JP7396592B2 - tablet packaging machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tablet packaging machine that collects tablets dropped from a tablet feeder that accommodates and sequentially discharges a large number of tablets, and separates and packs the tablets in a packaging device. The present invention relates to a tablet packaging machine which is held in a medicine storage part and is capable of pulling out a tablet feeder forward from the medicine storage part.

A tablet packaging machine (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 4) basically includes a medicine storage section that houses a large number of tablet feeders and an upper tablet collection mechanism that guides and drops the ejected tablets downward, and a medicine storage section below the medicine storage section. A lower tablet collection mechanism located below collects and drops fallen tablets, a packaging device located below the lower tablet collection mechanism that separates and seals fallen tablets into bandages, and a controller (controller) consisting of a microprocessor system, etc. equipment). Many of these tablet packaging machines hold a large number of tablet feeders arranged vertically, horizontally, and front and rear in a cubic medicine cabinet. At least a plurality of tablet feeders in the front and rear can be pulled out together from the medicine storage section forward.

Furthermore, many tablet packaging machines are also equipped with a manual tablet dispensing device, or even those that are not equipped have a holding member and equipment space for the addition of a manual tablet dispensing device.
Manual tablet dispensing equipment is basically used to manually scatter tablets that are not in the medicine cabinet into a large number of compartments, so it is a fixed or It is equipped with a removable manual dispensing unit and a sequential ejection mechanism that opens the bottoms of the compartments and drops the tablets into them. The installation position of such a manual tablet dispensing device in a tablet packaging machine may be below the drug storage section (for example, see Fig. 1 of Patent Document 2, Fig. 2 of Patent Document 3, and Fig. 5 of Patent Document 4), or below the drug storage section. The area near the lower end (for example, see FIG. 9 of Patent Document 3 and FIG. 12 of Patent Document 4) is a location where it is easy to spread the chemical manually.

A tablet feeder consists of a tablet cassette (small container part) into which a large number of tablets of the same type are fed, accommodates and holds the tablets, and drops the tablets one by one when the tablets are driven to be discharged; It is equipped with a base part (drive part) for driving.
Among these, many of the tablet cassettes were removable type, so to speak, dedicated to specific tablets, with an emphasis on not limiting the location of tablet replenishment (tablet cassette 51 shown in FIG. 9(a) attached to this application, and Patent Documents 1 to 3). 4), so-called tablet feeders that can accommodate multiple types of tablets have also been developed, with emphasis placed on a wide range of common use for tablets of various shapes and sizes, and ease of adjustment to suit individual tablets (see Figure 9 (b). ), (c) tablet cassette 52 and Patent Document 5).

In such a tablet feeder that can accommodate a wide variety of tablets, in addition to a removable cassette type, a so-called fixed cassette type in which the cassette is integrated with a drive unit has also been put into practical use (for example, see paragraph 0054 of Patent Document 5). ).
A typical example of a tablet cassette of such a tablet feeder that can accommodate a wide variety of tablets (see Patent Document 5) is one in which a swinging member is introduced as a width regulating member for rotatably feeding tablets. Since it can be used for several tablets, there is no need to change cassettes or use different cassettes even if the tablet types and shapes are different to a certain extent, so the rate of common usage is high.

However, such tablet cassettes that can accommodate a wide variety of tablets have a structure that also includes a tablet alignment mechanism and a width regulation mechanism, making it difficult to increase the capacity for storing tablets. In order to do so, an additional sacrifice must be made in terms of the amount of tablets that can be accommodated. Therefore, it is often used by being fixedly incorporated into a part of the medicine storage section.
Such a tablet feeder that can accommodate multiple types of tablets was first attempted by replacing a small number of tablet feeders, such as one or two, among the many already installed tablet feeders dedicated to specific tablets (for example, as shown in the figure in Patent Document 5). 6(c)).

As such tablet feeders that can accommodate a wide variety of tablets gain recognition as being able to fill the gap between the functionality of tablet feeders dedicated to specific tablets and the functionality of manual tablet dispensing devices, the number of installed tablets will be increased, and cassettes can be attached and removed. The fixed cassette type, which has a larger capacity, has come to be preferred over the conventional type, and in order to make tasks such as tablet replenishment easier, multiple tablet feeders that can accommodate various types of tablets are arranged in a row on a long shelf in the front and back to form a unit. At the same time, an attempt was made to configure the unit (tablet feeder array shelf) so that it could be pulled forward from the medicine storage section.

When a medicine storage section is equipped with a plurality of units that can be drawn forward, a locking means may be provided to prevent the units from falling forward due to too many drawers or to prevent mistakes in selection of objects to be drawn.
For example, there is a device that locks and unlocks the drawer of a tablet feeder row shelf using a solenoid, manually unlocks the drawer, and detects the locked state using a sensor (for example, see Patent Document 1). There are also methods that lock the drawers of the tablet feeder storage mechanically or in combination with electronic control (for example, see Patent Document 4).

Specifically, when you pull out one object, the others are locked, when you push them all in, the locks are released, and when you pull out one of the adjacent objects of the pair, the other objects that are adjacent to the pulled out object are unlocked. Drawers are locked.
Furthermore, there is a device that is not related to a tablet feeder drawer but an information processing device drawer, and is locked when pushed in and released when a hand is placed on the handle (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-237702 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-288576 JP2013-078525A JP2013-085666A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-023969

However, since the tablet is not inserted into the tablet feeder row shelf itself, but one of the tablet feeders installed in the tablet feeder row rack is selected, tablet feeding errors can be accurately prevented. In order to do this, it is necessary to add a function to guide the tablet input destination and a function to exclude tablets other than the tablet input destination to the tablet feeder as well as the tablet feeder array rack. The guidance function for the tablet input destination can be realized by lighting up an LED attached to each unit, and the function for excluding tablet input from other units can be realized by an alarm for operations other than the tablet input destination.

In this way, logically, it can be said that the function of guiding the input destination and the function of excluding input of tablets other than the input destination can be implemented in the same way regardless of whether the additional destination is a tablet feeder array rack or a tablet feeder.
However, physically, the tablet feeder row shelf is large, while the tablet feeder is small, and mechanically, the tablet feeders are arranged in a row on the tablet feeder row rack, and the tablet feeder is connected to the medicine storage area. There is a dependent relationship in that when the tablet feeder is taken out or taken out from the medicine storage section, the tablet feeder is also taken out or taken out from the medicine storage section.

The tablet feeder's input/removal function for tablets other than the tablet input destination is not related to the pull-out operation from the medicine storage section, but especially in the case of a tablet feeder that can accommodate multiple types of tablets, the function is to open and close the lid that blocks the large tablet input port on the top surface. It relates to the means to do so.
In this case, if the lid is open enough to allow tablets to be inserted, not only will it be easy to see it, but it will also mechanically interfere when you try to push the tablet feeder row shelves into the medicine storage area, so you are sure to avoid undesired pushing operations. be avoided. Furthermore, after the tablets are loaded, if the lid of the tablet feeder is closed, the corresponding tablet feeder array shelf can be smoothly pushed into the medicine storage section.

However, the height of the tablet feeder with the lid closed is slightly lower than the maximum height of the feeder row shelves to avoid interference, so even if the lid is not completely closed, it is still closed to a certain extent. If so, mechanically it is possible to smoothly push the corresponding tablet feeder and tablet feeder array shelf into the medicine storage section.
However, if the lid is not completely closed, the vibration of the tablet feeder or the contact of tablets inside the tablet feeder may cause the lid to open wider, and tablet waste or even the tablets themselves may be thrown into the tablet feeder. Problems such as spills are expected.

Therefore, even if a tablet feeder row shelf with tablet feeders that can accommodate a variety of tablets is pulled out from the medicine storage and the tablet feeder lid is opened, the tablet feeder lid can be properly closed when returning the tablets to the medicine storage. It is required to realize a packaging machine.
Specifically, the first technical problem is to realize a tablet packaging machine that can detect whether the lid of a tablet feeder is properly closed.
In addition, if a tablet feeder that can be opened and closed with a lid is fixed to a tablet feeder row shelf, it will be difficult to visually check the inside of the tablet feeder. The second technical challenge is to realize a packaging machine.

The tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution means 1) was created to solve these problems,
A medicine storage section that houses a large number of tablet feeders and an upper tablet collection mechanism that guides and drops the ejected tablets downward, and a lower tablet collection disposed below that that collects the fallen tablets and provides them for packaging. In a tablet packaging machine equipped with a mechanism,
a tablet feeder storage section that holds some of the tablet feeders and is provided with a lid that is attached to each tablet feeder and that can open and close the top surface of the corresponding tablet feeder; a drawer mechanism that supports the medicine storage section so that it can be pulled out forward; a drawer lock mechanism that can prevent the tablet feeder storage section from being pulled out forward; and the tablet feeder storage section is located within a lockable range of the drawer lock mechanism. The present invention is characterized by comprising a drawer state detection means for detecting whether the lid is opened or closed, and a lid open/closed state detection means for detecting the open/closed state of the lid.
Note that the lid may be installed directly on the tablet feeder storage section, or may be installed on the tablet feeder storage section in an indirect manner via the tablet feeder.

Moreover, the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution means 2) is the tablet packaging machine of the above-mentioned solution means 1, in which the drawer lock mechanism is located at the front end of the tablet feeder storage section and the front end of the medicine storage section. It is characterized by being installed.

Furthermore, the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution means 3) is the tablet packaging machine of the above-mentioned solution means 2, in which an electric part of the drawer lock mechanism is installed in the medicine storage section, and A manual part of the drawer locking mechanism is attached to the tablet feeder storage section, and the drawer locking mechanism is unlocked both by operation of the electric part and by operation of the manual part. shall be.

Further, the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution means 4) is the tablet packaging machine according to the above-mentioned solution means 1 to 3, in which the lid opening/closing state detection means detects whether the lid is opened to a point where a tablet can be inserted. It is characterized in that it detects whether the lid is closed to the extent that it can prevent the tablet from spilling or not.

Furthermore, the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution 5) is the tablet packaging machine of any of the above solutions 1 to 4, wherein the lid is made of a transparent member, and a semi-transparent mirror is attached to the lid. It is characterized by

Further, the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution means 6) includes a medicine storage section housing a large number of tablet feeders and an upper tablet collection mechanism that guides and drops the ejected tablets downward, and a medicine storage section disposed below the medicine storage section. In a tablet packaging machine equipped with a lower tablet collection mechanism that collects fallen tablets and presents them for packaging, the tablet packaging machine holds some of the tablet feeders and is attached correspondingly to each tablet feeder. A tablet feeder storage section is provided with a lid that can open and close the top surface of the tablet feeder, and a drawer mechanism that supports the tablet feeder storage section so that it can be pulled forward from the medicine storage section, and the lid is transparent. The device is characterized in that a translucent mirror is attached to the lid.
Note that the lid may be installed directly on the tablet feeder storage section, or may be installed on the tablet feeder storage section in an indirect manner via the tablet feeder.

Moreover, the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution means 7) is the tablet packaging machine of the above-mentioned solution means 5 and 6, and is provided with a lighting guide member that transmits light through the lid from the outside to the inside when the lid is turned on. It is characterized by the presence of

Moreover, the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution means 8) is the tablet packaging machine according to the above-mentioned solution means 7, in which a light scattering part is provided in a portion of the lid through which light is transmitted through the lighting guide member. It is characterized by

Further, the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution 9) is the tablet packaging machine of the above solutions 7 and 8, in which the translucent mirror of the lid when closed is the light transmission destination of the lighting guide member. It is characterized by

Moreover, the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution means 10) is the tablet packaging machine of the above-mentioned solution means 1 to 9, in which an operation console for inputting instructions is externally mounted in the medicine storage section in a state where the position can be easily changed. It is characterized by the presence of

In the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (Solution 1), in addition to the fact that the tablet feeder storage section is pulled out, it is also detected that the lid of the tablet feeder is opened. It becomes possible to determine whether the situation is such that it can be assumed that a tablet has been inserted into the tablet.
Additionally, in addition to the fact that the tablet feeder storage section is pushed back into the drug storage section, it is also detected that the tablet feeder lid is closed, so it is possible to lock the tablet feeder storage section and proceed with the tablet ejection from the tablet feeder. It is also possible to determine whether or not.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a tablet packaging machine that can detect whether or not the lid of the tablet feeder is properly closed when locking the tablet feeder storage section, and the first technical problem is solved. be done.

In addition, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (Solution 2), the drawer lock mechanism is manually operated in the housing for both the portion attached to the tablet feeder storage section and the portion attached to the medicine storage section. Since it is located at the front end where it is easy to hang, maintenance work such as repair or replacement that is necessary in the event of damage can be easily performed.

Furthermore, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (Solution Means 3), the electric part of the drawer locking mechanism is integrated into the medicine cabinet, making it easy to route electric wires, etc.
Moreover, the drawer locking mechanism can be unlocked not only by the operation of the electric part but also by the operation of the manual part, making it easier to perform inspections and maintenance work that is performed by cutting off the power supply for safety reasons. It is something that can be done.

In addition, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (Solution 4), it is possible to detect whether the lid is fully closed in addition to whether the lid is fully opened. It also becomes possible to accurately distinguish between a partially opened state and a partially closed state. In other words, in addition to the fact that the tablet feeder storage section has been pulled out, it is also detected that the lid of the tablet feeder is not only opened but also fully opened, so it can be assumed that the tablets have been placed in the appropriate tablet feeder. It becomes possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not the Additionally, in addition to the fact that the tablet feeder storage section has been pushed back into the drug storage section, it is also detected whether the tablet feeder lid is closed not only to a certain extent but also completely. It is also possible to accurately determine whether or not the tablet feeder is locked and the tablet feeder is ready to eject the tablets.

Furthermore, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solutions 5 and 6), the lid of the tablet feeder is made transparent and a semi-transparent mirror (half mirror) is attached, so that the lid is simply made transparent. Now, regarding a tablet feeder that can accommodate multiple tablets, which is good when looking down from above but difficult to see when looking up from below, it is possible to freely use the transmission and reflection of the translucent mirror at any time, so the tablet feeder is the one on the upper stage. Regardless of whether the tablet feeder is on the lower shelf or from a higher or lower line of sight, the viewer can visually see the contents of the tablet feeder.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a tablet packaging machine in which the contents can be easily visually confirmed even when the tablet feeder is of a type that can accommodate a variety of tablets, and the second technical problem is solved.

Further, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution means 7), a lighting guide member is provided so that when the lighting guide member is lit, light penetrates the lid of the tablet feeder from the outside to the inside. When the corresponding lighting guide member is turned on when guiding a worker to the tablet feeder into which tablets are to be inserted, the light may be scattered to some extent when it passes through the lid or hits the inside surface of the lid. As a result, the lid becomes brighter or colored as a whole, so even if the lid is made of a transparent material, it is not dazzling and can be easily recognized. In addition, even if the lighting guide member is located in a place that is difficult to see directly, such as on the lid of the tablet feeder or the back of the main unit, the presence or absence of the light can be easily and accurately seen, which eases restrictions on component placement. Further advantages can also be enjoyed.

Furthermore, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (Solution Means 8), since the light scattering function is strengthened by providing the light scattering section, visibility is improved.

Furthermore, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (Solution 9), the lighting guide member sends light toward the semi-transparent mirror, thereby allowing the semi-transparent mirror to exhibit a light scattering function. It is possible to easily improve visibility.

In addition, in the tablet packaging machine of the present invention (solution means 10), when the operation console for inputting instructions is externally mounted in the medicine storage section, the operation console is made easily repositionable with an arm or the like. Work such as inputting instructions related to tablet replenishment work performed by pulling out the tablet feeder from the medicine storage section can be performed easily.

Regarding Example 1 of the present invention, the structure of a tablet packaging machine is shown, with (a) being a front view of the exterior, and (b) being a front view of the inside. (a) to (d) are all left side views of the tablet packaging machine, and (e) is a front perspective view of the medicine storage section. (a) to (c) are all perspective views of the tablet feeder storage section. (a) is a perspective view of the multi-type tablet adaptable tablet feeder with the lid open, and (b) is a side view of the tablet feeder and the tablet feeder array shelf with the lid closed. (a) and (b) are left side views of the tablet packaging machine, and (c) to (e) are perspective views of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism. Main parts of the drawer locking mechanism are shown, with (a) being a front view, (b) being a plan view, and (c) and (d) being front views. FIG. 7 is a side view of a multi-type tablet adaptable tablet feeder and a tablet feeder array shelf with a lid closed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a side view of a multi-type tablet adaptable tablet feeder and a tablet feeder array shelf with the lid closed in accordance with Example 3 of the present invention. Showing different types of tablet cassettes, (a) is a left side view, front view, and right side view of a cassette of a tablet feeder dedicated to specific tablets, and (b) is a left side view of a small tablet feeder that can accommodate a variety of tablets. Fig. 3 is a front view, a right side view, and (c) a left side view of a large-sized tablet feeder that can accommodate multiple types of tablets.

Specific embodiments for implementing the tablet packaging machine of the present invention will be explained with reference to Examples 1 to 3 below.
Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 embodies the above-mentioned solutions 1 to 7, 10 (Claims 1 to 7, 10 originally filed), and Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. , is an embodiment of the above-mentioned solution means 8 (claim 8 as originally filed), and Example 3 shown in FIG. 8 is an embodiment of the above-mentioned solution means 9 (claim 9 as originally filed) It is.
In addition, for the sake of clarity, fasteners such as bolts, connectors such as hinges, transmission members such as timing belts, electric circuits such as motor drivers, electronic circuits such as controllers, etc. are not shown in the diagrams. The illustrations have been omitted, focusing on those necessary for explaining the invention and those related to the invention.

The specific configuration of Example 1 of the tablet packaging machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the entire tablet packaging machine 10, with (a) being a front view of the exterior, and (b) being a front view of the inside. 2(a) to 2(d) are left side views of the tablet packaging machine 10, and FIG. 2(e) is a front perspective view of the medicine storage section 13.

Further, FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) are all perspective views of the tablet feeder storage section 20. FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view of the tablet feeder 52 for multiple tablets with the lid 52a open, and FIG. 4(b) is a perspective view of the tablet feeder 52 for multiple tablets with the lid 52a closed, and the tablet feeder row shelf 23. FIG. 5(a) and 5(b) are left side views of the tablet packaging machine 10, and FIGS. 5(c) to 5(e) are perspective views of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30. FIG. 6 shows the main parts of the drawer locking mechanism 40, in which (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view, and (c) and (d) are front views.

Further, FIG. 9 shows different types of tablet cassettes, in which (a) is a left side view, a front view, and a right side view of the cassette of the tablet feeder 51 of a type dedicated to specific tablets, and (b) is a view showing that the cassette is suitable for a variety of small tablets. A left side view, a front view, and a right side view of the type tablet feeder 52, and (c) is a left side view of the large type tablet feeder 52 that can accommodate multiple types of tablets. The tablet feeder storage section 20 in FIG. 9(b) has the same installation surface as the tablet feeder 51 exclusively for specific tablets in FIG. 9(a), and can replace the tablet feeder 51 exclusively for specific tablets. The tablet feeder 52 for various types of tablets c) can replace the two tablet feeders 51 for specific tablets, both of which can be installed in the tablet feeder array shelf 18 of the tablet feeder storage 14. Since it is installed in the tablet feeder storage section 20, the size is suitable for that purpose.

This tablet packaging machine 10 (see FIG. 1(a)) includes a lower packaging device 11, a manual tablet dispensing device equipment section 12 above it, a drug storage section 13 above it, and an arm-shaped support section 15a. The device is equipped with a touch panel 15 (operation console) that is supported by a touch panel 15 whose position can be easily changed, and a control device (not shown) housed inside the housing. The storage portions 20 are incorporated in a state in which they can be pulled out to the front.
Although the pill feeder hangar 14 is shown as having two rows horizontally arranged on the left and right, it may be three or more rows horizontally, or it may be a single row, and each row may be further divided vertically so that each row can be pulled forward as desired. It's okay to be.

The touch panel 15 (operation console) (see FIG. 1(a)) is an operation unit for inputting instructions with a display screen, and the arm-shaped support portion 15a (see FIG. 1(a)), one end is connected to the rear part of the touch panel 15, and the other end is connected to the top of the medicine storage section 13 (more specifically, a part of the top surface of the top plate of the housing). This is for holding the touch panel 15 at a position above the tablet feeder storage section 20 and slightly in front or to the side. This support part 15a is mainly made up of an arm-like structure in which several rod-shaped link members and joint members are connected alternately, and since a universal joint (universal joint) or the like is adopted as the joint member, the support part 15a Within the range in which the touch panel 15a can be expanded, contracted or bent, the position and posture of the touch panel 15 can be changed by lightly pushing and pulling the touch panel 15 with your fingertips, and the position and posture of the touch panel 15 can be maintained by releasing your hand from the touch panel 15. It has become so.

Although the tablet feeder storage section 20 is illustrated as having three tablet feeders arranged in three vertical stages and one horizontal row, other arrangements may be used as long as the tablet feeder storage section 20 includes an arrangement of two or more vertical stages. In the illustrated three-tier configuration example, regarding the mutual relationship between the uppermost tablet feeder storage section 20 and the middle tablet feeder storage section 20, the uppermost tablet feeder storage section 20 corresponds to the upper tablet feeder storage section, and The middle one 20 corresponds to the lower feeder storage section. Regarding the mutual relationship between the middle tablet feeder storage section 20 and the bottom tablet feeder storage section 20, the middle one 20 corresponds to the upper tablet feeder storage section, and the bottom one 20 corresponds to the lower tablet feeder storage section. Applies to. Furthermore, the same relative upper-lower relationship also holds true for the pull-out mechanisms 22, 22, and 22 that support the corresponding tablet feeder storage sections 20 (see FIG. 2).

Inside the tablet packaging machine 10, below the medicine storage section 13 (see FIG. 1(b)), there is a lower packaging device that receives and collects the tablets that have fallen loosely from the medicine storage section 13. a large funnel-shaped lower tablet collecting mechanism 16 that sends the tablets to the packaging device 11; and a small lower tablet collecting mechanism 16a that receives tablets sequentially sent from the manual tablet dispensing device (not shown) of the manual tablet dispensing device equipment section 12 and also sends them to the packaging device 11. , and a packaging device 11 that feeds the bi-folded packaging paper in the longitudinal direction and divides it into predetermined widths while inputting and packaging tablets falling from the lower tablet collection mechanisms 16, 16a.

Inside the tablet feeder hangar 14 in the medicine storage section 13 occupying the upper part of the tablet packaging machine 10 (see FIG. 1(b)), there is a tablet feeder row in which a plurality of specific tablet type tablet feeders 51 can be arranged one behind the other. The shelves 18 are arranged in six rows vertically and in two rows on the left and right, and an upper tablet collection mechanism 17 is installed vertically passing between the two rows on the left and right. The tablets discharged from the specific tablet type tablet feeder 51 are guided by the upper tablet collection mechanism 17 to the lower tablet collection mechanism 16 below.

In addition, inside the location where the tablet feeder storage units 20, 20, 20 occupying a corner of the medicine storage unit 13 (see FIG. 1(b)), there is a Hidden behind the plates 25, 25, 25, a multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 is also provided. A handle 33 provided on the front side of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 is also hidden behind the front plate 25.
This multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 guides the tablets discharged from the feeder to the lower tablet collection mechanism 16 in the same way as the upper tablet collection mechanism 17, but it is similar to the upper tablet collection mechanism 17, but it guides the tablets discharged from the feeder to the lower tablet collection mechanism 16 below. Instead of the ejected tablets, the ejected tablets from the multi-type tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 of the tablet feeder storage section 20 are received. Moreover, there is not only one tablet feeder storage section 20 for receiving tablets, but a plurality of tablet feeder storage sections 20, 20, 20 connected vertically.

The illustrated tablet feeder storage section 20 (see FIG. 2) is provided with a handle 21 on the front surface (see FIG. 2(a)), is supported by a pull-out mechanism 22 (see FIG. 2(b)), and has an upper stage. It is possible to individually pull out the items from the lower level to the front or push them back (see Figures 2(a) to 2(d)). In addition, on the front plate 25 at the front end of the tablet feeder storage section 20 (see FIGS. 2(e) and 3(a)), in addition to the handle 21, there is a swing plate 24, a manual lock 43, and an LED indicator (not shown). It is also attached. Further (see FIGS. 2(d), (e), and 3), a plurality of (four in the figure) tablet feeders 52 that can accommodate various types of tablets are placed back and forth on the tablet feeder array shelf 23 supported by the pull-out mechanism 22. They can be mounted in a row.

The multi-type tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 may have a removable cassette like the specific tablet specific type tablet feeder 51, but unlike the specific tablet specific type tablet feeder 51 in which the filling tablets are rarely changed, as described above, By making simple adjustments, for example by replacing sample tablets, it can be used for tablets of various shapes and sizes (see also Patent Document 5), so it is easy to use when replenishing tablets. From the viewpoint of minimizing the occurrence of mistakes such as mixing up tablets, a fixed cassette type is used, which is normally fixed except during maintenance work (see also paragraph 0054 of Patent Document 5).

The tablet feeder 52 (see FIG. 4) that can accommodate multiple types of tablets also includes an openable lid 52a connected to the upper rear end (right end in FIG. 4) of the container portion 52c via a hinge-like member, and a lid 52a that can be opened and closed. A half mirror 52b (semi-transparent mirror) attached to approximately the center of the inner surface of 52a is also provided. Then, when the front end of the lid 52a is pushed up with a finger or the like, the lid 52a swings backward and upward (to the upper right in FIG. 4), and the upper surface of the container portion 52c (particularly the tablet slot) is opened until the tablet can be inserted ( (See FIG. 4(a)), when the front end of the lid 52a is pulled down with a finger, the lid 52a swings forward and downward (lower left in FIG. 4) to become horizontal, and the top surface of the container portion 52c is closed. (See Figure 4(b)).

Although the outer box member of the container portion 52c is opaque, the lid 52a is transparent, so that the state of tablet accommodation in the container portion 52c can be visually observed from the outside even when the lid 52a is closed. Furthermore, at this time, it is possible to view from above using the light transmitted by the half mirror 52b, and it is possible to view from below using the reflected light from the half mirror 52b.
Further (see FIGS. 3(a) and 4(b)), the tablet feeder storage section 20 includes a lighting guide member 26 and a lid opening/closing state detection means 29 for each of the mounted multi-type tablet applicable type tablet feeders 52. is attached.

The lighting guide member 26 (see FIG. 4(b)) is made of, for example, an LED display, and is installed on a back plate portion of the tablet feeder array shelf 23 that stands up at the rear. One lighting guide member 26 is provided for each of the tablet feeders 52 that can accommodate multiple types of tablets (see FIG. 3(a)), and each lighting guide member 26 can be turned on under the control of the control device. , informs the tablet feeder of the tablet feeder 52 into which the tablets are to be fed. The light transmission destination of the lighting guide member 26 (see FIG. 4(b)) is the back plate portion of the lid 52a of the corresponding tablet feeder 52, and the light is diffused when passing through the back plate portion (see FIG. 4(b)). 3(b)), the inner surface of the lid 52a is widely illuminated, so that the entire lid 52a appears to be shining (see the arrowed double-dashed line in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(c)). (see second tablet feeder 52).

The lid opening/closing state detection means 29 (see FIG. 3(a)) is mainly composed of, for example, a magnetic sensor, and is attached to the back plate portion of the tablet feeder row shelf 23 in the same way as the lighting guide member 26, and is It is located at the rear of the tablet feeder 52, which is compatible with a variety of tablets, and detects the open/closed state of the corresponding lid 52a. First, it is also detected whether the lid 52a is closed sufficiently to prevent tablets from spilling.
The detection can be realized by using a plurality of magnetic sensors having different sensitivity levels, or by comparing the output value of a single magnetic sensor with a plurality of threshold values having different levels.

The detection result of the lid opening/closing state detection means 29 is transmitted to the control device. Then, in response to this, the control device that manages tablet insertion, etc. changes from the state where the corresponding lid 52a is fully closed (see FIG. 3(a)) to the state where tablets can be inserted (see FIG. 3(b)). When it is determined that the lid has been opened based on the detection value of the lid opening/closing state detection means 29, it is determined that tablet feeding into the corresponding multi-type tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 has started.
Further, when the control device determines that the lid 52a is sufficiently closed to prevent the tablet from spilling based on the detection by the lid opening/closing state detection means 29 (FIG. 3(b) to FIG. (see change to a)), it is determined that the tablet feeding into the corresponding multi-type tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 is completed.

Further, if the control device determines that the lid 52a remains in the intermediate state for a predetermined period of time or more based on the detection by the lid opening/closing state detection means 29, the control device determines that the lid 52a is in an error state where the lid 52a is not properly opened or closed. After making the determination, the lighting guide member 26 corresponding to the applicable multi-type tablet tablet feeder 52 is turned on for identification (see second from the right in FIG. 3(c)), and the touch panel 15 or a buzzer (not shown) is activated. It is also designed to issue a warning.
Further, the control device selects only one multi-type tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 at a time as a tablet feeding destination, and moves the lighting guide member 26 corresponding to the selected tablet feeder 52 to the tablet feeding destination. It is designed to be lit for clarity (see second from the right in Figure 3(a)). The lighting state for guidance during normal operation (see FIG. 3(a)) and the lighting state for warning during error described above (see FIG. 3(c)) differ in color, presence or absence of blinking, and the like.

The swinging plate body 24 has its lower end connected to the lower end of the front surface of the front plate 25 via a swinging shaft (see FIGS. 2(d), (e), and 3), so that the swinging plate body 24 is It is designed so that it can be rocked lightly. Then, when the free end and the swinging end are raised upward (see FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c)), it assumes a vertical posture, as if stuck to the front plate 25. On the other hand, when the free end/swinging end is lowered (see Figures 2(d), (e), and 3), it becomes a horizontal position, resembling a small table, and resembles a pill bottle or Small items such as prescription instructions can be placed on it.

The multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 (see FIG. 5) is disposed immediately next to the three-stage tablet feeder storage sections 20, 20, 20, and guides the tablets ejected from them downward and causes them to fall. As mentioned above, this is also supported by a multi-stage drawer mechanism 37 inside the medicine storage section 13 (see FIGS. 5(a) and (b)), so that it can be pulled out from the medicine storage section 13 forward. (See Figure 5(b)). Moreover, the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 has a length in the front and back direction that is shorter than the tablet feeder storage section 20, and is always located at the left end of the front plate 25, 25, 25 of the right tablet feeder storage section 20, 20, 20. It is located at the rear (see Fig. 1, Fig. 5(a), and (b)).

The front plates 25, 25, 25 whose left ends protrude forward of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 all prevent the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 from being pulled out forward from the tablet feeder storage section 20. It serves as a relative withdrawal position regulating means, and also serves as a member for regulating the multistage tablet collection mechanism 30 from being withdrawn forward from the medicine storage section 13.
Further, the tablet feeder storage section 20 equipped with such a front plate 25 is provided only on the right side of the left and right side of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 (see FIG. 1(b)), Since there is no regulating member such as the front plate 25 on the left side of the tablet collection mechanism 30, when the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 is pulled forward from the medicine storage section 13 (see FIG. 5(b)), the multi-stage tablet collection The left side of the mechanism 30 is adapted to be released.

Further, the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 (see FIGS. 5(c) to 5(e)) has a shallow box-shaped main body 31 and a body part 31 which is farthest from the tablet feeder storage parts 20, 20, 20 on both sides of the main body 31. The main body is a removable side plate 35 which is disposed on the left open side surface and closes the corresponding side surface when worn. Tablet receiving ports 32, 32, 32 for receiving tablets discharged from the tablet feeder storage sections 20, 20, 20 are formed in the right side plate of the main body 31, and a handle 33 is provided at the front end of the main body 31. A side plate holding member 34 for receiving the lower end of the side plate 35 from below is provided at a lower end of the main body 31 located below the open side surface.

For example, the upper part of the side plate 35 is equipped with a lever-operated small latch member 36, and after placing the lower end of the side plate 35 on the side plate holding member 34 to receive it, the side plate 35 is put up and the latch member 36 is attached to the main body. When it is hooked onto the portion 31, the open side surface of the main body portion 31 is closed (see FIG. 5(c)). Furthermore, when all the hooking members 36, 36 are removed, the upper part of the side plate 35 separates from the open side surface of the main body part 31 (see FIG. 5(d)). Since the lower end portion is received with a little play, the side plate 35 is held in a slightly inclined state. Further, when the side plate 35 is lifted by placing a hand on both left and right ends of the side plate 35, the side plate 35 is completely separated from the main body 31, and the inside of the main body 31 is largely exposed (as shown in FIG. 5(e)).

As mentioned above, the manual lock 43 is provided on the front plate 25 of the tablet feeder storage section 20 (see FIGS. 2(e) and 3(a)). (see FIG. 6) are attached to the front end of the tablet feeder storage section 20 and the front end of the medicine storage section 13. Specifically, the drawer locking mechanism 40 includes a swinging member 44 installed in the tablet feeder storage section 20 together with a manual lock 43, an electromagnetic drive section 41 installed in the frame of the medicine storage section 13, and an electromagnetic drive section 41 installed in the frame of the medicine storage section 13. It includes an advancing/retracting member 42 that can move forward and backward from the drive section 41 toward the swinging member 44 . The advancing/retracting member 42 is always urged forward (leftward) by a spring or the like (not shown), and protrudes from the frame of the medicine storage section 13 toward the tablet feeder storage section 20, and its tip end is connected to the swinging member. 44 (see FIG. 6(a)), the tablet feeder storage section 20 is in a locked state where it cannot be pulled out forward from the medicine storage section 13.

Moreover (see FIG. 6(b)), a slope is formed at the tip of the reciprocating member 42, and when the swinging member 44 comes into contact with the slope, the retracting member 42 retreats toward the electromagnetic drive section 41 due to the force. When the tablet feeder storage section 20 that has been pulled out is pushed into the medicine storage section 13, the swinging member 44 temporarily retracts the advance/retreat member 42 and moves backward (as shown in FIG. 6(b)). (see the two-dot chain line and the one-dot chain line), whereas the pull-out of the tablet feeder storage section 20 is normally locked, the tablet feeder storage section 20 can be pushed in at any time.
In addition, although not shown in the diagram as it is complicated because it can be configured with a magnetic sensor or the like, a drawer state detecting means for detecting whether or not the tablet feeder storage section 20 is located within the lockable range of the drawer locking mechanism 40 is also provided. It is provided corresponding to the tablet feeder storage section 20 of.

Furthermore, even when the electromagnetic drive section 41 is caused to perform an excitation operation under the control of the control device (see FIG. 6(c)), the advancing/retreating member 42 retreats toward the electromagnetic drive section 41 ( (moves rightward in the figure), the tablet feeder storage section 20 is in a state where it can be pulled out as well as pushed in. In other words, electrical unlocking is possible.
Moreover, when the key 45 is inserted into the manual lock 43 and turned to the unlocking side (see FIG. 6(d)), the swinging member 44 also rotates accordingly, and the swinging member 44 is no longer engaged with the advancing/retracting member 42. Manual unlocking is also possible.

In addition, the control device detects when the lid opening/closing state detection means 29 does not detect that the lid 52a is sufficiently closed to prevent the tablet from spilling (see FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c)). An alarm is also issued when the aforementioned drawer state detection means detects that the tablet feeder storage section 20 is located within the lockable range of the drawer locking mechanism 40. In addition, this warning is made more clearly than the above-mentioned warning regarding the incomplete opening/closing of the lid so that the operator will definitely notice it.

The manner of use and operation of the tablet packaging machine 10 of Example 1 will be explained.

Tablets are replenished into the specific tablet type tablet feeder 51 mounted on the tablet feeder array rack 18 by pulling out the tablet feeder storage 14 and then attaching and detaching the tablet cassette, and the tablet fall path of the upper tablet collection mechanism 17. The tablet feeder storage 14 is also cleaned by pulling out the tablet feeder storage 14, and tablets are replenished into the manual dispensing device of the tablet dispensing device equipment section 12 by manual dispensing into a pull-out type installed unit or a removable pre-dispensing unit. This is because the tablets to be dispensed are divided and packaged by these, the lower tablet collection mechanisms 16 and 16a, and the packaging device 11 working together under the control device (for example, Patent Documents 2 to 4). (see below), operations related to the tablet feeder storage section 20 and the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 will be described in detail below.

When the tablet feeder storage 14, the tablet feeder storage section 20, etc. are housed in the housing of the tablet packaging machine 10 and put into a standby state (see FIGS. 1 and 2(a)), the tablet feeder storage 14 is placed in the tablet packaging machine 10. The tablet feeder storage section 20 is locked in the housing by a locking mechanism (see FIG. 5 of Patent Document 4, for example), and the tablet feeder storage section 20 is locked in the housing by a corresponding drawer locking mechanism 40 (see FIG. 6(a)). A collection mechanism 30 is secured within the housing by the front plate 25 of the tablet feeder housing 20 (see FIG. 1).

When the dispensing instruction data is set in the control device of the tablet packaging machine 10 by operating the touch panel 15 or processing by the higher-level dispensing management system, the content of the dispensing instruction is displayed on the touch panel 15 by the control device.
The touch panel 15 is mounted on the exterior of the housing medicine storage section 13 in such a way that its position and orientation can be easily changed, so a repeated explanation will be omitted hereafter, but the touch panel 15 can be manually moved to a place where it is easy to see and operate, or its orientation can be changed. It is good to proceed with the work while doing so.

Furthermore, when the dispensing target includes tablets that are not accommodated in either the specific tablet type tablet feeder 51 of the tablet feeder storage 14 or the multi-type tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 of the tablet feeder storage section 20, the control device data In the management process, first, the tablet feeder 52 of the multi-type tablet type is searched for an empty one, that is, one to which no tablets have been assigned yet, or one for which all tablets have been confirmed to be discharged. Then, if an empty tablet feeder 52 is found by the control device, that tablet feeder 52 is selected as an allocation target. When an empty tablet feeder 52 is not found, an allocation process for a manual dispensing device is performed.

When a tablet to be dispensed is assigned to the tablet feeder 52 of the tablet feeder storage unit 20, a list of target tablets is displayed on the touch panel 15, so the operator can prepare the target tablets by looking at it and select the target tablet. If there are multiple types, replenishment work is performed one by one in an appropriate order. In the replenishment operation, the control device first acquires identification information such as a bar code attached to a tablet container or the like.
Then, under the control of the control device, the lighting guide member 26 (LED display) associated with the tablet feeder 52 selected as the allocation destination is turned on (the second tablet feeder 52 from the right in FIG. 3(a) and the lighting guide (see member 26).

Also, under the control of the control device, an LED display on the front surface of the tablet feeder storage section 20 in which the tablet feeder 26 is mounted is also turned on (not shown), and a drawer lock mechanism related to the tablet feeder storage section 20 is also turned on. 40 is electrically changed from the locked state to the unlocked state (see FIG. 6(c)).
Therefore, if the operator follows the lighting guide and grabs the handle 21 of the tablet feeder storage section 20 and pulls it toward the user, the appropriate tablet feeder storage section 20 can be pulled out from the medicine storage section 13. (See Figures 2(b) to 2(d)).

Then (see FIGS. 2(d) and (e)), the operator also follows the lighting guidance provided by the lighting guide member 26 on the left side of the tablet feeder storage section 20 that has been pulled out (see FIG. 3(a)), and selects the corresponding tablet. Locate the feeder 52 and manually open its lid 52a. At this time, the light emitted from the lighting guide member 26 is scattered inside the lid 52a, causing the entire lid 52a to shine or change color, so the possibility of misidentifying the target tablet feeder 52 is extremely small, but in the unlikely event that Even if you accidentally begin to open the lid 52a of another tablet feeder 52, the control device will issue a warning in that case, so you will immediately know that you have made a mistake, so you can quickly and thoroughly close the lid 52a again. Open only the lid 52a of the appropriate tablet feeder 52 (see FIG. 3(b)).

If the appropriate lid 52a is opened sufficiently wide, that is, if it is opened to the point where the tablets can be inserted, this is detected by the lid opening/closing state detection means 29, and the lighting guide member is controlled by the control device that receives this detection. 26 is turned off (see FIG. 3(b)). Therefore, it becomes less dazzling and the inside of the container portion 52c becomes easier to see.
Also, at an appropriate time before or after this, the operator swings the frontmost rocking plate 24 of the pulled out tablet feeder storage section 20 and other tablet feeder storage sections 20 toward the user to turn it sideways ( 2(d), (e), and FIG. 3), a pill bottle, a dispensing instruction sheet, etc. are placed on the swing plate 24 (not shown).

Now preparations for loading tablets into the appropriate tablet feeder 52 are completed, so the operator inputs an appropriate amount of tablets and adjusts the tablet feeder 52 to accommodate the input tablets.
Specifically, if the tablet feeder 52 is compatible with a variety of tablets, most adjustments can be made quickly and accurately by setting sample tablets at appropriate locations on the tablet feeder 52, but if other adjustment work is also required, I'll do that too.
Furthermore, if additional information such as detailed information about the tablet is required, the operator also provides the necessary information to the control device by operating the touch panel 15 or the like.

After the tablets have been fed into the tablet feeder 52, the operator manually closes the open lid 52a. When the lid 52a closes sufficiently to prevent the tablet from spilling, this is detected by the lid opening/closing state detection means 29, and upon receiving this, the control device advances the control content. Note that when you want to reconfirm the tablet storage status of the tablet feeder 52 that has finished loading tablets or other tablet feeders 52 that have been pulled out together with it, if the lid 52a is at the bottom, the lid 52a can be removed. 52a and the half mirror 52b, and if the lid 52a is above the lid 52a, by looking through the front of the lid 52a and seeing the reflected image of the half mirror 52b, it is easy to check the storage state of the tablets without opening the lid 52a. I can confirm it.
Then, the operator clears the objects on the swing plate 24, stands the swing plate 24 upright, and further pushes the tablet feeder storage section 20 into the medicine storage section 13 (see FIG. 2(a)).

Then, the tablet feeder storage section 20 is locked by the corresponding drawer locking mechanism 40 and stopped within the medicine storage section 13 (see FIG. 6(b)).
Normally, this completes the preparation for one type of tablet, but if for some reason the lid 52a of the multi-type tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 into which the tablets are loaded does not close to the point where the tablets can be prevented from spilling ( (see FIG. 3(c)), for example, in a situation where the lid 52a becomes difficult to close due to biting of a tablet, etc., the lid 52a may appear to be closed at first glance, but it may not be fully closed. In such a case, the content of control by the control device will be different from the normal state, as will be described in detail below.

Specifically, under the control of the control device, the lighting guide member 26 corresponding to the corresponding tablet feeder 52 and the LED display on the front of the corresponding tablet feeder storage section 20 are set to display a different display than that at the time of feeding guidance, for example, blinking. A warning message is displayed on the touch panel 15, and an alarm message is displayed or an alarm sound is emitted on the touch panel 15. Then, when the operator who notices the problem tries to close the corresponding lid 52a again, the corresponding tablet feeder storage section 20 is locked by the drawer locking mechanism 40 under the control of the control device, and all alarms etc. are canceled. Ru.

In addition, if the operator pushes the tablet feeder storage section 20 into the medicine storage section 13 without noticing these alarms, the drawer locking mechanism 40 associated with the tablet feeder storage section 20 will be locked under the control of the control device. In addition to being maintained in the released state (see FIG. 6(c)), a clearer warning is issued, so that the operator immediately pulls out the corresponding tablet feeder storage section 20 and removes the lid 52a from closing as described above. Try again.
This completes the preparation for one type of tablet, and the operator repeats the same operation for other tablets if necessary.

When all preparations are completed, automatic dispensing by the control device is started by operating the touch panel 15 or the like.
Then, the tablets to be packaged are automatically discharged in tablet units from the tablet feeder 51 for specific tablets and the tablet feeder 52 for multi-type tablets, and the tablets to be packaged are basically dispensed from the manual tablet distribution device (12). The hand-distributed tablets are automatically discharged in units, combined by the lower tablet collection mechanisms 16 and 16a, and then divided into packages by the packaging device 11.

In this way, the packaging process using the multi-type tablet compatible type tablet feeder 52 is performed, and when this process is repeated several times, it is possible to clean the inside of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 that constitutes the tablet guide path. It becomes necessary. When this happens, the operator first stops the operation of the tablet packaging machine 10 and then pulls out all the tablet feeder storage sections 20, 20, 20 forward from the medicine storage section 13 (see Fig. 5(a)). ), at that time, insert the key into the manual lock 43 on the front of the tablet feeder storage section 20 that you are about to pull out (see FIG. 2(e)) and turn it (see FIG. 6(d)) to open the tablet feeder storage section. By manually releasing the lock 20, the tablet feeder storage section 20 can be pulled out forward.

When the tablet feeder storage sections 20, 20, 20 are all pulled out (see FIG. 5(a)), there is no obstacle to the forward drawing of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30, so the front surface of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 is removed. Put your hand on the handle 33 and pull it forward to pull out the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 from the medicine storage section 13 (see FIG. 5(b)). In this case, of both sides of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30, the side where the tablet feeder storage section 20 is not located is largely exposed. Since the side plate 35 is attached to the exposed side (see FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c)), the operator performs subsequent work from the exposed side. When the operator removes the hooking member 36 at the top of the side plate 35, the side plate 35 tilts (see FIG. 5(d)), but since the lower end of the side plate 35 is loosely held by the side plate holding member 34, the side plate 35 maintains a slightly tilted state.

In this state, the side plate 35 can be easily removed from the main body part 31 by being lifted by the worker, so that the worker can easily clean it in a place other than the main body part 31.
Further, since the interior of the main body 31 with the side plate 35 removed is largely exposed (see FIG. 5(e)), the operator can easily clean the main body 31 while facing the main body 31.
In this way, the tablet falling path of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism 30 can be cleaned in an easy-to-use manner. After cleaning, the repeated and complicated explanation will be omitted, but by performing the operations in the reverse order of those described above, subsequent automatic tablet packaging will be performed appropriately.

The tablet packaging machine 10 of the present invention, whose side view is shown in FIG. 7 as a side view of a tablet feeder 52 that can accommodate a variety of tablets, differs from that of the first embodiment described above in that a light scattering section 52d is added to the tablet feeder 52. It is.

The light scattering portion 52d is realized by additional work such as roughening the surface roughness or addition of a member such as attaching a rough transparent light diffusing plate, and is provided at a corresponding portion of the lid 52a of the tablet feeder 52. The relevant portion is a portion through which the light transmitted from the lighting guide member 26 clearly penetrates when the lid 52a is closed.
If such a light scattering section 52d exists in the light transmission path of the lighting guide member 26, the degree of diffusion of light sent from the lighting guide member 26 to the lid 52a increases when it passes through the light scattering section 52d. Therefore, the overall spread and uniformity of the brightness of the lid 52a increases (see the arrowed two-dot chain line in FIG. 7), making it easier to visually recognize the corresponding tablet feeder 52.

The tablet packaging machine 10 of the present invention, whose side view is shown in FIG. 8 as a tablet feeder 52 adapted to various tablets, is different from that of the first embodiment described above, in that the light transmission direction of the lighting guide member 26 is tilted slightly upward. The bottom surface of the lid 52a of the tablet feeder 52 with the lid 52a closed is a half mirror 52b (semi-transparent mirror).
This can be easily realized by tilting the lighting guide member 26, and an additional member such as the light scattering section 52d is not required, so that an increase in cost can be avoided.

In this case, the degree of diffusion of the light sent into the lid 52a from the lighting guide member 26 into the lid 52a is increased by utilizing the reflection function of the half mirror 52b (see the double-dotted chain line with an arrow in FIG. 8). Visibility increases. Furthermore, the diffusion enhancement and visibility improvement due to the reflection function are large in the front and lower direction of the tablet feeder 52 (lower left direction in FIG. 8).
On the other hand, the light emitted in the upper front direction (upper left direction in FIG. 8) of the tablet feeder 52 due to the transmission function of the semi-transparent mirror improves visibility from that direction.
Therefore, regardless of whether the line of sight of a person working from the front (to the left in FIG. 8) is high or low, visibility during lighting guidance is improved.

[others]
In the above embodiment, as a specific example of a lid that is attached to a tablet feeder and can open and close the upper surface of the corresponding tablet feeder, the lid is connected to the rear end of the tablet feeder 52 of a type adapted for multiple tablets via a support shaft. Although the lid 52a has been described above, the embodiment of the lid of the tablet feeder storage section is not limited thereto. The lid may be any lid that can open and close the top surface of the tablet feeder, for example, it may be a lid whose rear end is connected to the tablet feeder array shelf 23, and which can be opened and closed by rotating or swinging. The lid may be opened and closed by lifting or lowering instead of the lid.

In the above embodiment, the lid 52a is opened and closed only by external force such as manual force, but mechanical force may be applied if it assists without interfering with manual operation. It's okay. For example, there are weak locking devices that operate when the lid is closed and are released by a light manual opening operation, and devices that are made of a weaker spring hinge that biases the lid in the opening direction. etc. may be attached to the tablet feeder 52.

In the above embodiment, when there are a plurality of tablet feeders 52 that are compatible with various types of tablets to be refilled, the tablet feeder storage section 20 is individually installed in the medicine storage section 13 regardless of whether or not they are installed in the same tablet feeder storage section 20. As described above, when multiple tablet feeders 52 to be refilled are installed in the same tablet feeder storage section 20, the operator may be informed of the situation by using guidance and confirmation on the touch panel 15. In addition to informing the user of this problem, the tablet feeder 52 may be allowed to be sequentially refilled with tablets while the tablet feeder storage section 20 is pulled out.

In the above embodiment, the installation heights of the manual tablet dispensing device equipment section 12 and the tablet feeder storage section 20 are different, but they may be installed at the same height or close to each other (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4). . The manual tablet dispensing device (12) is based on the assumption that various tablets are manually scattered and dropped either directly on the tablet dispensing device (12) or on a preliminary dispensing unit that is attached to and detached from the tablet dispensing device (12). Regarding the dedicated type tablet feeder 51 and the tablet feeder 52 that can accommodate multiple types of tablets in the tablet feeder storage section 20, it is sufficient if only one type of tablet can be inputted, and it is also possible to input the tablets using a bottle or a measuring cup, or even to input them manually. It's fine, but there's no need to spread it out.

In addition, regarding the tablet ejection control algorithm (control procedure such as which one of the many tablet feeders is to perform the ejection operation at each packaging timing), the multi-type tablet applicable type tablet feeder 52 is different from the specific tablet type tablet feeder 51. The same discharge control program is used for these tablet feeders 51 and 52.
On the other hand, separate discharge control programs are used for manual tablet dispensing devices (12) with different tablet discharge control algorithms.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the tablet feeder 52 that is compatible with various tablets into which tablets are fed is selected using the touch panel 15, the LED is turned on in the tablet feeder storage section 20 in which it is mounted, and the tablet feeder storage section 20 immediately Although the drawer locking mechanism 40 is released, other methods may be used. For example, if an operating member such as a push button is also attached to the front surface of the tablet feeder storage sections 20, 20, 20, and there are multiple tablet feeder storage sections 20 into which tablets are to be fed, first, the corresponding plurality of LEDs are Leave all the lights on, wait until any one of the operating members is operated, release the drawer lock mechanism 40 of the corresponding tablet feeder storage section 20, and make the corresponding LED clear by blinking or the like. You can do it like this.

In the above embodiment, the tablet feeder 52 that can accommodate multiple types of tablets is of the type that replaces sample tablets, but the tablet feeder 52 that can accommodate multiple types of tablets is not limited to that type.
Further, a cutter mechanism for dividing tablets may be incorporated or combined in the tablet feeder 52 that can accommodate a variety of tablets, and the same applies to the tablet feeder 51 that is dedicated to specific tablets.

In the above embodiment, a pill bottle and a dispensing instruction sheet are listed as objects that can be temporarily placed on the swinging plate 24 at the front end of the tablet feeder storage section 20, but the tablet bottle and dispensing instruction sheet are not limited thereto. Bar codes and other information attached to the pill bottles and dispensing instructions on the swinging plate 24 are captured using an imaging device such as a camera installed in the housing of the packaging machine 10 or a mobile terminal with a photographing function. Once read, the information may be transmitted to the control device and used for confirmation and auditing of dispensing operations.

The application of the present invention is not limited to a tablet packaging machine exclusively for tablets, but can also be applied to a tablet packaging machine combined with a powder medicine packaging machine.

10...Tablet packaging machine,
11...Packaging device, 12...Tablet manual dispensing device equipment section, 13...Drug storage section,
14... Tablet feeder hangar, 15... Touch panel (operation console), 15a... Support part,
16, 16a...Lower tablet collection mechanism, 17...Upper tablet collection mechanism,
18... Tablet feeder row installed shelf (for specific tablet type tablet feeder),
20...Tablet feeder storage section (for multi-type tablet applicable type tablet feeder),
21... Handle, 22... Drawer mechanism, 23... Tablet feeder array shelf, 24... Rocking plate body,
25...front plate (relative drawer position regulating means, member regulating front drawer of the multi-stage tablet collection mechanism),
26...Lighting guide member (LED), 29...Lid opening/closing state detection means (magnetic sensor),
30...Multi-stage tablet collection mechanism, 31...Main body, 32...Tablet receiving opening, 33...Handle,
34...Side plate holding member, 35...Side plate, 36...Latching member, 37...Multi-stage drawer mechanism,
40...Drawer lock mechanism, 41...Electromagnetic drive unit, 42...Advancing/retracting member (engaging member),
43... Manual lock, 44... Swinging member (engaging member), 45... Key,
51...Special tablet type tablet feeder,
52...Tablet feeder applicable to various types of tablets,
52a...lid, 52b...half mirror (semi-transparent mirror),
52c... Container part (main body part), 52d... Light scattering part

Claims (4)

A medicine storage section that houses a large number of tablet feeders and an upper tablet collection mechanism that guides and drops the ejected tablets downward, and a lower tablet collection disposed below that that collects the fallen tablets and provides them for packaging. In a tablet packaging machine equipped with a mechanism,
A tablet feeder storage section that holds some of the tablet feeders; and a tablet feeder storage section that is installed in either the tablet feeder or the tablet feeder storage section and that corresponds to each of the tablet feeders and that covers the upper surface of the corresponding tablet feeder. a lid that can be opened and closed; a drawer mechanism that supports the tablet feeder storage unit so that it can be pulled forward from the medicine storage unit; a drawer lock mechanism that can prevent the tablet feeder storage unit from being pulled out forward; and a drawer lock mechanism that can prevent the tablet feeder storage unit from being pulled out forward; drawer state detection means for detecting whether or not the drawer is located within a lockable range of the drawer locking mechanism; and a lid open/close state detection means for detecting an open/closed state of the lid, the lid being transparent. What is claimed is: 1. A tablet packaging machine comprising: a semitransparent mirror attached to the lid ; and a lighting guide member that transmits light through the lid from the outside to the inside when turned on. A medicine storage section that houses a large number of tablet feeders and an upper tablet collection mechanism that guides and drops the ejected tablets downward, and a lower tablet collection disposed below that that collects the fallen tablets and provides them for packaging. In a tablet packaging machine equipped with a mechanism,
A tablet feeder storage section that holds some of the tablet feeders; and a tablet feeder storage section that is installed in either the tablet feeder or the tablet feeder storage section and that corresponds to each of the tablet feeders and that covers the upper surface of the corresponding tablet feeder. A lid that can be opened and closed, and a pull-out mechanism that supports the tablet feeder storage section so that it can be pulled forward from the medicine storage section, the lid is made of a transparent member, and a translucent mirror is attached to the lid. A tablet packaging machine characterized in that a lighting guide member is provided which transmits light through the lid from the outside to the inside when the lid is turned on. 3. The tablet packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein a light scattering part is provided at a portion of the lid through which light is transmitted through the lighting guide member. 4. The tablet packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the translucent mirror of the lid when closed is a light transmission destination of the lighting guide member.

Images