Crimp-binding device

Abstract

To provide a crimp-binding device that significantly improves binding force when crimp-binding multiple drug packages by aligning phases of ridges and valleys of crimping teeth, performing reciprocating crimp-binding and destroying a PET layer over a wide range and can eliminate a risk of misdelivery.SOLUTION: A test in which two drug packages 56-1, 56-2 were inserted as media into an engagement part 4c of a first gear 4a and a second gear 4b and crimp-bound in a state of being sandwiched was performed. The test results confirmed that a PET layer was only destroyed in a specific direction (area enclosed by a solid black circle in Figure 2). The test results confirmed that the PET layer was not destroyed in the opposite direction (area enclosed by a dashed black circle in Figure 2). Since it is preferable for the PET layer to be destroyed across the entire binding part in order to improve binding force, there is the need to perform binding from the opposite direction as well. When reciprocating crimp-binding of performing binding in the second time was performed in a state where the phases of the ridges and valleys bound in the first time are aligned (Figure 3), the binding force became almost twice of that when crimp-binding is performed in only one direction (Figure 4).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In order to provide a medicine package stapler having a strong pressing force and good appearance at the stapler, stacked package papers can be stably fed, package papers can be inserted from both sides, and the machine is easy to use, has little wear on the teeth, and has a long life. The machine is provided with a rotatable first gear and a second gear, and is configured so that 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 stapled by the first gear and the second gear. A pressing portion is provided on the side surface of at least one of the first gear and the second gear, and the pressing portion is configured to press the side portion of the stapled portion of the multiple medicine packages in the direction in which the first gear and the second gear mesh. A technology related to a medicine package stapler (1) having a medicine package support portion (3) that supports multiple medicine packages and a movable guide portion (23) that guides the edge of the multiple medicine packages on the non-stapled side is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The invention described in Patent Document 1 is certainly similar to the present invention in that multiple medicine packets (medium) are crimped and bound by rotating binding teeth. However, there is a limit to the number of media that can be bound, and there is a risk of the media coming off before reaching the patient (hereafter, titles omitted), which leads to the risk of misdelivery, and ultimately the problem of patients not taking their medicine properly has not been resolved. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a crimp binding device that can drastically improve the binding force when crimping and binding multiple medicine packets and eliminate the risk of misdelivery by aligning the phase of the peaks and valleys of the binding teeth and performing reciprocating crimp binding to destroy the PET (polyethylene terephthalate resin, omitted below) layer over a wide area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a pressure binding device having rotatable first and second teeth, configured so that multiple media are inserted in a stacked manner into the meshing portion of the first and second teeth and the multiple media are bound by pressing the first and second teeth, and configured so that the transport direction of the multiple media can be changed between a first transport direction and a second transport direction opposite thereto, in which the pressure binding device is capable of transporting the multiple media in a phase-aligned state when the transport direction of the multiple media is switched between the first transport direction and the second transport direction. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, by aligning the phase of the peaks and valleys of the first and second teeth to perform reciprocating pressure binding, it is possible to provide a pressure binding device that can significantly improve the binding force when pressure binding multiple media by destroying the medium (e.g., the PET layer) over a wide area, thereby eliminating the risk of misdelivery. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1A is an oblique view showing how a medicine packet is crimped and stapled using a first gear and a second gear in a test example of one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a diagram explaining the crimped and stapled area and cross section in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is an enlarged view showing the tooth shape of the gear in the test example. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged SEM view of a cross section of a pressure-bonded bound portion obtained by the pressure-bonding operation (only one binding) of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged SEM view of a cross section of a pressure-bonded portion obtained by the pressure-bonding operation of FIG. 1 (reciprocal pressure-bonding while the phases are aligned). [Figure 4] 4 is a graph comparing the binding force of the pressure-bonded portion obtained by the one-time pressure-bonding of FIG. 2 and the reciprocating pressure-bonding of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 1 is an external perspective view of an entire pressure binding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6]2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the compression binding device of FIG. 1 with the left and right side covers, the side plate covers, the pressure release section cover, etc. removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the first gear, the second gear, and the periphery of the pressure releasing portion. [Figure 8] 13 is a front view showing the operation of the pressure release lever when the second gear is pressed against the first gear. FIG. [Figure 9] 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 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of an operation unit. [Figure 11] This is a side view of the side guide and upper guide used when binding medicine packets. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a drive configuration of a first gear. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration around a first gear. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration around a second gear. [Figure 16] 9 is a detailed view of the pressure release mechanism, showing the pressurized state shown in FIG. 8 rotated by 90 degrees. [Figure 17] 9 is a detailed view of the pressure release mechanism in the pressurized state shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the arrangement of the medicine package sensor. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing a main control configuration of the pressure binding device. [Figure 20] 11 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. 10. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an operation unit for setting the number of medicine packages. [Figure 22] 11 is a flowchart relating to the execution of a continuous mode. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart relating to execution of a single package mode. [Figure 24] 4 is a flowchart relating to execution of an intermittent mode. [Diagram 25]1 is a flowchart relating to the execution of a conventional example. [Figure 26] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a stapleless binding operation of multiple medicine packages using a pressure binding device. [Figure 27] 11(a) to 11(d) are diagrams showing the transition of operation when reciprocating pressure binding is performed with the phases aligned in a pressure binding device having a first package paper detection sensor and a second package paper detection sensor. [Figure 28] 28 is a flowchart showing a process for switching the rotation of the first gear and the second gear in FIG. 27. [Figure 29] 13A and 13B are diagrams for providing additional explanation of the side guide of the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the main configuration and operation of a seventh embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the main configuration and operation of an eighth embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the main configuration and operation of a ninth embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the main configuration and operation of the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the main configuration and operation of the 20th embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the main configuration and operation of the 21st aspect. [Diagram 36] A diagram showing the main configuration and operation of the 22nd embodiment. [Figure 37] A diagram showing the main configuration and operation of the 23rd embodiment. 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] With reference to Figs. 1 to 4, the basic material composition of a medicine bag according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the composition and technical conditions when pressure-binding using this will be described. Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view showing a state in which a medicine bag is pressure-bound by a first gear and a second gear according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 1(b) is a diagram explaining the pressure-bound portion and a cross section of Fig. 1(a), and Fig. 1(c) is an enlarged view showing the gear tooth shape of Fig. 1(b). Fig. 2 is an SEM enlarged view of a cross section of a pressure-bound portion obtained by the pressure-bound binding operation (only one-time pressure binding) of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an SEM enlarged view of a cross section of a pressure-bound portion obtained by the pressure-bound binding operation (reciprocating pressure binding with phases aligned) of Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 is a graph comparing the binding force of the pressure-bound portion obtained by the one-time pressure binding of Fig. 2 and the reciprocating pressure binding of Fig. 3.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b according to the test example of one embodiment are circular, and have first and second teeth formed on their outer peripheries. As shown in Fig. 1(c), the tooth shapes of the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b are formed by a tooth tip 69a having a cylindrical surface of radius r1, a tooth bottom 69b having a cylindrical surface of radius r2, and an inclined tooth surface 69c with an inclination angle θ between the tooth bottom 69b and the tooth tip 69a. The tooth shape of the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b used in the above test example was such that the thickness was 2 mm, the diameter of the pitch circle pc was 12 mm, the number of teeth was 48, and the tooth pitch p was 0.79 mm.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, two medicine packages 56-1 and 56-2 as media are inserted into the meshing portion 4c of the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b according to a test example of one embodiment, and the two medicine packages 56-1 and 56-2 are crimped and bound in a sandwiched state. The first gear 4a and the second gear 4b according to the test example of one embodiment are gears with the above-mentioned specifications, and a plurality of medicine packages 56-1 and 56-2 as a plurality of media are inserted in a stacked manner into the meshing portion 4c of the first gear 4a having the first teeth and the second gear 4b having the second teeth used to obtain the staple-free crimp binding. The two medicine packages 56-1 and 56-2 used in the test were used only for the purpose of testing the strength of the crimped binding portion, and the medicine package 56-1 connected in a strip-like manner at the top and the medicine package 56-2 connected in a strip-like manner at the bottom of the medicine package 56-1 are used to stack and crimp bound, and are described as a model and simple diagram when these are stacked and crimped. Medicine packets 56A, 56B, and 56C shown in FIG. 26 and obtained by pressure binding using a pressure binding device of an embodiment different from this test example will be described in detail later.

[0012] In Fig. 1(a), the drug package 56-1 shown at the top as a medium is made up of an outer PET layer with a thickness of 25.7 μm and an inner PE (polyethylene resin, omitted below) layer with a thickness of 33.6 μm, for a total thickness of about 85 μm. Similarly, the drug package 56-2 shown near the bottom of the drug package 56-1 is made up of an outer PET layer and an inner PE layer, and is made up of the same thickness as the drug package 56-1. The gear teeth that mesh with the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b at the meshing portion 4c tear the PET layer on the outside of the medium, exposing the PE layer that acts as the adhesive on the inside, and the exposed PE layers are pressed together by the rotating gear teeth, thereby binding the medium.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1(a), a test was conducted in which medicine packets 56-1 and 56-2, which are media sent in a certain direction (first conveying direction D1 in this case) indicated by an arrow, were bound by meshing portion 4c of rotating first gear 4a and second gear 4b. First gear 4a, which serves as a driven gear, is rotated by the rotational driving force of drive motor 5, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 and the like. The linear velocity of first gear 4a during the test was about 16.76 mm / sec, and the results shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 were obtained. As a result of the test, it was confirmed that the PET layer was destroyed only in one direction (the area surrounded by the solid black circle in Fig. 2), as shown in Fig. 2. It was confirmed that the PET layer was not destroyed in the other direction (the area surrounded by the dotted black circle in Fig. 2). From the above test results, it was determined that in order to improve the binding strength, it is preferable for the PET layer to be destroyed throughout the entire bound area, and therefore binding must also be performed from the opposite direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, when the second binding was performed while aligning the peaks and valleys of the first binding, the binding strength increased by more than double, as shown in Figure 4. The test results shown in Figures 2 and 3 were observed with a SEM (scanning electron microscope) at a magnification of 300 times.

[0014] However, it was found that when the medium is manually fed and bound twice, the binding is performed in a state where the peaks and valleys are out of phase, and the binding force is not improved compared to when the medium is bound in a state where the phases are aligned. Therefore, it was found that reciprocal pressure binding (hereinafter, simply referred to as "reciprocal binding"), which binds the medium a second time in a state where the phases are aligned, is necessary. In the embodiment of the present invention described below, an example in which reciprocal binding is performed is the basis.

[0015] The configuration of the main parts of a compression binding device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. Fig. 5 is an external perspective view of the compression binding device, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the internal configuration with the left and right side plate covers, side plate cover, pressure release section cover, etc. removed from the compression binding device in Fig. 5, and Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the first gear, second gear, and the periphery of the pressure release section of the main body. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a crimping binding device 1 according to one embodiment of the medicine package binding device of the present invention includes 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 operating unit 16. In Figure 5, the left-right direction or horizontal direction (also the width direction) of the pressure binding device 1 is the X direction, the front-back direction or depth direction is the Y direction, and the up-down direction or vertical direction (also the vertical direction) is the Z direction (the same applies to the figures described below).

[0016] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the main body 2 of the pressure binding device 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 from sheet metal, and the lower parts of the side plates 8 are fixed to the base plate 7. As shown in Fig. 6, the base plate 7 is provided with four legs 11 that support the compression binding device 1. Note that only the two legs 11 on the front side of the page are visible in Fig. 6, and the two legs 11 on the back side of the page are hidden by the base plate 7 and cannot be seen.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 7, 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.

[0020] The main configuration and operation around the pressure release unit will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the operation when the pressure release lever applies pressure to the first gear of the second gear, and Figure 9 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 pressure adjustment unit 61 described with reference to Figures 8 and 9 will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17, which will be described later. As shown in Fig. 8, 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. 9. In the non-pressure-contact position shown in Fig. 9, the second gear 4b is spaced a sufficient distance from the first gear 4a.

[0021] 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 8 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.

[0022] When the operator operates the pressure release lever 12 to the pressure release side on the left side in Fig. 9 around the fulcrum pin 63, 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.

[0023] 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. 8 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The configuration of operation unit 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 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. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG. 10, 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The mode change switch 19 is used to change the binding mode of the pressure binding device 1. Each time the mode change switch 19 is pressed, the run mode changes in sequence from single-package mode (also called single-package 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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. 5, 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.

[0030] The configuration and operation used when binding medicine packets will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a side view of the main parts around the side guide and upper guide used when binding medicine packets, and Figure 12 is a front view of Figure 11. Medicine packet guide 3 is configured to support multiple packet papers on its upper surface, and has a pair of side guides 3a, 3c and an upper guide 3b, etc., as shown in Figure 11. Medicine packet guide 3 (the pair of side guides 3a, 3c and the upper guide 3b, etc.) and second gear holder 13b are capable of guiding multiple stacked packet papers (not shown in Figures 11 and 12) to the meshing portion between first gear 4a and second gear 4b. The medicine package guide 3 has a function as a stand according to one embodiment of the present invention described later, that is, a function to place multiple media (packaging paper, medicine packages, etc.) on it. The side guide 3a has a function as a first side edge guide member that abuts the side end of the packaging paper, medicine packages, etc. on the meshing portion 4c side, and the upper guide 3b has a function as an auxiliary member that assists in the transport of the packaging paper, medicine packages, etc.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The drive configuration of the first gear 4a will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 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.

[0033] 6, 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.

[0034] The configuration around the first gear 4a will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration around the first gear 4a. As shown in Fig. 14, 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.

[0035] The configuration around the second gear 4b will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration around the second gear 4b. As shown in Fig. 15, 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.

[0036] The pressure release mechanism, which has been roughly explained in Figures 7 and 8, will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figures 16 and 17 are views showing the details of the pressure release mechanism, with Figure 16 being a view rotated 90 degrees from the pressurized state shown in Figure 8, and Figure 17 being the same view as the pressurized state shown in Figure 8. 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The medicine package sensor will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a front view showing the arrangement of the medicine package detection sensor. As shown in Fig. 18, the medicine package detection sensor 40 is fixed to a base plate 7 also called a bottom plate via a bracket 41. As described in one embodiment of the present invention described later, the medicine package detection sensor 40 functions as a medium detection means for detecting the rear ends of a plurality of medicine packages transported to the meshing portion 4c (see Fig. 1(a) and the like) from either the first transport direction D1 or the second transport direction D2. By appropriately shaping its actuator 40a, the medicine packet detection sensor 40 is configured to be able to detect the medicine packet before it enters the nip area (specifically, first packet paper detection sensor 43a or second packet paper detection sensor 43b) even if the medicine packet attempts to enter the nip area before the meshing of the first gear and second gear from the left (specifically, first packet paper detection sensor 43a) or similarly from the right (specifically, second packet 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.

[0042] The control configuration of the pressure binding device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a control block diagram showing the main control configuration of the pressure binding device. As shown in Fig. 19, the pressure binding device 1 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) having a function as a control device 50 serving as a control means for controlling 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 pressure binding device 1. The CPU has a built-in memory unit 52, timer unit 53, etc. The CPU issues notifications to an operator or instructions for the operation of the device at a timing according to a program based on various inputs including various switches and various sensors described later.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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-in plug, etc. The foot switch 6 is an option for the crimp binding device 1, and is installed on the floor as shown in Fig. 5, and is connected to a control device 50 provided in the main body 2 via a cord 46.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The CPU has a function of executing various control operations shown in the operation explanation and control flowcharts described later. As shown in Fig. 19, 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 22 to 24.

[0052] 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. 22. As shown in Fig. 22, 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. 22), 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.

[0053] Although not described in the flow charts shown in Figures 22, 23 and 24 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.

[0054] 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. 23 or the intermittent mode shown in FIG. 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. 23, 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).

[0055] 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.

[0056] When inserting a single packet of herbal medicine or the like, in the intermittent mode shown in Fig. 24, the operation is carried out as follows instead of the single packet mode shown in Fig. 23. When setting the intermittent mode, the operator places the herbal medicine on top of the long packet of medicine, and then presses the mode change 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] The method of adjusting the specified amount in step S13 when the single package mode in FIG. 23 is set and in step S24 when the intermittent mode in FIG. 24 is set, in which "pill package feed distance = ×1", will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 24. In the operation unit 16 shown in FIG. 20, 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. 19 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.

[0059] 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 the present embodiment of the pressure-bonding binding device 1, the feed amount of the medicine packet can be adjusted in minute increments, so that the stopping position for the divided medicine packets does not shift, allowing needleless binding while the herbal medicine is inserted to the end.

[0060] The intermittent mode shown in Fig. 24 is substantially the same as the single package mode (=one package feed mode) shown in Fig. 23, 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.

[0061] 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. 20. 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.

[0062] The operation unit 16 for setting the number of medicine packages will be described with reference to FIG. 21. Although not shown in the operation unit 16 in FIG. 10, 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. 19). Using the medicine package number display 38 and 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.

[0063] 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. 21, 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.

[0064] 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 specified amount of medicine packets, and an intermittent mode that automatically resumes after a specified time has elapsed after automatically stopping and feeding a specified distance of medicine packets.Which of the intermittent mode or the single-package mode (= one-package feeding mode) is selected based on the individual convenience of the operator.

[0065] A binding operation flow performed by a conventional pressure binding device will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 25. In the binding operation performed by the conventional pressure binding device, the medicine package binding operation was performed using a foot switch 6 and a drive motor 5 similar to those used as options in the above embodiment. 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, thereby turning off the foot switch 6 (step S102). By turning off the foot switch 6, the rotational drive of the drive motor 5 was stopped (step S103). With such conventional pressure binding devices, 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.

[0066] A case where multiple medicine packets are staple-free bound by the pressure binding device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 26. As the multiple medicine packets, a case is assumed in which, as shown in Fig. 26, a medicine packet 56A enclosing three types of medicine, powder 55a (shown only in Fig. 26(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 pressure-bound 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.

[0067] 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 26(b) is a belt-like arrangement of multiple medicine packets 56A, 56B (three doses in the example shown in the figure).

[0068] In the compression binding device 1, medicines, herbal medicines, etc. are appropriately sealed into two medicine packets 56A, 56B, or three medicine packets 56A, 56B, 56C (this step is done using a conventional packaging machine), and then the remaining edge (the upper edge in Figure 26) is stapleless bound (compression bound) as shown in Figure 26 to form a stapleless bound section 59, thereby completing the final medicine packet or packet to be supplied to the patient, etc.

[0069] The above-mentioned compression binding device 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and the compression binding device 1 according to the embodiment described below are different from the device described in Patent Document 1 in that the compression binding device can provide a compression binding device that can significantly improve the binding force when compressing and binding multiple medicine packages and eliminate the risk of misdelivery by performing reciprocal compression binding by aligning the phases of the peaks and valleys of the binding teeth and destroying the PET layer over a wide range. In addition, the compression binding device 1 according to the embodiment and embodiment does not have the pressing plate (26) as a pressing part for the first gear (4a) and the second gear (4b) disclosed in Fig. 12 of Patent Document 1, etc., but it should be noted that no particular problem occurs due to the absence of a pressing part.

[0070] The following effects can be obtained by the aspects of the present invention in which the following configurations are substantially added to the above embodiment or configured simply as appropriate. The aspects described below include technical content that was not explained in detail using the drawings in the above embodiment, and will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The first aspect is a pressure binding device such as a pressure binding device 1 that has first teeth such as a rotatable first gear 4a and second teeth such as a second gear 4b, and is configured so that a plurality of media such as medicine packets are inserted in a stacked manner into an engagement portion such as an engagement portion 4c between the first and second teeth, and the plurality of media are bound by pressure bonding between the first and second teeth, and the conveying direction of the plurality of media is changeable between a first conveying direction such as a first conveying direction D1 and a second conveying direction such as a second conveying direction D2 that is the opposite direction to the first conveying direction, and that is capable of conveying the plurality of media in a phase-aligned state when the conveying direction of the plurality of media is switched between the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction (see Figures 1 to 4).

[0071] With this configuration, according to the first aspect, when multiple media are sent in the first transport direction and the first press binding is completed, the multiple media are clamped between the first and second teeth, so that when the transport direction of the multiple media is switched from the first transport direction to the second transport direction and a second press binding is performed, the phase of the peaks and valleys of the press binding can be reliably and easily aligned.

[0072] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, when the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction are switched, it is possible to maintain the state in which the multiple media are sandwiched between the first teeth and the second teeth. With this configuration, according to the second aspect, it is possible to maintain the state in which the multiple media are sandwiched between the first teeth and the second teeth, so that the phase of the peaks and valleys of the pressure binding can be aligned during the second pressure binding.

[0073] The third aspect is characterized in that the first aspect has a media detection means such as a medicine package sensor 40 (see Figure 18) that detects the rear end of the multiple media being transported to the meshing portion from either the first transport direction or the second transport direction, or a first packaging paper detection sensor 43a or a second packaging paper detection sensor 43b shown in Figure 27, and when the media detection means detects the rear end of the multiple media being transported to the meshing portion, the rotation of the first tooth and the second tooth is stopped. With this configuration, according to the third aspect, wear between the first teeth and the second teeth can be prevented.

[0074] The third aspect will be further explained with reference to Fig. 27 and Fig. 28. Fig. 27(a) to Fig. 27(d) are operation transition diagrams when reciprocating pressure binding is performed with the phases aligned in a pressure binding device having a first package paper detection sensor and a second package paper detection sensor, and Fig. 28 is a flowchart for switching the rotation of the first gear and the second gear in Fig. 27. Note that in Fig. 27, the first gear and the second gear mesh with each other to form a meshing portion, but the first gear and the second gear are intentionally slightly separated from each other for easy understanding. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 28, the first gear and the second gear are simply referred to as "binding teeth", but they mean the same thing. As shown in Fig. 27, a first packet paper detection sensor 43a and a second packet paper detection sensor 43b, each consisting of a reflective photosensor having a light emitting section and a light receiving section, are disposed in front of and behind meshing section 4c of first gear 4a and second gear 4b. In the state shown in Fig. 27(a), the leading ends of medicine packages 56-1 and 56-2, which are multiple media conveyed from first conveying direction D1 to meshing section 4c, are not detected by first packet paper detection sensor 43a and second packet paper detection sensor 43b (indicated by dotted arrows, the same below). In the state shown in Figs. 27(a) to 27(b), a first binding operation of medicine packages 56-1 and 56-2 is performed by meshing section 4c of first gear 4a and second gear 4b, which rotate in the direction shown in the figure (step S31). At this time, as shown in Figure 27 (b), the medicine bag 56-3 that has been crimped and stapled by the first stapling operation has incomplete destruction of the PET layer, as shown in the area surrounded by the dotted black circle as shown in Figure 2, and the rear end portion of the medicine bag 56-3 where the first stapling has been completed is detected as on (indicated by a solid arrow, the same below) by the second packaging paper detection sensor 43b (step S32).

[0075] Since the destruction of the PET layer of the medicine package 56-3 (medicine packages 56-1 and 56-2 after the first press-binding) crimped by the first binding operation is incomplete as shown in the area surrounded by the dotted black circle in Fig. 2, as shown in Fig. 27(c), in order to reverse the rotation direction of the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b while the rear end of the medicine package 56-3 is sandwiched between the meshing portion 4c of the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b and the second packaging paper detection sensor 43b is in the ON detection state, the rotation drive direction of the drive motor 5 is started to be reversed (step S33). As a result, the conveying direction of the medicine package 56-3 (medicine packages 56-1 and 56-2 after the first press-binding) is changed to the second conveying direction D2, and the second binding operation of the medicine package 56-3 is performed by the meshing portion 4c of the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b rotating in the direction shown in the figure. In this way, medicine package 56-3 (medicine packages 56-1 and 56-2 which have been crimped and bound together for the first time) is kept in a state in which its end is engaged with meshing portion 4c of first gear 4a and second gear 4b, without coming off from meshing portion 4c of first gear 4a and second gear 4b.

[0076] In this way, according to the third aspect, not only can wear between the first and second teeth be prevented, but by aligning the phase and performing pressure binding at the same location, the PET layer on the surface of the medicine packet is entirely destroyed and the exposed area of ​​the PE layer, which acts as an adhesive, is increased, thereby improving the binding strength and making it possible to increase the number of medicine packets that can be bound together.

[0077] The fourth aspect is characterized in that the first aspect further includes a placement table such as a medicine package guide 3 on which the plurality of media are placed. With this configuration, according to the fourth aspect, a plurality of media can be stably placed on the carrier.

[0078] Regarding the fourth aspect, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the placement stand of the medicine package guide 3 and the like with reference to Fig. 29. As also shown in Fig. 12, medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 can be placed on the placement stand of the medicine package guide 3 and the like, and can be stably placed on meshing portion 4c of first gear 4a and second gear 4b. It should be noted that the side guide 3a shown in FIG. 29 is not an essential component in the fourth embodiment.

[0079] A fifth aspect is characterized in that in the first aspect, the transport device further includes a first side end guide member against which side ends of the plurality of media that are perpendicular to the first transport direction or the second transport direction abut. With this configuration, according to the fifth aspect, the binding position can be made constant by aligning the side edge positions of a plurality of media.

[0080] Regarding the fifth embodiment, a supplementary explanation will be given on side guide 3a as a first side end guide member with reference to Fig. 29. Side guide 3a shown in Fig. 11 is a member that can be called an abutting member that abuts the side ends (meshing portion 4c side) of drug packages 56-1, 56-2 perpendicular to the conveying direction of drug packages 56-1, 56-2, and is shown in the following embodiment as a schematic diagram.

[0081] A sixth aspect is the first aspect, further comprising an auxiliary member that assists in transporting the plurality of media. With this configuration, according to the sixth aspect, by having an auxiliary member that assists in the transport of a plurality of media, it is possible to improve the straightness of the transport of the media.

[0082] Regarding the sixth embodiment, a supplementary explanation will be given on the upper guide 3b as an auxiliary member with reference to Fig. 30. When there is only the upper guide 3b as an auxiliary member without simultaneously having rollers or the like that assist the transport of a plurality of media (sachets, medicine packets, etc.), it is preferable to form a slope 3b1 at the portion indicated by the arrow of the upper guide 3b in order to prevent the leading edge of the plurality of media (sachets, medicine packets, etc.) in the transport direction from getting caught on the upper guide 3b.

[0083] The seventh aspect is the first aspect, further comprising a table for placing the plurality of media and an auxiliary member for assisting in the transport of the plurality of media. An example of the seventh aspect is shown in FIG. With this configuration, according to the seventh aspect, a plurality of media can be stably placed on the placement stage, and the linearity of the transport of the plurality of media can be improved.

[0084] An eighth aspect is the sixth or seventh aspect, characterized in that the auxiliary member is a roller. With this configuration, according to the eighth aspect, the auxiliary members are rollers, so that the straightness of the transport of the multiple media can be improved.

[0085] An example of the eighth aspect is shown in Fig. 31. As an auxiliary member for assisting the transport of the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 as the multiple media, a configuration in which roller members (also called rollers) 72-1, 72-2 are arranged on the upstream and downstream sides of the meshing portion 4c of the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b, instead of the upper guide 3b as the auxiliary member shown in Fig. 30, can be given. The roller members (rollers) 72-1, 72-2 may be appropriately configured to rotate around the rotating shaft 72a, such as a rubber or resin member, or may be configured to be integrally formed with the rotating shaft 72a. The roller members (rollers) 72-1, 72-2 may be configured to rotate following the conveyance of the medicine packets 56-1, 56-2, or to rotate following the driving motor 5 that drives the driven gear, the first gear 4a. The portion where the roller members (rollers) 72-1, 72-2 come into contact with the medicine packets 56-1, 56-2 is preferably set in the stapleless binding portion 59 so as not to apply pressure to the medicines, herbal medicines, etc. enclosed in the medicine packets 56A, 56B, 56C shown in FIG. 26 and cause damage.

[0086] The ninth aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the surface on the stand on which the multiple media are placed is such that the side surfaces of the multiple media that are perpendicular to the first conveying direction or the second conveying direction are inclined from top to bottom with respect to the meshing portion. With this configuration, according to the ninth aspect, the surface on which the plurality of media is placed is inclined with respect to the meshing portion, thereby making it possible to regulate the positions of the plurality of media. An example of the ninth aspect is shown in Fig. 32, and a supplementary explanation will be given with reference to the same figure. As shown in Fig. 32, the surface on which the multiple drug packages 56-1, 56-2 are placed in the drug package guide 3, which is a placement stand, is inclined by θ with respect to the horizontal line H shown by the two-dot chain line, which is the normal surface on which the multiple drug packages 56-1, 56-2 are placed. By inclining the drug package guide 3 so as to be inclined by θ from top to bottom with respect to the meshing portion 4c in this way, the multiple media (drug packages 56-1, 56-2) will strike the meshing portion 4c without being shifted due to their own weight, so that the positions of the multiple media can be regulated, and in particular, it is effective in regulating the crimp binding position of the multiple media.

[0087] The tenth aspect is characterized in that in the first aspect, there is provided a second side end guide member that abuts the side ends of the multiple media opposite the meshing portion that are perpendicular to the first transport direction or the second transport direction. With this configuration, according to the tenth aspect, the side edge positions of a plurality of media can be regulated to be aligned accurately.

[0088] Regarding the tenth aspect, a supplementary explanation will be given on side guide 3c as a second side end guide member with reference to Fig. 33. Side guide 3c shown in Fig. 11 is a member that can also be called an abutting member that abuts the side ends (the side opposite meshing portion 4c) of medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 perpendicular to the conveying direction of medicine packages 56-1, 56-2.

[0089] An eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in the third aspect, when the media detection means switches the transport direction of the multiple media from the first transport direction to the second transport direction, if it detects the rear end of the multiple media in the first transport direction, the rotation of the first teeth and the second teeth is stopped. With this configuration, according to the eleventh aspect, the phases of the crests and troughs of the pressure binding can be matched.

[0090] A twelfth aspect is characterized in that in the third aspect, the device has a rotational drive means such as a drive motor 5 that rotates either the first tooth or the second tooth based on an input corresponding to a feed amount of the multiple media, and when it is determined that the feed amount has been reached from the rotation speed of the rotational drive means corresponding to a preset feed amount, and when the transport direction of the multiple media is switched from the first transport direction to the second transport direction, the rotation of either the first tooth or the second tooth by the rotational drive means is stopped. With this configuration, according to the twelfth aspect, the phases of the crests and troughs of the pressure binding can be aligned.

[0091] A thirteenth aspect is characterized in that in the third aspect, the device has a media number setting means, such as a drug package number setting switch 39a, 39b of an operating unit 16 that sets the number of the plurality of media, and a rotational drive means, such as a drive motor 5 that rotates and drives either the first tooth or the second tooth based on the number of media set by the media number setting means, and when it is determined from the drive rotation speed of the rotational drive means that a feed amount corresponding to the predetermined number of media has been reached, the rotation of either the first tooth or the second tooth is stopped when the transport direction of the plurality of media is switched from the first transport direction to the second transport direction. With this configuration, according to the thirteenth aspect, the phases of the crests and troughs of the pressure binding can be matched.

[0092] The fourteenth aspect is characterized in that in the first aspect, the rotation of either the first tooth or the second tooth is manually stopped at any timing by pressing a start / stop switch 24 or the like arranged on the operating unit 16. With this configuration, according to the fourteenth aspect, the phases of the crests and troughs of the pressure binding can be aligned.

[0093] The 15th aspect is characterized in that, in the 8th aspect, the roller is installed at an entrance in the first conveying direction or the second conveying direction, in a position to hold down the multiple media from above. With this configuration, according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to improve the linearity of transport of a plurality of media.

[0094] An example of the fifteenth aspect is shown in Fig. 34(a), in which one roller 72-1 for transporting the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 as a plurality of media is installed at the entrance of the meshing portion 4c in the first transport direction D1 in a position to hold down the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 from above.

[0095] The 16th aspect is characterized in that, in the 8th aspect, the rollers are installed in two at the entrance of the first conveying direction or the second conveying direction, in a position that clamps the multiple media from both the top and bottom. With this configuration, according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to improve the linearity of transport of a plurality of media.

[0096] An example of the sixteenth aspect is shown in Fig. 34(b), in which two rollers 72-1 for transporting the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 as a plurality of media are installed at the entrance of the meshing portion 4c in the first transport direction D1 at positions that sandwich the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 from both the upper and lower sides.

[0097] The 17th aspect is characterized in that, in the 8th aspect, the roller is installed at a position where it holds down the multiple media from above at the outlet of the media transport direction of the first transport direction or the second transport direction. With this configuration, according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to improve the linearity of the transport of the medium.

[0098] An example of the seventeenth aspect is shown in Fig. 34(c), in which one roller 72-2 for conveying the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 as a plurality of media is provided at the exit of the meshing portion 4c in the first conveying direction D1 in a position to hold down the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 from above.

[0099] The 18th aspect is characterized in that, in the 8th aspect, two rollers are installed at the exit of the first conveying direction or the second conveying direction in a position that clamps the multiple media from both the top and bottom. With this configuration, according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to improve the linearity of the transport of the medium.

[0100] An example of the eighteenth aspect is shown in Fig. 34(d), in which two rollers 72-2 for transporting the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 as a plurality of media are installed at the exit of the meshing portion 4c in the first transport direction D1 at positions that sandwich the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 from both the upper and lower sides.

[0101] The 19th aspect is characterized in that, in the 8th aspect, two rollers are installed in positions to hold down the multiple media from above at both the entrance and exit in the first transport direction or the second transport direction. With this configuration, according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to improve the linearity of the transport of the medium.

[0102] An example of the nineteenth aspect is shown in Fig. 34(e), in which a total of two rollers 72-1, 72-2 for transporting the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 as a plurality of media are provided at the entrance and exit of the first transport direction D1 across the meshing portion 4c, in positions that hold down the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 from above.

[0103] The twentieth aspect is characterized in that, in the eighth aspect, the rollers are installed in four positions at both the entrance and exit of the first conveying direction or the second conveying direction, so as to clamp the multiple media from both the top and bottom. With this configuration, according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to improve the linearity of the transport of the medium.

[0104] An example of the twentieth aspect is shown in Fig. 34(f), in which a total of four rollers 72-1, 72-2 for transporting the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 as a plurality of media are provided at the entrance and exit of the first transport direction D1 across the meshing portion 4c, at positions that sandwich the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 from both the upper and lower parts.

[0105] A twenty-first aspect is the eighth aspect, characterized in that the rollers are provided and an auxiliary member that assists in transporting the plurality of media is provided above the medium transport surface. With this configuration, according to the twenty-first aspect, it is possible to improve the linearity of the transport of the medium.

[0106] An example of the 21st aspect is shown in Fig. 35. As shown in Fig. 34(f), a total of four rollers 72-1, 72-2 for transporting the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 as a plurality of media are provided at the entrance and exit of the meshing portion 4c in the first transport direction D1, at positions that sandwich the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 from both the upper and lower sides. In addition, a configuration is provided in which an auxiliary member such as an upper guide 3b that assists in the transport of the medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 is provided above the medium transport surface at the entrance and exit of the meshing portion 4c.

[0107] The 22nd aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, a desired inclined surface is obtained by selecting an inclined member having a desired inclination from top to bottom relative to the meshing portion for the side of the plurality of media that is perpendicular to the first transport direction or the second transport direction. With this configuration, according to the twenty-second aspect, the position of the medium can be regulated.

[0108] An example of the 22nd aspect is shown in Fig. 36. As shown in the figure, a block-shaped inclined member 70 (shown hatched) having a desired inclination, for example, θα from top to bottom with respect to the meshing portion 4c, is selected by a user's operation and placed on a normal horizontal surface H (for example, the frame of the compression binding device 1), thereby obtaining a desired inclined surface. This makes it possible to regulate the positions of multiple media, and is particularly effective in regulating the positions of multiple media.

[0109] The 23rd aspect is characterized in that in the first aspect, the medium has a first side end guide member that abuts the side ends of the plurality of media that are perpendicular to the first transport direction or the second transport direction, and a second side end guide member that abuts the side ends of the plurality of media opposite the meshing portion that are perpendicular to the first transport direction or the second transport direction, and the side faces of the plurality of media that are perpendicular to the first transport direction or the second transport direction and whose side ends are abutted against the first side end guide member and the second side end guide member are inclined from top to bottom with respect to the meshing portion. With this configuration, according to the twenty-third aspect, the positions of a plurality of media can be regulated, and this is particularly effective in regulating the crimp binding positions of a plurality of media.

[0110] An example of the 23rd aspect is shown in Fig. 37. As shown in the figure, side guide 3a as a first side end guide member that abuts the side ends of one transport end of multiple medicine packages 56-1, 56-2 inclined from top to bottom by, for example, θ with respect to meshing portion 4c, and side guide 3c as a second side end guide member that abuts the side ends of the other transport end of multiple medicine packages 56-1, 56-2, can regulate the positions of multiple media while maintaining a state inclined from top to bottom with respect to meshing portion 4c, and is particularly effective in regulating the positions of multiple media.

[0111] A twenty-fourth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, characterized in that when the plurality of media are pressure-bound and bound, reciprocal pressure-bound binding is performed partially. With this configuration, according to the 24th aspect, reciprocal pressure binding can be performed on the necessary portions.

[0112] A twenty-fifth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, characterized in that when the plurality of media are pressure-bonded and bound, reciprocal pressure-bonding is performed only on both end portions of the plurality of media. With this configuration, according to the twenty-fifth aspect, reciprocal pressure binding can be performed on the necessary portions.

[0113] A twenty-sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, characterized in that when the plurality of media are pressure-bound and bound, reciprocal pressure-bound binding is performed only on central portions of the plurality of media. With this configuration, according to the twenty-sixth aspect, reciprocal pressure binding can be performed on the necessary portions.

[0114] A 27th aspect is characterized in that, in the eighth aspect, a linear velocity caused by rotation due to pressure contact between the first teeth and the second teeth is equal to a linear velocity caused by rotation of the roller. With this configuration, according to the 27th aspect, reciprocating pressure binding is possible in a state in which the first and second teeth and the rollers are in phase with each other.

[0115] A twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in any one of the first to twenty-seventh aspects, the plurality of media to be bound by pressure bonding are medicine packets. With this configuration, according to the 28th aspect, a medicine bag can be used as a plurality of media.

[0116] 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 changes 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 examples may be appropriately combined.

[0117] The effects 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]

[0118] 1 Pressure binding device 2 Main unit 3. Medicine package guide (example of a stand) 3c Side guide (an example of a first side end guide member) 3a Side guide (an example of a second side end guide member) 3b Upper guide 3b (an example of an auxiliary part) 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 Operation unit (an example of a means for setting the number of media) 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 Drug package detection sensor (an example of a media detection means) 41 Bracket 42 Actuator 43a First wrapper detection sensor (an example of a medium detection means) 43b Second wrapper detection sensor (an example of a medium detection means) 46 Code 50 Control device 55a Powdered medicine 55b Tablets 55c Herbal medicine 56a Bag part 56-1, 56-2: Medicine bags (examples of media) 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 D1 First conveying direction D2 Second conveying direction [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0119] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-195765 A

Claims

1. A pressure binding device is provided with rotatable first and second teeth, and configured such that a plurality of media are inserted in a stacked manner into an engagement portion between the first and second teeth, and the plurality of media are bound by pressure bonding between the first and second teeth, and a conveying direction of the plurality of media is changeable between a first conveying direction and a second conveying direction opposite thereto, A pressure binding device capable of transporting the plurality of media in a phase-aligned state when the transport direction of the plurality of media is switched between the first transport direction and the second transport direction.

2. The pressure binding device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction are switched, it is possible to maintain a state in which the multiple media are sandwiched between the first teeth and the second teeth.

3. a medium detection unit that detects a rear end of the plurality of media that are transported to the meshing portion from either the first transport direction or the second transport direction; 2. The pressure binding device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the first teeth and the second teeth is stopped when the rear end of the medium conveyed to the meshing portion is detected by the medium detection means.

4. The pressure binding device according to claim 1 , further comprising a table on which the plurality of media are placed.

5. The pressure binding device according to claim 1 , further comprising a first side end guide member against which side ends of the plurality of media perpendicular to the first transport direction or the second transport direction come into contact.

6. The pressure binding device according to claim 1 , further comprising an auxiliary member that assists in the transport of the plurality of media.

7. a stand on which the plurality of media are placed; The pressure binding device according to claim 1 , further comprising an auxiliary member that assists in the transport of the plurality of media.

8. 8. The pressure binding device according to claim 6, wherein the auxiliary members are rollers.

9. The pressure binding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface on which the multiple media are placed on the placement table is such that the side surfaces of the multiple media that are perpendicular to the first conveying direction or the second conveying direction are inclined from top to bottom with respect to the interlocking portion.

10. The pressure binding device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second side end guide member that abuts against side ends of the plurality of media opposite to the meshing portion that is perpendicular to the first transport direction or the second transport direction.

11. The pressure binding device according to claim 3, characterized in that when the media detection means switches the transport direction of the multiple media from the first transport direction to the second transport direction, if the rear end of the multiple media in the first transport direction is detected, the rotation of the first teeth and the second teeth is stopped.

12. a rotation drive means for rotationally driving either the first teeth or the second teeth based on an input corresponding to a feed amount of the plurality of media; The pressure binding device according to claim 3, characterized in that when it is determined that a predetermined feed amount has been reached based on the rotation speed of the rotation drive means corresponding to the predetermined feed amount, and when the transport direction of the multiple media is switched from the first transport direction to a second transport direction, the rotation of either the first tooth or the second tooth by the rotation drive means is stopped.

13. a medium number setting means for setting the number of the plurality of media; a rotation drive means for rotationally driving either the first tooth or the second tooth, The pressure binding device according to claim 3, characterized in that if it is determined from the driving rotation speed of the rotation driving means that a feed amount corresponding to a preset number of the media has been reached, when switching the transport direction of the multiple media from the first transport direction to the second transport direction, the rotation of either the first tooth or the second tooth is stopped.

14. 2. The pressure binding device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of either the first teeth or the second teeth is manually stopped at any desired timing.

15. The pressure binding device according to claim 8 , wherein the roller is provided at an entrance in the first transport direction or the second transport direction, at a position where the roller holds down the plurality of media from above.

16. The pressure binding device according to claim 8 , wherein the rollers are provided at two positions at an entrance in the first transport direction or the second transport direction so as to sandwich the plurality of media from both the upper and lower sides.

17. The pressure binding device according to claim 8 , wherein the roller is provided at an outlet in the first transport direction or the second transport direction in a position where the roller holds down the plurality of media from above.

18. The pressure binding device according to claim 8 , wherein the rollers are provided at two positions at an exit in the first transport direction or the second transport direction so as to sandwich the plurality of media from both the upper and lower sides.

19. The pressure binding device according to claim 8 , wherein the rollers are provided in two positions at both the entrance and the exit in the first transport direction or the second transport direction to hold down the plurality of media from above.

20. 2. The pressure binding device according to claim 1, wherein four of the rollers are installed at positions that sandwich the plurality of media from both the top and bottom at both the entrance and the exit in the first transport direction or the second transport direction.

21. 9. The pressure binding device according to claim 8, further comprising an auxiliary member provided above a medium transport surface, the auxiliary member assisting in transporting the plurality of media.

22. a plurality of inclined members inclined from above to below with respect to the meshing portion for changing an angle of a surface on the stand on which the plurality of media are placed; The pressure binding device according to claim 9 , characterized in that the inclined member having the desired angle for the side surfaces of the plurality of media perpendicular to the first conveying direction or the second conveying direction is selected and placed under the placement table.

23. a first side end guide member against which a side end of the plurality of media perpendicular to the first transport direction or the second transport direction abuts, and a second side end guide member against which a side end of the plurality of media opposite the meshing portion perpendicular to the first transport direction or the second transport direction abuts, The pressure binding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the side surfaces of the multiple media, each of whose side ends is abutted against the first side end guide member and the second side end guide member, which are perpendicular to the first conveying direction or the second conveying direction, are inclined from top to bottom with respect to the interlocking portion.

24. 6. The pressure binding device according to claim 1, wherein when the plurality of media are pressure-bound and bound, a reciprocating pressure binding is partially performed.

25. 6. The pressure binding device according to claim 1, wherein when the plurality of media are pressure bound, reciprocal pressure binding is performed only on both ends of the plurality of media.

26. 6. The pressure binding device according to claim 1, wherein when the plurality of media are pressure bound, reciprocal pressure binding is performed only on central portions of the plurality of media.

27. 9. The pressure binding device according to claim 8, wherein a linear velocity caused by rotation due to pressure contact between the first teeth and the second teeth is equal to a linear velocity caused by rotation of the roller.

28. 8. The pressure binding device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of media to be pressure-bound and bound are medicine packets.

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