Drug supply device

Abstract

A drug supply device according to the present disclosure is provided with: a delivery unit that guides the travel of a drug; and a drug acceleration unit that is rotated by the motor, blocks the drug on the delivery unit in the first posture, and rotates to the second posture to accelerate and deliver the drug, the delivery unit having a retention unit that retains the drug in a state in which the blocking by the drug acceleration unit has been released. The drug acceleration unit accelerates and delivers the drug remaining in the retention unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medicine feeding device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a medicine supply device that discharges medicines specified by a prescription from a plurality of tablet cassettes containing the medicines, collects the discharged medicines in a hopper disposed below the tablet cassettes, and packages the discharged medicines with wrapping paper.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Utility Model Publication No. 57-2241. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, for example, from the viewpoint of improving the work efficiency of medicine packaging operations, a medicine supply device that can shorten the time required for medicine packaging is desired.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a medicine supply device capable of shortening the time required for medicine packaging work.

[0009] Solutions to the Problem

[0010] In one embodiment of the medicine supply device of the present invention, the medicine supply device includes:

[0011] a conveying unit that guides the movement of the medicine; and

[0012] The medicine accelerating part is rotated by a motor to block the medicine on the conveying part in a first posture, and rotates to a second posture to accelerate and deliver the medicine.

[0013] The transport unit includes a retention unit for retaining the medicine that has been released from the blocking state by the medicine acceleration unit.

[0014] The medicine accelerating section accelerates the medicine staying in the staying section and delivers it.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a medicine supply device capable of shortening the time required for medicine packaging work. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the medicine supply device.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a perspective view schematically showing a drug delivery unit.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the first delivery unit that constitutes the drug delivery unit.

[0020] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first conveying unit.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of the medicine acceleration device that constitutes the first conveying unit.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing a part of the structure of the driving unit.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a side view showing the structure of a part of the driving unit.

[0024] Figure 9 It is a plan view showing a part of the structure of the driving unit.

[0025] Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the medicine acceleration device.

[0026] Figure 10B This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the medicine acceleration device.

[0027] Figure 10C This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the medicine acceleration device.

[0028] Figure 10D This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the medicine acceleration device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the drug delivery device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that identical components are denoted by identical reference numerals. The following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments, not to illustrate the only embodiment.

[0030] [Implementation Method]

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 10D , a medicine supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the medicine supply device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the medicine supply device 1. In the following description, Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the orthogonal coordinate system, the side where the handle 11 a of the shelf 11 is arranged is the front of the medicine supply device 1 .

[0033] The front-to-back direction of the medicine supply device 1 is the direction in which the tablet boxes C stored in the shelf grid 11 are arranged. Furthermore, the left-right direction when viewing the medicine supply device 1 from the front is the left-right direction of the medicine supply device 1. Furthermore, the up-down direction when viewing the medicine supply device 1 from the front is the up-down direction of the medicine supply device 1.

[0034] The medicine feeding device 1 includes an upper portion 10 and a lower portion 20 .

[0035] The upper portion 10 constitutes the upper portion of the medicine supply device 1. The upper portion 10 has a plurality of shelf compartments 11 and a plurality of tablet boxes C.

[0036] The shelf grid 11 has a handle 11a. The shelf grid 11 stores a plurality of tablet boxes C in a distributed manner in the upper portion 10. A worker operates the handle 11a to move the shelf grid 11 in the front-rear direction.

[0037] The medicine supply device 1 has, for example, 30 racks 11. In this embodiment, the racks 11 are arranged in five stages in the vertical direction and in six rows in the horizontal direction. It should be noted that the number and arrangement of the racks 11 are not limited to those in this embodiment.

[0038] Tablet boxes C are stored in corresponding shelves 11. Tablet boxes C contain medicines. The same type of medicines are stored in one tablet box C. Each tablet box C discharges medicines one tablet at a time.

[0039] The medicine discharged from the tablet box C falls through the passages W1 to W6 and is supplied to the lower stage 20. The passages W1 to W6 are provided to vertically penetrate the plurality of shelves 11. As described above, the plurality of shelves 11 are arranged in six rows in the horizontal direction.

[0040] That is, the medicine supply device 1 has six passages, namely, passages W1 to W6 , which are numbered 1 to 6. Passages W1 to W6 , namely, numbered 1 to 6, extend in the vertical direction along the row of tablet cassettes C.

[0041] The lower section 20 is a box-shaped member and includes an operation section 21 , a take-out section 22 , an input section (not shown), a medicine delivery unit 3 , a hopper 23 , a packaging unit 24 , and a control section 25 .

[0042] The operation unit 21 is a portion operated by a worker. The operation unit 21 includes, for example, a display and operation buttons. The worker inputs various information to the medicine supply device 1 by operating the operation unit 21 .

[0043] The take-out section 22 is a portion where the worker takes out the packaged medicine. The take-out section 22 has an opening at the front. The worker takes out the medicine from the opening of the take-out section 22.

[0044] The input unit is an input device for inputting various information from an external device. For example, the input unit acquires information about prescriptions issued by a medical institution from a communication-connected terminal (eg, a personal computer or a smartphone).

[0045] The medicine delivery unit 3 is disposed in the upper portion of the lower portion 20 . The medicine delivery unit 3 supplies medicine supplied from the upper portion 10 (specifically, the first to sixth passages, ie, passages W1 to W6 ) to the hopper 23 .

[0046] The medicine supply device 1 includes two sets of medicine delivery units 3. The two sets of medicine delivery units 3 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The two sets of medicine delivery units 3 have substantially the same structure and are arranged symmetrically with each other.

[0047] The left drug delivery unit 3 of the two drug delivery units 3 corresponds to the first to third passages W1 to W3 . The left drug delivery unit 3 receives drugs from the first to third passages W1 to W3 and supplies them to the hopper 23 .

[0048] The right medicine delivery unit 3 of the two sets of medicine delivery units 3 corresponds to the fourth to sixth passages, namely passages W4 to W6 . The right medicine delivery unit 3 receives medicine from the fourth to sixth passages, namely passages W4 to W6 , and supplies it to the hopper 23 .

[0049] It should be noted that the number and arrangement of the drug delivery units are not limited to the number and arrangement of the drug delivery units 3 in this embodiment.

[0050] The hopper 23 receives the medicine supplied from the two sets of medicine delivery units 3. The hopper 23 then discharges the received medicine from a discharge port 23a and supplies it to the packaging unit 24. The discharge port 23a is located at the center and lower end of the hopper 23. The discharge port 23a is opened and closed at predetermined times by a gate 23b. The operation of the gate 23b is controlled by the control unit 25.

[0051] The packaging unit 24 packages the medicine supplied from the hopper 23. The packaging unit 24 includes a conveying device 24a, a printing device 24b, and a sealing device 24c.

[0052] The conveying device 24a unwinds wrapping paper from a roll (not shown) wound with a folded strip of wrapping paper and conveys the unwound wrapping paper to the sealing device 24c. The medicine supplied from the hopper 23 is placed on the wrapping paper and conveyed to the sealing device 24c together with the wrapping paper.

[0053] The printing device 24b prints, for example, the patient's name, the name of the medicine supplied to the wrapping paper, and the date and time of administration on the surface of the wrapping paper fed from the roller.

[0054] The sealing device 24c seals the packaging paper enclosing the medicine. The packaging paper enclosing the medicine is cut at a predetermined timing, for example, and transported to the removal unit 22 by the transport device 24a.

[0055] The control unit 25 controls each element constituting the medicine supply device 1. The processing executed by the control unit 25 will be described as needed.

[0056] Furthermore, the medicine supply device 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described structure includes a structure for quickly supplying the medicine supplied from the upper stage 10 to the medicine delivery unit 3 to the hopper 23 .

[0057] Specifically, the medicine delivery unit 3 has a structure for accelerating and delivering the medicine supplied from the upper portion 10. The specific structure of the medicine delivery unit 3 will be described below.

[0058] It should be explained that Figure 2 The left and right drug delivery units 3 shown have substantially the same structure, so the following description will focus on the left drug delivery unit 3. Regarding the structure of the right drug delivery unit 3, the following description regarding the left drug delivery unit 3 may be appropriately replaced.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the medicine delivery unit 3 includes a first delivery unit 3a, a second delivery unit 3b, a third delivery unit 3c and a gate portion 3d.

[0060] The first conveying unit 3 a , the second conveying unit 3 b , and the third conveying unit 3 c each supply the medicine supplied from the upstream portion 10 to the gate portion 3 d .

[0061] The first, second, and third conveyor units 3a, 3b, and 3c have substantially the same structure. The first, second, and third conveyor units 3a, 3b, and 3c correspond to the rows of shelves 11 in the upper section 10. In other words, the number of conveyor units comprising the drug delivery unit 3 is appropriately determined based on the structure of the upper section.

[0062] The following description will focus on the configuration of the first transport unit 3a. Regarding the configurations of the second transport unit 3b and the third transport unit 3c, the following description of the first transport unit 3a can be appropriately substituted.

[0063] like Figure 4As shown, the first conveying unit 3a has a main body 4 and a medicine accelerating device 5. Figure 4 The front-back direction in the orthogonal coordinate system shown here corresponds to the actual structure, but the front-back direction and the left-right direction may be reversed.

[0064] The main body 4 corresponds to an example of a conveying unit and is a box-shaped member. Specifically, the main body 4 includes a bottom plate 40 , a first side plate 41 , a second side plate 42 , and a top plate 43 .

[0065] The main body 4 has a conveying space 44 surrounded by a bottom plate 40, a first side plate 41, a second side plate 42, and a top plate 43 (see FIG. Figure 5 The delivery space 44 is a space for delivering the medicine D.

[0066] The transport space 44 includes a first region 440 where a medicine accelerating device 5 , which will be described later, is disposed. The first region 440 is a region on the upstream side of the transport space 44 .

[0067] It should be noted that the upstream side and the downstream side refer to the upstream side and the downstream side in the direction of travel of the medicine D. For example, Figure 5 The left side is the upstream side. On the other hand, Figure 5 The right side in the figure is the downstream side.

[0068] The main body portion 4 (in other words, the conveying space 44 ) is open at the upstream end and the downstream end.

[0069] The main body 4 has a supply port 45 at its upstream end and a discharge port 46 at its downstream end. The main body 4 (in other words, the conveying space 44 ) is inclined obliquely downward from the supply port 45 toward the discharge port 46 .

[0070] The supply port 45 opens upward. In other words, the supply port 45 vertically faces the downstream end (in other words, the lower end) of the passage W1 corresponding to the upper portion 10 of the first conveyor unit 3a. The supply port 45 receives the medicine D discharged from the downstream end of the passage W1.

[0071] The discharge port 46 opens obliquely downward. In other words, the discharge port 46 opens toward the shutter portion 3d of the drug delivery unit 3. The drug D supplied from the supply port 45 travels toward the discharge port 46 within the delivery space 44. The drug D is then discharged from the discharge port 46 and supplied to the shutter portion 3d.

[0072] The bottom plate portion 40 constitutes the lower wall portion of the main body portion 4. The bottom plate portion 40 covers the conveying space 44 from below. Figure 5 As shown, the bottom plate portion 40 includes an upstream plate portion 400, a curved portion 401, and a downstream plate portion 402. The bottom plate portion 40 can also be regarded as an example of a conveying portion.

[0073] The upstream plate portion 400 constitutes the upstream portion of the bottom plate portion 40. The upstream plate portion 400 is inclined obliquely downward from the upstream side toward the downstream side as a whole.

[0074] The upstream side plate portion 400 corresponds to an example of the upstream side conveying portion and has a flat upper surface. In the case of this embodiment, the upstream side plate portion 400 is a substantially flat plate-shaped member. The upstream side plate portion 400 has an inclination angle relative to the horizontal direction of θ 400 .

[0075] The medicine D supplied from the supply port 45 falls onto the upper surface of the upstream plate portion 400. The medicine then freely falls on the upper surface of the upstream plate portion 400 and travels from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0076] The curved portion 401 is equivalent to an example of a stop portion. Figure 5 As shown, the curved portion 401 has a curved upper surface. The curved portion 401 allows the medicine D (see FIG. 5 ) which has been released from the blocking state implemented by the medicine accelerating device 5 to be described later to be released. Figure 10B ) to stay temporarily.

[0077] The upstream end of the curved portion 401 is connected to the downstream end of the upstream plate portion 400 . The downstream end of the curved portion 401 is connected to the upstream end of the downstream plate portion 402 .

[0078] In the present embodiment, the curved portion 401 is a plate-shaped member that is curved as a whole and is provided at a position corresponding to the first region 440 in the conveying space 44 .

[0079] The curved portion 401 is curved in a convex downward direction. The curved portion 401 is curved along a virtual circle S (refer to Figure 10A )bending.

[0080] It should be noted that the virtual circle S is a circle centered on the swing center O1 of the rotating unit 6 of the medicine accelerator 5. Furthermore, the virtual circle S also represents the trajectory that the top end of the blocking portion 61 and the top end of the delivery portion 62 follow when the rotating unit 6 of the medicine accelerator 5 swings.

[0081] The upstream end of the curved portion 401 is located at the uppermost position in the curved portion 401. The downstream end of the curved portion 401 is located above the midstream portion (in other words, the middle portion) of the curved portion 401.

[0082] In other words, the curved portion 401 descends from the upstream end to the middle portion. Furthermore, the curved portion 401 slightly rises from the middle portion to the downstream end. The tangent line L of the downstream end of the curved portion 401 is401 (Refer to Figure 10A ) is inclined upward from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0083] The medicine D that moves from the upstream side to the downstream side on the upper surface of the upstream side plate portion 400 by free fall is temporarily blocked in the curved portion 401 by the medicine acceleration device 5 (specifically, the rotation unit 6) described later (see Figure 10A ).

[0084] If the blocking by the medicine accelerating device 5 is released, the medicine D temporarily stays in the curved portion 401 (see Figure 10B Then, the medicine D that stays in the curved portion 401 is accelerated by the medicine accelerating device 5 and sent to the downstream side (refer to Figure 10D ).

[0085] (Downstream side plate)

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, the downstream side plate portion 402 constitutes a portion of the bottom plate portion 40 that is located downstream of the bent portion 401. The downstream side plate portion 402 is inclined obliquely downward from the upstream side to the downstream side as a whole.

[0087] The downstream side plate portion 402 is equivalent to an example of the downstream side conveying portion and has a flat upper surface. In the case of this embodiment, the downstream side plate portion 402 is a flat plate-shaped member as a whole. The inclination angle of the downstream side plate portion 402 relative to the horizontal direction is θ 402 The inclination angle θ of the downstream side plate portion 402 402 smaller than the inclination angle θ of the upstream side plate portion 400 400 (θ 402 <θ 400 ).

[0088] The medicine D sent out from the curved portion 401 by the medicine accelerating device 5 falls onto the upper surface of the downstream plate portion 402. Then, the medicine D travels on the upper surface of the downstream plate portion 402 from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0089] In this embodiment, the bottom plate 40 is made of stainless steel. This structure allows the medicine to slide smoothly on the upper surface of the bottom plate 40 and move downstream. Thus, the bottom plate 40 preferably has a smooth upper surface. It should be noted that the bottom plate 40 can be made of a metal other than stainless steel or a synthetic resin with a smooth upper surface.

[0090] The first side plate portion 41 constitutes a side wall portion on one side (the rear side in the present embodiment) in the front-rear direction of the main body portion 4. The first side plate portion 41 covers the conveying space 44 from the rear.

[0091] The first side plate portion 41 rotatably supports the rear end portion of the rotating unit 6 (specifically, the rotating shaft 60) of the medicine accelerating device 5, which will be described later. Furthermore, the first side plate portion 41 supports the driving unit 7 of the medicine accelerating device 5, which will be described later. It should be noted that the first side plate portion 41 may be composed of a single plate-like member or a plurality of plate-like members.

[0092] The second side plate portion 42 constitutes a side wall portion on the other side (the front side in the present embodiment) in the front-rear direction of the main body portion 4. The second side plate portion 42 covers the conveying space 44 from the front.

[0093] The second side plate 42 rotatably supports the tip of the rotating unit 6 (specifically, the rotating shaft 60) in the medicine acceleration device 5. The second side plate 42 may be formed of a single plate member or a plurality of plate members.

[0094] The top plate 43 corresponds to an example of a cover member and constitutes an upper wall portion of the main body 4. The top plate 43 covers the conveying space 44 from above. The top plate 43 is inclined obliquely downward from the upstream side toward the downstream side as a whole.

[0095] The inclination angle of the top plate 43 relative to the horizontal direction is θ 43 (Refer to Figure 5 The inclination angle θ of the top plate portion 43 43 The inclination angle θ of the downstream side plate portion 402 of the bottom plate portion 40 is greater than 402 Large (tilt angle θ 43 >Tilt angle θ 402 ). Therefore, the height of the conveying space 44 decreases as it moves toward the downstream side.

[0096] The top plate 43 rebounds the medicine D sent out from the curved portion 401 by the medicine acceleration device 5 downward (see Figure 10C ). The top plate portion 43 has a buffer member 431 at least in the portion where the medicine D collides (see Figure 10C ).

[0097] The buffer member 431 is a sheet made of rubber. Figure 10C As shown, in the case of this embodiment, the top plate portion 43 is composed of a top plate portion main body 430 made of metal or synthetic resin, for example, and a buffer member 431 provided on the lower surface of the top plate portion main body 430. Such a buffer member 431 helps to suppress damage to the medicine D to be delivered. As a result, the working efficiency of the medicine supply operation is improved. It should be noted that the buffer member 431 does not need to be provided on the entire surface of the lower surface of the buffer member 431. For example, the buffer member 431 may not be provided on the portion of the top plate portion 43 other than the portion where the medicine D will collide.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the medicine accelerating device 5 is provided in the first area 440 of the conveying space 44. The medicine accelerating device 5 is a device for accelerating the medicine D in the conveying space 44 and delivering it to the downstream side. The medicine accelerating device 5 can also be regarded as an example of a medicine accelerating unit.

[0099] Below, refer to Figures 5 to 10D , the structure of the medicine accelerating device 5 is described. Figure 6 As shown, the medicine acceleration device 5 includes a rotating unit 6 and a driving part 7 . Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the medicine acceleration device 5.

[0100] The rotating unit 6 rotates based on the driving force of the driving unit 7. The rotating unit 6 temporarily blocks the medicine D on the bottom plate 40 and accelerates the delivery of the blocked medicine D. The rotating unit 6 can also be regarded as an example of a medicine accelerating unit.

[0101] The rotating unit 6 is driven by the driving force of the driving part 7. Figure 10A The first posture shown is the same as Figure 10C The second posture is swung from the first posture to a predetermined direction (same as the first posture) Figure 10A The posture is rotated by a specified angle (in the opposite direction of the clockwise direction).

[0102] The rotating unit 6 temporarily blocks the medicine D on the bottom plate 40 in the first posture. Then, the rotating unit 6 swings in the first rotation direction from the first posture toward the second posture, thereby delivering the medicine D on the bottom plate 40 at an accelerated speed.

[0103] The first rotational direction is also referred to as the "delivery rotational direction." The first rotational direction is the direction in which the rotation unit 6 moves from the first position to the second position. On the other hand, the direction opposite to the first rotational direction is referred to as the "second rotational direction." The second rotational direction is the direction in which the rotation unit 6 moves from the second position to the first position. The second rotational direction is also referred to as the "return rotational direction."

[0104] In the following description, when the term "first rotational direction" is not otherwise specified, it refers to the first rotational direction of the rotating unit 6 and the components that rotate together with the rotating unit 6. Furthermore, when the term "second rotational direction" is not otherwise specified, it refers to the second rotational direction of the rotating unit 6 and the components that rotate together with the rotating unit 6.

[0105] Specifically, if Figures 6 to 10D As shown, the rotating unit 6 has a rotating shaft 60, a blocking portion 61 and a sending portion 62. Figures 6 to 9 This is a diagram corresponding to a state in which the rotation unit 6 is in the first posture.

[0106] The rotation shaft 60 corresponds to an example of a shaft member and is in the shape of a shaft. The rotation shaft 60 is provided in a state parallel to the front-back direction. The rotation shaft 60 is the rotation center (in other words, the swing center) of the rotation unit 6.

[0107] A first end portion (specifically, a rear end portion) in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 60 is rotatably supported by the first side plate portion 41 of the main body portion 4 of the first conveying unit 3 a .

[0108] A second end portion (specifically, a tip portion) in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 60 is rotatably supported by the second side plate portion 42 of the main body portion 4 of the first conveying unit 3 a .

[0109] The rotating shaft 60 has an intermediate shaft portion 60a between the first end portion and the second end portion in the axial direction. The intermediate shaft portion 60a is a "D-cut shaft" whose cross-section is D-shaped. The intermediate shaft portion 60a has a planar D-cut surface 60b at one position in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface (see Figures 10A to 10D ).

[0110] It should be explained that Figures 10A to 10D It is a cross-sectional view of the medicine acceleration device 5 at a position corresponding to the middle portion (ie, the middle shaft portion 60 a ) in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 60 .

[0111] The rotating shaft 60 (specifically, the intermediate shaft portion 60a) is shaped along a slightly curved line. In other words, the central axis of the rotating shaft 60 (specifically, the intermediate shaft portion 60a) is shaped like a slightly curved line.

[0112] The rotating shaft 60 (specifically, the intermediate shaft portion 60a) is curved so as to convexly face the D-cut surface 60b. The rotating shaft 60 is curved so as to have its axial center portion as its vertex.

[0113] In the first posture of the rotating unit 6, the rotating shaft 60 faces the front in the direction of travel of the medicine D with the D-cut surface 60b ( Figure 10A In other words, in the first posture of the rotating unit 6, the rotating shaft 60 is convex to the front in the direction of travel of the medicine D ( Figure 10A The method of (on the right side of the ) is set.

[0114] Furthermore, in the first posture of the rotating unit 6, the center of gravity of the cross section of the rotating shaft 60 is biased toward a predetermined direction as it approaches the axial center of the rotating shaft 60. Specifically, in the first posture of the rotating unit 6, the center of gravity of the cross section of the rotating shaft 60 is biased toward the front in the direction of travel of the medicine D as it approaches the axial center of the rotating shaft 60.

[0115] The rotating shaft 60 having the above-described structure generates a moment in a predetermined direction in the first posture of the rotating unit 6. The predetermined direction is Figure 10A , in the clockwise direction (ie, the second rotation direction).

[0116] The rotating shaft 60 generates the aforementioned moment not only in the first posture of the rotating unit 6 but also in a predetermined range including the first posture of the rotating unit 6. The predetermined range corresponds to the end of the stroke of the rotating unit 6 when rotating from the second posture to the first posture.

[0117] In other words, the rotating shaft 60 is stopped at the stopped portion 731c (see Figure 8 and Figure 9 ) is in contact with the stopper 703, a moment in a predetermined direction (in other words, the second rotational direction) is generated. The state in which the stopped portion 731c is in contact with the stopper 703 corresponds to the first posture of the rotation unit 6.

[0118] The rotating shaft 60 generates the aforementioned moment not only when the stopped portion 731 c abuts the stopper 703, but also within a predetermined range that includes the abutment between the stopped portion 731 c and the stopper 703. The predetermined range corresponds to the end of the stroke of the rotating unit 6 when rotating from the second posture to the first posture.

[0119] The predetermined range in which the rotating shaft 60 generates the torque is determined by the shape and arrangement of the rotating shaft 60. The shape of the rotating shaft 60 used to determine the predetermined range is, for example, the position of the center of gravity or the curvature.

[0120] The arrangement of the rotating shaft 60 for determining the predetermined range is, for example, the position of the center of gravity of the rotating shaft 60 in the first posture of the rotating unit 6. Alternatively, the arrangement of the rotating shaft 60 for determining the predetermined range is the bending direction of the rotating shaft 60 in the first posture of the rotating unit 6.

[0121] Specifically, the predetermined range may be, for example, the rotation unit 6 (specifically, the delivery portion 62) and Figure 10A The range between the state where the line L1 shown in FIG. 1 overlaps with the state where the rotating unit 6 (specifically, the delivery portion 62) overlaps with the line L2. Figure 10A The state in which the lines L1 shown overlap is regarded as the third posture of the rotation unit 6 .

[0122] Line L1 is a line parallel to the horizontal direction. Line L1 is located when the rotating unit 6 moves from the first posture to the horizontal direction. Figure 10A The direction indicated by the arrow A1 is the first rotation direction, which is a predetermined angle θ. a (Refer to Figure 10AIn the present embodiment, the range in which the rotation shaft 60 generates the above-mentioned moment is set to be greater than 90 degrees. In the third posture of the rotation unit 6, the rotation shaft 60 protrudes upward in the vertical direction.

[0123] Line L2 connects the swing center O1 of the rotating unit 6 and the tip of the delivery portion 62 in the first posture of the rotating unit 6. Line L2 coincides with the arrangement direction of the delivery portion 62 in the radial direction centered on the swing center O1 of the rotating unit 6.

[0124] It should be noted that the structure for generating the torque in the second rotational direction on the rotating shaft 60 is not limited to that of this embodiment. For example, the rotating shaft 60 may generate the torque by changing its shape and appropriately adjusting the position of its center of gravity. Alternatively, the rotating shaft 60 may generate the torque by fixing a counterweight to the rotating shaft 60 and appropriately adjusting the position of its center of gravity.

[0125] like Figure 10A As shown, in the first posture of the rotation unit 6 , the blocking portion 61 temporarily blocks the medicine D on the bottom plate portion 40 . Specifically, in the first posture of the rotation unit 6 , the blocking portion 61 temporarily blocks the medicine D in the curved portion 401 .

[0126] The stopper 61 is a plate-shaped member extending in the front-to-back direction. At least the tip of the stopper 61 is made of an elastic material. Specifically, in this embodiment, the tip of the stopper 61 is formed of a nylon brush. The stopper 61 is secured to the rotating shaft 60 via a fixing member 63. The fixing member 63 will be described later.

[0127] like Figure 10A As shown, in the first posture of the rotating unit 6, the delivery portion 62 is positioned 180 degrees away from the stopper portion 61. In other words, the angle between the delivery portion 62 and the stopper portion 61 is 180 degrees. In other words, the delivery portion 62 is located on the opposite side of the stopper portion 61 in the rotational direction of the rotating unit 6.

[0128] When the rotating unit 6 rotates from the first posture to the first rotation direction ( Figure 10A When the delivery portion 62 rotates in the direction opposite to the clockwise direction, the delivery portion 62 collides with the medicine D remaining on the curved portion 401 of the main body 4, thereby accelerating the medicine D and delivering it.

[0129] The delivery portion 62 is a plate-shaped member extending in the front-to-back direction. At least the tip portion of the delivery portion 62 is made of an elastic material. Specifically, in this embodiment, the tip portion of the delivery portion 62 is formed of a nylon brush. The delivery portion 62 is fixed to the rotating shaft 60 via a fixing member 63.

[0130] It should be noted that the position of the delivery portion is not limited to the position of the delivery portion 62 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the angle between the delivery portion 62 and the blocking portion 61 is 180 degrees. However, the angle between the delivery portion and the blocking portion may be less than 180 degrees. For example, the angle between the delivery portion and the blocking portion may be 90 degrees.

[0131] Here, the fixing member 63 will be described. The fixing member 63 is a member for fixing the receiving portion 61 and the feeding portion 62 to the rotating shaft 60.

[0132] Specifically, the fixing member 63 has a first plate 63 a and a second plate 63 b .

[0133] The first plate 63a is a plate-shaped member extending in the front-back direction. The second plate 63b is a plate-shaped member extending in the front-back direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of the first plate 63a and the second plate 63b coincides with the front-back direction.

[0134] The first plate 63a and the second plate 63b are fixed in a facing state. The rotation shaft 60 is arranged between the center portion in the width direction of the first plate 63a and the center portion in the width direction of the second plate 63b.

[0135] The first plate 63a and the second plate 63b sandwich the rotating shaft 60. Since the side surface of the second plate 63b contacts the D-cut surface 60b of the rotating shaft 60, the rotation of the rotating shaft 60 is transmitted to the fixing member 63. In other words, the fixing member 63 rotates together with the rotating shaft 60.

[0136] Furthermore, a stopper 61 is sandwiched between the first end portion of the first plate 63a in the width direction and the first end portion of the second plate 63b in the width direction. The stopper 61 is fixed to the first plate 63a and the second plate 63b. Therefore, the stopper 61 rotates together with the fixing member 63. In other words, the stopper 61 rotates together with the rotating shaft 60.

[0137] Furthermore, a delivery portion 62 is sandwiched between the second widthwise end of the first plate 63a and the second widthwise end of the second plate 63b. The delivery portion 62 is fixed to the first plate 63a and the second plate 63b. Therefore, the delivery portion 62 rotates together with the fixing member 63. In other words, the delivery portion 62 rotates together with the rotating shaft 60.

[0138] The rotating unit 6 having the above-mentioned structure is driven by the driving force of the driving unit 7. Figure 10A The first posture shown is the same as Figure 10C At this time, the swing center of the rotating unit 6 is the rotation axis 60.

[0139] In addition, when the rotating unit 6 swings, the top end of the blocking portion 61 and the top end of the sending portion 62 are in the same direction. Figures 10A to 10C Move on the virtual circle S shown by the double-dotted line in the figure.

[0140] In addition, Figure 10A In the first posture of the rotating unit 6 shown, the rotating unit 6 closes the transport space 44 by the blocking portion 61 , the delivery portion 62 , and the fixing member 63 so that the medicine D cannot pass through.

[0141] That is, in Figure 10A In the state shown, the medicine D cannot move to a position further downstream than the rotation unit 6. Such a structure can suppress the unexpected movement of the medicine D.

[0142] Furthermore, since the transport space 44 is surrounded by the bottom plate 40 , the first side plate 41 , the second side plate 42 , and the top plate 43 , the medicine D is prevented from scattering to the outside.

[0143] Next, the driving unit 7 will be described. The driving unit 7 is a device for rotating the rotating unit 6. Figure 4 As shown, the driving portion 7 is supported by the main body portion 4 (specifically, the first side plate portion 41 ) of the first conveying unit 3 a.

[0144] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the driving unit 7 includes a housing 70 , an electric motor 71 , a transmission unit 72 , and a position detection device 73 .

[0145] (Cover 70)

[0146] The housing 70 houses the components constituting the driving unit 7. The housing 70 is also a member for fixing the driving unit 7 to the main body 4 (specifically, the first side plate 41) of the first conveyor unit 3a. The housing 70 is a non-rotating member.

[0147] like Figure 6 As shown, the housing 70 has a first housing 700 and a second housing 701 .

[0148] The first housing 700 is a box-shaped member and is fixed to the main body 4 (specifically, the first side plate 41 ) of the first conveyor unit 3 a by means of fastening members such as bolts.

[0149] The first housing 700 has a storage space. The first housing 700 houses a portion of the transmission unit 72 (specifically, the torque limiter 721 ) and the position detection device 73 in the storage space.

[0150] The first housing 700 includes a housing side fixing member 700a (see FIG. 1 ) which constitutes a portion fixed to the main body 4 (specifically, the first side plate 41). Figure 8 and Figure 9The housing side fixing member 700 a is plate-shaped and constitutes a portion of the first housing 700 .

[0151] In addition, the housing-side fixing member 700a has a stopper 703. In the first posture of the rotation unit 6 described later, the stopper 703 abuts against the medicine accelerator 5 (specifically, the stopped portion 731c of the medicine accelerator 5) to restrict the medicine accelerator 5 (specifically, the rotation unit 6) from swinging in the second rotation direction.

[0152] In other words, in the first posture of the rotation unit 6 described later, the stopper 703 positions the medicine acceleration device 5 .

[0153] It should be noted that the position of the stopper is not limited to the position of the stopper 703 in this embodiment. The stopper may be provided at an appropriate position of the housing 70. In addition, the stopper may be provided at a member other than the housing 70. For example, the stopper may be provided at the main body 4.

[0154] The second housing 701 is a box-shaped member. The second housing 701 has a storage space. The second housing 701 houses a portion of the transmission unit 72 (specifically, the speed reducer 720 ) within the storage space. Furthermore, the second housing 701 supports the electric motor 71 .

[0155] The second housing 701 is supported by the first housing 700. Specifically, the second housing 701 is arranged at a position farther from the main body 4 than the first housing 700 (in the case of this embodiment, at the rear).

[0156] like Figure 6 As shown, the second housing 701 is supported on a surface (the rear surface in this embodiment) of the first housing 700 away from the main body 4. The second housing 701 is supported on the first housing 700 via a plurality of support members 702.

[0157] The support member 702 has a function of absorbing shock. Specifically, the support member 702 includes a buffer member such as a rubber gasket. The support member 702 suppresses vibration and shock from being transmitted from the first housing 700 to the second housing 701.

[0158] Such a structure can suppress the transmission of vibration and impact to the electric motor 71 supported by the second housing 701. As a result, damage and failure of the electric motor 71 can be suppressed.

[0159] The electric motor 71 is supported by the second housing 701. The electric motor 71 is driven under the control of the control unit 25. The electric motor 71 may be, for example, a brushless motor. It should be noted that the electric motor 71 may be any of various types of electric motors.

[0160] The electric motor 71 is arranged with its output shaft (not shown) parallel to the front-rear direction. The output shaft of the electric motor 71 is connected to a transmission unit 72 described below. The output of the electric motor 71 (ie, the rotation of the output shaft) is transmitted to the transmission unit 72.

[0161] The transmission unit 72 transmits the output (rotation) of the electric motor 71 to the rotation unit 6. Figure 7 As shown, the transmission unit 72 includes a speed reducer 720 , a torque limiter 721 , and a coupling unit 722 .

[0162] The speed reducer 720 reduces the output (rotation) of the electric motor 71 and outputs it. The output (rotation) of the speed reducer 720 is transmitted to the rotation unit 6 via the torque limiter 721 and the connection portion 722. The speed reducer 720 can be composed of a planetary gear mechanism, for example. However, the speed reducer 720 can be any other speed reducer.

[0163] The torque limiter 721 is provided between the speed reducer 720 and a connection portion 722 described below. The torque limiter 721 is fixed to the output shaft of the speed reducer 720. The torque limiter 721 is provided downstream of the speed reducer 720 and upstream of the connection portion 722 in the direction of power transmission from the electric motor 71.

[0164] The power of the electric motor 71 is transmitted from the electric motor 71 to the rotating unit 6. Therefore, the upstream side in the direction of power transmission of the electric motor 71 is the side close to the electric motor 71. On the other hand, the downstream side in the direction of power transmission of the electric motor 71 is the side close to the rotating unit 6.

[0165] The torque limiter 721 prevents shock torque from being transmitted to the electric motor 71 from a member provided on the downstream side of the torque limiter 721 in the direction in which the power of the electric motor 71 is transmitted.

[0166] Such a torque limiter 721 contributes to suppressing damage and failure of the electric motor 71. The impact torque is, for example, torque generated by the contact between the stopper 703 of the cover 70 and a stopped portion 731c described later.

[0167] The coupling 722 transmits the rotation of the speed reducer 720 to the rotating shaft 60 of the rotating unit 6. The coupling 722 is provided between the torque limiter 721 (in other words, the speed reducer 720) and the rotating shaft 60 of the rotating unit 6. The coupling 722 may be various couplings.

[0168] The position detection device 73 detects information related to the position (in other words, phase) of the rotation unit 6 in the rotation direction (hereinafter simply referred to as “information related to the position of the rotation unit 6 ”).

[0169] The position detection device 73 transmits the detected information to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 controls the swinging operation of the rotation unit 6 based on the information acquired from the position detection device 73 (that is, information on the position of the rotation unit 6).

[0170] like Figure 7 As shown, the position detection device 73 is provided around the connection portion 722. The position detection device 73 includes a first detection device 730 and a second detection device 731. The position detection device 73 detects information related to the position of the rotation unit 6 based on a combination of the detection value of the first detection device 730 and the detection value of the second detection device 731.

[0171] The first detection device 730 includes a first detected unit 730 a and a first detection unit 730 b .

[0172] like Figure 7 As shown, the first detection unit 730a is fixed to the first end surface of the connecting portion 722. The first end surface of the connecting portion 722 is the end surface on one side (in the present embodiment, the rear side) in the axial direction of the connecting portion 722 (in other words, the axial direction of the rotating shaft 60). The first end surface of the connecting portion 722 is also the end surface of the connecting portion 722 that is farther away from the rotating unit 6.

[0173] As described above, the first detection unit 730a is fixed to the rotating shaft 60 via the coupling portion 722. It should be noted that the first detection unit 730a may be directly fixed to the rotating shaft 60.

[0174] The first detection unit 730a may be fixed to a member other than the connection portion 722 that rotates together with the rotating shaft 60. However, the member to which the first detection unit 730a is fixed is preferably located downstream of the speed reducer 720 in the direction of power transmission from the electric motor 71.

[0175] Although not shown in the figure, the first detection unit 730a has a first large diameter portion with a large distance from the center (large outer diameter) and a first small diameter portion with a small distance from the center (small outer diameter) on its outer peripheral surface.

[0176] The first detection unit 730b is, for example, a non-contact proximity sensor. The first detection unit 730b is disposed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the first detection unit 730a. The first detection unit 730b is supported by the housing 70 (specifically, the first housing 700). In other words, the first detection unit 730b is fixed to a non-rotating member.

[0177] The distance between the first detecting portion 730b and the outer circumference of the first detected cell 730a differs between the state in which the first detecting portion 730b faces the first large-diameter portion of the first detected cell 730a and the state in which the first detecting portion 730b faces the first small-diameter portion of the first detected cell 730a. This difference in distance causes the detection value of the first detecting portion 730b (also referred to as the "first detection value") to change.

[0178] The second detection device 731 includes a second detected unit 731 a and a second detection portion 731 b .

[0179] like Figure 7 As shown, the second detection unit 731a is fixed to the second end surface of the connection portion 722. The second end surface of the connection portion 722 is the end surface on the side opposite to the first end surface of the connection portion 722. Specifically, the second end surface of the connection portion 722 is the end surface on the other side (in the present embodiment, the front side) of the axial direction of the connection portion 722 (in other words, the axial direction of the rotation shaft 60). The second end surface of the connection portion 722 can be the end surface of the connection portion 722 that is closer to the rotation unit 6.

[0180] As described above, the second detection unit 731a is fixed to the rotating shaft 60 via the connecting portion 722. In addition, the second detection unit 731a may be fixed to the rotating shaft 60 directly.

[0181] The second detection unit 731a may be fixed to a member other than the connection portion 722 that rotates together with the rotating shaft 60. However, the member to which the second detection unit 731a is fixed is preferably located downstream of the speed reducer 720 in the direction of power transmission from the electric motor 71.

[0182] like Figure 8 As shown, the second detection unit 731a has a second large diameter portion with a large distance from the center (large outer diameter) and a second small diameter portion with a small distance from the center (small outer diameter) on the outer peripheral surface.

[0183] In this embodiment, the second large diameter portion and the second small diameter portion of the second detection unit 731a are in phase with the first large diameter portion and the first small diameter portion of the first detection unit 730a. In other words, the second detection unit 731a and the first detection unit 730a are arranged on the same straight line and are arranged in a circumferentially offset state.

[0184] In addition, if Figures 7 to 9As shown, the second detected unit 731a has a stopped portion 731c. The stopped portion 731c is provided at a position in the circumferential direction (i.e., the rotational direction) of the second detected unit 731a. As the second detected unit 731a rotates together with the rotating shaft 60, the stopped portion 731c also rotates together with the rotating shaft 60.

[0185] When the rotating unit 6 is in the first posture, the stopped portion 731c contacts the stopper portion 703 of the main body 4 in the circumferential direction (ie, the rotational direction) (see FIG. Figure 8 and Figure 9 When the stopped portion 731 c is in contact with the stopper 703 , the second detection unit 731 a is restricted from rotating in the second rotational direction by the stopper 703 .

[0186] When the second detection unit 731a is restricted from rotating in the second rotational direction, the rotation of the rotation unit 6 in the second rotational direction is also restricted. In other words, the stopper 703 is a member that restricts the rotation of the rotation unit 6 in the second rotational direction when the rotation unit 6 is in the first position. In other words, the stopper 703 is also a member that positions the rotation unit 6 in the first position.

[0187] The second detection unit 731a can rotate in the first rotation direction when the stopped portion 731c contacts the stopper 703. That is, the rotation unit 6 can rotate in the first rotation direction when the stopped portion 731c contacts the stopper 703.

[0188] The position of the stopped portion is not limited to the position of the stopped portion 731 c in this embodiment, and the stopped portion may be provided at an appropriate position of a member that rotates together with the rotating unit 6 .

[0189] The second detection unit 731b is, for example, a non-contact proximity sensor. The second detection unit 731b is disposed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the second detection unit 731a. The second detection unit 731b is supported by the housing 70 (specifically, the first housing 700). In other words, the second detection unit 731b is fixed to a non-rotating member.

[0190] The distance between the second detecting portion 731b and the outer circumference of the second detected cell 731a differs between the state in which the second detecting portion 731b faces the second larger diameter portion of the second detected cell 731a and the state in which the second detecting portion 731b faces the first smaller diameter portion of the second detected cell 731a. Based on this difference in distance, the detection value of the second detecting portion 731b (also referred to as "second detection value") changes.

[0191] In this embodiment, the first detection unit 730a and the second detection unit 731a are arranged in a phase-shifted state. Therefore, even when the phase of the rotating shaft 60 is the same, the detection value of the first detection unit 730b (first detection value) and the detection value of the second detection unit 731b (second detection value) are different.

[0192] The position detection device 73 detects information related to the position of the rotation unit 6 based on the combination of the detection value of the first detection device 730 and the detection value of the second detection device 731. It should be noted that the above-described configuration of the position detection device 73 is only one example of a position detection device. The position detection device may have various configurations.

[0193] The operation of the medicine accelerating device 5 having the above-mentioned structure will be briefly described below.

[0194] The medicine accelerating device 5 temporarily blocks the medicine D in the conveying space 44 . Then, the medicine accelerating device 5 accelerates and delivers the blocked medicine D. The operation of the medicine accelerating device 5 is controlled by the control unit 25 .

[0195] Below, refer to Figures 10A to 10D And refer to Figures 4 to 9 The operation of the medicine accelerator 5 and the effects obtained from the medicine accelerator 5 will be described. It should be noted that the following description is about the operation of the medicine accelerator 5 in the first conveyor unit 3a. The operation of the medicine accelerator 5 in other conveyor units other than the first conveyor unit 3a is also substantially the same.

[0196] First, if Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the medicine D is supplied from the upper portion 10 to the first conveying unit 3a. The medicine D moves from the supply port 45 to the conveying space 44. At this time, the medicine D moves by free fall.

[0197] The medicine D travels on the upstream plate portion 400 of the bottom plate portion 40 and reaches the curved portion 401. The region where the curved portion 401 is provided is the first region 440 in the conveying space 44. In the first region 440, the medicine accelerating device 5 is disposed.

[0198] Before the medicine D reaches the curved portion 401, the control unit 25 controls the driving unit 7 (specifically, the electric motor 71) to make the rotating unit 6 of the medicine acceleration device 5 Figure 10A The first posture is shown.

[0199] As described above, in the first posture of the rotating unit 6 , the rotating unit 6 closes the conveying space 44 so that the medicine D cannot pass through. Therefore, even if the medicine D strongly advances toward the curved portion 401 , the medicine D does not advance to the area downstream of the rotating unit 6 .

[0200] like Figure 10A As shown, the medicine D that has reached the curved portion 401 is temporarily blocked by the blocking portion 61 of the rotating unit 6. In other words, the medicine D is temporarily stored in the curved portion 401 by the blocking portion 61 of the rotating unit 6. The plurality of medicines D blocked by the blocking portion 61 of the rotating unit 6 can be regarded as a medicine group to be contained in one bag.

[0201] After a predetermined time has passed since the medicine D was blocked by the curved portion 401, the control unit 25 controls the rotation unit 6 to move the medicine D to the curved portion 401. Figure 10A Specifically, the control unit 25 rotates the electric motor 71 in the first rotation direction.

[0202] In this embodiment, the first rotation direction is the forward rotation direction of the electric motor 71. However, depending on the installation position of the electric motor 71, the first rotation direction may be the reverse rotation direction of the electric motor 71.

[0203] When the rotating unit 6 rotates from the first posture to the first rotation direction, the baffle portion 61 of the rotating unit 6 also rotates in the first rotation direction. Figure 10B As shown, the state where the medicine D is blocked by the blocking portion 61 is released.

[0204] In the case of this embodiment, if Figure 10B As shown, the medicine D, which has been released from the blocking portion 61, remains at the curved portion 401. This is because the downstream end of the curved portion 401 is located above the midstream portion (in other words, the middle portion) of the curved portion 401. In other words, the medicine D is prevented from moving downstream by the downstream end of the curved portion 401.

[0205] As described above, in the present embodiment, the curved portion 401 functions as a retention portion for temporarily retaining the medicine D. The shape of the curved portion 401 in the present embodiment is a preferred shape as a retention portion.

[0206] However, the structure of the retention portion is not limited to the curved portion 401. The retention portion may have any shape as long as it can suppress the medicine D from moving by free fall after the blocking by the blocking portion 61 is released.

[0207] For example, the stay portion may be planar. In this case, the planar stay portion is preferably tilted so that the closer it is to the downstream side, the more it is positioned above. However, the planar stay portion may also be horizontal. In addition, the stay portion may also have a structure with fine concave and convex portions on its upper surface.

[0208] When the rotating unit 6 is Figure 10B The state shown is further in the first rotation direction ( Figure 10A When the Figure 10C As shown, the delivery portion 62 of the rotary unit 6 accelerates the medicine D remaining in the curved portion 401 and delivers it to the downstream side.

[0209] At this time, the delivery portion 62 moves along the tangent line L1 (see FIG. Figure 10A ) direction to deliver the medicine D. That is, Figure 10C As shown, the medicine D is sent out obliquely upward to the downstream side.

[0210] In the present embodiment, since the medicine D stays in the curved portion 401 , the delivery unit 62 can reliably and quickly deliver the medicine D. Therefore, the delivery unit 62 can reliably advance the medicine D. As a result, the time required for the medicine packaging operation can be shortened.

[0211] like Figure 10C As shown, the medicine D delivered by the delivery portion 62 collides with the lower surface of the top plate portion 43 and rebounds diagonally downward to the downstream side. In this embodiment, a buffer member 431 is provided at the portion of the top plate portion 43 where the medicine D collides. Therefore, damage to the medicine D can be suppressed.

[0212] The medicine D delivered by the delivery unit 62 travels within the conveying space 44. Since the medicine D delivered by the delivery unit 62 has been accelerated by the delivery unit 62, it travels at a faster speed than if it were simply traveling by free fall. As a result, the time it takes for the medicine D to pass through the conveying space 44 is shortened.

[0213] In addition, when the rotation unit 6 is in the second posture ( Figure 10C ), the control unit 25 controls the electric motor 71 to stop the rotation of the rotating unit 6. The control unit 25 detects that the rotating unit 6 is in the second posture based on the information on the position of the rotating unit 6 obtained from the position detection device 73.

[0214] It should be noted that the second posture of the rotating unit 6 is, for example, Figure 10C The second posture of the rotating unit 6 is not limited to Figure 10C The posture of the rotating unit 6 is shown.

[0215] Then, the control unit 25 controls the electric motor 71 to rotate the rotating unit 6 in the second rotation direction ( Figure 10C That is, in the second posture of the rotating unit 6, the control unit 25 rotates the electric motor 71 in the second rotation direction (in the case of this embodiment, the reverse direction). As a result, the rotating unit 6 rotates from the second posture to the first posture.

[0216] When the rotating unit 6 rotates from the second posture to the first posture, the electric motor 71 continues to rotate in the second rotation direction. When the rotating unit 6 reaches the first posture, the stopped portion 731 c rotating together with the rotating unit 6 collides with the stopper 703 .

[0217] In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 25 reduces the current supplied to the electric motor 71 and reduces the output of the electric motor 71 at a predetermined position halfway from the second posture to the first posture of the rotating unit 6. The predetermined position may be, for example, Figure 10A Alternatively, the specified position may be Figure 10A The line L1 is closer to the position of the first posture of the rotating unit 6 (ie, Figure 10A Such a structure can reduce the impact when the stopped portion 731c collides with the stopping portion 703.

[0218] When the stopped portion 731c collides with the stopper 703, the rotating unit 6 is repelled by the stopper 703. In this state, the electric motor 71 continues to rotate in the second rotational direction, so the rotating unit 6 rotates in the second rotational direction again. Then, the stopped portion 731c collides with the stopper 703 again.

[0219] When the momentum of the rotating unit 6 is not sufficiently decelerated, the rotating unit 6 is rebounded by the stopper 703. Then, the rotating unit 6 rotates in the second rotation direction, and the stopped portion 731c collides with the stopper 703.

[0220] When the momentum of the rotating unit 6 is sufficiently decelerated, the rotating unit 6 does not rebound from the stopper 703 and remains in the first posture (refer to FIG. Figure 10D ) stops. In this state, the rotating unit 6 is positioned by the stopper 703. It should be noted that, Figure 10D The posture of the rotating unit 6 shown is the same as Figure 10A The rotation units 6 are shown in the same posture.

[0221] In the case of this embodiment, the rotating shaft 60 generates a moment in the second rotational direction at the end of the stroke when the rotating unit 6 rotates from the second posture to the first posture.

[0222] In other words, the rotating shaft 60 generates a moment in the second rotational direction within a predetermined range that includes the first posture of the rotating unit 6. In further other words, the rotating shaft 60 generates a moment in the second rotational direction (in other words, in the direction toward the stopper 703) within a predetermined range that includes the state in which the stopped portion 731c abuts the stopper 703.

[0223] Therefore, even when the stopped portion 731 c collides with the stopper 703 and the rotation unit 6 is rebounded by the stopper 703 , the force in the second rotational direction (hereinafter referred to as “pressing force”) based on the torque generated by the rotating shaft 60 acts on the rotation unit 6 .

[0224] This pushing force is a force different from the power of the electric motor 71. That is, the rotating unit 6 receives a pushing force based on the torque generated by the rotating shaft 60 in addition to the force in the second rotational direction from the electric motor 71. This pushing force is a force in the opposite direction to the direction in which the rotating unit 6 is rebounded by the stopper 703.

[0225] Therefore, even if the rotating unit 6 rebounds from the stopper 703, the amount of rebound by the rotating unit 6 can be reduced. As a result, the posture of the rotating unit 6 can be converged to the first posture in a short time. Therefore, the time required for the medicine packaging operation can be shortened.

[0226] Especially in the case of this embodiment, if Figure 10A As shown, the range of the moment in the second rotation direction generated by the rotating shaft 60 (predetermined angle θ a ) is set to 90 degrees or more. Therefore, even if the rotation unit 6 is rebounded greatly (for example, 90 degrees) by the stopper 703, the rotation unit 6 can withstand the above-mentioned pushing force. As a result, the posture of the rotation unit 6 can be converged to the first posture in a short time.

[0227] Furthermore, the rotating shaft 60 also generates the aforementioned moment in the first posture of the rotating unit 6. Therefore, the rotating unit 6 receives a pressing force in the second rotational direction in the first posture. Consequently, the stopped portion 731c is pressed against the stopper 703. As a result, the rotating unit 6 is positioned in the first posture.

[0228] Then, if Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the medicine D is supplied to the first conveying unit 3a from the upper portion 10. Furthermore, the control unit 25 repeatedly controls the operation of the medicine accelerating device 5.

[0229] (Note)

[0230] The pressing force acting on the rotating unit 6 described above is a force generated based on the structure (specifically, the shape) of the rotating shaft 60. In other words, the pressing force 60 is a force generated by a moment generated by its own shape.

[0231] The direction and magnitude of such a moment change according to the phase of the rotating shaft 60. In other words, the direction and magnitude of such a moment change according to the phase of the rotating shaft 60. Specifically, Figure 10A The position of the rotation axis 60 shown, Figure 10B The position of the rotation axis 60 is shown and Figure 10C In the positions of the rotation axis 60 shown, the directions and magnitudes of the aforementioned moments are different.

[0232] Therefore, the direction and magnitude of the pressing force acting on the rotating unit 6 also change according to the phase of the rotating shaft 60 (i.e., the rotating unit 6). In other words, the direction and magnitude of the pressing force acting on the rotating unit 6 change according to the posture of the rotating unit 6 during the rotation stroke when the rotating unit 6 rotates from the second posture to the first posture.

[0233] One of the characteristics of the present invention is that the structure of the rotating unit 6 is devised so that the direction of the pressing force acting on the rotating unit 6 becomes a desired direction in the first posture of the rotating unit 6 .

[0234] (Functions and Effects of the Present Embodiment)

[0235] As described above, according to the medicine supply device 1 of this embodiment, the time required for medicine packaging can be shortened. The specific reasons are as described above.

[0236] The disclosure of Japanese patent application No. 2023-24547 filed on February 20, 2023, including the specification, drawings, and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0237] Industrial Applicability

[0238] The present invention is not limited to, for example, a medicine supply device placed in a pharmacy or the like, but is applicable to medicine supply devices placed in various locations.

[0239] Description of Reference Numerals

[0240] 1. Medicine supply device

[0241] 10 upper section

[0242] 11 Shelves

[0243] 11a Handle

[0244] 20 lower section

[0245] 21 Operation Department

[0246] 22. Take-out section

[0247] 23 Hopper

[0248] 23a Discharge outlet

[0249] Gate 23b

[0250] 24 packaging units

[0251] 24a Conveyor device

[0252] 24b Printing device

[0253] 24c Sealing device

[0254] 25 Control Department

[0255] 3 Drug delivery unit

[0256] 3a First conveying unit

[0257] 3b Second conveying unit

[0258] 3c Third conveying unit

[0259] 3D gate part

[0260] 4 Main body

[0261] 40 bottom plate

[0262] 400 upstream side plate

[0263] 401 Bend

[0264] 402 downstream side plate

[0265] 41 First side panel

[0266] 42 Second side panel

[0267] 43 Top plate

[0268] 430 top plate body

[0269] 431 Buffer components

[0270] 44 Conveying space

[0271] 440 First Area

[0272] 45 Supply port

[0273] 46 outlet

[0274] 5. Potion Accelerator

[0275] 6 Rotation unit

[0276] 60 Rotation axis

[0277] 60a Intermediate shaft

[0278] 60b D cutting surface

[0279] 61 blocking part

[0280] 62 Delivery Department

[0281] 63 fixed parts

[0282] 63a First Plate

[0283] 63b Second Plate

[0284] 7. Drive unit

[0285] 70 cover

[0286] 700 first cover

[0287] 700a Cover side fixing parts

[0288] 701 Second Cover

[0289] 702 Support components

[0290] 703 stopper

[0291] 71 Electric Motor

[0292] 72 Transmission Department

[0293] 720 reducer

[0294] 721 Torque Limiter

[0295] 722 Connection

[0296] 73 Position detection device

[0297] 730 First Detection Device

[0298] 730a First detected unit

[0299] 730b First Detection Unit

[0300] 731 Second Detection Device

[0301] 731a Second detected unit

[0302] 731b Second Detection Unit

[0303] 731c Stopped portion

[0304] C. Pill Box

[0305] W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6 channels

[0306] D. Pharmacy

[0307] S virtual circle.

Claims

1. A medicine feeding device comprising: a conveying unit that guides the movement of the medicine; and The medicine accelerating portion is rotated by a motor to block the medicine on the conveying portion in a first posture, and rotates to a second posture to accelerate and deliver the medicine. The transport unit includes a retention unit for retaining the medicine that has been released from the blocking state by the medicine accelerating unit. The medicine accelerating portion accelerates and delivers the medicine staying in the staying portion.

2. The medicine feeding device according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the retention portion is curved so as to be positioned upward as it approaches the front side in the direction of travel of the medicine.

3. The medicine feeding device according to claim 2, wherein: The medicine accelerating unit includes a delivery unit for accelerating and delivering the medicine. The retention portion is curved so as to follow a trajectory of the tip of the delivery portion when the medicine acceleration portion rotates.

4. The medicine feeding device according to claim 3, wherein: The medicine is delivered by the delivery portion in an obliquely upward direction in the direction of travel.

5. The medicine feeding device according to claim 4, wherein: The transport unit includes a cover member that rebounds downward the medicine delivered by the delivery unit.

6. The medicine feeding device according to claim 1, wherein: The medicine accelerating portion is swung between the first posture and the second posture by the motor.

7. The medicine feeding device according to claim 1, wherein: The medicine accelerating portion includes a blocking portion and a delivery portion. The blocking portion blocks the medicine, and the delivery portion delivers the medicine.

8. The medicine feeding device according to claim 7, wherein: In the first posture, the medicine accelerating unit seals the space surrounded by the transport unit by the blocking unit and the discharging unit so that the medicine cannot pass through.

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