Medicament supply device

Abstract

The medicine supply device of the present application includes: a medicine supply unit that supplies medicine to a medicine handover position; a downstream conveyance unit that conveys a first medicine packaging paper that has been previously folded in half in the long direction and receives medicine at the medicine handover position; and an upstream conveyance unit that conveys a second medicine packaging paper that has been previously folded in half in the long direction, the upstream conveyance unit conveying the second medicine packaging paper to the first medicine packaging paper in such a manner that the downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper sandwiches the upstream end of the first medicine packaging paper and the crease line of the second medicine packaging paper overlaps the crease line of the first medicine packaging paper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pharmaceutical supply device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a packaging paper connecting device that connects the end portion of a pre-folded packaging paper (pre-folded along its long side) to the beginning portion of a new packaging paper for packaging medicine. A worker manually overlaps the end portion of the packaging paper with the beginning portion of the new packaging paper, positioning the overlap at a predetermined location. By connecting the overlap, the end portion of the packaging paper is thus connected to the beginning portion of the new packaging paper.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5577526 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the packaging paper connecting device of Patent Document 1, the replacement of packaging paper is performed manually by a worker. On the other hand, automation of packaging paper replacement is being promoted with the aim of improving the efficiency of the replacement operation. When new packaging paper is automatically conveyed during replacement, for example, if the front end of the new packaging paper gets caught on a guide or similar component, the new packaging paper will wrinkle and cannot be conveyed smoothly.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a smooth delivery of packaging paper in a pharmaceutical supply device when changing packaging paper.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] The drug supply apparatus disclosed herein comprises: a drug supply unit that supplies a drug to a drug transfer position; a downstream conveying unit that conveys a strip of first drug packaging paper that has been pre-folded along its long side and receives the drug at the drug transfer position; and an upstream conveying unit that conveys a strip of second drug packaging paper that has been pre-folded along its long side, wherein the upstream conveying unit conveys the second drug packaging paper to the first drug packaging paper in such a manner that the downstream end of the second drug packaging paper clamps the upstream end of the first drug packaging paper and the edge line of the second drug packaging paper overlaps with the edge line of the first drug packaging paper.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the pharmaceutical supply device disclosed herein, packaging paper can be smoothly conveyed when changing packaging paper. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a pharmaceutical supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drug supply device.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the conveying section.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0017] Figure 5 It means Figure 4 The first image is a side view of the medicine packaging paper.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the state of the first medicine packaging paper after it has been cut.

[0019] Figure 7 This diagram shows the state of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper being transported.

[0020] Figure 8 It means Figure 7 The first image is a side view of the medicine packaging paper.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a longitudinal section view of the area surrounding the guide component.

[0022] Figure 10 This diagram shows the state in which the second pharmaceutical packaging paper is conveyed and overlaps with the first pharmaceutical packaging paper.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a variation of a pair of rollers.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a variation of a pair of rollers. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the drug supply device of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, as follows... Figure 1 As indicated by the arrow, the side where the operating section 11 is located is designated as the front of the medicine supply device 1, and the opposite side is designated as the rear of the medicine supply device 1. Furthermore, the left and right sides when viewed from the front of the medicine supply device 1 are designated as the left and right sides of the medicine supply device 1. Additionally, the side furthest from the surface where the medicine supply device 1 is located is designated as the upper part of the medicine supply device 1, and the opposite side is designated as the lower part of the medicine supply device 1.

[0026] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing an example of a medicine supply device 1. The medicine supply device 1 has a first layer 10 and a second layer 20.

[0027] The first layer 10 includes an operation unit 11 and a take-out unit 12. Additionally, the first layer 10 includes an input unit (not shown).

[0028] The operation unit 11 is a device operated by a staff member, and includes, for example, a display and operation buttons. Various information is input into the drug supply device 1 by the staff member operating the operation unit 11.

[0029] The dispensed medicine in the medicine supply device 1 is taken out from the take-out section 12. The take-out section 12 has an opening through which the operator takes out the medicine.

[0030] An input unit is an input device that receives various information from external devices. For example, an input unit connects to a personal computer, from which information such as prescriptions issued by a medical institution can be input.

[0031] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the drug supply device 1 includes a control unit (not shown) that provides unified control over the drug supply unit 13, the packaging unit 14, and the drug supply device 1. The drug supply unit 13 supplies the drug to the drug transfer position Pr. The drug supply unit 13 includes multiple shelf compartments 13a and hoppers 13b.

[0032] In the second-layer section, multiple shelves 13a are distributed to accommodate multiple boxes C. The medicine supply device 1 has 20 shelves 13a. The multiple shelves 13a are arranged in a manner that 5 layers are arranged vertically and 4 columns are arranged horizontally. In addition, the number and arrangement of shelves 13a in the second-layer section 20 are not limited to the number and arrangement in this embodiment; the number of vertical layers and / or the number of horizontal columns may be more or less than those described above.

[0033] In each of the multiple shelf compartments 13a, multiple boxes C are housed on both sides of the shelf compartment 13a in the left-right direction and in the front-back direction. Each box C contains multiple doses of medicine. Each of the multiple boxes C is configured to dispense medicine one dose at a time.

[0034] The medicine discharged from box C falls through passage W and is directed to the first layer 10. Passage W is arranged such that multiple shelf compartments 13a pass through it in the vertical direction.

[0035] The hopper 13b receives the medicine being discharged to the first layer 10 and discharges the received medicine from the outlet 13c to the medicine transfer position Pr on the packaging unit 14. The outlet 13c is located approximately in the center of the hopper 13b.

[0036] Packaging unit 14 packages the medicine discharged from hopper 13b. Packaging unit 14 includes conveyor 30, printer 15 and sealing device 16.

[0037] The conveying unit 30 conveys strips of packaging paper used for packaging pharmaceuticals. Details of the conveying unit 30 will be described later.

[0038] Printer 15 is a printing press that prints, for example, the patient's name, the name of the medicine supplied to the packaging paper, and the date and time of administration, on the surface of the packaging paper conveyed by the conveying unit 30.

[0039] The sealing device 16 is a device for sealing the packaging paper containing the medicine.

[0040] The packaging paper containing the medicine is cut at a predetermined time and conveyed to the take-out section 12 by the conveying section 30 after the direction is reversed.

[0041] Next, the conveyor section 30 will be described. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the conveying unit 30 includes a packaging paper holding unit 31, an upstream conveying unit 32, a downstream conveying unit 33, a holding member 34, and a guiding member 35. The dashed arrow in the figure indicates the conveying direction D1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1.

[0042] The packaging paper holding section 31 includes a first packaging paper holding section 31a and a second packaging paper holding section 31b. The first packaging paper holding section 31a rotatably holds a roll body M1, which is a batch package of a strip of first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 that has been pre-folded along its long side. The second packaging paper holding section 31b rotatably holds a roll body M2, which is a batch package of a strip of second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 that has been pre-folded along its long side. Alternatively, the batch packages of the first and second pharmaceutical packaging papers PP1 and PP2 can also be formed by folding the first and second pharmaceutical packaging papers PP1 and PP2.

[0043] Furthermore, the functions of the first packaging paper holding section 31a and the second packaging paper holding section 31b can be interchanged. That is, the first packaging paper holding section 31a can hold the roll body M2, and the second packaging paper holding section 31b can hold the roll body M1. In this case, the pair of rollers 32b described later clamps and conveys the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, while the other pair of rollers 32d guides it without clamping the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1.

[0044] The upstream conveying unit 32 includes an upstream guiding component 32a, a pair of rollers 32b, another upstream guiding component 32c, another pair of rollers 32d, and a moving component 32e.

[0045] The upstream guide member 32a guides the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, which is successively fed out from the first packaging paper holding part 31a, along the conveying direction D1. The upstream guide member 32a is a plate-shaped component sandwiched between the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. An enlarged view and a side view of the area surrounding the upstream conveying unit 32 and the holding member 34 are shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the upstream guide member 32a is configured such that its side, which overlaps with the ridge line R1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, is arranged along the conveying direction D1.

[0046] A pair of rollers 32b guides the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 without clamping it. The pair of rollers 32b are positioned upstream of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, above the upstream guide member 32a. The pair of rollers 32b are cylindrical. The pair of rollers 32b includes a drive roller 32b1 and a driven roller 32b2.

[0047] The drive roller 32b1 is configured to rotate by means of a drive device such as a motor (not shown). The drive roller 32b1 is arranged such that its axis of rotation is parallel to the surface of the upstream guide member 32a and orthogonal to the conveying direction D1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. Furthermore, the drive roller 32b1 has the function of changing the conveying direction D1 by contacting the side of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 (see reference). Figure 3 )

[0048] Furthermore, the drive roller 32b1 is configured to be able to approach the driven roller 32b2 and be in the conveying position Pm1, or to move away from the driven roller 32b2 and be in the non-conveying position Pm2. When the drive roller 32b1 is in the conveying position Pm1, a pair of rollers 32b can clamp the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 or the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 between the pair of rollers 32b and convey it downstream.

[0049] The driven roller 32b2 is configured with its rotation axis tilted. That is, the driven roller 32b2 is configured such that the open end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is located downstream of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 compared to the end on the edge R1 side of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. Furthermore, the driven roller 32b2 has the function of contacting the side of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 to change its conveying direction D1 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0050] Back Figure 3Continuing with the description, another upstream guide member 32c is a plate-shaped component sandwiched between the downstream end of a second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, which is sequentially fed from the second packaging paper holding part 31b. The other upstream guide member 32c is configured such that its plate surface is parallel to the plate surface of the upstream guide member 32a, and its two sides are located on the same plane: the side overlapping the edge line R2 of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, and the side overlapping the edge line R1 of the upstream guide member 32a. The plate thickness of the other upstream guide member 32c is approximately the same as that of the upstream guide member 32a. As described later, when the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, the other upstream guide member 32c guides the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2.

[0051] Another pair of rollers 32d is positioned upstream of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, further upstream than the other upstream guide member 32c. The other pair of rollers 32d is stationary with the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 located between these rollers. As described later, when the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, the other pair of rollers 32d clamps and conveys the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2.

[0052] The other pair of rollers 32d are cylindrical. The other pair of rollers 32d includes a drive roller 32d1 and a driven roller 32d2.

[0053] The drive roller 32d1 is configured to rotate by means of a drive device such as a motor (not shown). The drive roller 32d1 is configured such that its axis of rotation is parallel to the plate surface of another upstream guide member 32c and orthogonal to the conveying direction D1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1.

[0054] Furthermore, the drive roller 32d1 is configured to be able to approach the driven roller 32d2 and be in the conveying position Pm1, or to move away from the driven roller 32d2 and be in the non-conveying position Pm2. When the drive roller 32d1 is in the conveying position Pm1, another pair of rollers 32d can clamp the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 or the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 between the other pair of rollers 32d and convey it downstream.

[0055] The driven roller 32d2 is configured with its rotation axis tilted. That is, the driven roller 32d2 is configured such that the open end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is located downstream of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 compared to the end on the edge R2 side. Furthermore, the driven roller 32d2 has the function of contacting the side of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 to change its conveying direction.

[0056] The moving part 32e is configured to move the upstream guide part 32a, a pair of rollers 32b, another upstream guide part 32c, and another pair of rollers 32d when the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. When the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, the other upstream guide part 32c moves to the position where the upstream guide part 32a was before it moved, and the other pair of rollers 32d moves to the position where the pair of rollers 32b was before it moved.

[0057] The downstream conveying unit 33 conveys the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, guided by the upstream conveying unit 32, to the printer 15 and the sealing device 16. The downstream conveying unit 33 conveys the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 in a manner that the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 receives the pharmaceutical at the pharmaceutical transfer position Pr.

[0058] The downstream conveying unit 33 includes a pair of downstream rollers 33a for clamping and conveying the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, a plurality of rollers 33b for changing the conveying direction D1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, and a downstream guiding member 33c.

[0059] The downstream guide component 33c, which is plate-shaped and sandwiched between the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, guides the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 to the pharmaceutical transfer position Pr. The downstream guide component 33c is arranged with its plate surface orthogonal to the horizontal direction. The first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 sandwiches the downstream guide component 33c with its open side facing upward. The first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is guided upward by the downstream guide component 33c and opens upward, thereby receiving the pharmaceutical discharged from the hopper 13b at the pharmaceutical transfer position Pr.

[0060] A retaining member 34 is positioned between the upstream conveying unit 32 and the downstream conveying unit 33. When the conveying section 30 conveys the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, the retaining member 34 holds the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. As described later, when the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, the retaining member 34 clamps and holds the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. The retaining member 34 consists of a pair of plate members 34a and 34b. The pair of plate members 34a and 34b are arranged such that their surfaces are parallel to the surface of the upstream guide member 32a. Figure 4 As shown, the first plate component 34a is configured such that it is located at the clamping position Ps1, which clamps the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 together with the second plate component 34b, or at the non-clamping position Ps2, which does not clamp the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1.

[0061] like Figures 3-5As shown, the guide member 35 is disposed between the holding member 34 and the upstream conveying unit 32. As described later, when the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, the guide member 35 guides the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. Specifically, the guide member 35 is a plate-shaped component. The plate thickness of the guide member 35 is approximately the same as the plate thickness of the upstream guide member 32a and the other upstream guide member 32c.

[0062] When the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is conveyed by the upstream conveying unit 32 and the downstream conveying unit 33, the guide component 35, such as Figure 5 As shown, the non-guided position Pg2 is located at a position that does not contact the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. Additionally, as will be referred to later... Figure 8 As shown, when the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, the guide member 35 is located at a position that can guide the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, namely the guide position Pg1. That is, the guide member 35 is configured to be movable between the guide position Pg1 and the non-guide position Pg2. The guide member 35 has an inclined portion 35a and a recessed portion 35b.

[0063] The inclined portion 35a is the side portion of the guide member 35 that overlaps with the edge line R2 of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 when the guide member 35 guides it. It extends in a direction substantially parallel to the edge line R2 of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 being guided by the guide member 35. Specifically, the inclined portion 35a has a shape that moves closer to the edge line R2 from the open side of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 towards the upstream side as it moves towards the downstream side. The inclined portion 35a is planar. Alternatively, the inclined portion 35a can have a triangular cross-section or an arc-shaped cross-section.

[0064] The recess 35b is a side recessed portion on the downstream side of the guide member 35 in the general conveying direction D1.

[0065] Next, the operation of the medicine supply device 1 when the first medicine packaging paper PP1 is replaced with the second medicine packaging paper PP2 will be explained.

[0066] like Figures 3-5 As shown, when the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is conveyed by the conveying section 30, the drive roller 32b1 is in the non-conveying position Pm2, the first plate component 34a of the holding component 34 is in the non-clamping position Ps2, and the guide component 35 is in the non-guided position Pg2. In addition, the upstream guide component 32a guides the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 in a state of being clamped by the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1.

[0067] When replacing the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 with the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, the operator inputs an instruction to the operation unit 11 to change the packaging paper. Based on this, the control unit stops the operation of the pharmaceutical supply unit 13 and also stops the operation of the pair of downstream side rollers 33a.

[0068] Next, the control unit moves the first plate component 34a to the clamping position Ps1. This holds the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 in place. Then, as... Figure 6 As shown, the operator cuts the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 upstream of the holding member 34. At this time, the operator cuts the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 such that the downstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 formed by cutting it is located between the holding member 34 and the guide member 35 located at the guide position Pg1. Alternatively, the cutting of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 can also be performed automatically. That is, it can also be configured such that the conveying unit 30 has a blade for cutting the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, which automatically cuts the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 when the aforementioned instruction is input to the operation unit 11.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit moves the drive roller 32d1 of the other pair of rollers 32d so that the other pair of rollers 32d clamps the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. In this state, the control unit actuates the moving member 32e to move the upstream guide member 32a, the pair of rollers 32b, the other upstream guide member 32c, and the other pair of rollers 32d. After this movement, the other upstream guide member 32c is positioned before the upstream guide member 32a, and the other pair of rollers 32d is positioned before the pair of rollers 32b. Figure 7 The current state is shown in the image.

[0070] In addition, at this time, such as Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the worker applies the adhesive tape T to the downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper PP2, with the tape protruding from the downstream end. The adhesive tape T is applied to both outer surfaces of the folded second medicine packaging paper PP2. Alternatively, it can be in the state before the moving part 32e is activated, i.e. Figure 3 In the state shown, the adhesive tape T is pre-attached to the second medicine packaging paper PP2.

[0071] Next, the operator uses the control unit 11 to input information indicating the start of conveying the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. Thus, as... Figure 8 As shown, the control unit moves the guide member 35 to the guide position Pg1. Another pair of rollers 32d clamps the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. Then, the control unit rotates the drive roller 32d1 to transport the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, the driven roller 32d2 is configured such that the open end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is located further downstream of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 than the end on the edge R2 side of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. Therefore, the other pair of rollers 32d conveys the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 in a direction inclined relative to the conveying direction D1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1.

[0073] Specifically, another pair of rollers 32d conveys the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 in such a manner that the open side of the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 approaches the edge R1 side of the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. When the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is conveyed to the guide member 35, it is guided by the guide member 35. Figure 8 As shown in the description, the guide member 35 guides the second medicine packaging paper PP2 in such a way that as the second medicine packaging paper PP2 moves to the left, the left end of the second medicine packaging paper PP2 moves upward.

[0074] In other words, the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is guided by the inclined portion 35a of the guide member 35 in such a way that the closer the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is to the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, the closer the open side of the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is to the edge R1 side of the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. That is, the direction in which the inclined portion 35a guides the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is approximately the same as the direction in which the other roller 32d conveys the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. Therefore, the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 will not snag at the inclined portion 35a and will be smoothly conveyed and guided. Furthermore, by having a recess 35b in the guide member 35, contact between the adhesive tape T and the guide member 35 is suppressed.

[0075] Since the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is conveyed and guided as described above, when it is conveyed to the downstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, the edge R2 of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is positioned above the edge R1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. Furthermore, as shown in the longitudinal cross-sectional view around the guide member 35... Figure 9 As shown, the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 expands in a manner that is more expansive than the thickness of the guide member 35. Therefore, as Figure 10As shown, the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 sandwiches the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, and the edge R2 of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 overlaps with the edge R1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. In this way, the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is smoothly conveyed and guided in a manner that prevents the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 from colliding with the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1.

[0076] At this time, the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is held by the retaining member 34. Therefore, even if the moving second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 or adhesive tape T comes into contact with the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 can continue to be in the prescribed position without shifting downstream.

[0077] In this way, the upstream conveying unit 32 conveys the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 such that the open side of the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 approaches the edge R1 side of the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. Furthermore, the upstream conveying unit 32 conveys the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 toward the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 such that the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 sandwiches the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, and the edge R2 of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 overlaps with the edge R1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. Therefore, when changing packaging paper, wrinkles in the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 and the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 can be suppressed, the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 can be conveyed smoothly, and the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 overlaps the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1.

[0078] Corresponding to the situation where the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 has overlapped with the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, the control unit stops the operation of the pair of rollers 32b. The control unit detects the situation where the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 has overlapped with the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 based on the detection signal of the position sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor) that detects the position of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2.

[0079] Next, the worker manually applies adhesive tape T to the first medicine packaging paper PP1. This connects the second medicine packaging paper PP2 to the first medicine packaging paper PP1. Then, the worker inputs information to the operation unit indicating that the second medicine packaging paper PP2 and the first medicine packaging paper PP1 are now connected. Based on this, the control unit positions the first plate component 34a in the non-clamping position Ps2, the guide component 35 in the non-guided position Pg2, and the drive roller 32b1 in the non-conveyor position Pm2.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit actuates a pair of downstream side rollers 33a, thereby conveying the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 and the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 connected to the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. Thus, after the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is consumed, the packaging paper conveyed by the conveying unit 30 switches to the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. In addition, since the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is sandwiched between the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, the upstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 will not snag at the downstream guide member 33c. Therefore, the switching to the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is completed smoothly.

[0081] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments, provided they do not depart from the spirit of this disclosure, are also included within its scope.

[0082] For example, in a pair of rollers 32b and 32d, not only can the driven rollers 32b2 and 32d2 be arranged at an angle, but the drive rollers 32b1 and 32d1 can also be arranged at an angle similar to that of the driven rollers 32b2 and 32d2. Alternatively, the drive rollers 32b1 and 32d1 can be arranged at an angle instead of the driven rollers 32b2 and 32d2.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the peripheral surface of the driven roller 132d2 can also be a conical surface TS, where the perimeter of the open side of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is longer than the perimeter of the edge R2 side of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. The driven roller 132d2 is configured such that its rotation axis is orthogonal to the conveying direction D1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, and the conical surface TS is in contact with the side line of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. Through this conical surface TS, the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is conveyed such that the open side of the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 approaches the edge R1 side of the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. In addition, the peripheral surface of the driven roller 32b2 and the drive rollers 32b1 and 32d1 can also be a conical surface TS.

[0084] Alternatively, it could be, such as Figure 12 As shown, the driven roller 232d2 with a conical surface TS is configured such that the open end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is located further downstream of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 than the end on the edge R2 side of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. Alternatively, the driven roller 32b2 and drive rollers 32b1 and 32d1 with conical surfaces TS may also be configured such that the open end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is located further downstream of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 than the end on the edge R2 side of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2.

[0085] Alternatively, the conveying unit 30 may not include the second packaging paper holding unit 31b, the other upstream guide member 32c, the other pair of rollers 32d, and the moving member 32e. In this case, when replacing the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 with the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, the operator holds the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 in the holding member 34 and holds it in place, and the drive roller 32b1 is in the non-conveyor position Pm2, and cuts the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 as described above.

[0086] Next, the worker removes the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 from the first packaging paper holding part 31a and installs the winding body M2 of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. Then, the worker positions the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 at the upstream guide member 32a and, as described above, attaches the adhesive tape T to the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2.

[0087] Next, the operator uses the operation unit 11 to input information indicating the start of conveying the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. The control unit then moves the guide member 35 to the guide position Pg1 and positions the drive roller 32b1 at the conveying position Pm1. The control unit then rotates the drive roller 32b1 to convey the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2. Thus, the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 is conveyed and guided as described above and connected to the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1.

[0088] The entire contents of the description, claims, drawings and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-159495, filed on September 29, 2021, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] Industrial applicability

[0090] This invention can be widely applied to pharmaceutical supply devices.

[0091] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0092] 1. Pharmaceutical supply device

[0093] 13. Pharmaceutical Supply Unit

[0094] 30 Conveying Department

[0095] 31 Packaging paper holding section

[0096] 32 Upstream Conveying Unit

[0097] 32a Upstream side guide component

[0098] 32b A pair of rollers

[0099] 32c Another upstream guide component

[0100] 32d Another pair of rollers

[0101] 32e Moving parts

[0102] 33 Downstream Conveying Unit

[0103] 33c Downstream guide component

[0104] 35. Guiding components

[0105] 35a Inclined section

[0106] PP1 First Pharmaceutical Packaging Paper

[0107] PP2 Second Pharmaceutical Packaging Paper

[0108] Pr drug handover location

[0109] R1 The ridge line of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper

[0110] The ridges of the R2 second-stage pharmaceutical packaging paper

[0111] TS cone

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical supply device, characterized in that, have: The drug supply unit supplies drugs to the drug handover location; The downstream conveying unit conveys a strip of first pharmaceutical packaging paper that has been pre-folded along its long side and receives the pharmaceutical agent at the pharmaceutical agent junction; and The upstream conveying unit conveys a strip of second pharmaceutical packaging paper that has been pre-folded along its long side. The upstream conveying unit conveys the second pharmaceutical packaging paper to the first pharmaceutical packaging paper in such a manner that the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper sandwiches the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper, and the edge line of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper overlaps with the edge line of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper. The upstream conveying unit conveys the second pharmaceutical packaging paper in such a manner that the open side of the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper approaches the edge side of the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper. The upstream conveying unit includes a pair of rollers that clamp and convey the second pharmaceutical packaging paper. The drug supply device also includes a guide component that guides the second drug packaging paper in a state where it is sandwiched between the second drug packaging paper and the packaging paper. The guiding member guides the shape of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper in such a way that the closer the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper is to the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper, the closer the open side of the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper is to the ridge side of the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper.

2. The drug supply device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, At least one of the pair of rollers is configured such that the open end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper of the roller is located further downstream of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper than the ridge end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper.

3. The drug supply device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the rollers in the pair has a circumferential surface that is a conical surface in which the perimeter of the open side of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper is longer than the perimeter of the edge side of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper.

4. The drug supply device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The guide member has an inclined portion extending in a direction that is substantially parallel to the ridge line of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper being conveyed to the guide member.

5. The pharmaceutical supply device as described in claim 1 or 4, wherein, The guide component is plate-shaped.

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