A dispensing device and method for an unmanned medicine vending machine

Abstract

This invention relates to a dispensing device and method for a medicine dispensing machine, addressing the technical problem in existing unmanned medicine vending machines where the saddle-top dispensing structure uses a built-in motor to push the medicine out of the dispensing channel. This requires a motor in each channel, resulting in complex structure and high manufacturing costs. The invention provides a dispensing device and method for an unmanned medicine vending machine. A push rod is mounted inside the housing via a rotating shaft. One end of the push rod has a push plate, and the housing has a push plate hole. The other end of the push rod has an arc-shaped rod. A drive plate is also slidably mounted inside the housing. A drive hole is provided in the housing for an external contact to extend into the housing and push the drive plate to slide within the housing. A pressure plate is provided on the upper surface of the drive plate, and the lower surface of the pressure plate is in contact with the upper surface of the arc-shaped rod to compress the arc-shaped rod, causing the push plate to extend out of the push plate hole and lift the bottom of the medicine box to be flush with the top of the baffle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a medicine dispensing device and a medicine dispensing method, specifically to a medicine dispensing device and a medicine dispensing method for an unmanned medicine vending machine. Background Technology

[0002] Automated unmanned medicine vending machines are convenient and efficient medicine sales devices that can dispense medicines to consumers based on their purchasing needs, providing consumers with an automated way to purchase medicines without human intervention.

[0003] The core component of an automated medicine vending machine (AGM) is its dispensing device, which reliably and safely dispenses medicines. Currently, most AGM vending machines use a saddle-top dispensing mechanism. In operation, this mechanism pushes the medicine out of the dispenser's compartment using the saddle-top structure, dispensing medicine according to the consumer's needs. Because the saddle-top structure uses a built-in motor to dispense the medicine, each compartment requires a motor, resulting in a complex structure and high manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problem that in the prior art, the saddle-top-dispensing structure uses a built-in motor to dispense medicines from the delivery channel, and each delivery channel of the automatic unmanned medicine vending machine with the saddle-top-dispensing structure needs to be equipped with a motor, resulting in a complex structure and high manufacturing cost for the automatic unmanned medicine vending machine. The invention provides a medicine dispensing device and method for an unmanned medicine vending machine.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A dispensing device for an unmanned medicine vending machine includes a housing, with a baffle provided on one side of the upper surface of the housing, and the upper end of the baffle being positioned at a lower height on the unmanned medicine vending machine than the other side of the upper surface of the housing; its special feature is that:

[0007] Inside the housing, a push rod is mounted via a rotating shaft. One end of the push rod is provided with a push plate, and the housing has a push plate hole that matches the push plate. The other end of the push rod is provided with an arc-shaped rod.

[0008] A drive plate is also slidably installed inside the housing. The sliding direction of the drive plate is parallel to the projection of the push rod on the bottom inner side of the housing. A drive hole corresponding to the position of the drive plate is provided on the housing for an external contact to extend into the housing and push the drive plate to slide inside the housing. A reset component is provided between the side of the drive plate away from the drive hole and the housing to restore the drive plate to its original position.

[0009] The upper surface of the drive plate is provided with a pressure plate, and the lower surface of the pressure plate is in contact with the upper surface of the arc-shaped rod to squeeze the arc-shaped rod, so that the push plate extends out from the push plate hole and lifts the bottom of the medicine box to be flush with the top of the baffle.

[0010] Furthermore, the reset assembly includes a partition with a through hole and a punch adapted to the through hole. The partition is installed inside the housing, and the punch is installed at the end of the drive plate away from the drive hole. The punch is slidably installed on the partition through the through hole.

[0011] The punch is fitted with a first return spring, and the two ends of the first return spring abut against the partition and the drive plate, respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, a spring lever is provided on the top wall of the housing, and a second reset spring is sleeved on the spring lever;

[0013] One end of the second reset spring is connected to the top wall inside the housing, and the other end abuts against the upper side of the push rod near the end where the push plate is located.

[0014] Furthermore, the top of the baffle is provided with an installation groove, in which a guide wheel is rotatably installed.

[0015] Furthermore, the cross-section of the top of the push plate is arc-shaped.

[0016] Furthermore, a roller is installed on the top of the push plate.

[0017] Meanwhile, the present invention also provides a method for dispensing medicine from an unmanned medicine vending machine, which is characterized by including the following steps:

[0018] S1. Assemble the dispensing device of the above-mentioned unmanned medicine vending machine, and install the dispensing device into the unmanned medicine vending machine, ensuring that the upper part of the baffle is lower than the height of the other side of the upper surface of the shell.

[0019] S2. Load the medicine into the medicine channel at the top of the inner shell of the medicine vending machine, and fix the position of the medicine at the outlet of the channel by the baffle.

[0020] S3. After receiving the dispensing signal, the vending machine drives the external contact to the corresponding dispensing position.

[0021] S4. The external contact extends into the housing through the drive hole and pushes the drive plate to slide inside the housing;

[0022] The pressure plate squeezes the arc-shaped rod, causing the push plate to extend out of the push plate hole, lifting the medicine box placed on top of the shell so that the bottom of the medicine box is flush with the top of the baffle. Under the action of gravity, the medicine box slides out from above the baffle, completing the medicine dispensing.

[0023] Further, step S4 specifically includes:

[0024] An external contact extends into the housing through a drive hole, pushes the drive plate to slide within the housing, and compresses the first return spring;

[0025] The pressure plate squeezes the arc-shaped rod, causing the push plate to extend out of the push plate hole and lift the medicine box placed on top of the housing. At the same time, the push rod squeezes the second return spring, causing the second return spring to retract.

[0026] When the bottom of the medicine box is higher than the guide wheel on the baffle, the medicine box slides out from above the guide wheel, completing the medicine dispensing.

[0027] Furthermore, it also includes step S5:

[0028] After the medicine is dispensed, the external contact retracts from the drive hole, the drive plate returns to its original position under the reaction force of the first reset spring, and the pressure plate stops pressing the arc-shaped rod.

[0029] Under the reaction force of the second reset spring, the push plate retracts from the push plate hole into the housing, and the drug dispensing device completes its reset.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0031] 1. The dispensing device and method for the unmanned medicine vending machine provided by the present invention, by setting up a push rod, a drive plate, and a pressure plate located on the upper surface of the drive plate, during the process of the external contact extending into the housing through the drive hole to push the drive plate to slide, the pressure plate located on the drive plate squeezes the arc-shaped rod of the push rod, causing the push rod to rotate around the pivot, causing the push plate located at one end of the push rod to extend out from the push plate hole and push out the medicine box located in the delivery channel. Moreover, since the height of the baffle is lower than the height of the other side of the upper surface of the housing, after the bottom of the medicine box is flush with the top of the baffle, the medicine box can slide out from the top of the baffle to realize the dispensing of medicine; under the drive of the external contact, the pressure plate and the arc-shaped rod realize the ejection of the medicine box, replacing the motor required by the saddle ejection structure with a mechanical structure, reducing the manufacturing cost of the automatic unmanned medicine vending machine; at the same time, it avoids the electrical failures that may be faced by using a motor, reducing maintenance costs.

[0032] 2. The dispensing device of the unmanned medicine vending machine provided by the present invention, by setting a partition with through holes, facilitates the restriction of the sliding direction of the drive plate in the housing, and at the same time facilitates the installation of the first return spring on the punch. When the external contact extends into the housing through the drive hole and pushes the drive plate to slide, the first return spring is compressed by the drive plate. After the external contact exits the housing through the drive hole, the drive plate returns to its original position under the action of the first return spring.

[0033] 3. The dispensing device of the unmanned medicine vending machine provided by the present invention has a second return spring installed on a spring clip. One end of the second return spring is connected to the top wall of the housing, and the other end abuts against the top of the push rod. During the process of pushing the plate to the top, the push rod squeezes the second return spring, causing the second return spring to retract. After the external contact exits the housing, the push rod returns to its original position under the force of the return spring, which helps the push plate to quickly retract back into the housing through the push plate hole. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the dispensing device of the unmanned medicine vending machine of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The main view;

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Housing, 2-Push rod, 3-Drive plate, 4-Baffle, 5-Push plate, 6-Push plate hole, 7-Drive hole, 8-External contact, 9-Pressure plate, 10-Baffle, 11-Punch, 12-First return spring, 13-Spring lever, 14-Second return spring, 15-Guide wheel, 16-Arc-shaped rod. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a dispensing device for an unmanned medicine vending machine includes a housing 1. A baffle 4 is provided on one side of the upper surface of the housing 1, and the upper end of the baffle 4 is positioned at a lower height on the other side of the upper surface of the housing 1 than the other side of the upper surface of the housing 1. A push rod 2 is mounted inside the housing 1 via a rotating shaft. One end of the push rod 2 is provided with a push plate 5. A push plate hole 6 adapted to the push plate 5 is provided on the housing 1. An arc-shaped rod 16 is provided at the other end of the push rod 2. A drive plate 3 is also slidably installed inside the housing 1. The sliding direction of the drive plate 3 is parallel to the projection of the push rod 2 on the inner bottom surface of the housing 1. A drive hole 7 corresponding to the position of the drive plate 3 is provided on the housing 1, for an external contact 8 to extend into the housing 1 and push the drive plate 3 to slide inside the housing 1. A pressure plate 9 is provided on the upper surface of the drive plate 3. The lower surface of the pressure plate 9 is in contact with the upper surface of the arc-shaped rod 16, for squeezing the arc-shaped rod 16, causing the push plate 5 to extend out of the push plate hole 6 and lift the bottom of the medicine box to be flush with the top of the baffle 4. Since the dispensing device of the unmanned medicine vending machine is installed on the unmanned medicine vending machine, the height of the upper end of the baffle 4 on the unmanned medicine vending machine is lower than the height of the other side of the upper surface of the shell 1. After the bottom of the medicine box is flush with the top of the baffle 4, the medicine box can slide out from the top of the baffle 4 to dispense medicine.

[0039] The external contact 8 is installed inside the unmanned medicine vending machine and can move inside the machine via a horizontal and vertical moving mechanism. After the unmanned medicine vending machine receives a medicine dispensing signal, it can drive the external contact 8 to the corresponding medicine dispensing position, i.e., the corresponding driving hole 7. The external contact 8 can enter the driving hole 7 through a telescopic mechanism to push the driving plate 3 to move. The horizontal moving mechanism, the vertical moving mechanism, and the telescopic mechanism all adopt conventional driving structures.

[0040] In order for the drive plate to return to its original position after the external contact 8 exits the housing 1 through the drive hole 7, a reset assembly is provided between the side of the drive plate 3 away from the drive hole 7 and the housing 1, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the reset assembly includes a partition 10 with a through hole and a punch 11 adapted to the through hole. The partition 10 is installed inside the housing 1, and the punch 11 is installed on the end of the drive plate 3 away from the drive hole 7. The punch 11 is slidably installed on the partition 10 through the through hole. A first reset spring 12 is sleeved on the punch 11, and the two ends of the first reset spring 12 abut against the partition 10 and the drive plate 3 respectively.

[0041] After the external contact 8 extends into the housing 1 through the drive hole 7, the external contact 8 pushes the drive plate 3 to slide inside the housing 1 and compresses the first return spring 12. After the external contact 8 exits the housing 1 through the drive hole 7, the drive plate 3 returns to its original position under the force of the first return spring 12, so that the pressure plate 9 on the drive plate 3 no longer compresses the arc rod 16, and the push plate 5 can retract back into the housing 1 through the push plate hole 6.

[0042] In order for the push plate 5 to quickly retract back into the housing 1 through the push plate hole 6 after the external contact 8 exits the housing 1 through the drive hole 7 and after the pressure plate 9 no longer exerts pressure on the arc-shaped rod 16, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a spring lever 13 is provided on the inner top wall of the housing 1, and a second return spring 14 is sleeved on the spring lever 13; one end of the second return spring 14 is connected to the inner top wall of the housing 1, and the other end abuts against the upper side of the push rod 2 near the end where the push plate 5 is located.

[0043] After the external contact 8 extends into the housing 1 through the drive hole 7, the external contact 8 pushes the drive plate 3 to slide within the housing 1. During the sliding process, the pressure plate 9 on the drive plate 3 squeezes the arc-shaped rod 16, causing the push rod 2 to rotate around the rotating mounting point. The push plate 5 at one end of the push rod 2 extends out through the push plate hole 6 and lifts the medicine box. At the same time, the push rod 2 squeezes and compresses the second return spring 14. After the external contact 8 exits the housing 1 through the drive hole 7, and after the pressure plate 9 no longer squeezes the arc-shaped rod 16, the push rod 2 returns to its original position under the force of the second return spring 14, allowing the push plate 5 to quickly retract back into the housing 1 through the push plate hole 6.

[0044] In order for the medicine box to slide out from the top of the baffle 4 after the bottom of the medicine box is flush with the top of the baffle 4, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the top of the baffle 4 has an installation groove, and a retaining wheel 15 is rotatably installed in the installation groove to convert the sliding friction between the medicine box and the baffle 4 into rolling friction, making it easier for the medicine box to slide out from the top of the baffle 4.

[0045] After the push plate 5 lifts the medicine box, the medicine box needs to slide out from the top of the push plate 5 and the top of the baffle 4, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the top of the push plate 5 has an arc-shaped cross-section to reduce the friction between the medicine box and the push plate 5.

[0046] In this invention, the dispensing method of the unmanned medicine vending machine is specifically as follows:

[0047] S1. Assemble the dispensing device of the above-mentioned unmanned medicine vending machine, and install the dispensing device into the unmanned medicine vending machine, and ensure that the upper end of the baffle 4 is lower than the height of the other side of the upper surface of the housing 1 on the medicine vending machine.

[0048] S2. Load the medicine into the medicine channel at the top of the inner shell 1 of the medicine vending machine, and fix the position of the medicine at the outlet of the channel by the baffle 4.

[0049] S3. After receiving the dispensing signal, the vending machine drives the external contact 8 to the corresponding dispensing position.

[0050] S4. The external contact 8 extends into the housing 1 through the drive hole 7. The external contact 8 pushes the drive plate 3 to slide inside the housing 1 and squeezes the first return spring 12.

[0051] The pressure plate 9 presses the arc-shaped rod 16, causing the push plate 5 to extend out of the push plate hole 6 and lift the medicine box placed on top of the housing 1. At the same time, the push rod 2 presses the second return spring 14, causing the second return spring 14 to contract.

[0052] When the bottom of the medicine box is higher than the stop wheel 15 on the baffle 4, the medicine box slides out from above the stop wheel 15, completing the medicine dispensing process.

[0053] S5. After the medicine is dispensed, the external contact 8 exits through the drive hole 7, and the drive plate 3 returns to its original position under the reaction force of the first reset spring 12. At the same time, the pressure plate 9 no longer presses the arc rod 16.

[0054] Under the reaction force of the second reset spring 14, the push plate 5 retracts into the housing 1 through the push plate hole 6, and the drug dispensing device completes the reset.

[0055] In other embodiments of the present invention, the friction between the medicine box and the push plate 5 is reduced by rotating a roller on the top of the push plate 5.

[0056] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A dispensing device for an unmanned medicine vending machine, comprising a housing (1), wherein a baffle (4) is provided on one side of the upper surface of the housing (1), and the upper end of the baffle (4) is positioned at a height lower than the height of the other side of the upper surface of the housing (1) on the unmanned medicine vending machine; characterized in that: Inside the housing (1), a push rod (2) is installed via a rotating shaft. One end of the push rod (2) is provided with a push plate (5). The housing (1) is provided with a push plate hole (6) that matches the push plate (5). The other end of the push rod (2) is provided with an arc-shaped rod (16). Inside the housing (1), a drive plate (3) is slidably installed. The sliding direction of the drive plate (3) is parallel to the projection of the push rod (2) on the bottom inner side of the housing (1). A drive hole (7) corresponding to the position of the drive plate (3) is provided on the housing (1) for an external contact (8) to extend into the housing (1) and push the drive plate (3) to slide inside the housing (1). A reset assembly is provided between the side of the drive plate (3) away from the drive hole (7) and the housing (1) for restoring the drive plate (3) to its original position. The upper surface of the drive plate (3) is provided with a pressure plate (9), the lower surface of the pressure plate (9) is in contact with the upper surface of the arc rod (16) to squeeze the arc rod (16) so that the push plate (5) extends out from the push plate hole (6) and lifts the bottom of the medicine box to be flush with the top of the baffle (4). The reset assembly includes a partition (10) with a through hole and a punch (11) adapted to the through hole. The partition (10) is installed inside the housing (1), and the punch (11) is installed at the end of the drive plate (3) away from the drive hole (7). The punch (11) is slidably installed on the partition (10) through the through hole. The punch (11) is fitted with a first return spring (12), and the two ends of the first return spring (12) abut against the partition (10) and the drive plate (3) respectively. A spring lever (13) is provided on the inner top wall of the housing (1), and a second reset spring (14) is sleeved on the spring lever (13); One end of the second reset spring (14) is connected to the inner top wall of the housing (1), and the other end abuts against the upper side of the push rod (2) near the end where the push plate (5) is set.

2. The dispensing device of the unmanned medicine vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the baffle (4) is provided with an installation groove, and a retaining wheel (15) is rotatably installed in the installation groove.

3. The dispensing device of the unmanned medicine vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the push plate (5) has an arc-shaped cross section.

4. The dispensing device of the unmanned medicine vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The push plate (5) is equipped with rollers on its top.

5. A method for dispensing medicine using an unmanned medicine vending machine, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Assemble the dispensing device of the unmanned medicine vending machine according to any one of claims 1-4, and install the dispensing device into the unmanned medicine vending machine, and ensure that the upper end of the baffle (4) is at a lower height on the vending machine than the height of the other side of the upper surface of the housing (1); S2. Load the medicine into the medicine channel at the top of the inner shell (1) of the medicine vending machine, and fix the position of the medicine at the outlet of the channel by the baffle (4); S3. After receiving the dispensing signal, the vending machine drives the external contact (8) to the corresponding dispensing position. S4. The external contact (8) extends into the housing (1) through the drive hole (7) and pushes the drive plate (3) to slide inside the housing (1); The pressure plate (9) squeezes the arc rod (16), causing the push plate (5) to extend out of the push plate hole (6), lifting the medicine box placed on top of the housing (1), so that the bottom of the medicine box is flush with the top of the baffle (4), and the medicine box slides out from above the baffle (4) under the action of gravity, completing the dispensing of medicine.

6. The dispensing method of the unmanned medicine vending machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, Step S4 specifically involves: The external contact (8) extends into the housing (1) through the drive hole (7), and the external contact (8) pushes the drive plate (3) to slide inside the housing (1) and squeezes the first return spring (12); The pressure plate (9) squeezes the arc rod (16), causing the push plate (5) to extend out of the push plate hole (6) and lift the medicine box placed on top of the housing (1). At the same time, the push rod (2) squeezes the second return spring (14), causing the second return spring (14) to contract. When the bottom of the medicine box is higher than the stop wheel (15) on the baffle (4), the medicine box slides out from above the stop wheel (15) to complete the medicine dispensing.

7. The dispensing method of the unmanned medicine vending machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes step S5: After the medicine is dispensed, the external contact (8) exits through the drive hole (7), and the drive plate (3) returns to its original position under the reaction force of the first return spring (12). At the same time, the pressure plate (9) no longer squeezes the arc rod (16). Under the reaction force of the second reset spring (14), the push plate (5) retracts into the housing (1) through the push plate hole (6), and the drug dispensing device completes the reset.

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