Tablet guiding path adjusting device for tablet box

Abstract

The tablet holder (2) of the present invention includes: a tablet container (5) for storing tablets; and a rotor (8) rotatably housed in the tablet container (5). The rotor (8) has: a tablet guide path (8b) for guiding tablets from the tablet container (5) to a tablet discharge hole (9) in the tablet container (5); and an adjustment section (33, 64) for adjusting the size of the tablet guide path (8b). The tablet guide path adjustment device (100) includes: an adjustment member (102) that engages with the adjustment section (33, 64); an operation amount detection section (131) for detecting the operation amount of the adjustment member (102); and a notification section (201) for notifying the user of adjustment support information required for the user to adjust the adjustment section (33, 64) through the adjustment member (102) based on the operation amount detected in the operation amount detection section (131).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tablet guide path adjustment device for a tablet holder that holds multiple tablets and dispenses them according to a prescription. More specifically, this invention relates to a tablet guide path adjustment device for a tablet holder that allows for easy adjustment of the depth, height, width, and other dimensions of the grooves in the tablet guide path of the rotor, as well as the entry position of the intervening members entering the tablet guide path, based on the shape or size of the tablets stored in the tablet holder. Background Technology

[0002] Pill collection and delivery devices installed in pharmacies and hospitals can quickly, accurately, and safely dispense prescription pills to numerous patients automatically. Pills come in various shapes and sizes, including round, oval, spherical, capsule, and sugar-coated, and the goal is for these devices to deliver as many different types of pills as possible.

[0003] The tablet storage and delivery device includes multiple tablet boxes capable of storing and delivering different types of tablets. Each tablet box consists of a box body for storing tablets and a rotor attached to the bottom of the box body in a rotatable manner. When the rotor rotates, the tablets in the box body are sequentially guided into multiple tablet guide paths formed in the rotor. When each tablet guide path aligns with a tablet discharge hole in the box body, the tablet at the bottom of the guide path is separated from the tablets above it by a spacer, and only the tablet at the bottom is discharged from the tablet discharge hole.

[0004] The applicant of this invention proposed in Patent Document 1 a tablet holder capable of adjusting the depth, width, and spacing of the tablet guide path of a rotor according to the type of tablet. The tablet holder of Patent Document 1 includes: a rotor lifting mechanism for raising and lowering a rotor including an inclined outer surface forming the bottom surface of the tablet guide path; a width adjustment mechanism for relative movement of first and second movable members having sidewalls having a surface forming the width direction of the tablet guide path in the circumferential direction of the rotor; and a tablet support lifting mechanism for raising and lowering a tablet support platform supporting the lowest tablet in the tablet guide path. The tablet holder of Patent Document 1 can adjust the depth, width, and spacing of the tablet guide path, thus enabling the handling of tablets of various shapes and sizes.

[0005] Patent Document 1 International Publication Number WO2017 / 164196 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The dimensions of the tablet guide path in existing tablet boxes can be adjusted using their respective adjustment mechanisms. However, determining the dimensions based on the diverse shapes and sizes of tablets is very complex and requires skilled technicians.

[0008] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a tablet guide path adjustment device for a tablet box that allows for easy adjustment of the size of the tablet guide path according to the shape or size of the tablet.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] As a means of solving the above-mentioned problems, the tablet guiding path adjustment device in the tablet box of the present invention is characterized in that,

[0011] The pill box includes:

[0012] Pill containers for storing pills;

[0013] A rotor that can be rotatably housed within the tablet container.

[0014] The rotor includes: a tablet guiding path that guides tablets from the tablet container toward a tablet discharge port in the tablet container; and an adjustment section capable of adjusting the size of the tablet guiding path.

[0015] The tablet guide path adjustment device includes:

[0016] Adjustment component that engages with the adjustment section;

[0017] Operation amount detection unit that detects the operation amount of the adjustment component;

[0018] Based on the operation amount detected by the operation amount detection unit, the notification unit notifies the user of the adjustment support information required for the user to adjust the adjustment unit through the adjustment component.

[0019] The tablet guide path adjustment device includes a main tablet storage unit for storing dimensions of the tablet guide path suitable for the shape or size of the tablet, or values ​​related to those dimensions.

[0020] The notification unit preferably reads a target value for the size of the tablet guide path corresponding to the tablet stored in the tablet container from the main tablet storage unit, and then notifies the target value and the current value of the adjustment unit based on the operation amount of the operation amount detection unit.

[0021] The adjusting component is preferably capable of engaging and disengaging from the rotor.

[0022] Furthermore, the operation quantity detection unit is preferably located in the device body, which is separate from the adjustment component.

[0023] The adjusting component is preferably capable of engaging and disengaging with each of the plurality of adjusting parts of the rotor.

[0024] In addition, preferably, multiple operation amount detection units are provided corresponding to multiple adjustment units, and the adjustment components can engage and disengage from the multiple operation amount detection units.

[0025] The tablet guiding path adjustment device preferably includes a base portion having a rotor table on which the rotor is mounted, and a zero-point detection sensor for detecting the zero point of the adjustment portion is provided on the base portion.

[0026] Preferably, a guide portion for guiding the central axis of the adjusting component is provided above the base portion.

[0027] A guide hole is formed on the guide portion into which the central shaft of the adjusting component is inserted.

[0028] The guide hole is formed on the same axis as the adjustment part of the rotor mounted on the rotor table.

[0029] Preferably, the operation amount detection unit is disposed in the guide portion to detect the rotation amount of the central shaft of the adjustment component inserted into the guide hole.

[0030] Preferably, a rotating component capable of rotating integrally with the central axis of the adjusting component is provided in the guide portion.

[0031] The operation amount detection unit detects the amount of rotation of the central shaft of the adjustment component inserted into the guide hole via the rotating component.

[0032] The rotating component preferably has a locking hole that communicates with the guide hole and engages with the central shaft of the adjusting component.

[0033] Preferably, an anti-loosening part is formed on the rotating component to prevent loosening between the engagement hole and the central shaft.

[0034] Preferably, the rotating component and the operation amount detection unit are connected via gears, and the operation amount detection unit has an anti-backlash part that prevents backlash from occurring in the gear by applying force (spring pressure) toward the rotating component.

[0035] Preferably, the adjustment component has a central shaft and a grip portion.

[0036] A torque limiter is provided between the central axis of the adjustment component and the grip portion to ensure that when a specified or higher rotational force is applied to the grip portion, the torque limiter prevents the rotational force from being transmitted to the central axis.

[0037] Preferably, the grip portion of the adjustment component is configured to be movable axially relative to the central axis.

[0038] It can move to an engaged position that engages with the central axis in a rotatable manner, and to a non-engaged position that rotates freely relative to the central axis.

[0039] Invention Effects

[0040] According to the present invention, the depth, thickness, height and other dimensions of the tablet guiding path can be easily adjusted according to the shape or size of the tablet. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a tablet storage and retrieval device, including a tablet guide path adjustment device.

[0042] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the pill box and its base.

[0043] Figure 3 It is a 3D view of the pill box with the lid removed.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a 3D view taken from the bottom of the pill box.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the box body.

[0046] Figure 6 It is a 3D view of the rotor of the pill box after it has been removed.

[0047] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the rotor drive unit of the box body.

[0048] Figure 8A This is an exploded perspective view of the partition adjustment mechanism of the box body.

[0049] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the box body showing the entry position of the spacer component.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the rotor.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view taken from the bottom of the rotor.

[0052] Figure 11 This is an exploded 3D view of the depth adjustment mechanism.

[0053] Figure 12 This is an exploded 3D view of the height adjustment mechanism.

[0054] Figure 13 This is an exploded 3D view of the width adjustment mechanism.

[0055] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the box body illustrating the state of adjusting the depth using a depth adjustment mechanism.

[0056] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the box body illustrating the state of adjusting the height using a height adjustment mechanism.

[0057] Figure 16 This is a plan view (a) and a bottom view (b) illustrating the movable part and the width adjustment part used to adjust the width using the width adjustment mechanism.

[0058] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional view taken from the oblique front of the tablet guide path adjustment device.

[0059] Figure 18 This is a three-dimensional view taken from the oblique rear of the tablet guide path adjustment device.

[0060] Figure 19 This is a three-dimensional view of the interior of the base of the device body.

[0061] Figure 20 This is a three-dimensional view of the interior of the guide section of the device body.

[0062] Figure 21 It is a plan view showing the rotating mechanism of the rotating component.

[0063] Figure 22 These are front view (a), longitudinal section (b), and cross section (c) of the rotating component.

[0064] Figure 23 It is a 3D view of the adjustment components.

[0065] Figure 24 It is an exploded 3D view of the adjustment components.

[0066] Figure 25 This is a perspective view taken from below the outer part of the grip.

[0067] Figure 26 This is a perspective view taken from below the first component of the shaft.

[0068] Figure 27 This is a perspective view taken from below the second component of the shaft.

[0069] Figure 28 These are cross-sectional views of the adjustment components (a), the grip when raised (b), and the torque limiter when in operation (c).

[0070] Figure 29 It is a 3D diagram of the tool.

[0071] Figure 30 This is a system structure diagram of the tablet guide path adjustment device.

[0072] Figure 31 This is a diagram showing an example of a display device screen.

[0073] Figure 32 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of using a tablet guide path adjustment device to adjust the size of the tablet guide path and the entry position of the spacer component.

[0074] Figure 33 It means Figure 32 The flowchart shows the steps for adjusting the width, depth, and height.

[0075] Figure 34 It is a 3D diagram showing the situation when the width is adjusted.

[0076] Figure 35 It is a 3D diagram showing the state during depth adjustment.

[0077] Figure 36 It is a 3D diagram showing the situation when the height is adjusted.

[0078] Figure 37 These are perspective view (a) and cross-sectional view (b) showing the state of adjusting the interval components using an adjusting fixture.

[0079] Figure 38 This is a system structure diagram showing a modified example of a tablet guide path adjustment device. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] Figure 1 This refers to a tablet storage and delivery device 1 that can deliver tablets according to the type and number of prescriptions. In the tablet storage and delivery device 1, multiple tablet boxes 2 are arranged on various bases 3 in a manner that allows for installation and removal. A tablet guide path adjustment device 100 of the present invention is provided on a platform 4 located next to the tablet storage and delivery device 1. First, the structure of the tablet box 2 will be described, and then the tablet guide path adjustment device 100 will be described. Furthermore, the term "tablet" in the present invention includes not only tablets in the narrow sense, but also capsules, sugar-coated tablets, and other medications that can be delivered in the tablet box 2.

[0082] Figure 2 This refers to the tablet box 2 and its base 3 installed in the tablet storage and payment device 1. The tablet box 2 consists of the following components: a box body 5 serving as the tablet container of the present invention; a lid 6 covering the upper opening of the box body 5 in a manner that allows it to be opened, closed, and detached; a skirt 7 provided at the lower part of the box body 5; and as shown in the image. Figure 3 The rotor 8 is shown housed in the box body 5.

[0083] Pockets 6a and 7a, containing labels or cards, are formed on the top of the lid 6 and the front of the skirt 7. These labels or cards can identify the tablets stored in the tablet box 2. Figure 4 As shown, the inner side of the skirt 7 is provided with: Figure 2 The base 3 shown has a sliding part 7b that slides in contact with the mounting guide 3a, and an elastic locking piece 7c that engages with the locking part 3b of the mounting guide 3a.

[0084] <Construction of the box body>

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the box body 5 consists of: a rectangular upper part 5a with an opening at the top, an inverted conical inclined part 5b, a cylindrical part 5c, and a bottom 5d. A rotor 8 is housed within the internal space from the bottom 5d to the inclined part 5b, and multiple tablets T can be stored above the rotor 8. A tablet discharge hole 9 is formed from the lower part of the inclined part 5b to the bottom 5d. The tablet discharge hole 9 and... Figure 2 The tablet discharge path 3c formed on the base 3 shown is connected. A spacer 20 and a partition adjustment mechanism M1 (described later) for adjusting the position of the spacer 20 are mounted on the outside of the box body 5. The top of the spacer 20 extends from the inclined portion 5b via a path formed above the tablet discharge hole 9. Figure 6 The slit 9a shown is inserted inside. A slit 5d is formed in the center of the bottom to accommodate... Figure 6 The rotor shaft hole 11 of the rotor drive unit 10 shown.

[0086] Rotor Drive Unit

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, the rotor drive unit 10 comprises the following parts: a drive shaft 12 penetrating the rotor shaft hole 11; a engagement shaft 13 engaging with and rotating integrally with the upper end of the drive shaft 12; a drive gear 14 engaging with and rotating integrally with the lower end of the drive shaft 12; and a central shaft 15 penetrating the engagement shaft 13, the drive shaft 12, and the drive gear 14 to form them as a single unit. The engagement shaft 13 consists of: a circular base 13a abutting against the upper end face of the drive shaft 12; engagement pieces 13b protruding downward from the outer peripheral edge of the base 13a at six equally divided positions on the circumference; and connecting portions 13c connecting the lower ends of adjacent engagement pieces 13b. The inner surfaces of the engagement pieces 13b and the connecting portions 13c are slidably disposed on the outer peripheral surface of an annular protrusion 11a via a ring 16, which is disposed at the edge of the rotor shaft hole 11. When rotor 8 is installed, the clamping plate 13b and Figure 10The slit 44a between the engaging tabs 44 of the engaging recess 41a of the rotor 8 shown engages, transmitting the rotational force of the rotor drive unit 10 to the rotor 8. A flange 15a and a hole 15b are formed at the upper end of the central shaft 15. Three overlapping annular magnets 15c are inserted into the hole 15b of the central shaft and secured with screws 15d. The magnets 15c can also be cylindrical. The lower end of the central shaft 15 is mounted through... Figure 4 The gear housing 17 at the bottom 5d of the box body 5 shown is prevented from falling off by a C-shaped retaining ring 15e. The drive gear 14 is... Figure 4 The intermediate gear 18 shown is Figure 2 The motor gear 3D card of the base 3 shown is driven by it.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, the locking claw 19a at one end of the locking rod 19, which is located on the bottom surface of the box body 5, engages with the drive gear 14. The operating part 19b at the other end of the locking rod 19 extends in the mounting direction of the tablet box 2. After the tablet box 2 is mounted on the base 3, the operating part 19b of the locking rod 19 engages with the drive gear 14. Figure 2 The base 3, as shown, abuts against the designated contact portion 3e, resisting the spring force of the spring 19c, causing the locking rod 19 to rotate. The locking pawl 19a disengages from the drive gear 14, allowing the drive gear 14 to rotate. Furthermore, after the tablet box 2 is removed from the base 3, the operating portion 19b of the locking rod 19 disengages from the contact portion 3e of the base 3, and the locking rod 19 rotates under the spring force of the spring 19c. The locking pawl 19a engages with the drive gear 14, preventing its rotation. This prevents the tablets T from falling out due to accidental rotation of the rotor 8 of the removed tablet box 2.

[0089] <Partition Adjustment Mechanism>

[0090] like Figure 8A As shown, the spacer member 20 is formed in an upwardly convex and curved comb shape. The spacer member 20 can move forward and backward relative to the rotor 8 by means of the partition adjustment mechanism M1. The partition adjustment mechanism M1 is composed of a first fixed member 21, a second fixed member 22, a movable member 23, and an adjustment member 24.

[0091] An upper outer shell 21a for housing the sliding portion 23c of the movable member 23 and the stop member 28 is formed at the center of the first fixed member 21. Mounting holes 21b are formed on both sides of the upper outer shell 21a of the first fixed member 21. A pair of elastic pieces 21c are formed on the lower part of the first fixed member 21 to press and stabilize the movable member 23. A protrusion 21d is formed at the top of the elastic piece 21c to engage with the groove 23d of the movable member 23.

[0092] A lower outer shell portion 22b for housing the sliding portion 23c of the movable member 23 and the stop member 28 is formed in the center of the second fixed member 22. Inverted U-shaped notches 22b are formed on the lower edges of both sides of the lower outer shell portion 22a of the second fixed member 22. If the upper outer shell portion 21a of the first fixed member 21 and the lower outer shell portion 22a of the second fixed member 22 are combined, a movable member housing portion 25 with an opening at the bottom for housing the sliding portion 23c of the movable member 23, and a stop member housing portion 26 for housing the stop member 28 are formed. Semi-circular notches 27 are formed at the lower edge of the upper outer shell portion 21a and the upper edge of the lower outer shell portion 22a of the movable member housing portion 25 to support the axial ends of the adjusting member 24 in a manner that prevents axial movement.

[0093] The movable member 23 is formed in the retaining portion 23a of the lower end that holds the spacer member 20 and in the sliding portion 23c that has a threaded hole 23b at the upper end. Grooves 23d are formed at both ends of the upper part of the movable member 23.

[0094] The adjusting member 24 has a threaded portion 24a that engages with the threaded hole 23b of the sliding portion 23c of the movable member 23, and a locking gear 24b. A stop member 28 engages with the locking gear 24b, thereby fixing it in the desired position. The groove 23d of the movable member 23 engages with the protrusion 21d of the first fixed member 21, thus fixing the movable member 23 in the rotational direction of the adjusting member 24. Therefore, if the adjusting member 24 rotates, the movable member 23 will move along the axial direction of the adjusting member 24.

[0095] To assemble the partition adjustment mechanism M1, firstly, the sliding portion 23c of the movable member 23 is housed from below in the lower outer shell 22a of the second fixed member 22. The adjusting member 24 is screwed onto the sliding portion 23c so that it passes through, and then both ends of the adjusting member 24 are installed in the notches 27 of the lower outer shell 22. Furthermore, the stop member 28 is housed in the lower outer shell 22a of the second fixed member 22. In this state, if the first fixed member 21 and the second fixed member 22 are overlapped such that the adjusting member 24 passes through the hole formed by the notches 27 of the first fixed member 21 and the second fixed member, the claws 22f of the elastic locking piece 22e provided on the upper outer shell 21a are engaged with the lower edge of the lower outer shell 22a, thus assembling them as a single unit. Additionally, the size of the notch 27 is smaller than the engaging gear 24b; therefore, the engaging gear 24b is fixed to the upper outer shell 22a and the lower outer shell 22b in a manner that prevents it from moving in the axial direction. Next, the fixing screw 29 is passed through the notch 22b of the second fixing member 22 and the mounting hole 21b of the first fixing member 21, and then screwed into the screw hole 5e on the back of the box body 5, thereby fixing it to the box body 5.

[0096] If the adjusting component 24 of the partition adjusting mechanism M1 is rotated, the sliding part 23c moves within the movable component storage part 25 of the upper outer shell 21a of the first fixed component 21 and the lower outer shell 22b of the second fixed component 22. Therefore, as Figure 8B As shown, the spacer member 20, held in the movable member 23, moves forward or backward toward the rotor 8 inside the housing body 5, thereby adjusting the top position 20a of the spacer member 20. That is, as Figure 8B As shown in (a), when the tablet T is thicker, as will be explained in detail later, the rotor body 31 of the rotor 8 is raised, increasing the depth D of the groove in the tablet guide path 8b between the lower inclined surface 35c and the inclined portion 5b of the cartridge body 5, but the top of the spacer 20 also moves towards the rotor 8. Figure 8B As shown in (b), when the thickness of the tablet T is relatively thin, the rotor body 35 of the rotor 8 is lowered, reducing the depth D of the groove of the tablet guide path 8b between the lower inclined surface 35c and the inclined part 5b of the box body 5, but the top of the spacer 20 also moves backward from the rotor 8.

[0097] <Overall Structure of the Rotor>

[0098] like Figure 9 , 10 As shown, the rotor 8 has a general shape with a conical top, an inverted conical side, and a flat bottom. On the upper side of the rotor 8, a tablet pocket 8a is provided along the circumferential direction, and multiple tablet guide paths 8b extending downward from the tablet pocket 8a are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0099] The pill pocket 8a is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the rotor body 35 (described later), the first horizontal protrusion 73 of the first movable member 60 (described later), and the second horizontal protrusion 82 of the second movable member 61 (described later), and is surrounded by the inclined portion 5b of the box body 5. It receives the pills T stored in the box body 5 and arranges them in the circumferential direction.

[0100] The tablet guiding path 8b is formed into a groove by the lower inclined surface 35c of the rotor body 35 (described later), the first vertical protrusion 72 of the first movable member 60 (described later), the second vertical protrusion 81 of the second movable member 61 (described later), and the tablet support platform 55 of the annular lifting member 51 (described later), and is covered by the inclined portion 5b of the box body 5. It receives the tablets T neatly arranged in the tablet pocket 8a and then guides them downward.

[0101] The tablet guide path 8b requires adjustment of the depth, height, and width of the slots according to the shape or size of the tablets stored in the tablet box, ensuring that the tablets pass smoothly through the tablet guide path 8b and exit smoothly from the box. Figure 5The tablet is discharged through the discharging hole 9 shown. Here, the "depth" of the groove in the tablet guide path 8b is the dimension in the thickness direction of the tablet through the tablet guide path 8b, which is the dimension D between the inclined portion 5b of the cartridge body 5 and the lower inclined surface 35c of the downward protrusion 35 of the rotor body 31. The "height" of the groove is the dimension in the height direction of the tablet through the tablet guide path 8b, which is the dimension H between the spacer member 20 and the tablet support platform 55 of the annular lifting member 51 of the rotor 8. The "width" of the groove is the dimension in the width direction of the tablet through the tablet guide path 8b, which is the dimension W between the first vertical protrusion 72 of the first movable member 60 and the second vertical protrusion 81 of the second movable member 61.

[0102] The rotor 8 has a depth adjustment mechanism M2, a height adjustment mechanism M3, and a width adjustment mechanism M4, which are used to adjust the groove shape of the tablet guide path 8b. These mechanisms will be described in detail below.

[0103] <Deep Adjustment Mechanism>

[0104] Figure 11 This indicates the components that constitute the depth adjustment mechanism M2. The depth adjustment mechanism M2 consists of a rotor housing 30, a rotor body 31, a rotor base 32, and a depth adjustment component 33.

[0105] The rotor housing 30 has an overall umbrella shape. The top of the rotor housing 30 is formed into a hammer shape.

[0106] The rotor body 31 has a circular base 34, a downward protrusion 35, an annular portion 36, and a guide portion 37.

[0107] A shaft portion 38 is provided at the center of the base 34, and a threaded hole (not shown) is formed on the shaft portion 38. Two holes 34a and 34b, which are exposed on the upper part of the base 34, are formed for the height adjustment member 52 and the width adjustment member 64 (described later).

[0108] The downward protrusion 35 extends downward from six equal divisions of the outer peripheral edge of the base 34. The downward protrusion 35 consists of a vertical inner surface 35a, an upper inclined outer surface 35b sloping downwards outwards from the outer peripheral edge of the base 34, a lower inclined outer surface 35c sloping downwards inwards from the lower end of the upper inclined outer surface 35b, and two side surfaces 35d, forming a triangle when viewed from the side. The lower inclined outer surface 35c forms the bottom surface of the groove for the tablet guide path 8b. A notch 35e is formed at the lower end of the downward protrusion 35.

[0109] The annular portion 36 is formed concentrically on the outside of the base 34 and is connected to the base 34 by a downward protrusion 35.

[0110] The guide portion 37 extends downward from six equal divisions of the outer peripheral edge of the base 34 between the downward protrusions 35. Guide edges 37a, which slidably engage with the guide plates 40 of the rotor base 32 (described later), are formed on both sides of the inner surface of the guide portion 37. When the guide plates 40 engage with the guide edges 37a, the rotor body 31 and the rotor base 32 rotate integrally. A protrusion 37b, serving as a detection portion for zero-point detection, is formed at the lower end of any one of the six guide portions 37.

[0111] The rotor base 32 has an annular base 39, a guide plate 40, and an engaging portion 41.

[0112] An annular wall 42 is formed on the base 39. Vertical slits 42a extending axially at six equally spaced positions on the annular wall 42 are formed thereon.

[0113] The guide plate 40 protrudes upward between six equally spaced vertical slits 42a on the outer periphery of the base 39. The guide plate 40 is formed in a manner that allows it to slidably engage with the guide edge 37a of the guide portion 37 of the rotor body 31. A reinforcing rib 43 is provided between the guide plate 40 and the annular wall 42.

[0114] The engaging portion 41 includes engaging tabs 44 that rise upwards from six equally spaced points on the inner periphery of the base 39, and a circular protrusion 45 located at the upper end of the engaging tabs 44. Viewed from the back of the engaging portion 41, as... Figure 10 As shown, an engaging recess 41a is formed that engages with the rotor drive unit 10. The engaging piece 13b of the rotor drive unit 10 engages with the slit 44a between the adjacent engaging piece 44. A magnetic plate 46 is embedded inside the circular protrusion 45 and is attached to a magnet 15c provided on the central shaft 15 of the rotor drive unit 10. The depth adjustment member 33 is supported at the center of the upper part of the circular protrusion 45. The circular protrusion 45 has a hole 45a for receiving a stop 48 to prevent free rotation of the depth adjustment member 33, and two screw holes 45b for screws (not shown) to be inserted into the two screw insertion holes 93 of the second support member 63 (described later) and engaged with them.

[0115] An annular recess 47 is formed between the circular protrusion 45 and the annular wall 42 to accommodate the height adjustment mechanism M3, which will be described later.

[0116] The depth adjustment component 33 has a male threaded portion 33a and a gear portion 33b at its lower end. The male threaded portion 33a engages with a threaded hole (not shown) on the shaft portion 38 of the rotor body 31, and the gear portion 33b at its lower end is supported on a circular protrusion 45 of the rotor base 32. The upper end of the male threaded portion 33a forms a locking portion 33c, which protrudes from and protrudes from the shaft portion 38 of the rotor body 31, allowing for external rotational adjustment. The front end of a stop member 48, which is composed of an elastic plate, engages between the teeth of the gear portion 33b.

[0117] In the depth adjustment member 33, the axial movement of the gear portion 33b is restricted by the first support member 62 and the rotor base 32. Furthermore, the guide edge 37a of the rotor body 31 engages with the guide piece 40 of the rotor base 32, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotor body 31 toward the rotor base 32. Thus, if the depth adjustment member 33 is rotated while the rotor base 32 is not rotating, the rotor body 31, having a threaded hole (not shown) that engages with the male threaded portion 33a of the depth adjustment member 33, will rise or fall in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotor 4. The lower inclined outer surface 35c of the downward protrusion 35 of the rotor body 31, which forms the bottom surface of the tablet guide path 8b, will also rise or fall accordingly.

[0118] Reference Figure 14 The lower inclined outer portion 35c of the downward protrusion 35 slopes radially from top to bottom from the outside to the inside, parallel to the inverted conical inclined portion 5b of the box body 5. Therefore, if the lower inclined outer portion 35c of the downward protrusion 35 of the rotor body 31 descends, the distance between the lower inclined outer portion 35c of the downward protrusion 35 and the conical inclined portion 5b of the box body 5 decreases, making the depth of the tablet guide path 8b shallower (D1). Conversely, if the lower inclined outer portion 35c of the downward protrusion 35 of the rotor body 31 rises, the distance between the lower inclined outer portion 35c of the downward protrusion 35 and the inverted conical inclined portion 5b of the box body 5 increases, making the depth of the tablet guide path 8b deeper (D2). In this way, by rotating the depth adjustment member 33 to the left or right, the depth of the tablet guide path 8b can be adjusted according to the thickness of the tablet T passing through the tablet guide path 8b. In addition, whenever Figure 11 When the gear portion 33b of the depth adjustment member 33 shown rotates, the top of the stop member 48 will pass over the teeth of the gear portion 33b and engage between the teeth. Therefore, by stopping the depth adjustment member 33 at the appropriate position, the rotor body 35 can be fixed at the desired height position.

[0119] <Height Adjustment Mechanism>

[0120] Figure 12 This indicates the components that make up the height adjustment mechanism M3. The height adjustment mechanism M3 consists of a cylindrical rotating component 50, an annular lifting component 51, and a height adjustment component 52.

[0121] A male threaded portion 50a is formed on the lower outer periphery of the cylindrical rotating component 50, and a driven gear 50b is formed on the upper inner periphery. A stop member 53 is engaged with the driven gear 50b to prevent the free rotation of the cylindrical rotating component 50.

[0122] In the annular lifting member 51, arms 54 are radially projected at six equal positions on the outer periphery, and a tablet support platform 55 is formed at the top of each arm 54. The tablet support platform 55 is inclined in a manner orthogonal to the tablet movement path 8b, thereby supporting the lowest tablet T in the tablet guide path 8b. An internal thread 51a is formed on the inner surface of the annular lifting member 51, which engages with the male thread 50a of the cylindrical rotating member 50.

[0123] The height adjustment member 52 has a drive gear 52a at its lower end that meshes with the driven gear 50b of the cylindrical rotating member 50. A locking portion 52b is formed at the upper end of the height adjustment member 52, protruding from and exposed through the upper hole 34a of the base 34 of the rotor body 31, allowing for external rotational adjustment. The height adjustment member 52 is held at the edge of the hole 90 of the second support member 63, described later, in a manner that prevents it from moving vertically.

[0124] The cylindrical rotating component 50 and the annular lifting component 51 are screwed together and housed in the annular recess 47 of the rotor base 32. The arm 54 of the annular lifting component 51 is slidably embedded in the slit 42a of the annular wall 42 of the rotor base 32. The tablet support platform 55 protrudes outward from the annular wall 42 of the rotor base 32, thereby supporting the lowest tablet T in the tablet guiding path 8b.

[0125] like Figure 15 As shown, in order to adjust the height H of the tablet guide path 8b, which is equivalent to the height of the tablet T, the height adjustment component 52 of the height adjustment mechanism M3 is rotated to the left or right. In this invention, the spacer component 20 is fixed towards the box body 5 in the height direction. Therefore, adjusting the height H of the tablet guide path 8b does not involve moving the spacer component 20 itself, but rather raising or lowering the tablet support platform 55 located below the spacer component 20, thereby adjusting the distance between the spacer component 20 and the tablet support platform 55, and thus adjusting the height H of the tablet support platform 55 to the spacer component 20 of the tablet guide path 8b.

[0126] If the height adjustment member 52 is rotated, the cylindrical rotating member 50 will also rotate. The vertical movement of the cylindrical rotating member 50 is limited by the second support member 63 and the rotor base 32. For the annular lifting member 51, which has a female thread 51a that engages with the male thread 50a of the cylindrical rotating member 50, its rotation is limited because the arm 54 passes through the slit 42a of the annular wall 42 of the rotor base 32. Therefore, depending on the rotation of the cylindrical rotating member 50, the annular lifting member 51 rises and falls, and the tablet support 55 of the annular lifting member 51 rises and falls.

[0127] That is, such as Figure 15As shown, if the cylindrical rotating member 50 rotates in one direction, the tablet support 55 of the annular lifting member 51 rises, and the position, i.e., the height, of the spacer member 20 relative to the tablet support 55 decreases (H1). Conversely, if the cylindrical rotating member 50 rotates in the other direction, the tablet support 55 of the annular lifting member 51 falls, and the position, i.e., the height, of the spacer member 20 relative to the tablet support 55 increases (H2). Furthermore, when the cylindrical rotating member 50 is rotated by rotating the height adjusting member 52, the top end of the stop member 53 passes over the teeth of the driven gear 50b of the cylindrical rotating member 50 and engages with the teeth. Therefore, by stopping the height adjusting member 52 at an appropriate position, the tablet support 55 can be fixed at the desired height.

[0128] Width Adjustment Mechanism

[0129] Figure 13 The components constituting the width adjustment mechanism M4 are indicated. The width adjustment mechanism M4 is composed of a first movable part 60, a second movable part 61, a first support part 62, a second support part 63, and a width adjustment part 64.

[0130] like Figure 13 As shown, the first movable member 60 is composed of an upper member 60a and a lower member 60b. The engaging protrusion 65 of the upper member 60a engages with the engaging protrusion 66 of the lower member 60b, and the two can rotate as a whole.

[0131] On the upper part 60a of the first movable member 60, a slightly semi-circular notch 68 and an elongated hole 69 are formed adjacent to each other on the inner periphery of the annular base 67. Viewed from above, the first movable member 60 has protrusions A 68a and B 68b formed on the edge of the notch 68 opposite to the center of the notch 68, which are circumferentially opposite to the first movable member 60. Protrusions A 68a and B 68b are cam followers that slide in contact with cams A 94a and B 94b of the first adjusting shaft 94, which will be described later.

[0132] The lower part 60b of the first movable part 60 includes an annular base 70, six wall portions 71, a first vertical tab 72, and a first horizontal tab 73. The six wall portions 71 protrude downwards from six equally spaced points on the outer periphery of the base 70. Viewed from the front of the wall portions 71, the first vertical tab 72 protrudes outwards from its left end, forming the right side of the aforementioned tablet guide path 8b. A notch 72a is formed on the first vertical tab 72 into which the spacer 20 is embedded. The first horizontal tab 73 extends horizontally to the right in the circumferential direction from the upper end of the first vertical tab 72 (viewed from the front), forming the bottom surface of the aforementioned tablet pocket 8a.

[0133] The second movable member 61 is similar to the first movable member 60, consisting of an upper member 61a and a lower member 61b. However, the engaging protrusion 74 of the upper member 61a engages with the engaging recess 75 of the lower member 61b, and the two can rotate as a single unit.

[0134] On the upper part 61a of the second movable member 61, a slightly semi-circular notch 77 and an elongated hole 78 are formed adjacent to each other on the inner circumference of the annular base 76. Viewed from above, the second movable member 61 has protrusions A 77a and B 77b formed at the edges of the opposing notches 77, which are circumferentially opposite to those of the second movable member 61. Protrusions A 77a and B 77b are cam followers that slide in contact with cams A 95a and B 95b of the second adjustment shaft, which will be described later.

[0135] The lower part 61b of the second movable member 61 has an annular base 79, six wall portions 80, a second vertical tab 81, and a second horizontal tab 82. The six wall portions 80 protrude downwards from six equally spaced points on the outer periphery of the base 79. The second vertical tab 81 protrudes outwards from the right end when viewed from the front of the wall portion 80, forming the left side of the aforementioned tablet guide path 8b. A notch 81a is formed on the second vertical tab 81 into which the spacer 20 is inserted. When viewed from the front, the second horizontal tab 82 extends horizontally to the left along the circumferential direction from the upper end of the second vertical tab 81, forming the bottom surface of the aforementioned tablet pocket 8a together with the first horizontal tab 73 of the first movable member 60. The top end of the second horizontal tab 82 of the second movable member 61 is formed such that it overlaps with the bottom end of the top end of the first horizontal tab 73 of the first movable member 60.

[0136] The first support member 62 is circular and has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the upper member 60a of the first movable member 60. It has a circular protrusion 83 on its lower surface. The first support member 62 has the following holes formed in its center: holes 84 and 84a through which the width adjustment member 64 (described later) passes, holes 85 through which the depth adjustment member 33 of the depth adjustment mechanism M2 passes, holes 86 through which the height adjustment member 52 of the height adjustment mechanism M3 passes, and two screw holes 87.

[0137] The second support member 63 is circular and has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the upper member 60a of the first movable member 60. An annular protrusion 88 is formed on it, which fits into the circular protrusion 83 of the first support member 62. In the center of the second support member 63 are formed: a hole 89 through which the depth adjustment member 33 of the depth adjustment mechanism M2 passes, a hole 90 and a notch 90a through which the height adjustment member 52 of the height adjustment mechanism M3 passes, a hole 91a through which the first adjustment shaft 94 of the width adjustment member 64 (described later) passes, a hole 91b into which the second adjustment shaft 95 fits, two screw holes 92 (not shown) into which screws are screwed into the two screw holes 87 of the first support member 62, and two screw holes 93.

[0138] A screw (not shown) is inserted into the screw hole 92 of the second support member 63 through the screw hole 87 of the first support member 62 and tightened, so that the first support member 62 and the second support member 63 become one unit while holding the first movable member 60 and the second movable member 61.

[0139] Additionally, a screw (not shown) is inserted into the screw hole 45b of the rotor base 32 from the screw hole 93 of the second support member 63 and tightened. Thus, the second support member 63 is fixed on the rotor base 32, and the cylindrical rotating member 50 of the height adjustment mechanism M3 is held between the second support member 63 and the rotor base 32, and its axial movement is restricted.

[0140] The width adjustment component 64 consists of a first adjustment shaft 94 and a second adjustment shaft 95. The first adjustment shaft 94 is disposed within a notch 68. The second adjustment shaft 95 is disposed within an elongated hole 69. A stop 96 is provided on the second adjustment shaft 95 to prevent free rotation of the width adjustment component 64.

[0141] The first adjusting shaft 94, from its top end, sequentially forms cam A 94a, cam B 94b, and gear 94c. For example... Figure 16 As shown, cam A 94a is formed such that the radius of the cam surface of the width adjustment member 64 increases within a clockwise range of 360° when viewed from above, and it slides in contact with the A protrusion 68a of the first movable member 60. Cam B 94b is formed such that the radius of the cam surface of the width adjustment member 64 increases within a counterclockwise range of 360° when viewed from above, and it slides in contact with the B protrusion 68b of the first movable member 60. The maximum radius of cam A 94a and the maximum radius of cam B 94b are located at a position 180° apart. The upper end of the first adjustment shaft 94 is supported in the hole 84a of the first support member 62, and the lower end is supported in the hole 91a of the second support member 63.

[0142] Similarly, the second adjustment shaft 95 consists of, from its lower end, a cam A 95a, a cam B 95b, a gear 95c, and a engaging portion 95d. Cam A 95a is formed such that the radius of the cam surface of the width adjustment member 64 increases within a clockwise 360° range when viewed from below, and it slides in contact with the A protrusion 77a of the second movable member 61. Cam B 95b is formed such that the radius of the cam surface of the width adjustment member 64 increases within a counterclockwise 360° range when viewed from below, and it slides in contact with the B protrusion 77b of the second movable member 61. The maximum radius of cam A 95a and the maximum radius of cam B 95b are located at a position 180° apart. Gear 95c and gear 94c of the second adjustment shaft 95 mesh and move together. The upper end of the second adjustment shaft 95 passes through the hole 69 of the first support member 62, protrudes from the rotor body 31, and protrudes from the hole 34a, allowing for external rotational adjustment. The lower end of the second adjusting shaft 95 is supported in the hole 91b of the second support member 63. In addition, the upper end of the first adjusting shaft 94 passes through the first support member 62, protrudes from the rotor body 35 and is exposed, so it can also be rotated and adjusted from the outside.

[0143] If the second adjustment axis is 95 Figure 16 (a) When rotated clockwise, the rotational force is transmitted from gear 95c of the second adjustment shaft 95 to gear 94c of the first adjustment shaft 94, causing the first adjustment shaft 94 to rotate counterclockwise. Through the rotation of the first adjustment shaft 94, the A cam 94a of the first adjustment shaft 94 slides into contact with and presses against the A protrusion 68a of the first movable member 60. Therefore, the first movable member 60... Figure 16 (a) Rotate clockwise. On the other hand, by rotating the second adjustment axis 95, as... Figure 16 As shown in (b), the A cam 95a of the second adjusting shaft 95 slides into contact with and presses against the A protrusion 77a of the second movable member 61. Therefore, the second movable member 61... Figure 16 (b) rotate clockwise, in Figure 16 (a) Rotate counterclockwise.

[0144] Next, if the second adjustment axis 95 is in Figure 16 (a) When rotated counterclockwise, the rotational force is transmitted from gear 95c of the second adjusting shaft 95 to gear 94c of the first adjusting shaft 94, causing the first adjusting shaft 94 to rotate clockwise. Through the rotation of the first adjusting shaft 94, the B cam 94b of the first adjusting shaft 94 slides into contact with and presses against the B protrusion 68b of the first movable member 60. Therefore, the first movable member 60... Figure 16 (a) Rotate counterclockwise. On the other hand, by rotating the second adjustment axis 95, Figure 16 As shown in (b), the B cam 95b of the second adjusting shaft 95 slides into contact with and presses against the B protrusion 77b of the second movable member 61. Therefore, the second movable member 61... Figure 16(b) rotate counterclockwise, in Figure 16 (a) Rotate clockwise.

[0145] As described above, the first movable member 60 and the second movable member 61 rotate in opposite directions, which can expand or reduce the distance between the first vertical protrusion 72 of the first movable member 60 and the second vertical protrusion 81 of the second movable member 61, that is, the width of the tablet guide path 8b.

[0146] The operation of the rotor 8 in the tablet box 2 with the above structure will now be explained.

[0147] As mentioned above, in Figure 5 The box body 5 shown has a tablet pocket 8a extending circumferentially on the upper side of the rotor 8 and a plurality of tablet guide paths 8b extending downward from the upper side of the rotor 8.

[0148] Reference Figure 5 The tablets T stored in the box body 5 are stirred by the rotation of the rotor 8 and enter the tablet pocket 8a. From the tablet pocket 8a, they enter the tablet guide path 8b. If the tablet guide path 8b approaches the tablet discharge hole 9, the spacer 20 fixed to the box body 5 will enter between the lowest tablet T and the tablets T above it in the tablet guide path 8b. The spacer 20 prevents the tablets T above it from falling downwards. The lowest tablet T below the spacer 20 is located on the tablet support 55, but because the tablet support 55 is tilted, it falls towards the tablet discharge hole 9 and is discharged from the tablet discharge hole 9. The tablets T discharged from the tablet discharge hole 9 pass through... Figure 2 The tablets are delivered via the tablet discharge path 3c of the base 2 shown. Thus, when the tablet guide path 8b rotates to the tablet discharge hole 9, tablets T are discharged one by one. By adjusting the rotation angle of the rotor 8, tablets T can be delivered according to the prescription quantity.

[0149] The tablet guide path 8b utilizes the aforementioned partition adjustment mechanism M1, depth adjustment mechanism M2, height adjustment mechanism M3, and width adjustment mechanism M4 to adjust the entry position of the partition member 20 relative to the thickness of the tablet T, the depth D corresponding to the thickness of the tablet T, the height H corresponding to the height of the tablet T, and the width W corresponding to the width of the tablet T. Therefore, an appropriately sized tablet guide path 8b can be set according to the shape or size of the tablet T stored in the box body 5. For different tablet Ts, without replacing the entire tablet box 2 or rotor 8, the same tablet box 2 or rotor 8 can be used, and the tablet guide path 8b can be adjusted to suit various tablet Ts, thus enabling dispensing. This adjustment can be performed automatically using the tablet guide path adjustment device described below.

[0150] <Pill Guide Path Adjustment Device>

[0151] Figure 17 This describes the tablet guide path adjustment device 100 of the tablet box of the present invention. The tablet guide path adjustment device 100 is used to manually adjust the depth, height, width of the groove of the tablet guide path 8b of the tablet box 2, as well as the entry position of the spacer member 20.

[0152] That is, the tablet guide path adjustment device 100 engages with the engaging parts 33c, 52b, and 95d of the adjusting components 33, 52, and 64 of the adjusting mechanisms M2, M3, and M4 used to adjust the depth, height, and width of the groove of the tablet guide path 8b in the tablet box 2, so that the adjusting mechanism is working and adjusts the size of the tablet guide path 8b according to the shape or size of the tablet T stored in the box body 5. At the same time, it engages with the engaging gear 24b of the partition adjusting component 24 of the partition adjusting mechanism M1 used to adjust the entry position of the partition component 20, so that the partition adjusting mechanism M1 is working and adjusts the entry position of the partition component 20 according to the shape or size of the tablet T stored in the box body 5 and the depth of the groove of the tablet guide path 8b.

[0153] The tablet guiding path adjustment device 100 includes a device body 101, an adjustment component 102, a tool 103, and a control device 200.

[0154] The device body 101 includes: a base portion 105, a middle portion 106 that rises upward from the rear of the base portion 105, and a guide portion 107 that protrudes forward from the upper end of the middle portion 106.

[0155] Above the base 105 is a rotor stage 108 on which the rotor 8 holding the tablet box 2 is placed. A rotor mounting protrusion 109 is provided on the rotor stage 108. The rotor mounting protrusion 109 has the same shape as the engaging shaft 13 of the rotor drive part 10 of the box body 5, so that the tablet box 2 can be mounted.

[0156] like Figure 19 As shown, a height zero-point detection sensor 113, a depth zero-point detection sensor 114, and a width zero-point detection sensor 115 and 116 are respectively installed on the back of the rotor table 108 via brackets 110, 111, and 112. Each sensor 113, 114, 115, and 116 is composed of limit switches, as shown. Figure 34 , 35 As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the detection parts 113a, 114a, 115a, and 116a of each of the sensors 113, 114, 115, and 116 protrude upwards from the rotor table 108. Figure 36 As shown, the detection section 113a of the zero-point height detection sensor 113 is opposite to the underside of the tablet support platform 55 of the rotor 8 placed on the rotor table 108, as... Figure 35 As shown, the detection section 114a of the depth zero-point detection sensor 114 is opposite to the protrusion 37b of the guide section 37, as... Figure 34 As shown, the detection parts 115a and 116a of the width zero-point detection sensors 115 and 116 are opposite to the lower ends of the first vertical protrusion 72 and the second vertical protrusion 81, and can respectively abut against them. (Back) Figure 17 The detection units 113a, 114a, 115a, and 116a use U-shaped guides 117, 118, and 119 provided on the rotor table 108 to prevent them from coming into contact with foreign objects.

[0157] In addition, such as Figure 19 As shown, a base plate 121 is mounted on the back of the rotor stage 108 via a bracket 120. The base plate 121 receives signals from the height zero-point detection sensor 113, the depth zero-point detection sensor 114, the width zero-point detection sensors 115 and 116, and the encoder 131 (described later), and sends signals to the control device 200 (described later), while simultaneously supplying them with power. A USB terminal 122 for connecting the base plate 121 and the control device 200 is provided on the base portion 105.

[0158] like Figure 18 As shown, a cylindrical portion 123 for housing the central shaft 155 of the adjustment component 102 is provided inside the middle portion 106. The cylindrical portion 123 communicates with the receiving opening 124 of the guide portion 107 described later, extends in the vertical direction, and narrows in diameter towards the lower direction.

[0159] like Figure 17 As shown, the guide portion 107 consists of an upper outer shell 107a and a lower outer shell 107b. A receiving opening 124 is formed at the rear of the guide portion 107, extending from the upper outer shell 107a to the lower outer shell 107b, and its central shaft 155 is inserted therein when the adjustment component 102 is received. Three upper guide holes 125a, 125b, and 125c are formed at the front of the upper outer shell 107a of the guide portion 107, into which the central shaft 155 is inserted when the adjustment component 102 is used. Lower guide holes (in...) are formed on the lower outer shell 107b at positions corresponding to the upper guide holes 125a, 125b, and 125c. Figure 22 (b) (represented by symbol 126). Near the upper guide holes 125a, 125b, and 125c, there are displays 127a, 127b, and 127c indicating what adjustments are being made. A protrusion 128 for mounting the tool 103 is formed on the rear side of the guide portion 107 (see reference). Figure 18 Inside the guide section 107 are three rotating components 129 (i.e., the first rotating component 129a, the second rotating component 129b, and the third rotating component 129c), an intermediate gear 130, and an encoder 131.

[0160] The three rotating parts 129 have the same shape. For example... Figure 22 As shown, the rotating component 129 has a cylindrical shape and forms an engagement hole 132 that engages with the central shaft 155 of the adjusting component 102 described later. The upper end of the rotating component 129 is rotatably engaged with an annular rib 133 formed around the upper guide hole 125, with the engagement hole 132 communicating with the upper guide hole 125. Similarly, the lower end of the rotating component 129 is rotatably engaged with an annular rib 134 formed around the lower guide hole 126, with the engagement hole 132 communicating with the lower guide hole 126. On the inner surface of the engagement hole 132 of the rotating component 129, four axially extending engagement grooves are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. On the rotating component 129, an elastic piece 137 is provided by forming an inverted U-shaped slit 136. This slit 136 is composed of two axially extending straight portions 136a and 136b opposite to two adjacent engaging grooves 135, and an arcuate portion 136c connecting the upper ends of the straight portions 136a and 136b. A pressing portion 138 is formed on the inner surface of the elastic piece 137, which is further inward than the inner surface of the engaging hole 132. The pressing portion 138 serves as an anti-loosening part to prevent loosening between the central shaft 155 of the adjusting component 102 inserted into the engaging hole 132 and the engaging hole 132. A rotating gear 139 is provided at the lower part of the elastic piece 137 of the rotating component 129. Figure 21 As shown, the rotating gear 139 of the first rotating component 129a meshes with the rotating gear 139 of the second rotating component 129b, and the rotating gear 139 of the third rotating component 129c disengages from the rotating gear 139 of the first rotating component 129a and the rotating gear 139 of the second rotating component 129b.

[0161] The intermediate gear 130 has a shaft portion 140 rotatably supported on the upper housing 107a and the lower housing 107b, and teeth 141 rotatably engaged with the shaft portion 140. The teeth 141 have a certain clearance from the shaft portion 140 and are capable of moving in a direction orthogonal to the shaft portion 140. The teeth 141 of the intermediate gear 130 mesh with the rotating gears 139 of the second rotating member 129b and the third rotating member 129c.

[0162] The encoder 131 is the operation quantity detection unit of the present invention, having a detection gear 142 that meshes with the intermediate gear 130. The encoder 131 is mounted on a lever 143 rotatably disposed on the lower housing 107b. The lever 143 is spring-loaded by a coil spring 144 in the direction in which the detection gear 142 of the encoder 131 meshes with the intermediate gear 130. The lever 143 and the coil spring 144 form a backlash prevention part to prevent backlash between the teeth 141 of the intermediate gear 130 and the detection gear 142, and between the teeth 141 of the intermediate gear 130 and the rotating gears 139 of the second rotating member 129b and the third rotating member 120c. The teeth 141 of the intermediate gear 130 are pressed against the detection gear 142 to maintain their engagement with the detection gear 142. Meanwhile, backlash between the gears is prevented by the gears moving in a direction orthogonal to the shaft 140 and by the stable engagement of the rotating gears 139 of the second rotating member 129b and the third rotating member 120c with each other.

[0163] When the central shaft 155 of the adjusting member 102 is inserted into the engagement hole 132 of the first rotating member 129a, the encoder 131 detects the amount of rotation of the central shaft 155 of the adjusting member 102 through the rotating gear 139 of the first rotating member 129a, the rotating gear 139 of the second rotating member 129b, the intermediate gear 130, and the detection gear 142. When the central shaft 155 of the adjusting member 102 is inserted into the engagement hole 132 of the second rotating member 129b, the encoder 131 detects the amount of rotation of the central shaft 155 of the adjusting member 102 through the rotating gear 139 of the second rotating member 129b, the intermediate gear 130, and the detection gear 142. When the central shaft 155 of the adjusting member 102 is inserted into the engagement hole 132 of the third rotating member 129c, the encoder 131 detects the amount of rotation of the central shaft 155 of the adjusting member 102 via the rotating gear 139, intermediate gear 130, and detection gear 142 of the third rotating member 129c. The amount of rotation of the adjusting member 102 detected by the encoder 131 is transmitted to the base plate 121 of the base 105 via the encoder 145 and the connector 146.

[0164] like Figure 23 As shown, the adjustment component 102 is generally composed of a grip portion 147 and a shaft portion 148.

[0165] like Figure 24 As shown, the grip portion 147 is composed of an outer part 149 and an inner part 150.

[0166] The outer component 149 includes: a large, conical trapezoidal cylindrical gripper 149b, closed at the upper end by a top wall 149a and open at the lower end; and a small gripper 149c protruding axially from the top wall 149a. A hexagonal wrench 149d is mounted on the upper end of the small gripper 149c. The hexagonal wrench 149d engages with a hexagonal hole (not shown) on the adjusting component 24 of the divider adjusting mechanism M1 of the tablet box 2 to drive the divider adjusting mechanism M1. An arrow mark 149e indicating the origin direction is provided on the surface of the top wall 149a of the large gripper 149b. Figure 25 As shown, on the back side of the top wall 149a of the large gripper portion 149b, there are: a shaft hole 149f and a locking portion 149g composed of concave and convex parts arranged in a ring around the shaft.

[0167] like Figure 24 As shown, the inner component 150 is formed into a semi-divided cylinder, and is installed inside the outer component 149 using mounting screws 152. Figure 25 On the mounting base 151 shown, a flange 150a is formed on the inner periphery of the inner component 150 in a manner that protrudes radially inward.

[0168] The shaft portion 148 is composed of a first component 153, a second component 154, and a central shaft 155.

[0169] The first component 153 is housed within the inner component 150 of the grip portion 147, as shown in the following figures. Figure 28 As shown, it has an inner cylindrical portion 153a and an outer cylindrical portion 153b. The upper end of the inner cylindrical portion 153a is closed by an upper engaging portion 153c, and the lower end is open. The upper engaging portion 153c forms a shaft hole 153d at its center, and has annularly arranged protrusions and recesses on its surface. The upper engaging portion 153c of the inner cylindrical portion 153a can engage with the engaging portion 149g of the grip portion 147. The lower end of the inner cylindrical portion 153a is open, and a lower engaging portion 153e is provided on its outer periphery. Below the lower engaging portion 153e, as shown... Figure 26 As shown, it has annular protrusions and concave surfaces arranged around an axis. The upper end of the outer cylindrical portion 153b is open, and the lower end is connected to the upper surface of the lower engaging portion 153e. An outer peripheral recess 153f is formed on the outer periphery of the outer cylindrical portion 153b, into which the flange 150a of the inner part 150 of the grip portion 147 enters.

[0170] The upper part of the second component 154 is formed into a cylindrical shape of the same size as the inner cylindrical portion 153a of the first component 153. The upper end of the second component 154 is closed, and a shaft hole 154a is formed in the center. The lower end of the second component 154 is open, and an annular engaging portion 154b is formed on its outer periphery. On the upper surface of the engaging portion 154b, there are protrusions and recesses arranged in a ring around the shaft. The engaging portion 154b of the second component 154 can engage with the lower engaging portion 153e of the first component 153. On the inner surface of the second component 154, as shown... Figure 27 As shown, four engaging grooves 154c extending axially are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0171] Central axis 155 Figure 24 The device comprises, from top to bottom, a base end portion 155a, a first engaging portion 155b, a second engaging portion 155c, and a top end portion 155d. The base end portion 155a is cylindrical and engages with the shaft hole 154a of the second component 154, the shaft hole 153d of the first component 153, and the shaft hole 149f of the outer component 149 of the gripper portion 147. A retaining ring 158 (described later) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion 155a, and engages with it in an outer peripheral groove 155e. The first engaging portion 155b has a cross-shaped cross section and can engage with the engaging groove 154c of the second component 154. The second engaging portion 155c has a smaller cross-shaped cross section than the first engaging portion 155b and can engage with the engaging groove 135 of the engaging hole 132 of the rotating component 129 of the guide portion 107. The top part 155d is cylindrical, and its top part can engage with the engaging parts 33c, 52b, and 95d of the various adjusting parts 33, 52, and 64 of the tablet box 2.

[0172] A helical spring 156 is mounted on the base end 155a of the central shaft 155. The base end 155a passes through the shaft hole 154a of the second component 154 and the shaft hole 153d of the first component 153. A retaining ring 158 is installed in the outer peripheral groove 155e of the base end 155a protruding from the first component 153, with a washer 157 in between, to prevent it from falling off. The helical spring 156 is installed between the first engaging part 155b and the second component 154 in a compressed state. As a result, the first engaging part 155b of the central shaft 155 engages with the engaging groove 154c of the second component 154. The second component 154 is spring-pressed towards the first component 153 by the helical spring 156. The engaging part 154b of the second component 154 engages with the upper engaging part 153c of the first component 153, thereby enabling it to rotate integrally with the first component 153 and the second component 154.

[0173] The grip portion 147 is mounted on the shaft 148 by inserting the flange 150a of the inner component 150 into the outer peripheral recess 153f of the first component 153 of the shaft 148, and by fixing the grip portion 147 to the mounting seat 151 of the outer component 149 with the mounting screw 152 while the half-divided inner component 150 is assembled on the first component 153 of the shaft 148. Thus, the grip portion 147 can slide axially toward the shaft 148 and can move to two positions: an engaged position where the engaging portion 149g engages with the upper engaging portion 153c of the first component 153, thereby rotating integrally with the central axis 155 of the shaft 148; and a non-engaged position where the engaging portion 149g disengages from the upper engaging portion 153c of the first component 153, allowing it to rotate freely toward the central axis 155.

[0174] like Figure 29 As shown, when a volume-enlarging unit (not shown) is installed to increase the volume of the tablet box 2, the tool 103 includes: a metal part 159 for removing the volume-enlarging unit from the box body 5, and a pin 160 for removing the rotor housing 30.

[0175] Figure 30 This is a system configuration diagram of the tablet guide path adjustment device 100. The tablet guide path adjustment device 100 includes a control device 200, a display device 201, and a tablet host 202. Detection signals from the zero-point detection sensors 113, 114, 115, and 116 for height, depth, and width are input to the control device 200. Additionally, the detection signal from the encoder 131 is input to the control device 200. The tablet host 202 is the main tablet storage unit of this invention, storing the tablet type identification ID, the dimensions of the depth, height, and width of the tablet guide path 8b suitable for the shape or size of the tablet, and the shape or size of the tablet. Alternatively, instead of the dimensions of the tablet guide path 8b, it can store values ​​related to those dimensions, such as correction factors relative to standard dimensions. Based on the detection signals from the tablet host 202 and the sensors 113, 114, 115, and 116, the control device 200 displays the target values ​​and current values ​​of depth, height, and width on the display device 201. Figure 1 The reading signal of the barcode reader 204 in the pill storage and dispensing device 1 shown, and the signal from the barcode reader 204 installed in the device. Figure 1 The RFID reader 205 on the filling platform 1a of the pill receiving and dispensing device 1 reads the RFID chip 206 of the pill box 2, and the reading signal is input into the control device 200. The target values ​​of depth, height, and width can also be downloaded from a database on a host computer or the Internet.

[0176] Figure 31This is an example of a screen 207 displayed on the display device 201. The screen 207 includes: display units 208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d indicating the on / off status of the zero-point detection sensors for height, depth, and width; a message unit 209 displaying prompts for user operation; display units 210 and 211 showing the current and target values; and display units 212a, 212b, and 212c indicating what adjustments are being made to the rotation detected by the encoder 131. Additionally, a start button 213 and an OK button 214 are displayed. The display device 201 constitutes the notification unit of this invention. Besides displaying the current and target values, it can also display either the current or target value, the difference between the target and current values, a countdown to reaching the target value, whether it matches the target value, voice notifications, printing on paper, switching the LED's illumination state, and audio reading, providing adjustment support information required by the user to adjust the pill guide path 8b using the adjustment unit 102.

[0177] Reference Figure 32 and Figure 33 The operation of adjusting the size of the tablet guide path 8b of the rotor 8 of the tablet box 2 and the entry position of the spacer member 20 using the tablet guide path adjustment device 100 constructed as described above will be explained.

[0178] First, connect the tablet guide path adjustment device 100 and the tablet storage and retrieval device 1 to the USB cable (not shown in the figure) and start the application installed on the control device 200.

[0179] In step 1, the information of the medicines to be newly stored in the pill storage and retrieval device 1 is read by the barcode reader 204, and then placed into the control device 200.

[0180] In step 2, the tablet box 2, from which the tablets to be replaced with new tablets, is removed from the tablet storage and dispensing device 1 and placed on the filling stage 1a. If there are still tablets remaining in the tablet box 2, they are removed first.

[0181] In step 3, the user presses the start button 213.

[0182] In step 4, the rotor 8 is removed from the box body 5. To do this, firstly, using the hex wrench 149d of the adjusting member 102, the adjusting member 24 of the partition adjusting mechanism M1 is rotated to retract the spacer member 20, and then the rotor 8 is removed from the box body 5. Next, using the tool 103 provided in the device body 101 of the tablet guide path adjusting device 100, the rotor housing 30 is removed from the rotor 8.

[0183] In step 5, the rotor 8 is mounted on the rotor table 108 of the device body 101. At this time, as... Figure 34As shown, the mark installed on the rotor 8 is aligned with the positioning mark on the rotor table 108.

[0184] After installing rotor 8, in step 6, the user presses the OK button 214, and in step 7, the width of the tablet guide path 8b is adjusted.

[0185] like Figure 33 As shown, in step 21, the display device 201 displays "Please insert the adjustment component into the width." In step 22, the display section 212c of the width selected by the encoder is highlighted, indicating whether the encoder 131 has detected the width. In step 23, the target value of the width of the tablet guide path 8b corresponding to the shape and size of the new tablet is displayed on the display device 201. Furthermore, in step 24, the RFID reader 205 provided on the filling station 1a reads the RFID chip 206 provided on the tablet box 2, and then displays the current value of the width of the tablet guide path 8b set for the tablets stored in the tablet box 2.

[0186] Therefore, the user first removes the adjustment component 102 from the storage port 124 of the device body 101, and inserts the central shaft 155 from the upper guide hole 125 of the "Width" of the device body 101 toward the lower guide hole 126, as follows. Figure 34 As shown, it engages with the engagement part 95d of the width adjustment mechanism M4 of the rotor 8.

[0187] The central axis 155 of the adjusting component 102 engages with the engaging hole 132 of the rotating component 129, allowing it to rotate integrally with the rotating component 129. Furthermore, by pressing the pressing portion 138 of the elastic piece 137 of the rotating component 129 into the engaging hole 132, loosening can be prevented, and the rotation of the adjusting component 102 can be reliably transmitted to the rotating component 129.

[0188] The rotation of the rotating component 129 is transmitted to the detection gear 142 of the encoder 131 via the intermediate gear 130. The encoder 131 detects the amount of rotation and sends it to the control device 200. The detection gear 142 of the encoder 131 is pressed against the intermediate gear 130 by the helical spring 144, thus preventing backlash between the teeth and ensuring reliable transmission of the rotation of the rotating component 129. This allows the encoder 131 to perform detection more accurately.

[0189] When adjusting component 102 is in the grip position of handle 147, such as Figure 28As shown in (b), the shaft portion 148 descends downward relative to the grip portion 147 due to its own weight, and the outer part 149g of the grip portion 147 disengages from the upper engaging part 153c of the first part 153. As a result, when the central shaft 155 is not engaged with the engaging part 95d, even if the grip portion 147 is rotated, its rotational force is not transmitted to the shaft portion 155; therefore, the encoder does not detect rotation. If the central shaft 155 is pressed onto the engaging part 95d, the central shaft 155 moves relative to the grip portion 147, and the engaging part 149g engages with the upper engaging part 153c. Therefore, by rotating the grip portion 147, the central shaft 155 rotates. Furthermore, when the central shaft 155 is engaged with the engaging part 95d, if rotation is forcibly performed beyond zero, torque is generated; therefore, the torque limiter activates, as... Figure 28 As shown in (c), the lower engaging portion 153e of the first component 153 disengages from the engaging portion 154b of the second component 154, and the rotation of the grip portion 147 is not transmitted to the central shaft 155. In this way, the rotating mechanism such as the rotating component 129, the intermediate gear 130, and the encoder 131, as well as the adjustment mechanism of the rotor 8, will not be damaged.

[0190] Next, in step 25, the grip portion 147 is pressed downwards while the central axis 155 rotates towards the origin indicated by the arrow on the grip portion 147 until the zero-point detection sensors 115 and 116 are activated. In step 26, after the zero-point detection sensors 115 and 116 are activated, in step 27, they are rotated in the opposite direction to the origin until the zero-point detection sensors 115 and 116 are deactivated. In step 28, after the zero-point detection sensors 115 and 116 are deactivated, in step 29, they are rotated towards the origin until the zero-point detection sensors 115 and 116 are activated again. In step 30, if the zero-point detection sensors 115 and 116 are activated a second time, in step 31, the current value of the width of the tablet guide path 8b is reset, and the current value of the rotating component 129 of the encoder 131 is detected. In step 32, the user rotates the grip portion 147 in the opposite direction to the origin until the current value becomes the target value. At this point, it is preferable to rotate the handle 149b while holding it. This is because if the small grip 149c is used, the rotation amount will increase, sometimes exceeding the target value. During the rotation of the grip 147, in step 33, the current value is displayed on the display 210. In step 34, if the current value becomes the target value, the user presses the OK button 214, stops the rotation of the grip 147, and removes the adjustment component 102 from the device body 101.

[0191] This concludes the width adjustment of the tablet guide path 8b. In step 8, the depth adjustment of the tablet guide path 8b is performed. The user inserts the central axis 155 of the adjustment component 102 from the upper guide hole 125 of the device body 101 towards the lower guide hole 126, as shown. Figure 35 As shown, it engages with the engagement part 33c of the depth adjustment mechanism M2 of the rotor 8. Since the depth adjustment is the same as the width adjustment, its description is omitted.

[0192] After adjusting the depth of the tablet guide path 8b, the height of the tablet guide path 8b is adjusted in step 9. The user inserts the central shaft 155 of the adjustment component 102 from the upper guide hole 125 of the "Length (height)" marking on the device body 101 toward the lower guide hole 126, as shown. Figure 36 As shown, it engages with the engagement part 52b of the height adjustment mechanism M3 of the rotor 8. Since the height adjustment is the same as the width adjustment, its description is omitted.

[0193] After adjusting the height of the tablet guide path 8b, remove the adjustment component 102 to end the adjustment operation. In step 10, remove the rotor 8 from the rotor table 108. In step 11, install the rotor housing 30 on the rotor 8, and then install the rotor 8 onto the tablet box 2.

[0194] Next, in step 12, the spacer member 20 is adjusted. To do this, using the hex wrench 149d of the handle 147 of the adjusting member 102, the engaging part 24 of the partition adjusting mechanism M1 is rotated in the inward direction until the spacer member 20 contacts and bends against the rotor 8. Next, the engaging part 24 is rotated in the backward direction until the spacer member 20 is slightly away from the rotor 8. The drive gear 14 of the tablet box 2 is rotated to rotate the rotor 8, ensuring that the spacer member 20 does not touch the rotor 8.

[0195] To ensure that the spacer 20 abuts against the lower inclined surface 35c of the rotor 8, it is also possible to use Figure 37 The adjustment clamp 161 is shown. The adjustment clamp 161 is a rectangular plate that can be inserted between the two retaining portions 23a of the movable member 23. At the top of the adjustment clamp 161, there is a locking piece 161a protruding upwards in an inverted L-shape from the top, and a protruding piece 161b protruding upwards from the center of the top surface. The locking piece 161a is formed to engage with the protrusion 23e protruding rearwards from the center below the movable member 23. The protruding piece 161b is formed to protrude to the same position as the top of the spacer member 20 when the locking piece 161a engages with the protrusion 23e of the movable member 23.

[0196] When adjusting the spacer 20, firstly, the engaging piece 161a of the adjusting clamp 161 is engaged with the protrusion 23e of the movable member 23, holding the adjusting clamp 161 on the movable member 23. In this state, the engaging part 24 of the partition adjustment mechanism M1 is rotated in the inward direction using the hexagonal wrench 149d of the handle 147 of the adjusting member 102. Through this rotation, the adjusting clamp 161 and the movable member 23 approach the lower inclined surface 35c of the rotor 8 together. After the tip of the protrusion 161b of the adjusting clamp 161 touches the lower inclined surface 35c of the rotor 8, the adjusting clamp 161 is pushed radially outward by the lower inclined surface 35c of the rotor 8, the engagement between the adjusting clamp 161 and the movable member 23 disengages, and the adjusting clamp 161 falls down. Thus, it is known that the spacer 20 is in contact with the rotor 8, therefore, the rotation of the hexagonal wrench 149d is stopped at this time.

[0197] When the adjustment of the interval component 20 is finished, with the tablet box 2 placed on the filling platform 1a, press the OK button 214 in step 13 to end each adjustment operation. This allows the tablet box 2 to hold a new tablet and install it in the designated position on the tablet dispensing device 1.

[0198] As described above, the tablet guide path adjustment device 100 of the present invention allows for the engagement and disengagement of the manual adjustment member 102 onto the rotor 8, which is the object to be adjusted. Therefore, multiple adjustment positions (height, depth, and width) of the tablet guide groove 8b of the rotor 8 can be adjusted using only one adjustment member 102. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide an adjustment member on the rotor 8, the volume of the rotor 8 can be reduced, increasing the capacity of the tablet storage section of the cartridge body. If an adjustment member is provided on the rotor, the capacity of the cartridge body will be correspondingly reduced.

[0199] Furthermore, the tablet guide path adjustment device 100 of the present invention can detect the amount of operation (rotation) of the adjustment member 102 by means of a detection device that can engage and disengage with the adjustment member 102. Therefore, it is not necessary to install electronic components such as sensors in the adjustment member to detect the amount of operation of the adjustment member.

[0200] The tablet guide path adjustment device 100 of the present invention provides guide holes 125 for inserting adjustment components 102 at each adjustment location (height, depth, width). Therefore, the adjustment location can be identified by inserting the adjustment component through the guide holes. Thus, the user does not need to select and input the adjustment location (height, depth, width).

[0201] In the tablet guide path adjustment device 100 of the present invention, the guide hole 125 of the insertion adjustment member 102 corresponds to the engagement part of each adjustment part of the rotor 8 which is to be adjusted. Therefore, even without rotating the rotor 8, the adjustment part (height, depth, width) can be adjusted by changing the guide hole of the insertion adjustment member.

[0202] The tablet guide path adjustment device 100 of the present invention displays the adjustment part (height, depth, width) near the guide hole 125 of the device body 101. Therefore, it is easy to understand the relationship between the guide hole and the adjustment part and will not make a mistake in the adjustment part.

[0203] The tablet guide path adjustment device 100 of the present invention preferably uses a barcode reader 204 to read the drug information of newly stored tablets. During the adjustment operation of the tablet guide path, even if other tablets are read in the barcode reader 204, the control device 200 will refuse to accept them and will not display them on the screen.

[0204] The above embodiments can be modified in various ways within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0205] For example, in the above embodiment, the depth, height, and width of the groove in the tablet guide path 8b can be adjusted, but one or two of the depth, height, and width of the groove can also be adjusted.

[0206] In addition, in the above embodiment, the adjustment component 102 is adjusted by manual rotation, but it can also be done as follows: Figure 38 As shown, a motor 300 and a battery 301 that supplies power to the motor 300 are provided in the adjustment component 102, and the grip part 147 is rotated by the driving force of the motor 300.

[0207] Furthermore, the rotor 8 can be adjusted without removing it from the tablet holder 2. Instead, with the cover 6 of the tablet holder 2 open and the rotor housing 30 removed, at least one of the depth, height, or width of the tablet guide path 8b of the rotor 8 inside the tablet holder 2 can be adjusted using the adjusting component 102, or the spacer component 20 can be moved into position. In this case, the handle 147 can be rotated towards the origin. When it can no longer be rotated, it is determined that each engaging part 95d, 33c, and 52b is at the origin position, and then... Figure 33 Step 33.

[0208] Symbol Explanation

[0209] 1… Pill storage and delivery device

[0210] 2…pill box

[0211] 5…Box body (pill container)

[0212] 8… rotor

[0213] 9…Pill ejection port

[0214] 8b… Pill Guide Path

[0215] 20…spacer components

[0216] 24…partition adjustment components

[0217] 33… Depth Adjustment Component

[0218] 52… Height Adjustment Component

[0219] 64… Width Adjustment Component

[0220] 100… Pill guide path adjustment device

[0221] 101…Device body

[0222] 102… Adjustment components

[0223] 105…base section

[0224] 107…Guidance Department

[0225] 108… Rotor Stage

[0226] 113…Altitude Zero Point Detection Switch

[0227] 114… Depth Zero Point Detection Switch

[0228] 115… Wide zero-point detection switch

[0229] 116… Wide Zero-Point Detection Switch

[0230] 125… Upper guide hole

[0231] 126… Lower guide hole

[0232] 129… Rotating component

[0233] 131… Encoder (Operational Input Detection Section)

[0234] 132…Clamping Hole

[0235] 137… Elastic sheet (anti-loosening part)

[0236] 143… Lever (anti-backlash section)

[0237] 144…coil spring (anti-backlash section)

[0238] 147… Grip section

[0239] 148…shaft section

[0240] 153… Part 1

[0241] 153e… Lower engagement part (torque limiter)

[0242] 154…Part 2

[0243] 154b… Engagement part (torque limiter)

[0244] 155… Central axis

[0245] 156…coil spring (torque limiter)

[0246] 200… control device

[0247] 201… Display device (display unit)

[0248] 202… Tablet Main Unit (Tablet Main Storage Unit)

[0249] M1…partition adjustment mechanism

[0250] M2… Depth Adjustment Mechanism (Pill Guidance Path Adjustment Mechanism)

[0251] M3… Height Adjustment Mechanism (Pill Guidance Path Adjustment Mechanism)

[0252] M4… Width adjustment mechanism (tablet guide path adjustment mechanism).

Claims

1. A tablet guiding path adjustment device in a tablet box, characterized in that, The tablet box includes: Pill containers for storing pills; and A rotor that can be rotatably housed within the tablet container. The rotor includes: a tablet guiding path for guiding tablets in the tablet container toward a tablet discharge port in the tablet container, and an adjustment section capable of adjusting the size of the tablet guiding path. The tablet guide path adjustment device includes: Adjustment component that engages with the adjustment section; Operation amount detection unit that detects the operation amount of the adjustment component; Based on the operation amount detected by the operation amount detection unit, the notification unit notifies the user of the adjustment support information required for the user to adjust the adjustment unit using the adjustment component; and It has a base portion for mounting the rotor. A guide portion for guiding the adjustment component is provided above the base portion. A guide hole is formed on the guide portion for the adjustment component to be inserted therein. The operation amount detection unit is disposed on the guide portion and is used to detect the rotation amount of the adjustment component inserted into the guide hole.

2. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tablet guiding path includes a main tablet storage section for storing dimensions of the tablet guiding path or values ​​related to those dimensions that are suitable for the shape or size of the tablet. The notification unit reads the target value of the size of the tablet guide path corresponding to the tablet stored in the tablet container from the main tablet storage unit, and notifies the target value and the current value of the adjustment unit based on the operation amount of the operation amount detection unit.

3. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The adjusting component can engage and disengage from the rotor.

4. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The operation quantity detection unit is located on the device body, which is separate from the adjustment component.

5. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The adjusting component is capable of engaging and disengaging from each of the plurality of adjusting parts of the rotor.

6. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The operation quantity detection unit is provided in multiple ways corresponding to the multiple adjustment units. The adjustment component can engage and disengage with the plurality of operation quantity detection units.

7. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A zero-point detection sensor for detecting the zero point of the adjustment part is provided on the base.

8. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The guide hole is formed on the same axis as the adjustment part of the rotor mounted on the rotor table.

9. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guide portion is provided with a rotating component that can rotate integrally with the adjusting component. The operation amount detection unit detects the rotation amount of the adjustment component inserted into the guide hole via the rotating component.

10. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The rotating component has a locking hole that communicates with the guide hole and engages with the adjusting component.

11. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 10, characterized in that, An anti-loosening part is formed on the rotating component to prevent loosening between the engaging hole and the adjusting component.

12. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The rotating component is connected to the operation quantity detection unit via gears. The operation quantity detection unit has an anti-backlash part that prevents backlash from occurring in the gear by applying force toward the rotating component.

13. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The adjustment component has a central shaft and a grip. A torque limiter is provided between the central axis of the adjustment component and the grip portion. When a specified rotational force is applied to the grip portion, the torque limiter prevents the rotational force from being transmitted to the central axis.

14. The tablet guiding path adjustment device as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The grip portion of the adjustment component is configured to be movable axially relative to the central axis, and can move to an engaged position in which it is rotatably engaged with the central axis, and to a non-engaged position in which it roams freely relative to the central axis.

Images