JPH0558989B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Industrial field of application: The present invention is used to administer drugs in tablets and capsules to patients in accordance with their prescriptions in hospitals, etc.
This invention relates to a device for selectively supplying tablets to a packaging machine using a large number of cassette-type tablet storage containers, in which necessary tablets are arbitrarily taken out and sequentially supplied to a packaging machine.

Conventional technology: At pharmacies such as hospitals and clinics that administer medication to a relatively large number of patients, they prepare the necessary medications in advance and package them into single-dose units based on prescriptions. The required number of doses is provided.

These operations have become increasingly automated in recent years, but many types of tablets and capsules (hereinafter simply referred to as tablets) are prepared, and these are selected as needed and the required amount is delivered. 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, selecting the necessary ones, and dispensing the required amount.
A system has been proposed in which this material is taken out to a target location by a combination of a horizontally moving conveyor arranged in multiple stages and a vertically moving conveyor, and some of these have 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 longer, which causes variations in takeout time.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention stacks and arranges a large number of tablet storage containers each individually containing a large number of types of tablets in a cylindrical shape, thereby reducing the arrangement volume and simplifying the structure. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for selectively supplying tablets to a packaging machine, which can selectively supply tablets to a packaging machine in a rational manner.

Means for Solving the Problems: The present invention configured to achieve such an object includes: a circular support plate that is fitted in multiple layers with reference to a support that is erected on a base; A large number of tablet accommodating containers are mounted on each of these circular support plates in a predetermined distribution and equipped with a mechanism that can deliver tablets in required amounts, and tablets are discharged from each of the tablet accommodating containers for each layer on each of the circular support plates. Each of the circular support plates is individually rotatably supported by a support portion attached to a support column, and the support portion of each circular support plate and the tablet storage container mounting position are connected to each other. An annular tablet discharging space is formed between the tablet discharging spaces, and a tablet discharging passage is connected to the tablet discharging space from the tablet discharging position of each of the tablet storage containers, and a packaging position of the packaging machine is connected to the lower end of the tablet discharging space. It is characterized by being equipped with a chute that reaches up to .

Further, in the present invention, the circular support plate has a plurality of receiving sections for tablet accommodating containers arranged in a required manner on its disk surface, and each receiving section is incorporated into the tablet accommodating container. A terminal for connecting a power supply to the tablet ejecting mechanism is provided, and when replacing the tablet containers, the circular support plate is rotated so that the tablet containers come to the front side of the device. It is preferable to have a configuration that allows for.

Further, as a means for transmitting an operation command signal to the tablet storage container, a unique connection portion is provided at a location where each tablet storage container is arranged on the circular support plate, and each of the tablet storage containers has a unique connection portion. It is preferable that the tablet accommodating container is provided with connection terminals, and that the connection terminals of the corresponding tablet storage container are fitted into the connection portions so as to be energized.

Effect: According to the device for selectively supplying tablets to a packaging machine of the present invention, tablets of predetermined types are stored in respective tablet storage containers, and these are placed at predetermined positions on each circular support plate. If each connection part is connected to an electric control mechanism, when the operator gives an instruction to take out the required amount of tablets according to the prescription using a preset program using a known computer, the instruction will be activated. Accordingly, the required amount of tablets is delivered from the required tablet storage container, and the tablets taken out according to the instructions are discharged into the annular tablet ejection space, collected in the lower chute, and delivered to the packaging position of the packaging machine. and packaged at that location. As soon as the tablets selected in this manner are taken out, they are collected in a chute and sent to the packaging section, so if an appropriate time interval is set, the required tablets can be taken out one after another and divided and packaged one after another.

In addition, in the device for selectively supplying tablets to a packaging machine of the present invention, the circular support plate on which the tablet storage containers are mounted is rotatably supported by the support portion of the column, so that the contents of the tablet storage containers can be refilled. When replacing other tablets, the circular support plate can be rotated in the front position to take out and replace the required tablets, and since they are arranged on a cylinder, a large number of tablet containers can be accommodated and arranged in a narrow space. Able to work rationally and efficiently without taking much effort.

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tablet selection and feeding device, in which circular support plates 10 are stacked in multiple stages around a cylindrical support 2 erected on a base 1. On each circular support plate 10, a large number of tablet storage containers 30 having uniform external dimensions are arranged at predetermined positions,
A power distribution wheel 5 and a support mechanism for a circular support plate 10 are provided between the tablet storage container mounting position and the support column 2, and an annular tablet ejection space 3 is provided. A chute 4 is provided at the lower end of the tablet ejection space 3 to guide the tablets to the tablet supply position A of the packaging device. An electric control mechanism is connected so that instructions for taking out tablets from the tablet storage container 30 on each circular support plate 10 are selectively given according to a preset program by an attached known computer. It is being

The circular support plates 10 of the tablet storage container 30 are stacked in multiple stages via radial thrust bearings 14 which are sequentially fitted and attached to the cylindrical support 2 at predetermined intervals, and are stacked in multiple stages via rotatable double cylinders 11. They are attached in concentric circles, and the stacking interval is such that a space slightly higher than the height of the tablet storage container 30 is formed in each stage except the top stage. Each support plate 10 is provided with two steps that descend sequentially from the mounting base (inner diameter side) to the outside, so that the tablet storage container 30 is placed at the lowest position. Further, the stepped portion 12 near the base of this support plate 10
, an annular tablet ejection space 3 formed by the double cylinder 11 is provided at each position corresponding to each tablet storage container.
Tablet ejection passages 13 communicating with each other are formed diagonally downward. Furthermore, terminal interfaces 15 for connecting a power source to a predetermined tablet storage container 30 are provided on the side surfaces of the stepped portions 12, respectively. This power supply connection terminal interface 15 can be specified for each tablet container. Naturally, the power distribution wheel 5 attached to the pillar 2,
Each terminal interface 15 is electrically connected to a power distribution wheel 5 at a predetermined set position via a brush 5'. In addition, the support plate 10 has a ball stopper (not limited to this) on either the support side or the support plate, and a ball stopper on the other side, in a portion rotatably supported with respect to the support column 2. It is convenient to provide a notch that is positioned by engaging with the par, since it can be returned to the normal position and stopped.

A specific example of the tablet storage container 30 is shown in FIGS. 4 to 8. This container 30 is molded from synthetic resin, and
The upper part is open, and the tablet ejecting part 31 is shaped like a fan in a plan view, and a part of the inside is sloped toward the bottom, and the tablet ejecting part 31 is protruded from the lower part toward the front (narrowed side) in a beak shape. It has been set up. Furthermore, a feed belt 34 driven at low speed by a micromotor 35 is provided at the bottom so as to be wound around a drive pulley 36 and a driven pulley 36' so that the upper surface thereof moves toward the tablet ejecting section 31. A guide is formed in the tablet take-out section 31 so that the tablets placed on the belt 34 and sent out are aligned in a single line. An opening 32, which allows tablets to fall one by one from the end of the conveying belt 34, is formed at the lower end of the tablet take-out section 31.
For example, a lid piece 37 operated by a rotary solenoid 37' is provided so as to be opened only during a removal operation. Such a micro motor 3
5. The delivery belt 34 operated thereby;
A tablet feeding mechanism 33 is constituted by the alignment guide portion 38, the opening cover piece 37, and the rotary solenoid 37' for operating the same. Further, a counting sensor is attached near the slot 32 of the tablet ejecting section 31, and an electric control system (not shown) is used to close the lid piece 37 when a commanded number of tablets are taken out.

Tablet storage container 30 having such a configuration
The electrical signal transmission interface 39 to the tablet feeding mechanism 33 is arranged in line with a terminal 15 provided on the support plate 10 by inserting a terminal pin. Of course, the method is not limited to this, and other methods may be adopted.

Moreover, this tablet storage container 30 has an opening 3 at the top.
A cover 40 is fitted to the 0', 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 a ring shape in equal parts on the support plate 10 without any strain or waste. Therefore, by advancing and retreating in a straight line toward the center of the support board 10, the interface is joined and mounted on the board 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 chute 4 is connected to the tablet receiving area A of the packaging machine attached to the front position of the base 1 (working position, but not limited to this). , the tablets are arranged so that they gather in one place from the entire discharge space 3, and a vibrator 7 is attached to the appropriate position on the inclined back surface,
The tablets are designed to move to the outlet 4' and be discharged without stagnation.

A computer is used as a control mechanism for selectively taking out tablets from a large number of tablet storage containers 30 stacked in a cylindrical shape. By storing drugs (tablets) of predetermined types and entering the required variables (type and quantity of tablets, number of times they are taken out, etc.) from the keyboard into a program that has been set and registered on the computer. , a control procedure for operating the tablet feeding mechanism 33 in the tablet storage container 30 at a desired address as set. The arithmetic mechanism of this computer has a known configuration,
It is combined with program software that allows the desired operations to be executed.

When using a device having such a configuration, an operator can store tablets in a predetermined storage container at a predetermined location according to a prescription by operating the control keyboard 8 provided on the base 1. By inputting the required information, a signal is given to the tablet container 30 at the designated address by a preset program based on the designated data. At the same time as the motor 35 of the attached tablet feeding mechanism 33 is started, the rotor solenoid 37' is operated to open the tablet storage container 30 whose address has received the instruction signal.
7 from the closed position to the open position, the droplet 32 is opened, and the tablets at the inner bottom of the container 30 are sent to the droplet 32 by the conveyor belt 34 while being aligned one by one by the guide of the tablet take-out part 31. is discharged. The tablets discharged from the slot 32 are counted by the counting sensor, and when the designated number of tablets are discharged, the rotary solenoid 37' is immediately reversed to close the slot 32 with the cover piece 37, and at the same time, the motor 35 When the belt 34 is stopped, 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 passage 1 that opens directly below the drop opening 32.
3 into the discharge space 3, fall through the space 3, pass through the chute 4, are collected at a packaging position, and are thrown into divided continuous packaging bags that are on standby at that position. Ru.

When multiple types of tablets are 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, allowing multiple types of tablets to be taken out at once. In addition, when packaging multiple doses of the same amount according to a prescription, the above operation can be performed intermittently the required number of times according to the input signal, corresponding to the packaging operation speed of the packaging machine. Just take out the pill.

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.

The amount of tablets stored in the tablet container is
Equipped with a function that, when a condition that interferes with work occurs, i.e., when the amount is below the limit, a load cell installed at the container mounting position of each support board issues a signal to warn the user to replenish the container at that position with tablets. I'll let you. Necessary spare containers may be arranged as needed, and when one container runs out of capacity, the containers can be switched.

To replenish tablets, support plate 10 of the required stage is used.
What is necessary is to rotate the target container to move the target container to the front side, remove the desired tablet storage container 30 from the support plate 10, and replenish the inside with a predetermined tablet. After replenishing, the support plate is rotated and returned to its original position to return to its normal position.

What has been described above is a case in which 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.

In addition, in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, regarding the shape and configuration of the tablet storage container, the means for transmitting command signals, etc.
The embodiments 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 medicines in capsules) 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 eliminates the need for complex mechanisms that would congest the conveyor. Tablets can be fed into the bag at the packaging position with a simple structure without any problems, and by using a cassette-type tablet accommodating section stacked in a cylindrical shape, the entire device can be made smaller and more convenient. It is possible to obtain a device that requires less installation space and can perform all operations from the side (front side).

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 stored tablets 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 incorporated into the tablet container, 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, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an embodiment of a tablet storage container support plate, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a tablet storage container mounted on the support plate. , FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a specific example of a tablet storage container, FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway right side view of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a left side view of FIG. 4, and FIG. Fourth
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the tablet ejecting portion of the tablet storage container. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Base, 2... Support, 3... Tablet discharge space, 4... Chute, 5... Distribution wheel, 5'... Brush, 10... Support plate for tablet storage container, 11...
Double tube, 12... Stepped portion, 13... Tablet removal passage, 15... Terminal for power connection to container, 3
0...Tablet storage container, 31...Tablet removal section,
32... Socket, 33... Tablet feeding mechanism, 3
4...Belt, 35...Micro motor, 36...
... Drive pulley, 36' ... Driven pulley, 37
...Lid piece, 37'...Rotary solenoid, 3
8...Alignment guide section, 39...Interface for electrical signal transmission on the container side, 40...Cover, A...
...Tablet feeding position of packaging equipment.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A plurality of circular support plates that are fitted in multiple layers with reference to pillars erected on a base, and tablets that are mounted in a predetermined distribution on each of these circular support plates. A plurality of tablet storage containers each having a mechanism capable of delivering a required amount of tablets, and an electric control mechanism for performing a tablet ejection operation of each of the tablet storage containers for each layer on each of the circular support plates, The support plates are rotatably supported individually by support parts attached to the pillars, and an annular tablet ejection space is formed between the support parts of each circular support plate and the tablet storage container mounting position, and the tablet ejection space is A packaging machine characterized in that a tablet ejection passage is connected to the space from a tablet delivery position of each of the tablet storage containers, and a chute is attached to a lower end of the tablet discharge space to reach a packaging position of the packaging machine. Selective feeding device for tablets. 2. The circular support plate is provided with a large number of receiving compartments for tablet storage containers in the required distribution on the plate surface,
Each receiving compartment is provided with a terminal for connecting a power supply to the tablet ejecting mechanism built into the tablet container, and the tablet container is shaped in a circular shape so that the tablet container faces the front side of the device when the tablet container is replaced. 2. The device for selectively supplying tablets to a packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the tablet storage containers can be exchanged by rotating a dial.