected.

According to the above configuration, by selecting, the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is followed by the manual weighing mode (second mode), so that the operator can perform the automatic weighing mode (first mode) during execution. Preparations for the manual weighing mode (second mode) can proceed. Alternatively, by selecting, the manual weighing mode (second mode) is followed by the automatic weighing mode (first mode), so that the manual weighing mode (second mode) can be manually terminated first. Therefore, during the subsequent execution of the automatic weighing mode (first mode), it is not necessary for the operator to wait until the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is completed.

Further, the payout unit has a plurality of the powder containers 21, each of the powder containers 21 contains powder M for each type, and the plurality of types of powder M according to the supply instruction include a plurality of powder M. When there is a powder M housed in any of the powder containers 21 and a powder M that is not, the control unit 9 first sets the automatic weighing mode (first mode) and then the manual weighing mode (first mode). 2 mode).

According to the above configuration, the time during the automatic weighing mode (first mode) (during automatic payout) is utilized to prepare the necessary manual work, for example, in the manual weighing mode (second mode). Therefore, it is possible to immediately shift to the manual weighing mode (second mode) after the end of the automatic weighing mode (first mode), and it is possible to weigh efficiently.

Further, the control unit 9 is instructed to execute the manual weighing mode (second mode) during the execution of the automatic weighing mode (first mode) when the plurality of powders M are dispensed. In this case, when the dispensing of the powder M being executed is completed, the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is interrupted and the manual weighing mode (second mode) is entered.

According to the above configuration, for example, when it is desired to manually and quickly supply the powder M that needs to be dispensed immediately, the automatic weighing mode (first mode) can be interrupted and manually supplied. Further, when the worker's hand is free during the automatic supply in the automatic weighing mode (first mode), the powder M can be manually supplied. In this way, even if the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is being executed, the manual weighing mode (second mode) can be switched at a desired timing, so that the worker can flexibly respond to the work situation. be able to.

Further, the payout unit 2 has a plurality of the powder containers 21, and each of the plurality of powder containers 21 contains the powder M for each type, and the plurality of types of powder M according to the supply instruction. When there is a powder M housed in any of the plurality of powder containers 21 and a powder M that is not, the control unit 9 sets the manual weighing mode prior to the automatic weighing mode (first mode). (Second mode), and after the manual weighing mode (second mode) is completed, the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is set.

According to the above configuration, since the manual weighing mode (second mode) can be manually terminated first, the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is being executed during the subsequent automatic weighing mode (first mode). It is not necessary for the worker to wait until the mode (1) is completed.

Further, the weighing device 1 is provided on the tray T and writes information to the information display unit T1 on which the prescription information of the powder M to be accommodated is displayed before the weighing in the weighing unit 3 is started. A writing unit 7 is provided.

According to the above configuration, since the information display unit T1 is displayed before the weighing unit 3 starts weighing, the powder M manually supplied is not mistaken, and the tray is immediately and without error. T can be passed to the subsequent process.

Further, the display of the information display unit T1 is retained until the next writing by the information writing unit 7.

According to the above configuration, since the powder M contained in the tray T at the time of the previous supply can be grasped, it can be used as an index for cleaning the tray T.

Further, the weighing unit 3 is configured to be movable, includes a lock unit 3a that makes the weighing unit 3 immovable in the automatic weighing mode (first mode), and the control unit 9 is a manual weighing unit. The lock portion 3a is released in the mode (second mode).

According to the above configuration, even if the operator mistakenly tries to use the weighing unit 3 during the execution of automatic supply in the automatic weighing mode (first mode), the locking unit 3a does not move the weighing unit 3 and automatically. It is possible to prevent the weighing mode (first mode) from being interrupted. Further, in the manual weighing mode (second mode), the weighing unit 3 can be moved to the working position.

Further, the weighing unit 3 is configured to be movable, and the control unit 9 is at a position where the powder M is discharged from the powder container 21 in the automatic weighing mode (first mode). The weighing unit 3 is positioned below a certain payout position P1 and is moved to a position where a working space for manually charging the powder M can be secured in the manual weighing mode (second mode).

According to the above configuration, during the automatic weighing mode (first mode), the weighing unit 3 is made immovable from a place below the payout position P1 that is difficult for the operator to reach, so that the automatic weighing mode (first mode) can be made immovable. It is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally moving the weighing unit 3 in the mode of 1), and in the manual weighing mode (second mode), the weighing unit 3 is moved to a position where a working space can be secured. This makes it easier for workers to work.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the powder M (including the case where the remaining amount is insufficient) that is not contained in the powder container 21 and cannot be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is paid. The desired powder M can be weighed by switching to the manual weighing mode (second mode) at the time of delivery. Therefore, it is possible to provide a weighing device capable of efficiently preparing the powder M according to the supply instruction.

(Fifth Embodiment)
The weighing device 1 of the fifth embodiment has a plurality of powder containers 21 each capable of accommodating the powder M and having supply ports (first supply port 2121 and second supply port 2122), and the plurality of powder containers 21. With a payout unit 2 having a moving mechanism 23 for moving the powder M and a payout mechanism 24 for paying out the powder M from the powder container 21 moved to a predetermined payout position P1 on the moving trajectories Q of the plurality of powder containers 21. A tray T that is located below the dispensing position P1 and receives the powder M discharged from the powder container 21 is placed on the tray T, and a weighing unit 3 that weighs the powder M discharged to the tray T. A tray waiting unit 4 that holds a plurality of the trays T before being moved to the weighing unit 3, and the tray T are moved from the tray waiting unit 4 to the weighing unit 3, and the tray T is weighed after being dispensed. The tray transfer unit 5 to be removed from the unit 3 and the control unit 9 for controlling the operation of the entire device are provided, and the powder container 21 is moved to the payout position P1 by the moving mechanism 23 and is dispensed by the payout mechanism 24. The powder M drops and is housed in the tray T placed on the weighing unit 3, the control unit 9 moves the powder container 21 to the dispensing position P1, and then the tray transfer unit 5 moves the tray T. Is moved from the tray standby unit 4 to the weighing unit 3.

According to the above configuration, the control unit 9 moves the powder container 21 to the dispensing position P1, and then the tray transfer unit 5 moves the tray T from the tray standby unit 4 to the weighing unit 3. Therefore, when the powder container 21 accommodating the powder M that is not to be dispensed passes above the tray T, the powder M adhering to the supply port (first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122) of the powder container 21 and its surroundings. Since the tray T is not placed below the supply port even if the fallen powder M is dropped, it is possible to prevent the dropped powder M from entering the tray T. As described above, according to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent cross-contamination due to the powder M, which is not the target of payout, being contained in the tray T.

Further, a shutter located between the payout unit 2 and the weighing unit 3 and preventing the powder M from falling from the powder container 21 moving above the weighing unit 3 onto the weighing unit 3 is further provided. The control unit 9 closes the shutter while the plurality of powder containers 21 are being moved by the moving mechanism 23, and after the tray transfer unit 5 moves the tray T to the weighing unit 3, the shutter is released. Open.

According to the above configuration, the control unit 9 closes the shutter while the plurality of powder containers 21 are being moved by the moving mechanism 23, and the tray transfer unit 5 opens the shutter after the tray T is moved to the weighing unit 3. .. Therefore, the shutter can be closed until the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3, and the powder M, which is not the target of payout, can be prevented from falling onto the weighing unit 3 or the tray T.

Further, the control unit 9 opens the shutter and discharges the powder M from the powder container after the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3 and after the zero adjustment of the weighing unit 3. ..

According to the above configuration, since the shutter is released after the weighing unit 3 is adjusted to zero, the powder M can be accurately weighed.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to prevent cross-contamination due to the powder M, which is not the target of payout, being contained in the tray T. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the different types of powder M from being mixed (cross-contamination), and it is possible to provide a safe weighing device.

(Sixth Embodiment)
The powder supply device 2a of the sixth embodiment intersects the powder container 21 in which the powder M is stored and the supply ports 2121,122 for dropping the powder M are formed at the bottom thereof, and the bottom of the powder container 21. A plurality of transfer pieces 2171, 2191 rotating around the central axis and extending in the out-of-diameter direction are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and by rotating, the powder M located in the transfer areas 217a and 219a between the transfer pieces is placed. A transfer body 217, 219 to be transferred, a partition body 218 having an outer peripheral hole 2181 and an inner peripheral hole 2182 that partition the inside of the powder container 21 vertically and penetrate the upper and lower parts, and an opening / closing body that opens and closes the supply ports 2121,122. 21A, and the transfer bodies 217 and 219 are upper transfer bodies 217 that are arranged above the partition body 218 and transfer the powder M placed on the partition body 218, and the powder to be transferred. The upper transfer body 217 that drops M from the outer peripheral hole 2181 and the inner peripheral hole 2182, and the upper transfer body 217 that is arranged below the partition body 218 and rotates coaxially with the upper transfer body 217 and drops from the inner peripheral hole 2182. The lower transfer body 219 for transferring the powder M, the lower transfer body 219 having a narrower transfer region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 than the upper transfer body 217, and the supply port 2121, The 2122 has a first supply port 2121 and a second supply port 2122, and the first supply port 2121 communicates with the outer peripheral hole 2181 to drop the powder M from the outer peripheral hole 2181, and the powder M is dropped. The second supply port 2122 is provided at a position displaced in the circumferential direction from the inner peripheral hole 2182, and drops from the inner peripheral hole 2182 to drop the powder M transferred by the lower transfer body 219. The opening / closing body 21A may open both the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122, or close the first supply port 2121 and open only the second supply port 2122. can.

According to the above configuration, a part of the powder M transferred by the upper transfer body 217 is supplied from the first supply port 2121. The other part of the powder M transferred by the upper transfer body 217 is transferred by the lower transfer body 219 and supplied from the second supply port 2122. At this time, both the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are opened. Since the powder M transferred by the upper transfer body 217 falls from the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 opened together, the powder M transferred by the upper transfer body 217 is limited to the first supply port 2121 only. It is possible to supply more powder M than it is supplied from. Then, by closing the first supply port 2121 and opening the second supply port 2122, the powder M transferred by the upper transfer body 217 does not fall from the first supply port 2121 but is by the lower transfer body 219. It is transferred and can be supplied only from the second supply port 2122. Since the supply amount per unit rotation amount of the transfer bodies 217 and 219 is reduced, the supply amount can be adjusted. Further, in the lower transfer body 219, the region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 is narrower than that of the upper transfer body 217, so that a small amount of the powder M can be transferred in a fixed amount as compared with the upper transfer body 217, so that a small amount of the powder M can be transferred. It can be supplied accurately for each fixed amount.

Further, the second supply port 2122 is provided at a position deviated from the first supply port 2121 in the circumferential direction and at a position overlapping in the radial direction.

According to the above configuration, the opening area of the second supply port 2122 can be expanded by setting the second supply port 2122 at a position deviated from the first supply port 2121 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the second supply port 2122 is opened with a margin in the radial direction with respect to the region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 of the lower transfer body 219. Therefore, the powder M transferred by the lower transfer body 219 can be reliably supplied to the supply target.

Further, the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are provided at positions close to each other at the bottom of the powder container 21.

According to the above configuration, the position where the powder M falls from each of the supply ports 2121,122 can be approached. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dropped powder M from coming off the object to be supplied.

Further, an outer peripheral partition portion 2183 is provided which is arranged so as to surround the outer edge of the lower transfer body 219 and partitions the region where the lower transfer body 219 rotates with respect to the outer diameter region of the region.

According to the above configuration, the outer peripheral partition portion 2183 can guide the powder M transferred by the lower transfer body 219 so as not to escape to the outer peripheral side. Therefore, the powder M transferred by the lower transfer body 219 can be reliably supplied.

Further, the outer peripheral partition portion 2183 extends downward from the lower surface of the partition body 218.

According to the above configuration, the outer peripheral partition portion 2183 can be integrated with the partition body 218, and the number of constituent points of the powder supply device 2a can be reduced.

Further, an outer peripheral hole shielding body 2161 for shielding the outer peripheral hole 2181 is provided above the upper transfer body 217.

According to the above configuration, since the pressure of the powder M stored in the powder container 21 can be prevented from being directly applied to the outer peripheral hole 2181 by the outer peripheral hole shield 2161, the powder M can be prevented from being aggregated in the outer peripheral hole 2181. .. Therefore, the powder M can be supplied at a uniform density from the first supply port 2121 communicating with the outer peripheral hole 2181. Further, since only the powder M transferred from the upper transfer body 217 can be supplied from the first supply port 2121, a fixed amount can be supplied.

Further, an inner peripheral hole shielding body 2162 that shields the inner peripheral hole 2182 is provided above the upper transfer body 217.

According to the above configuration, since the pressure of the powder M itself stored in the powder container 21 can be prevented from being directly applied to the inner peripheral hole 2182 by the inner peripheral hole shield 2162, the powder M is aggregated in the inner peripheral hole 2182. You can prevent it from being done. Further, since the pressure of the powder M itself is not applied to the lower transfer body 219, the lower transfer body 219 can be smoothly rotated.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to supply more powder M than to supply the powder M transferred by the upper transfer body 217 only from the first supply port 2121. Then, since the supply amount per unit rotation amount of the transfer bodies 217 and 219 can be reduced, the supply amount can be adjusted. Further, a small amount of powder M can be accurately supplied for each fixed amount. Therefore, it is possible to provide a powder supply device 2a capable of adjusting the supply amount and accurately supplying a small amount of the powder M for each fixed amount.

(7th Embodiment)
The powder supply device 2a of the seventh embodiment stores the powder M, and at the bottom thereof, a powder container 21 having supply ports 2121, 122 for dropping the powder M, and the powder container 21 to the object to be supplied. A powder supply unit 2b for supplying the powder M and a control unit 9 for controlling the powder supply unit 2b are provided, and the powder supply unit 2b rotates around a central axis intersecting the bottom of the powder container 21. Then, a plurality of transfer pieces 2171, 2191 extending in the out-of-diameter direction are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the powder M located in the transfer areas 217a, 219a between the transfer pieces 2171, 2191 is transferred by rotating. A transfer body 217, 219, a partition body 218 having an outer peripheral hole 2181 and an inner peripheral hole 2182 that partition the inside of the powder container 21 vertically and penetrating vertically, and an opening / closing body 21A that opens and closes the supply ports 2121,122. The transfer body 217, 219 is an upper transfer body 217 that is arranged above the partition body 218 and transfers the powder M placed on the partition body 218, and the powder M to be transferred. Is dropped from the outer peripheral hole 2181 and the inner peripheral hole 2182 by the upper transfer body 217, which is arranged below the partition body 218 and rotates coaxially with the upper transfer body 217, and is dropped from the inner peripheral hole 2182. The lower transfer body 219 for transferring the powder M, the lower transfer body 219 having a narrower transfer area 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 than the upper transfer body 217, and the supply ports 2121,122. Has a first supply port 2121 and a second supply port 2122, the first supply port 2121 communicates with the outer peripheral hole 2181, and the powder M from the outer peripheral hole 2181 is dropped to cause the first supply port 2121. The 2 supply port 2122 is provided at a position deviated from the inner peripheral hole 2182 in the circumferential direction, and drops from the inner peripheral hole 2182 to drop the powder M transferred by the lower transfer body 219. The opening / closing body 21A can open both the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122, or can close the first supply port 2121 and open only the second supply port 2122. The control unit 9 rotates the upper transfer body 217 and the lower transfer body 219 in a state where the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are open, and the upper transfer body 217. The powder M is transferred from the outer peripheral hole 2181 to supply the powder M from the first supply port 2121, and the powder M is dropped from the inner peripheral hole 2182 to supply the powder M. The powder M is conveyed by the lower transfer body 219, a pre-supply operation of supplying the powder M from the second supply port 2122 is performed, and then the first supply port 2121 is closed and the powder is powdered by the upper transfer body 217. The powder M is transferred, the powder M is dropped from the inner peripheral hole 2182, the powder M is transferred by the lower transfer body 219, and the powder M is supplied from the second supply port 2122, and then the supply operation is performed.

According to the above configuration, when the powder M is started to be supplied, the supply amount per unit rotation amount can be increased by the pre-supply operation, and when the target amount is approached, the supply amount per unit rotation amount can be decreased by the post-supply operation. Therefore, it is possible to supply the target amount accurately in a short time.

Further, a weighing unit 3 for detecting the weight of the powder M supplied from the powder container 21 is further provided, and the control unit 9 obtains a target weight value related to the weight of the powder M to be supplied and the weighing unit 3. The powder supply unit 2b is controlled based on the detected weight value, and when the control unit 9 reaches an intermediate weight value set smaller than the target weight value during the pre-supply operation, the control unit 9 controls the powder supply unit 2b. It shifts to the post-supply operation.

According to the above configuration, the supply amount can be increased by the pre-supply operation until the intermediate weight value is reached, and the supply amount can be decreased by the post-supply operation after reaching the intermediate weight value. Therefore, based on the intermediate weight value, it is possible to control for supply to reach the target amount accurately in a short time.

Further, in the post-supply operation, the control unit 9 intermittently rotates the lower transfer body 219 until the detected weight value obtained from the weighing unit 3 reaches the target weight value.

According to the above configuration, the powder M can be supplied while gradually approaching the target weight value by the intermittent rotation of the lower transfer body 219.

Further, the intermittent rotation is performed by an angle corresponding to the transfer region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 in the lower transfer body 219.

According to the above configuration, since the supply amount per intermittent rotation matches the amount of the powder M located in the transfer region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 in the lower transfer body 219, the control to approach the target weight value is controlled. Easy to do.

Further, a storage unit for storing the weight value of the powder M corresponding to the transfer region 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 of the lower transfer body 219 is provided, and the control unit 9 has the detected weight obtained from the weighing unit 3. The lower transfer body 219 is rotated by an angle corresponding to the transfer area 219a between the transfer pieces 2191 corresponding to the insufficient weight value of the value with respect to the target weight value.

According to the above configuration, it is easy to determine the amount of rotation of the lower transfer body 219 with respect to the insufficient weight value.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to supply the target amount accurately in a short time. Therefore, it is possible to provide the powder supply device 2a that can supply the powder M with a small error in a short time.

(8th Embodiment)
The powder supply device 2a of the eighth embodiment includes a powder container 21 for storing the powder M, a powder supply unit 2b for supplying the powder M to the object to be supplied from the powder container 21, and the powder supply unit 2b. A control unit 9 for controlling is provided, and the powder container 21 is provided with unique information associated with the driving conditions of the powder supply unit 2b for each type of the stored powder M, and the unique information is provided. An information reading unit (RFID reader / writer 233) acquired from the powder container 21 is provided, and the control unit 9 is a powder supply unit 2b based on the unique information acquired by the information reading unit (RFID reader / writer 233). The driving conditions are set, and the powder supply unit 2b is controlled to correspond to the driving conditions to supply the powder M.

According to the above configuration, the control of the powder supply unit 2b by the control unit 9 can be optimized according to the type of the powder M.

Further, the specific information includes information on the surplus supply weight value related to the supply amount of the powder M actually supplied after the instruction to stop the supply is given, and the control unit 9 determines the weight of the powder M to be supplied. The powder M is supplied by controlling the powder supply unit 2b based on the target weight value and the surplus supply weight value.

According to the above configuration, the control unit 9 controls the powder supply unit 2b using the surplus supply weight value in the unique information to supply the powder M, so that the powder M is supplied so as not to exceed the target weight value. It is possible to supply an accurate amount.

Further, the powder container 21 is provided with supply ports 2121,122 that are open to the outside to supply the powder M, and the powder supply unit 2b rotates the powder M around the central axis of the powder container 21 to supply the powder M. It has transfer bodies 217,219 that are transferred toward supply ports 2121,122, and the specific information includes information on the rotation speed of the transfer bodies 217,219.

According to the above configuration, by including the information on the rotation speed of the transfer bodies 217 and 219 in the unique information, for example, with respect to the powder M that is easily scattered (easily scattered), the control unit 9 determines the rotation speed of the transfer bodies 217 and 219. Control to slow down can be performed, and the powder M can be reliably supplied to the object to be supplied.

Further, the powder container 21 is provided with supply ports 2121,122 that are open to the outside to supply the powder M, and the powder supply unit 2b rotates the powder M around the central axis of the powder container 21 to supply the powder M. It has transfer bodies 217,219 that are transferred toward supply ports 2121,122, and the specific information includes information on the supply amount of powder M corresponding to the rotation amount of the transfer bodies 217,219.

According to the above configuration, since the transfer bodies 217 and 219 are controlled according to the relationship between the rotation amount of the transfer bodies 217 and 219 and the supply amount of the powder M, the rotation of the transfer bodies 217 and 219 are controlled according to the target weight value. It is possible to determine the amount.

Further, the specific information includes information on the maximum amount of powder M that can be supplied per supply target.

According to the above configuration, by controlling based on the unique information, the powder M can be supplied in the maximum amount without overflowing the powder M from the supply target.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, the control of the powder supply unit 2b by the control unit 9 can be optimized according to the type of the powder M. Therefore, it is possible to provide the powder supply device 2a capable of appropriately supplying the powder according to the properties of the powder M.

(9th embodiment)
In the powder supply device 2a of the ninth embodiment, the powder supply unit 2b for supplying the powder M, the weighing unit 3 for detecting the weight of the powder M supplied from the powder supply unit 2b, and the detection unit 3 are detected. A control unit 9 for controlling the supply operation by the powder supply unit 2b based on the value is provided, and the control unit 9 has a smaller supply amount per unit time than the large supply operation and the large supply operation. In addition, a medium supply operation with high supply accuracy and a small supply operation with a smaller supply amount per unit time and higher supply accuracy than the medium supply operation are executed in order, and further, the control unit 9 is executed. Is a first intermediate weight value smaller than the target value and a second intermediate weight value smaller than the target value and larger than the first intermediate weight value based on the target value specified with respect to the supply amount of the powder M. After setting the intermediate weight value, when the value detected by the weighing unit 3 exceeds the first intermediate weight value, the control unit 9 terminates the large supply operation and executes the medium supply operation. When the value detected by the weighing unit 3 exceeds the second intermediate weight value, the control unit 9 terminates the medium supply operation and executes the small supply operation, and the detected value by the weighing unit 3 is the target value. When the control unit 9 reaches, the control unit 9 terminates the small supply operation, and the first intermediate weight value is determined by the weighing unit 3 even if the excess powder M is supplied by the large supply operation. The detected value is set to a value that does not exceed the second intermediate weight value, and the second intermediate weight value is the value detected by the weighing unit 3 even if the excess powder M is supplied by the medium supply operation. It is set to a value that does not exceed the target value.

If the supply operation by the powder supply unit 2b is controlled based on the value detected by the weighing unit 3, the powder M may be supplied in excess. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, the medium supply operation has a smaller supply amount per unit time and higher supply accuracy than the large supply operation. Therefore, the amount of the powder M excessively supplied in the medium supply operation is smaller than the amount of the powder M extraly supplied in the large supply operation, and the variation in the weight of the extra powder M can be reduced. .. Further, since the first intermediate weight value is set so as not to exceed the second intermediate weight value even if the excess powder M is supplied by the large supply operation, the medium supply is performed after the large supply operation is performed. Can perform actions. By performing the medium supply operation, the powder M can be accurately supplied with respect to the target value. Therefore, in a state where the powder M in an amount close to the target value is supplied, it is possible to start a small supply operation in which the supply amount is smaller and more precise supply is possible. Further, by performing the large supply operation with a large supply amount, the time of the entire supply operation can be shortened.

Further, the control unit 9 temporarily stops the supply operation of the powder M by the powder supply unit 2b during the small supply operation, and in that state, the weighing unit 3 is supplied from the powder supply unit 2b. The weight of the powder M is detected, and when the value detected by the weighing unit 3 is less than the target value, the control unit 9 restarts the supply operation, and the value detected by the weighing unit 3 is the target value. When it reaches, the supply operation is terminated.

According to the above configuration, since the weight is detected with the supply operation temporarily stopped, the current state of the powder M supply status can be accurately grasped.

As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, the variation in the weight of the extra powder M to be supplied can be reduced. Further, in a state where the powder M in an amount close to the target value is supplied, it is possible to start a small supply operation in which the supply amount is smaller and more precise supply is possible. Further, by performing the large supply operation with a large supply amount, the time of the entire supply operation can be shortened.
Therefore, it is possible to provide the powder supply device 2a that can quickly complete the supply.

[Possibility of change of embodiment]
It should be noted that the weighing device 1 (including the powder supply device 2a) of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. That is, even with respect to the configuration not specified in the embodiment, the configuration having the same effect as the specified configuration can be changed within the scope of the present invention, and it is conscious that the configuration is not specified. It is not excluded from.

For example, in the above embodiment, the powder supply device 2a as the powder or granular material supply device is provided in the weighing device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The powder or granular material supply device can be established as a single function. Further, the powder or granular material supply device may be provided in a device other than the weighing device.

Further, the powder or granular material to be supplied in the powder or granular material supply device of the above embodiment was a powder M which is a chemical having a powdery or granular shape. However, the object is not limited to this, and various powders and granules other than chemicals (for example, powders and granules related to foods such as wheat flour and powders and granules related to industrial materials such as cement) can be supplied.

Further, regarding the tray accumulating portion 6, a display corresponding to each section on which each tray T is placed may be provided. In this case, for example, when the packaging information is called by the packaging device related to the subsequent process, the corresponding display can be configured to be in the display state. For example, an LED lamp can be used as the display. According to this configuration, it is advantageous that the section on the tray collecting unit 6 corresponding to the packaging information can be recognized, and the operator can easily understand the tray T required for packaging.

Further, regarding the weighing unit 3, two are provided, a first weighing unit for weighing the powder M discharged from the powder container 21 to the tray T and a second weighing unit for weighing the powder M manually charged into the tray. You can also. In this case, the tray transfer unit 5 can be configured to distribute the tray T to the first weighing unit or the second weighing unit according to the automatic weighing mode and the manual weighing mode.

Further, regarding the control unit 9, when a plurality of supply instructions are input to the weighing device 1 and the plurality of supply instructions include an instruction to dispense the same type of powder M, the control unit 9 has the same powder. It is also possible to set the order so that M is paid out continuously. As a result, the total payout time corresponding to a plurality of supply instructions can be shortened.

Further, regarding the control unit 9, it is also possible to determine whether the control unit 9 is in the automatic weighing mode or the manual weighing mode according to the information of the powder type included in the supply instruction. For example, for regulated drugs (poisonous drugs, powerful drugs, narcotics, psychotropic drugs, etc.), if cross-contamination occurs, it can have serious adverse effects, so if information on regulated drugs is included in the supply instructions, it will be regulated. Dispensing of medicines can be done manually.

Further, regarding the control unit 9, a camera capable of photographing the display unit of the weighing unit (electronic balance) 3 is provided, and the display information of the weighing detection value in the weighing unit 3 and the information of the tray T obtained by the camera are provided. It can also be configured to confirm whether the weighing value J7 displayed on the display unit T1 matches.

Further, regarding the tray T, the case where the electronic paper is used as the information display unit T1 has been described in the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various display means such as a liquid crystal screen can be used. Further, although the convenience is reduced, a printable sheet such as paper may be used as the information display unit T1 and a printer may be used as the information writing unit 7.

Further, regarding the tray T, identification information unique to each tray can be attached. In this case, the control unit 9 may store the correspondence between the specific tray T and the powder M contained in the tray T, and immobilize the powder M contained in the tray T. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of cross-contamination due to the fact that different types of powder M remain in the tray T.

Further, regarding the tray T, a plurality of trays T having different capacities can be used. In this case, the control unit 9 may store the correspondence between the tray T having a specific capacity and the powder M contained in the tray T. As a result, the tray T having a large capacity can be used for the powder M having a large payout amount, and the tray T having a small capacity can be used for the powder M having a small payout amount. Therefore, the powder M can be easily taken out when it is sent to the subsequent process.

1 ... Weighing device, 2 ... Dispensing unit, 2a ... Powder and granule supply device (powder supply device), 2b ... Powder and granule supply unit (powder supply unit), 21 ... Container (powder container), 211 ... Body, 212 ... bottom member, 2121 ... payout port (first supply port), 2122 ... payout port (second supply port), 213 ... lid, 214 ... RFID tag, 215 ... stirrer, 216 ... shield, 2161 ... outer peripheral hole Shielding body, 2162 ... Inner peripheral hole shielding body, 217 ... Transfer body (upper transfer body), 2171 ... Transfer piece of upper transfer body, 217a ... Area between transfer pieces (transfer area), 218 ... Partition body, 2181 ... Outer circumference Hole, 2182 ... Inner peripheral hole, 2183 ... Outer peripheral partition, 219 ... Transfer body (lower transfer body), 2191 ... Transfer piece of lower transfer body, 219a ... Area between transfer pieces (transfer area), 21A ... Open / close Body, 22 ... Holding body, 221 ... Holding body, 221a ... Communication port, 223 ... Fixed part, 23 ... Moving mechanism, 231 ... Moving body, 231a ... Fixed part, 232 ... Moving drive unit, 233 ... Information reading unit ( RFID reader / writer), 24 ... payout mechanism, 241 ... payout drive unit, 25 ... table, 251 ... opening, 3 ... weight detection unit (weighing unit), 3a ... lock unit, 4 ... tray standby unit, 41 ... standby tray transfer Unit, 42 ... Standby drive unit, 5 ... Tray transfer unit, 51 ... Transfer unit body, 51a ... Arm, 52 ... Transfer drive unit, 6 ... Tray accumulation unit (tray storage area after weighing), 6X, 6Y ... Parallel tray integration unit , 61 ... Integrated tray transfer unit, 62 ... Integrated drive unit, 7 ... Information writing unit, 8 ... Device side display unit, 9 ... Control unit, 9a ... Instruction input unit, 9b ... Storage unit, 10 ... Housing, 10a ... Detachable window, 101 ... Stand, M ... Powder, P1 ... Discharge position, P2 ... Detachable position, Q ... Moving orbit (circular orbit), Q1 ... Straight orbit, Q2 ... Curved orbit, S1 ... First position, S2 ... 2nd position, T ... Supply object (tray), T1 ... Information display unit

Claims (2)

A container for storing powder and granules,
A powder or granular material supply unit that supplies powder or granular material from the container to the object to be supplied,
A control unit that controls the powder or granular material supply unit is provided.
The container is provided with unique information associated with the driving conditions of the powder or granular material supply unit for each type of stored powder or granular material.
It is provided with an information reading unit that acquires the unique information from the container.
The unique information depends on the ease with which the powder or granular material is scattered.
The control unit sets the drive conditions of the powder or granular material supply unit based on the unique information acquired by the information reading unit, and controls the powder or granular material supply unit to correspond to the drive conditions to control the powder or granular material. A powder / granular material supply device that can suppress the scattering of powder / granular material at the time of supply by supplying the body. The container is provided with a supply port that is open to the outside to supply powder or granular material.
The powder / granular material supply unit has a transfer body that transfers the powder / granular material toward the supply port by rotating in the container.
The powder or granular material supply device according to claim 1, wherein the specific information includes information on the rotation speed of the transfer body.

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