Tablet dispenser

Abstract

To provide a technology for efficiently removing tablets from a package in which the tablets are accommodated in a tablet accommodation area provided in a film. [Solution] A tablet dispensing device is provided that dispenses tablets 99 from a package 90 in which the tablets 99 are accommodated in a tablet storage area provided in a film, the tablet dispensing device having an incision forming section (film cutting section 40) that forms an incision in the tablet storage area 92 using a cutting means (rotary blade 45), and an extrusion section (tablet dispensing fittings 50) that moves along one surface of the film 91 in the direction in which the incisions (first cutting line section 81, second cutting line section 82) are formed, thereby extruding the tablet 99 from the incisions (first cutting line section 81, second cutting line section 82) in the tablet storage area.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tablet dispenser for dispensing tablets from a package containing the tablets. [Background technology]

[0002] Packages containing multiple tablets are known. One example of this packaging is the strip package (SP), in which tablets such as medicine are placed in a film bag and sealed using a heat seal method (where the film is melted and adhered by heat). A package containing tablets in SP packaging is called an SP package.

[0003] Various techniques have been proposed for removing tablets from packaging. For example, there is a tablet removal device that removes tablets from a PTP (press through pack) sheet (see Patent Document 1). In this document, the PTP sheet is fed between a pair of rollers, crushing the tablets contained therein and removing them from the inside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-150405 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As a technology for removing tablets from a PTP sheet, a technology of crushing the tablets with a roller has been proposed, as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. However, in a package in which tablets are stored in a tablet storage area provided in a film, such as an SP package, the tablets cannot be removed even by crushing the tablet storage area with a roller, and a new technology for removing the tablets has been desired.

[0006] The present invention has been developed in consideration of this situation, and aims to provide a technology for efficiently removing tablets from a package in which tablets are contained in a tablet storage area provided in a film. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides the following techniques. 1. A tablet dispenser for dispensing tablets from a package in which tablets are accommodated in a tablet accommodation area provided in a film, comprising: a notch forming portion for forming a notch in the tablet storage area; an extrusion section that moves along one surface of the film toward the incision to extrude the tablet from the incision; A tablet dispenser having: 2. A positioning unit that positions the film in the vertical direction, The tablet dispensing device described in 1., wherein the placement section has a receiving section positioned opposite a cutting means for forming the incision by clamping the film when the incision forming section forms the incision in the film. 3. The placement section has a central placement section that supports a central portion of the film in at least one of the width direction and the length direction, the centrally disposed portion does not support at least one end portion of the film in the width direction or the length direction, 2. The tablet dispensing device described in 2., wherein the extrusion section folds the film at the end. 4. In the package, the tablet storage areas are arranged in two rows, 3. The tablet dispensing device described in 3., wherein the extrusion section folds the film on both sides starting from between the rows of tablet storage areas, and then extrudes the tablets through the notches. 5. The tablet dispensing device described in 4., wherein the extrusion section has a first extrusion piece corresponding to one of the rows and a second extrusion piece corresponding to the other row, and by moving the first extrusion piece and the second extrusion piece simultaneously, the tablet is pushed out of the tablet storage area that constitutes one of the rows and the tablet is pushed out of the tablet storage area that constitutes the other row. 6. A tablet dispenser as described in 4., which has a support member positioned on the opposite side of the extrusion section, sandwiching the film after folding, and supporting the film. 7. The tablet dispenser according to any one of 1. to 6., wherein the cut-forming portion does not cut at least one of both ends of the packaging body in a planar layout. 8. A tablet dispenser as described in 2., wherein the receiving portion of the placement portion has a material that allows the cutting means of the notch forming portion to enter when cutting the packaging body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a technique can be provided for efficiently removing tablets from a package in which tablets are contained in a tablet containing area provided in a film. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a film setting unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a film setting unit in a state where a packaging body is placed according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a packaging body according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a film pressing metal fitting according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a film cutting unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a film cutting unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a film cutting unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a film cutting unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a film cutting unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tablet dispenser according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tablet dispenser according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating in detail the step of removing a tablet according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Summary> An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The tablet dispenser of this embodiment comprises a film setting unit 10, a tablet dispenser 20, a film presser 30, a film cutting unit 40, and a tablet dispenser 50, and dispenses tablets 99 from a package 90. The details will be explained below, but the outline of the operation for removing tablets 99 from package 90 is as follows: The operation of the tablet removal device can be realized automatically and continuously by operating tablet removal fittings 20, film holding fittings 30, film cutting section 40 and tablet removal fittings 50 using a predetermined control device (not shown). (1) The packaging body 90 is set in the film setting section 10. (2) The film holder 30 presses the set package 90 against the film setting section 10. (3) The film cutting section 40 makes cuts in the package 90 at predetermined positions. (4) The tablet removal fitting 50 is moved along the surface of the package 90 where the slit is formed, and the tablet 99 is pushed out through the slit. (5) The tablet removal fitting 20 ejects the package 90 from which the tablets 99 have been removed. The specific details will be explained below.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the schematic configuration of film setting section 10, with Figure 1(a) being a plan view, Figure 1(b) being a side view, and Figure 1(c) being a front view. Figure 2 shows the state in which packaging body 90 is placed in film setting section 10 of Figure 1, with Figure 2(a) being a plan view, Figure 2(b) being a side view, and Figure 2(c) being a front view. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of packaging body 90, with Figure 3(a) showing the state before cutting processing and Figure 3(b) showing the state after cutting processing.

[0012] In the drawings, an arrow indicating the X, Y, or Z direction indicates that the direction from the base end of the arrow to the tip is the positive direction of the arrow, and the direction from the tip of the arrow to the base end is the negative direction of the arrow. The relationship between the X, Y, and Z directions is not limited to the example described above.

[0013] The packaging body 90 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The packaging body 90 of this embodiment is a packaging body in which tablets 99 are accommodated in a tablet accommodating region 92 provided in a film 91, and is an SP packaging body as an example. In the following, the SP packaging body will be exemplified as the packaging body 90. Although the tablets 99 are not particularly limited, an example is an iodine-based tablet. The material of the packaging body 90 (particularly the film 91) may be any material used for general SP packaging, and a material suitable for the tablets 99 to be contained therein is selected.

[0014] The packaging body 90 has multiple tablet storage areas 92 arranged in two rows, and the tablet removal fittings 50 (extrusion section) described below folds to both sides starting from between the rows of tablet storage areas 92, and then extrudes the tablets 99 through the notches (first cutting line section 81, second cutting line section 82). Specifically, the packaging body 90 is substantially rectangular in plan view, and is made by stacking two sheets of resin film, with a plurality of tablet accommodating regions 92, each containing tablets 99, arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the sheets (X direction). In this embodiment, the plurality of tablet accommodating regions 92 are arranged in a 5×2 matrix, with a total of ten tablet accommodating regions 92a to 92j. When the first to tenth tablet accommodating regions 92a to 92j are not particularly distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as "tablet accommodating regions 92."

[0015] The tablet storage areas 92 are approximately rectangular in plan view, and are sealed on all four sides by heat-welding the resin of both sheets. A perforated slit is provided in the center of the strip-shaped sealed area formed between adjacent tablet storage areas 92 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. Specifically, a horizontal broken-line slit 95 extending in the longitudinal direction (X direction) is formed as a perforation in the center of the vertical direction (Y direction) of the package 90. First to fourth vertical broken-line slits 96a to 96d are provided at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction. Specifically, a first vertical broken-line slit 96a is provided in the center of the first tablet storage area 92a (sixth tablet storage area 92f) and the second tablet storage area 92b (seventh tablet storage area 92g). A second vertical broken-line slit 96b is provided in the center of the second tablet storage area 92b (seventh tablet storage area 92g) and the third tablet storage area 92c (eighth tablet storage area 92h). A third vertical broken line cut 96c is provided in the center of the third tablet accommodating region 92c (eighth tablet accommodating region 92h) and the fourth tablet accommodating region 92d (ninth tablet accommodating region 92i). A fourth vertical broken line cut 96d is provided in the center of the fourth tablet accommodating region 92d (ninth tablet accommodating region 92i) and the fifth tablet accommodating region 92e (tenth tablet accommodating region 92j).

[0016] 3(b) shows the cuts made by the film cutting unit 40. In this embodiment, a first cutting line 81 and a second cutting line 82 are provided as the cuts.

[0017] The first cutting line 81 is cut by a first rotary blade 45a of the film cutting unit 40, which will be described later. Specifically, the first cutting line 81 passes near the outside of the first to fifth tablet accommodating regions 92a to 92e and extends in the left-right direction (X direction) in the figure. As a result, a single continuous slit (i.e., the first cutting line 81) is formed in the first to fifth tablet accommodating regions 92a to 92e. The second cutting line 82 is cut by a second rotary blade 45b of the film cutting unit 40, which will be described later. Specifically, the second cutting line 82 passes near the outside of the sixth to tenth tablet accommodating regions 92f to 92j and extends in the left-right direction (X direction) in the figure. As a result, a single continuous slit (i.e., the second cutting line 82) is formed in the sixth to tenth tablet accommodating regions 92f to 92j.

[0018] In this case, the first cutting line 81 is not formed in the region on the outside in the X-positive direction of the first tablet storage region 92a (left side in the figure) and the region on the outside in the X-negative direction of the fifth tablet storage region 92e (right side in the figure). Similarly, the second cutting line 82 is not formed in the region on the outside in the X-positive direction of the sixth tablet storage region 92f (left side in the figure) and the region on the outside in the X-negative direction of the tenth tablet storage region 92j (right side in the figure). The purpose of providing the non-cutting region is that when the packaging body 90 from which the tablets 99 have been removed is discharged from the film setting unit 10 in the final process, if the packaging body 90 is separated into multiple pieces, the discharge operation becomes complicated. If the packaging body 90 is not separated into multiple pieces, it can be discharged by a simple process (the extrusion process by the tablet dispenser 20). From the viewpoint of the above purpose, it is sufficient that the packaging body 90 is integrated, and therefore the film cutting unit 40, which will be described later, does not cut at least one of both ends of the packaging body 90 in the planar layout.

[0019] <Film Set Section 10> The film setting unit 10 and a method for setting the package 90 in the film setting unit 10 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.

[0020] The film setting unit 10 has the function of positioning the film 90 in the vertical direction. This function is achieved by a central protrusion 12, which will be described later. The film setting unit 10 also has receiving portions (first peripheral surface 15a, second peripheral surface 15b) that are provided in positions facing the cutting means (rotary blade 45) that sandwiches the film 91 and forms the incisions (first cutting line portion 81, second cutting line portion 82) in the film 91 when the film cutting unit 40 forms the incisions.

[0021] The film setting section 10 has a setting section main body 11 and guide walls 16 provided on both side surfaces of the setting section main body 11.

[0022] The setting section body 11 is formed of a hollow member extending in the X direction. As an example, the setting section body 11 is a so-called lipped channel steel (C-shaped steel), and is provided so that the lip portion and the opening are on the upper side (in the Z direction). As will be described later, the inside of the setting section body 11 functions as tablet accommodating sections 19 (first tablet accommodating section 19a, second tablet accommodating section 19b) that accommodate tablets 99 pushed out from the packaging body 90. Both ends in the X direction of the setting unit main body 11 remain open. This allows the tablet removal fittings 20 to eject the packaging body 90 from the push-out film setting unit 10 after the tablets 99 have been removed from the packaging body 90.

[0023] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1(c), in a front view (or cross-sectional view), the set section main body 11 has a bottom surface 13, a first side surface 14a extending from the end of the bottom surface 13 in the Y-positive direction, and a second side surface 14b extending from the end of the bottom surface 13 in the Y-negative direction. A lip structure extending inward (in the Y-negative direction) is formed at the upper end (in the Z-positive direction) of the first side surface 14a. This lip structure will be referred to as a first peripheral surface 15a. A lip structure extending inward (in the Y-positive direction) is formed at the upper end (in the Z-positive direction) of the second side surface 14b. This lip structure will be referred to as a second peripheral surface 15b. The first peripheral surface 15a and the second peripheral surface 15b have the same height.

[0024] The first peripheral surface 15a and the second peripheral surface 15b are the receiving portions of the rotary blade 45 (first rotary blade 45a, second rotary blade 45b) of the film cutting unit 40, which will be described later. The upper surfaces of the first peripheral surface 15a and the second peripheral surface 15b may be provided with a material that allows the cutting blade 45 to penetrate when cutting the packaging body 90. That is, the material is elastic enough that the rotary blade 45 penetrates, deforms, and returns to its original shape, thereby preventing the rotary blade 45 from slipping and allowing the film 90 to be reliably cut. At this time, it is acceptable for the rotary blade 45 to be slightly scratched and not completely restored. An example of such a material is a resin sheet. More specifically, a known cutting mat, such as a vinyl chloride resin or an olefin resin, can be used.

[0025] A central protrusion 12 (centrally disposed portion) is provided inside the setting unit main body 11 at the center in the Y direction. The central protrusion 12 supports a central portion of the film 91 in at least one of the width direction and the length direction, but does not support at least one end portion of the film 91 in the width direction or the length direction. The presence of an unsupported portion allows the tablet dispenser 50 to push the film 91 into the tablet storage unit 19. In this embodiment, the central portion of the film 91 in the width direction (Y direction) is disposed in the central protrusion 12, and the end portion in the width direction is bent from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane. Because the end portion in the width direction (Y direction) is not pressed down by the film presser fittings 30, the tablet dispenser 50 can insert a portion of the package 90 (particularly the region where the tablet storage region 92 is formed) into the tablet storage unit 19 and align it with the first central side surface 12a and the second central side surface 12b of the central protrusion 12. Furthermore, the tablet dispenser 50 (push-out piece support portion 51, push-out piece 52) has the function of folding the film 91 at the end portion of the central convex portion 12. Furthermore, the central convex portion 12 is located on the opposite side of the tablet dispenser 50 (first push-out piece 52a, second push-out piece 52b (push-out portion)) with the folded film 91 sandwiched between them, and has support members (first central side surface 12a, second central side surface 12b) that support the film 91.

[0026] The central protrusion 12 has the function of positioning the film 90 in the vertical direction. Specifically, when the packaging body 90 (film 91) placed on the central protrusion 12 is pressed down by the film presser 30 and the tablet dispenser 50 is moved downward, the packaging body 90 (film 91) changes its position in the vertical direction and becomes approximately parallel to the first central side surface 12a and the second central side surface 12b. Here, the vertical direction does not have to be completely vertical, but rather allows for a certain angular range. As will be described later, when the extrusion pieces 52 (first extrusion piece 52a, second extrusion piece 52b) of the tablet dispenser 50 are configured as vertical surfaces, a tilt of ±5 degrees, for example, is allowed. Furthermore, when the extrusion pieces 52 can move in a diagonal direction and the first central side surface 12a and the second central side surface 12b of the central protrusion 12 have surfaces that follow that diagonal direction, this means that the film 90 can be positioned in a diagonal direction, i.e., a surface having a vertical component. Even in this case, it is preferable to provide a slope with an angle of inclination that allows the pushed-out tablet 99 to move smoothly to the bottom surface 13 of the tablet storage section 19, for example, an angle of inclination of 60 degrees or more.

[0027] Central protrusion 12 is, for example, a rectangular pipe made of aluminum alloy, steel, or the like, arranged to extend in the X direction on the XY plane. Specifically, central protrusion 12 has first central side surface 12a and second central side surface 12b that extend vertically upward (in the Z positive direction) from the inside of bottom surface 13, and central surface 12c on the top surface. The height of central surface 12c is the same as the height of first peripheral surface 15a and second peripheral surface 15b.

[0028] The tablet storage section 19 has, inside the setting section main body 11, a first tablet storage section 19a in an area on the positive X side of the central convex portion 12, and a second tablet storage section 19b in an area on the negative X side of the central convex portion 12.

[0029] Specifically, the first tablet accommodating portion 19a is a space defined by the bottom surface 13, the central convex portion 12 (first central side surface 12a), the first side surface 14a, and the first peripheral surface 15a. The second tablet accommodating portion 19b is a space defined by the bottom surface 13, the central convex portion 12 (second central side surface 12b), the second side surface 14b, and the second peripheral surface 15b. The first tablet accommodating portion 19a accommodates tablets 99 pushed out from the first to fifth tablet accommodating regions 92a to 95e shown in FIG. The second tablet accommodating portion 19b accommodates the tablets 99 pushed out from the sixth to tenth tablet accommodating regions 92f to 95j shown in FIG.

[0030] Guide walls 16 are provided on the side surfaces of the setting unit main body 11 to ensure that the packaging body 90 placed on the upper surface is in the correct posture and position. Specifically, guide walls 16a and 16c provided on the first side surface 14a extend to a position above the first peripheral surface 15a. Guide walls 16b and 16d provided on the second side surface 14b extend to a position above the second peripheral surface 15b.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, when packaging body 90 is placed on film setting section 10, the central portion of packaging body 90 in the Y direction rests on central surface 12c of central protrusion 12, the area near the end of packaging body 90 in the positive X direction rests on first peripheral surface 15a, and the area near the end of packaging body 90 in the negative X direction rests on second peripheral surface 15b.

[0032] <Tablet removal fitting 20> The tablet extractor 20 is used to eject the package 90 set in the film setting unit 10 after the tablets 99 have been removed. The tablet extractor 20 has a pair of first and second extractor fittings 21 and 22. The first and second extractor fittings 21 and 22 are each an angle bar with an L-shaped cross section, with the horizontal part of the cross section housed in the tablet storage unit 19 and the vertical part of the cross section extending upward with the end projecting above the tablet storage unit 19.

[0033] <Film holding bracket 30> Fig. 4 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the film pressing metal fittings 30, with Fig. 4(a) showing the state before pressing down on the packaging body 90 placed in the film setting section 10, and Fig. 4(b) showing the state after pressing down on the packaging body 90. Note that Fig. 4 focuses on the central convex portion 12, which is the area pressed down by the film pressing metal fittings 30, to make it easier to understand the pressed down state by the film pressing metal fittings 30.

[0034] The film pressing metal fitting 30 presses the central portion of the packaging body 90 in the Y direction against the central surface 12c of the central protrusion 12. Specifically, the film pressing metal fitting 30 has a pressing metal fitting main body 31 and a pressing support member 32.

[0035] The clamp body 31 is a member that presses the packaging body 90 against the central surface 12c of the central protrusion 12. For example, a rectangular pipe with a rectangular cross section can be used for the clamp body 31. The shape of the clamp body 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can appropriately hold down the packaging body 90, but from the perspective of applying a sufficient pressing force, it is preferable that the surface facing the central surface 12c (packaging body 90) is flat.

[0036] The pressing support member 32 is a member that supports the clamp body 31, and in this case, is provided so as to extend vertically upward from the clamp body 31. The clamp body 31 and the pressing support member 32 are moved up and down to transition from a pressed state to a standby state (a state where they are not pressed).

[0037] At the end of the clamp body 31 in the positive X direction, there is provided a tip guide wall 33 that moves along the side surface of the central protrusion 12 as the clamp body 31 moves up and down. This part is located in a position that does not interfere with the packaging body 90 when the clamp body 31 is in a state where it is pressing down on the packaging body 90.

[0038] <Film cutting section 40> 5 to 9 are diagrams showing the schematic configuration of film cutting unit 40, with (a) being a side view and (b) being a front view in each diagram. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing film cutting unit 40 in a standby state. Note that, because packaging body 90 placed in film setting unit 10 is held down by film holding metal fittings 30 and incisions (first cutting line portion 81, second cutting line portion 82) are made by film cutting unit 40, the film setting unit 10, film holding metal fittings 30, and packaging body 90 are all shown in the figures.

[0039] Fig. 6 shows the state where film cutting unit 40 has moved to the cutting start position. Fig. 7 shows the state where rotary blade 45 of film cutting unit 40 has been lowered to package 90. Fig. 8 shows the state where rotary blade 45 has moved to the cutting completion position. Fig. 9 shows the state where rotary blade 45 has been raised and moved to the standby position after cutting has been completed.

[0040] The film cutting unit 40 functions as an incision forming unit that forms an incision in the tablet storage area 92 using cutting means (rotary blade 45). The film cutting unit 40 has a first film cutting unit 40a and a second film cutting unit 40b. The first film cutting unit 40a is a device that forms a first cutting line portion 81 of the packaging body 90. The second film cutting unit 40b is a device that forms a second cutting line portion 82 of the packaging body 90. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the first film cutting unit 40a and the second film cutting unit 40b are configured symmetrically. When there is no need to distinguish between the first film cutting unit 40a and the second film cutting unit 40b, they are referred to as the "film cutting unit 40." Note that, although a rotary blade 45 is exemplified as the cutting means, this is not intended to be limiting, and a fixed blade may also be used as long as it can cut appropriately.

[0041] The first film cutting unit 40a has a first rotary blade 45a and a rotary blade support unit 41a that rotatably supports and drives the first rotary blade 45a. The specifications of the first rotary blade 45a are not particularly limited as long as it can properly form the first cutting line 81 on the packaging body 90. The second film cutting unit 40b has a second rotary blade 45b and a rotary blade support unit 41b that rotatably supports and drives the second rotary blade 45b. The specifications of the second rotary blade 45b are not particularly limited as long as it can properly form the first cutting line 81 in the package 90. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the first rotary blade 45a and the second rotary blade 45b, they will be referred to as "rotary blade 45."

[0042] The operation of the film cutting section 40 will now be described. 5, when film cutting unit 40 is in a standby state, first rotary blade 45a and second rotary blade 45b are positioned away from the cutting start position. Specifically, first rotary blade 45a and second rotary blade 45b are positioned away from first peripheral surface 15a and second peripheral surface 15b, respectively, in the upward and negative X direction.

[0043] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, when it is time to set the first cutting line portion 81 and the second cutting line portion 82, the film cutting section 40 is guided by the guide rail 70 and moves to a predetermined position in the positive X direction (the cutting start position in the X direction).

[0044] 7, the rotary blade 45 is lowered to insert the blade into the packaging body 90. At this time, if a member such as the cutting mat described above is present on the upper surfaces of the first peripheral surface 15a and the second peripheral surface 15b, the rotary blade 45 will be properly inserted into the packaging body 90.

[0045] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, with the rotary blade support part 41 inserted into the package 90, the film cutting part 40 is guided by the guide rail 70, and the rotary blade 45 is moved to the cutting end position.

[0046] Finally, as shown in FIG. 9, after cutting is completed, the rotary blade 45 is raised to the standby position.

[0047] <Tablet removal fixture 50> The structure and operation of the tablet dispenser 50 (push-out section) will be described with reference to FIGS. Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams showing the general configuration of the tablet dispenser 50, and show the relationship between the film setting section 10 (placement section) and the packaging body 90. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the standby state. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the state in which a tablet 99 is being dispensed. Figures 10(a) and 11(a) are side views, and Figures 10(b) and 11(b) are front views. FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating in detail the process of removing the tablet 99. FIG. 12(a) shows the standby state. FIG. 12(b) shows the state in which the first pushing piece 52a and the second pushing piece 52b abut against the package 90 and the package 90 begins to bend. FIG. 12(c) shows the state in which the tablet 99 in the film is being pushed downward. FIG. 12(d) shows the state in which the tablet 99 pushed downward is pushed out from the first cutting line portion 81 and the second cutting line portion 82. FIG. 12(e) shows the state in which the first pushing piece 52a and the second pushing piece 52b have moved all the way down and the pushed-out tablet 99 is housed in the first tablet storage portion 19a and the second tablet storage portion 19b. FIG. 12(f) shows the state in which the tablet removal fitting 50 has returned to the standby position.

[0048] The tablet dispenser 50 operates after the first cutting line portion 81 and the second cutting line portion 82 have been formed by the film cutting section 40 as described above, and dispenses the tablet 99 from the package 90 along the first cutting line portion 81 and the second cutting line portion 82. In other words, the tablet dispenser 50 has the function of pushing the tablet 99 out of the slit in the tablet storage area 92 by moving along one surface of the film 91 in the direction in which the slits (first cutting line portion 81, second cutting line portion 82) have been formed.

[0049] 10 and 11, the tablet dispenser 50 has a push-out piece support portion 51 and a push-out piece 52. The push-out piece 52 is formed to be longer than the first cutting line portion 81 and the second cutting line portion 82 in the X direction. The extrusion piece 52 moves along one surface (outer surface) of the film 91 in the direction in which the notches (first cutting line portion 81, second cutting line portion 82) are formed, thereby extruding the tablet 99 from the notches (first cutting line portion 81, second cutting line portion 82) in the tablet storage area 92.

[0050] Specifically, the tablet dispenser 50 has a push piece 52 at the lower tip of the push piece support part 51. The push piece 52 has a first push piece 52a corresponding to one row (here, the row formed by the first to fifth tablet accommodating regions 92a to 92e) and a second push piece 52b corresponding to the other row (here, the row formed by the sixth to tenth tablet accommodating regions 92f to 92k). By simultaneously moving the first push piece 52a and the second push piece 52b, tablets 99 are pushed out of the tablet accommodating regions 92 that make up one row, and tablets 99 are pushed out of the tablet accommodating regions 92 that make up the other row.

[0051] The first push piece 52a and the second push piece 52b face each other. More specifically, when the first push piece 52a and the second push piece 52b are lowered, they face each other in parallel with the first central side surface 12a and the second central side surface 12b of the central protrusion 12. When the tablets 99 are removed, the first push piece 52a and the second push piece 52b push the tablets 99 simultaneously. Note that "pushing simultaneously" means that the first push piece 52a and the second push piece 52b perform the same operation as a pair. Therefore, this does not mean that multiple tablets 99 are actually pushed out from the first cutting line portion 81 and the second cutting line portion 82 at exactly the same time, and a slight time difference is also acceptable. In other words, when the push piece 52 has moved to the bottom, all of the tablets 99 have been pushed out.

[0052] The first push piece 52a moves along the first central side surface 12a of the central protrusion 12. At this time, the first push piece 52a is slightly spaced from the first central side surface 12a so that the packaging body 90 (film 91) is sandwiched between the first push piece 52a and the first central side surface 12a. As the first push piece 52a moves downward along the first central side surface 12a, it pushes out the tablets 99 in the first to fifth tablet storage areas 92a to 92e shown in FIG. 3 from the first cutting line portion 81.

[0053] The second pushing piece 52b moves along the second central side surface 12b of the central protrusion 12. At this time, the second pushing piece 52b is slightly spaced from the second central side surface 12b, so that the packaging body 90 (film 91) is sandwiched between the second pushing piece 52b and the second central side surface 12b. As the second pushing piece 52b moves downward along the second central side surface 12b, it pushes out the tablets 99 in the sixth to tenth tablet storage areas 92f to 92j shown in FIG. 3 from the second cutting line portion 82.

[0054] The operation of the tablet dispenser 50 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 12(a) shows the standby state. When the film cutting unit 40 forms the cuts (first cutting line 81a, second cutting line 82), the film presser metal fitting 30 presses the packaging body 90 at the center surface 12c. From this state, the extrusion pieces 52 (first extrusion piece 52a, second extrusion piece 52b) are lowered.

[0055] Then, as shown in Figure 12(b), the tips of the first extrusion piece 52a and the second extrusion piece 52b come into contact with the packaging body 90 and then descend further, causing the packaging body 90 to begin to bend, and all of the packaging body 90 enters the tablet storage section 19 except for the part pressed by the film holder 30 at the central surface 12c.

[0056] 12(c), the first extrusion piece 52a and the second extrusion piece 52b move downward and move along the first central side surface 12a and the second central side surface 12b. As a result, the first extrusion piece 52a and the second extrusion piece 52b move downward, i.e., in the direction of the first cutting line 81 and the second cutting line 82, while pressing the package 90 against the first central side surface 12a and the second central side surface 12b, respectively.

[0057] When the first pushing piece 52a and the second pushing piece 52b reach the position of the tablet 99 and then move further down, they move the tablet 99 downward, that is, in the direction of the first cutting line portion 81 and the second cutting line portion .

[0058] As shown in Figure 12(d), the first extrusion piece 52a and the second extrusion piece 52b descend from the first cutting line portion 81 and the second cutting line portion 82 and move to the bottom, and as shown in Figure 12(e), all tablets 99 are pushed out from the first cutting line portion 81 and the second cutting line portion 82, and there are no remaining tablets 99 in the tablet storage area 92.

[0059] 12(f), when the tablet dispenser 50 returns to the standby position, the folded packaging body 90 (film 91) attempts to return to its original shape. At this time, the ends in the width direction (Y direction) abut against the undersides of the first peripheral surface 15a and the second peripheral surface 15b, and remain contained in the tablet containing section 19.

[0060] After this, the tablet extracting fittings 20 (first extracting fittings 21, second extracting fittings 22) are inserted into the tablet storage section 19 and pushed in the X-positive direction, whereby the packaging body 90 from which the tablets 99 have been extracted is ejected from the tablet storage section 19. Since the packaging body 90 is not completely separated,

[0061] The above-mentioned steps of placing the packaging bodies 90 in the film setting section 10, forming the cuts (first cutting line section 81, second cutting line section 82) by the film cutting section 40, pushing out the tablets 99 by the tablet extractor 50, and discharging the packaging bodies 90 by the tablet extractor 20 are carried out automatically in succession, thereby realizing the process of removing the tablets 99 from a plurality of packaging bodies 90. In other words, the tablets 99 and packaging bodies 90 can be separated automatically.

[0062] The present embodiment can be summarized as follows. 1. A tablet dispenser for dispensing tablets 99 from a package 90 in which tablets 99 are accommodated in a tablet accommodation area 92 provided in a film 91, a cut forming section (film cutting section 40) that forms cuts (first cutting line section 81, second cutting line section 82) in the tablet storage area 92; a pusher (tablet dispenser 50 (pushing piece 52)) that moves along one surface of the film 91 toward the cuts (first cutting line portion 81, second cutting line portion 82) to push the tablet 99 out of the cuts (first cutting line portion 81, second cutting line portion 82); A tablet dispensing device having: 2. A placement unit (film setting unit 10) that places the film 91 in the vertical direction, The tablet dispensing device described in 1., wherein the placement section (film setting section 10) has a receiving section (first peripheral surface 15a, second peripheral surface 15b) positioned opposite a cutting means (rotary blade 45) for sandwiching the film 91 and forming the incisions (first cutting line portion 81, second cutting line portion 82) when the incision forming section (film cutting section 40) forms the incisions (first cutting line portion 81, second cutting line portion 82) in the film 91. 3. The placement section (film setting section 10) has a central placement section (central protrusion 12) that supports the central portion of the film 91 in at least one of the width direction and the length direction, The centrally disposed portion (central protrusion 12) does not support at least one of the widthwise and longitudinal ends of the film 91, 3. The tablet dispenser according to 1. or 2., wherein the pusher (tablet dispenser 50) folds the film 91 at the end portion. 4. In the packaging body 90, the plurality of tablet-accommodating regions 92 are arranged in two rows, The tablet dispensing device described in 3., wherein the extrusion section (tablet dispensing fittings 50) folds the film 91 to both sides starting from between the rows of the tablet storage area 92, and then extrudes the tablet 99 from the notch (first cutting line section 81, second cutting line section 82). 5. The extrusion section (tablet removal fittings 50) has a first extrusion piece 52a corresponding to one of the rows and a second extrusion piece 52b corresponding to the other row, and by moving the first extrusion piece 51a and the second extrusion piece 52b simultaneously, the tablet 99 is pushed out of the tablet storage area 92 that constitutes one of the rows, and the tablet 99 is pushed out of the tablet storage area 92 that constitutes the other row, in the tablet removal device described in 4. 6. A tablet dispensing device as described in 4., which is located on the opposite side of the extrusion section (tablet dispensing fittings 50) across the film 91 after folding, and has a support member (first central side surface 12a and second central side surface 12b of the central convex section 12) that supports the film 91. 7. A tablet dispenser as described in 1. or 2., wherein the incision forming section (film cutting section 40) does not cut at least one of both ends of the packaging body 90 (film 91) in a planar layout. 8. A tablet dispensing device described in 1. or 2., wherein the receiving portion (first peripheral surface 15a, second peripheral surface 15b) of the placement portion (film setting portion 10) has a material that allows the cutting means (rotary blade 45) of the film cutting portion 40 to enter when cutting the packaging body 90.

[0063] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10 Film setting section (placement section) 11 Set unit main body 12 Central convex part 12a 1st center side 12b Second center side 12c central plane 13 Bottom 14b Second side 14a First side 15a First peripheral surface 15b Second peripheral surface 16 Guide Wall 19 Tablet storage section 20 Tablet removal fittings 21 First removal fitting 22 Second removal fitting 30 Film holder 31 Clamp body 32 Pressing support member 33 Tip guide wall 40 Film cutting section 40a First film cutting section 40b Second film cutting section 41 Rotary blade support part 45 Rotary Blade 45a First rotary blade 45b Second rotary blade 50 Tablet removal tool 51 Extrusion piece support part 52 Extrusion piece 52a First extrusion piece 52b Second extrusion piece 81 First cutting line (notch) 82 Second cutting line (notch) 90 Packaging 91 Film 92 Pill Storage Area 93 Periphery 95 Horizontal dashed line cut 96 Vertical dashed line cut 99 tablets

Claims

1. A tablet dispenser for dispensing tablets from a package in which tablets are accommodated in a tablet accommodation area provided in a film, comprising: a notch forming portion for forming a notch in the tablet storage area; an extrusion section that moves along one surface of the film toward the incision to extrude the tablet from the incision; A tablet dispenser having:

2. an arrangement unit that arranges the film in a vertical direction; The tablet dispensing device described in claim 1, wherein the placement section has a receiving section positioned opposite a cutting means for forming the incision by clamping the film when the incision forming section forms the incision in the film.

3. the placement section has a central placement section that supports a central portion of the film in at least one of the width direction and the length direction, the centrally disposed portion does not support at least one end portion of the film in the width direction or the length direction, The tablet dispenser according to claim 2 , wherein the extrusion section folds the film at the end portion.

4. In the package, the tablet storage areas are arranged in two rows, The tablet dispenser according to claim 3 , wherein the pushing section folds the film on both sides starting from a position between the rows of the tablet containing regions, and then pushes the tablets out of the slits.

5. The tablet dispensing device described in claim 4, wherein the extrusion section has a first extrusion piece corresponding to one of the rows and a second extrusion piece corresponding to the other row, and by moving the first extrusion piece and the second extrusion piece simultaneously, the tablet is pushed out of the tablet storage area that constitutes one of the rows and the tablet is pushed out of the tablet storage area that constitutes the other row.

6. 5. The tablet dispenser according to claim 4, further comprising a support member that is positioned on the opposite side of the film after folding from the extrusion section and that supports the film.

7. The tablet dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cut forming portion does not cut at least one of both ends of the packaging body in a planar layout.

8. The tablet dispenser according to claim 2 , wherein the receiving portion of the arrangement portion has a material that allows the cutting means of the cut-out portion to enter when cutting the packaging body.

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