JP6931932B2

JP6931932B2 - Blister pack contents detection device

Info

Publication number: JP6931932B2
Application number: JP2019047207A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 一城平泉; 準一福井; 国弘武蔵
Original assignee: NIPPON FRONTIER MEDICINE LABORATORIES, INC.
Current assignee: NIPPON FRONTIER MEDICINE LABORATORIES, INC.
Priority date: 2016-04-15
Filing date: 2019-03-14
Publication date: 2021-09-08
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-15
Also published as: JP2019151407A

Description

本発明は、ブリスターパックの内容物有無検知装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a content detection device for a blister pack.

従来から、光源から射出された光を受光部で受光することによって対象物をセンシングする装置として、例えば、包装品検査装置が知られている（特許文献１参照）。この包装品検査装置では、赤外線送信機（光源）と赤外線受信機（受光部）とが、ブリスターパックにおいて内容物が収容される透明なカップ（収容部）を挟んで対向する位置に配置され、赤外線送信機から赤外線受信機に向けて赤外光が射出される。このとき、赤外線送信機から射出された赤外光を赤外線受信機が受光しない、即ち、カップ内の内容物によって赤外光が遮られることで、カップ内に内容物があることが検知でき、赤外線送信機から射出された赤外光を赤外線受信機が受光した、即ち、赤外光がカップ内を通過することで、カップ内に内容物がないことが検知できる。このように、前記包装品検査装置では、ブリスターパックのカップ内における内容物の有無を非接触で検知することができる。 Conventionally, as a device for sensing an object by receiving light emitted from a light source by a light receiving unit, for example, a packaged article inspection device is known (see Patent Document 1). In this package inspection device, an infrared transmitter (light source) and an infrared receiver (light receiving unit) are arranged at positions facing each other with a transparent cup (accommodation unit) for accommodating the contents in the blister pack. Infrared light is emitted from the infrared transmitter toward the infrared receiver. At this time, the infrared receiver does not receive the infrared light emitted from the infrared transmitter, that is, the infrared light is blocked by the contents in the cup, so that it can be detected that the contents are in the cup. When the infrared receiver receives the infrared light emitted from the infrared transmitter, that is, the infrared light passes through the cup, it can be detected that there is no content in the cup. As described above, the package inspection device can detect the presence or absence of the contents in the cup of the blister pack in a non-contact manner.

特開昭５８−２０６２８号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 58-20628

上記の包装品検査装置では、光源から受光部に向かう光が遮られるか否かで判断しているため、検知対象物の有無しか検知できない。 Since the above-mentioned package inspection device determines whether or not the light from the light source toward the light receiving portion is blocked, it can only detect the presence or absence of the object to be detected.

しかし、近年、光源から射出された光を受光部で受光することによって行われるセンシングにおいて、検知対象物の容積を検知することが求められている。 However, in recent years, it has been required to detect the volume of an object to be detected in the sensing performed by receiving the light emitted from the light source by the light receiving unit.

本発明は、上記問題点を解決し、要求に応えることを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to meet the demands.

上記目的を達成するため、本発明に係るブリスターパックの内容物有無検知装置は、
透明な樹脂で形成された複数の窪み状の収容部に内容物が収容され、破れやすいシートで覆った上で収容部の周辺部と前記シートとが接着されたブリスターパックの内容物を検知する内容物有無検知装置であって、
前記ブリスターパックにおける複数の収容部に対応する位置に貫通孔を備えた板状部材と、
前記貫通孔の一方の開口を塞ぐ基板と、
前記貫通孔の他方の開口に対し、前記ブリスターパックをセットした状態で、前記ブリスターパックを前記板状部材に向けて押圧するカバーと、
前記カバーが閉じたことを検知する検知部と、
を備え、
前記基板は、
光を射出する光源と前記光源から射出され前記樹脂を透過した光を受光する受光部とを、前記収容部の前記内容物を挟む位置に設けた複数の検知ユニットと、
前記検知ユニットのそれぞれについて、前記受光部が受光した光の量に応じた電気信号の強度を閾値と比較して前記収容部における内容物の有無を検出し、外部機器に検出結果を送信する検出部と、
を有し、
前記基板に設けられた全ての前記光源は、前記カバーが閉じられたことを前記検知部が検知した場合に発光し、
前記検出部は、
前記光源が射出した光が前記内容物によって遮られ、前記受光部が受光した光の量が所定値よりも小さい場合に前記収容部に前記内容物が存在することを検出し、
前記光源が射出した光が前記貫通孔の内周面によって拡散されて、前記受光部が受光した光の量が所定値以上の場合に前記収容部に前記内容物が存在しないことを検出するブリスターパックの内容物有無検知装置である。 In order to achieve the above object, the content presence / absence detection device of the blister pack according to the present invention is used.
The contents are stored in a plurality of recessed housing portions made of transparent resin, and the contents of the blister pack in which the peripheral portion of the housing portion and the sheet are adhered to each other after being covered with a fragile sheet are detected. It is a content detection device and
A plate-shaped member having through holes at positions corresponding to a plurality of accommodating portions in the blister pack,
A substrate that closes one of the through holes,
A cover that presses the blister pack toward the plate-shaped member with the blister pack set against the other opening of the through hole.
A detector that detects when the cover is closed,
With
The substrate is
A plurality of detection units provided with a light source that emits light and a light receiving portion that receives light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the resin at positions sandwiching the contents of the accommodating portion.
For each of the detection units, the intensity of the electric signal according to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit is compared with the threshold value to detect the presence or absence of the contents in the accommodating unit, and the detection result is transmitted to an external device. Department and
Have,
All the light sources provided on the substrate emit light when the detection unit detects that the cover is closed.
The detection unit
When the light emitted by the light source is blocked by the contents and the amount of light received by the light receiving portion is smaller than a predetermined value, it is detected that the contents are present in the accommodating portion.
A blister that detects that the contents are not present in the accommodating portion when the light emitted by the light source is diffused by the inner peripheral surface of the through hole and the amount of light received by the light receiving portion is equal to or more than a predetermined value. It is a device for detecting the presence or absence of the contents of a pack.

本発明によれば、ブリスターパックに収容された収容物の取り出しを簡易に検出できる。 According to the present invention, the removal of the contained material contained in the blister pack can be easily detected.

図１は、第一実施形態に係るブリスターパックの内容物検知装置のカバーを閉じた状態の斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the content detection device of the blister pack according to the first embodiment with the cover closed. 図２は、前記ブリスターパックの内容物検知装置のカバーを開いた状態の斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover of the content detection device of the blister pack is opened. 図３は、前記ブリスターパックの内容物検知装置の分解斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the content detection device of the blister pack. 図４は、前記ブリスターパックの内容物検知装置のカバーを外した状態の平面図である。FIG. 4 is a plan view of the blister pack in a state where the cover of the content detection device is removed. 図５は、図４のＶ−Ｖ位置における拡大断面図である。FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view at the VV position of FIG. 図６は、カバーを開いた状態の前記ブリスターパックの内容物検知装置にブリスターパックを配置した状態の斜視図である。FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the blister pack arranged in the content detection device of the blister pack with the cover open. 図７は、収容空間画定部材の内壁面によって画定される収容空間にブリスターパックの収容部が収容された状態を説明するための図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the accommodating portion of the blister pack is accommodated in the accommodating space defined by the inner wall surface of the accommodating space defining member. 図８は、図７のＶＩＩＩ−ＶＩＩＩ位置における断面図であって、内容物が収容部に収容されている状態の断面図である。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken at the position VIII-VIII of FIG. 7, which is a cross-sectional view of the contents in a state of being housed in the housing portion. 図９は、図７のＶＩＩＩ−ＶＩＩＩ位置における断面図であって、内容物が収容部から押し出された状態の断面図である。FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken at the position VIII-VIII of FIG. 7, which is a cross-sectional view of the contents extruded from the accommodating portion. 図１０は、図７のＶＩＩＩ−ＶＩＩＩ位置における断面図であって、内容物が収容部から押し出された他の状態の断面図である。FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken at the position VIII-VIII of FIG. 7 and is a cross-sectional view of another state in which the contents are extruded from the accommodating portion. 図１１は、第二実施形態に係る容積検知装置を説明するための模式図である。FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the volume detection device according to the second embodiment. 図１２は、他実施形態に係る容積検知部（容積検知装置）を説明するための模式図である。FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a volume detection unit (volume detection device) according to another embodiment.

以下、本発明の第一実施形態について、図１〜図１０を参照しつつ説明する。 Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

本発明に係るブリスターパックの内容物検知装置（以下、単に「内容物検知装置」と称する。）は、図６〜図８に示すような、複数の収容部９１を有するブリスターパック９における収容部９１毎の内容物９２の有無を検知する。本実施形態のブリスターパック９は、いわゆるＰＴＰ（press through pack）シートであり、収容部９１に収容されている内容物９２は、錠剤である。このブリスターパック９は、透明な樹脂シート９０に熱成形して作った複数の窪み（収容部）９１のそれぞれに内容物（本実施形態の例では、中央部が外側に膨出した円盤状の錠剤）９２を入れ、収容部９１の開口をアルミ箔等の比較的破れやすいシート９３で覆い、収容部９１の周辺部を接着またはシール等で固定することにより形成されている。 The content detection device of the blister pack according to the present invention (hereinafter, simply referred to as “content detection device”) is a storage unit in the blister pack 9 having a plurality of storage units 91 as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. The presence or absence of the content 92 for each 91 is detected. The blister pack 9 of the present embodiment is a so-called PTP (press through pack) sheet, and the content 92 contained in the storage unit 91 is a tablet. The blister pack 9 has the contents (in the example of the present embodiment, a disk-shaped portion whose central portion bulges outward) in each of the plurality of recesses (accommodation portions) 91 formed by thermoforming the transparent resin sheet 90. It is formed by putting a tablet) 92, covering the opening of the accommodating portion 91 with a relatively fragile sheet 93 such as aluminum foil, and fixing the peripheral portion of the accommodating portion 91 with an adhesive or a seal or the like.

内容物検知装置は、図１〜図５に示すように、検知対象物であるブリスターパック９の収容部９１の容積（体積）に応じた電気信号を出力する容積検知部（容積検知装置）と、容積検知部からの電気信号を受信してブリスターパック９の収容部９１内の内容物９２の有無を検出する第一検出部（検出部）２５と、を備える。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the content detection device includes a volume detection unit (volume detection device) that outputs an electric signal according to the volume (volume) of the storage unit 91 of the blister pack 9 which is the detection target. The first detection unit (detection unit) 25 is provided, which receives an electric signal from the volume detection unit and detects the presence or absence of the contents 92 in the accommodation unit 91 of the blister pack 9.

容積検知部は、ブリスターパック９の収容部９１が収容される収容空間Ｓを画定する内壁面２２０を有する収容空間画定部材２２と、収容空間Ｓに光を射出する光源２３と、光源２３から射出された光を拡散させる拡散部と、収容空間Ｓ内の拡散された光を受光すると共に受光強度に応じた強度の電気信号を出力する受光部２４と、を備える。本実施形態の拡散部は、内壁面２２０を含む。 The volume detection unit includes a storage space defining member 22 having an inner wall surface 220 that defines a storage space S in which the storage unit 91 of the blister pack 9 is housed, a light source 23 that emits light into the storage space S, and a light source 23 that emits light. It includes a diffusing unit that diffuses the diffused light, and a light receiving unit 24 that receives the diffused light in the accommodation space S and outputs an electric signal having an intensity corresponding to the light receiving intensity. The diffusion portion of the present embodiment includes an inner wall surface 220.

具体的に、内容物検知装置１は、厚板状の装置本体２と、装置本体２の一方の面を覆うことができるカバー（押圧部）３と、を備える。 Specifically, the content detection device 1 includes a thick plate-shaped device main body 2 and a cover (pressing portion) 3 capable of covering one surface of the device main body 2.

装置本体２は、筐体２１と、内壁面２２０を有する収容空間画定部材２２と、光源２３と、受光部２４と、第一検出部２５と、を有する。本実施形態の装置本体２には、複数（ブリスターパック９の収容部９１の数に対応した数）の収容空間Ｓが形成されている。即ち、収容空間画定部材２２は、複数の内壁面２２０を有する。複数の内壁面２２０のそれぞれは、ブリスターパック９の複数の収容部９１と対応する位置に配置されている。 The apparatus main body 2 includes a housing 21, an accommodation space defining member 22 having an inner wall surface 220, a light source 23, a light receiving unit 24, and a first detection unit 25. A plurality of accommodation spaces S (a number corresponding to the number of accommodation portions 91 of the blister pack 9) are formed in the apparatus main body 2 of the present embodiment. That is, the accommodation space defining member 22 has a plurality of inner wall surfaces 220. Each of the plurality of inner wall surfaces 220 is arranged at a position corresponding to the plurality of accommodating portions 91 of the blister pack 9.

収容空間画定部材２２は、矩形の板状であり、かつ厚さ方向に貫通する複数（ブリスターパック９の収容部９１の数に対応した数）の貫通孔２６１を有する画定部材本体２６と、貫通孔２６１の一方の開口を塞ぐ基板２７と、を有する。本実施形態の収容空間画定部材２２では、貫通孔２６１を画定する筒状の周面部２６２と、基板２７における貫通孔２６１の一方の開口を塞ぐ部位（閉塞部）２７１と、によって内壁面２２０が構成されている（図３参照）。即ち、複数の内壁面２２０のそれぞれは、周面部２６２と閉塞部２７１とを有する。本実施形態の内壁面２２０は、開口を有すると共に、ブリスターパック９の収容部９１が開口から収容空間Ｓ内に挿入された状態で内壁面２２０の開口周縁部２２１がブリスターパック９の収容部９１の周囲に当接することで該収容空間Ｓが閉じた空間となる形状を有する（図８参照）。 The accommodation space demarcation member 22 has a rectangular plate shape and has a plurality of through holes 261 penetrating in the thickness direction (a number corresponding to the number of accommodating portions 91 of the blister pack 9) and penetrating the demarcation member main body 26. It has a substrate 27 that closes one opening of the hole 261. In the accommodation space defining member 22 of the present embodiment, the inner wall surface 220 is formed by a tubular peripheral surface portion 262 that defines the through hole 261 and a portion (closing portion) 271 that closes one opening of the through hole 261 in the substrate 27. It is configured (see FIG. 3). That is, each of the plurality of inner wall surfaces 220 has a peripheral surface portion 262 and a closing portion 271. The inner wall surface 220 of the present embodiment has an opening, and the opening peripheral edge portion 221 of the inner wall surface 220 is the accommodating portion 91 of the blister pack 9 in a state where the accommodating portion 91 of the blister pack 9 is inserted into the accommodating space S from the opening. It has a shape in which the accommodation space S becomes a closed space when it comes into contact with the periphery of the space (see FIG. 8).

また、収容空間画定部材２２は、各内壁面２２０と隣接する位置における画定部材本体２６と基板２７との間に、光源２３が配置される第一配置部２８と、受光部２４が配置される第二配置部２９と、を有する（図５参照）。これら第一配置部２８と第二配置部２９とは、収容空間Ｓとそれぞれ連通し、周面部２６２を仮想軸２６０を中心軸とした円柱面とみなしたときの径方向に対向する位置にそれぞれ設けられている。光源２３と受光部２４とは、基板２７に実装された状態で、第一配置部２８と第二配置部２９とに配置される。 Further, in the accommodation space defining member 22, the first arrangement portion 28 in which the light source 23 is arranged and the light receiving portion 24 are arranged between the defining member main body 26 and the substrate 27 at positions adjacent to each inner wall surface 220. It has a second arrangement portion 29 (see FIG. 5). The first arrangement portion 28 and the second arrangement portion 29 communicate with each other in the accommodation space S, and are located at positions facing each other in the radial direction when the peripheral surface portion 262 is regarded as a cylindrical surface with the virtual axis 260 as the central axis. It is provided. The light source 23 and the light receiving unit 24 are arranged in the first arrangement unit 28 and the second arrangement unit 29 in a state of being mounted on the substrate 27.

複数の周面部２６２のそれぞれは、画定部材本体２６の厚さ方向（所定方向）に延びる仮想軸２６０を囲う筒状（円柱面状）であり、周方向の全域に凸部および凹部の少なくとも一方を複数有する。本実施形態の周面部２６２は、複数の凸部２６３を有する（図７参照）。 Each of the plurality of peripheral surface portions 262 has a tubular shape (cylindrical surface shape) surrounding the virtual shaft 260 extending in the thickness direction (predetermined direction) of the defining member main body 26, and at least one of a convex portion and a concave portion over the entire circumferential direction. Have a plurality of. The peripheral surface portion 262 of the present embodiment has a plurality of convex portions 263 (see FIG. 7).

複数の凸部２６３のそれぞれは、仮想軸２６０と同方向に延び、かつ周面部２６２の周方向に並んでいる。各凸部２６３の仮想軸２６０と直交する断面形状は、三角形状である。即ち、周面部２６２の仮想軸２６０と直交する断面形状では、鋸刃状に凹凸が交互に並んでいる（図７参照）。また、複数の周面部２６２のそれぞれは、鏡面である。本実施形態の周面部２６２は、銀蒸着によって鏡面となっている。 Each of the plurality of convex portions 263 extends in the same direction as the virtual axis 260 and is arranged in the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface portion 262. The cross-sectional shape of each convex portion 263 orthogonal to the virtual axis 260 is triangular. That is, in the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the virtual axis 260 of the peripheral surface portion 262, the irregularities are alternately arranged in a saw blade shape (see FIG. 7). Further, each of the plurality of peripheral surface portions 262 is a mirror surface. The peripheral surface portion 262 of the present embodiment is mirror-surfaced by silver vapor deposition.

なお、周面部２６２の形状である「円柱面状」とは、本実施形態のように仮想軸２６０と直交する断面が周方向に小さな凹凸を繰り返す形状以外に、扁平率の小さな楕円や、円に近い多角形等の大凡円形に見える形状を含む。 The "cylindrical surface shape", which is the shape of the peripheral surface portion 262, is an ellipse with a small flatness or a circle, in addition to the shape in which the cross section orthogonal to the virtual axis 260 repeats small irregularities in the circumferential direction as in the present embodiment. Includes shapes that appear to be roughly circular, such as polygons close to.

このような形状の周面部２６２によって、光源２３から射出された光が、収容空間Ｓ内において、種々の方向に反射を繰り返して拡散する。 The light emitted from the light source 23 is repeatedly reflected and diffused in various directions in the accommodation space S by the peripheral surface portion 262 having such a shape.

光源２３は、第一配置部２８から収容空間Ｓ内に光（赤外領域から紫外領域までの波長のうちの所定の波長の光）を射出する。この光源２３は、単波長の光を射出する。このように、収容空間Ｓに射出される光の波長域を狭くすることで、受光部２４で受光したときの外乱光の影響を除去し易くなる。本実施形態の光源２３は、赤外領域の波長の光を射出する。この光源２３は、周面部２６２の所定位置から、該周面部２６２を仮想軸２６０を中心軸とした円柱面とみなしたときの前記所定位置における法線方向と交差する方向に、光を射出する。具体的に、本実施形態の光源２３は、発光面２３１が仮想軸２６０に対して周面部２６２の開口側（基板２７と反対側）に傾斜した姿勢となるように配置されている（図５参照）。本実施形態の光源２３は、ＬＥＤである。 The light source 23 emits light (light having a predetermined wavelength from the infrared region to the ultraviolet region) into the accommodation space S from the first arrangement portion 28. The light source 23 emits light having a single wavelength. By narrowing the wavelength range of the light emitted into the accommodation space S in this way, it becomes easy to remove the influence of the ambient light when the light is received by the light receiving unit 24. The light source 23 of the present embodiment emits light having a wavelength in the infrared region. The light source 23 emits light from a predetermined position of the peripheral surface portion 262 in a direction intersecting the normal direction at the predetermined position when the peripheral surface portion 262 is regarded as a cylindrical surface centered on the virtual axis 260. .. Specifically, the light source 23 of the present embodiment is arranged so that the light emitting surface 231 is inclined toward the opening side (opposite side of the substrate 27) of the peripheral surface portion 262 with respect to the virtual axis 260 (FIG. 5). reference). The light source 23 of this embodiment is an LED.

受光部２４は、いわゆる受光素子であり、受光面で受光した光の強度に応じた強度の電気信号を出力する。本実施形態の受光部２４は、光源２３から収容空間Ｓ内に射出され、かつ、周面部２６２と、収容空間Ｓ内に収容された検知対象物（本実施形態の例では、ブリスターパック９の収容部９１）と、の間で反射を繰り返して十分に拡散された光を受光する。この受光部２４は、周面部２６２における光源２３と対向する位置に配置されている。本実施形態の受光部２４は、受光面２４１が仮想軸２６０に対して周面部２６２の開口部側に傾斜した姿勢となるように配置されている（図５参照）。 The light receiving unit 24 is a so-called light receiving element, and outputs an electric signal having an intensity corresponding to the intensity of the light received on the light receiving surface. The light receiving unit 24 of the present embodiment is ejected from the light source 23 into the accommodation space S, and is housed in the peripheral surface portion 262 and the accommodation space S (in the example of the present embodiment, the blister pack 9). It repeatedly reflects between the accommodating portion 91) and receives the sufficiently diffused light. The light receiving portion 24 is arranged at a position facing the light source 23 on the peripheral surface portion 262. The light receiving portion 24 of the present embodiment is arranged so that the light receiving surface 241 is inclined toward the opening side of the peripheral surface portion 262 with respect to the virtual shaft 260 (see FIG. 5).

第一検出部２５は、基板２７に実装されている。この第一検出部２５は、受光部２４から受信した電気信号の強度が所定の閾値を超えるか否かでブリスターパック９の収容部９１内の内容物９２の有無を検出する。本実施形態の第一検出部２５は、一つの内壁面２２０と、この内壁面２２０に対応する光源２３および受光部２４とを一つの検知ユニットとしたときに、複数の検知ユニットのそれぞれから電気信号を受信すると共に、検知ユニット毎の収容部９１内の内容物９２の有無を検出する。 The first detection unit 25 is mounted on the substrate 27. The first detection unit 25 detects the presence or absence of the content 92 in the accommodating unit 91 of the blister pack 9 depending on whether or not the intensity of the electric signal received from the light receiving unit 24 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In the first detection unit 25 of the present embodiment, when one inner wall surface 220 and the light source 23 and the light receiving unit 24 corresponding to the inner wall surface 220 are used as one detection unit, electricity is generated from each of the plurality of detection units. Along with receiving the signal, the presence / absence of the content 92 in the accommodating portion 91 of each detection unit is detected.

第一検出部２５は、検出結果を、スマートフォン等の外部機器に向けて電波により出力する。このスマートフォン等に所定の服薬管理用のソフトをインストールしておくことで、前記検出結果を受信したスマートフォンで、服薬管理を行うことができる。即ち、ブリスターパック９の複数の収容部９１のうちのいずれの収容部９１内の内容物９２が無いかが検出できるため、例えば、毎日所定個数の錠剤を服薬したか否かや、所定時間ごとに錠剤を服薬したか否か等の管理を行うことができる。 The first detection unit 25 outputs the detection result to an external device such as a smartphone by radio waves. By installing predetermined medication management software on the smartphone or the like, medication management can be performed on the smartphone that has received the detection result. That is, since it is possible to detect which of the plurality of storage units 91 of the blister pack 9 does not have the content 92 in the storage unit 91, for example, whether or not a predetermined number of tablets have been taken every day and at predetermined time intervals. It is possible to manage whether or not a tablet has been taken.

なお、内容物検知装置１からの出力情報を受信する前記の外部機器は、スマートフォンに限定されず、ＰＤＡ等の携帯端末、ＰＣ、服薬管理専用端末等でもよい。また、外部機器は、内容物検知装置１の使用場所から離れた場所に設置されてＬＡＮやインターネット等を経由して接続されるサーバ等であってもよい。即ち、外部機器は、収容部９１毎の内容物９２の有無についての情報を利用する機器であればよい。また、本実施形態の内容物検知装置１は、無線接続によって、外部機器に収容部９１毎の内容物９２の有無についての情報を出力しているが、有線接続によって、外部機器に収容部９１毎の内容物９２の有無についての情報を出力する構成でもよい。 The external device that receives the output information from the content detection device 1 is not limited to a smartphone, but may be a mobile terminal such as a PDA, a PC, a medication management dedicated terminal, or the like. Further, the external device may be a server or the like installed at a place away from the place where the content detection device 1 is used and connected via a LAN, the Internet, or the like. That is, the external device may be a device that uses information about the presence or absence of the contents 92 for each accommodating unit 91. Further, the content detection device 1 of the present embodiment outputs information about the presence or absence of the content 92 for each accommodating unit 91 to the external device by wireless connection, but the accommodating unit 91 is output to the external device by wired connection. The configuration may be such that information about the presence or absence of the contents 92 for each is output.

カバー３は、板状の部材であり、矩形板状の装置本体２の長辺に、該長辺に沿った軸を回動軸として回動可能に取り付けられている。カバー３は、閉じた状態（図１参照）では、収容空間画定部材２２の各収容空間Ｓ（内壁面２２０）の開口を塞ぎ、開いた状態（図２参照）では、各収容空間Ｓ（内壁面２２０）の開口が開放された状態となる。カバー３は、閉じた状態のときに、収容空間画定部材２２の一方の面に沿って該面の略全体を覆う形状である。このため、本実施形態のカバー３は、閉じた状態のときに、ブリスターパック９を内壁面２２０の開口周縁部２２１に向けて、即ち、収容空間画定部材２２に向けて押さえる機能に加え、外部から収容空間Ｓに向かう光を遮光する機能も有する。 The cover 3 is a plate-shaped member, and is rotatably attached to the long side of the rectangular plate-shaped device main body 2 with an axis along the long side as a rotation axis. When the cover 3 is closed (see FIG. 1), the opening of each accommodation space S (inner wall surface 220) of the accommodation space defining member 22 is closed, and when the cover 3 is open (see FIG. 2), each accommodation space S (inside). The opening of the wall surface 220) is opened. The cover 3 has a shape that, when closed, covers substantially the entire surface of the accommodation space defining member 22 along one surface. Therefore, in addition to the function of pressing the blister pack 9 toward the opening peripheral edge 221 of the inner wall surface 220, that is, toward the accommodation space defining member 22, when the cover 3 of the present embodiment is closed, the cover 3 is external. It also has a function of blocking light from the accommodation space S.

以上のように構成される内容物検知装置１は、以下のように使用される。 The content detection device 1 configured as described above is used as follows.

カバー３が開かれ（図２参照）、各収容部９１が収容空間Ｓに収容されるようにブリスターパック９が収容空間画定部材２２上に配置される（図６参照）。ブリスターパック９が配置されると、カバー３が閉じられる。このカバー３が閉じたことを装置本体２が検知することで、または、スイッチ等が操作されることで、複数の検知ユニットのそれぞれにおいて、光源２３が光を射出すると共に、受光部２４が収容空間Ｓ内で反射を繰り返して十分に拡散された光を受光する。複数の受光部２４のそれぞれは、受光強度に応じた強度の電気信号を第一検出部２５にそれぞれ出力する。第一検出部２５は、各受光部２４から受信した電気信号の強度が閾値を超えるか否かで、検知ユニット毎、即ち、ブリスターパック９の収容部９１毎の内容物９２の有無をそれぞれ検出し、検出結果を電波で出力する。 The cover 3 is opened (see FIG. 2), and the blister pack 9 is arranged on the accommodation space defining member 22 so that each accommodation portion 91 is accommodated in the accommodation space S (see FIG. 6). When the blister pack 9 is placed, the cover 3 is closed. When the device main body 2 detects that the cover 3 is closed, or when a switch or the like is operated, the light source 23 emits light and the light receiving unit 24 accommodates the light in each of the plurality of detection units. It repeatedly reflects in space S and receives sufficiently diffused light. Each of the plurality of light receiving units 24 outputs an electric signal having an intensity corresponding to the light receiving intensity to the first detection unit 25, respectively. The first detection unit 25 detects the presence or absence of the contents 92 for each detection unit, that is, for each accommodating unit 91 of the blister pack 9, depending on whether or not the intensity of the electric signal received from each light receiving unit 24 exceeds the threshold value. Then, the detection result is output by radio waves.

以上の内容物検知装置１では、閉じた空間（本実施形態の例では収容空間Ｓ）において光源２３から射出された光を種々の方向に反射させて十分に拡散された（反射を繰り返した）光を受光部２４によって受光したときに、前記閉じた空間の容積に応じて受光強度が変化することを利用して、ブリスターパック９の収容部９１の内容物９２の有無を検知する。即ち、内容物検知装置１では、拡散光によって収容空間Ｓ内の検知対象物の容積をセンシングする容積検知部（本実施形態の例では、内壁面２２０、光源２３、受光部２４、第一検出部２５）を用いることによって、光源２３と受光部２４との間にブリスターパック９の一部（例えば、図９に示すような内容物９２を押し出した後の潰れた状態の収容部９１や、図１０に示すような収容部９１の開口を塞いでいたシート９３）があっても、収容部９１内の内容物９２の有無を検知することができる。 In the above-mentioned content detection device 1, the light emitted from the light source 23 is reflected in various directions in a closed space (accommodation space S in the example of the present embodiment) and sufficiently diffused (repeated reflection). When light is received by the light receiving unit 24, the presence or absence of the contents 92 of the accommodating unit 91 of the blister pack 9 is detected by utilizing the fact that the light receiving intensity changes according to the volume of the closed space. That is, in the content detection device 1, a volume detection unit that senses the volume of the object to be detected in the accommodation space S by diffused light (in the example of this embodiment, the inner wall surface 220, the light source 23, the light receiving unit 24, the first detection). By using the unit 25), a part of the blister pack 9 (for example, the accommodating unit 91 in a crushed state after extruding the content 92 as shown in FIG. 9) between the light source 23 and the light receiving unit 24 can be used. Even if there is a sheet 93) that closes the opening of the accommodating portion 91 as shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the contents 92 in the accommodating portion 91.

具体的には、本実施形態の内容物検知装置１では、拡散光を用いて検出した収容空間Ｓ内の収容部９１の容積、即ち、受光部２４から出力される電気信号の強度に対する適切な閾値を設定し、第一検出部２５において受光部２４から受信した電気信号の強度がこの閾値を超えるか否かでブリスターパック９の収容部９１内の内容物９２の有無を検出する構成とすることで、光源２３と、この光源２３から射出された光を受光する受光部２４との間、即ち、光源２３から受光部２４に直接向かう光の軌道上に物体（ブリスターパック９の一部）があったとしても、収容部９１内の内容物９２の有無を検知することができる。 Specifically, in the content detection device 1 of the present embodiment, it is appropriate for the volume of the accommodation unit 91 in the accommodation space S detected by using diffused light, that is, the intensity of the electric signal output from the light receiving unit 24. A threshold value is set, and the presence or absence of the content 92 in the accommodating unit 91 of the blister pack 9 is detected depending on whether or not the intensity of the electric signal received from the light receiving unit 24 exceeds this threshold value in the first detection unit 25. As a result, an object (a part of the blister pack 9) is located between the light source 23 and the light receiving unit 24 that receives the light emitted from the light source 23, that is, on the orbit of the light directly directed from the light source 23 to the light receiving unit 24. Even if there is, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the contents 92 in the accommodating portion 91.

本実施形態の内容物検知装置１では、第一検出部２５が複数の検知ユニット（一つの内壁面２２０と、この内壁面２２０に対応する光源２３および受光部２４）のそれぞれから電気信号を受信すると共に、検知ユニット毎の収容部９１内の内容物９２の有無を検出しているため、複数の収容部９１を有するブリスターパック９の収容部９１毎の内容物９２の有無を検知することができる。 In the content detection device 1 of the present embodiment, the first detection unit 25 receives an electric signal from each of a plurality of detection units (one inner wall surface 220, a light source 23 and a light receiving unit 24 corresponding to the inner wall surface 220). At the same time, since the presence / absence of the content 92 in the storage unit 91 of each detection unit is detected, the presence / absence of the content 92 in each storage unit 91 of the blister pack 9 having a plurality of storage units 91 can be detected. can.

本実施形態の内容物検知装置１では、内壁面２２０が、仮想軸２６０を囲う筒状の周面部２６２を含み、凸部２６３が、周面部２６２における周方向の全域に配置されている。このため、周面部２６２の周方向の全域において光が種々の方向に反射され（拡散し）、これにより、光源２３から射出された光が収容空間Ｓ内で十分に拡散される。その結果、拡散された光を受光した受光部２４から出力される電気信号の強度が隙間空間（内壁面２２０と収容部９１の表面との間の空間）の大きさに対し、より精度よく対応するようになる。したがって、第一検出部２５が受信する受光部２４からの電気信号の強度が、収容空間Ｓ内の収容部９１の容積により精度よく対応するため、内容物９２の有無の判断（閾値との比較）がより精度よく行われる。 In the content detection device 1 of the present embodiment, the inner wall surface 220 includes a tubular peripheral surface portion 262 surrounding the virtual shaft 260, and the convex portions 263 are arranged over the entire peripheral surface portion 262 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the light is reflected (diffused) in various directions over the entire circumferential direction of the peripheral surface portion 262, whereby the light emitted from the light source 23 is sufficiently diffused in the accommodation space S. As a result, the intensity of the electric signal output from the light receiving unit 24 that receives the diffused light corresponds more accurately to the size of the gap space (the space between the inner wall surface 220 and the surface of the accommodating unit 91). Will come to do. Therefore, since the strength of the electric signal received by the first detection unit 25 from the light receiving unit 24 corresponds more accurately to the volume of the accommodation unit 91 in the accommodation space S, it is determined whether or not the content 92 is present (comparison with the threshold value). ) Is performed more accurately.

また、内壁面２２０の凸部２６３は、仮想軸２６０と同方向に延びている。このように一方向（仮想軸方向）に延びる凸部２６３といった簡素な構成によって、周面部２６２の周方向の全域において光を種々の方向に反射することができる。 Further, the convex portion 263 of the inner wall surface 220 extends in the same direction as the virtual shaft 260. With such a simple configuration such as the convex portion 263 extending in one direction (virtual axis direction), light can be reflected in various directions in the entire circumferential direction of the peripheral surface portion 262.

また、本実施形態の内容物検知装置１では、光源２３が、周面部２６２の所定位置から、該周面部２６２が仮想軸２６０を中心軸とする円柱面としたときの前記所定位置における法線方向と交差する方向に、光を射出する。かかる構成によれば、周面部２６２の前記所定位置の近傍に収容部（検知対象物）９１がある場合に、光源２３が光を前記所定位置の法線方向に射出する場合に比べ、収容部９１で反射して光源２３（発光面等）に戻る光の量が抑えられる。これにより、収容部９１の容積の検知に必要な隙間空間での拡散光の減少が抑えられ、第一検出部２５が受信する受光部２４からの電気信号の強度が、収容空間Ｓ内の収容部９１の容積により精度よく対応する。 Further, in the content detection device 1 of the present embodiment, the normal line at the predetermined position when the light source 23 is a cylindrical surface with the virtual axis 260 as the central axis from the predetermined position of the peripheral surface portion 262. Light is emitted in a direction that intersects the direction. According to such a configuration, when the accommodating portion (detection object) 91 is located near the predetermined position of the peripheral surface portion 262, the accommodating portion 23 is compared with the case where the light source 23 emits light in the normal direction of the predetermined position. The amount of light reflected by 91 and returned to the light source 23 (light emitting surface or the like) is suppressed. As a result, the decrease of diffused light in the gap space required for detecting the volume of the accommodating unit 91 is suppressed, and the intensity of the electric signal received by the first detecting unit 25 from the light receiving unit 24 is accommodated in the accommodating space S. It corresponds more accurately to the volume of the part 91.

また、本実施形態の内容物検知装置１では、周面部２６２が、円柱面状であり、光源２３と受光部２４とが、周面部２６２において、該周面部２６２の径方向に対向する位置に配置されている。このため、受光部２４が周面部２６２の周方向において光源２３から最も離れた位置に配置され、これにより、光源２３の近くに配置される場合に比べ、十分に反射を繰り返して拡散された光を受光する。その結果、受光部２４から出力される電気信号の強度が隙間空間の大きさに対し、より精度よく対応するようになる。 Further, in the content detection device 1 of the present embodiment, the peripheral surface portion 262 has a cylindrical surface shape, and the light source 23 and the light receiving portion 24 are positioned on the peripheral surface portion 262 so as to face each other in the radial direction of the peripheral surface portion 262. Have been placed. Therefore, the light receiving portion 24 is arranged at the position farthest from the light source 23 in the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface portion 262, whereby the light diffused by repeating reflection sufficiently as compared with the case where it is arranged near the light source 23. To receive light. As a result, the intensity of the electric signal output from the light receiving unit 24 corresponds more accurately to the size of the gap space.

また、本実施形態の内容物検知装置１では、周面部２６２が鏡面であるため、周面部２６２での周方向の全域において反射による光の減衰が抑えられる。これにより、受光部２４での受光強度が増大し、その結果、受光部２４から出力される電気信号の強度が隙間空間の大きさに対し、さらに精度よく対応するようになる。 Further, in the content detection device 1 of the present embodiment, since the peripheral surface portion 262 is a mirror surface, the attenuation of light due to reflection can be suppressed in the entire circumferential direction of the peripheral surface portion 262. As a result, the light receiving intensity at the light receiving unit 24 increases, and as a result, the intensity of the electric signal output from the light receiving unit 24 corresponds to the size of the gap space more accurately.

また、本実施形態の内容物検知装置１は、ブリスターパック９の収容部９１が収容空間Ｓに収容された状態でブリスターパック９を内壁面２２０の開口周縁部２２１に向けて押さえることができるカバー３を備えている。このため、収容部９１内の内容物９２の有無の検知の際に、カバー３によってブリスターパック９が押さえられて内壁面２２０の開口周縁部２２１と、ブリスターパック９の収容部９１の周囲とが密接する。即ち、開口周縁部２２１と収容部９１の周囲とに隙間が生じ難くなる。このため、外部からの光（外乱光）の収容空間Ｓ内への侵入が好適に防がれる。 Further, the content detection device 1 of the present embodiment is a cover capable of pressing the blister pack 9 toward the opening peripheral edge portion 221 of the inner wall surface 220 in a state where the accommodating portion 91 of the blister pack 9 is accommodated in the accommodating space S. It has 3. Therefore, when detecting the presence or absence of the contents 92 in the accommodating portion 91, the blister pack 9 is pressed by the cover 3, and the opening peripheral edge portion 221 of the inner wall surface 220 and the periphery of the accommodating portion 91 of the blister pack 9 are brought into contact with each other. Get close. That is, a gap is less likely to occur between the opening peripheral edge portion 221 and the periphery of the accommodating portion 91. Therefore, the intrusion of light from the outside (disturbed light) into the accommodation space S is preferably prevented.

次に、本発明の第二実施形態について図１１を参照しつつ説明するが、上記第一実施形態と同様の構成には同一符号を用いると共に詳細な説明を省略し、異なる構成についてのみ詳細に説明する。 Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 11, but the same reference numerals will be used for the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, detailed description will be omitted, and only different configurations will be described in detail. explain.

本実施形態の容積検知装置２０は、図１１に示すように、検知対象物５０が収容される収容空間Ｓを画定する内壁面２２０を有する収容空間画定部材２２と、収容空間Ｓに光を射出する光源２３と、光源２３から射出された光を拡散させる拡散部と、収容空間Ｓ内の拡散された光を受光すると共に受光強度に応じた強度の電気信号を出力する受光部２４と、を備える。また、本実施形態の容積検知装置２０は、受光部２４からの電気信号を受信して検知対象物の容量を検出する第二検出部３０を備える。本実施形態の容積検知装置２０では、拡散部は、内壁面２２０を含む。 As shown in FIG. 11, the volume detection device 20 of the present embodiment emits light to the accommodation space defining member 22 having an inner wall surface 220 defining the accommodation space S in which the detection object 50 is accommodated, and the accommodation space S. A light source 23, a diffusing unit that diffuses the light emitted from the light source 23, and a light receiving unit 24 that receives the diffused light in the accommodation space S and outputs an electric signal having an intensity corresponding to the light receiving intensity. Be prepared. Further, the volume detection device 20 of the present embodiment includes a second detection unit 30 that receives an electric signal from the light receiving unit 24 and detects the capacity of the detection target object. In the volume detection device 20 of the present embodiment, the diffusion portion includes the inner wall surface 220.

収容空間画定部材２２は、閉じた収容空間Ｓを画定する内壁面２２０を有する。即ち、第一実施形態の収容空間画定部材２２は、ブリスターパック９と共同して閉じた収容空間Ｓを形成しているが、本実施形態の収容空間画定部材２２は、収容空間画定部材２２の内壁面２２０のみで閉じた収容空間Ｓを形成（画定）する。この収容空間画定部材２２では、蓋２２５が開閉されることで、検知対象物５０の収容空間Ｓ内への出し入れが行われる。本実施形態の検知対象物５０は、例えば、透明な容器５１に入れられた粉体である。 The accommodation space defining member 22 has an inner wall surface 220 that defines a closed accommodation space S. That is, the accommodation space defining member 22 of the first embodiment forms a closed accommodation space S jointly with the blister pack 9, but the accommodation space defining member 22 of the present embodiment is the accommodation space defining member 22 of the accommodation space defining member 22. A closed accommodation space S is formed (defined) only by the inner wall surface 220. In the accommodation space defining member 22, the lid 225 is opened and closed to move the detection object 50 into and out of the accommodation space S. The detection object 50 of the present embodiment is, for example, a powder contained in a transparent container 51.

内壁面２２０は、複数の凹部２２６（図１１に示す例では、ディンプル状の凹部）を有している。本実施形態の内壁面２２０は、検知対象物５０（詳しくは、容器５１）が配置される面を除いた全面に、複数の凹部２２６を有している。また、内壁面２２０の全域が鏡面である。即ち、本実施形態の収容空間Ｓは、全方向において鏡面に囲まれている。 The inner wall surface 220 has a plurality of recesses 226 (dimple-shaped recesses in the example shown in FIG. 11). The inner wall surface 220 of the present embodiment has a plurality of recesses 226 on the entire surface excluding the surface on which the detection object 50 (specifically, the container 51) is arranged. Further, the entire area of the inner wall surface 220 is a mirror surface. That is, the accommodation space S of the present embodiment is surrounded by a mirror surface in all directions.

第二検出部３０は、例えば、電気信号の強度と検知対象物５０の容積とを対応させたテーブルを有し、該テーブルに基づいて受光部２４から受信した電気信号の強度と対応する検知対象物５０の容積を出力する。このテーブルは、閉じた空間（本実施形態の例では収容空間Ｓ）において光源２３から射出された光を種々の方向に反射させて十分に拡散し、この拡散された光を受光部２４が受光したときの受光強度が、前記閉じた空間の容積に応じて変化することに基づいて、計算や実測等によって作成されている。具体的に、前記テーブルは、検知対象物５０が大きい（即ち、検知対象物５０と内壁面２２０との間の隙間空間が小さい）程、光が反射する回数が増加するため減衰し、これにより、拡散光の受光強度が小さくなる一方、検知対象物５０が小さい（即ち、隙間空間が大きい）程、光が反射する回数が抑えられることで拡散光の受光強度が大きくなることに基づいて作成されている。なお、第二検出部３０は、前記テーブルを用いず、受信した電気信号の強度に基づいて、演算等によって検知対象物５０の容積を求めてもよい。即ち、第二検出部３０は、受光部２４からの電気信号の強度に基づいて検知対象物５０の容積を導出する構成であればよい。 The second detection unit 30 has, for example, a table in which the intensity of the electric signal and the volume of the detection object 50 correspond to each other, and the detection target corresponding to the intensity of the electric signal received from the light receiving unit 24 based on the table. The volume of the object 50 is output. This table reflects the light emitted from the light source 23 in various directions in a closed space (accommodation space S in the example of the present embodiment) and sufficiently diffuses the diffused light, and the light receiving unit 24 receives the diffused light. It is created by calculation, actual measurement, etc., based on the fact that the light receiving intensity at the time of the change changes according to the volume of the closed space. Specifically, the larger the detection object 50 (that is, the smaller the gap space between the detection object 50 and the inner wall surface 220), the more the table is attenuated because the number of times the light is reflected increases. Created based on the fact that the smaller the detection object 50 (that is, the larger the gap space), the smaller the light reception intensity of the diffused light, the smaller the number of times the light is reflected, and the larger the light reception intensity of the diffused light. Has been done. The second detection unit 30 may obtain the volume of the detection target object 50 by calculation or the like based on the strength of the received electric signal without using the table. That is, the second detection unit 30 may be configured to derive the volume of the detection object 50 based on the intensity of the electric signal from the light receiving unit 24.

第二検出部３０は、第一実施形態の第一検出部２５と同様に、電波によって検出結果（検知対象物の容積）をスマートフォン等に出力する構成でもよく、容積検知装置２０に設けられた画面等に出力する構成等でもよい。 Similar to the first detection unit 25 of the first embodiment, the second detection unit 30 may be configured to output the detection result (volume of the detection object) to a smartphone or the like by radio waves, and is provided in the volume detection device 20. It may be configured to output to a screen or the like.

以上のように構成される容積検知装置２０は、以下のように使用される。 The volume detection device 20 configured as described above is used as follows.

収容空間画定部材２２の蓋２２５が開かれ、検知対象物５０の入った容器５１が収容空間Ｓに入れられ、その後、蓋２２５が閉じられる。この蓋２２５が閉じたことを容積検知装置２０が検知することで、または、スイッチ等が操作されることで、光源２３が光を射出すると共に、受光部２４が収容空間Ｓ内で反射を繰り返して十分に拡散された光を受光する。受光部２４は、受光強度に応じた強度の電気信号を第二検出部３０に出力する。第二検出部３０は、受光部２４から受信した電気信号の強度とテーブルとに基づいて検知対象物５０の容積を求め（検出し）、検出結果を電波で出力する。 The lid 225 of the storage space defining member 22 is opened, the container 51 containing the detection object 50 is put into the storage space S, and then the lid 225 is closed. When the volume detection device 20 detects that the lid 225 is closed, or when a switch or the like is operated, the light source 23 emits light, and the light receiving unit 24 repeatedly reflects light in the accommodation space S. It receives well-diffused light. The light receiving unit 24 outputs an electric signal having an intensity corresponding to the light receiving intensity to the second detection unit 30. The second detection unit 30 obtains (detects) the volume of the detection object 50 based on the intensity of the electric signal received from the light receiving unit 24 and the table, and outputs the detection result by radio waves.

以上の容積検知装置２０では、収容空間Ｓ内に射出された光が収容空間Ｓ内で拡散されると、収容空間Ｓにおける検知対象物５０を除いた空間（内壁面２２０と検知対象物５０の表面との間の隙間空間）の容積に応じて受光部２４での受光強度（光量）が変化する。このため、本実施形態の容積検知装置２０によれば、光源２３から収容空間Ｓ内に光が射出されることで、検知対象物５０と内壁面２２０とによって反射が繰り返されて十分に拡散された光を受光した受光部２４から検知対象物５０の容積に応じた強度の電気信号が出力され、この電気信号に基づくことで、第二検出部３０が検知対象物５０の容積を導出する。 In the above volume detection device 20, when the light emitted into the accommodation space S is diffused in the accommodation space S, the space excluding the detection object 50 in the accommodation space S (inner wall surface 220 and the detection object 50). The light receiving intensity (light amount) in the light receiving unit 24 changes according to the volume of the gap space between the surface and the light receiving unit 24. Therefore, according to the volume detection device 20 of the present embodiment, when light is emitted from the light source 23 into the accommodation space S, reflection is repeated by the detection object 50 and the inner wall surface 220, and the light is sufficiently diffused. An electric signal having an intensity corresponding to the volume of the detection object 50 is output from the light receiving unit 24 that receives the light, and the second detection unit 30 derives the volume of the detection object 50 based on this electric signal.

本実施形態の容積検知装置２０では、鏡面加工された内壁面２２０が、複数の凹部２２６を有し、拡散部を構成している。かかる構成によれば、光源２３からの光や、検知対象物５０等で反射した光が内壁面２２０の複数の凹部２２６によって、さらに種々の方向に反射される（拡散する）。このため、光源２３から収容空間Ｓ内に射出された光が隙間空間（内壁面２２０と検知対象物５０の表面との間の空間）においてより拡散され、これにより、受光部２４から出力される電気信号の強度が、隙間空間の大きさに対して精度よく対応するようになる。その結果、受光部２４から出力される電気信号に基づくことで、検知対象物５０の容積が精度よく導出される。 In the volume detection device 20 of the present embodiment, the mirror-finished inner wall surface 220 has a plurality of recesses 226 and constitutes a diffusion portion. According to this configuration, the light from the light source 23 and the light reflected by the detection object 50 and the like are further reflected (diffused) in various directions by the plurality of recesses 226 of the inner wall surface 220. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 23 into the accommodation space S is more diffused in the gap space (the space between the inner wall surface 220 and the surface of the detection object 50), and is output from the light receiving unit 24. The strength of the electric signal will correspond accurately to the size of the gap space. As a result, the volume of the detection object 50 is accurately derived based on the electric signal output from the light receiving unit 24.

なお、本発明の容積検知装置、容積検知部（容積検知装置）を備えたブリスターパックの内容物検知装置、および容積検知装置用の収容空間画定部材は、上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲内において種々変更を加え得ることは勿論である。例えば、ある実施形態の構成に他の実施形態の構成を追加することができ、また、ある実施形態の構成の一部を他の実施形態の構成に置き換えることができる。さらに、ある実施形態の構成の一部を削除することができる。 The volume detection device of the present invention, the content detection device of the blister pack provided with the volume detection unit (volume detection device), and the accommodation space defining member for the volume detection device are not limited to the above embodiments. Of course, various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, and a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. In addition, some of the configurations of certain embodiments can be deleted.

第一および第二実施形態の内壁面２２０の凸部２６３または凹部２２６の具体的な形状は、限定されない。例えば、第一実施形態の内壁面２２０は、仮想軸２６０の方向に延びる凸部（いわゆる突条）２６３を有し、第二実施形態の内壁面２２０は、ディンプル状の凹部２２６を有するが、一つ内壁面２２０が凸部と凹部との両方を有してもよい。また、凸部および凹部は、円錐状、柱状等でもよい。即ち、凸部および凹部は、収容空間Ｓ内で、光を種々の方向に乱反射させる形状であればよい。 The specific shape of the convex portion 263 or the concave portion 226 of the inner wall surface 220 of the first and second embodiments is not limited. For example, the inner wall surface 220 of the first embodiment has a convex portion (so-called ridge) 263 extending in the direction of the virtual axis 260, and the inner wall surface 220 of the second embodiment has a dimple-shaped concave portion 226. One inner wall surface 220 may have both a convex portion and a concave portion. Further, the convex portion and the concave portion may be conical, columnar or the like. That is, the convex portion and the concave portion may have a shape that diffusely reflects light in various directions in the accommodation space S.

第一および第二実施形態の内壁面２２０の具体的形状は、限定されない。例えば、第一実施形態の内壁面２２０は、ブリスターパック９の収容部９１の形状に対応する形状であればよい。また、第二実施形態の内壁面２２０は、容積を検知する対象物が収容できる形状であればよい。 The specific shape of the inner wall surface 220 of the first and second embodiments is not limited. For example, the inner wall surface 220 of the first embodiment may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the accommodating portion 91 of the blister pack 9. Further, the inner wall surface 220 of the second embodiment may have a shape that can accommodate an object whose volume is to be detected.

内壁面２２０の全面が鏡面で無くてもよい。即ち、内壁面２２０の一部が鏡面でもよい。また、光が効率よく反射される構成（壁面）であれば、内壁面２２０は鏡面でなくてもよい。 The entire surface of the inner wall surface 220 does not have to be a mirror surface. That is, a part of the inner wall surface 220 may be a mirror surface. Further, the inner wall surface 220 does not have to be a mirror surface as long as the light is efficiently reflected (wall surface).

光源２３が光を射出する具体的な方向は、限定されない。第一実施形態の光源２３は、周面部２６２の所定位置から、該周面部２６２を仮想軸２６０を中心軸とした円柱面とみなしたときの前記所定位置における法線方向と交差する方向に光を射出するが、前記法線方向に光を射出してもよい。即ち、光源２３は、内壁面２２０と、検知対象物（第一実施形態では収容部９１、第二実施形態では検知対象物５０）との間で反射を繰り返すような向きに光を射出できればよい。 The specific direction in which the light source 23 emits light is not limited. The light source 23 of the first embodiment emits light from a predetermined position of the peripheral surface portion 262 in a direction intersecting the normal direction at the predetermined position when the peripheral surface portion 262 is regarded as a cylindrical surface centered on the virtual axis 260. Is emitted, but light may be emitted in the normal direction. That is, the light source 23 may emit light in a direction in which light is repeatedly reflected between the inner wall surface 220 and the detection target object (accommodation unit 91 in the first embodiment, detection target object 50 in the second embodiment). ..

また、光源２３が射出する光は、赤外領域の波長に限定されない。紫外領域の波長でもよく、可視光領域の波長でもよい。即ち、光源２３が射出する光は、赤外光と可視光と紫外光とを含む波長領域のうちのいずれかの波長の光であればよい。 Further, the light emitted by the light source 23 is not limited to the wavelength in the infrared region. It may be a wavelength in the ultraviolet region or a wavelength in the visible light region. That is, the light emitted by the light source 23 may be light having any wavelength in the wavelength region including infrared light, visible light, and ultraviolet light.

なお、赤外光（赤外領域の波長の光）の場合、連続して射出することによって検知対象物の容積の検出や、内容物の有無の検出が精度よく行われるが、紫外光（紫外領域の波長の光）の場合、パルス状に射出することが好ましい。これは、外乱光とし収容空間Ｓ内に侵入する可能性のある外部の光に、紫外光（紫外領域の波長の光）が多く含まれるため、受光部２４から出力される電気信号からこの外乱光の影響を除去し易くするためである。即ち、強度が一定のパルス光（パルス状の紫外光）を光源２３が射出することで、光源２３が発光しているときの受光部２４での受光強度（受光部２４から出力される電気信号の強度）と、光源２３が発光していないときの受光部２４での受光強度（受光部２４から出力される電気信号の強度）とから、外乱光（詳しくは、外乱光に含まれる紫外光）の強度が得られるため、受光部２４から出力される電気信号から外乱光の影響を容易に除去することができる。 In the case of infrared light (light with a wavelength in the infrared region), the volume of the object to be detected and the presence or absence of the contents can be detected accurately by continuously emitting light, but ultraviolet light (ultraviolet light). In the case of light having a wavelength in the region), it is preferable to emit light in a pulse shape. This is because the external light that may enter the accommodation space S as disturbance light contains a large amount of ultraviolet light (light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region), and therefore this disturbance is generated from the electric signal output from the light receiving unit 24. This is to make it easier to remove the influence of light. That is, when the light source 23 emits pulsed light (pulse-shaped ultraviolet light) having a constant intensity, the light receiving intensity at the light receiving unit 24 when the light source 23 is emitting light (electric signal output from the light receiving unit 24). (Intensity of) and the intensity of light received by the light receiving unit 24 when the light source 23 is not emitting light (intensity of the electric signal output from the light receiving unit 24). ), Therefore, the influence of ambient light can be easily removed from the electric signal output from the light receiving unit 24.

第一および第二実施形態の容積検知部および容積検知装置２０では、一つの検知ユニットに一つの光源２３と一つの受光部２４とが配置されているが、この構成に限定されない。一つの検知ユニットに少なくとも一つの光源２３と、少なくとも一つの受光部２４とが配置されていればよい。この場合、例えば、図１２に示す例において、異なる位置に配置された二つの光源２３のうちの一方の光源２３が光を射出し、この一方の光源２３と収容空間Ｓを挟んで対向する受光部２４が散乱光を受光した後、一方の光源２３が光の射出を止めた状態で他方の光源２３が光を射出し、この他方の光源２３と収容空間Ｓを挟んで対向する受光部２４が散乱光を受光する構成でもよい。即ち、一つの光源２３と、この光源２３から射出されて散乱された光を受光する一つの受光部２４と、を一組とし、この組が複数配置される構成でもよい。また、複数の光源２３が同時に光を射出し、一つの受光部２４が散乱光を受光してもよく、一つの光源２３が光を射出し、複数の受光部２４が同時に散乱光を受光する構成でもよい。また、複数の光源２３が同時に光を射出し、複数の受光部２４が同時に散乱光を受光する構成でもよい。これらの場合、全ての光源２３が同じ波長域の光を射出する構成でなくてもよい。 In the volume detection unit and the volume detection device 20 of the first and second embodiments, one light source 23 and one light receiving unit 24 are arranged in one detection unit, but the configuration is not limited to this. At least one light source 23 and at least one light receiving unit 24 may be arranged in one detection unit. In this case, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, one of the two light sources 23 arranged at different positions emits light, and the light source 23 and the light source facing each other across the accommodation space S are received. After the unit 24 receives the scattered light, the other light source 23 emits light in a state where one light source 23 stops emitting light, and the light receiving unit 24 facing the other light source 23 with the accommodation space S in between. May receive the scattered light. That is, one light source 23 and one light receiving unit 24 that receives the light emitted from the light source 23 and scattered may be set as one set, and a plurality of these sets may be arranged. Further, a plurality of light sources 23 may emit light at the same time and one light receiving unit 24 may receive scattered light, one light source 23 may emit light, and the plurality of light receiving units 24 may receive scattered light at the same time. It may be configured. Further, the plurality of light sources 23 may emit light at the same time, and the plurality of light receiving units 24 may simultaneously receive the scattered light. In these cases, not all the light sources 23 need to emit light in the same wavelength range.

第一および第二実施形態の内壁面２２０には、凸部および凹部の少なくとも一方が複数配置されているが、この構成に限定されない。内壁面２２０は、局所的な凹凸のない、例えば、球面や、円柱面等であってもよい（図１２参照）。また、内壁面２２０は、正多面体等であってもよい。これらの場合、内壁面２２０が、鏡面によって構成され、光源２３が内壁面２２０の所定位置から径方向（球の中心や、円柱の中心軸、正多面体の中心に向かう方向）と交差する方向に射出する構成であれば、射出された光が乱反射し易く（種々の方向に反射を繰り返し易く）、これにより、十分に拡散する。 A plurality of at least one of a convex portion and a plurality of concave portions are arranged on the inner wall surface 220 of the first and second embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The inner wall surface 220 may have no local unevenness, for example, a spherical surface, a cylindrical surface, or the like (see FIG. 12). Further, the inner wall surface 220 may be a regular polyhedron or the like. In these cases, the inner wall surface 220 is formed of a mirror surface, and the light source 23 intersects the radial direction (the center of the sphere, the central axis of the cylinder, and the center of the regular polyhedron) from the predetermined position of the inner wall surface 220. If the configuration is such that the emitted light is easily diffusely reflected (the reflected light is likely to be repeated in various directions), the emitted light is sufficiently diffused.

第一および第二実施形態の拡散部は、内壁面２２０を含むが、この構成に限定されない。拡散部は、収容空間Ｓ内に配置された複数の反射板等によって構成され、光源２３から射出された光を種々の方向に反射して拡散する構成でもよい。また、拡散部は、内壁面２２０と、収容空間Ｓ内に配置された反射板等とによって構成されてもよい。 The diffuser of the first and second embodiments includes, but is not limited to, the inner wall surface 220. The diffusion unit may be composed of a plurality of reflectors or the like arranged in the accommodation space S, and may be configured to reflect and diffuse the light emitted from the light source 23 in various directions. Further, the diffusion portion may be composed of an inner wall surface 220 and a reflector or the like arranged in the accommodation space S.

光源２３の発光面は、平面に限定されない。例えば、光源２３は、発光面を凸面等にすることで、光源２３から種々の方向に光が射出される構成でもよい。かかる構成によれば、光源２３から射出された光が収容空間Ｓ内においてより拡散され易くなる。 The light emitting surface of the light source 23 is not limited to a flat surface. For example, the light source 23 may have a configuration in which light is emitted from the light source 23 in various directions by making the light emitting surface a convex surface or the like. According to such a configuration, the light emitted from the light source 23 is more likely to be diffused in the accommodation space S.

また、受光部２４の受光面も、平面に限定されない。例えば、受光部２４は、受光面をパラボラ状にした構成でもよい。かかる構成によれば、収容空間Ｓ内の拡散光（種々の方向に進む光）を受光し易くなり、これにより、受光面での受光強度を確保し易くなる。 Further, the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 24 is not limited to a flat surface. For example, the light receiving unit 24 may have a parabola-shaped light receiving surface. According to such a configuration, it becomes easy to receive the diffused light (light traveling in various directions) in the accommodation space S, and thereby it becomes easy to secure the light receiving intensity on the light receiving surface.

第一実施形態の内容物検知装置１は、収容部９１毎の内容物９２の有無につていの情報を、外部機器に出力しているが、この構成に限定されない。内容物検知装置１は、ＣＲＴ、液晶ディスプレイ、プラズマディスプレイ、有機ＥＬディスプレイ等の表示部を備え、この表示部に、前記内容物９２の有無についての情報、または前記情報に基づいた画像等が表示される構成でもよい。また、内容物検知装置１は、前記内容物９２の有無についての情報を、文字や画像等として紙面等に出力（プリントアウト）する構成でもよい。 The content detection device 1 of the first embodiment outputs information about the presence / absence of the content 92 for each accommodating unit 91 to an external device, but the configuration is not limited to this. The content detection device 1 includes a display unit such as a CRT, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display, and information on the presence or absence of the content 92, an image based on the information, or the like is displayed on the display unit. It may be configured to be. Further, the content detection device 1 may be configured to output (print out) information about the presence or absence of the content 92 as characters, images, or the like on a paper surface or the like.

第一実施形態のブリスターパックの内容物検知装置１では、ブリスターパック９の収容部９１が透明であるが、この構成に限定されない。収容部９１は不透明でもよい。 In the content detection device 1 of the blister pack of the first embodiment, the accommodating portion 91 of the blister pack 9 is transparent, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The accommodating portion 91 may be opaque.

１…内容物検知装置、２…装置本体、３…カバー、９…ブリスターパック、２０…容積検知装置、２１…筐体、２２…収容空間画定部材、２２０…内壁面、２２１…開口周縁部、２２５…蓋、２２６…凹部、２３…光源、２３１…発光面、２４…受光部、２４１…受光面、２５…第一検出部、２６…画定部材本体、２６０…仮想軸、２６１…貫通孔、２６２…周面部、２６３…凸部、２７…基板、２７１…閉塞部、２８…第一配置部、２９…第二配置部、３０…第二検出部、５０…検知対象物、５１…容器、９０…樹脂シート、９１…収容部、９２…内容物、９３…シート、Ｓ…収容空間 1 ... content detection device, 2 ... device body, 3 ... cover, 9 ... blister pack, 20 ... volume detection device, 21 ... housing, 22 ... accommodation space defining member, 220 ... inner wall surface, 221 ... opening peripheral edge, 225 ... lid, 226 ... recess, 23 ... light source, 231 ... light emitting surface, 24 ... light receiving part, 241 ... light receiving surface, 25 ... first detection unit, 26 ... defining member main body, 260 ... virtual shaft, 261 ... through hole, 262 ... peripheral surface part, 263 ... convex part, 27 ... substrate, 271 ... closed part, 28 ... first arrangement part, 29 ... second arrangement part, 30 ... second detection part, 50 ... detection object, 51 ... container, 90 ... resin sheet, 91 ... accommodating part, 92 ... contents, 93 ... sheet, S ... accommodating space

Claims

A content presence / absence detection device that detects the presence / absence of the contents of a blister pack in which the contents are stored in a plurality of recessed storage portions, covered with a fragile sheet, and the peripheral portion of the storage portion and the sheet are adhered to each other. And
A member having a recess for accommodating a plurality of accommodating portions in the blister pack, and
The substrate forming the bottom surface of the recess and
With
The substrate is
A plurality of detection units provided with a light source for emitting light and a light receiving unit for receiving light emitted from the light source at positions sandwiching the contents of the accommodating unit.
For each of the detection units, the intensity of the electric signal according to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit is compared with the threshold value to detect the presence or absence of the contents in the accommodating unit, and the detection result is transmitted to an external device. Department and
Have,
The light source emits light in a direction inclined toward the opening side of the recess in the direction of the central axis of the recess, and emits light in a direction in which reflection is repeated between the substrate and the contents.
The detection unit detects that the content is present in the accommodating unit when the light emitted by the light source is blocked by the content and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit is smaller than a predetermined value. A blister pack content presence / absence detection device that detects that the contents do not exist in the accommodating portion when the amount of light received by the light receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

According to claim 1, the member includes a first arrangement portion for arranging the light source and a second arrangement portion for arranging the light receiving portion, which are provided in a concave shape on the outside in each of the recesses. A device for detecting the presence or absence of the contents of the described blister pack.

The content presence / absence detection device for a blister pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source emits light having a single wavelength.

The blister pack content presence / absence detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source emits infrared light.

The content detection device for a blister pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source emits ultraviolet light in a pulsed manner.