JPH0219222A - Method and apparatus for selectively supplying tablet to packing container - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify a structure by stacking containers indivisually receiving many kinds of tablets in a cylindrical form and taking out tablets by a required amount from the container at a required position at the time of taking-out to supply the same to a packing part of a portionwise packer by one packet each time through a chute. CONSTITUTION:As a control mechanism for selectively taking out the tablets of a large number of tablet receiving containers 30 stacked in a cylindrical form, a microcomputer is used and a required item is inputted by a control keyboard according to a prescription to give a signal to the tablet receiving container 30 mounted on the predetermined address of each support panel 10. Then, the motor 35 of the attached tablet send-out mechanism is started and, at the same time, a rotary solenoid 37' is operated to displace a lid piece 37 from a closed position to an open position and a falling port 32 is opened to send the tablets to the falling port 32 while arranging said tablets by the guide of a tablet take-out part 31 to discharge the same. The tablets are counted to be sent in a discharge space and thrown in a continuous packing bag through a chute 4.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Industrial Field of Application: The present invention is used to take out the required amount of tablets/capsules and place them in a packaging machine sequentially when administering medication to a patient according to a prescription at a hospital, etc. The present invention relates to a method for selectively supplying tablets to a packaging machine using a large number of cassette-type tablet storage containers, an apparatus therefor, and a tablet storage container.

Conventional technology: At pharmacies that administer medications to a relatively large number of patients, such as hospitals and nursing homes, they prepare the necessary medications in advance, package them into single-dose packages based on prescriptions, and It is provided in several doses.

These operations have become increasingly automated in recent years, but many types of tablets and capsules (hereinafter simply referred to as tablets) are prepared, selected as needed, and the required amount Since it has to be taken out, the mechanism will be complicated to automate.

This type of device is known by arranging containers containing tablets in multiple compartments in multiple tiers, selecting the necessary ones and dispensing the required amount, and then moving the tablets horizontally across multiple tiers. A system has been proposed in which the materials are taken out to the target location by a combination of a conveyor that transports the materials in the vertical direction and a conveyor that transports the materials in the vertical direction, and has been put into practical use.

Problems to be Solved: In the conventional device as described above, the overall structure is large and requires a large installation space. Next, although the structure seems simple at first glance, it requires a large number of conveyors for conveying tablets vertically and horizontally, making the mechanism inevitably complicated.

Furthermore, the conveyor for conveying the tablets inevitably becomes long, which causes time variations in taking out the tablets.

Means for Solving the Problem: In the present invention, containers individually containing a large number of tablets are stacked in a cylindrical shape, and when taking out the tablets, the cylindrical space is used to remove the required amount of tablets from the container at a desired position. A tablet packaging system that allows the tablets to be transferred to the lower chute and supplied one color at a time from the chute to the packaging section of the packaging machine, thereby reducing the installed volume and simplifying the structure to enable rational packaging of tablets. The purpose of this invention is to provide a selective feeding method and device for the machine.

That is, in the present invention, drugs such as tablets are stored in tablet storage containers that have a function to take out necessary amounts by drug type, and addresses are assigned on a support board in which a large number of tablet storage containers are arranged in multiple stages. The tablets are placed in a cylindrical shape, and a tablet ejection instruction signal is given from the control unit to each tablet storage container, and the tablets that are ejected from the tablet storage container upon receiving the removal instruction are placed in each tablet storage container arranged in a cylindrical shape. The tablets are collected into a chute located at the bottom through the annular space between the container receiving part and the column supporting the support plate, and are supplied to the packaging part. , is a selective feeding method that allows the required tablets to be taken out.

The present invention provides means for carrying out the above-mentioned method, including: a circular support plate that is fitted on a multi-story floor with reference to a column erected on a base; It consists of a large number of tablet storage containers each having a shape that is equipped with a mechanism for delivering the required amount of tablets at a time; and an electric control mechanism that generates a detection output signal for managing the tablet discharge of each tablet storage container in each layer;
An annular tablet ejection space is formed between the support for the column of each circular support plate and the tablet storage container mounting position,
A tablet ejection passage is connected to the tablet ejection space from the tablet delivery position of each tablet storage container, and a chute that reaches the packaging position of the packaging machine is attached to the lower end of the tablet ejection space. This is a device that has

The circular support plate of the tablet storage container according to the present invention is supported by bearings on the outer periphery of a cylindrical column at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, and is successively stacked, with each support plate having a structure between each bearing support part. A power distribution ring is arranged to apply a signal for operating the power section of the tablet storage containers, and each tablet storage container is placed at a predetermined address (so that it can be selected by an instruction signal from the control section).

In the present invention, the tablet storage container has uniform external dimensions, and has a feeding belt at the bottom that feeds out the tablets one by one using a micromotor, a tablet alignment section, and an end feeding section of the alignment section that is electrically operated. The device is equipped with a tablet ejecting mechanism consisting of a lid piece that opens and closes with a button, a gripping portion formed on the side, and a cover attached to the upper opening. Of course, it is not limited to this.

In the present invention, as a mechanism for transmitting an instruction signal to a cassette-type tablet storage container, a unique connection portion is provided at each tablet storage container location on the circular support plate, and the tablet storage container is provided with its own connection portion. Each individual connection terminal is attached to the lower part of the tip so that it can be fitted into the connection part to become energized.

Further, the present invention provides the above-mentioned tablet selective feeding device,
A plurality of stacked cylindrical tablet containers are arranged on a base, and the tablets can be taken out from the tablet container at a desired address in each unit.

Effect: According to the tablet selection and supply means of the present invention, tablets of predetermined types are first stored in the tablet storage containers, and these are placed at predetermined positions on each support plate while being connected to a control power source. put. As a control mechanism, a known microcomputer is used so that a required amount of tablets can be taken out from the tablet container at each address.

When placing the tablet storage containers on the support plates of each stage, the support plates may be rotated and the tablet storage containers may be placed in front of the apparatus. Control power for each tablet storage container is connected to each via a contact from a power distribution wheel provided on a pillar erected in the center.

Therefore, if the operator sends a specified command signal to the control unit using a preset program to take out the required tablets based on the prescription on the control panel, the tablet container at the specified address will be attached. The electric motor and rotary solenoid are operated to feed the required amount of tablets into the tablet ejection space, from where they are collected in a chute and delivered to the packaging position of the packaging machine. In this operation, when taking out a plurality of types of tablets, a required number of tablet storage containers are simultaneously operated and taken out. The tablets sent out from the chute can be received in packaging bags at the relevant position and sequentially divided into packages.

The operation of taking out tablets from each tablet storage container is controlled so that the tablets are lined up in a line at the takeout port provided in the container, and the tablets in the container are fed out one by one by a mechanism that feeds the tablets toward the exit side at the bottom of the container. It will be done. The amount taken out is counted by a sensor or the like, and the lid plate of the take-out port is closed to prevent the subsequent tablets from flowing out.

Example: Next, one embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on the drawings.

What is shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tablet selection and feeding device,
Circular support plates (10) are stacked in multiple stages around a cylindrical support (2) erected on a base (1). A large number of tablet storage containers (30) with uniform external dimensions are arranged at predetermined positions, and a power distribution shaft (5) is installed between the tablet storage container mounting position and the support column (2). ) and a circular support plate (10) are provided, and an annular tablet ejection space (3) is provided.

The lower end of the tablet ejection space (3) is designed to guide the tablets to the tablet supply position (A) of the packaging device through a chute (4). Tablet storage container (3) on each circular support plate (10)
A control mechanism is associated with the tablet ejection instruction for 0) so that it is selected and given by an attached microcomputer.

The circular support plate (10) of the tablet storage container (30) can be stacked and rotated in multiple stages via radial thrust bearings (14) that are sequentially fitted and attached to the cylindrical support (2) at predetermined intervals. The tablets are attached concentrically through a double tube (11), and the stacking interval is such that a space slightly higher than the height of the tablet storage container (30) is formed in each tier except the top tier. On each of the nine support plates (10),
The mounting is such that two steps are provided that descend sequentially from the base (inner diameter side) to the outside, and the tablet storage container (30) is placed at the lowest position. Also, this support board (10)
A tablet ejection passage (13) communicating with the annular tablet ejection space (3) formed by the double cylinder (11) is provided in the base stepped portion (12) at each position corresponding to each tablet storage container.
) are drilled diagonally downward. Furthermore, terminal interfaces (15) for connecting a power source to a predetermined tablet storage container (30) are provided on each side of the stepped portion (12). This power connection terminal interface 1
- The space (15) can be specified for each tablet container. Naturally, the power distribution shaft (5) attached to the pillar (2)
, and each terminal interface (15) is electrically connected to the power distribution shaft (5) at the pre-distributed settings i and i2 via the brush (5').

In addition, the support plate (10) is rotatably supported with respect to the column (2), and a ball stopper (not limited to this) is attached to either the column side or the support plate, and the other side is provided with a ball stopper (not limited to this). It is convenient to provide a notch that engages with the ball stopper to determine the position, since it can be returned to the normal position 1 and stopped.

Specific examples of the tablet storage container (30) include those shown in FIGS. 4 to 8. This container (30
) is molded from synthetic resin, has an open top, has a fan shape in plan view, has a part of the interior sloped toward the bottom, and extends forward from the bottom (on the narrower side). ) A beak-shaped tablet ejecting portion (31) is provided protruding toward the tablet. Furthermore, a feeding belt (34) driven at low speed by a micro motor (35) is provided at the bottom of the tablet ejecting section (
Drive pulley (31) so that the top surface moves toward
6) and the driven pulley (36'). A guide is formed in the tablet ejecting section (31) so that the tablets placed on the belt (34) and delivered are arranged in a negative row. At the lower end of the tablet ejecting part (31), there is a conveying belt (34).
An opening through which the tablets can fall one by one from the edge, i.e., a droplet (
32) is formed, and for this drop (32),
For example, a lid piece (37) operated by a rotary solenoid (37°) is provided so as to be opened only during a removal operation. Tablets are fed out by such a micromotor (35), a feeding belt (34) operated by the micromotor (35), an alignment guide section (38), a droplet cover piece (37), and a rotary solenoid for operating the same (37'). It is composed of a mechanism (33). In addition, the tablet ejecting section (3
A counting sensor is attached near the opening (32) of 1), and when the commanded number of tablets are taken out, the lid piece (
37) is connected by an electrical control system so as to close it.

The electrical signal transmission interface (39) to the tablet feeding mechanism (33) of the tablet storage container (30) having such a configuration is achieved by inserting a terminal (15) provided on the support plate (10) and a terminal pin. It is intended to be connected. Of course, the method is not limited to this, and other methods may be adopted.

This tablet storage container (30) is long and has an opening (30) at the top.
A cover (40) is fitted to the top of the cover (40), and a handle (41) is integrally formed on the outward facing side surface so that it can be held in place or carried.

Each of the tablet storage containers (30) has the above-described configuration, has a uniform outer size, and is arranged in an annular shape on the support plate (10) by dividing the tablets into equal parts without strain or waste. Therefore, by advancing and retracting the support plate (10) in a straight line toward the center, the interface can be joined and mounted on the plate surface.

Double tube (11) provided on the inner diameter side of each support plate (10)
The lowest part of the tablet ejection space (3) formed by stacking the tablets is the working position where the front part of the base (1) is placed (but is not limited to this).
), the chute (4) is arranged so that the tablets are collected at 11 locations from the entire discharge space (3), and a vibrator (7) is attached to the appropriate position on the slanted back surface so that the tablets do not stagnate. Then move it to the exit (4°) so that it can be discharged.

A microcomputer is used as a control mechanism for selectively taking out seven tablets from a large number of tablet storage containers (30) stacked in a cylindrical shape, and tablet storage containers mounted at predetermined locations on each support plate (10) are used. Each container (30) contains a predetermined type of medicine (tablet), and the required variables (type and quantity of tablets, number of times they are taken out, etc.) are controlled by a program that has been set and registered in the computer. ) is input from the keyboard to operate the tablet feeding mechanism (33) in the tablet storage container (30) at a desired address as set.

The arithmetic mechanism of this computer is a combination of a known configuration and program software that enables the execution of desired operations.

When using a device having such a configuration, an operator can input tablets stored in a predetermined storage container at a predetermined location according to a prescription using the control keyboard (8) provided on the base (1).
) and inputting necessary information, a signal is given to the tablet container (30) at the designated address based on the designated data according to a preset program. The tablet container (30) at the address that received the instruction number is
The motor (35) of the attached tablet feeder flI (33)
) starts, the rotary solenoid (37'
) operates to displace the lid piece (37) from the closed position to the open position, the opening (32) opens, and the tablets at the inner bottom of the container (30) are sequentially transferred to the tablet ejecting part ( 31) while being aligned by the guide of
32) and discharged. The tablets discharged from the slot (32) are counted by the counting sensor, and immediately after the designated number of tablets are discharged, the rotary solenoid (37
') is operated in reverse to close the outlet (32) with the lid piece (37), and at the same time the motor (35) is also stopped and the belt (34
) is stopped, and the tablet removal is completed.

The tablets taken out from the tablet storage container (30) as instructed are passed through the passageway (13) that opens directly below the droplet (32).
The separated continuous packages are fed into the discharge space (3) through the space (3), fall through the space (3), pass through the chute (4), are collected at the packaging position, and are on standby at that position. It is put into the bag.

If multiple types of tablets are not selected at the same time by instructions on the control panel, the tablet storage containers with different corresponding addresses perform the above operations at the same time, making it possible to take out multiple types of tablets at once. can. In addition, when packaging multiple doses of the same amount according to a prescription, the input signal causes the above operation to correspond to the packaging operation speed of the packaging machine, and the tablets are delivered intermittently the required number of times. It's fine if you take it out.

Of course, if the selection of tablets changes, an instruction signal is given to the tablet storage container at a different address to take out the stored tablets.

When the amount of tablets stored in a tablet storage container becomes a condition that interferes with work, that is, it becomes less than the limit amount, a load cell installed at the container mounting position of each support plate will emit a signal, and the The container should be equipped with a warning function to replenish tablets, or if necessary, spare containers should be placed so that they can be switched when one container runs out of capacity. good.

To replenish tablets, rotate the support plate (1o) of the required stage, move the target container to the front side, and place the target container on the support plate (10).
What is necessary is to remove the required tablet storage container (3o) from above and replenish the inside with the predetermined tablets. After refilling, the support plate returns to its original position by rotating it.

In the above explanation, one feeding device in which tablet storage containers are stacked in a cylindrical shape is installed upright on a base. By operating in the manner described above, packaging operations can be performed at multiple locations simultaneously, further improving work efficiency.

Further, in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, the shape and configuration of the tablet storage container, the means for transmitting command signals, etc. are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be arbitrarily changed as necessary.

Effects of the invention: According to the present invention, sorted tablets (tablets and capsule medicines) are placed in specified containers and stacked in a cylindrical shape, and each is equipped with a tablet ejection mechanism. By inputting the required numerical values and executing computer operations according to a preset program, the operation of taking out the desired tablets at will does not require a complicated mechanism that would cause congestion on the transport conveyor. Tablets can be fed into the bag at the packaging position with a simple configuration without the need for storage, and the entire device can be made more compact by using cassette-type tablet storage units that are stacked in a cylindrical shape. .

Furthermore, according to the method of the present invention, even if the tablet storage containers stacked in a cylindrical shape are located on the back side with respect to the work surface side (front side), the tablets stored in the containers are emptied and replaced with new ones. When replacing the container, it can be easily replaced by rotating the support plate toward the front, and can be handled rationally with less installation space.

Of course, the structure is simplified, and since the main parts are constructed in a block-like manner and the drive mechanism is built into the tablet accommodating body, it has many advantages such as easy repair.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a feeding device for carrying out the method of the present invention;
The figure is a sectional view of the main part of one embodiment of the tablet storage container support plate, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the tablet storage container mounted on the support plate.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a specific example of a tablet storage container, FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway right side view of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a left side view of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of FIG. 4, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the tablet ejecting portion of the tablet storage container. (1)...Base (2)...Support 3
)...Tablet ejection space (4)...Chute 5)...
・Distribution ring (5゛)...Brush 10)...
・Support plate 11) for tablet storage container...Double tube (12)...Step part 13...
Tablet removal passageway (15... Terminal for power connection to container (30...
・Tablet removal part (32...) for tablet storage container (31)
・Drop opening (33)...Tablet feeding mechanism (3
4... Belt (35)... Micro motor (36... Drive pulley (36')... Driven pulley (37... Lid piece (37°)... Rotary solenoid (38) ...
Alignment guide part (39)...Container side electrical signal transmission interface (40)...Cover (A)...Tablet feeding position of packaging device Fig. 1

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Drugs such as tablets are stored in tablet storage containers with a function to take out required amounts by drug type, and a large number of the tablet storage containers are placed on a support board arranged in multiple stages, and the address number is set. The tablets are placed in a cylindrical shape, and a tablet ejecting instruction signal is given from the control unit to each tablet storage container, and the tablets that are ejected from the tablet storage container upon receiving the ejection instruction are the tablets arranged in the cylindrical shape. The tablets are collected into a chute located at the bottom through the annular space between the storage container receiving part and the column supporting the support plate, and are supplied to the packaging area, where the tablets are selected from the tablet storage containers at the desired address according to instructions from the control unit. 1. A method for selectively supplying tablets to a packaging machine, characterized in that the required tablets are taken out by using a tablet. 2. Circular support plates installed on multiple floors based on the pillars erected on the base; tablets are delivered in the required amount one by one with a unified shape that is loaded on each circular support plate in a predetermined distribution. It consists of a large number of tablet storage containers equipped with a mechanism; an electric control mechanism that emits a detection output signal for managing the tablet ejection of each tablet storage container in each layer; a support section for each circular support plate column and a tablet storage container mounted thereon; An annular tablet ejection space is formed between the tablet ejection space and the tablet ejection space, and ejection passages are connected to the tablet ejection space from the tablet delivery position of the tablet storage container, and the lower end of the tablet ejection space is connected to the tablet ejection space. A selective feeding device for a tablet packaging machine, characterized in that a chute for reaching a packaging position of the packaging machine is attached to the tablet packaging machine. 3. The device for selectively supplying tablets to a packaging machine according to claim 2, wherein the support discs for each tablet storage container are mounted so as to be rotatable individually on a rotary support section attached to the support column. 4. The support plate for each tablet storage container has a large number of receiving compartments for the tablet storage containers arranged in the required manner on its surface, and each receiving compartment has a power source for the tablet ejection mechanism built into the tablet storage container. 3. A connection terminal is provided, and the device is configured such that when replacing the tablet container, a support plate can be rotated to the front side of the device to perform the replacement operation.
A selective feeding device for a tablet packaging machine described in . 5. Tablet storage containers to be mounted at predetermined positions on circular support plates installed on multi-story floors based on pillars erected on the base are arranged in plan view so that the required number of tablet containers can be arranged in a circular shape. It is fan-shaped, has an appropriate volume, has an internal slope facing toward the bottom, and has a beak-shaped tablet ejecting portion protruding from the front lower part. It is equipped with a tablet ejecting mechanism consisting of a micromotor-driven belt for feeding, a lid piece that opens and closes a slot opened at the tip of the belt, and a guide that aligns the tablets on the upper side of the belt, and a fixed position of the support plate. A tablet storage container characterized in that it is equipped with a connector that operates a drive section in response to an electric signal unique to each tablet.