JP5601204B2 - Label dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a label dispensing apparatus for dispensing a label on a medicine tray.

There is known a chemical supply system in which chemicals such as injections are dispensed to a chemical tray conveyed by a tray conveyance line, and further, information corresponding to the chemical is printed on a label by a printer by a label dispensing device and dispensed to the chemical tray. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In addition to a medicine tray that is not partitioned into compartments, a medicine tray that is partitioned into a plurality of compartments by a partition plate or the like is also known. Patent Document 2 describes a label dispensing device for a drug tray partitioned into a plurality of sections.

However, in the label dispensing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to dispense labels with high efficiency since the labels are loaded into individual sections by moving the medicine tray. Further, Patent Document 2 does not teach at all that label dispensing can be executed even when the printer runs out of paper or the like. Furthermore, since the label dispensing apparatus of Patent Document 2 that needs to move a chemical tray having a large size inevitably increases in size, a sufficient space is required for installation.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-183568 JP 2006-109899 A

The present invention enables high-efficiency labels to be dispensed from chemical trays partitioned into multiple compartments, enabling continuous dispensing even when the printer runs out of paper, and saving space. It is an object of the present invention to provide a label dispensing device that can be used.

The present invention is a tray holding unit that holds a medicine tray partitioned into a plurality of sections aligned along a predetermined direction, and is disposed above the tray holding unit, and performs printing on a label and printing from a supply port. A plurality of fixed printing units for supplying the labels, a distribution unit disposed between the tray holding unit and the printing unit, and having a plurality of openable / closable label storage units and movable in the predetermined direction ; the provided, by switching a supply operation of supplying the labels from said supply port of said printing section to said label receiving portion of the distribution unit in the closed state, the label receiving portion of the distribution unit from a closed state to an open state Provided is a label dispensing device that performs a dispensing operation for dropping the label onto the compartment of the medicine tray held by the tray holding unit.

The medicine tray is held in a fixed state by the tray holding unit. In other words, the label can be dispensed with high efficiency because the label is put into the individual sections of the distributor without moving the medicine tray. In addition, for dispensing the label, there is no need to move the medicine tray or the printing unit, and only the dispensing unit moves for dispensing the label. Space saving (saving of installation space) can be realized.

The movable range of the distribution unit is preferably within the range of the medicine tray held by the tray holding unit.

According to this configuration, even if the distribution unit moves, it does not protrude from the medicine tray held by the tray holding unit, so that further space saving can be achieved.

The printing unit includes a first printing unit and a second printing unit in which the supply ports are arranged side by side in the predetermined direction, and the distribution unit is arranged in the first direction. The label housing portion and the second label housing portion may be provided.

With this configuration, even when one of the first and second printing units becomes unable to supply a label due to out of paper or the like, the label supply operation from the other printing unit and the supply are performed. It is possible to dispense labels to individual sections of the chemical tray by repeating the label discharging operation.

More specifically, the arrangement order as seen in the first and the predetermined direction of the second printing section, arrangement order as viewed in the first and the predetermined direction of the second label receiving portion are the same, the distribution unit, the first label receiving portion below the supply opening of the second label receiving portion is positioned below the supply port of the first printing unit is the second printing unit A first shift position in which the first label storage unit is located below the supply port of the second printing unit, and the second label storage unit in the first printing. It is possible to move in the predetermined direction to a second shift position located below the supply port of the part.

According to this configuration, the first and second printing units are connected to the first and second label storage units of the distribution unit disposed at any one of the reference position, the first shift position, and the second shift position. Supply operation for supplying the label, and any section of the medicine tray from the first and second label storage chambers of the distribution unit arranged at any one of the reference position, the first shift position, and the second shift position Since the label is dispensed to the individual sections of the chemical tray by the discharging operation of dropping the label, the label can be dispensed with high efficiency .

When the tray held by the tray holding unit includes first to fourth sections arranged in the predetermined direction, any one of the reference position, the first shift position, and the second shift position. The label is supplied from at least one of the first and second printing units to at least one of the first and second label storage units in the closed state of the distribution unit disposed in Supply operation and at least one of the first and second label accommodating portions with the label accommodating portion disposed at any one of the reference position, the first shift position, and the second shift position in the open state. Repeating the discharging operation of dropping the label with respect to at least one of the first to fourth sections of the medicine tray held in the tray holding portion from any one of the above, The label is dispensed from the first goods tray in the fourth compartment of the.

It is preferable that a concavo-convex shape is provided on a surface of the label housing portion on which the label is placed.

With this configuration, the contact area between the label supplied from the printing unit to the label storage unit and the surface on which the label of the label storage unit is placed is reduced. In other words, the contact area between the surface of the label placed on the label accommodating portion and the air increases. As a result, the suction of the label supplied from the printing unit to the label storage unit is prevented. By preventing this adsorption, when the label storage unit is switched from the closed state to the open state, the label in the label storage unit reliably falls to the compartment of the chemical tray. In other words, with a simple configuration in which an uneven shape is provided on the surface on which the label of the label container is placed, an error in the label dispensing operation due to the suction can be reliably prevented.

The distribution unit may include a shutter that configures a bottom portion of the label storage unit and is switched between the open state and the closed state, and an opening that is formed through the shutter in the thickness direction.

By providing an opening in the shutter, the contact area between the label supplied from the printing unit and the shutter can be reduced (the contact area between the air on the shutter side of the label) and the label can be prevented from being attracted to the shutter. For this reason, when the shutter is switched from the closed state to the open state, the label in the label accommodating portion surely falls into the compartment of the medicine tray. That is, an error in the label dispensing operation due to the suction can be reliably prevented with a simple configuration in which an opening is provided in the shutter.

The distribution unit preferably includes an insertion portion that is spaced apart from the opening when the shutter is in the closed state, and is inserted into the opening when the shutter is in the open state.

According to this configuration, when the shutter is in the open state, even if the label placed on the shutter is adsorbed by the insertion portion inserted from the opening, the label is forcibly separated from the shutter and dropped to the compartment of the medicine tray. . That is, with this configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent an error in the label dispensing operation caused by the suction.

  According to the label dispensing apparatus of the present invention, the label can be dispensed with high efficiency to the chemical tray partitioned into a plurality of sections, and the dispensing can be continued even when the printer runs out of paper, Space saving can be realized.

The typical top view of a medicine supply system provided with the label dispensing device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. The schematic diagram of the label dispensing apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The top view of the label dispensing apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The front view of the label dispensing apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The left view of the label dispensing apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of a chemical | medical agent tray and a tray holding | maintenance part. The perspective view of a tray holding part. The perspective view of the 1st and 2nd printer part. The perspective view of a stocker. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the "reference position" of the stocker at the time of supply operation | movement, "right shift position", and "left shift position". The schematic diagram for demonstrating the "reference position" of the stocker at the time of discharge | emission operation | movement, the "right shift position", and the "left shift position". FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (first supply operation) when the first and second printer units operate normally. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (first discharge operation) when the first and second printer units operate normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (second supply operation) when the first and second printer units operate normally. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (second discharge operation) when the first and second printer units operate normally. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (first supply operation) when only the first printer unit operates normally. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (first discharge operation) when only the first printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (second supply operation) when only the first printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (second discharge operation) when only the first printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (third supply operation) when only the first printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (third discharge operation) when only the first printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (fourth supply operation) when only the first printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (fourth discharge operation) when only the first printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (first supply operation) when only the second printer unit operates normally. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (first discharge operation) when only the second printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (second supply operation) when only the second printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (second discharge operation) when only the second printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (third supply operation) when only the second printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (third discharge operation) when only the second printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (fourth supply operation) when only the second printer unit operates normally. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a payout operation (fourth discharge operation) when only the second printer unit operates normally. The perspective view which looked at the stocker of the label dispensing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention from upper direction. The perspective view which looked at the stocker of the label dispensing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention from the downward direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of one shutter plate. Sectional drawing in the XVIII-XVIII line of FIG.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a medicine supply system 2 including a label dispensing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This medicine supply system 2 includes a plurality of medicine dispensing devices 5, a label dispensing device 1, a card rewriting device 6, and a lifter in the middle of a tray conveyance line 10 connecting the medicine tray feeding device 3 and the medicine tray discharging device 4. 7 is arranged. The chemical tray 8 supplied from the chemical tray supply device 3 is conveyed by the tray conveyance line 10 and sequentially passes through the chemical dispensing device 5, the label dispensing device 1, the card rewriting device 6, and the loading lifter 7, and then the chemical tray is discharged. Device 4 is reached.

Referring to FIG. 6, the medicine tray 8 is a plastic container having a bottomed cylindrical shape having a rectangular shape in plan view, and has a flange 8a formed in the upper opening. Moreover, a groove | channel etc. are formed in both sides | surfaces, By attaching the partition plate 9, it can divide | segment into the some accommodating part according to a dosing time. In the present embodiment, the inside of the medicine tray 8 is divided into four sections 11 a to 11 d in the conveyance direction (X-axis direction) of the medicine tray 8 by the three partition plates 9. In the accompanying drawings, “No1” to “No4” may be displayed for the sections 11a to 11d.

The chemical tray supply device 3 sequentially supplies a plurality of chemical trays 8 accommodated in a stacked state to the tray conveyance line 10.

Based on the prescription data input from the server or the like, the medicine dispensing device 5 supplies a medicine (for example, an injection or the like) corresponding to each of the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8 conveyed on the tray conveyance line 10, for example. Pay out one pack at a time.

The label dispensing apparatus 1 dispenses labels corresponding to the medicines dispensed by the medicine dispensing apparatus 5 to the individual sections 11 a to 11 d of the medicine tray 8.

The card rewriting device 6 can print a predetermined item on an identification card (not shown) provided on the medicine tray 8 and can rewrite the content even if it is already printed (for example, for example, JP, 2002-165865, A).

The lifter 7 accumulates and waits for the medicine tray 8 that has received and transported the medicine and the label , and sequentially supplies the medicine tray 8 to the medicine tray discharge device 4 (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-240946). See the official gazette).

The medicine tray discharge device 4 includes a cart standby section 4a and a tray supply section 4b, and sequentially stores medicine trays 8 containing medicines and labels in an empty delivery cart (not shown). , International Publication No. 2005/105629).

Hereinafter, the label dispensing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described in detail. 2 to 5, the label dispensing apparatus 1 includes a tray holding unit 21, a first printer unit (first printing unit) 22A, a second printer unit (second printing unit) 22B, and a stocker (distribution). Part) 23.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 together, the tray holding unit 21 constitutes a part of the tray transfer line 10 and holds the chemical tray 8 transferred from the card rewriting device 6 in a fixed state during the dispensing of the label. After the label is dispensed, the label is moved to the lifting lifter 7.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, the first and second printer units 22 </ b> A and 22 </ b> B are installed on a common machine base 25 disposed at an interval above the tray holding unit 21. Referring also to FIG. 8, the first and second printer units 22A and 22B print the roll 26 on which the paper is wound and the paper unwound from the roll, and then cut the label (FIG. 12A to FIG. 12). A printer main body 27 for producing (schematically indicated by a symbol L in FIG. 1H) is provided. The labels L cut by the printer main bodies 27 of the first and second printer sections 22A and 22B are respectively provided with first supply holes (first supply ports) 28A formed so as to penetrate the machine base 25 in the vertical direction. It falls toward the stocker 23 from the second supply hole (second supply port) 28B. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first supply hole 28A and the second supply hole 28B are arranged in the X-axis direction (the section 11a of the chemical tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21 as described above. Are arranged adjacent to each other (in the arrangement direction of ˜11d), and the positions in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction are also shifted.

During operation of the label dispensing apparatus 1, the machine base 25 of the first and second printer units 22A and 22B is fixed at a fixed position. In this fixed state, as schematically shown in FIG. 2, the upper side of the second section 11 b from the right in the drawing of the medicine tray 8 in which the first supply hole 28 </ b> A of the first printer unit 22 </ b> A is held by the tray holding unit 21. Is located. In this fixed state, the second supply hole 28B of the second printer unit 22B is located above the third section 11c from the right in the figure of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding unit 21. In other words, the first supply hole 28A of the first printer section 22A and the second supply hole 28B of the second printer section 22B are aligned with the sections 11b and 11c of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding section 21, respectively. ing.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, the stocker 23 is disposed between the tray holding portion 21 and the machine base 25 of the first and second printer portions 22A and 22B. Specifically, the stocker 23 is disposed above the tray holding unit 21 with an interval allowing the opening of a shutter 41, which will be described later, and is described later with respect to the machine base 25 of the first and second printer units 22A, 22B. The stocker 23 itself is arranged at an interval allowing the movement of the stocker 23 itself. Referring also to FIG. 9, the stocker 23 is a pair of guide rods 29, 29 extending horizontally along the arrangement direction (X-axis direction in the drawing) of the sections 11 a to 11 d of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding unit 21. A carriage 30 that can move above is provided. The carriage 30 is movable on the guide rods 29 and 29 by a known linear drive mechanism 31 including a motor and a transmission mechanism. As will be described in detail later, the carriage 30 (stocker 23) is arranged at one of three positions by being moved by the linear drive mechanism 31.

The carriage 30 is provided with a first label storage chamber 32A and a second label storage chamber 32B, both of which are open at the upper end. The first label storage chamber 32A and the second label storage chamber 32B are arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21, and are separated into two parts therebetween. Main partition walls 34a and 34b are arranged. Further, the carriage 30 is provided with a sub partition 35 extending in a direction orthogonal to the main partitions 34a and 34b. The sub-partition 35 divides the first label storage chamber 32A into a first sub chamber 36a and a second sub chamber 3b. Similarly, the sub-partition 35 divides the second label storage chamber 32B into a third sub chamber 36c and a fourth sub chamber 36d. In the accompanying drawings, “Od”, “Ev ′”, “Ev”, and “Od ′” may be displayed in the first to fourth sub chambers 36a to 36d, respectively. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 10 and 11, when viewed in the direction in which the sections 11 a to 11 d of the medicine tray 8 are arranged (X direction), the first and second of the first and second printer units 22 </ b> A and 22 </ b> B are displayed. The arrangement order of the supply ports 28A and 28B and the arrangement order of the first and second label accommodating portions 32A and 32B are all the same as the arrangement order of the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8.

The bottoms of the first label storage chamber 32A and the second label storage chamber 32B are constituted by a shutter 41. In the present embodiment, the shutter 41 includes two shutter plates 42a and 42b. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 9 and 11, one shutter plate 42a is formed on the bottom of the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A and the fourth sub chamber 36d of the second label storage chamber 32B. It is composed. The other shutter plate 42b constitutes the bottom of the second sub chamber 36b of the first label storage chamber 32A and the third sub chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B. The two shutter plates 42a and 42b are connected to the carriage 30 so that the base end side is rotatable around a shaft 33 extending in the X-axis direction. The shutter 41 is in a closed state in which the shutter plates 42a and 42b are rotated by a known rotation drive mechanism 43 including a motor and a transmission mechanism, thereby closing the lower end openings of the first label storage chamber 32A and the second label storage chamber 32B. And an open state in which the lower end openings of the first label storage chamber 32A and the second label storage chamber 32B are opened. If the shutter 41 is in the closed state, the label L is held in the first and second label storage chambers 32A and 32B (in the first to fourth sub chambers 36a to 36d). The label L in the first and second label storage chambers 32A and 32B (in the first to fourth sub chambers 36a to 36d) falls downward.

Referring to FIG. 9, the upper surface of each shutter plate 42a, 42b on which the label L is placed is not a mere flat surface but is provided with an uneven shape. Specifically, three elongated strip-shaped adsorption preventing plates 101 are attached to the upper surfaces of the shutter plates 42a and 42b for each of the first to fourth sub chambers 36a to 36d. By providing these adsorption preventing plates 101, the contact area between the labels L accommodated in the first and second label accommodating chambers 32A and 32B and the upper surfaces of the shutter plates 42a and 42b is reduced. In other words, the contact area between the lower surface of the label L (the surface placed on the shutter plates 42a and 42b) and air increases. As a result, the label L is prevented from being attracted to the upper surfaces of the shutter plates 42a and 42b. The specific shape and the like of the adsorption preventing plate 101 will be described in a second embodiment described later.

The main partition walls 34a and 34b are fixed to the shutter plates 42a and 42b, and the main partition walls 34a and 34b also move as the shutter plates 42a and 42b rotate. On the other hand, the sub partition 35 is fixed to the carriage 30 and holds a fixed position regardless of whether the shutter plates 42a and 42b are opened or closed.

The label L supplied from the first and second printer units 22A and 22B is stored in the stocker 23 through the first and second supply holes 28A and 28B, and more specifically, the first and second labels are accommodated in the shutter 41 closed. Dropped and accommodated in the chambers 32A and 32B (first to fourth sub chambers 36a to 36d) (supply operation). When the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the label L accommodated in the stocker 23, specifically, the first and second label accommodating chambers 32A and 32B (first to fourth sub chambers 36a to 35d), The first and second label storage chambers 32A and 32B (first to fourth sub chambers 36a to 36d) fall into the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21 (discharge operation). By repeating the supply operation and the discharge operation, the label L is paid out to the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding unit 21. As described above, the adsorption prevention plate 101 prevents the label L from being adsorbed to the shutter plates 42a and 42b. Therefore, when the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the first and second label storage chambers 32A, The label L in the 32B surely falls on the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8, and an error in the discharging operation due to the adsorption to the shutter plates 42a and 42b does not occur.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in both the supply operation and the discharge operation, the stocker 23 is moved by the linear drive mechanism 31 so that three positions, that is, “reference position” and “right shift position (first shift position) ”And“ left shift position (second shift position) ”.

In the “reference position”, the first label storage chamber 32A (first and second sub chambers 36a, 36b) of the stocker 23 is aligned above the section 11b of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21, and The two label storage chambers 32 </ b> B (third and fourth sub chambers 36 c and 36 d) are aligned above the section 11 c of the chemical tray 8 held by the tray holding unit 21. Further, in the “reference position”, the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A of the stocker 23 is aligned below the first supply hole 28A of the first printer section 22A, and the second label storage chamber 32B. Among these, the third sub chamber 36 c is aligned below the second supply hole 28 </ b> B of the second printer unit 22.

In the “right shift position”, the first label storage chamber 32A (first and second sub chambers 36a and 36b) of the stocker 23 is aligned above the section 11a of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21, The second label storage chamber 32 </ b> B (third and fourth sub chambers 36 c and 36 d) is aligned above the section 11 b of the chemical tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. In the “right foot position”, the fourth sub chamber 36d of the second label storage chamber 32B of the stocker 23 is aligned below the first supply hole 28A of the first printer section 22A.

In the “left shift position”, the first label storage chamber 32A (first and second sub chambers 36a, 36b) of the stocker 23 is aligned above the section 11c of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21, The second label storage chamber 32 </ b> B (third and fourth sub chambers 36 c and 36 d) is aligned above the section 11 d of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. In the “left shift position”, the second sub chamber 36 b of the first label storage chamber 32 A of the stocker 23 is aligned below the second supply hole 28 B of the second printer unit 22.

The movable range of the stocker 23 in the X direction (the arrangement direction of the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8) is between the aforementioned “right shift position” and “left shift position”. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, at the “right shift position”, the end of the stocker 23 on the first label storage chamber 32 </ b> A side (the right side in these drawings) is held by the tray holding unit 21. The end of the stocker 23 on the second label storage chamber 32B side (the left side in these figures) is the left side of the chemical tray 8 while it substantially coincides with the end of the medicine tray 8 on the compartment 11a side (the right side in these figures). It is located on the inner side (near the boundary between the sections 11b and 11d) significantly from the end of the. In the “left shift position”, the end of the stocker 23 on the second label storage chamber 32B side substantially coincides with the end of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding unit 21 on the partition 11d side, while the stocker 23 The end portion on the first label storage chamber 32A side is located far inside (near the boundary between the compartments 11a and 11b) than the right end portion of the medicine tray 8. Thus, the movable range of the stocker 23 in the X direction (the arrangement direction of the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8) is included in the X direction of the medicine tray 28 held by the tray holding portion 21. In other words, the stocker 23 is included in the medicine tray 28 in a plan view regardless of the position in the movable range in the X direction. In other words, even if the stocker 23 moves within the movable range in the X direction, the stocker 23 does not protrude from the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding unit 21, and in this respect, the space for the label dispensing apparatus 1 can be saved.

Referring to the broken-line arrow in FIG. 10, if the stocker 23 is in the “reference position” during the supply operation, the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A from the first supply hole 28A of the first printer section 22A. The label L can be supplied to the second sub-chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B from the second supply hole 28B of the second printer section 22B. If the stocker 23 is in the “right shift position” during the supply operation, the label L can be supplied from the first supply hole 28A of the first printer unit 22A to the fourth sub chamber 36d of the second label storage chamber 32B. Furthermore, if the stocker 23 is in the “left shift position” during the supply operation, the label L can be supplied from the second supply hole 28B of the second printer unit 22B to the second sub chamber 36b of the first label storage chamber 32A.

Referring to the broken arrow in FIG. 11, if the stocker 23 is in the “reference position” during the discharging operation, the label L in the first label storage chamber 32A (first and second sub chambers 36a, 36b) is placed in the tray. The label L in the second label storage chamber 32B (the third and fourth sub chambers 36c and 36d) is held by the tray holding portion 21 by being dropped and stored in the section 11b of the medicine tray 8 held by the holding portion 21. The medicine tray 8 is dropped and stored in the compartment 11c. Further, if the stocker 23 is in the “right shift position” during the discharging operation, the label L in the first label storage chamber 32A (the first and second sub chambers 36a and 36b) is held by the tray holding portion 21. A section 11b of the medicine tray 8 in which the label L in the second label storage chamber 32B (the third and fourth sub-chambers 36c and 36d) is held in the tray holding portion 21 by being dropped and stored in the section 11a of the medicine tray 8. Fall into the house. Further, if the stocker 23 is in the “left shift position” during the discharging operation, the label L in the first label storage chamber 32A (first and second sub chambers 36a, 36b) is held by the tray holding portion 21. A section 11d of the medicine tray 8 in which the label L in the second label storage chamber 32B (the third and fourth sub-chambers 36c and 36d) is held in the tray holder 21 by being dropped and stored in the section 11c of the medicine tray 8. Fall into the house.

Hereinafter, the operation of the label dispensing apparatus will be described more specifically.

First, with reference to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D, a case will be described in which the first and second printer units 22A and 22B are both out of paper and the label L can be supplied normally. 12A and 12C show the supply operation, and FIGS. 12B and 12D show the subsequent discharge operation.

During the first supply operation shown in FIG. 12A, the stocker 23 is in the “reference position”. The shutter 41 is in a closed state. In this state, the label L is supplied from the first supply hole 28A of the first printer unit 22A to the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A. Further, the label L is supplied from the second supply hole 28B of the second printer unit 22B to the third sub chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B. When the first supply operation is completed, the stocker 23 is moved from the “reference position” to the “right shift position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Next, the first discharging operation shown in FIG. 12B is performed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “right shift position”. In this state, the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. As a result, the label L in the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A falls and is stored in the section 11a of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. Further, the label L in the third sub chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B falls and is stored in the section 11b of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. When the first discharging operation is finished, the shutter 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. Further, the stocker 23 is moved from the “right shift position” to the “reference position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Next, the second supply operation shown in FIG. 12C is performed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “reference position”. The shutter 41 is in a closed state. In this state, the label L is supplied from the first supply hole 28A of the first printer unit 22A to the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A. Further, the label L is supplied from the second supply hole 28B of the second printer unit 22B to the third sub chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B. When the second supply operation is completed, the stocker 23 is moved from the “reference position” to the “left shift position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Finally, the second discharging operation shown in FIG. 12D is executed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “left shift position”. In this state, the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. As a result, the label L in the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A falls and is stored in the section 11c of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. Further, the label L in the third sub chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B falls and is stored in the section 11d of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. When the second discharging operation is completed, the shutter 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. Further, the stocker 23 is moved from the “left shift position” to the “reference position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Through the operations shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D, the labels L are paid out from the first and second printer units 22A and 22B to all the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding unit 21.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13H, the second printer unit 22B cannot supply the label L due to running out of paper or the like, and only the first printer unit 22A has all the sections 11a to 11a. A case where the label L is paid out to 11d will be described. 13A, 13C, 13E, and 13G show the supply operation, and FIGS. 13B, 13D, 13F, and 13H show the discharge operation that follows them.

In the first supply operation shown in FIG. 13A, the stocker 23 is in the “reference position”. The shutter 41 is in a closed state. In this state, the label L is supplied from the first supply hole 28A of the first printer unit 22A to the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A. When the first supply operation is completed, the stocker 23 is moved from the “reference position” to the “right shift position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Next, the first discharging operation is executed in FIG. 13B. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “right shift position”. In this state, the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. As a result, the label L in the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A falls and is stored in the section 11a of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. When the first discharging operation is completed, the shutter 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. Further, the stocker 23 is moved from the “right shift position” to the “reference position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Next, the second supply operation shown in FIG. 13C is performed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “reference position”. The shutter 41 is in a closed state. In this state, the label L is supplied from the first supply hole 28A of the first printer unit 22A to the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A. Even when the second supply operation ends, the stocker 23 maintains the “reference position”.

Next, the second discharging operation shown in FIG. 13D is performed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “reference position”. In this state, the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. As a result, the label L in the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A falls and is stored in the section 11b of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. When the second discharging operation is completed, the shutter 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. The stocker 23 maintains the “reference position”.

Next, the third supply operation shown in FIG. 13E is executed. As described above, the stocker 2 is in the “reference position”. The shutter 41 is in a closed state. In this state, the label L is supplied from the first supply hole 28A of the first printer unit 22A to the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A. When the third supply operation is completed, the stocker 23 is moved from the “reference position” to the “left shift position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Next, the third discharging operation shown in FIG. 13F is executed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “left shift position”. In this state, the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. As a result, the label L in the first sub chamber 36a of the first label storage chamber 32A falls and is stored in the section 11c of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. When the third discharging operation is completed, the shutter 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. The stocker 23 moves from the “left shift position” to the “right shift position” beyond the “reference position”.

Next, the fourth supply operation shown in FIG. 13G is performed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “right shift position”. The shutter 41 is in a closed state. In this state, the label L is supplied from the first supply hole 28A of the first printer unit 22A to the fourth sub chamber 36b of the second label storage chamber 32A. When the fourth supply operation is completed, the linear motion drive mechanism 31 moves the stocker 23 from the “right shift position” to the “left shift position” beyond the “reference position”.

Finally, the fourth discharging operation shown in FIG. 13G is executed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “left shift position”. In this state, the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. As a result, the label L of the fourth sub chamber 36a of the second label storage chamber 32A falls and is stored in the section 11d of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. When the fourth discharging operation is completed, the shutter 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. The stocker 23 moves from the “left shift position” to the “reference position”.

Through the operations shown in FIGS. 13A to 13H, the label L is dispensed from the first printer unit 22A to all the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding unit 21.

In the following, referring to FIGS. 14A to 14H, the first printer unit 22A cannot run out of paper or the like and cannot supply the label L, and only the second printer unit 22B has all the sections 11a to 11a of the medicine tray 8. A case where the label L is paid out to 11d will be described. 14A, 14C, 14E, and 14G show the supply operation, and FIGS. 14B, 14D, 14F, and 14H show the subsequent discharge operation.

During the first supply operation shown in FIG. 14A, the stocker 23 is in the “left shift position”. The shutter 41 is in a closed state. In this state, the label L is supplied from the second supply hole 28B of the second printer unit 22B to the second sub chamber 36b of the first label storage chamber 32A. When the first supply operation is completed, the linear motion drive mechanism 31 moves the stocker 23 from the “left shift position” to the “right shift position” beyond the “reference position”.

Next, the first discharging operation is executed in FIG. 14B. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “right shift position”. In this state, the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. As a result, the label L in the second sub chamber 36b of the second label storage chamber 32B falls and is stored in the section 11a of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. When the first discharging operation is completed, the shutter 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. Further, the stocker 23 is moved from the “right shift position” to the “reference position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Next, the second supply operation shown in FIG. 14C is executed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “reference position”. The shutter 41 is in a closed state. In this state, the label L is supplied from the second supply hole 28B of the second printer unit 22B to the third sub chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B. When the second supply operation is completed, the stocker 23 is moved from the “reference position” to the “right shift position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Next, the second discharging operation shown in FIG. 14D is performed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “right shift position”. In this state, the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. As a result, the label L in the third sub chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B falls and is stored in the section 11b of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. When the second discharging operation is completed, the shutter 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. Further, the stocker 23 is moved from the “right shift position” to the “reference position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Next, the third supply operation shown in FIG. 14E is executed. As described above, the stocker 2 is in the “reference position”. The shutter 41 is in a closed state. In this state, the label L is supplied from the second supply hole 28B of the second printer unit 22B to the third sub chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B. Even when the third supply operation is completed, the stocker 23 maintains the “reference position”.

Next, the third discharging operation shown in FIG. 14F is executed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “reference position”. In this state, the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. As a result, the label L in the third sub chamber 36b of the second label storage chamber 32B falls and is stored in the section 11c of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. When the third discharging operation is completed, the shutter 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. The stocker 23 maintains the “reference position”.

Next, the fourth supply operation shown in FIG. 14G is performed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “reference position”. The shutter 41 is in a closed state. In this state, the label L is supplied from the second supply hole 28B of the second printer unit 22B to the third sub chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B. When the fourth supply operation is completed, the stocker 23 is moved from the “reference position” to the “left shift position” by the linear drive mechanism 31.

Finally, the fourth discharging operation shown in FIG. 14H is executed. As described above, the stocker 23 is in the “left shift position”. In this state, the shutter 41 is switched from the closed state to the open state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. As a result, the label L in the third sub chamber 36c of the second label storage chamber 32B falls and is stored in the section 11d of the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding portion 21. When the fourth discharging operation is completed, the shutter 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state by the rotation drive mechanism 43. The stocker 23 moves from the “left shift position” to the “reference position”.

14A to 14H, the label L is dispensed from the second printer unit 22B to all the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8 held on the tray holding unit 21.

The label dispensing apparatus 11 of this embodiment is particularly characterized in the following points.

The first and second printers are provided in at least one of the first and second label storage chambers 32A and 32B of the stocker 23 arranged at any one of the “reference position”, “right shift position”, and “left shift position”. Operation of supplying the label L from at least one of the sections 22A and 22B, and the first and first of the stocker 23 arranged at any of the “reference position”, “right shift position”, and “left shift position” By repeating the discharging operation of dropping the label to at least one of the sections 11a to 11b of the chemical tray 8 held by the tray holding unit 21 from at least one of the two label storage chambers 32A and 32B, Since the label L is paid out to the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8, it is possible to pay out the label with high efficiency. In particular, as described with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12D, in normal times when the label L can be supplied from both the first and second printer units 22A and 22B, the supply operation and the discharge operation are repeated only twice. The label L can be paid out to all the sections 11a to 11d of the tray 8.

Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13H and FIGS. 14A to 14H, one of the first and second printer units 22A and 22B is out of paper and the label L is not supplied. Even if it becomes possible, the label L can be dispensed to all the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8 by repeating the supply operation and the discharge operation four times using the other printer unit. That is, even when one of the first and second printer units 22A and 22B cannot supply the label, it is possible to continue dispensing the label L to the medicine tray 8.

Further, it is not necessary to move the medicine tray 8 held by the tray holding unit 21 and the machine bases 25 of the first and second printer units 22A and 22B. Only the stocker 23 has the “reference position” and the “right shift position”. ”And“ left shift position ”, the space can be realized.

(Second Embodiment)
The label dispensing apparatus according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the stocker 23 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Other points of the label dispensing apparatus of the second embodiment are the same as those of the label dispensing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14H. 15 and 16, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the bottoms of the first and second label storage chambers 32A and 32B are configured, and the shutter plates 42a and 42b on which the labels L (see FIGS. 12A to 14H) are respectively placed are arranged in the thickness direction. Openings 103A and 103B penetrating therethrough are provided. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 17 and 18, three elongated strip-shaped adsorption preventing plates 101 are attached to the upper surfaces of the shutters 42a and 42b for each of the first to fourth sub chambers 36a to 36d. . Each suction prevention plate 101 includes a base portion 101a fixed to the upper surfaces of the shutters 42a and 42b, and a convex piece portion 101b extending obliquely upward from the base portion 101a. The shutters 42a and 42b are provided with two openings 103A and 103B for each of the first to fourth sub chambers 36a to 36d. In the present embodiment, a rectangular opening is formed between one suction prevention plate 101 located in the center for each of the first to fourth sub chambers 36a to 36d and the two suction prevention plates 101 located on both sides thereof. 103A and 103B are arranged.

Contact between the labels L accommodated in the first and second label accommodation chambers 32A and 32B and the upper surfaces of the shutter plates 42a and 42b by providing the suction prevention plate 101 and making the upper surfaces of the shutter plates 42a and 42b uneven. The area is reduced. Further, the provision of the openings 103A and 103B also reduces the contact area between the label L and the shutter plates 42a and 42b. As a result, the label L is prevented from being attracted to the upper surfaces of the shutter plates 42a and 42b. When the shutter 41 (shutter plates 42a and 42b) is switched from the closed state to the open state by preventing this adsorption, the label L is reliably transferred from the first and second label storage chambers 32A and 32B to the sections 11a to 11d of the medicine tray 8. It is possible to prevent an error in the operation of dispensing the label L.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 16, on the lower surface of the carriage 30 of the stocker 23, the first to second label storage chambers 32A and 32B are positioned at positions adjacent to the shafts 33 of the shutter plates 42a and 42b. Insert members 105A to 105D are fixed for each of the four sub chambers 36a to 36d. Each insertion member 105A to 105D has a base portion 105a whose base end is fixed to the lower surface of the carriage 30 and extends downward (-Z direction), and an insertion portion 105b that extends in the horizontal direction (X direction) from the distal end of the base portion 105a. With.

15 and 16, one shutter plate 42a is shown in an open state, and the other shutter plate 42b is shown in a closed state. As is apparent from FIGS. 15 and 16, when the shutter plates 42a and 42b are in the closed state, the insertion portions 105a of the insertion members 105A to 105D are separated from the shutter plates 42a and 42b. However, when the shutter plates 42a and 42b are in the open state, the insertion portion 105a of the insertion members 105A to 105D includes the opening 103A in the portion of the first sub chamber 36a of the shutter plate 42a and the second sub chamber 36b of the shutter plate 42a. The opening 103A is inserted into the opening 103A of the third sub chamber 36c of the shutter plate 42b, and the opening 103A of the fourth sub chamber 36d of the shutter plate 42b from the lower surface side. Even if the label L is adsorbed to the shutter plates 42a and 42b, the label L is forced by inserting the insertion portion 105a into the opening 103A so as to penetrate from the lower surface side to the upper surface side of the shutter plates 42a and 42b. Thus, they are peeled off from the shutter plates 42 a and 42 b and fall into the sections 11 a to 11 d of the medicine tray 8. That is, by providing the insertion members 105 </ b> A to 105 </ b> D, it is possible to more reliably prevent an error in the label L dispensing operation caused by the suction.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications are possible as listed below.

In the above-described embodiment, the medicine tray 8 includes four sections 11a to 11d. However, the label dispensing apparatus 1 of the embodiment can perform the dispensing of the label L even on the medicine tray 8 including two sections partitioned by a single partition plate 9. In this case, as long as both the first and second printer units 22A and 22B are operating normally, the stocker 23 remains fixed at the “reference position” and the first and second printer units 22A and 22B are connected to the first stocker 23. The supply operation of the label L to the first and second label storage chambers 32A and 32B and the discharge operation of the label L from the first and second label storage chambers 32A and 32B to the two compartments of the medicine tray 8 are performed once. If it is only effective, the dispensing of the label L to the medicine tray 8 is completed. In addition, the label dispensing apparatus 1 of the embodiment can perform the dispensing of the label L on the medicine tray 8 having five or more sections. In this case, the position where the stocker 23 can move (three positions of “reference position”, “right shift position”, and “left shift position” in the embodiment) may be increased in accordance with the increase in the number of sections.

Further, the number of printer units (two in the embodiment, the first and second printer units 22A and 22B) and the number of label storage chambers provided in the stocker 23 (in the embodiment, the first and second label storage chambers 32a and 32B). 3) or more may be provided.

The uneven shape for preventing the label L from adsorbing to the shutter plates 42a and 42b is not limited to the one by attaching the anti-adsorption plates 101 and 012 as in the embodiment. As long as the contact area between the label L and the shutter plates 42a and 42b that can prevent adsorption is reduced, various modes such as one or a plurality of convex portions and concave portions provided on the shutter plates 42a and 42b themselves can be adopted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Label dispensing apparatus 2 Chemical supply system 3 Chemical tray supply apparatus 4 Chemical tray discharge apparatus 5 Chemical dispensing apparatus 6 Card rewriting apparatus 7 Lifting lifter 8 Chemical tray 8a collar part 9 Partition plate 10 Tray conveyance line 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d Section 21 Tray holding part 22A First printer part 22B Second printer part 23 Stocker 25 Machine base 26 Roll 27 Printer main body 28A First supply hole 28B Second supply hole 29 Guide rod 30 Carriage 31 Direct drive mechanism 32A First label accommodation Chamber 32B Second label storage chamber 33 Shaft 34a, 34b Main partition 35 Sub partition 36a-36d Sub chamber 41 Shutter 42a, 42b Shutter plate 43 Rotation drive mechanism 101 Adsorption prevention plate 101a Base 101b Convex piece 103A, 103B Open L label

Claims (9)

A tray holding unit for holding a medicine tray partitioned into a plurality of sections arranged in a predetermined direction;
A plurality of fixed printing units arranged above the tray holding unit, for printing on labels and supplying the printed labels from a supply port;
A distribution unit that is disposed between the tray holding unit and the printing unit, includes a plurality of openable / closable label storage units, and is movable in the predetermined direction ;
With
Supply operation for supplying the label from the supply port of the printing unit to the label storage unit of the distribution unit in the closed state, and switching the label storage unit of the distribution unit from a closed state to an open state. A label dispensing device that performs a dispensing operation of dropping the medicine tray held in the tray holding section onto the compartment. The label dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a movable range of the distribution unit is within a range of the medicine tray held by the tray holding unit. The printing unit includes a first printing unit and a second printing unit in which the supply ports are arranged in the predetermined direction,
The label dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distribution unit includes a first label storage unit and a second label storage unit that are arranged side by side in the predetermined direction. And arrangement order as seen in the first and the predetermined direction of the second printing section, arrangement order as viewed in the first and the predetermined direction of the second label receiving portion are the same,
The distributor is
Reference position where the first of the said second label receiving portion is positioned below the supply port of the label receiving portion is the first print portion is positioned below the supply port of the second printing unit When,
A first shift position where the first label accommodating portion is located below the supply port of the second printing portion;
4. The label dispensing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second label storage unit is movable in the predetermined direction to a second shift position located below the supply port of the first printing unit.   The label dispensing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tray held by the tray holding unit includes first to fourth sections arranged in the predetermined direction. With respect to at least one of the first and second label accommodating portions in the closed state of the distributing portion disposed at any one of the reference position, the first shift position, and the second shift position. And the supply operation for supplying the label from at least one of the first and second printing units, and the reference position, the first shift position, and the second shift position. At least one of the label receiving portion from the first of the medicine tray held by the tray holding portion from at least one of said first and second label receiving unit as the opened state of the fourth compartment The label dispensing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the label is dispensed to the first to fourth sections of the medicine tray by repeating a discharging operation of dropping the label with respect to the two.   The label dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an uneven shape is provided on a surface of the label housing portion on which the label is placed. The distributor is
A shutter configured to configure the bottom of the label container and to be switched between the open state and the closed state;
An opening formed through the shutter in the thickness direction;
The label dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:   The label according to claim 8, wherein the distribution unit includes an insertion unit that is separated from the opening when the shutter is in the closed state, and is inserted into the opening when the shutter is in the open state. Dispensing device.

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