JP4929016B2 - Dispensing device sheet handling method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a sheet handling method and apparatus for a dispensing device, and more particularly to a sheet handling method for a dispensing device that automatically dispenses a packaged tablet called a PTP (press-through package) tablet sheet into a tablet cassette and the device. Suitable for the device.

  Traditionally, pharmacists perform dispensing work in pharmacies such as hospitals according to doctors' prescriptions, but in general hospitals where medical fields are wide, there are many types of tablets that can be taken out at all times, and storage locations are limited. Not only was it necessary, but the work of dispensing based on prescriptions was very mentally and physically burdensome.

  Therefore, a dispensing device has been developed that automatically dispenses a predetermined number of predetermined tablets including a fraction of a PTP tablet sheet based on a preset program (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The PTP tablet sheet is a packaging form in which the tablet is taken out by breaking the bottom aluminum sheet part by pressing the tablet side. Generally, 10 or more tablets are made into one sheet. Supplied.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10, a tablet cassette 1000 on which a plurality of unillustrated PTP tablet sheets are placed is housed in a cassette shelf 1300, and a claw portion of a chucking unit 2000 mounted on a head device. However, it directly intrudes into the groove formed on the front wall 1020 of the tablet cassette 1000 to perform relative positioning, and the PTP tablet sheet at the lowest position in the tablet cassette 1000 is chucked and taken out to the outside. The PTP tablet sheet taken out is cut or the like.
JP-A-4-269960 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-052233

  In the above prior art, in order to cut the PTP tablet sheet, the PTP tablet sheet needs to be face up when it is taken out from the tablet cassette 1000 by the chucking unit 2000. For this reason, a person judged whether or not the PTP tablet sheet was face up, and when it was face down, the PTP tablet sheet was inverted manually.

  For this reason, the PTP tablet sheet is turned upside down even if there is no oversight if the PTP tablet sheet is overlooked due to misunderstanding, causing a problem in the cutting of the PTP tablet sheet, etc. There was a problem that manpower was required and work efficiency was lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a sheet handling method for a dispensing device capable of performing good cutting or the like by chucking in a state where the PTP tablet sheet is always faced up, and An object is to provide such a device.

  The first invention (method) is to handle a sheet of a dispensing device having a chucking unit that chucks the tablet sheets loaded in the tablet cassette one by one from the bottom and takes them out of the auxiliary cassette. In this method, the detection means provided in the tablet cassette detects data relating to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet loaded at the bottom of the tablet cassette, and based on the detection data, the tablet sheet is detected. It is characterized by distinguishing the front and back of.

  According to the first invention, the detection means provided in the tablet cassette detects data related to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet loaded at the bottom of the tablet cassette, and based on the detection data, Since the front and back sides of the tablet sheet are discriminated from each other, there is no possibility that the tablet sheet is turned upside down due to misrecognition as in the prior art, and there is no problem in cutting the tablet sheet in the next step. Even if the tablet sheet is face down, by turning the tablet sheet upside down with the chucking unit, it can be taken to the next process with the tablet sheet always face up. Good cutting of the tablet sheet can be performed.

  As in the second aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the tablet sheet is reversed by the chucking unit only when it is determined that the tablet sheet is face down.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the tablet sheet is reversed by the chucking unit only when it is determined that the tablet sheet is face down, the reversing operation requires manual labor. The work efficiency is improved.

  A second invention (apparatus) is a sheet handling device for a dispensing device, which includes a chucking unit that chucks the tablet sheets loaded in the tablet cassette one by one in order from the bottom and takes them out of the tablet cassette. And detecting means for detecting data relating to the irregular shape of the tablet sheet loaded at the bottom of the tablet cassette, and determining means for determining the front and back of the tablet sheet based on the detected data. It is characterized by having.

  According to 2nd invention, there exists an effect similar to said 1st invention.

  As in the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to provide a reversing means for reversing the front and back of the tablet sheet by the chucking unit only when it is determined that the tablet sheet is face down.

  According to the invention of claim 4, since the tablet sheet is reversed by the chucking unit only when it is determined that the tablet sheet is face down, the tablet sheet is manually reversed. Work efficiency is improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the tablet cassette includes a sheet stacking section for stacking the tablet sheets, and the detection means is a non-contact sensor disposed on the bottom surface of the sheet stacking section. Preferably there is.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the tablet cassette is provided with a sheet stacking section for stacking the tablet sheets, and the detection means is a non-contact sensor disposed on the bottom surface of the sheet stacking section. Therefore, the sensor does not interfere with taking out the tablet sheet.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, as the detection means, a plurality of sensors provided on the bottom surface of the sheet stacking portion are opposed to the tablet sheet and provided at an interval smaller than the interval of the tablets included in the tablet sheet. Preferably, the discriminating means is configured to discriminate the front and back of the tablet sheet based on data relating to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet included in the ON / OFF signal of each sensor.

  Such sensors include, for example, magnetic sensors. In this case, for example, if all the sensors emit an ON signal, each sensor detects the aluminum sheet on the opposite side of the PTP tablet sheet. Since there is a tablet wrapped in a synthetic resin sheet on the upper surface, it can be determined that the PTP tablet sheet is face up.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the sensors emits an OFF signal, each sensor has a tablet wrapped in a synthetic resin sheet on the opposite side of the PTP tablet sheet. , It can be determined that it is face down.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the detection means includes a plurality of sensors provided on the bottom surface of the sheet stacking portion so as to face the tablet sheet and at intervals smaller than the interval between the tablets included in the tablet sheet. The discriminating means discriminates the front and back of the tablet sheet based on the data on the uneven shape of the tablet sheet included in the ON / OFF signal of each sensor, and therefore uses only the ON / OFF signal of the sensor group. With this simple configuration, accurate automatic discrimination between the front and back of the tablet sheet can be performed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the detection means includes a sensor provided on the bottom surface of the sheet stacking portion so as to face the tablet sheet, and the determination means has a level of an output signal of the sensor. It is preferable that the front and back sides of the tablet sheet are determined based on data relating to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet included.

  Such a sensor includes, for example, an ultrasonic sensor. In this case, for example, if the sensor output signal is “A” level, the sensor detects the aluminum sheet on the opposite side of the PTP tablet sheet 900. Since it is detected and there is a tablet wrapped in a synthetic resin sheet on its upper surface, it can be determined that the PTP tablet sheet is face up.

  On the other hand, if the sensor output signal is “B” level smaller than the “A” level, the sensor has a tablet wrapped in a synthetic resin sheet on the opposite side of the PTP tablet sheet. It can be determined that the PTP tablet sheet is face down.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, as the detection means, a sensor provided on the bottom surface of the sheet stacking portion so as to face the tablet sheet is provided, and the determination means has a level of an output signal of the sensor. Since the front and back of the tablet sheet is discriminated based on the data relating to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet contained in the tablet sheet, it is possible to accurately detect the front and back of the tablet sheet with a smaller number of sensors than when only using the on / off signal. Automatic discrimination can be performed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the chucking unit includes a chuck for chucking the tablet sheet, and the reversing means is a motor that rotates the chuck around the taking-out direction of the tablet sheet. Preferably there is.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the chucking unit includes a chuck for chucking the tablet sheet, and the reversing means is a motor that rotates the chuck around the taking-out direction of the tablet sheet. As a result, the tablet sheet can be automatically reversed. Accordingly, it is not necessary to manually turn the tablet sheet upside down as in the prior art, and the work efficiency is improved.

  According to the first and second inventions, the detection means provided in the tablet cassette detects data relating to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet stacked at the bottom of the tablet cassette, and the detection data Since the front and back of the tablet sheet is discriminated on the basis of the above, as in the past, the sheet surface of the tablet sheet is overlooked due to misidentification, and there is a problem in cutting the tablet sheet in the next process. It does not occur. Also, if the tablet sheet is face down, it can be taken to the next process with the tablet sheet always face up by reversing the front and back with the chucking unit. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform good cutting of the tablet sheet.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing main components of a dispensing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing device 1 includes two Y carriages 200 and 200 provided on the left and right sides of the box-shaped device main body 100, and X carriages supported by the Y carriages 200 and 200, respectively. 300, 300, two chucking units 400, 400 supported by these X carriages 300, 300, and two on the front left and right sides of the apparatus main body 100, and a plurality of tablet cassettes 500, 500,. Cassette shelves 600, 600 that can be mounted side by side in the left-right direction, cutting units 700, 700 disposed below these cassette shelves 600, 600, and both cassette shelves below the left and right cassette shelves 600, 600. 600 and 600, and a single transfer conveyor unit 800 disposed between the left and right ends. .

  Hereinafter, representative components of a plurality of components will be described.

  The Y carriage 200 includes a servo motor 210, a ball screw 220 in the vertical axis direction (Y direction in FIG. 1) driven by the servo motor 210, vertical guides 230 and 230 respectively disposed on the left and right of the ball screw 220, The X carriage 300 includes a carriage main body 310 that moves up and down together with the nut 240 by the rotation of the ball screw 220 while being guided by the vertical guides 230 and 230, and the carriage main body. On 310, a servo motor 410, a ball screw 415 in the horizontal axis direction (X direction in FIG. 1) driven by the servo motor 410, and a nut (not shown) are provided.

  2 is a perspective view of the tablet cassette 500 as viewed from the side opposite to the side facing the chucking unit 400, FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a state before the sheet is cued, and FIG. 4 is a state when the sheet is cued. It is a sectional side view. In the following, the side of the tablet cassette 500 that faces the chucking unit 400 is referred to as the front, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear.

  The tablet cassette 500 in the present embodiment is formed to be slightly wider than various PTP tablet sheets (corresponding to tablet sheets) 900 to be stacked. Accordingly, a plurality of tablet cassettes 500 having different width dimensions are prepared according to the widths of various PTP tablet sheets 900. As shown in FIG. 2, the specific configuration thereof includes a long cassette base 510 having a concave cross section and a cassette body 520 that is detachably fitted from the longitudinal direction of the cassette base 510. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, projections 512 and 512 having L-shapes in a side view are formed in the front and rear (and left and right), respectively, on the back side of the bottom plate 511 of the cassette base 510, and the rear end of the bottom plate 511 is A tongue piece 513 that is bent upward and has elasticity is formed. A support member 514 having a reverse concave shape in cross section is formed on the surface side of the rear portion of the bottom plate 511, and two left and right tongue pieces 515 and 515 that are cantilevered by the support member 514 are respectively formed so as to descend toward the front portion. Has been. As shown in FIG. 2, the support member 514 and the tongue pieces 515 and 515 are both disposed in the left and right side walls 516 and 517 of the cassette base 510, and the tongue pieces 515 and 515 serve as PTP tablet sheets. A fraction of 900, 900,... Is chucked. However, the number of the strips 515 is not limited to two but may be one or three or more.

  The cassette main body 520 is attached so as to be integrated with an upper portion of the main body (corresponding to a sheet stacking portion) 530 on which a plurality of PTP tablet sheets 900, 900,. And a main body lower part 540.

  The main body lower part 540 is arranged in a state where the cassette main body 520 is assembled to the cassette base 510 and is buried in the left and right side walls 516 and 517 of the cassette base 510. A link mechanism (not shown) for sequentially taking out the PTP tablet sheets 900 stacked at the bottom of the main body upper portion 530 is provided on the bottom plate 541 having a long shape.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body upper part 530 is embedded in the left and right side walls 516 and 517 of the cassette base 510 from the rear part to the intermediate part in the assembled state of the cassette main body 520 to the cassette base 510, It has an L-shape in a side view and protrudes above the left and right side walls 516 and 517 of the cassette base 510 from the front to the front, and the protruding left and right side walls 5311 and 5312 are bent inward at the front end. Thus, the front wall 531 is formed by being opposed to each other through a predetermined gap. The upper ends of the left and right side walls 5311 and 5312 are connected to each other by a reinforcing plate 532.

  In other words, the main body upper portion 530 is carried toward the front of the tablet cassette 500 between the left and right side walls 5311 and 5312 integrally connected to the front wall 531 erected on the bottom surface 5301 of the tablet cassette 500. The PTP tablet sheet (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface 5301 so as to be stacked.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the PTP tablet sheet 900 at the bottom of the tablet cassette 500 and the sensors 5302, 5302,..., (A) is the top view of the PTP tablet sheet 900 facing up. (B) is a side view when the upper surface of the PTP tablet sheet 900 is facing down. 6A and 6B are explanatory views showing a state where the PTP tablet sheet 900 is chucked by the chuck 430 of the chucking unit 400, where FIG. 6A is a plan view and FIG. 6B is an upper surface of the PTP tablet sheet 900. (C) is a side view when the upper surface of the PTP tablet sheet 900 is facing backward.

  As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is lined up at predetermined intervals with the tablets 920, 920,... 915 has a flat shape without any protrusions. In the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the PTP tablet sheet 900, perforations 940 formed between the tablets 920, 920,... Are provided, so that the cutting unit 700 in the next process can be easily cut. ing. Further, a grip allowance 930 by the chuck 430 is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the PTP tablet sheet 900 so that the chuck 430 can be easily chucked.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of thin sensors (corresponding to detection means) 5302, 5302,... They are arranged one by one.

  Here, as each sensor 5302, 5302,..., For example, a non-contact type magnetic sensor such as a magnetic impedance element is used, and the PTP tablet sheet 900 placed at the bottom in the upper part 530 of the main body is used. Are arranged opposite to each other in a slightly spaced state. For this purpose, the sensors 5302, 5302,... May be arranged buried in the bottom surface 5301, for example. This prevents the sensors 5302, 5302,... From interfering with taking out the PTP tablet sheet 900 or the like.

  The sensors 5302, 5302,... Are provided on the bottom surface 5301 of the upper portion 530 of the main body at intervals smaller than the intervals between the tablets 920, 920,. ,... Are configured to discriminate the front and back sides of the PTP tablet sheet 900 based on data relating to the uneven shape of the PTP tablet sheet 900 included in the ON signal and the OFF signal.

  Specifically, if all the sensors 5302, 5302,... Emit an ON signal, each sensor 5302, 5302,... Detects the aluminum sheet 915 on the opposite side of the PTP tablet sheet 900. Since the tablets 920, 920,... Wrapped in the synthetic resin sheet 910 are present on the upper surface, it can be determined that the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face up.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the sensors 5302, 5302,... Emits an off signal, the sensors 5302, 5302,... Are placed on the synthetic resin sheet 910 on the opposite side of the PTP tablet sheet 900. Since there are wrapped tablets 920, 920,..., It can be determined that the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face down.

  As described above, accurate automatic discrimination between the front and back of the PTP tablet sheet 900 can be performed with a simple configuration in which only the on / off signals of the sensor groups 5302, 5302,... Are used.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the chucking unit 400 includes a motor (corresponding to a reversing unit) 430b such as a pulse motor that rotates the chuck 430 around the rotation shaft 430a.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, when it is determined that the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face up, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is taken out of the tablet cassette 500 by the chuck 430 of the chucking unit 400. Then, it is sent to the cutting unit 700 or the like in the next process as it is.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6C, when it is determined that the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face down, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is taken out of the tablet cassette 500 by the chuck 430 of the chucking unit 400. Thereafter, the chuck 430 is rotated by rotating the rotating shaft 430a with the motor 430b. As a result, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is turned upside down by the chuck 430 so as to be in the state shown in FIG. 6B, and then sent to the cutting unit 700 or the like in the next process.

  A rod-like member 533 is erected on the rear part of the upper part 530 of the main body, and is laid down when the PTP tablet sheets 900, 900,... Are replenished, and left and right side walls 5311, 5312 of the front wall 531. The PTP tablet sheets 900, 900,... Are aligned by raising the rod-like member 533 with the PTP tablet sheets 900, 900,. Thereby, the operation | work which replenishes the PTP tablet sheet 900 in the main body upper part 530 can be performed efficiently.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the chucking unit 400 includes a Z carriage 411 extending forward (Z direction in FIG. 1) from the carriage body 310, a rotary solenoid 420 disposed on the Z carriage 411, A chuck 430 driven by a rotary solenoid 420, lateral guides 440 and 440 disposed on the left and right sides of the chuck 430, a primary bucket 450 provided at a lower portion between the lateral guides 440 and 440, and the primary bucket 450 A line sensor 460 provided at the front portion and a secondary bucket 480 with a shutter 470 provided below the primary bucket 450 are provided. The Z carriage 411 is composed of a servo motor (not shown), a ball screw, and a nut.

  If it is not necessary to punch the fraction of the PTP tablet sheet 900, the chuck 430 of the chucking unit 400 moves forward in response to an operation command from a controller (not shown), and the chuck 430 directly uses the tablet cassette. By pressing the pressing member 543 of 500, the pushing member (not shown) is moved forward by the function of the link mechanism.

  By pressing the rear end of the PTP tablet sheet 900 loaded on the lowermost side of the tablet cassette 500 with the moved extruding member, the front end of the PTP tablet sheet 900 slightly protrudes from the tablet cassette 500. From the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 4, so-called cueing is performed. The chucked PTP tablet sheet 900 is chucked by the chuck 430 and pulled forward, and the pulled PTP tablet sheet 900 has the sheet surface of the PTP tablet sheet 900 face up as described above. Thus, chucking by the chuck 430 is released in order to drop it into the primary bucket 450. The primary bucket 450 is moved onto the secondary bucket 480 using the X carriage 300 and the Y carriage 200. Then, a bottom shutter (not shown) of the primary bucket 450 is opened, and the PTP tablet sheet 900 is dropped into the secondary bucket 480. Next, the bottom shutter 470 of the secondary bucket 480 is opened, and the PTP tablet sheet 900 is dropped onto the transport conveyor unit 800.

  The cutting unit 700 includes a vertical blade and a horizontal blade (not shown) for punching out the fraction of the PTP tablet sheet 900. Even when it is necessary to punch out the PTP tablet sheet 900, as described above, the pressing member 543 of the tablet cassette 500 is pressed by the chuck 430 of the chucking unit 400, and the pushing member is directed forward by the link mechanism. Move to.

  By pressing the rear end of the PTP tablet sheet 900 loaded on the lowermost side of the tablet cassette 500 with the moved extruding member, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is cued. The chucked PTP tablet sheet 900 is chucked by the chuck 430 and pulled forward, and this time, the pulled PTP tablet sheet 900 is transported to the cutting unit 700 while being chucked. Then, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is punched by using the vertical blade and the horizontal blade, and the PTP tablet sheet 900 corresponding to the punched fraction is dropped directly onto the transport conveyor unit 800.

  The remaining part of the PTP tablet sheet 900 that has been punched out is returned to the original tablet cassette 500 while being chucked by the chuck 430. In this case, the remaining part of the PTP tablet sheet 900 is the tongue of the cassette base 510. It is inserted and stored in the remaining storage section 515a below the pieces 515, 515 in a cueing state.

  The remaining portion of the PTP tablet sheet 900 stored in the remaining storage portion 515a is then chucked by the chuck 430 with the remaining portion of the PTP tablet sheet 900 and pulled forward, and is formed by the line sensor 460. Check. Then, when it is not necessary to punch out the remaining part of the PTP tablet sheet 900, the chucking by the chuck 430 is released in order to drop the remaining part of the PTP tablet sheet 900 into the primary bucket 450. The primary bucket 450 is moved onto the secondary bucket 480 using the X carriage 300 and the Y carriage 200. Next, a bottom shutter (not shown) of the primary bucket 450 is opened, and the PTP tablet sheet 900 is dropped into the secondary bucket 480. Next, the bottom shutter 470 of the secondary bucket 480 is opened, and the PTP tablet sheet 900 is dropped onto the transport conveyor unit 800.

  On the other hand, even when it is necessary to punch the remaining fraction of the remaining portion of the PTP tablet sheet 900, as described above, the chuck 430 can cue it from the remaining portion storage portion 515a under the tongue pieces 515 and 515 of the cassette base 510. The remaining portion of the PTP tablet sheet 900 is chucked and pulled forward. The remaining portion of the pulled PTP tablet sheet 900 is conveyed to the cutting unit 700 while being chucked. Then, the remaining part of the PTP tablet sheet 900 is punched using the vertical blade and the horizontal blade, and the PTP tablet sheet 900 corresponding to the further punched part is dropped directly onto the transport conveyor unit 800.

  On the other hand, the remaining part of the PTP tablet sheet 900 that has been subjected to further blanking is returned to the original tablet cassette 500 while being chucked by the chuck 430. In this case, the remaining part of the PTP tablet sheet 900 is also the cassette base 510. Are inserted and stored in the remaining storage portion 515a below the tongue pieces 515, 515.

  In this way, the PTP tablet sheet 900 loaded on the tablet cassette 500 is dispensed to its fraction without waste.

  The transport conveyor unit 800 includes a roller group or the like 801 and tablet takeout buckets 802 and 802 that are moved in the front / rear and left / right directions by the roller group or the like. Then, the PTP tablet sheet 900 dropped from the secondary bucket 480 via the shutter 470 or its remaining part is moved in the front / rear / left / right direction by a roller group 801 and dropped into one of the tablet takeout buckets 802 and 802. It is like that.

  On the other hand, the remaining portion or further remaining portion of the PTP tablet sheet 900 dropped from the cutting unit 700 is similarly moved in the front-rear and left-right directions by the roller group 801 and dropped into one of the tablet take-out buckets 802 and 802.

  In this way, the dispensed buckets 802 and 802 accommodate the dispensed PTP tablet sheet 900 or the remainder thereof.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing a control system related to sheet handling of the dispensing device 1, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation related to sheet handling of the dispensing device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control system related to the sheet handling of the dispensing device 1 includes a controller 10 attached to the dispensing device 1 and various calculations based on various data and prescription data separately input from the controller 10. And a control device 20 for performing the above.

  The controller 10 takes in ON / OFF signals output from the plurality of sensors 5302, 5302,... And performs predetermined data processing for discriminating the front and back of the PTP tablet sheet 900 described later. And rotating the motor 430b of the chucking unit 400 and the first operation command unit 31 that outputs a command signal for controlling a normal chucking operation at the time of dispensing of the chucking unit 400 to the chucking unit 400. The second operation command unit 32 outputs a command signal to the motor 430b for rotating the chuck 430 around the rotation shaft 430a and inverting the front and back of the PTP tablet sheet 900.

  The control device 20 is composed of a general-purpose or dedicated computer arranged close to the dispensing device 1, and includes a ROM 21, a RAM 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a CPU (corresponding to a determination unit) 25. And a storage unit 30. The ROM 21 stores a control program of the dispensing device 1 and various preset data, and the RAM 22 temporarily stores data. The display unit 23 is composed of an LCD or the like, and displays various messages to the user. The input unit 24 is for inputting various instructions and prescription data of the user.

  The CPU 25 controls the overall operation of the dispensing device 1 via the controller 10 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 21. The lowermost PTP tablet sheet 900 of the tablet cassette 500 is a chucking unit. .. Before being taken out of the tablet cassette 500 at 400, based on data relating to the irregular shape of the tablet sheet included in the on / off signals output from the sensors 5302, 5302,... If the PTP tablet sheet 900 is determined to be the reverse side, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is taken out of the tablet cassette 500 by the chucking unit 400 and then the PTP tablet sheet 900 is determined. The operation of turning the 900 upside down with the chucking unit 400 It has a function of calculating the data of the (252).

  The storage unit 30 stores all the various data from the controller 10, the operation data, and the like via the CPU 25. The storage unit 30 may be provided outside the control device 20 or on the controller 10 side.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the operation | movement which concerns on the sheet handling of this dispensing apparatus 1 is demonstrated. Note that the chucking operation other than the front / back reversing operation of the PTP tablet sheet 900 by the chucking unit 400 is as described above, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted. Further, the front / back discrimination program of the PTP tablet sheet 900, the operation data calculation program, and the like may be stored in the ROM 21 in advance, or input from the input unit 24 and stored in the RAM 21 after the dispensing apparatus 1 is powered on. You may keep it. These confirmations can be made from the display unit 23.

  Now, it is assumed that the upper part 530 of the main body of the tablet cassette 500 is in a state where the PTP tablet sheet 900 has just been loaded. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, since the bottom PTP tablet sheet 900 has not yet made the front / back discrimination (YES in step S1), the ON / OFF signals from the sensors 5302, 5302,. Are respectively transmitted to the controller 10 (step S2).

  Then, the data fetching unit 26 of the controller 10 performs so-called data processing for fetching data relating to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet included in the on / off signals from the sensors 5302, 5302,. The processing data is transmitted to the device 20 (step S3).

  Next, the CPU 25 of the control device 20 performs front / back discrimination of the PTP tablet sheet 900 based on the processing data and the like (step S4). As the program showing the front / back discrimination method of the PTP tablet sheet 900, as described above, for example, at least one of the sensors 5302, 5302,... In this case, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face down, and when all are emitting an ON signal, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face up.

  Further, when the CPU 25 determines that the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face down as a result of the front / back determination of the PTP tablet sheet 900 (YES in step S5), the unevenness of the PTP tablet sheet 900 stored in the storage unit 30 is determined. The operation data of the motor 430b is calculated according to the data relating to the shape. For example, when the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face down, the program indicating the operation data calculation method is given as rotation angle data for rotating the motor 430b by 180 degrees. The calculated value is stored in the storage unit 30 (step S6), and the process returns to before step S1. On the other hand, as a result of the front / back discrimination of the PTP tablet sheet 900, if it is determined that the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face up (NO in step S5), the CPU 25 does not calculate the operation data of the motor 430b before step S1. Return.

  At this time, since the front / back discrimination of the PTP tablet sheet 900 has already been performed as described above, the normal dispensing operation is performed (NO in step S1) without performing the front / back discrimination of the PTP tablet sheet 900 (step S1). S7) All operations are terminated.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the front and back sides of the PTP tablet sheet 900 are discriminated before the lowermost PTP tablet sheet 900 in the tablet cassette 500 is taken out of the tablet cassette 500 by the chucking unit 400. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is not turned upside down due to misidentification, and there is no problem in cutting the PTP tablet sheet 900 in the next step. Also, if the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face down, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is taken out of the tablet cassette 500 by the chucking unit 400, and then the sheet surface is reversed so that the PTP tablet sheet is reversed. Since 900 can always be taken face up in the next process, the PTP tablet sheet 900 can be satisfactorily cut.

  If it is determined that the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face down, the PTP tablet sheet 900 is taken out of the tablet cassette 500 by the chucking unit 400 and then the PTP tablet sheet 900 is removed by the chucking unit 400. Since the front and back are reversed, the PTP tablet sheet 900 can be easily reversed, and the reversing work does not require manpower, and the work efficiency is improved.

  In the above embodiment, the two cassette shelves 600 and 600 are arranged on the left and right. However, the cassette shelves 600 and 600 may be arranged on the front and back, or one or three or more cassette shelves may be arranged. Good. In that case, it is preferable from the viewpoint of work efficiency that the number of carriages, chucking units, cutting units, and the like correspond to this.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, before taking out the bottom PTP tablet sheet 900 in the tablet cassette 500 out of the tablet cassette 500 by the chucking unit 400, the front-and-back discrimination of the PTP tablet sheet 900 is performed. After the sheet 900 is taken out of the tablet cassette 500 by the chucking unit 400, the front and back of the PTP tablet sheet 900 may be discriminated. In that case, it is good also as reading the barcode displayed on the back surface of the PTP tablet sheet 900 with a barcode reader, and performing the front / back discrimination of the PTP tablet sheet 900. Alternatively, the PTP tablet sheet 900 may be imaged with a camera, and the front / back discrimination of the PTP tablet sheet 900 may be performed based on the captured image.

  In the above embodiment, a non-contact type magnetic sensor is used as the sensor 5302. However, instead of this, for example, an ultrasonic sensor or the like may be used. In that case, as shown in FIG. 9, a sensor (such as a plurality of tablets 920, 920,... Included in the PTP tablet sheet 900 is straddled on the bottom surface 5301 of the upper body 530 of the tablet cassette 500). 5303, and can be configured to discriminate the front and back of the PTP tablet sheet 900 based on the data relating to the uneven shape of the PTP tablet sheet 900 included in the output signal of the sensor 5303. .

  Specifically, if the level of the output signal of the sensor 5303 is “A”, the sensor 5303 detects the aluminum sheet 915 on the opposite side of the PTP tablet sheet 900, and the synthetic resin sheet 910 is formed on the upper surface thereof. Since there are tablets 920, 920,... Wrapped in, it can be determined that the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face up.

  On the other hand, if the output signal of the sensor 5303 is a “B” level smaller than the “A” level, the sensor 5303 is a tablet 920, 920 wrapped in a synthetic resin sheet 910 on the opposite side of the PTP tablet sheet 900. ,..., It can be determined that the PTP tablet sheet 900 is face down.

  Accordingly, accurate automatic discrimination between the front and back of the PTP tablet sheet 900 can be performed with a smaller number of sensors than in the case of the sensor 5302 that uses only the ON signal and the OFF signal.

  In the above embodiment, the PTP tablet cassettes 500, 500,... Are arranged on the shelf plate 602 of the cassette shelf 600 in the width direction of the PTP tablet cassettes 500, 500,. However, the shelf plate is not limited to a stationary flat plate shape, and may be, for example, a cylindrical shape rotating around a predetermined axis. In that case, it is sufficient to move the chucking unit 400 relative to each PTP tablet cassette 500, 500,... Mounted on the rotating shelf.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the main components of the dispensing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view seen from the opposite side to the side which opposes the chucking unit of a tablet cassette. It is a sectional side view showing the state before sheet cueing. It is a sectional side view showing the state at the time of sheet cueing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the PTP tablet sheet in the lowest part of a tablet cassette, and each sensor, Comprising: (a) is a side view in case the said PTP tablet sheet is facing up, (b) is the said PTP It is a side view in case a tablet sheet is face down. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the PTP tablet sheet is chucked with the chuck | zipper of a chucking unit, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view in case the said PTP tablet sheet is facing up, (C) is a side view when the PTP tablet sheet is face down. It is a functional block diagram which shows the control system which concerns on the sheet handling of a dispensing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows schematic operation | movement which concerns on the sheet handling of a dispensing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the PTP tablet sheet in the lowest part of a tablet cassette, and another kind of sensor, Comprising: (a) is a side view in case the said PTP tablet sheet is facing up, (b) These are side views when the PTP tablet sheet is face down. It is a perspective view which shows the usage method of the PTP tablet sheet in the tablet cassette in a conventional example.

Explanation of symbols

1 Dispensing device 10 Controller 20 Control device 25 CPU (corresponding to discrimination means)
26 Data acquisition unit 31 First operation command unit 32 Second operation command unit 100 Main body 200 Y carriage 300 X carriage 400 Chucking unit 411 Z carriage 420 Rotary solenoid 430 Chuck 430a Rotating shaft 430b Motor (corresponding to reversing means) )
500 Tablet cassette 510 Cassette base 520 Cassette main body 530 Upper part of main body (corresponding to sheet stacking portion)
5301 Bottom 5302 Sensor (corresponds to detection means)
5303 Sensor (corresponds to detection means)
531 Front wall 533 Bar-shaped member 540 Lower part of main body 700 Cutting unit 800 Conveying conveyor unit 900 PTP tablet sheet (corresponding to tablet sheet)

Claims (8)

It is a sheet handling method of a dispensing device provided with a chucking unit that chucks tablet sheets stacked in a tablet cassette one by one in order from the bottom and takes them out of the tablet cassette,
The detection means provided in the tablet cassette detects data relating to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet loaded at the bottom of the tablet cassette, and discriminates the front and back of the tablet sheet based on this detection data A sheet handling method for a dispensing device, characterized in that it is configured as described above.   2. The sheet handling method for a dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the tablet sheet is reversed by the chucking unit only when it is determined that the tablet sheet is face down. 3. A sheet handling device of a dispensing device comprising a chucking unit that chucks the tablet sheets loaded in the tablet cassette one by one in order from the bottom and takes them out of the tablet cassette,
Detection means for detecting data relating to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet loaded at the bottom of the tablet cassette;
A sheet handling device for a dispensing device, comprising: a discriminating unit that discriminates the front and back of the tablet sheet based on the detection data.   The sheet handling of the dispensing device according to claim 3, further comprising a reversing means for reversing the front and back of the tablet sheet by the chucking unit only when it is determined that the tablet sheet is face down. apparatus. The tablet cassette includes a sheet stacking unit for stacking the tablet sheets,
5. A sheet handling apparatus for a dispensing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the detecting means is a non-contact type sensor disposed on the bottom surface of the sheet stacking portion. As the detection means, provided with a plurality of sensors facing the tablet sheet on the bottom surface of the sheet stacking unit and provided at an interval smaller than the interval of the tablets included in the tablet sheet,
6. The dispensing according to claim 5, wherein the discriminating unit is configured to discriminate the front and back of the tablet sheet based on data relating to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet included in the ON / OFF signal of each sensor. Sheet handling device of the device. As the detection means, provided with a sensor provided to face the tablet sheet on the bottom surface of the sheet stacking unit,
6. The dispensing according to claim 5, wherein the discriminating unit is configured to determine the front and back of the tablet sheet based on data relating to the uneven shape of the tablet sheet included in the level of the output signal of the sensor. Sheet handling device of the device. The chucking unit includes a chuck for chucking the tablet sheet,
The sheet handling device for a dispensing device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the reversing means is a motor that rotates the chuck around a taking-out direction of the tablet sheet.

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