KR102664320B1 - Tablet loading module control method for automatic tablet feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of controlling a tablet loading module for an automatic tablet supply device. This includes a cylinder that has a side passage at the upper end and accommodates tablets, a drum that is installed to be able to lift and rotate inside the cylinder, a drum drive unit that drives the drum, and a tablet that is located on the side of the side passage and rises while being supported by the drum. A method of controlling a tablet loading module including a tablet detection sensor, comprising: a constant speed rising step of rotating a drum and raising it at a constant speed while the cylinder is filled with tablets; A deceleration step of reducing the rising speed of the drum when tablets rising while supported by the drum are detected by the tablet detection sensor; and a rising stop step of stopping the drum from rising when the drum reaches the side passage.
In the tablet loading module control method for the automatic tablet supply device of the present invention as described above, the tablet loading speed is adjusted according to the amount of tablets filled in the cylinder, so that smooth tablet supply can be performed by loading the optimal amount of tablets. You can.

Description

Tablet loading module control method for automatic tablet feeding device}

The present invention relates to a tablet loading module installed in a tablet supply device, and more specifically, to a tablet loading module control method for an automatic tablet supply device that enables smoother tablet supply by variable controlling the loading speed. It's about.

In cases where there are many quantities and types of medications prescribed, such as in large pharmacies or hospital pharmacies, it is very difficult and cumbersome to manually sort and package all medications. To resolve this inconvenience, an automatic medication packaging device was developed. and are being used.

There are various types of pharmaceutical packaging devices, and their basic components include a cartridge that accommodates tablets, a discharge device that discharges the tablets from each cartridge, and a packaging device that packages the discharged tablets.

Additionally, a method of applying vibration to the cartridge is known for extracting the medicine from the cartridge. When vibration is applied to the cartridge, the medicine stored inside moves little by little and is discharged through the discharge hole. However, this type of medicine packaging device has the disadvantage that the side passage hole can be easily blocked depending on the size or shape of the medicine and the medicine can be broken.

In addition, in conventional drug packaging devices, the shape of the cartridge is designed to match the size of the drug, so for example, when a new drug of a different size or shape is released, or when the drug is split in half, the drug cannot be discharged properly. A new cassette must be produced each time to match the size of the drug. Conventional pharmaceutical packaging devices cannot use one cartridge universally.

Meanwhile, the inside of the drug packaging device is built with a discharge path that guides the drug and sends it out of the packaging device, and a loading device that loads the drug onto the discharge path.

As a background technology related to this, a special tablet injection device has been disclosed through Domestic Patent Publication No. 10-1785060.

The disclosed special tablet injection device includes a storage unit in which the drug is stored; It includes a supply unit that supplies the medicine discharged from the storage unit to the medicine packaging, and a control unit that controls the path of the medicine discharged through the supply unit, and the control unit includes a packaging path for packaging the medicine and a recovery path for recovering the medicine. and selectively opens and closes a conveyance path for conveying the medicament to the storage unit, and the storage unit has a hollow cylindrical shape and has a storage space in which the medicament is stored, an outlet through which the medicament is discharged at the upper side, and a conveyance path at the lower side. A storage body provided with a communicating return port; A support body installed in the storage body while supporting a plurality of drugs; A door portion installed on the outer peripheral surface of the storage body at a height capable of covering the storage body and provided with an opening capable of communicating with the transfer port; Between the positions where the opening of the door part communicates with and closes the transfer port, the support body is raised and lowered to a position where the door rotating part that rotates the door part and the upper surface of the support communicate with the outlet and the position where it communicates with the transfer port, and the storage unit rotates and drives the support. It consists of a driving part.

However, the disclosed special tablet loading device had the disadvantage that accurate loading of tablets was difficult because the support body only performed a simple lifting movement. For example, the speed cannot be adjusted considering the number or small number of tablets added to the support, so supply is not smooth.

Domestic Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1767820 (Pharmaceutical Sorter)

The present invention was created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a tablet loading module control method for an automatic tablet supply device that enables smooth supply of tablets by loading the optimal amount of tablets by controlling the tablet loading speed. There is.

The tablet loading module control method for the automatic tablet supply device of the present invention as a means of solving the problem for achieving the above object includes a cylinder that has a side passage at the upper end and accommodates tablets, and a drum that is installed to be able to lift and rotate inside the cylinder. A method of controlling a tablet loading module including a drum driving unit that drives a drum and a tablet detection sensor located on the side of the side passage and detecting tablets rising while supported by the drum, in a state where the cylinder is filled with tablets. , a constant speed rising step in which the drum is rotated and raised at a constant speed; A deceleration step of reducing the rising speed of the drum when tablets rising while supported by the drum are detected by the tablet detection sensor; and a rising stop step of stopping the drum from rising when the drum reaches the side passage.

In addition, the tablet loading module is installed in a tablet supply device equipped with a feeding module, and the feeding module includes an induction duct that provides a discharge path, a slider that receives tablets discharged through the side passage of the cylinder and guides them to the discharge path. , a slider sensor unit having an inlet sensor and an outlet sensor located at the inlet and outlet portions of the slider to detect tablets passing through the slider, and as a process following the stop step, when the tablet is detected by the inlet sensor. It further has a rotation stop step to stop the rotation of the drum.

In addition, after the rotation stop step, a drum re-rotation step of rotating the drum again when the tablet leaves the inlet sensor is further included.

In addition, a lowering step of lowering the drum when the tablet detection sensor does not detect a tablet is further included.

In the tablet loading module control method for the automatic tablet supply device of the present invention as described above, the tablet loading speed is adjusted according to the amount of tablets filled in the cylinder, so that smooth tablet supply can be performed by loading the optimal amount of tablets. You can.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an automatic tablet supply device having a tablet loading module to which a tablet loading module control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the automatic tablet supply device shown in Figure 1 with the cover removed.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the tablet loading module and the feeding module separately in the automatic tablet supply device of FIG. 1.
Figures 5 to 9 are diagrams for explaining the configuration and operation method of the tablet loading module of Figure 4.
Figures 10 to 16 are diagrams to further explain the configuration and operating principle of the feeding module included in the automatic tablet feeding device of Figure 1.
Figure 17 is a block diagram showing the entire automatic feeding device of Figure 1.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic feeding device shown in FIG. 1.
Figure 19 is a flow chart showing a tablet loading module control method for an automatic tablet supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, one embodiment according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

The tablet loading module control method for the automatic tablet supply device of the present invention is a method of controlling the tablet loading module, which will be described later.

The control method includes a cylinder that has a side passage at the upper end and accommodates tablets, a drum installed to be able to lift and rotate inside the cylinder, a drum driver that drives the drum, and a drum located on the side of the side passage that rises while being supported by the drum. A method of controlling a tablet loading module including a tablet detection sensor for detecting tablets, comprising: a constant speed rising step (201) of rotating the drum and raising it at a constant speed while the cylinder is filled with tablets; A deceleration step (203) of reducing the rising speed of the drum when a tablet rising while supported by the drum is detected by the tablet detection sensor; It has the basic structure of a rising stop stage 205 that stops the drum from rising when the drum reaches the side passage.

For convenience, before explaining the control method of the present invention, the configuration of the automatic supply device 10 itself will be explained first.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an automatic tablet supply device having a tablet loading module to which the tablet loading module control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Figures 2 and 3 are views with the cover removed from the automatic supply device of Figure 1. This is a drawing. In addition, Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the tablet loading module and the feeding module separately in the automatic tablet supply device of Figure 1.

The illustrated automatic tablet supply device 10 withdraws tablets pre-filled in the cylinder 25 of the tablet loading module 20 and automatically supplies them to the required destination, and includes the tablet loading module 10 and the feeding module 40. Equipped with The person in need may be a user who dispenses medicine, that is, a pharmacist. Additionally, the term 'tablet' in this description includes pills of all sizes and shapes as well as capsules.

As shown, the automatic tablet supply device 10 includes a housing 18 that provides an internal space, a tablet loading module 20 installed in the housing, a feeding module 40, a cup receiving holder 13, and a recovery cup. Includes (14).

The housing 18 has a bottom plate 16, a front panel 11, and a cover 15. The bottom plate 16 is a horizontal metal plate that provides support and has a square through hole 16a. The through hole 16a is a through hole located vertically below the preparation path 41d, which will be described later. The passage hole 16a is a passage through which the prepared medicine, that is, the tablet to be delivered to the pharmacist, passes. The tablets that pass through the through hole 16a are delivered to the pharmacist through a separate connection passage (not shown).

The front panel 11 has an interface unit 12 that the user operates. The interface unit 12 includes a display unit 12a, an LED lamp 12c, and a button 12e. The display unit 12a serves to display the operating status of the automatic feeding device 10, and the button 12e is a switch operated by the user. And the LED lamp 12c displays the current position of the tablet during operation. In addition, a controller 17 is installed at the rear of the interface unit 12, and the controller 17 outputs all control signals for operating the automatic supply device 10.

A recovery cup passage 11a is provided at the lower part of the interface portion 12. The recovery cup passage 11a is a hole through which the recovery cup 14 enters and exits.

The cup receiving holder 13 is a box-shaped member that accommodates the recovery cup 14 and is open forward through the recovery cup passage 11a. When the recovery cup 14 is inserted into the cup receiving holder 13, the recovery cup 14 is located at the lower part of the recovery path 41e.

'Recovery' in this description means discharging unused tablets to the outside. For example, among the tablets poured into the cylinder 25 of the tablet loading module 20, removing the remaining used tablets to the outside, that is, to the recovery cup 14, is called recovery. The reason for the recovery is to eliminate the need to prepare the tablets and to empty the cylinder 25 to supply other types of tablets.

‘Dispensing’ is the opposite term to ‘recovery’. Dispensing means delivering the tablets to be prescribed to the pharmacist. For example, the dispensing passage refers to the passage through which tablets to be delivered to the pharmacist pass. Naturally, the recovery passage is a passage toward the recovery cup 14.

The cover 15 is a member that covers and protects the tablet loading module 20, the feeding module 40, and the cup receiving holder 13, and has a tablet inlet 15a at the top. The tablet inlet 15a is a passage that opens the cylinder 25 upward. When tablets are poured through the tablet inlet (15a), the tablets are filled into the cylinder (25).

The tablet loading module 20 serves to raise the tablets filled in the cylinder 25 to the height of the side passage 25a, which will be described later, and to allow the tablets to exit in the direction of arrow a through the side passage 25a.

The tablet loading module 20 extends vertically and controls the operation of the cylinder 25 of a certain diameter for accommodating the inserted tablets, the height adjustment motor 23 installed at the bottom of the cylinder and outputting rotational force, and the height adjustment motor. controller (17), a lead screw (23a) that extends vertically and rotates on its axis by receiving rotational force from the height adjustment motor, a lifting body (24) that engages the lead screw and moves up and down by the axial rotation of the lead screw, a lifting body A lifting guide part that guides the lifting movement of the tablet, a drum (29) installed on the upper part of the lifting body and supporting the tablet in a state so that it can be lifted inside the cylinder, and a controller (17) when the drum reaches top dead center. It includes a rise limiter that sends a signal to cause the controller to stop the height adjustment motor 23.

Figures 5 to 9 are diagrams for explaining the detailed configuration and operation method of the tablet loading module 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the tablet loading module 20 includes a support case 21, a fixing plate 22, a height adjustment motor 23, a lead screw 23a, a guide rod 23c, a lifting body 24, and a support. It is provided with a band 27, a rising limiter, a lowering limiter, a drum 29, a drum rotation motor 26a, a side supporter 22b, a cylinder (25 in FIG. 4), and a controller 17.

The cylinder 25 is a light-transmitting cylindrical member that has a side passage 25a and a sensor exposure groove 25c at the upper end and is filled with the inserted tablets. The drum 29 is capable of lifting and rotating within the cylinder 25. In addition, the height adjustment motor 23, the lead screw 23a, and the lifting body 24 are drum driving parts that drive the drum. The driving of the drum means lifting and rotating movements.

The tablet loading module 20 further includes a tablet detection sensor. As will be described later, the tablet detection sensor 55 is a sensor that detects the tablet that is first visible among the tablets placed on the drum 29. The tablet loading module 20 is an optical sensor that irradiates horizontal light into the inner space of the cylinder 25 and outputs a detection signal through light reflected from an object. When an object enters the detection field of view of the tablet loading module 20, the object that enters first is detected.

In this embodiment, since the tablets move upward while supported on the drum 29, among the filled tablets, the tablets exposed to the upper surface are detected first. In other words, the tablets filled in the drum 29 do not form a single layer, but have a stacked structure, so the tablets that rise the highest are detected first.

The rise limiter and the lower control unit include a first sensed part, a second sensed part, an upper sensing part, and a lower sensing part, and descriptions thereof will be given later.

The support case 21 is a support member whose lower end is fixed to the bottom plate 16, and provides a horizontal support plane portion 21b on the upper side. The support plane portion 21b is a support surface that supports the cylinder 25. The cylinder 25 is a transparent cylindrical member that is vertical with its lower end supported on the support plane portion 21b. Additionally, a center hole 21e is formed in the center of the support plane portion 21b. The center hole (21e) is a through hole and allows the lead screw (23a) and guide rod (23c) to pass through.

The fixing plate 22 is accommodated inside the support case 21 and is bolted to the bottom of the support plane portion 21b to provide support. The fixing plate 22 is located on the top of the height adjustment motor 23.

The height adjustment motor 23 is fixed to the bottom of the fixing plate 22a and operates by a control signal transmitted from the controller 17 to rotate the lead screw 23a. The controller 17 turns the height adjustment motor 23 on and off. The lead screw (23a) penetrates the fixing plate (22), is connected to the drive shaft of the height adjustment motor (23), extends vertically, and rotates clockwise and counterclockwise by the height adjustment motor (23).

The guide rod 23c is a guide means for guiding the vertical lifting movement of the lifting body 24 and takes the shape of a round bar and is fixed in parallel on both sides of the lead screw 23a. The lower end of the guide rod (23c) is fixed to the fixing plate (22a). The guide rod 23c is inserted into the vertical passage (24b in FIG. 9) of the lifting body 24 and guides the lifting movement of the lifting body 24.

The lifting body 24 is a block-shaped member made of synthetic resin and, as shown in FIG. 9, has a female screw hole 24a and two vertical passages 24b. The female thread opening 24a is formed in the central part of the lifting body 24 and is a passage with female threads formed on the inner peripheral surface. Of course, the lead screw (23a) is inserted into the female screw hole (24a). Additionally, the vertical passage 24b is a passage into which the guide rod 23c is inserted. The guide rod 23c guides the vertical lifting movement of the lifting body 24.

In addition, a buffer stopper 24c is installed on the side of each vertical passage 24b. The buffer stopper 24c is an elastic member made of urethane or silicon and protrudes from the lower part of the lifting body 24. The buffer stopper 24c contacts the upper surface of the fixing plate 22a and absorbs shock when the lifting body 24 is lowered. In other words, the downward force of the lifting body 24 is prevented from being transmitted to the fixing plate 22a. The height of the bottom dead center of the lifting body 24 is defined by the buffer stopper 24c.

Additionally, a bottom sensing magnet 24e is fixed to the lower part of the lifting body 24. The lower sensing magnet is a permanent magnet that outputs magnetic force downward, and is located at the vertical upper part of the lower sensor unit (28b).

Meanwhile, the elevation limiter serves to send a signal to the controller 17 when the drum 29, which will be described later, reaches top dead center and causes the controller to stop the height adjustment motor 23. In other words, it prevents the drum from rising higher than top dead center. The rise limiter includes a first sensed part and an upper sensor part 28a. The top dead center of the drum 29 is the height at which the upper edge of the outer peripheral surface of the drum corresponds to the side passage (25a in FIG. 4) of the cylinder 25. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the state when the drum 29 is located at top dead center.

The first sensing unit is a detection object detected by the upper sensor unit 28a. The upper sensor unit (28a) is a limit magnetic sensor, and the first sensing unit is the upper sensing magnet (27a). The upper sensor unit detects the magnetic force output from the upper sensing magnet 27a when it is raised to top dead center and transmits the detected information to the controller 17. The upper sensing magnet 27a is located at a lower altitude than the drum 29, that is, at the lower part of the drum 29. The upper sensing magnet (27a) is installed on the support band (27), which will be described later. An explanation of the support band will be provided later.

Additionally, the lowering limiter serves to prevent the drum 29 from falling below bottom dead center. In other words, when the drum 29 reaches the bottom dead center, a signal is sent to the controller, causing the controller to stop the height adjustment motor 23. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the lifting body 24 located at the bottom dead center.

The lowering limit unit includes a second sensing unit and a lower sensor unit 28b. The second sensing unit is a detection object detected by the lower sensor unit 28b. The lower sensor unit (28b) is a limit magnetic sensor, and the first sensing unit is a lower sensing magnet (24e). The lower sensor unit (28b) detects the magnetic force output from the lower sensing magnet (24e) that has reached the bottom dead center and transmits the detected information to the controller (17), allowing the controller (17) to stop the height adjustment motor (23). do. In other words, it prevents the drum 29 from going down any further. The bottom dead center of the drum 29 is the point at which the buffer stopper 24c is in contact with the fixing plate 22a.

In fact, the bottom dead center of the drum 29 is also the height at which the buffer stopper 24c reaches the upper surface of the fixing plate 22a. The reason for applying the lowering limiter to prevent the drum from descending below the bottom dead center is to prevent the fixing plate 22a from being deformed by the downward force of the lifting body 24.

The lower sensor unit 28b is a magnetic force sensor that detects magnetic force and is located vertically below the lower sensing magnet 24e. The lower sensor unit 28b detects the lower detection magnet 24e at the moment the lifting body 24 reaches the bottom dead center, and outputs a signal that the lifting body 24 has reached the bottom dead center.

A drum rotation motor (26a) is installed on the upper part of the lifting body (24). The drum rotation motor 26a is used to rotate the drum 29 and has a drive gear 26b on the drive shaft. It is natural that the drum rotation motor (26a) moves up and down together with the lifting body (24).

The driving gear 26b is inserted into the gear receiving groove 29b formed on the bottom of the drum 29, and is provided with a separation prevention magnet 26c at the center of the upper surface. The separation prevention magnet 26c corresponds to another separation prevention magnet 29d fixed to the drum 29. That is, when the drive gear 26b is inserted into the gear receiving groove 29b, the two separation prevention magnets maintain the mutual attraction and coupling state. The drum 29 can be stably maintained in its mounted state by the magnetic force of the separation prevention magnets 26c and 29d. The inner peripheral surface of the gear receiving groove (29b) takes the shape of gear teeth and meshes with the teeth of the driving gear (26b).

The output of the drum rotation motor (26a) is controlled by the controller (17). As the rotation speed of the drum rotation motor 26a increases, the centrifugal force of the drum 29 increases, so to speak, the speed of the tablets supplied in the direction of arrow a increases.

The drum 29 is a substantially disk-shaped member coupled to the driving gear 26b and has a pushing protrusion 29a on its upper surface. The pushing protrusion 29a is a linear protrusion extending in the radial direction of the drum 29 and serves to push the tablets in the radial direction when the drum 29 rotates. The upper surface of the drum 29 has a shape inclined downward in the radial direction from the center.

The support band 27 is a substantially ring-shaped member fixed to the periphery of the drum rotation motor 26a, a portion of which extends in the horizontal direction, and has an upper sensing magnet 27a at the extended end. The upper sensing magnet (27a) is a permanent magnet identical to the lower sensing magnet (24e in FIG. 9) described above, and outputs magnetic force toward the upper sensor unit (28a).

Reference numeral 24f is a cylindrical blocking cover that surrounds and blocks the lifting body 24, the lead screw 23a, and the guide rod 23c. The blocking cover 24f has a telescopic structure and is expanded or folded according to the lifting movement of the lifting body 24. By applying the blocking cover 24f, the tablet does not come into contact with the lifting body 24 or the lead screw 23a.

The side supporter 22b is a vertically extending member whose lower end is fixed to the support case 21 and has an upper sensor portion 28a at the top. The upper sensor unit 28a is a magnetic sensor that outputs a signal in response to the magnetic force output from the upper sensing magnet 27a.

The upper sensor unit 28a is located at the same height as the upper sensing magnet 27a when it has reached top dead center. In other words, a signal is generated when the lifting body 24 is located at top dead center. In other words, the upper sensor unit 28a determines the top dead center of the lifting body 24. That is, the top dead center of the lifting body 24 is determined according to the height of the upper sensor unit 28a. As described above, the signal output from the upper sensor unit 28a is transmitted to the height adjustment motor 23, and the raising of the lifting body 24 is stopped.

A portion of the wall of the cylinder 25 is interposed between the upper sensor unit 28a and the upper sensing magnet 27a. The magnetic force of the upper sensing magnet (27a) passes through the wall of the cylinder (25) and reaches the upper sensor unit (28a).

Ultimately, the drum 29 moves up and down and rotates within the stroke range defined by the upper sensor unit 28a and the lower sensor unit 28b, receives tablets, and moves the supplied tablets, like an elevator. It is raised and transmitted to the feeding module (40).

The cylinder 25 is a cylindrical member with a constant diameter and accommodates the drum 29 in a manner that allows it to be raised and lowered. The drum 29 rotates and moves up and down while being accommodated in the cylinder 25. Additionally, the outer peripheral surface of the drum 29 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 25 are as close as possible to prevent tablets from escaping between them.

A side passage 25a is formed on one side of the upper end of the cylinder 25. The side passage 25a is a passage through which tablets raised by the drum 29 exit in the direction of arrow a. In addition, a sensor exposure groove 25c is provided on the side of the side passage 25a.

The sensor exposure groove 25c is a passage through which the tablet detection sensor 55 passes. As described above, the tablet detection sensor 55 is a sensor that detects the highest tablet among the tablets held up by the drum 29, and is exposed to the inside of the cylinder 25 through the sensor nozzle groove 25c. do. As will be described later, the moment the tablet detection sensor 55 detects a tablet, the rising speed of the drum 29 slows down.

FIGS. 10 to 16 are diagrams to explain the configuration and operating principle of the feeding module 40 included in the automatic tablet feeding device 10 of FIG. 1.

The feeding module 40 sequentially passes the tablets received from the tablet loading module 20 and sends them down the dispensing path 21d. It serves to guide the tablets (when added at once) to the recovery path (41e).

The feeding module 40 includes an induction duct 41, a slider 43, a slider sensor unit 48, a vibration generator, a vibrator control unit, an elastic support unit, and a falling tablet detection unit 47.

As shown in FIG. 3, the induction duct 41 is a hollow member interposed between the cup receiving holder 13 and the receiving case 21, and allows the tablets that have passed through the slider 43 to pass through the preparation path ( It serves to send it down to 41d) or recovery path (41e).

Inside the induction duct 41, as shown in FIG. 14, a receiving space 41a and a path decision space 41b are provided. The receiving space 41a is a space that receives tablets falling from the slider 43. Additionally, the route decision space 41b is a space for deciding whether to send the tablets to the dispensing route 41d or the recovery route 41e.

A supply shutter 42a is provided inside the receiving space 41a. The supply shutter 42a is a door that opens and closes the outlet portion 43b of the slider 43. The supply shutter 42a must be opened to allow tablets to be introduced into the receiving space 41a.

The rotation axis 42b of the supply shutter 42a extends horizontally, and the extended end is coupled to the worm wheel (51c in FIG. 2). The worm wheel (51c) is a fan-shaped gear and meshes with the worm (51b) on the outside of the induction duct (41). The worm (51b) is a part that rotates in both directions by the first motor (51a). Ultimately, by the operation of the first motor 51a, the rotation shaft 42b rotates in the left and right directions and the supply shutter 42a is opened and closed.

Additionally, a V-shutter 42d is installed between the receiving space 41a and the path decision space 41b. The V shutter 42d is a V-shaped shutter that opens upward and can rotate in the direction of arrow c or the opposite direction by the rotation axis 42e. The V-shutter 42d serves to receive the tablets introduced into the receiving space 41a and deliver them to the dispensing path 41d.

The rotation axis 42e of the V-shutter 42d extends horizontally and has a worm wheel 52c at the extended end, as shown in FIG. 2. The worm wheel (52c) engages with the worm (52b) on the outside of the induction duct (41). The worm (52b) rotates in both directions by the second motor (52a). Ultimately, the V-shutter 42d is capable of rotational movement by the second motor 52a.

Additionally, a switching shutter 42g is installed inside the path decision space 41b. The switching shutter 42g opens the preparation path 41d as shown in FIG. 14 or the recovery path 41e as shown in FIG. 15. When the preparation path 41d is opened, the recovery path 41e is blocked, and when the recovery path 41e is opened, the preparation path 41d is blocked.

In order to limit the rotation angle of the switching shutter 42g, a locking protrusion 41f and a supporting protrusion 41g are provided inside the path determining space 41b. The locking protrusion (41f) is a part where the end of the switching shutter (42g) rotated in the direction of arrow e in FIG. 16 is caught, and the support protrusion (41g) is a part where the switching shutter (42g) rotated in the direction of arrow f in FIG. 15 is caught. am.

The rotation axis 42h of the switching shutter 42g extends horizontally, and as shown in FIG. 2, the extended end is coupled to the worm wheel 53c outside the induction duct 41. The worm wheel (53c) is a fan-shaped gear and meshes with the worm (53b). The worm (53b) rotates on its axis in both directions by the third motor (53a). Ultimately, the rotational movement of the switching shutter (42g) can be implemented through the third motor (53a). The first, second, and third motors 51a, 52a, and 53a form one shutter drive unit (50 in FIG. 17) and are independently controlled by the controller 17.

The preparation path 41d is a passage that receives tablets moving in the direction of arrow g in Figure 15 and sends them downward. Tablets that have passed through the dispensing path (41d) are delivered to the user through the through hole (16a) of the bottom plate.

The recovery path 41e is a passage connected to the recovery cup 14 side. The tablets guided to the recovery path (41e) along the arrow h direction are sent to the recovery cup (14).

Meanwhile, the slider 43 is a member that receives tablets introduced in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 4 and guides them to the receiving space 41a, and has a curved shape when viewed from above. In other words, the inflow direction through the inlet portion 43a and the outflow direction through the outlet portion 43b do not coincide and have an approximately right angle. In addition, the slider 43 has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape open at the top and is inclined downward toward the receiving space 41a. The slider 43 can be made of transparent synthetic resin or acrylic.

Three side pockets (43f) are provided on the outer side of the slider (43). The side pockets (43f) are open spaces at the top, and a first vibrator (44a) is installed in one side pocket (43f) and a second vibrator (44c) is installed in the remaining two side pockets (43f).

The first and second vibrators 44a and 44c are vibration generators (44 in FIG. 17) that operate by electrical signals applied from the outside and output vibration energy. Of course, the vibration energy generated when the first and second oscillators 44a and 44c operate is transmitted to the slider 43. The slider 43 is vibrated by the first and second vibrators 44a and 44c, and guides the tablet loaded thereon toward the receiving space 41a.

The first oscillator 44a is a DC oscillator whose frequency can be adjusted, and operates in cases other than when recovering tablets. When the first vibrator 44a operates, the second vibrator 44c does not operate. The output frequency of the first vibrator 44a is variable, and decreases when the first tablet among the tablets passing through the slider 43 is detected by the exit sensor 48d, which will be described later. The tablets that are transported by entering the inlet portion (43a) of the slider (43) are transported at a constant speed and then decelerate as they reach the outlet portion (43b). As will be described later, when a tablet is detected by the outlet sensor 48d, the supply shutter 42a is opened.

Additionally, the first oscillator 44a is connected to the oscillator control unit 46. The vibrator control unit is a PWM control unit that modulates the pulse width and prevents the tablets from jumping off the bottom surface of the slider (43) during transport. The tablet is rubbed against the bottom surface of the slider 43 by the vibrator control unit 46 and slowly slides down toward the receiving space 41a.

The second oscillator 44c is a BLDC oscillator and the output frequency is not adjusted. The second oscillator 44c is used when recovering tablets. Of course, the recovery path 41e is opened at the same time that the second oscillator 44c operates.

Additionally, a slider sensor unit 48 is installed on the bottom of the slider 43. The slider sensor unit 48 is composed of a lower substrate 48a fixed to the bottom of the slider 43, an inlet sensor 48b, an outlet sensor 48d, and an intermediate sensor 48c. It goes without saying that a circuit for driving the sensor is configured on the lower substrate 48a. The inlet sensor 48b, the middle sensor 48c, and the outlet sensor 48d are proximity sensors.

The inlet sensor 48b detects tablets entering through the inlet 43a. As soon as the inlet sensor 48b detects the tablet, the first vibrator 44a begins to operate, and the rotating drum 29 stops rotating. The first vibrator 44a may start operating when the tablet detection sensor 55 detects a tablet.

The tablet that started to be transported by the operation of the first vibrator (44a) continues to be transported and passes over the intermediate sensor (48c). The transfer speed of the tablet is checked through the intermediate sensor 48c. When the tablet that has passed through the intermediate sensor 48c is finally located at the top of the exit sensor 48d, the output frequency of the first oscillator 44a decreases and the transfer speed of the entire tablet slows down. In accordance with this timing, the supply shutter 42a is opened to allow one tablet to pass through. The supply shutter 42a closes the outlet portion 43b immediately after the tablets pass through to prevent the tablets from being introduced one after another.

The tablet that has fallen into the receiving space (41a) is supported by the V-shutter (42d), moves to the path-determining space (41b) by rotating the V-shutter (42d) in the direction of arrow c, and then moves to the switching shutter (42g). Ride and move in the direction of arrow g.

However, if, for example, two tablets are inserted into the receiving space 41a due to an abnormal operation, the switching shutter 42g rotates in advance in the direction of arrow e in FIG. 16. The two tablets supported in the V shutter (42d) are collected in the recovery cup (14) through the open recovery path (41e).

It is detected by the falling tablet detection unit 47 whether the tablet injected through the outlet unit 43b is one tablet or two or more tablets. The falling tablet detection unit 47 includes a light emitting sensor 47a and a light receiving sensor 47b.

The light emitting sensor 47a and the light receiving sensor 47b are sensors installed on the first vertical substrate 49a and the second vertical substrate 49b, respectively, and face each other across the receiving space 41a. The first vertical substrate 49a and the second vertical substrate 49b are substrates fixed to the outside of the induction duct 41. The tablet detection sensor 55 described above is also mounted on the first vertical board 49a.

The light emitting sensor 47a and the light receiving sensor 47b determine the number of tablets passing through the receiving space 41a and transmit it to the controller 17, and allow the controller 17 to determine the dispensing path 41d and the recovery path. One of (41e) is opened.

Additionally, an insertion groove 43h is provided on the outer surface of the slider. The insertion groove 43h is a groove open at the bottom, and removably accommodates the extension portion 45d of the elastic support plate 45. The elastic support plate 45 is installed on the upper part of the induction duct 41 and serves as an elastic support part to support the slider 43.

The elastic support plate 45 is manufactured by pressing a metal plate with a certain thickness, for example, leaf spring steel or stainless steel, and has a support portion 45a and an extension portion 45d. Long holes 45b are formed at both ends of the support portion 45a. The long hole 45b is a hole through which the fixing screw 45f passes. The elastic support plate 45 is fixed to the upper part of the induction duct 41 through a fixing screw 45f.

The extension portion 45d is bent at a right angle to the support portion 45a and is inserted into the insertion groove 43h as an upwardly extending portion. The extension portion 45d is elastically deformable. That is, when the slider 43 vibrates, it trembles as well. The elastic support plate 45 supports the slider 43 and does not interfere with the vibration of the slider 43. The shape of the elastic support plate 45 can vary as long as it can play this role.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the overall automatic feeding device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the automatic feeding device.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the operation of the automatic tablet supply device 10 is performed as follows.

First, with the cylinder 25 empty and the drum 29 located at the bottom dead center, (tablets to be prepared) are poured into the cylinder 25. (Tablet filling step 100) If the cylinder 25 is filled with tablets, a dispensing command is input through the interface unit 12. When a preparation command is input, the controller 17 operates the height adjustment motor 23 and the drum rotation motor 26a. As the height adjustment motor 23 and the drum rotation motor 26a operate, the drum 29 rotates and gradually rises. (Drum raising and rotating step 101)

At the same time, the tablet detection sensor 55 operates and waits for the tablet to rise. The tablet detection sensor 55 is an optical sensor that irradiates light in a horizontal direction and detects an object through the reflected light.

Even though the drum raising and rotating step 101 has started, if tablets do not appear during the set time, tablet filling guidance is provided through the display unit 12a. (Tablet Filling Guide Step 118). That is, it informs the user that the cylinder 25 is currently empty. If the tablet filling step (100) is performed correctly, the tablet filling guidance step (118) does not proceed.

If the tablet detection sensor 55 detects a tablet, the rising speed of the drum 29 is slowed and then stopped. The drum 29 begins to decelerate when the tablet detection sensor 55 detects a tablet, and stops when the upper corner of the outer peripheral surface of the drum 19 reaches the threshold of the side passage 25a, that is, top dead center. . (Drum rising speed deceleration and stopping stage (103)).

Stopping the drum's rise at top dead center is implemented by the upper sensor unit 28a. That is, the upper sensor unit 28a sends a signal to the controller 17 to cause the controller 17 to stop the height adjustment motor 23. Even if the drum 19 stops rising, the rotation of the drum 19 continues.

Immediately after the drum 19 reaches top dead center, the tablets receive centrifugal force from the drum 19 and move to the slider 43. At this time, the first vibrator 44a operates to transfer the tablet to the receiving space 41a.

While the tablets pass through the slider 43, the rotational speed of the drum is reduced. (Drum rotation speed control step (105)). That is, when tablets are detected by the outlet sensor 48d, the intermediate sensor 48c, and the inlet sensor 48b, the drum 29 is temporarily stopped. The temporarily stopped drum rotates again when the tablet is not detected by the inlet sensor 48b, causing the tablet to pass in the direction of arrow a. Through this operation, tablets can be continuously loaded onto the upper part of the slider 43.

As described above, when a tablet located at the forefront of the transport direction is detected by the exit sensor 48d, the supply shutter 42a is opened to allow the tablet to be introduced into the receiving space 41a. (Supply shutter opening step (109)). However, if the tablets are not detected by the outlet sensor 48d, the controller 17 adjusts the rotation speed of the drum to encourage the introduction of tablets.

Tablets introduced into the receiving space (41a) are detected by the falling tablet detection unit (47). In other words, it is determined whether the falling tablet is one tablet or two or more tablets (falling tablet detection step (111)). If the tablet is fortunately identified as one tablet, the dispensing channel 41d is opened and the tablet is delivered to the pharmacist. (Dispensing route opening step (113).

However, if the dropped tablets are more than two, the recovery path (41e) is opened to allow the tablets to be recovered in the recovery cup through the recovery path (recovery path opening step 115).

If the preparation of the target quantity is not completed, the transfer of the tablets is continued through the drum rotation speed control step (105) and the above process is repeated.

When all preparations are finally completed, the first vibrator 44a is stopped and the second vibrator 44c is activated. And, at the same time, the recovery path is opened. The tablets passed by the drum 29 to the slider 43 pass through the slider 43 without changing speed by the action of the second vibrator 44c, pass through the induction duct 41, and are collected in the recovery cup 14 for recovery. do.

Figure 19 is a flow chart showing a tablet loading module control method for an automatic tablet supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the tablet loading module control method according to this embodiment includes a constant speed increase step (201), a deceleration step (103), a rise stop step (105), a rotation stop step (207), a re-rotation step (209), Includes a descent stage (211). This control action is performed by the controller 17.

The constant speed rising step 201 is a process of rotating the drum 29 and simultaneously raising it at a constant speed while the cylinder 25 is filled with tablets. That is, the height adjustment motor 23 and the drum rotation motor 26a are operated to raise the tablets. The purpose of raising the tablets is to deliver the tablets to the feeding module 40.

Although the rate of increase during the constant speed increase stage 201 varies depending on the driving conditions, the constant rate increase is the same. Also, the rotation speed of the drum is constant. Depending on the embodiment, the drum may not be rotated during the constant speed increase step (201).

The deceleration step 203 is a process that begins when a rising tablet is detected by the tablet detection sensor 55. The moment the tablet detection sensor 55 detects a tablet within the detection range, it sends detection information to the controller 17, causing the controller 17 to reduce the rotation speed of the height adjustment motor 23. The deceleration phase 103 ends automatically when the drum 29 reaches top dead center. There is no change in the rotation speed of the drum during the deceleration step (203).

The rising stop step (205) is a process of stopping the drum's rise when the drum reaches top dead center, that is, the upper edge of the drum's outer peripheral surface is at the same height as the side passage (25a). Since the height of the upper surface of the outer peripheral surface of the drum is the same as the height of the side passage (25a), the tablets can easily pass through the side passage (25a).

As soon as the lifting and stopping step 205 is completed, the tablets supported on the drum are transferred to the slider 43 of the feeding module through the side passage 25a under the action of centrifugal force of the drum 29.

The rotation stop step 207 is a process of stopping the rotation of the drum when some of the tablets among the plurality of tablets moving to the slider 43 are detected by the inlet sensor 48b. Since tablets are detected by the inlet sensor 48b, it means that the slider 43 is full of tablets, so the drum 29 is temporarily stopped to stop loading of tablets.

The re-rotation step 209 is a process of rotating the drum again when the tablets detected by the inlet sensor 48b escape from the inlet sensor 48b. The fact that the tablets have escaped the inlet sensor 48b means that the tablets have moved toward the outlet part 43b and space has been created in the slider 43, so the drum 29 is rotated again to load additional tablets.

The lowering step is the process of lowering the drum when the tablet detection sensor does not detect a tablet for a set time. For example, when the tablet detection sensor 55 does not detect a tablet for 10 seconds, it is determined that the cylinder 25 is empty and the drum 29 is lowered to bottom dead center. The fact that the drum 29 has been lowered to bottom dead center is displayed on the display described above.

Above, the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

10: Automatic feeding device 11: Front panel 11a: Recovery cup passage
12: Interface part 12a: Display part 12c: LED lamp
12e: Button 13: Cup receiving holder 14: Recovery cup
15: Cover 15a: Tablet inlet 16: Bottom plate
16a: Through hole 17: Controller 18: Housing
20: Tablet loading module 21: Support case 21b: Support plane portion
21e: Center hole 22a: Fixing plate 22b: Side support
23: Height adjustment motor 23a: Lead screw 23c: Guide rod
24: Elevating body 24a: Female screw hole 24b: Vertical passage
24c: Buffer stopper 24e: Bottom sensing magnet 24f: Blocking cover
25: Cylinder 25a: Side passage 25c: Sensor exposure groove
26a: drum rotation motor 26b: driving gear 26c: separation prevention magnet
27: Support band 27a: Top sensing magnet 28: Drum height sensing unit
28a: Upper sensor unit 28b: Lower sensor unit 29: Drum
29a: Pushing projection 29b: Gear receiving groove 29d: Magnet
40: Feeding module 41: Induction duct 41a: Receiving space
41b: Path decision space 41d: Preparation path 41e: Recovery path
41f: Locking jaw 41g: Support jaw 42a: Supply shutter
42b: Rotation axis 42d: V shutter 42e: Rotation axis
42g: Conversion shutter 42h: Rotation axis 43: Slider
43a: Entrance 43b: Exit 43f: Side pocket
43h: Insertion groove 44: Vibration generator 44a: First vibrator
44c: Second oscillator 45: Elastic support plate 45a: Support portion
45b: long hole 45d: extension 45f: fixing screw
46: Vibrator control unit 47: Falling tablet detection unit 47a: Light emitting sensor
47b: Light receiving sensor 48: Slider sensor unit 48a: Lower substrate
48b: Entrance sensor 48c: Middle sensor 48d: Exit sensor
49a: First vertical substrate 49b: Second vertical substrate 51a: First motor
51b: Worm 51c: Worm wheel 52a: Second motor
52b: Worm 52c: Worm wheel 53a: Third motor
53b: Worm 53c: Worm wheel 55: Tablet detection sensor

Claims (4)

A cylinder that has a side passage at the upper end and accommodates tablets, a drum installed to be able to lift and rotate inside the cylinder, a drum drive unit that drives the drum, and a device located on the side of the side passage that detects tablets rising while supported by the drum. As a method of controlling a tablet loading module including a tablet detection sensor,
A constant speed rising step of rotating the drum and raising it at a constant speed while the cylinder is filled with tablets;
A deceleration step of reducing the rising speed of the drum when tablets rising while supported by the drum are detected by the tablet detection sensor;
A rise stop step of stopping the drum from rising when the drum reaches the side passage,
Tablet loading module control method for automatic tablet supply device. According to paragraph 1,
The tablet loading module is installed in a tablet supply device equipped with a feeding module,
The feeding module is an induction duct that provides a discharge path, a slider that receives tablets discharged through the side passage of the cylinder and guides them to the discharge path, and a feed module that detects tablets passing through the slider and is located at the inlet and outlet portions of the slider, respectively. Equipped with a slider sensor unit having an inlet sensor and an outlet sensor,
As a process following the rising stop step,
It further has a rotation stop step to stop the rotation of the drum when the tablet is detected by the inlet sensor,
Tablet loading module control method for automatic tablet supply device. According to paragraph 2,
After the rotation stop step, further comprising a drum re-rotation step of rotating the drum again when the tablet leaves the inlet sensor,
Tablet loading module control method for automatic tablet supply device. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Further comprising a lowering step of lowering the drum when the tablet detection sensor does not detect a tablet,
Tablet loading module control method for automatic tablet supply device.

Images