Automated pick-up pill bottle placement device

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a kind of automatic pick-up medicine bottle placement device, including medicine cassette mechanism and the pick-up mechanism of the medicine bottle contained in medicine cassette mechanism, medicine cassette mechanism includes the base for containing medicine bottle, the push part that can continuously push medicine bottle along base, and the blocking part in base and for blocking medicine bottle from base in initial state, the side of base with the warehouse mouth for releasing medicine bottle is provided with blocking part, blocking part includes elastic component connected with base, opening component connected with elastic component and can be relatively moved with base, and rotating component is in abutment with opening component, opening component is moved under the action of pick-up mechanism to push rotating component to rotate, in turn, make medicine bottle be released from warehouse mouth under the push of push part and be picked up by pick-up mechanism, opening component is reset when it is away from the action of pick-up mechanism.Thereby, provide a kind of storage medicine bottle and can automatically pick-up medicine bottle placement device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on September 30, 2022, with application number 2022112139753, entitled "A container for holding medicine bottles". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to the field of medical devices, and more specifically to an automated device for picking up and placing medicine bottles. Background Technology

[0003] Intravenous infusion is a commonly used clinical medical method that delivers medications, nutritional solutions, and other fluids into the patient's body to aid in recovery. When a patient requires an infusion, multiple medications often need to be mixed according to their condition to create a more effective treatment solution. In clinical practice, medical staff can transfer medications from different containers, such as medicine bottles, to an infusion bag for mixing to obtain the desired treatment solution for the patient.

[0004] Currently, in automated liquid dispensing systems, medicine bottles are usually stored in dedicated medicine boxes or cabinets, and a retrieval device or robotic arm retrieves the required medicine bottles from the medicine boxes or cabinets when needed.

[0005] However, when a large number of medicine bottles are stored together, it becomes inconvenient to retrieve the bottles on the inner side of the storage cabinet after the outer bottles have been used. Furthermore, once the dispensing or picking mechanism has used the first few bottles, it's difficult to accurately determine the position of the next bottle, potentially leading to unstable picking or even the wrong bottle being picked up due to inaccurate positioning. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can store medicine bottles, particularly one that automatically pushes the bottles to a predetermined position for easy access by the dispensing device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and its purpose is to provide a medicine bottle loading device that can automatically push the medicine bottle to the opening of the medicine bottle compartment, so as to make it easier for the picking mechanism to pick up the medicine bottle and improve the accuracy of the picking mechanism in picking up the medicine bottle.

[0007] To this end, this disclosure provides a medicine bottle placement device, including a medicine cartridge mechanism and a pickup mechanism that cooperates with the medicine cartridge mechanism to pick up and place medicine bottles contained in the medicine cartridge mechanism. The medicine cartridge mechanism includes a base having a medicine bottle compartment for accommodating medicine bottles, a blocking part located at the opening of the medicine bottle compartment and used to prevent the medicine bottle from leaving the opening in the initial state, and a pushing part that can continuously push the medicine bottle along the medicine bottle compartment toward the opening. The blocking part includes an elastic member connected to the base, an opening member connected to the elastic member and movable relative to the base, and a rotating member abutting against the opening member. The opening member moves under the action of the pickup mechanism to push the rotating member to rotate, thereby causing the medicine bottle to move from one side of the rotating member to the other side of the rotating member under the push of the pushing part, and the rotating member returns to its original position when the medicine bottle moves to the other side of the rotating member and the pickup mechanism disengages.

[0008] In this disclosure, a pushing unit continuously pushes medicine bottles located in the medicine bottle compartment toward the compartment opening, and a blocking unit blocks the medicine bottle closest to the opening, ensuring that the medicine bottle remains inside the medicine bottle compartment in the initial state. This allows medicine bottles to be stored within the medicine bottle compartment. When the picking mechanism operates, the opening member moves under the action of the picking mechanism, causing the rotating member to rotate. This causes the rotating member to release its action on the medicine bottle located in the medicine bottle compartment, and the medicine bottle is transferred from one side of the rotating member to the other under the action of the pushing unit, making it easier for the picking mechanism to pick it up. In other words, the picking mechanism always picks up the medicine bottle located at the medicine bottle compartment opening, which helps improve the accuracy of the picking mechanism. Therefore, automated picking of medicine bottles stored in the medicine bottle compartment can be achieved.

[0009] Additionally, in the medicine bottle mounting device disclosed herein, optionally, the rotating member includes a first fixed shaft fixed to the base, a stop rotatably disposed on the first fixed shaft and used to prevent the medicine bottle from dislodging from the opening in the initial state, and a first elastic element cooperating with the stop for returning the stop to its original position after rotation. In this case, the elastic force of the first elastic element enables the rotating member to rotate and return automatically.

[0010] Additionally, in the medicine bottle mounting device disclosed herein, optionally, the opening member includes a straight column connected to the elastic member and a slider fixedly connected to the straight column and used to push the rotating member to rotate. The base has a straight groove for the straight column to move and a sliding groove that cooperates with the slider. Thus, the cooperation between the slider and the sliding groove improves the convenience and stability of the opening member in pushing the rotating member to rotate.

[0011] Additionally, in the medicine bottle placement device disclosed herein, optionally, the picking mechanism includes a clamping part for gripping the medicine bottle and a push block disposed on the clamping part for pushing the opening member to move. In this case, the push block can push the opening member to move, causing the medicine bottle to be transferred from one side of the rotating member to the opening, and then the clamping part grips the medicine bottle located at the opening. Thus, the medicine bottle can be easily picked up by the cooperation of the push block and the clamping part.

[0012] Additionally, in the vial-loading device disclosed herein, the pushing unit optionally includes a contact member and an actuating member having a tendency to drive the contact member toward the opening. Thus, the pushing unit can continuously push the vial toward the opening.

[0013] Alternatively, in the vial-loading device disclosed herein, the actuating member may be a coil spring. This allows for a continuous thrust to be provided to the actuating part.

[0014] Additionally, in the medicine bottle loading device disclosed herein, optionally, the pushing part further includes a check valve, and the base at the end away from the opening includes a stop bar that cooperates with the check valve to stop the pushing part at the end of the base away from the opening. In this case, when it is necessary to replenish the medicine bottle compartment, the pushing part can be moved in the opposite direction of its movement until it is located at the end of the base away from the opening. At this time, the check valve, in conjunction with the stop bar on the base, can stop the pushing part at the end of the base away from the opening, thereby making it easier to replenish the medicine bottle compartment.

[0015] Alternatively, in the medicine bottle loading device disclosed herein, the check valve member may include a second fixed shaft, a pawl rotatably mounted on the second fixed shaft, and a second elastic element cooperating with the pawl. In this case, the check valve member is repositioned and fixed to the stop bar via the second elastic element, allowing the pushing part to disengage more easily from the stop bar after the medicine bottle has been replenished.

[0016] Additionally, in the vial-loading device disclosed herein, the pushing unit may optionally include a limiting member that restricts the rotation range of the pawl. In this case, the limiting member can better restrict the rotation range of the pawl.

[0017] Additionally, in the medicine bottle mounting device disclosed herein, optionally, the base includes a long, narrow base plate and a plurality of side plates arranged parallel to the base plate along its length, the base plate and the plurality of side plates cooperating to form the medicine bottle compartment. In this case, the movement path of the medicine bottle can be limited by the plurality of side plates and the base, so that the medicine bottle moves smoothly and orderly within the medicine bottle compartment.

[0018] According to the medicine bottle loading device disclosed herein, medicine bottles can be stored and automatically pushed to the opening of the medicine bottle compartment, so that the picking mechanism can pick up the medicine bottles more conveniently and improve the accuracy of the picking mechanism in picking up medicine bottles. Attached Figure Description

[0019] This disclosure will now be explained in further detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall medicine box mechanism involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall picking mechanism involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the picking mechanism of the medicine bottle as described in this disclosure example.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the initial state of medicine bottles stored in the medicine bottle compartment as described in this disclosure example.

[0024] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram showing the blocking part involved in the example of this disclosure in the closed state; Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram showing the blocking part involved in the example of this disclosure in the open state.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the blocking part and the base involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall blocking portion involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the blocking portion involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the connection relationship between the blocking part and the base involved in the present disclosure. Figure 9b It shows Figure 9a Another schematic diagram showing the connection between the blocking part and the base.

[0029] Figure 10 This is an exploded view showing another example of the blocking portion involved in the examples of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a top view showing another example of the blocking portion involved in the examples of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the propulsion unit located at the tail of the bin, as described in the example of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the actuating part involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 2… medicine bottles,

[0035] 10…Medicine box mechanism,

[0036] 100…Base, 101…Village compartment, 102…Compartment opening, 103…Bottom plate, 104…Side plate, 105…Straight groove, 106…Slide groove, 107…Rotating groove, 108…Stop bar, 109…Pin hole

[0037] 110…Pushing part, 111…Contact member, 112…Actuating member, 113…Check member, 114…Second fixed shaft, 115…Claw, 116…Second elastic element, 117…Limiting member,

[0038] 120…blocking part, 121…elastic member, 122…opening member, 123…straight column, 124…slider, 125…rotating member, 126…first fixed shaft, 127…stop, 128…first elastic element, 129…hollow groove, 130…first end face, 131…second end face,

[0039] 20… Pick-up mechanism, 210… Clamping part, 220… Push block. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The vial-loading device of this disclosure can be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description of specific embodiments, including the embodiments therein, and by referring to the accompanying drawings and their foregoing and hindsight descriptions.

[0041] In the following description, the same symbols are used for the same parts, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are schematic only, and the proportions of the parts or their shapes may differ from the actual figures.

[0042] While specific examples of this disclosure have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this disclosure without departing from this disclosure and its broader aspects, and therefore the appended claims are intended to cover within their scope all such changes and modifications within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in general, the terms used in this disclosure are generally intended to be “open” terms (e.g., the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”, the term “having” should be interpreted as “at least having”, the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”, etc.).

[0043] This disclosure relates to a medicine bottle placement device, which can be used for storing and retrieving medicine bottles, and can automatically push the medicine bottles to the opening of the medicine bottle compartment, so that the picking mechanism can pick up the medicine bottles more conveniently and improve the accuracy of the picking mechanism. In this disclosure, the medicine bottle placement device can be simply referred to as a "placement device", or an automated medicine box mechanism, etc. The placement device involved in this disclosure can be applied to automated liquid dispensing systems, and can accurately and efficiently transfer medicine bottles.

[0044] In some examples, the medicine bottle referred to in this disclosure may be an ampoule, a vial, or other type of medicine bottle for storing medicines.

[0045] The following is a detailed description of the medicine bottle placement device involved in this disclosure, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall medicine box mechanism 10 involved in the example of this disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall pickup mechanism 20 involved in the example of this disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the pickup mechanism 20 picking up the medicine bottle 2 as described in this disclosure example.

[0047] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some examples, the loading device may include a medicine box mechanism 10 and a pickup mechanism 20. The medicine box mechanism 10 can be used to store the medicine bottle 2 and to push and release the medicine bottle 2. The pickup mechanism 20 can cooperate with the medicine box mechanism 10 to pick up and place the medicine bottle 2 contained in the medicine box mechanism 10. In some examples, the pickup mechanism 20 may be located on one side of the medicine box mechanism 10. In some examples, the pickup mechanism 20 may have a gripping and moving function. In some examples, the pickup mechanism 20 can move relative to the medicine box mechanism 10. In this case, the pickup mechanism 20 can move to the medicine box mechanism 10 to pick up the medicine bottle 2.

[0048] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram showing the initial state of the medicine bottle 2 stored in the medicine bottle compartment 101 as described in this disclosure example.

[0049] In some examples, the cartridge mechanism 10 may include a base 100, a pusher 110, and a stopper 120 (see [reference]). Figure 1 The base 100 can be used to hold the medicine bottle 2, the pushing part 110 can be used to push the medicine bottle 2 held in the base 100, and the blocking part 120 can be used to openably block the medicine bottle 2 from staying in the base 100 and release the medicine bottle 2 under the action of the picking mechanism 20.

[0050] In some examples, the base 100 may include a vial compartment 101 for storing vials 2. In this case, the vials 2 can be placed on the cartridge mechanism 10 via the base 100.

[0051] In some examples, the vial compartment 101 may have an opening 102, which may be located at one end of the vial compartment 101 and serve as an outlet for picking up vials 2, and is in an openable / closable state. In some examples, the vial compartment 101 may also have a tail, which may be located at the other end of the vial compartment 101 opposite to the opening 102.

[0052] In some examples, the vial compartment 101 may be elongated and its width may be approximately the same as the diameter of the vials 2 stored therein. In this case, the vial compartment 101 can store multiple vials 2, which may be arranged sequentially along the length of the vial compartment 101.

[0053] In some examples, the base 100 may include a long strip-shaped base plate 103 and a plurality of side plates 104 disposed parallel to the base plate 103 along its length. The base plate 103 and two adjacent side plates 104 on the base plate 103 may cooperate to form a medicine bottle compartment 101 (see [reference]). Figure 4 In some examples, the base 100 may include multiple vial compartments 101 (see...). Figure 4 In this case, the base 100 having multiple bottle compartments 101 can store more bottles 2. In some examples, the medicine box mechanism 10 may include multiple bases 100 having multiple bottle compartments 101. Thus, more bottles 2 can be stored.

[0054] In some examples, the width of the opening 102 may be approximately the same as, or slightly larger than, the diameter of the medicine bottle 2. In this case, one medicine bottle 2 is released from the medicine bottle compartment 101 at a time through the opening 102.

[0055] In some examples, the base 100 can be used to hold ampoule-type medicine bottles 2 or vials 2, and the base 100 can also be used to hold other types of medicine bottles 2. In some examples, when the base 100 with multiple medicine bottle compartments 101 is used to store different types of medicine bottles 2, the size of each medicine bottle compartment 101 can be adapted to the size of the corresponding medicine bottle 2. That is, the size of the medicine bottle compartment 101 can be adjusted according to the size of the medicine bottles 2 that need to be stored. The size of the medicine bottle compartment 101 includes, but is not limited to, the length, width, and height of the medicine bottle compartment 101.

[0056] In some examples, the pushing part 110 may be disposed on the base 100, and the pushing part 110 may move along the vial compartment 101. In some examples, the pushing part 110 may be configured to continuously push the vial 2 along the vial compartment 101 toward the compartment opening 102. In other words, when the vial compartment 101 holds the vial 2 and when the vial 2 is blocked by the blocking part 120 at the compartment opening 102 of the vial compartment 101, the pushing part 110 has a tendency to continuously push the vial 2 toward the compartment opening 102.

[0057] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram showing the blocking part 120 involved in the example of this disclosure in the closed state; Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram showing the blocking part 120 of the present disclosure in the open state (to more clearly illustrate the schematic diagram of the blocking part 120 in different states, Figure 5a and Figure 5b (Some lines have been omitted). Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the blocking part 120 and the base 100 involved in the example of this disclosure (in order to better illustrate the connection relationship between the blocking part 120 and the base 100, Figure 6 The blocking part 120 is separated from the base 100 along the movable direction of the opening member 122, and the actual blocking part 120 is located as follows: Figure 6 (On the base 100 shown). Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall blocking portion 120 involved in the example of this disclosure. Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the blocking part 120 involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0058] In some examples, the stop 120 may be located at the opening 102 of the vial compartment 101. In some examples, the stop 120 may be configured to be openable or closed. The state in which the stop 120 is located at the opening 102 of the vial compartment 101 is referred to as the closed state (see [reference]). Figure 5a The state in which the blocking part 120 is completely removed from the opening 102 of the medicine bottle compartment 101 is called the open state (see [link]). Figure 5b ).

[0059] In some examples, the blocking part 120 can be used to prevent the medicine bottle 2 from leaving the compartment opening 102 in the initial state. The initial state referred to in this disclosure can be regarded as the state when the blocking part 120 is in the closed state, that is, the blocking part 120 is in the state of preventing the medicine bottle 2 from leaving the medicine bottle compartment 101. See also Figure 4 (or Figure 5a ), Figure 4 The situation shown is the state when the blocking part 120 is closed, which is the initial state. In this case, when the medicine bottle compartment 101 holds the medicine bottle 2 and the blocking part 120 is closed, the blocking part 120 can block the medicine bottle 2 in the medicine bottle compartment 101 when the medicine bottle 2 leaves the medicine bottle compartment 101. When the blocking part 120 is opened, the medicine bottle 2 moves to the compartment opening 102 that can be picked up by the picking mechanism 20 under the continuous action of the pushing part 110.

[0060] In some examples, the blocking part 120 may include an elastic member 121, an opening member 122, and a rotating member 125 (see [link to example]). Figure 6 The rotating member 125 can be used to prevent the medicine bottle 2 from leaving the medicine bottle compartment 101 in the initial state. The opening member 122 can be used to push the rotating member 125 to rotate so that it can switch between the open and closed states. The elastic member 121 can be used to return the opening member 122 to its original position (returning the opening member 122 to its original position means returning the blocking part 120 to its initial state).

[0061] In some examples, the two ends of the elastic member 121 can be connected to the base 100 and the opening member 122 respectively, thereby allowing the opening member 122 to be movably mounted on the base 100 via the elastic member 121. In other words, the opening member 122 can move relative to the base 100. In some examples, the elastic member 121 can be a spring. In some examples, preferably, the elastic member 121 can be a compression spring. This makes it easier to return the opening member 122 to its original position.

[0062] In some examples, the opening component 122 may include a straight post 123 and a slider 124 (see...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some examples, the column 123 and the slider 124 can be fixed together without relative movement. In this case, the slider 124 is moved by moving the column 123.

[0063] In some examples, preferably, the straight column 123 and the slider 124 can be fixed together by bolts. In this case, the straight column 123 and the slider 124 can be installed into the base 100 respectively, and then fixed after installation, which makes the installation of the opening member 122 more convenient.

[0064] In some examples, the straight column 123 may be connected to the elastic member 121, and the base 100 may have a straight groove 105 for the straight column 123 to move. The straight groove 105 may be a groove structure located inside the base (see [reference]). Figure 6 ).like Figure 6 As shown, the straight groove 105 can be regarded as a groove that can provide a movable groove for the straight column 123, and the movement path of the straight column 123 can also be restricted through the straight groove 105.

[0065] In some examples, slider 124 may be located on the side wall of the straight column 123, and slider 124 may be used to push rotating member 125 to rotate. In some examples, the edge of slider 124 in contact with rotating member 125 may be arc-shaped. In this case, according to mechanical principles, slider 124 can more easily push rotating member 125 to rotate. In some examples, base 100 may have a groove 106 that mates with slider 124 (see...). Figure 6 This restricts the movement path of slider 124. Figure 6 The force F applied to the straight column 123 along the straight groove 105 can cause the straight column 123 to move on the straight groove 105, while driving the slider 124 to move on the slide groove 106, thereby pushing the rotating component 125 to rotate.

[0066] In some examples, the rotating member 125 may include a first fixed shaft 126, a stop 127, and a first elastic element 128 (see [link to original text]). Figure 6 The stop 127 can be rotatably fixed to the base 100 via the first fixed shaft 126, and the first elastic element 128 can be used to return the stop 127 to its original position. In some examples, the base 100 may have a rotation groove 107 for the stop 127 to rotate (see...). Figure 6 In some examples, the base 100 may have a pin hole 109 that mates with the first fixed shaft 126 (see [reference]). Figure 6 Therefore, the rotating member 125 can be well positioned on the base 100.

[0067] In some examples, the first elastic element 128 may be a torsion spring, which may have a coil and a lever arm, and the first fixed shaft 126 may be configured to pass through the coil of the torsion spring. See also Figure 7 and Figure 8The stop block 127 may have a through hole parallel to the axial direction of the first fixed shaft 126, and the first fixed shaft 126 may be configured to pass through the through hole. The stop block 127 may also have a slanted groove perpendicular to the direction of the through hole, and the spring coil of the first elastic element 128 may be located in the slanted groove. The first elastic element 128 may have two lever arms, one of which abuts against the slanted groove, and the other lever arm abuts against one side of the rotating groove 107 of the base 100. Thus, it is more convenient to use the first elastic element 128 to provide a return force for the stop block 127.

[0068] In some examples, combined Figure 5a and Figure 5b In the initial state, due to the action of the first elastic element 128, the stop 127 is in a position at an inclined angle to the side plate 104 of the base 100, and this position can prevent the medicine bottle 2 from dislodging from the opening 102 (see...). Figure 5a When the opening component 122 moves along as shown... Figure 5a When the movement occurs in the D1 direction shown, the slider 124, which is in contact with the stop 127, applies a pushing force to the stop 127, causing the stop 127 to rotate around the first fixed axis 126 to a position away from the opening 102 (see...). Figure 5b At this time, without the obstruction of the stop 127, the medicine bottle 2 moves from one side of the rotating member 125 to the other side under the push of the pusher 110, that is, it continues to move along the medicine bottle compartment 101 towards the opening 102 and is picked up by the picking mechanism 20. During this process, the first elastic element 128 is under force, and after being subjected to torsional force, it has the elastic force to return to its original state. Therefore, the first elastic element 128 has the tendency to drive the stop 127 back to its initial state. When the push force applied to the opening member 122 is removed, the opening member 122 returns to its original position under the action of the elastic member 121. At this time, the force applied by the opening member 122 to the rotating member 125 also disappears, and the stop 127 also returns to its original position under the action of the first elastic element 128, that is, returns to its initial state, and continues to prevent the next medicine bottle 2 from leaving the opening 102. In some examples, the part where the slider 124 abuts against the stop 127 can be arc-shaped. This makes it easier for the slider 124 to push the stop 127 to rotate. In some examples, the end of the stop 127 away from the first fixed axis 126 can be arc-shaped. This ensures that the stop 127 will not get stuck during contact and disengagement with the medicine bottle 2 during rotation.

[0069] Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the connection relationship between the blocking part 120 and the base 100 involved in the present disclosure. Figure 9b It shows Figure 9aAnother schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the blocking part 120 and the base 100 (to better illustrate the connection relationship between the blocking part 120 and the base 100, Figure 9a and Figure 9b The blocking part 120 is separated from the base 100 along the movable direction of the opening member 122, and the actual blocking part 120 is located at... Figure 9a and Figure 9b (On the base 100 shown). Figure 10 This is an exploded view showing another example of the blocking portion involved in the examples of this disclosure.

[0070] In some examples, the connection between the blocking part 120 and the base 100 can also be as follows: Figure 9a and Figure 9b As shown. See also some examples. Figure 9a The straight groove 105 on the base 100 that mates with the straight column 123, the sliding groove 106 that mates with the slider 124, and the rotating groove 107 that mates with the stop block 127 can be formed as follows: Figure 9a The structure is shown. See also some examples. Figure 9a The rotating groove 107 divides the pin hole 109 into upper and lower parts, which provides greater stability for the rotating member 125 when the first fixed shaft 126 is placed therein. In some examples, the rotating groove 107 may be a groove that does not completely penetrate the substrate 100 (see [reference]). Figure 9a and Figure 9b ).

[0071] See in some examples Figure 9a , Figure 9b and Figure 10 The slider 124 can be cylindrical and fixedly connected to the straight column 123, and the stop block 127 can have a hollow groove 129 for the slider 124 to slide in. Figure 9a The slider 124 can be linked with the stop 124 by passing through the hollow groove 129, that is, when the slider 124 moves, it can push the stop 127 to rotate. Therefore, the linkage between the rotating member 125 and the opening member 122 can be more stable. In some examples, the side of the slider 124 opposite to the groove wall of the rotating groove 107 can be connected to a first elastic element 128 (see...). Figure 9b In some examples, the first elastic element 128 can be a compression spring, with one end of the first elastic element 128 connected to the side wall of the stop 127, and the other end able to be connected to or detachably abutting against the groove wall of the rotating groove 107. This allows for a more convenient use of the first elastic element 128 to provide a return force to the stop 127.

[0072] See in some examples Figure 9aThe rotating groove 107 divides the slide groove 106 into upper and lower parts. When the slider 124 is placed in it, the sliding of the slider 124 will be more stable and will always slide along the direction of the slide groove 106.

[0073] Figure 11 This is a top view showing another example of the blocking portion 120 involved in the examples of this disclosure.

[0074] In some examples, stop 127 may have, for example, Figure 11 The first end face 130 and the second end face 131 are shown. The first end face 130 is used to block the medicine bottle 2 located in the medicine bottle compartment 101. In some examples, the part of the first end face 130 that contacts the medicine bottle can be arc-shaped. This allows the stop 127 to avoid getting stuck during contact and disengagement with the medicine bottle 2 when rotating. In some examples, the second end face 131 can form an angle with the first end face 130 (see...). Figure 11 This allows for a more stable barrier to medicine bottle 2.

[0075] See in some examples Figure 11 At this time, the blocking part 120 is in the initial state (i.e., the closed state). The groove direction of the hollow groove 129 on the stop block 127 forms an inclined angle with the moving direction of the straight column 123. When the opening member 122 moves along the direction of the straight groove 105, the slider 124 located in the hollow groove 129 applies a pushing force to the stop block 127, and the stop block 127 rotates around the first fixed axis 126 to a position away from the opening 102. At this time, the opening 102 is not blocked by the stop block 127, and the medicine bottle 2 moves from one side of the rotating member 125 to the other side of the rotating member 125 under the push of the pushing part 110, that is, continues to move along the direction of the medicine bottle compartment 101 towards the opening 102, and is picked up by the picking mechanism 20. During this process, the rotation of the stop 127 causes the first elastic element 128 to be compressed. After being compressed, it has a spring force that allows it to return to its original state. Therefore, the first elastic element 128 tends to drive the stop 127 back to its initial state. When the pushing force applied to the opening member 122 is removed, the opening member 122 returns to its original position under the action of the elastic member 121. At this time, the force applied by the opening member 122 to the rotating member 125 also disappears, the slider 124 retracts along the hollow groove 129, and the stop 127 also returns to its original position under the action of the first elastic element 128, continuing to prevent the next medicine bottle 2 from leaving the opening 102. Thus, it is possible to automatically and retractably block and release the medicine bottle 2.

[0076] See in some examples Figure 2 and Figure 3The picking mechanism 20 may include a gripping part 210. The gripping part 210 can be used to grip the medicine bottle 2. In some examples, the picking mechanism 20 may be a multi-axis robotic arm, thereby allowing the picking mechanism 20 to be adjusted at any angle to pick up the medicine bottle 2 located in the medicine box mechanism 10. In some examples, the gripping part 210 may be a mechanical gripper on a multi-axis robotic arm, thereby allowing the gripping part 210 to stably pick up the medicine bottle 2. In some examples, the picking mechanism 20 and the gripping part 210 may be automatically controlled.

[0077] In some examples, the picking mechanism 20 may also include a pusher block 220 (see...) Figure 3 The push block 220 can be used to push the opening member 122 to move. When it is necessary to pick up the medicine bottle 2 located at the opening 102, the push block 220 can cooperate with the opening member 122 to change the blocking part 120 to the initial state of releasing the medicine bottle 2, thereby moving the medicine bottle 2 from one side of the rotating member 125 to the other side of the rotating member 125.

[0078] In some examples, the push block 220 may be disposed on the clamping portion 210. In some examples, the push block 220 may be a relatively protruding part of the clamping portion 210. In some examples, the positions of the push block 220 and the clamping portion 210 remain relatively fixed. In some examples, the positional relationship between the push block 220 and the clamping portion 210 is related to the positional relationship between the compartment opening 102 and the straight column 123; in other words, when the clamping portion 210 is located at the compartment opening 102 and clamps the medicine bottle 2 located in the medicine bottle compartment 101, the push block 220 may be located at a position that can push the straight column 123 to a predetermined position. For example, in Figure 3 In the example shown, the direction of movement of the clamping part 210 when it is positioned directly opposite the opening 102 to clamp the medicine bottle 2 is the same as the direction of movement of the pusher block 220 relative to the straight column 123. Figure 3 (D, representing a straight line, can be the direction of movement of the pusher block 220 relative to the straight column 123). In this case, the pusher block 220 can trigger the blocking part 120 while the gripping part 210 is gripping the medicine bottle 2. At this time, the gripping part 210, holding the medicine bottle 2 and stopping at the opening 102, can also block other medicine bottles 2 in the medicine bottle compartment 101. When the gripping part 210 leaves the opening 102 with the medicine bottle 2, the pusher block 220 also leaves the blocking part 120 at the same time. At this time, the effect applied to the blocking part 120 by the pusher block 220 is also removed. The blocking part 120 returns to its initial state under the action of the elastic member 121 and the first elastic element 128, and continues to block the next medicine bottle 2 from moving to the opening 102. Thus, it is possible to pick up one medicine bottle 2 at a time.

[0079] In this embodiment, by using the opening component 122 to drive the rotating component 125 to rotate, and cleverly cooperating with the clamping and triggering mechanism of the picking mechanism 20, it is easier to use the push block 220 of the picking mechanism 20 to trigger the opening and closing of the blocking part 120, and it is easier to push the rotating component 125 to release the blocking part 120 onto the medicine bottle 2. This method of picking up and placing the medicine bottle 2, because it makes it easier to rotate the rotating component 125, increases the service life of the blocking part 120 and avoids premature fatigue failure of the first elastic element 128. Simultaneously, the cooperation between the push block 220 of the picking mechanism 20 and the straight column 123 allows for the picking of only one medicine bottle 2 at a time, and after picking up, the blocking part 120 restores its obstruction of other medicine bottles 2 in the medicine bottle compartment 101, ensuring that only one medicine bottle 2 is picked up at a time. Furthermore, the fixed-point picking method improves the accuracy of the picking mechanism 20 in picking up the medicine bottle 2.

[0080] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the propulsion unit 110 located at the tail of the bin, as described in the example of this disclosure. Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the actuating part 110 involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0081] See in some examples Figure 12 and Figure 13 The pushing unit 110 may include a contact member 111 and an actuating member 112. The contact member 111 makes direct contact with the medicine bottle 2 located in the medicine bottle compartment 101, and the actuating member 112 has a tendency to drive the contact member 111 toward the compartment opening 102. Thus, the pushing unit 110 can continuously push the medicine bottle 2 toward the compartment opening 102.

[0082] In some examples, the actuating part 110 may have a chamber in which the actuating member 112 may be located. When the actuating member 112 is activated, the actuating part 110 continuously applies a pushing force to the medicine bottle 2. In some examples, the actuating member 112 may be a coil spring. The coil spring may be located within the chamber of the actuating part 110, and one end of the coil spring may extend through a hole in the chamber and be fixed at the position of the opening 102. When the actuating part 110 moves away from the opening 102 along the medicine bottle compartment 101, the coil spring begins to bear force. At this time, the coil spring applies a force to the actuating part 110 towards the opening 102, causing the actuating part 110 to tend to move towards the opening 102. Thus, the characteristics of the coil spring can be used to continuously provide the actuating part 110 with a pushing force to push the medicine bottle 2.

[0083] In some examples, the actuating member 112 can be a pressure spring. The pressure spring can be disposed on the movement path of the actuating part 110. One end of the pressure spring can be fixed to the opening 102 of the medicine bottle compartment 101, and the other end can be fixed to the contact member 111. In this case, the elastic force of the pressure spring (i.e., the restoring force of the pressure spring) can be used to continuously provide the actuating part 110 with a thrust to push the medicine bottle 2.

[0084] In some examples, the actuating member 112 can also be a tension spring. The tension spring can be disposed between the contact mechanism and the opening 102 of the vial compartment 101. One end of the tension spring can be connected to the opening 102 of the vial compartment 101, and the other end can be connected to the contact member 111. Thus, the tension spring can continuously provide the pushing part 110 with a thrust to push the vial 2.

[0085] In some examples, the pusher 110 may also include a check member 113, and the base 100 may include a stop bar 108 that engages with the check member 113 to stop the pusher 110 at the tail of the bin (see [link]). Figure 12 In this situation, when it is necessary to replenish the medicine bottle 2 in the medicine bottle compartment 101, the pusher 110 can be moved in the opposite direction of the movement trend of the pusher 110 until the pusher 110 is located at the end of the base 100 away from the compartment opening 102. At this time, the pusher 110 is stopped at the end of the base 100 away from the compartment opening 102 by the anti-return member 113 in conjunction with the stop bar 108 on the base 100, which makes it easier to replenish the medicine bottle 2 in the medicine bottle compartment 101.

[0086] In some examples, the stop bar 108 may be located at the end away from the bin opening 102 (i.e., the end closer to the bin tail). In some examples, the stop bar 108 may be a crossbar located at the bin tail. The stop bar 108 may be fixed to the bin tail. In this case, the pusher 110 can be stopped at the bin tail by hooking the check member 113 onto the stop bar 108.

[0087] In some examples, the check member 113 may include a second fixed shaft 114 and a pawl 115 (see Figure 13 In some examples, the second fixed shaft 114 may be disposed and fixed on the contact member 111, and the pawl 115 may be rotatably disposed on the second fixed shaft 114. In some examples, the end of the pawl 115 near the tail of the bin has a swivel end that can engage with the inclined stop bar 108, see [reference needed]. Figure 13 The inner side of the swivel end can face the opening of the bin, and the outer side of the swivel end can face the tail of the bin. Thus, the inner side of the swivel end can be fastened to the stop bar 108 so that the hook 115 can hook the stop bar 108, thereby allowing the check valve 113 to stay at the tail of the bin.

[0088] In some examples, the pawl 115 may have a through hole through which the second fixed shaft 114 passes. Thus, the pawl 115 can be rotatably mounted on the second fixed shaft 114.

[0089] In some examples, the check member 113 may also include a second elastic element 116 (see...) Figure 13 The second elastic element 116 can cooperate with the hook 115 and provide the hook 115 with a spring force that can drive the hook 115 to rotate.

[0090] In some examples, the second elastic element 116 can be a torsion spring, which may have a coil and a lever arm. The second fixed shaft 114 can pass through the coil to rotatably mount the hook 115 and the second elastic element 116 to the contact member 111. In this case, the check member 113 can be repositioned and fixed to the stop bar 108 by the second elastic element 116, allowing the pusher 110 to disengage more easily from the stop bar 108 after the medicine bottle 2 has been replenished.

[0091] In some examples, the outer surface of the rotating end of the pawl 115 can be arc-shaped. In this case, by setting the rotating end with an arc-shaped outer surface, when the pushing part 110 moves along the medicine bottle compartment 101 towards the rear of the compartment until the outer surface of the rotating end of the pawl 115 contacts the stop bar 108, it is easy for the pawl to slide on the stop bar 108. At this time, if the pushing part 110 is continued to move along the medicine bottle compartment 101 towards the rear of the compartment, the bottom of the rotating end can pass over the stop bar 108. Then, under the action of the second elastic element 116, the pawl 115 returns to its original position and latches onto the other side of the stop bar 108. At this time, if the pushing part 110 is stopped from being pushed further towards the rear of the compartment, the pawl 115 can be firmly fixed at the rear of the compartment under the action of the actuating member 112.

[0092] When it is necessary to release the pusher 110, the hook 115 is rotated to separate from the stop lever 108. At this time, under the action of the actuator 112, the pusher 110 can resume moving towards the position of the compartment opening 102.

[0093] In some examples, the pushing part 110 may also include a limiting member, the pawl 115 may have a groove extending through the middle portion of the pawl 115, and the second elastic element 116 may have two lever arms, one of which abuts against the groove of the pawl 115, and the other of which abuts against the limiting member. In this case, the limiting member can better restrict the rotation range of the pawl 115, thereby enabling the pawl 115 to rotate more stably and engage or disengage with the stop bar 108.

[0094] In some examples, the limiting member can be the inner wall formed by the hollow structure inside the pusher 110. This allows the rotation range of the pawl 115 to be limited by the inner wall.

[0095] In some examples, the limiting member can be a pin disposed inside the pusher 110. In some examples, there can be two pins, one on each side of the pawl 115. Thus, the rotation range of the pawl 115 can be limited by the pins.

[0096] In summary, the medicine bottle 2 mounting device disclosed herein can store the medicine bottle 2 and automatically push the medicine bottle 2 to the opening 102 of the medicine bottle compartment 101, so that the picking mechanism 20 can pick up the medicine bottle 2 more conveniently and improve the accuracy of the picking mechanism 20 in picking up the medicine bottle 2.

[0097] While the present disclosure has been specifically described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples, it is to be understood that the foregoing description does not limit the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art can make modifications and variations to the present disclosure as needed without departing from its essential spirit and scope, and all such modifications and variations shall fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An automated medicine bottle picking and placing device, characterized in that, The device includes a medicine cartridge mechanism and a pickup mechanism for picking up and placing medicine bottles contained in the medicine cartridge mechanism. The medicine cartridge mechanism includes a base for receiving medicine bottles, a pushing part that can continuously push the medicine bottles along the base, and a blocking part located on the base and used to prevent the medicine bottles from detaching from the base in the initial state. The base has a slot for releasing the medicine bottles on the side where the blocking part is located. The blocking part includes an elastic member connected to the base, an opening member connected to the elastic member and movable relative to the base, and a rotating member abutting against the opening member. The opening member moves under the action of the pickup mechanism to push the rotating member to rotate, thereby releasing the medicine bottle from the slot under the push of the pushing part and being picked up by the pickup mechanism. The opening member returns to its original position when it is no longer under the action of the pickup mechanism. The rotating component includes a first fixed shaft fixed to the base, a stop rotatably disposed on the first fixed shaft and used to prevent the medicine bottle from dislodging from the opening in the initial state, and a first elastic element cooperating with the stop to allow the stop to return to its original position after rotation. The base includes a rotating groove for the stop to rotate. One end of the first elastic element abuts against the rotating groove, and the other end of the first elastic element abuts against the stop. The rotating groove does not completely penetrate the base. The opening member includes a straight column connected to the elastic member and a slider fixedly connected to the straight column and used to push the rotating member to rotate. The base has a straight groove for the straight column to move and a sliding groove that cooperates with the slider.

2. The automated medicine bottle picking and placing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medicine bottle moves from one side of the rotating member to the other side under the push of the pusher. When the medicine bottle moves to the other side of the rotating member, the opening member returns to its original position under the action of the elastic member and disengages from the picking mechanism.

3. The automated medicine bottle picking and placing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating component includes a first fixed shaft fixed to the base, a stop block rotatably disposed on the first fixed shaft and used to prevent the medicine bottle from detaching from the opening in the initial state, and a first elastic element cooperating with the stop block to return the stop block to its original position after rotation. The opening component includes a straight column connected to the elastic element and a slider fixedly connected to the straight column and used to push the rotating component to rotate. The base has a straight groove for the straight column to move and a sliding groove cooperating with the slider. The slider is cylindrical, and the stop block has a hollow groove for the slider to slide.

4. The automated medicine bottle picking and placing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the blocking part is in the initial state, the direction of the hollow groove and the direction of movement of the straight column form an inclined angle.

5. The automated medicine bottle picking and placing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base includes a long strip-shaped bottom plate and a plurality of side plates arranged parallel to the bottom plate along its length. The bottom plate and the plurality of side plates cooperate to form a medicine bottle compartment for accommodating medicine bottles and having the compartment opening.

6. The automated medicine bottle picking and placing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The picking mechanism includes a clamping part for gripping the medicine bottle and a pusher block disposed on the clamping part for pushing the opening member to move.

7. The automated medicine bottle picking and placing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuating part includes a contact member and an actuating member having a tendency to drive the contact member toward the opening.

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