Drug package binding device

Abstract

To provide a drug package binding device that frees an operator from works of continuously stepping on a foot switch that imposes the burden on the operator and releasing the foot switch at the right timing, and enables a drug package binding work to be performed easily and without errors.SOLUTION: In a drug package binding machine 1 as a drug package binding device which comprises a first gear such as a rotatable first gear 4a and a second gear such as a second gear 4b, in which multiple drug packages are inserted in an overlapping manner to an engagement part of the first gear and the second gear, and the multiple drug packages are bound by the first gear and the second gear, there is provided rotational drive means such as a drive motor 5 which rotationally drives any of the first gear and the second gear. The drug package binding device automatically stops after rotationally driving for the prescribed number of revolutions by the rotational drive means after the binding operation starts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medicine package binding device. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to provide a medicine package binding device in which the pressing force of the binding part is strong and looks good, stacked sachet papers can be stably fed, sachet papers can be inserted from both sides, it is easy to use, the teeth wear is small, and it has a long life, the device is provided with a rotatable first gear and a second gear, and multiple medicine packages are inserted in a stacked manner into the meshing part of the first gear and the second gear, and the multiple medicine packages are bound by the first gear and the second gear. A technology is known in which a pressing part is provided on the side of at least one of the first gear and the second gear, and the pressing part is configured to press the side part of the binding part of the multiple medicine packages in the direction in which the first gear and the second gear mesh (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The invention described in Patent Document 1 is similar to the present invention in that it can stably feed stacked packaging papers. However, it does not solve the problem of how operators can easily and mistake-freely bind various medicine packages, such as herbal medicines. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To provide a medicine package binding device that can easily and error-free perform medicine package binding work by freeing an operator from the burdensome task of continuously pressing a foot switch or releasing it at the right time, which has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a medicine package binding device which is provided with rotatable first and second gears, in which multiple medicine packages are inserted in a stacked manner into the meshing portion of the first gear and the second gear, and the multiple medicine packages are bound by the first gear and the second gear.The medicine package binding device has a rotational drive means which rotates either the first gear or the second gear, and after the binding operation starts, the rotational drive means is driven to rotate a predetermined number of rotations and then automatically stops. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, a medicine package binding device can be provided that frees an operator from the burden of having to keep pressing a foot switch and releasing it at the right time, and enables the medicine package binding operation to be performed easily and without errors. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of an entire medicine package binding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the medicine package binding machine of FIG. 1 with the left and right side covers, side plate covers, pressure release section cover, etc. removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the first gear, the second gear, and the periphery of the pressure releasing portion. [Figure 4] 13 is a front view showing the operation of the pressure release lever when the second gear is pressed against the first gear. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a front view showing the operation of the pressure release lever when releasing the pressure of the second gear against the first gear. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of an operation unit. [Figure 7] This is a side view of the side guide and upper guide used when binding medicine packets. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a drive configuration of a first gear. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration around a first gear. [Figure 11]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration around a second gear. [Figure 12] 5 is a detailed view of the pressure release mechanism, showing the pressurized state shown in FIG. 4 rotated by 90 degrees. FIG. [Figure 13] 5 is a detailed view of the pressure release mechanism in the pressurized state shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the arrangement of the medicine package sensor. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing a main control configuration of the medicine package binding machine. [Figure 16] 7 is a plan view showing a display example of a stop time display and a stop time adjustment switch in the operation unit of FIG. 6. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an operation unit for setting the number of medicine packages. [Figure 18] 11 is a flowchart relating to the execution of a continuous mode. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart relating to execution of a single package mode. [Figure 20] 4 is a flowchart relating to execution of an intermittent mode. [Figure 21] 1 is a flowchart relating to the execution of a conventional example. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing the stapleless binding operation of multiple medicine packets using a medicine packet binding machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, each example, etc., components (members and components) having the same function, shape, etc. will be denoted by the same reference numerals after being described once, unless there is a risk of confusion, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0009] The configuration of the main parts of a medicine package binding machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the medicine package binding machine, Figure 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration with the left and right side plate covers, side plate cover, pressure release unit cover, etc. removed from the medicine package binding machine in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing the first gear, second gear, and the area around the pressure release unit of the main body. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a medicine package binding machine 1 according to one embodiment of the medicine package binding device of the present invention comprises a main body 2, a medicine package guide 3, a first gear 4a, a second gear 4b, a drive motor 5, a foot switch 6, and an operation unit 16. In Figure 1, the left-right or horizontal direction (also the width direction) of the medicine package stitching machine 1 is the X direction, the front-back or depth direction is the Y direction, and the up-down or vertical direction (also the vertical direction) is the Z direction (the same applies to the figures described below).

[0010] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the main body 2 of the medicine package stitching machine 1 includes a base plate 7, side plates 8, a right side plate 9, a left side plate 10, and various covers. The base plate 7 is also a bottom plate in the shape of a frame formed of sheet metal, and the lower parts of the side plates 8 are fixed to the base plate 7. As shown in Fig. 2, the base plate 7 is provided with four legs 11 for supporting the medicine package stitching machine 1. Note that only the two legs 11 on the front side of the page are visible in Fig. 2, and the two legs 11 on the back side of the page are hidden by the base plate 7 and cannot be seen.

[0011] The side plate 8 is provided with a first gear 4a, a second gear 4b and a drive motor 5. The drive motor 5 and the base plate 7 are covered with a side plate cover 8a as shown in FIG.

[0012] A pressure release lever 12 is provided on the upper part of the side plate 8 via a bracket 60. The pressure release lever 12 is used by an operator to apply or release the pressure of the second gear 4b against the first gear 4a. The bracket 60 is positioned and fixed to the side plate 8, and also serves as a mounting reference for the pressure release lever 12 and a pressure adjustment unit 61 provided below it. The pressure adjustment unit 61, which is operated by operating the pressure release lever 12, and the bracket 60 are covered with a pressure adjustment unit cover 61a. The configurations and operations of the pressure release lever 12 and the pressure adjustment unit 61 will be described in more detail below.

[0013] 3, the second gear 4b is rotatably supported by a second gear holder 13b. The lower ends of a pair of pressure springs 14 provided in the left-right direction X around the axis of the second gear 4b are engaged with the upper end of the second gear holder 13b. The pair of pressure springs 14 constitute a pressure adjustment unit 61, as described later. The first gear 4a is rotatably supported by a first gear holder 13a. The first gear holder 13a is fixed to the lower part of the side plate 8.

[0014] The main configuration and operation around the pressure release unit will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the operation when the pressure release lever applies pressure to the first gear of the second gear, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the operation when the pressure release lever releases pressure from the first gear of the second gear. The detailed configuration and operation around the pressure adjustment unit 61 described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13, which will be described later. As shown in Fig. 4, the pressure release lever 12 is configured to be able to occupy a pressure-contact position in which the second gear 4b is pressed against the first gear 4a by pivoting to the right in the figure about the fulcrum pin 63, and a non-pressure-contact position in which the second gear 4b is released from the first gear 4a by pivoting to the left in the figure about the fulcrum pin 63, as shown in Fig. 5. In the non-pressure-contact position shown in Fig. 5, the second gear 4b is spaced a sufficient distance from the first gear 4a.

[0015] When the operator operates the pressure release lever 12 so as to occupy a position in which it falls to the right side in Figure 4 around the fulcrum pin 63, the second gear 4b, which is rotatably supported by the second gear holder 13b that is movable in the vertical direction Z via a pair of pressure springs 14, moves down together with the pressure plate 15 and is pressed against the first gear 4a.

[0016] When the pressure release lever 12 is tilted around the fulcrum pin 63 by the operator toward the pressure release side on the left side in Fig. 5, the second gear 4b is lifted via the second gear holder 13b together with the pressure plate 15 and the pair of pressure springs 14. As a result, the second gear 4b is released from the meshed state with the first gear 4a and moves away upward, thereby releasing the pressure of the second gear 4b against the first gear 4a.

[0017] Since the pressure release lever 12 is normally operated by the operator to occupy a position where it is tilted to the right in Fig. 4 as described above, the second gear 4b is pressed against the first gear 4a with a predetermined pressure by the biasing force of the pressure spring 14 via the second gear holder 13b. The upper ends of the pair of pressure springs 14 are engaged with the lower surface of the pressure plate 15, and the upper ends of the pair of pressure springs 14 are engaged with the upper surface of the second gear holder 13b. A male screw (not shown) is cut into (the head of) the bolt 64 visible on the underside of the pressure plate 15. The male screw (not shown) of the bolt 64 is adjusted in length to mesh with a female screw (not shown) formed on the inner surface of a cylindrical portion 62 fixed to the lower side of the pressure release lever 12.

[0018] A nut 65 is screwed from above onto the male threads (male threads: not shown) of the bolts 64 (heads) that are provided on either side of the pressure plate 15. The length position at which the male threads (male threads: not shown) of the bolts 64 mesh with the female threads (female threads: not shown) on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 62 is adjusted so that the length dimension L from the lower surface of the bracket 60 to the upper surface of the pressure plate 15 is a predetermined length dimension. The nut 66 is screwed and fixed at the final position where the length position at which the male threads (male threads: not shown) of the bolts 64 mesh with the female threads on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 62 is adjusted. By adjusting the position of the male thread (male thread: not shown) of the bolt 64 that engages with the female thread (female thread: not shown) of the cylindrical portion 62, each pressure spring 14 is adjusted to a predetermined length, and ultimately the pressure of the second gear 4b against the first gear 4a is adjusted to be within a predetermined range.

[0019] The configuration of operation unit 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of operation unit 16. Operation unit 16 is also called an operation panel, and is provided on the upper surface of side plate 8, with only the overall shape of operation unit 16 being shown in a simplified manner in Figs. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 16 is provided with first and second rotation direction indicators 17c, 17d, a rotation speed adjustment switch 18, a rotation speed indicator 18a, a mode changeover switch 19, a mode indicator 19a, a feed amount indicator 20, feed amount adjustment switches 21a, 21b, a stop time indicator 22, stop time adjustment switches 23a, 23b, a start / stop switch 24, and a start / stop indicator 24a.

[0020] The first and second rotation direction switches 17a and 17b are used to change the rotation direction of the first gear 4a and thereby the conveying direction of the packet paper. When conveying packet paper from right to left, pressing the first rotation direction switch 17a on the left turns on the left LED (light emitting diode) lamp 17c. Conversely, when conveying packet paper from left to right, pressing the second rotation direction switch 17b on the right turns on the right LED lamp 17d. The rotation speed adjustment switch 18 controls the rotation speed of the drive motor 5 to switch the rotation speed of the first gear 4a between multiple stages (three stages in this embodiment). The rotation speed adjustment switch 18 functions as a rotation speed setting means (also a rotation speed setting means) that sets the rotation speed (also a rotation speed) of the drive motor 5 in one binding operation. The rotation speed indicator 18a switches between LED lamps 18a, 18b, and 18c that light up according to the three stages of rotation speed (low speed, medium speed, high speed) switched by operating the rotation speed adjustment switch 18.

[0021] The mode change switch 19 is used to change the binding mode of the medicine package stitcher 1. Each time the mode change switch 19 is pressed, the run mode changes in sequence from single-packet mode (also called single-packet feed mode), to intermittent mode, to continuous mode, and the current mode is displayed by the LED illumination of the mode indicator 19a located to the right of the switch. The feed amount adjustment switches 21a and 21b are used to adjust the amount of medicine packets sent at one time during run in single package mode (one-packet feeding mode) and intermittent mode. The feed amount adjustment switches 21a and 21b function as a feed distance setting means for setting the amount of medicine packets sent by the rotation of the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b via the rotation drive of the drive motor 5. The currently set feed amount is displayed on the feed amount display 20. Pressing the feed amount adjustment switch 21a, which switches the feed amount to increase on the + side, increases the feed amount, and pressing the feed amount adjustment switch 21b, which switches the feed amount to decrease on the - side, decreases the feed amount.

[0022] The stop time adjustment switches 23a and 23b are used to adjust the stop time between jobs in the intermittent mode. The stop time adjustment switches 23a and 23b function as stop time setting means for freely setting the stop time of the drive motor 5. The currently set stop time is displayed on the stop time display 22. Pressing the stop time adjustment switch 23a marked with + increases the stop time, and pressing the stop time adjustment switch 23b marked with - decreases the stop time.

[0023] The start / stop switch 24 is used to start and stop the medicine package binding operation in each mode. By operating the start / stop switch 24, the start and stop states of the medicine package binding operation in each mode can be confirmed by the lighting of the LED of the start / stop indicator 24a. 1, the same operations as those of the start / stop switch 24 can be performed, and the operation results can be confirmed on the start / stop display 24a. When stopped, the LED is off, when in operation, the LED is lit green, and when an error occurs, the LED is lit red. In addition, when an error occurs, the feed amount adjustment display 20, the stop time display 22, etc. can be used to display an error code, etc.

[0024] The configuration and operation used when binding medicine packets will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a side view of the main parts around the side guide and upper guide used when binding medicine packets, and Figure 8 is a front view of Figure 7. Medicine packet guide 3 is configured so that it can support multiple packet papers on its upper surface, and is composed of a pair of side guides 3a, 3c and an upper guide 3b shown in Figure 7. Medicine packet guide 3 (the pair of side guides 3a, 3c and the upper guide 3b) and second gear holder 13b are capable of guiding multiple stacked packet papers (not shown in Figures 7 and 8) to the meshing portion between first gear 4a and second gear 4b.

[0025] The first gear 4a and the second gear 4b are pressurized to a predetermined pressure as described above, and the first gear 4a is driven to rotate by the drive motor 5, and the second gear 4b rotates together with the first gear 4a. The stacked medicine packets inserted into the meshing portion between the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b by the operation of the operator are transported in the rotation direction while being stapled by the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b. When the rotation drive of the drive motor 5 stops and the rotation of the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b stops, the staple operation stops and the transport of the medicine packets also stops.

[0026] The drive configuration of the first gear 4a will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the drive configuration of the first gear provided on the back side of the side plate 8. On the back side of the side plate 8, there are arranged a drive motor 5, an idler pulley 27a, a small-diameter idler pulley gear 27 provided coaxially and integrally with the idler pulley 27a, a large-diameter drive gear 28 that meshes with the idler pulley gear 27, and a first gear drive shaft 30 provided coaxially with the drive gear 28 and fixedly connected to the first gear 4a.

[0027] 2, the drive motor 5 is fixed to the front side of the side plate 8, and its output shaft, a pulley shaft, protrudes from the rear side of the side plate 8. A belt 26 for transmitting driving force is wound between the output shaft (pulley shaft) of the drive motor 5 and an idler pulley 27a. The idler pulley 27a is rotatably supported by the side plate 8 via a shaft. When the drive motor 5 is driven to rotate, the idler pulley 27a is rotated via the belt 26, and the idler pulley gear 27 provided coaxially with the idler pulley 27a is also rotated. As a result, when the drive gear 28 meshing with the idler pulley gear 27 is rotated, the first gear drive shaft 30 provided coaxially with the drive gear 28 is rotated, and the first gear 4a is driven to rotate via the first gear drive shaft 30. When the drive motor 5 rotates in the CW direction (clockwise direction), the above drive configuration of the first gear 4a causes the first gear 4a to rotate in the CCW direction (counterclockwise direction) at a predetermined reduction ratio.

[0028] The configuration around the first gear 4a will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration around the first gear 4a. As shown in Fig. 10, a pair of holder fixing members 31a, 31b are fixed to the side plate 8 in a state where they stand upright relative to the side plate 8. The first gear holder 13a is fixed onto the holder fixing members 31a, 31b. The first gear 4a is rotatably supported by the side plate 8 and the first gear holder 13a via bearing members 32a, 32b on a first gear drive shaft 30 to which a drive gear 28 is fixed in a state where it penetrates the side plate 8.

[0029] The configuration around the second gear 4b will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration around the second gear 4b. As shown in Fig. 11, a driven shaft 33 to which the second gear 4b is fixed is rotatably supported by the second gear holder 13b via bearing members 32c and 32d.

[0030] The pressure release mechanism generally described in Figures 2 to 5 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figures 12 and 13 are views showing the details of the pressure release mechanism, with Figure 12 being a view rotated 90 degrees from the pressurized state shown in Figure 4, and Figure 13 being the same view as the pressurized state shown in Figure 4. A linear guide 35 is fixed to the side plate 8. The linear guide 35 supports the pressure plate 15 so that it can move linearly. The pressure plate 15 is able to slide in the vertical direction Z relative to the side plate 8 via the linear guide 35. The pressure plate 15 is fixed to the pressure release lever 12 with a bolt 64 and a nut 65. The pressure release lever 12 is fixed to the side plate 8 via a bracket 60. With this configuration, the pressure plate 15 moves in the vertical direction Z by operating the pressure release lever 12.

[0031] Two stepped pins 37 are fixed to the pressure plate 15 in the vertical direction Z. A holder slider 36 is attached to the pressure plate 15 via the two stepped pins 37 so as to be slidable a specified distance in the vertical direction Z relative to the pressure plate 15. In addition, a second gear holder 13b is fixed to the holder slider 36.

[0032] 13, the rectangular portion enclosed by the dashed line is called a second gear portion 67. The configuration of the second gear holder 13b is as shown in FIG.

[0033] As described above, when the pressure release lever 12 is operated in a direction to swing to the right around the fulcrum pin 63 in FIG. 13 to lower the second gear portion 67, the second gear 4b, the second gear holder 13b, and the holder slider 36 stop when the second gear 4b hits the first gear 4a, but the pressure plate 15 can slide in the vertical direction Z relative to the holder slider 36, so it further lowers and bends the pressure spring 14. The pressure spring 14 presses the second gear 4b against the first gear 4a via the second gear holder 13b. By adjusting the pressure of the second gear 4b against the first gear 4a, the medicine package can be bound with an appropriate binding force. Therefore, the pressing amount of the pressure plate 15 is adjusted by the bolt 64 and the nut 65 of the pressure release lever 12.

[0034] When the pressure of the second gear 4b against the first gear 4a is released, the operation is reversed to that described above, but by changing the sliding length of the pressure plate 15 and the holder slider 36 (determined by the length of the long hole opened in the holder slider 36), the gap distance between the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b can be set to an appropriate amount.

[0035] The medicine package sensor will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a front view showing the arrangement of the medicine package detection sensor. As shown in Fig. 14, medicine package detection sensor 40 is fixed to base plate 7, also called a bottom plate, via bracket 41. Medicine package detection sensor 40 is configured to be able to detect the medicine package before it enters the nip portion (specifically, first package paper detection sensor 43a or second package paper detection sensor 43b) by appropriately configuring the shape of actuator 40a, even if the medicine package attempts to enter the nip portion before the meshing portion between the first gear and the second gear from the left (specifically, first package paper detection sensor 43a) or similarly attempts to enter the nip portion before the meshing portion from the right (specifically, second package paper detection sensor 43b). Therefore, when the medicine package detection sensor 40 (specifically, the first packaging paper detection sensor 43a and the second packaging paper detection sensor 43b) detects that there is no medicine package, the drive motor 5 is stopped to prevent wear on the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b.

[0036] The control configuration of the medicine package binding machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a control block diagram showing the main control configuration of the medicine package binding machine. As shown in Fig. 15, the medicine package binding machine 1 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) having a function as a control device 50 serving as a control means, which controls the operation of the drive motor 5 and various displays based on signals from various switches arranged mainly on the operation unit 16 of the medicine package binding machine 1. The CPU has a built-in memory unit 52, timer unit 53, etc. The CPU issues notifications to an operator, etc. and instructions for the operation of the device at timings according to a program based on various inputs including various switches and various sensors described later.

[0037] The control device 50 receives signals from the power switch 25, first rotation direction selector switch 17a, second rotation direction selector switch 17b, rotation speed adjustment switch 18, mode selector switch 19, feed amount adjustment switches 21a, 21b, medicine package number setting switches 39a, 39b, medicine package detection sensor 40 (more specifically, including first package paper detection sensor 43a and second package paper detection sensor 43b) and foot switch 6, and is configured to control the rotation direction and rotation speed, such as controlling the on / off of the drive motor 5.

[0038] Although not shown, the power switch 25 has a well-known configuration in which power is supplied from a power outlet provided as a household power source or a factory power source, or from an AC adapter via a power cable via a DC plug or the like. The foot switch 6 is an option for the medicine package stapler 1, and is installed on the floor as shown in Fig. 1, and is connected to a control device 50 provided in the main body 2 via a cord 46.

[0039] The CPU has a calculation and control function, and may have a timer (timekeeping) function. The storage unit 52 on the control device 50 side has a RAM (a memory that can be read and written at any time) also called a main storage device (main memory), and a ROM (read only memory). The ROM stores in advance programs that the CPU can read (for example, programs such as control flowcharts described later) and various data.

[0040] An operation unit 16 is electrically connected to the input / output port of the CPU as a user interface. The operation unit 16 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a combination of a keyboard and an LED display unit in which the input unit and the display unit are separate. The input port of the CPU is electrically connected to various switches arranged in operation unit 16, such as first rotation direction selector switch 17a, second rotation direction selector switch 17b, rotation speed adjustment switch 18, mode selector switch 19, feed amount adjustment switches 21a, 21b, stop time adjustment switches 23a, 23b, and start / stop switch 24. The input port of the CPU is also electrically connected to medicine package detection sensor 40 (more specifically, including first package paper detection sensor 43a and second package paper detection sensor 43b), as well as to optional foot switch 6 via cord 46.

[0041] A drive motor 5 is electrically connected to an output port of the CPU via a motor driver. A first rotation direction indicator 17c, a second rotation direction indicator 17d, a rotation speed indicator 18a, a mode indicator 19a, a feed amount indicator 20, a stop time indicator 22, and a start / stop indicator 24a of an operation unit 16 are electrically connected to the output port of the CPU.

[0042] When input information from the operation unit 16 and various signals from the various switches and sensors mentioned above are input to the CPU, the CPU outputs the information to each display device of the operation unit 16, which is composed of the LEDs and the like mentioned above.

[0043] The CPU has a function of executing various control operations shown in the operation explanation and control flowcharts described later. As shown in Fig. 15, the CPU of the control device 50 is configured to receive signals from various switches, sensors, and the foot switch 6 and to control the on / off, rotation direction, and rotation speed of the drive motor 5. The operation time details of the above-mentioned various switches of the operation unit 16 and the foot switch 6 are sent to the control device 50, and the CPU of the control device 50 controls each operation based on the information.

[0044] The drive motor 5 uses a DC servo motor whose feed position can be controlled by pulses, and is controlled by the CPU of the control device 50. By using this drive motor 5, it becomes possible to accurately control the feed amount of the medicine package. As the drive motor 5, a stepping motor can be used instead of a DC servo motor. However, since a stepping motor has large torque fluctuations and there is a concern of loss of synchronization, it is determined that it is not suitable for this device.

[0045] Next, a basic operation according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the operator selects the desired mode from continuous mode, intermittent mode, or single package mode (=single package feeding mode) by pressing the mode changeover switch 19 on the operation unit 16. Next, the operator presses the start / stop switch 24 (OFF→ON) to confirm the mode. The operation of each mode is described in the flow charts shown in Figures 18 to 20.

[0046] In the case of stapling long packets only, there is no need to automatically stop the operation, so in order to shorten the operation time, it is desirable and recommended to use the continuous mode shown in Fig. 18. As shown in Fig. 18, by pressing the mode selector switch 19 to select and confirm the continuous mode, the "continuous mode" LED lamp of the mode indicator 19a is turned on (omitted from the flowchart in Fig. 18), so it is possible to confirm that the continuous mode has been set (step S1). After the operator confirms that the continuous mode has been set, he or she presses the start / stop switch 24 (OFF → ON) (or steps on the foot switch 6 once), which automatically starts the operation related to the continuous mode (Step S2). Next, the drive motor 5 is driven to rotate, which drives the first gear 4a, and the second gear 4b, which is driven by the first gear 4a, rotates while being pressed against the first gear 4a, starting the stapleless binding operation (Step S3). Then, when it is desired to end the operation related to the continuous mode, the start / stop switch 24 is pressed again (ON → OFF) or the foot switch 6 is stepped on once, which stops the rotation of the drive motor 5.

[0047] Although not described in the flow charts shown in Figures 18, 19 and 20 mentioned above, it is also possible to set drive motor 5 not to rotate when medicine package detection sensor 40 (specifically, first package paper detection sensor 43a or second package paper detection sensor 43b) is off (when no medicine package is detected) in all modes. Methods for changing the settings in operation unit 16 include, for example, providing a new switch or changing the way a switch is pressed, but detailed description of these will be omitted here.

[0048] When inserting a single packet of herbal medicine or the like, it is desirable and recommended to use the single packet mode (also called the single packet feeding mode) shown in FIG. 19 or the intermittent mode shown in FIG. 20. When setting the single-packet mode (=single-packet feeding mode), the operator places the herbal medicine on top of the long package of medicine, and then, as shown in FIG. 19, presses the mode selector switch 19 to select and confirm the single-packet mode. This causes the "single-packet mode" LED lamp on the mode indicator 19a to light up, allowing the operator to confirm that the single-packet mode has been set (step S10). In this way, after the operator confirms that the single package mode has been set, he or she presses the start / stop switch 24 (OFF→ON) (or steps on the foot switch 6 once), which automatically starts the operation related to the single package mode (step S11). Next, the drive motor 5 is rotated to rotate the first gear 4a, and the second gear 4b, which is driven by this, rotates while being pressed against it, and starts stapleless stapling of the packaged medicine and the herbal medicine (step S12). Then, after a specified amount of the packaged medicine and the herbal medicine are fed while being stapleless stapling (step S13), the rotation of the drive motor 5 is automatically stopped (step S14).

[0049] The "medicine package feed distance = x1" described in step S13 can be set by the operator according to the length of one paper medicine package. This is also the case with step S24 in the flowchart of the intermittent mode shown in FIG.

[0050] In the intermittent mode shown in Fig. 20, when inserting a single packet of herbal medicine or the like, the operation is carried out as follows instead of the single packet mode shown in Fig. 19. When setting the intermittent mode, the operator places the herbal medicine on top of the long packet of medicine, and then presses the mode selector switch 19 to select and confirm the intermittent mode, and the "intermittent mode" LED lamp on the mode indicator 19a lights up, so that it is possible to confirm that the intermittent mode has been set (step S20). In this way, after the operator confirms that the intermittent mode has been set, he or she presses the start / stop switch 24 (OFF→ON) (or steps on the foot switch 6 once), which automatically starts the operation related to the intermittent mode (step S21). Next, the drive motor 5 is rotated, which rotates the first gear 4a, and the second gear 4b driven by this rotates while being pressed against it, starting the stapleless stapling operation of the packaged medicine and the herbal medicine (step S23). Then, after a specified amount of the packaged medicine and the herbal medicine are fed while being stapleless stapling (step S24), the rotational drive of the drive motor 5 automatically stops (step S25).

[0051] Then, the next herbal medicine is placed in the same manner as above, and the start / stop switch 24 is pressed (OFF→ON) (the foot switch 6 is pressed once). By repeating this operation from once (i=1) in step S22 to the predetermined n times (i=n) in step S27, the herbal medicine and the individual medicine packets can be easily stapled. The determination in step S27 as to whether or not n times (i=n) have been reached represents the number of repetitions. When repeating from 1 time (i=1) in step S22 to the predetermined n times (i=n) in step S27, it is determined whether the drive motor stop time=t1. The drive motor stop time=t1 (step S28) here can be arbitrarily set by the operator.

[0052] The method of adjusting the specified amount in step S13 when the single package mode in FIG. 19 is set and in step S24 when the intermittent mode in FIG. 20 is set, in which "pill package feed distance = ×1", will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 16. In the operation unit 16 shown in FIG. 16, the currently set feed amount is displayed in 0.1 mm units on the feed amount display 20, and the currently set feed amount is exemplified as "80.1" mm. By appropriately pressing the feed amount adjustment switches 21a, 21b, which are displayed as plus (+) and minus (-), the number on the feed amount display 20 increases or decreases in 0.1 units. It is also possible to increase the speed by pressing and holding the switch. Based on the number displayed on the feed amount display 20, the CPU of the control device 50 described in FIG. 15 calculates how much the drive motor 5 should be rotated, and based on that, performs control to determine the amount (rotations) to rotate the drive motor 5.

[0053] In conventional devices such as packaging machines, a long piece of packaging paper is attached to the packaging machine, which then heat-seals the paper to create a bag, pours the medicine into it, and finally heat-seals the bag. The width of a single package of medicine can be set to approximately 60 to 90 mm by the packaging machine. The width may also vary slightly depending on the packaging machine. In this embodiment of the medicine package stapler 1, the feed amount of the medicine package can be adjusted in minute increments, so that the stopping position for the divided medicine packages does not shift, allowing stapleless staplering while adding the herbal medicine to the end.

[0054] The intermittent mode shown in Fig. 20 is substantially the same as the single package mode (=one package feed mode) shown in Fig. 19, but differs in that the binding operation is automatically resumed a certain time after the drive motor 5 is automatically stopped. Therefore, by pressing the start / stop switch 24 once at the beginning (stepping on the foot switch once), the binding operation can be performed to the end.

[0055] The stop time of the drive motor 5 is set by the stop time indicator 22 and the stop time adjustment switches 23a and 23b in Fig. 16. The method of adjusting the stop time of the drive motor 5 is almost the same as the feed amount adjustment, except that the unit is seconds. This allows the stop time of the drive motor 5 to be set according to the work speed of the operator, such as adding herbal medicine.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 17, the operation unit 16 for setting the number of medicine packages is shown. Although not shown in the operation unit 16 in FIG. 6, the operation unit 16 is provided with a medicine package number display 38 and medicine package number setting switches 39a and 39b (also omitted in the control block diagram in FIG. 15). Using the medicine package number display 38 and the medicine package number setting switches 39a and 39b provided in the operation unit 16, the number of medicine packages to be stapled in the intermittent mode can be set. The medicine package number setting switch 39a increases the number of medicine packages to + each time it is pressed, and the medicine package number setting switch 39b decreases the number of medicine packages to - each time it is pressed. The medicine package number display 38 displays the number of medicine packages increased or decreased by operating the medicine package number setting switches 39a and 39b with LED lighting, and the medicine package number display 38 of the operation unit 16 currently displays 11 medicine packages. The drug package number setting switches 39a, 39b function as a repetition number setting means for repeatedly performing the same binding operation when the same binding operation is automatically resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the binding operation is stopped after the drive motor 5 has been rotated to feed the drug packages a predetermined distance.

[0057] When the intermittent mode is set, the drive motor 5 automatically stops after the binding operation is performed the number of times set for the number of medicine packets after starting, and the operation ends there. For example, if the number of medicine packets is set to "11" in the medicine packet number display 38 in FIG. 17, the operation ends after the binding operation / automatic stop is repeated 11 times. After stapling all the medicine packets, there is no need to press the start / stop switch 24, which is the stop button. It can also be used when you want to stop the operation in the middle of a long package of medicine, such as when you want to change the type of herbal medicine to be bound.

[0058] The machine is configured to be able to execute a single-package mode (one-package feeding mode) that can automatically stop and end operation after feeding a set amount of medicine packets, and an intermittent mode that automatically resumes after a set time has elapsed after feeding a set distance of medicine packets.Whether to choose the intermittent mode or the single-package mode (= one-package feeding mode) is up to the individual operator to decide how they would like to use the machine.

[0059] A binding operation flow performed by a conventional medicine package stapler will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 21. In the binding operation performed by a conventional medicine package stapler, the foot switch 6 and the drive motor 5, which are similar to those used as options in the above embodiment, are used to perform the medicine package stapler. By stepping on the foot switch 6 once (step S100), the drive motor 5 is rotated and the second gear 4b is pressed against the first gear 4a to start stapleless binding (step S101). Then, when the predetermined binding operation is completed, the foot is lifted from the foot switch 6, which turns the foot switch 6 off (step S102). By turning off the foot switch 6, the rotational drive of the drive motor 5 is stopped (step S103). With such conventional medicine package binding machines, the operator is forced to keep pressing the foot switch and release it at the right time, which places a burden on the operator, and there was a problem that it was not possible to perform the medicine package binding operation without mistakes.

[0060] A case where multiple medicine packets are stapled by the medicine packet stapler 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22. As the multiple medicine packets, as shown in Fig. 22, it is assumed that a medicine packet 56A enclosing three types of medicine, powder 55b (shown only in Fig. 22(a)), a medicine packet 56B enclosing tablets 55b and capsules, and a medicine packet 56C enclosing Chinese herbal medicine 55c (shown only in Fig. 22(a)) are crimped and sealed. Each of the medicine packets 56A and 56B is usually made of, for example, a transparent or semi-transparent resin film, and the powder 55a, tablets 55b, etc. are divided into small portions and sealed and packed in a bag so as not to leak out. Each of the medicine packets 56A and 56B has a bag portion 56a that covers the powder 55a, tablets 55b, etc., and a crimped portion 57 in which two opposing sides shown by hatching are crimped or welded. The side on the bag portion 56a side is usually folded in two, and the powder 55a and tablets 55b, which are medicines, are sandwiched between them, and the crimped portion 57 forms a leakage prevention portion that prevents the powder 55a and tablets 55b, which are medicines, from leaking from the bag portion 56a. The powder 55a, tablets 55b, and herbal medicine 55c in one medicine packet 56A, 56B, and 56C are usually a unit of medicine for each dose for a patient.

[0061] The medicine packets 56A and 56B are prepared (packaged) by a medicine packaging machine installed in a pharmacy or the like. The packaging paper (packaging sheet) used for packaging, which is the exterior part, is a long rolled sheet that is rolled in a folded and overlapped state, and the powder medicine 55a, tablets 55b, etc., which are the medicine to be taken, are sandwiched between the sheets. Each of the medicine packets 56A and 56B is perforated with a perforation 58, and can usually be torn by hand. The medicine packet 56C is usually formed smaller than the medicine packets 56A and 56B as shown in FIG. 22(a), and there are cases where a medicine packet that is aluminum-packaged at a pharmaceutical factory or the like and covered with the packaging paper (packaging sheet) is used. The two sides other than the folds around the powder 55a and tablet 55b are sealed and divided into multiple doses by crimping section 57, and the required number of doses of medicine packets are formed into a continuous sheet. This continuous sheet-like medicine packet is called a "continuous medicine packet," and the continuous medicine packet shown in Figure 22(b) is a belt-like arrangement of multiple medicine packets 56A, 56B (three doses in the example shown in the figure).

[0062] In the medicine bag stapler 1, medicines, herbal medicines, etc. are appropriately sealed into two medicine bags 56A, 56B, or three medicine bags 56A, 56B, 56C (this step is done by a conventional packaging machine), and then the remaining edge (the upper edge in Figure 22) is stapled (pressure-sealed stapled section 59) as shown in Figure 22, forming the final medicine bag or packet that can be supplied to the patient, etc.

[0063] The above embodiment and the like can be said to have substantially described the following aspects and effects. The first aspect is a medicine package binding device such as a medicine package binding machine 1 which is provided with a rotatable first gear such as a first gear 4a and a second gear such as a second gear 4b, in which multiple medicine packages are inserted in a stacked manner into the meshing portion of the first gear and the second gear, and the multiple medicine packages are bound by the first gear and the second gear.The medicine package binding device has a rotational drive means such as a drive motor 5 which rotates either the first gear or the second gear, and after the binding operation is started, the rotational drive means is driven to rotate a predetermined number of rotations and then automatically stops.

[0064] With this configuration, according to the first aspect, a medicine package binding device can be provided that frees the operator from the burden of having to keep pressing the foot switch and releasing it at the right time, and enables the medicine package binding operation to be performed easily and without error.

[0065] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the first aspect further comprises a rotation number setting means for setting the number of rotations of the rotation driving means in one binding operation. With this configuration, according to the second aspect, the amount of medicine packet feed can be adjusted in minute increments, so that the stopping position for the divided medicine packets does not shift and stapleless binding can be performed while the herbal medicine is inserted to the end.

[0066] The third aspect is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, it has a feed distance setting means for setting the feed distance of the medicine bag by rotation of the first gear and the second gear via the rotation drive of the rotation drive means. With this configuration, according to the third aspect, the amount of medicine packet feed can be adjusted in minute increments, so that the stopping position for the divided medicine packets does not shift and stapleless binding can be performed while the herbal medicine is inserted to the end.

[0067] A fourth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third aspects, the binding operation is automatically stopped after the rotational drive of the rotational drive means has fed the medicine bag a predetermined feed distance, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the same binding operation as the binding operation is automatically resumed. With this configuration, according to the fourth aspect, a so-called intermittent mode can be automatically executed, and the binding operation is automatically resumed a certain time after the drive motor is automatically stopped, so that the binding operation can be performed to the end by first pressing the start / stop switch 24 once (stepping on the foot switch once).

[0068] A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the fourth aspect further comprises a stop time setting means for freely setting a stop time of the rotation driving means. With this configuration, according to the fifth aspect, the stop time of the rotation drive means can be freely set, and the stop time of the drive motor can be set according to the work speed of the operator, such as adding herbal medicine.

[0069] A sixth aspect is characterized in that in the fourth aspect, the binding operation is automatically ended after the binding operation is repeated a predetermined number of times. With this configuration, according to the sixth aspect, the binding operation can be automatically terminated after being repeated a certain number of times.

[0070] A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the fourth aspect, there is provided a repeat count setting means for repeatedly performing the same binding operation. With this configuration, according to the seventh aspect, it is no longer necessary to press the stop button after stapling all the medicine packets. It can also be used when you want to stop the operation in the middle of a long package of medicine, such as when you want to change the type of herbal medicine to be stapled.

[0071] The eighth aspect is characterized in that the fourth aspect is capable of executing a single package mode (single package feeding mode) in which the device can automatically stop and terminate operation after a specified amount of the drug package has been fed, and an intermittent mode in which the device automatically resumes operation after a specified time has elapsed after the automatic stop, by feeding the specified drug package distance. With this configuration, according to the eighth aspect, whether to select the intermittent mode or the single package mode (=one package feeding mode) can be selected based on the individual usability of the operator.

[0072] The ninth aspect is the fourth aspect, further comprising a binding section for attaching and sending out the medicine pouch, and a medicine pouch detection means such as a medicine pouch detection sensor 40 for detecting the medicine pouch in the binding section, wherein the medicine pouch detection means automatically stops the binding operation when it detects that the medicine pouch is not in the binding section. With this configuration, according to the ninth aspect, when there is no medicine package, the drive motor is stopped, thereby preventing wear on the first gear and the second gear.

[0073] In the medicine package stapler 1 of one embodiment of the present invention described above, the principle of stapler binding medicine packages is approximately the same as that of the device described in Patent Document 1, which is one of the conventional machines. However, for example, the device does not have a pressing plate (26) as a pressing portion for the first gear (4a) and the second gear (4b) disclosed in FIG. 12 of Patent Document 1, but it should be noted that the absence of a pressing portion does not cause any particular problems.

[0074] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such a specific embodiment, and various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention described in the claims unless otherwise specifically limited in the above description. For example, the technical matters described in the above embodiment and modifications may be appropriately combined.

[0075] The effects appropriately described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Medicine package binding machine (an example of a medicine package binding device) 2 Main unit 3. Drug Packaging Guide 3a, 3c Package side guide 3b Guide on top of pack 4a 1st gear 4b 2nd gear 5. Drive motor (an example of a rotation drive means) 6 Foot Switch 8 Side Panel 8a Side panel cover 9 Right side plate 10 Left side plate 11 Legs 12 Pressure release lever 13a 1st gear holder 13b 2nd gear holder) 14 Pressure spring 15 Pressure plate 16 Control section 17a 1st rotation direction change switch 17b Second rotation direction switch 17c First rotation direction indicator 17d Second rotation direction indicator 18 Rotation speed adjustment switch (an example of a rotation speed setting means) 19 Mode switch 19a Mode indicator 20 Feed amount indicator 21a, 21b Feed rate adjustment switch 22 Stop time indicator 23a, 23b Stop time adjustment switch (an example of a stop time setting means) 23 Movable guide part 24 Start / Stop Switch 24a Start / Stop Indicator 26 Belt 27 Idler pulley gear 27a idler pulley 28 Large diameter gear (drive gear) 30 1st gear drive shaft 31a, 31b Holder fixing member 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d Bearing members 33 Driven axis 35 Linear guide 36 Holder slider 37 Step pin 38 Medicine pack number indicator 39a, 39b: drug package number setting switch (an example of a repeat number setting means) 40 Medicine bag detection sensor 41 Bracket 42 Actuator 43a First wrapping paper detection sensor 43b Second wrapping paper detection sensor 46 Code 50 Control device 55a Powdered medicine 55b Tablets 55c Herbal medicine 56a Bag part 56A, 56B, 56C medicine packets 57 Crimping section 58 Perforation 59 Stapleless binding section 60 Bracket 61 Pressure adjustment unit 61a Pressure adjustment cover 62 Cylindrical part 63 Fulcrum pin 64 Volts 65 Nut 66 Nut 67 Second Gear Section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0077] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-195765 A

Claims

1. A medicine package binding device includes a rotatable first gear and a second gear, and a plurality of medicine packages are inserted in a stacked manner into an engagement portion between the first gear and the second gear, and the plurality of medicine packages are bound by the first gear and the second gear. a rotation drive means for rotationally driving either the first gear or the second gear, A medicine package stapler in which, after the stapler starts a stapler operation, the rotary drive means is rotated a predetermined number of times and then automatically stopped.

2. The medicine package binding device according to claim 1, A medicine package binding device comprising a rotation speed setting means for setting the number of rotations of the rotation drive means in one binding operation.

3. The medicine package binding device according to claim 1 or 2, A medicine package binding device comprising: a feed distance setting means for setting a feed distance of the medicine package by rotation of the first gear and the second gear via the rotation drive of the rotation drive means.

4. The medicine package binding device according to claim 1 or 2, A medicine package binding device characterized in that after the binding operation is automatically stopped by feeding the medicine package a predetermined distance through the rotational drive of the rotational drive means, the same binding operation as the aforementioned binding operation is automatically resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

5. The medicine package binding device according to claim 4, A medicine package binding device comprising a stop time setting means for freely setting a stop time of the rotation drive means.

6. The medicine package binding device according to claim 4, A medicine package binding device, characterized in that after the binding operation is repeated a predetermined number of times, the operation is automatically terminated.

7. The medicine package binding device according to claim 4, The medicine package binding device further comprises a repeat count setting means for repeating the same binding operation.

8. The medicine package binding device according to claim 4, A single-packet mode in which the device can automatically stop and end operation after sending a specified amount of the drug package; An intermittent mode in which the feeding distance of the predetermined drug package is fed and then automatically resumed after a specified time has elapsed after the automatic stop; A medicine package binding device capable of executing the above.

9. The medicine package binding device according to claim 4, A binding section for attaching and sending out the medicine package; A medicine package detection means for detecting the medicine package at the bound portion; having The medicine package binding device is characterized in that the medicine package detection means automatically stops the binding operation when it detects that the medicine package is not present in the binding section.

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