JP5954222B2 - Tablet feeder - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tablet supply device that supplies tablets taken out from a tablet extraction device to a packaging device for packaging tablets.

  Conventionally, in the dispensing business, in order to pack a tablet (medicine) provided in a PTP sheet, it is necessary to take out the number of tablets from the PTP sheet one by one by hand and set it in the packaging machine. The work was complicated.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, Patent Document 1 proposes a tablet unpacking apparatus that unpacks a tablet from a tablet sheet, and administers the tablet in an appropriate container such as a plastic bottle for a single dose. .

  Specifically, Patent Document 1 prepares a plurality of tablet unpacking devices for taking out tablets from a tablet sheet, collects the tablets taken out by the plurality of tablet unpacking devices at a lower gathering portion, etc. It is described that it is put in a container.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-194889

  However, for example, in order to transport the tablets taken out by the tablet unpacking device to the medicine packaging device that packs the tablets in a medicine bag, the tablets taken out by the tablet unpacking device are dropped into the medicine packaging device. In the packaging system, as shown in FIG. 23, the tablets taken out by the tablet unpacking device are introduced from the tablet unpacking device to the tablet introduction path 401 where the tablets are dropped for transport to the medicine packaging device. It can be considered that the introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24 for introduction into the path 401 is provided at the same position symmetrically in the left-right direction.

In the case of the transport path shown in FIG. 23, as shown in FIGS. 24, 25, and 26, the tablets taken out by the tablet unpacking apparatus are introduced into the lower-stage tablet unpacking apparatus (tablet taking-out unit). There is a risk of intruding into the introduction chute dedicated to the tablet taking-out unit on the opposite side, and the introduction chute dedicated to the tablet taking-out unit on the opposite side of the same stage.
Furthermore, there is a possibility that a sensor of another tablet taking-out unit detects an invading tablet, and it is difficult to appropriately perform the packaging process.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is that the tablet taken out from the tablet take-out device is a tablet chute at a lower stage than the tablet take-out device, and is taken out from the tablet introduction path when viewed from the front of the tablet supply device. the introduction chute other tablet extraction device provided on the left and right opposite side of the device is to provide a mechanism for enabling reduced from entering.

The present invention is a tablet supply device for supplying tablets taken out from a tablet extraction device to a packaging device for packaging tablets, and is provided in each of a plurality of stages, and is adjacent to the left and right in each of the plurality of stages. A tablet take-out device for taking out the tablets, and a tablet introduction path through which the tablets taken out from the tablet take-out device pass by dropping to supply the tablets taken out from the respective tablet take-out devices to the packaging device And an introduction chute that is individually provided for each of the tablet take-out devices, and for introducing the tablets taken out from the tablet take-out device from different directions into the tablet introduction path; the provided respectively by the introduction chute provided in the same stage, and each other with respect to said tablet introduction path when viewed from the front of the tablet supply device The introduction chutes provided on the right opposite side are provided at different positions in the front-rear direction of the tablet introduction path when viewed from the front of the tablet supply device, so that the respective tablet take-out devices are provided. In contrast, the introduction chute provided individually is provided asymmetrically with respect to the tablet introduction path.

Further, the present invention is the introduction chute provided individually for each of the tablets take-out apparatus provided adjacent to the left and right in each of the plurality of stages, a tablet taken from each of the tablet extraction device , and being provided so as to introduce the same the tablet introduction path.
Moreover, the said tablet taking-out apparatus of this invention takes out a tablet from the tablet accommodating part of a tablet sheet, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

According to the present invention, the tablet taken out from the tablet take-out device is a tablet chute at a lower stage than the tablet take-out device, and when viewed from the front of the tablet supply device, It is possible to reduce the intrusion into the introduction chute of another tablet take-out device provided on the left and right sides .

It is a figure which shows a packaging apparatus and a tablet supply apparatus. It is a figure which shows a tablet supply apparatus. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a tablet extraction unit. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a tablet extraction unit. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a tablet supply apparatus. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a tablet supply unit. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a packaging unit. It is the figure which expanded a part (703,704,705) of the internal structure of the packaging unit 701. FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the tablet extraction unit. It is the figure which looked at the tablet supply apparatus 10 from the front. It is the figure which looked at the tablet supply apparatus 10 from the side (right side seeing from the front). It is the figure which extracted a part of the tablet supply apparatus 10 shown in FIG. It is the figure which looked at the inside of tablet supply device 10 from the side (right side seeing from the front). It is a section inclination figure showing the internal structure of tablet extraction unit. It is a section inclination figure showing the internal structure of tablet extraction unit. It is a section inclination figure showing the internal structure of tablet extraction unit. It is a simplified front view of a medicine packaging machine (packaging device 5). It is a simplified diagram of a medicine packaging machine in which a medicine packing paper accumulation box and the like are omitted. It is a simplified diagram showing an example of a packaging unit. It is a simplified front view in which the initial standby position of the medicine bag extrusion device 1901 can be understood. It is the schematic which made an example of a medicine package bag extrusion apparatus understand an internal structure. It is an image figure by which the medicine bag was pushed out to the right space of the medicine bag accumulation box. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the tablet supply apparatus. It is a figure when a tablet falls from the tablet extraction unit of the upper stage. It is a figure when a tablet falls from the upper unit. It is a figure when a tablet falls from the tablet extraction unit of the same step. The tablet introduction path 401 provided on both sides of the tablet introduction path 401 through which the tablets taken out from the two tablet extraction units 1 at the same stage pass in common and the introduction chute of the two tablet extraction units 1 at the same stage It is a figure shown about (tablet hopper) 24. The tablet introduction path 401 and the introduction chute 24 are shown in which one introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24 is shifted forward with respect to the tablet introduction path 401 and the other introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24 is shifted rearward. FIG.

Hereinafter, the tablet supply system (FIG. 1) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, FIG. 1 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a tablet supply system including a packaging device 5 and a tablet supply device 10.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a tablet supply system including a tablet supply device 10 and a packaging device 5 for packaging tablets supplied from the tablet supply device 10.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a tablet taking-out unit, which is a unit for taking out tablets from a tablet sheet.
In this embodiment, the tablet taking-out unit will be described as an example of a unit for taking out a tablet from a tablet sheet. However, the tablet taking-out unit takes out as many tablets as the number of tablets to be packed from a storage unit storing tablets already taken out from the tablet sheet. You can also
The tablet sheet is generally called a PTP sheet, and the tablet sheet is also called a PTP sheet.

A plurality of tablet extraction units 1 are stored in the tablet supply device 10. The tablet extraction unit 1 is an application example of the tablet extraction device of the present invention. Six tablet take-out units 1 are arranged in the width direction (left-right direction), and a set of the six tablet take-out units 1 is arranged in three stages up and down. That is, the tablet taking-out units 1 are arranged in 6 rows on the left and right and 3 steps on the top and bottom.
Although the tablet supply device 10 includes a plurality of tablet extraction units 1, the number of tablet extraction units 1 may be one.
Reference numeral 5 denotes a packaging device, which is a device for packaging tablets supplied from the tablet extraction unit 1 of the tablet supply device 10.
The packaging device 5 includes a medicine bag accumulation box 106.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes a powder injection unit, which is a unit into which powder to be packaged is input. Also, the powder dosed in the powder dose input unit 103 is divided into one dose, and the divided powder dose is put in a main hopper 505 described later and packaged in one dose.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a tablet supply unit 400 that can include one or a plurality of tablet extraction units 1 and supplies the tablets extracted by the tablet extraction unit 1.
That is, the tablet supply device 10 is a device that supplies the tablets taken out from the tablet extraction device (tablet extraction unit 1) to the packaging device 5 for packaging tablets, and includes a tablet introduction path 401 and an introduction chute 24 described later. I have.

The tablet supply device 10 takes out the tablet from the tablet sheet (PTP sheet) by the tablet extraction unit 1 and supplies it to the packaging device 5 through the supply path of the tablet supply unit 400. As shown in FIG. 1, the tablet supply device 10 includes a plurality of tablet extraction units 1.
The tablet supply apparatus 10 takes out and supplies one or a plurality of tablets from a tablet sheet (PTP sheet) enclosed in a tablet container.

Next, the tablet supply device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the tablet supply device 10.
FIG. 2 is a view of the tablet supply device 10 as viewed from the front side.
Reference numeral 203 denotes an input port through which a tablet sheet is input to the tablet extraction unit 1.

Next, the internal structure of the tablet extraction unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a view showing the internal structure of the tablet taking-out unit 1.
FIG. 3 is a view of the tablet taking-out unit 1 as viewed from the front side.
In addition, FIG. 3 has shown the figure where the tablet extraction unit 1 is located in a line.

  The tablet take-out unit 1 presses the tablet storage unit of the tablet sheet 51 on the mounting table, a transport mechanism that transports the tablet sheet 51, a mounting table on which the tablet sheet 51 transported by the transport mechanism is mounted, and tablets. And an extrusion mechanism for taking out the material.

  The tablet sheet 51 is a tablet in which a tablet is sealed in the tablet housing portion by providing a sealing sheet using a metal foil made of aluminum or the like on the lower surface of a sheet main body having a tablet housing portion for housing a tablet.

  The tablet sheet 51 has a form in which convex tablet accommodating portions are arranged in two rows at intervals in the width direction on the sheet portion. The plurality of tablet accommodating portions forming each row are arranged along the length direction of the tablet sheet 51.

  The tablet sheet 51 is not limited to the form in which the tablet accommodating portions are arranged in two rows on the sheet portion, but the form in which the tablet accommodating portions are arranged in one row in the length direction of the tablet sheet 51 It is also possible to adopt a form in which the portions are arranged in a plurality of rows of 3 or more at intervals in the width direction.

Here, the internal structure of the tablet taking-out unit 1 will be further described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a view showing an internal structure (cross section) of the tablet taking-out unit 1.
FIG. 4 is a diagram when a PTP sheet is set in the tablet sheet inlet 203 and the PTP sheet is conveyed to the unpacking position (tablet extraction position).

The tablet extraction unit 1 includes a tablet sheet conveyance mechanism (conveyance mechanism) that conveys a tablet sheet, a mounting table 18 on which the tablet sheet is placed, and a tablet extraction mechanism (extrusion mechanism) that takes out the tablet from the tablet sheet. Yes.
Reference numeral 39 denotes a lower roller.

  The tablet sheet transport mechanism transports the tablet sheet 51 in the traveling direction, and includes a lower roller 39 spaced from each other in the traveling direction and an upper roller disposed spaced from each other in the traveling direction. And.

The transport mechanism further transports the tablet sheet 51 by a predetermined distance from the pressed position on the mounting table 18 before continuing to press the tablet storage unit, and the extrusion mechanism continues to press the tablet storage unit (retry). To do.
The lower roller 39 can be rotationally driven by a drive source, and can contact the lower surface of the PTP sheet portion to apply force to the tablet sheet 51 in the traveling method.
The upper roller can be rotationally driven by a drive source, and can contact the upper surface of the PTP sheet portion to apply a force in the traveling direction to the tablet sheet 51.
Since the position of the upper roller in the width direction is a position corresponding to between the two rows of tablet accommodating portions, the upper roller does not contact the tablet accommodating portion 52.

The lower roller 39 and the upper roller can sandwich the tablet sheet portion from above and below and convey the tablet sheet in the traveling direction. Furthermore, the lower roller 39 and the upper roller can sandwich the tablet sheet portion from above and below to transport the tablet sheet 51 in the direction opposite to the traveling direction.
Reference numeral 24 denotes an introduction chute.

The introduction chute 24 is provided on the lower surface side of the mounting table, and guides the tablet taken out from the tablet sheet 51 to a tablet introduction path 401 described later. That is, the introduction chute 24 has a discharge port on the lower surface side of the mounting table, and the tablet taken out from the tablet sheet 51 passes through the discharge port and falls into a tablet introduction path 401 described later. That is, the introduction chute 24 is an apparatus for introducing the tablet taken out from the tablet take-out unit 1 into the tablet introduction path 401.
The introduction chute 24 is also called a tablet take-out hopper.

The tablet taking-out unit 1 further has a changing mechanism that changes the speed at which the tablet accommodating portion of the tablet sheet 51 on the mounting table 18 is pressed.
The push-out mechanism continues (retrys) pressing of the tablet accommodating portion at a speed changed to a higher speed.
The extruding mechanism includes an inner pressing body 83 that presses the vicinity of the center of the tablet accommodating portion, and an outer pressing body 84 that presses a portion outside the vicinity of the center.

The inner pressing body 83 and the outer pressing body 84 operate independently to press the tablet accommodating portion of the PTP sheet and take out the tablet from the PTP sheet.
The extruding mechanism presses the tablet container by the outer pressing body 84 before the inner pressing body 83.

  Since the tip of the inner pressing body 83 has a smaller area than the tablet accommodating part of most tablet sheets 51, the inner pressing body 83 protrudes from the hole opened in the tablet sheet when taking out the tablet (when lowered). .

Since the tip of the outer pressing body 84 has a larger area than the tablet accommodating portion of most tablet sheets 51, the tip does not protrude from the hole opened in the tablet sheet 51 when taking out the tablet (when descending). That is, it is for crushing the tablet accommodating part of the tablet sheet 51.
The tablet taking-out mechanism (extrusion mechanism) has a first lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the outer pressing body 84 and a second lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the inner pressing body 83.

  The first elevating mechanism includes a first elevating body 93 to which the outer pressing body 84 is attached, a cam 94 that drives to rotate the first elevating body 93 and urges the first elevating body 93 in the upward direction. And a biasing member (spring).

  The 1st raising / lowering body 93 is a columnar body extended over the front-back direction, and the outer side press body 84 is attached to the front-end part. The cam 94 is a plate-like body designed in consideration of the lifting operation of the outer pressing body 84, and is fixed to a shaft portion that is rotationally driven by a drive mechanism.

  The cam 94 is provided on the upper surface side of the first elevating body 93, is rotationally driven with the rotation of the shaft portion, adjusts the height position by pressing the first elevating body 93, and thereby the outer pressing body 84. The height position of the outer pressing body 84 can be adjusted (the lifting operation of the outer pressing body 84 is performed). The first elevating mechanism can arbitrarily set the timing and displacement amount of the outer pressing body 84 by setting the timing of the cam rotation operation, the shape of the cam, the fixed position of the cam with respect to the shaft portion, and the like.

  The second elevating mechanism includes a second elevating body 98 to which the inner pressing body 83 is attached, a cam 99 that rotates to drive the second elevating body 98 up and down, and biases the second elevating body 98 in the upward direction. And a biasing member (spring).

  The second elevating body 98 is a columnar body extending in the front-rear direction, and an inner pressing body 83 is attached to the front end portion. The cam 99 is provided on the upper surface side of the second elevating body 98 and is rotationally driven with the rotation of the shaft portion, and presses the second elevating body 98 to adjust the height position. The height position can be adjusted (the inner pressing body 83 is moved up and down). The second elevating mechanism can arbitrarily set the elevating operation timing and displacement amount of the inner pressing body 83 by setting the rotation timing of the cam 99, the shape of the cam, the fixed position of the cam with respect to the shaft portion, and the like.

  For this reason, the cam 94 and the cam 99 can operate independently of each other with respect to the first lifting body and the second lifting body, respectively, and the inner pressing body 83 and the outer pressing body 84 can be lifted and lowered independently of each other. it can.

  The timing of the rotational operation of the two cams in the tablet take-out mechanism can be determined based on a signal from the detection unit of the tablet position detection mechanism. Specifically, the inner pressing body 83 and the outer pressing body 84 can be operated in accordance with the detected position of the tablet accommodating portion.

The tablet taking-out unit 1 further includes a detection mechanism 17 that detects the length of the pressed tablet container before pressing the tablet container of the PTP sheet.
The tablet supply device further includes a calculation unit that calculates a predetermined distance based on the detected length of the tablet container.
The detection mechanism 17 further detects the position of the pressed tablet container while detecting the length of the pressed tablet container.
The tablet supply device 10 further includes a calculation unit that calculates a conveyance distance to the pressed position based on the detected position of the tablet storage unit of the PTP sheet.
The transport mechanism (the lower roller 39 and the upper roller) transports the tablet sheet to a position where the tablet accommodating portion on the mounting table 18 is pressed by the transport distance.
The transport mechanism transports the tablet sheet 51 forward or backward by a predetermined distance.

Next, the internal structure of the tablet supply device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the tablet supply device 10.
In addition, FIG. 5 is the figure which looked at the tablet supply apparatus 10 from the back side (back side).

  An optical sensor (beam sensor) 204 detects a fallen object. When the unwrapped tablet falls in the introduction chute 24, the unwrapped tablet passes over the beam sensor and shields the beam sensor. The state where the beam sensor is shielded from light is referred to as an ON state, and the state where the beam sensor is not shielded is referred to as an OFF state. The presence / absence of a fallen object is determined using this ON / OFF state. The tablet drop detection mechanism includes an optical sensor 204 and a drop tablet counter.

  The tablet supply device 10 has a detection mechanism (optical sensor 204) for detecting the extracted tablet in order to determine whether or not the tablet has been extracted from the tablet container by pressing.

The push-out mechanism continues (retrys) pressing of the tablet storage unit when the taken-out tablet is not detected, and does not continue (retry) press of the tablet storage unit when the taken-out tablet is detected.
401 is a tablet introduction path.
The tablet introduction path 401 is electrically connected to the introduction chute 24, and relays the dropped tablet taken out from the tablet sheet from the introduction chute 24 to the first accumulation hopper.
That is, in the tablet introduction path 401, the tablets taken out from the tablet taking-out unit pass by dropping in order to supply the tablets taken out from the tablet taking-out unit 1 to the packaging device 5.
Next, the internal structure of the tablet supply unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a view showing the internal structure of the tablet supply unit 400.
Reference numeral 402 denotes a first stacking hopper.

The first accumulation hopper 402 is a part in which the tablet taken out from the PTP sheet by the tablet removal unit 1 drops through the introduction chute 24 and passes through the tablet introduction path 401 from the introduction chute 24 to accumulate the tablets. It is.
That is, the tablet introduction path 401 is directly connected to the first accumulation hopper 402.

Reference numeral 501 denotes a second stacking hopper. The second accumulation hopper 501 further accumulates the tablets accumulated in the first accumulation hopper 402.
That is, the second integrated hopper 501 is electrically connected to the first integrated hopper 402.
Therefore, the tablet 50 that has fallen on the first accumulation hopper 402 falls on the second accumulation hopper 501 and is accumulated.

  Reference numeral 502 denotes a first delivery mechanism. The first delivery mechanism 502 moves the tablets 50 accumulated in the second accumulation hopper to the third accumulation hopper.

  Reference numeral 503 denotes a third stacking hopper. The third accumulation hopper 503 accumulates the tablets sent (moved) by the first delivery mechanism 502.

  Reference numeral 504 denotes a second delivery mechanism. The second delivery mechanism 504 moves the tablets accumulated in the third accumulation hopper to the main hopper 505.

  Reference numeral 505 denotes a main hopper. The main hopper 505 accumulates the tablets (one time) delivered (moved) by the second delivery mechanism 504, and puts the accumulated tablets into the packaging sheet (wrapping paper).

  Here, the first integrated hopper is an application example of the first supply unit of the present invention, and the second integrated hopper is an application example of the second supply unit of the present invention. The first, second, and third integrated hoppers are application examples of the supply unit of the present invention. Moreover, the supply part is arrange | positioned toward the gravity direction from the said tablet taking-out apparatus.

Next, the internal structure of the packaging unit (also referred to as a packaging unit) 701 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a view showing the internal structure of the packaging unit 701.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part (703, 704, 705) of the internal structure of the packaging unit 701 shown in FIG.
The packaging unit 701 is a unit in the packaging device 5.
Reference numeral 702 denotes a roll paper feeding mechanism that feeds roll paper (paper in which the packaging paper is in a roll shape), in which packaging sheets (also referred to as medicine wrapping paper and wrapping paper) are continuous, to the packaging mechanism.

  703, the tablets (one tablet 803) accumulated in the main hopper 505 are put into the packaging sheet, and the packaging sheet is heated and welded, whereby the tablets put into the packaging sheet are Enclose in a packaging sheet (packaging mechanism).

  In 704, the tablets accumulated in the main hopper 505 are put into a packaging sheet, and the packaging sheet is heated and welded to enclose the tablets put into the packaging sheet into the packaging sheet. (Packaging mechanism).

That is, the packaging mechanism 703 and the packaging mechanism 704 heat and weld the packaging sheet, thereby enclosing the tablets put in the packaging sheet into the packaging sheet.
705 forms a perforation 801 for cutting on the packaging sheet for dividing the continuous roll paper into packaging sheets (one packet 802). (Severing mechanism)
A printer 706 prints date, patient data, and error information on a packaging sheet (printing mechanism).
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tablet for one dose is packaged by the packaging unit.

Next, the internal structure of the tablet dispensing unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a view showing the internal structure of the tablet taking-out unit 1.
Reference numeral 901 denotes a cover for the tablet sheet slot 203.
By opening the cover 901, the tablet sheet 51 can be inserted into the insertion port 203.
Further, reference numeral 24 shown in FIG. 9 denotes an introduction chute, which has already been described with reference to FIG.

Next, the tablet supply device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a front view of the tablet supply device 10.
As shown also in FIG. 1, 1 shown in FIG. 10 is a tablet taking-out unit.

  The tablet taken out from the PTP sheet by the tablet taking-out unit 1 passes through the introduction chute 24, passes through the tablet introduction path 401, and falls to the first accumulation hopper 402.

Next, each structure with which the tablet supply unit 400 of the tablet supply apparatus 10 is provided is demonstrated using FIG.
FIG. 11 is a view of the tablet supply device 10 as viewed from the side (right side when viewed from the front).

  As described with reference to FIG. 10, the tablet taken out from the PTP sheet by the tablet taking-out unit 1 passes through the introduction chute 24 and the tablet introduction path and falls into the first accumulation hopper 402.

  Then, the tablet that has passed through the first accumulation hopper 402 passes through the second accumulation hopper 501 and is sent to the first delivery mechanism 502. The first delivery mechanism is a first relay unit.

Then, the first delivery mechanism 502 sends the tablets to the third accumulation hopper 503, and the third accumulation hopper 503 sends the tablets to the second delivery mechanism 504. The second delivery mechanism 504 is a second relay unit.
The second delivery mechanism 504 sends the tablets sent to the second delivery mechanism 504 to the main hopper 505.

Next, how the tablets taken out from the tablet take-out unit 1 pass through the introduction chute 24, the tablet introduction path 401, and the first accumulation hopper 402 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram in which a part of the tablet supply device 10 shown in FIG. 10 is extracted. That is, FIG. 12 is a diagram in which two tablet extraction units 1 shown in FIG. 10 are deleted.
A dotted line arrow 1201 shown in FIG. 12 indicates a moving path of the tablet taken out from the tablet taking-out unit 1.
Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the width of the conduit on the left side of the first accumulation hopper 402 and the conduit in the middle is 78 mm in diameter.

Next, each structure with which the tablet supply unit 400 of the tablet supply apparatus 10 is provided is demonstrated using FIG.
FIG. 13 is a view of the inside of the tablet supply device 10 as viewed from the side (right side when viewed from the front).
A dotted line arrow 1201 shown in FIG. 13 indicates a moving path of the tablet taken out from the tablet taking-out unit 1.

  The distance from the outlet of the introduction chute 24 of the uppermost tablet extraction unit 1 to the first inclined portion 1401 is about 460 mm, and the first inclined portion from the outlet of the introduction chute 24 of the middle tablet extraction unit 1 The distance to 1401 is about 265 mm.

  The length of the first integrated hopper 402 is about 362 mm. That is, the distance from the outlet of the introduction chute 24 of the lowermost tablet extraction unit 1 to the second accumulation hopper 501 is about 362 mm.

  When the tablets are taken out from the PTP sheet in each stage of the tablet extraction unit 1, the tablets pass through the introduction chute 24, from the outlet of the introduction chute 24, through the tablet introduction path 401, and into the first accumulation hopper 402. , And are accumulated in the second accumulation hopper 501.

  At this time, in consideration of shortening the packaging time of the whole tablet supply device 10, it is conceivable that the introduction chute 24 (tablet take-up hopper) is vertically dropped from the outlet and placed in the lower part of the second accumulation hopper.

  However, when the tablet taken out by the uppermost tablet taking-out unit 1 is dropped vertically vertically from the outlet of the introduction chute 24 (tablet taking-out hopper) and stored in the lower part of the second accumulation hopper, there is about 876 mm. Is more likely to break or break. Moreover, when the medicine taken out from the PTP sheet is a capsule, there is a high possibility that the medicine will be dented and deformed.

  As described above, since the tablet supply device 10 of the present embodiment is configured so that a plurality of tablet extraction units 1 can be stacked and used, it is introduced particularly when the tablets fall from the uppermost tablet extraction unit 1. The distance from the exit of the chute 24 (tablet removal hopper) to the second accumulation hopper becomes very long, and the possibility that the tablet or capsule taken out from the PTP sheet is damaged is increased.

Therefore, a first inclined portion 1401 for bouncing the tablet is provided on the upper portion of the first accumulation hopper 402 so that the packaging time is not lost much. That is, a part of the upper part of the first stacking hopper 402 is offset.
In the present embodiment, the first inclined portion 1401 having an inclination of about 32 ° from the direction of gravity is used.

Also in the second stacking hopper 501, the second stacking hopper 501 does not lose the packaging time so much that the tablet does not reach the bottom of the second stacking hopper 501 directly from the first stacking hopper 402. A second inclined portion 1402 for bounce is provided.
In the present embodiment, the second inclined portion 1402 is inclined by about 40 ° from the horizontal direction.

  Here, the angles of the first inclined portion 1401 and the second inclined portion 1402 are, for example, about 32 ° and about 40 °, respectively, but the falling tablet bounces (drops the falling speed). Any angle may be used as long as the angle can be moved to the subsequent path (an inclination of an angle that can be supplied to the next supply unit by dropping).

  As described above, the first accumulation hopper 402 includes the first inclined portion 1401, and the second accumulation hopper 501 includes the second inclined portion 1402, whereby the introduction chute 24 (tablet extraction hopper) of the tablet extraction unit 1. The tablet is not dropped directly from the outlet to the lower part of the second stacking hopper 501, and a cushion that does not break or deform the tablet can be provided while changing the tablet dropping direction. As a result, the impact when the falling tablet reaches the lower part of the second stacking hopper 501 can be reduced, and the possibility that the tablet is broken or deformed can be reduced.

  The 1st inclination part is provided in the position where the tablet which fell from the tablet taking-out apparatus contacts, and the 2nd inclination part is in the position where the tablet which contacted the 1st inclination part falls further and contacts. Is provided.

  Further, by providing the first inclined portion 1401 and the second inclined portion 1402 with a material (impact absorbing material) that absorbs impact, such as rubber, it is possible to further suppress the impact of the tablet.

Next, the conveyance of the tablet sheet 51 and the discharging process of the tablet sheet 51 from which the tablets have been taken out will be described with reference to FIGS.
14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 are cross-sectional tilt views showing the internal structure of the tablet dispensing unit 1, respectively.
Reference numerals 39 in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 denote lower rollers that convey the tablet sheet 51.

  Reference numerals 99 and 94 in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 denote cams for moving the first elevating body 93 and the second elevating body 98 up and down independently at different timings by being arranged and rotated by 100 °. Is.

As already explained with reference to FIG. 4, the internal structure of the tablet taking-out unit 1 is 84 in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, which is an outer pressing body for breaking the aluminum foil of the PTP sheet. belongs to. Reference numeral 83 in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 denotes an inner pressing body for taking out the tablet from the pocket of the PTP sheet.
Reference numeral 1401 shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 is a multiple conveyance prevention plate for preventing conveyance of a plurality of stacked PTP sheets.
Reference numeral 1402 shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 denotes a PTP sheet discharge guide unit, which is a block for discharging the unpacked PTP sheet to the discharge path 1601.
The unwrapped PTP sheet is accumulated in the discharge BOX that is in conduction with the discharge path 1601 through the discharge path 1601.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the PTP sheet set in the slot 203 is conveyed by the lower roller 39 and the upper roller as shown in FIG. 15, and the tablets are taken out from the PTP sheet. As shown in FIG. The extracted PTP sheet is discharged to the discharge path 1601.

  The discharge path 1601 is arranged on the rear side of the tablet supply device 10, and the depth of the discharge path 2601 is narrower than the length of the PTP sheet in order to reduce the size of the tablet supply device 10. Further, since the PTP sheet is made of plastic and is hard, if there is nothing provided in the outlet of the tablet extraction unit 1 from which the PTP sheet from which the tablet has been taken out is provided, the PTP sheet will enter the discharge path 1601. There is a risk that the PTP sheet from which the tablets have been taken out will be clogged in the discharge path 1601. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the outlet of the PTP sheet from which the tablet has been taken out (tablet from which the tablet has been taken out) of the tablet supply device 10 is provided so that the PTP sheet from which the tablet has been taken out does not get caught in the discharge path 1601. A PTP sheet discharge guide portion (1402 in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16) is provided at the discharge port) where the sheet is discharged from the tablet take-out device so that the PTP sheet bends in the direction of gravity.

  In FIG. 16, the tip of the PTP sheet in the delivery direction of the PTP sheet from which the tablets have been taken out hits a reverse R-shaped portion (to be described later) of the PTP sheet discharge guide portion 1402, and the PTP sheet moves downward according to the shape of the PTP sheet discharge guide portion 1402. It shows a state of being conveyed.

The PTP sheet discharge guide portion (1402 in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16) has a function to collapse the PTP sheet in the direction of gravity, and in particular, reverses R to the portion that collapses (the portion where the tip in the delivery direction of the PTP sheet hits). By using the shape, the load on the PTP sheet can be minimized. In addition, it is possible to reduce the catch of the PTP sheet during conveyance at the PTP sheet discharge guide portion (1402 in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16), which becomes a problem when tilted in the gravity direction.
FIG. 17 is a simplified front view of a medicine packaging machine (packaging device 5) in which a part of the inside can be seen.

  A continuous medicine bag 802, which is heated and welded one by one by the packaging unit, is sequentially sent out by the medicine paper carrying roller each time it is heated and welded, and the medicine package prepared at the lower part of the packaging unit with a natural gradient. It accumulates in the bag accumulation box 106. The top of the medicine bag sent out with a natural gradient lands in the left space in the medicine bag bag accumulation box 106.

  Even after the top of the medicine bag has landed on the medicine bag accumulation box 106, successive medicine bags are successively sent out. At this time, the top of the medicine bag smoothly moves to the right space in the medicine bag accumulation box 106, and the subsequent medicine bag should move to the right space of the medicine bag accumulation box 106 in sequence. However, since the continuous medicine bag packed by the packing unit is sent out with a natural gradient, only the delivery force of the medicine bag sequentially sent out by the medicine paper carrying roller is enough to start the top of the medicine bag. In some cases, it is not possible to push the medicine bag that is connected to the head and is sent out to the right space of the medicine bag accumulation box 106.

Even if the top of the medicine bag moves to the right space of the medicine bag accumulation box 106 and the subsequent medicine bag continues to the top medicine bag and then moves to the right space, the packaging unit Since the continuous medicine sachets separated by the sachet are delivered with a natural gradient, the force for pushing the medicine sachet into the medicine sachet bag accumulation box 106 is limited. It is impossible to store a large amount of medicine bag.
FIG. 18 is a simplified diagram of a medicine packaging machine in which the medicine-wrapping paper accumulation box and the like are omitted so that the state of medicine-wrapping paper can be understood.

  When the top of the medicine bag 802 is not moved well to the right space in the medicine bag accumulation box and is landed in the left space of the medicine bag accumulation box, dozens of medicine bags are sent out, The medicine bag sent out later loses its place.

  In the case of large-volume packaging, since the medicine bag is sent out one after another, the delivered medicine bag loses more and more, and the operation of the medicine bag feeding mechanism of the medicine packaging paper transport roller of the packaging unit is activated. In some cases, the medicine bag may not be sent out.

  In this case, the space of the medicine bag accumulation box 106 cannot be utilized to the maximum. That is, the main body space of the medicine packaging machine cannot be effectively used. In addition, the original operation of the medicine packaging machine is not completed.

This packaging unit does not have a mechanism to stop the operation with the paper jam sensor, so the motor that operates the medicine paper carrying roller continues to operate even though the medicine packaging bag cannot be sent out. Since the medicine bags that have lost their destination are clogged in the packaging unit, sometimes the medicine bags are broken and the packed medicine is spilled.
As a result, it is necessary to put a hand in the vicinity of the heat welding apparatus for these elimination work, and the user must be careful about this, and the work itself is troublesome.

  Since the continuous medicine bag packed by the packing unit is sent to the medicine bag accumulation box with a natural gradient, in order to prevent this, the outer shape of the body must be excessively enlarged. However, with the rationalization of work in the pharmacy, various devices are often installed and used, and it is required to reduce the size without impairing the functions of the devices so that the space at the installation location can be used effectively. It is inconvenient.

Therefore, it is conceivable to add a conveyor or the like, but there is a demerit that the installation area for the conveyor must be increased. If possible, we would like to make effective use of the space of the medicine packaging machine body with the installation space of the medicine packaging machine body only. Moreover, even if a conveyor is attached, there is a paper jam in the conveyor, and a device for maintenance is required.
FIG. 19 is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of a packaging unit.
1901 of FIG. 19 is an extrusion unit (unit which extrudes a medicine bag). 1901 is also called a medicine bag extrusion apparatus.
Reference numeral 1902 in FIG. 19 denotes a guide (guide for before and after the medicine bag extruding) for reliably feeding the medicine bag to the medicine bag accumulation box when the medicine bag is pushed out.
Reference numeral 1903 in FIG. 19 denotes a vertical portion (powder bag extruding vertical portion) for reliably extruding the medicine paper in the horizontal direction when the medicine bag is pushed out.
Reference numeral 1904 in FIG. 19 denotes a roll paper of medicine wrapping paper, which is set in the packaging unit.
At the lower part of the packaging unit, a device for sequentially pushing out the medicine bag that has been sent out sequentially to the empty space of the medicine bag bag accumulation box is attached.

This medicine bag extrusion apparatus has a function of reciprocating about 60 mm in the left-right direction of the medicine packaging machine. The wrapping unit divides each package, and the wrapping paper transport roller sends out the medicine bag, creating the next medicine bag (the medicine bag is not sent out and the medicine bag is stationary) The extrusion operation of this medicine bag extrusion apparatus is started.
The initial standby position of the medicine bag extrusion device is the leftmost end of this operation range, and the medicine bag is pushed rightward to push the medicine bag rightward.

  During the time when the packaging unit sends out one package and sends out the next package (making the medicine bag to be sent out next), the medicine bag extrusion device is reciprocated once or a plurality of times. Since the medicine paper bag extruding device is operated while the medicine bag being packaged is stationary, it is possible to prevent the continuous medicine bag from being separated.

In addition, a front / rear guide (medicine bag extrusion front / rear guide 1902) is attached to the medicine bag extrusion apparatus. This prevents the medicine bag from projecting out of the machine in front of the medicine packaging machine, and does not go to the direction of the rear medicine packaging paper mounting portion of the machine, so that the medicine packaging bag can be reliably delivered to the medicine packaging bag collection box.
In addition, by making the tip of the portion for extruding the medicine bag of the medicine bag extrusion device vertical, the extrusion can be reliably performed.
FIG. 20 is a simplified front view in which the initial standby position of the medicine bag extrusion apparatus 1901 can be seen.
Reference numeral 2001 in FIG. 20 denotes a lower end position (lower end position of the medicine bag) of the medicine bag to be discharged.
20 in FIG. 20 is the position of the slant portion of the medicine bag extrusion device at the initial position of the medicine bag extrusion device.
20 of FIG. 20 is a guide part (medicine bag discharge guide) of the medicine bag discharged from the packaging unit.
In the medicine bag produced by the packaging unit, the lower end of the medicine bag is discharged along the medicine bag discharge guide.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the medicine bag extrusion device 1901 is also characterized in that, in the initial standby position, the medicine bag extrusion device 1901 waits at a lower (lower) position than the lower end position of the medicine bag to be discharged. That is, while the medicine bag is being sent out (while the transport roller is operating), the medicine bag is waited at the initial position so that the medicine bag discharging operation is not disturbed.

In addition, while the medicine bag is delivered, the next medicine bag is being created (the medicine bag is not delivered and the medicine bag is stationary). After starting the operation and pushing out, it returns to the initial position again.
Thus, it is possible to prevent the continuous medicine bag from being separated without disturbing the discharging operation of the medicine bag.
FIG. 21 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the medicine bag extrusion device.
Reference numeral 2101 in FIG. 21 denotes a drive motor of the medicine bag extrusion device.
Reference numeral 2102 in FIG. 21 denotes a driving gear of the medicine bag pushing device.
Reference numeral 2103 in FIG. 21 denotes a driven rack gear of the medicine bag extrusion device.
21 is a slide rail for horizontal reciprocating motion.
Reference numeral 2105 in FIG. 21 denotes a portion for extruding the medicine bag (medicine bag extrusion plate).
By operating the drive motor 2101, reciprocation is performed via the gear 2102.
Other configurations may be used as long as the medicine bag extrusion device can reciprocate in the left-right direction of the medicine packaging machine.
FIG. 22 is an image diagram in which the medicine bag is pushed out to the right space of the medicine bag accumulation box.
Reference numeral 2201 in FIG. 22 denotes an area (medicine bag landing space) where the medicine bag is landed on the medicine bag accumulation box.

With this medicine bag bag extrusion device, the continuous medicine bag bags that have been divided are sequentially pushed out and moved to the right space of the prepared medicine bag bag accumulation box, and the medicine bag bags that are sequentially packed and sent out are landed. A place can be secured.
That is, since the medicine bag is sequentially moved to the right space of the medicine bag accumulation box, the medicine bag landing space is sequentially created in the lower part of the packaging unit.

  Moreover, since the medicine bag is pushed into the medicine bag bag accumulation box from the left to the right by the pushing operation of the medicine bag bag extrusion device, a large amount of medicine bag bags can be stored in the medicine bag bag accumulation box.

  Therefore, the effect of this apparatus makes it possible to effectively use the medicine packaging machine body space to the maximum without using a conveyor device, and enables mass packaging in a limited space. And the space which installs a conveyor apparatus can be reduced and the cost which installs a conveyor apparatus can be prevented.

  However, since the space of the medicine bag collection box is limited, when the medicine bag collection space is full, there is no space for pushing out the medicine bag. At this time, a load is applied to the motor of the medicine bag extrusion device. The load on the motor at this time is electrically read, and it is detected that no further extrusion is possible, that is, there is no space for extrusion, and the operations of the packaging unit and the medicine packaging machine are temporarily stopped.

This temporary stop eliminates the operation of forcibly sending out the medicine bag even though there is no space to send out the medicine bag. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the medicine package bag from being clogged in the packaging unit or the medicine package bag from being broken in the packaging unit and spilling the packaged medicine.
As a result, no time is spent on these elimination operations, and there is no need to put a hand near the heat welding apparatus.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of the tablet supply device 10.
In addition, FIG. 23 is the figure which looked at the tablet supply apparatus 10 from the back side (back side).

As shown in FIG. 23, the tablet take-out unit 1 is provided on both sides of the tablet introduction path 401, and the tablets taken out from the tablet take-out unit 1 provided on both sides pass through the same tablet introduction path 401. And relayed to the first stacking hopper.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 23, the tablets taken out from the plurality of tablet take-out units in the same row pass through the same tablet introduction path 401 and are relayed to the first accumulation hopper.
FIG. 24 is a diagram when a tablet falls from the upper tablet taking-out unit.

In this case, the tablet may enter the introduction chute dedicated to the lower tablet take-out unit, and the tablet may be damaged or dropped for a long time, so that the packaging process cannot be performed efficiently. . Furthermore, the optical sensor 204 in the introduction chute dedicated to the lower tablet take-out unit may be read erroneously.
FIG. 25 is a diagram when the tablet falls from the upper unit.

In this case, it indicates that the tablet enters the path dedicated to the lower tablet take-out unit and enters the path of the opposite unit, resulting in tablet breakage or delay of the drop time. ing. Furthermore, the optical sensor 204 in the introduction chute dedicated to the lower tablet take-out unit may be read erroneously.
FIG. 26 is a diagram in the case where a tablet has dropped from the tablet extraction unit at the same stage.

  In this case, it is shown that the tablet enters the dedicated path of the opposite unit, resulting in breakage of the tablet or a delay in dropping time. Furthermore, the optical sensor 204 in the introduction chute dedicated to the lower tablet take-out unit may be read erroneously.

  FIG. 27 is provided on both sides of the tablet introduction path 401, and the tablet introduction path 401 through which the tablets taken out from the two tablet extraction units 1 at the same stage pass in common and the two tablet extraction units at the same stage. 1 is a view showing one introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24. FIG.

  In the tablet introduction path 401 and the two introduction chutes (tablet hoppers) 24 shown on the left side of FIG. 27, the introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24 is provided at the same position (symmetrically) with respect to the tablet introduction path 401. . Conventionally, since the tablet introduction path 401 and the two introduction chutes (tablet hoppers) 24 shown on the left side of FIG. 27 were provided, the problems as shown in FIGS. 24, 25, and 26 occurred.

In this embodiment, therefore, the problem described with reference to FIGS. 24, 25, and 26 can be reduced by adopting the structure of the tablet introduction path 401 and the two introduction chutes (tablet hoppers) shown on the right side of FIG. .
That is, the introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24 is arranged not to be provided at the same position (symmetrically) with respect to the tablet introduction path 401.

  In the present embodiment, one introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24 is shifted forward with respect to the tablet introduction path 401, and the other introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24 is shifted rearward.

  In this way, by shifting the respective introduction chutes (tablet hoppers) 24 in the front-rear direction with respect to the tablet introduction path 401, as shown in FIG. It is possible to reduce the intrusion into the introduction chute dedicated to the tablet taking-out unit on the opposite side and the introduction chute dedicated to the tablet taking-out unit on the opposite side of the same stage.

  In the tablet supply system of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the tablets taken out from each of the two adjacent tablet take-out units provided in the same stage are respectively introduced into the same tablet introduction path. An introduction chute is provided for each.

Moreover, as shown in the figure on the right side of FIG. 27, each introduction chute is provided asymmetrically with respect to the tablet introduction path. Moreover, as shown in the figure on the right side of FIG. 27, each introduction chute is provided at a different position in the width direction of the tablet introduction path.
That is, each introduction chute into which tablets are introduced from different directions with respect to the tablet introduction path 401 is provided asymmetrically with respect to the tablet introduction path 401.

  FIG. 28 shows the tablet introduction path 401 and the introduction, in which one introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24 is shifted forward and the other introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24 is shifted rearward with respect to the tablet introduction path 401. FIG.

  By arranging the introduction chute (tablet hopper) 24 asymmetrically with respect to the tablet introduction path 401, it is possible to reduce the breakage of the tablet or the delay of the drop time and to prevent the tablet from being mistakenly taken out. As a result, it becomes possible to appropriately perform the packaging process.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tablet extraction unit 5 Packaging apparatus 10 Tablet supply apparatus 103 Powder supply part 702 Roll paper delivery mechanism

Claims (3)

A tablet supply device for supplying tablets taken out from a tablet extraction device to a packaging device for packaging tablets,
A tablet take-out device for taking out tablets, provided on each of the plurality of stages, and provided adjacent to the left and right for each of the plurality of stages;
A tablet introduction path through which the tablet taken out from the tablet take-out device drops to supply the tablets taken out from the respective tablet take-out devices to the packaging device;
An introduction chute that is individually provided for each of the tablet take-out devices, the introduction chute for introducing the tablets taken out from the tablet take-out device from different directions into the tablet introduction path;
With
The introduction chutes provided on the same stage, and the introduction chutes provided on the opposite sides of the tablet introduction path when viewed from the front of the tablet supply device, respectively, When viewed from the front of the tablet introduction path, the introduction chutes provided individually for the respective tablet take-out devices are provided at different positions in the front-rear direction of the tablet introduction path. The tablet supply device is provided with a left-right asymmetric configuration.   The introduction chute provided individually for each of the plurality of stages adjacent to the left and right sides introduces the same tablet into each tablet taken out from each of the tablet removal apparatuses. The tablet supply device according to claim 1, wherein the tablet supply device is provided so as to be introduced into the path. The tablet supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tablet extraction device extracts a tablet from a tablet storage portion of a tablet sheet.

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