Binding device

Abstract

The present invention provides a binding device that allows for crimp binding using an appropriate operating method depending on the type of crimp binding, thereby reducing the burden on the user. [Solution] A medication packaging stapler, such as a stapler, is equipped with an operating switch that is operated by the user pressing down on it to perform a crimping and stapling operation that crimps and staples multiple binding media. The crimping and stapling operation is performed when the operating switch is ON, and the crimping and stapling operation is stopped when the operating switch is OFF. Furthermore, the medication packaging stapler has an intermittent mode, which is the first operating mode of a so-called momentary operation method, in which the operating switch is ON while it is pressed down and OFF when the pressure on the operating switch is released, and a continuous mode, which is the first operating mode of a so-called alternate operation method, in which the ON or OFF state is maintained even after the pressure on the operating switch is released, and the ON and OFF states are switched each time the operating switch is pressed down.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a binding device that includes an operation switch that is operated by a user's pressing to perform a pressure-bonding operation for pressure-bonding a plurality of binding media. When the operation switch is in the ON state, the pressure-bonding operation is performed, and when the operation switch is in the OFF state, the pressure-bonding operation is stopped.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, as the above binding device, there is described a so-called momentary operation method in which a foot switch as an operation switch is provided, and when the user steps on the foot switch, the switch is in the ON state and the pressure-bonding operation is performed, and when the stepping on the foot switch is stopped, the switch is in the OFF state and the pressure-bonding operation is stopped.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above Patent Document 1, depending on the method of pressure-bonding, the burden on the user was large.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a binding device that includes an operating switch for operating a crimping binding operation for crimping multiple binding media by pressing it down, wherein the crimping binding operation is performed when the operating switch is ON and stopped when the operating switch is OFF, and the binding operation has a first operating mode in which the operating switch is ON while it is pressed down and is OFF when the pressing down on the operating switch is released, and a second operating mode in which the ON or OFF state is maintained even after the pressing down on the operating switch is released and the ON state and the OFF state are switched each time the operating switch is pressed down, and the device is characterized by having a mode selection means for selecting one of the first operating mode and the second operating mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, crimp binding can be performed using an appropriate operating method depending on the method of crimp binding, thereby reducing the burden on the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] External perspective view of the medicine package binding machine of this embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the internal structure of a medicine package binding machine. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of the binding mechanism. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of the binding mechanism viewed from the left and right directions. [Figure 5] An enlarged diagram showing the surrounding area of ​​the pressurization mechanism. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing the surrounding area of ​​the first gear holder, viewed from above. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing the surrounding area of ​​the second gear holder, viewed from above. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the second gear in the pressurized position. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing the second gear in the pressure release position. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram of the drive transmission mechanism. [Figure 11] Schematic plan view of the control panel. [Figure 12] Side view of key parts around the side guide and upper guide. [Figure 13] Front view of Figure 7. [Figure 14] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a medicine packaging stapler. [Figure 15] A table summarizing each operation mode. [Figure 16] Sequence diagrams for each operation mode. [Figure 17] Control flow diagrams for each operating mode. [Figure 18] (a) shows an example of multiple linked drug packets crimped together, and (b) shows an example of a single drug packet crimped together with a linked drug packet. [Figure 19] A schematic plan view showing a modified version of the control panel. [Figure 20] A diagram illustrating the drug packet detection sensor. [Figure 21] (a) is a control flow diagram of the drive motor in continuous mode in Modification Example 1, and (b) is a control flow diagram of the drive motor in intermittent mode in Modification Example 1. [Figure 22] Flowchart of setting the operation mode in modified example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will readily be able to modify or alter the present invention within the scope of the claims to create other embodiments, and such modifications and alterations are included within the scope of these claims. The following description is an example of the best mode in this invention and does not limit the scope of these claims.

[0009] The configuration of the main parts of a medicine package binding machine, which serves as a binding device according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the medicine package binding machine 1, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the medicine package binding machine 1 shown in Figure 1. In the following description, the left-right direction or the horizontal direction (also the width direction) of the medicine packet binding machine 1 is defined as the X direction, the front-back direction or the depth direction is defined as the Y direction, and the up-down direction or the vertical direction (also the vertical direction) is defined as the Z direction.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the medicine packet binding machine 1 as a binding device includes a main body 2, a medicine packet guide 3, a foot switch 6 as an operation switch, an operation unit 16, and a binding mechanism 70. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body 2 of the medicine packet binding machine 1 includes a base plate 7 (see FIG. 2), side plates 8, a right side plate cover 9 (see FIG. 1), a left side plate cover 10 (see FIG. 1), and a front side plate cover 8a. Further, the main body 2 includes a pressure adjustment part cover 61a that covers the pressure adjustment part 61 (see FIG. 2) of the binding mechanism 70. The right side plate cover 9 is provided with a power switch 91 and a power connector 92 for connecting to external power. The medicine packet guide 3 includes side guides 3a and 3c provided at both ends in the front-back direction (Y direction), and an upper guide 3b provided at the rear side of the device.

[0011] The base plate 7 shown in FIG. 2 is also a bottom plate formed in a frame shape of a sheet metal material, and the lower part of the side plate 8 is fixed thereto. The base plate 7 is provided with four legs 11 for supporting the medicine packet binding machine 1. In FIG. 2, only two legs 11 on the front side of the paper surface are visible, and the two legs 11 provided on the back side of the paper surface are hidden by the base plate 7 and cannot be seen. The side plate 8 is provided with a binding mechanism 70 and a drive motor 5. The drive motor 5 and the base plate 7 are covered by the front side plate cover 8a as shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] A pressure release lever 12 is provided at the upper part of the side plate 8 via a bracket 60. As will be described later, the pressure release lever 12 is for adding or releasing the pressing force of the second gear 4b (see FIG. 3) against the first gear 4a (see FIG. 3) by the operation of the operator.

[0013] The bracket 60 is positioned and fixed to the side plate 8 and also serves as the mounting reference for the pressure release lever 12 and the pressure adjustment unit 61 located below it. The pressure adjustment unit 61, which operates when the pressure release lever 12 is operated, and the bracket 60 are covered by the pressure adjustment unit cover 61a.

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the binding mechanism 70, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the binding mechanism 70 viewed from the left-right direction (X direction), and Figure 5 is an enlarged diagram showing the area around the pressurizing mechanism 67. The binding mechanism 70 includes a pair of crimping members, a first gear 4a and a second gear 4b. The binding mechanism 70 also includes a pressurizing mechanism 67, a pressure adjustment section 61, a pressure release lever 12, and the like.

[0015] The first gear 4a is mounted on the first gear support shaft 30 so as to rotate integrally with the first gear support shaft 30. As shown in the schematic diagram of the area around the first gear in Figure 6, the rear end of the first gear support shaft 30 penetrates the side plate 8 and is rotatably supported by the first gear holder 13a and the side plate 8 via bearing members 32a and 32b. The drive gear 28 of the drive transmission mechanism 80 (see Figure 10), which will be described later, is attached to the rear end of the first gear support shaft 30. As shown in Figure 6, the first gear holder 13a is fixed to a pair of holder fixing members 31a and 31b which are fixed to the side plate 8 in an upright position relative to the side plate 8.

[0016] The second gear 4b is mounted on the second gear support shaft 33 so as to rotate integrally with the second gear support shaft 33. The second gear support shaft 33 is rotatably supported on the second gear holder 13b via bearing members 32c and 32d, as shown in the schematic diagram of the area around the second gear viewed from above in Figure 7. The second gear holder 13b is screwed to the holder slider 36. Alternatively, the second gear support shaft 33 may be fixed to the second gear holder 13b, and the second gear 4b may be rotatably supported on the second gear support shaft.

[0017] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the pressurizing mechanism 67 includes a pressurizing plate 15, a pair of pressurizing springs 14, a holder slider 36 to which a second gear holder 13b is fixed, and the like. The pressurizing plate 15 has an upper surface portion 15a and a side portion 15b, and the side portion 15b is supported by a linear guide 35 fixed to the side plate 8 so as to be movable within a predetermined range in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0018] Furthermore, two stepped pins 37 are fixed to the side portion 15b of the pressure plate 15 in the vertical direction (Z direction). These two stepped pins 37 are inserted into elongated holes 36a that extend in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the holder slider 36, and the holder slider 36 is held by these two stepped pins 37 so that it can move a specified distance in the vertical direction (Z direction) relative to the pressure plate 15.

[0019] A pair of pressure springs 14 are provided in the left-right direction (X direction) with respect to the second gear support shaft 33. The lower ends of these pressure springs 14 are locked to the second gear holder 13b, and the upper ends are locked to the upper surface 15a of the pressure plate 15, so that they are compressed and installed between the second gear holder 13b and the upper surface 15a of the pressure plate 15. As a result, the second gear holder 13b is biased downward (towards the first gear 4a) by the pair of pressure springs 14, and the second gear 4b held by the second gear holder 13b comes into contact with the first gear 4a at a predetermined pressure.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the pressure adjustment section 61 consists of a bolt 64 and two nuts 65 and 66. The bolt 64 is screwed to a female thread formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical shaft 62. The upper surface 15a of the pressure plate 15 is clamped and fixed between the head of the bolt 64 and the nut 65. The nut 66 is used to screw the bolt 64 onto the cylindrical shaft 62.

[0021] The pressure adjustment unit 61 adjusts the pressure applied by the second gear 4b to the first gear 4a by adjusting the vertical position of a bolt 64 that is screwed onto the cylindrical shaft 62. Specifically, with the second gear 4b positioned in a pressurizing position that pressurizes the first gear 4a, the vertical position of the bolt 64 is adjusted. As the bolt 64 is screwed onto the cylindrical shaft 62, the pressure plate 15 rises relative to the holder slider 36, which is biased downward by a pair of pressure springs 14. As a result, the dimension L between the second gear holder 13b and the upper surface 15a of the pressure plate 15, as shown in Figure 8, increases, and the amount of compression of the pair of pressure springs 14 is reduced. Consequently, the biasing force of the pair of pressure springs 14 on the second gear holder 13b is reduced, and the pressurizing force of the second gear 4b on the first gear 4a is reduced.

[0022] On the other hand, as the bolt 64 is loosened from its screwing into the cylindrical shaft 62, the pressure plate 15 moves downward relative to the holder slider 36, which is biased downward by the pair of pressure springs 14. As a result, the dimension L between the second gear holder 13b and the upper surface 15a of the pressure plate 15, as shown in Figure 8, decreases, and the amount of compression of the pair of pressure springs 14 increases. Consequently, the biasing force of the pair of pressure springs 14 on the second gear holder 13b increases, and the pressure force of the second gear 4b on the first gear 4a increases. Once the pressure applied by the second gear 4b to the first gear 4a falls within the desired range, the bolt 64 is secured with a nut 66 to prevent it from loosening.

[0023] The cylindrical shaft 62 is held in the bracket 60 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and its upper end is attached to the pressure release lever 12 via a link mechanism. The pressure release lever 12 is rotatably supported by a pivot pin 63 provided on the bracket 60.

[0024] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the second gear 4b in the pressurized position, and Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the second gear 4b in the depressurized position. The pressure release lever 12 is supported by a pivot pin 63 so as to be rotatable by approximately 180°. As shown in Figure 8, when pressurized, the pressure release lever 12 is tilted to the right in the figure. Conversely, when the pressure is released, as shown in Figure 9, the pressure release lever 12 is tilted to the left in the figure.

[0025] As shown in Figure 8, when the pressure release lever 12 is tilted to the right in the figure, the second gear 4b is in contact with the first gear 4a with a predetermined pressure. When the operator rotates the pressure release lever 12 by 180° from the state shown in Figure 8, the rotational motion of the pressure release lever 12 is converted into vertical linear motion by the link mechanism, causing the cylindrical shaft 62 to rise. As the cylindrical shaft 62 rises, the pressure plate 15, which is sandwiched between the bolt 64 and nut 65 of the pressure adjustment section 61, is guided by the linear guide 35 and rises.

[0026] When the upper of the two stepped pins 37 on the pressure plate 15 abuts against the upper end of the elongated hole 36a of the holder slider 36, the holder slider 36 rises together with the pressure plate 15. As a result, the second gear holder 13b fixed to the holder slider 36 rises, and the second gear 4b held by the second gear holder 13b separates from the first gear 4a, releasing the pressure. As shown in Figure 9, when the pressure release lever 12 is pushed to the left, the second gear 4b is positioned in a pressure release position at a sufficient distance from the first gear 4a.

[0027] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission mechanism 80 that transmits the driving force of the drive motor 5 to the first gear 4a. The drive transmission mechanism 80 is provided on the back side of the side plate 8 and includes a timing belt 26 stretched between the motor shaft 5a of the drive motor 5 and the pulley 27a, a pulley gear 27 integrally mounted coaxially with the pulley 27a, and a drive gear 28 that meshes with the pulley gear 27. The drive gear 28 is attached to the rear end of the first gear support shaft 30 so as to rotate integrally with the first gear support shaft 30 to which the first gear 4a is attached (see also Figure 6).

[0028] When the drive motor 5 is driven to rotate, the pulley gear 27 rotates together with the pulley 27a via the timing belt 26, and the drive gear 28, which meshes with the pulley gear 27, rotates. This causes the first gear 4a to rotate via the first gear support shaft 30. When the drive motor 5 rotates in the CW direction (clockwise), the drive transmission mechanism 80 causes the first gear 4a to rotate in the CCW direction (counterclockwise) at a predetermined reduction ratio.

[0029] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of the operating section 16 located on the upper surface of the main body 2 of the medicine packaging machine 1. The control unit 16 is equipped with first and second rotation direction indicator lamps 17c and 17d, a rotation speed adjustment switch 18 which serves as a rotation speed switching means, and a rotation speed indicator 18a. Furthermore, the control unit 16 is also equipped with a mode switching switch 19 which serves as a mode selection means, mode indicators 19a and 19b, an ON / OFF switch 20, and an ON / OFF indicator 20a.

[0030] The first and second rotation direction selector switches 17a and 17b are used to switch the rotation direction of the first gear 4a and change the direction of transport of the drug package. When transporting the drug package from right to left, pressing the first rotation direction selector switch 17a on the left side illuminates the first rotation direction indicator lamp 17c of the LED (light-emitting diode) on the left side. Conversely, when transporting the drug package from left to right, pressing the second rotation direction selector switch 17b on the right side illuminates the second rotation direction indicator lamp 17d of the LED.

[0031] The rotation speed adjustment switch 18 controls the rotation speed of the drive motor 5 and switches the rotation speed of the first gear 4a to multiple stages (three stages in this embodiment). The rotation speed adjustment switch 18 also functions as a rotation speed setting means (which is also a rotation speed setting means) for setting the rotation speed (which is also the rotation speed) of the drive motor 5 in a single binding operation. The rotation speed indicator 18a has three LED lamps that light up according to the three rotation speed stages (low speed, medium speed, high speed) switched by the operation of the rotation speed adjustment switch 18. The switching range for the rotation speed of the first gear 4a is preferably 5 mm / s to 30 mm / s. By switching the rotation speed of the first gear 4a with the rotation speed adjustment switch 18, the speed of the binding operation can be set to a speed that is easy for the operator to use.

[0032] The mode selector switch 19 is used to switch the operating mode of the prescription packaging machine 1. Each time the mode selector switch 19 is pressed, the machine sequentially switches between the first operating mode, which is intermittent mode, and the second operating mode, which is continuous mode. The current operating mode is indicated by the LED lights on the mode indicators 19a and 19b located to the right of the switch. Details of the operating modes will be described later.

[0033] The ON / OFF switch 20, which is both an operating switch and a button switch, is used to start and stop the medication packaging binding operation. The start and stop status of the medication packaging binding operation can be confirmed by the illumination of the LED on the ON / OFF indicator 20a by operating the ON / OFF switch 20.

[0034] Furthermore, the medication binding operation can also be operated using the foot switch 6 shown in Figure 1, with the same operation as the ON / OFF switch 20. When performing the medication binding operation using the foot switch 6, the result of the operation can also be confirmed on the ON / OFF indicator 20a. The indicator can show that the LED is off when the medication binding operation is stopped, green when the medication binding operation is in progress, and red when an error occurs.

[0035] The foot switch 6 is configured to be detachable from the main unit 2. When the foot switch 6 is connected, the ON / OFF switch 20 is unusable, and only when the foot switch 6 is removed can the ON / OFF switch 20 be used.

[0036] Figure 12 is a side view of the key parts around the side guide and upper guide used when binding multiple drug packets, and Figure 13 is a front view of Figure 7. The medicine package guide 3 is configured to support multiple medicine packages on the upper guide surface 131, and as shown in Figure 13, it has a pair of side guides 3a and 3c and an upper guide 3b. The side guides 3a and 3c are provided at the front-rear ends of the medicine package guide 3. The upper guide 3b is optional. Omitting the upper guide 3b improves the ease of setting multiple medicine packages when stacking them and the ease of removing the bundle of medicine packages after crimping. On the other hand, having the upper guide 3b is preferable because it allows for good guidance of multiple stacked medicine packages even when the rear (back) end of the medicine package is curved upward, and prevents the crimping position of the medicine packages from shifting from the desired position.

[0037] Multiple cartridges stacked on the guide surface 131 of the cartridge guide 3 are guided by the cartridge guide 3 to the meshing portion between the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b. In addition, both sides of the lower surface of the second gear holder 13b in the left-right direction (X direction) are inclined surfaces that slope downwards as they approach the meshing portion, and this lower surface of the second gear holder 13b also functions as a guide portion that guides the stacked multiple cartridges to the meshing portion.

[0038] The first gear 4a and the second gear 4b are pressurized to a predetermined pressure. When the ON / OFF switch 20 or foot switch 6 is ON, the drive motor 5 starts to operate, the first gear 4a rotates, and the second gear 4b rotates along with the first gear 4a. The stacked drug packages inserted into the meshing section between the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b by the operator are crimped and bound together by the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b as they are transported.

[0039] When the ON / OFF switch 20 or the foot switch 6 is turned OFF, the rotational drive of the drive motor 5 stops. This stops the rotation of the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b, stopping the binding operation and the transport of the medicine package.

[0040] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging binder 1 of this embodiment. The control unit 50 includes a CPU, a storage unit 52 such as ROM or RAM, and a timer unit 53, which are mounted on a control board. The control unit 50 is connected to the drive motor 5, the medicine packaging detection sensor 40, the power switch 91, the foot switch 6, and the switches and displays of the operation unit 16. Note that the changeover switch 21 and changeover switch displays 21a and 21b shown in Figure 14 are the same configuration as the operation unit shown in Figure 19.

[0041] Operations performed on the control unit 16 and the foot switch 6 are sent to the control unit 50, which then controls each operation based on this information. The drive motor 5 is a DC servo motor capable of controlling the feed position by pulses and is controlled by pulse signals from the control unit 50. This makes it possible to accurately control the amount of medication package that is fed. While it is also possible to accurately control the amount of medication package that is fed using a stepping motor, the torque fluctuates greatly depending on the number of medication packages to be bound, the material of the medication packages, and the position of the medication inside the packages, so there is a risk of stepping out of step if a stepping motor is used. Therefore, a DC servo motor is preferred as the drive motor 5.

[0042] Next, we will describe the various operating modes, which are characteristic features of this embodiment. Figure 15 is a table summarizing each operating mode. The second operating mode, continuous mode, is an alternate operation mode in which the ON / OFF state of the switch is toggled each time the ON / OFF switch 20 is pressed or the foot switch 6 is pressed. Specifically, when the ON / OFF switch 20 is pressed, the switch turns ON, and even after releasing the ON / OFF switch 20, the ON state is maintained, and the pair of gears rotate to perform the medication binding operation. When the ON / OFF switch 20 is pressed again, the switch turns OFF, the rotation of the pair of gears stops, and the medication binding operation stops. In the case of the foot switch 6, when the foot switch 6 is pressed and released, the switch turns ON, and when the foot switch 6 is pressed again, the switch turns OFF.

[0043] On the other hand, the first operating mode, the intermittent mode, is a momentary operation mode in which the switch is ON while the ON / OFF switch 20 is pressed or while the foot switch 6 is pressed down. When you release your hand from the ON / OFF switch 20 or take your foot off the foot switch 6, the switch turns OFF. Specifically, when the ON / OFF switch 20 is pressed down, the switch is ON and the medication packaging operation is performed, and when you release your hand from the ON / OFF switch 20, the switch turns OFF and the medication packaging operation stops. In the case of the foot switch 6, when the foot switch 6 is pressed down, the switch is ON, and when you take your foot off the foot switch 6, the switch turns OFF.

[0044] Figure 16 is a sequence diagram for each operation mode, and Figure 17 is a control flow diagram for each operation mode. As shown in Figure 17(a), when the user (operator) operates the mode selector switch 19 on the control unit 16 to set it to continuous mode, the operating method of the operating switches such as the ON / OFF switch 20 and the foot switch 6 is set to alternate operation (S1). Next, when the operating switch is pressed by the operator (YES in S2), the drive motor 5 starts to drive, the pair of gears rotate, and the medication packaging operation is performed (S3). Specifically, as shown in Figure 16(a), when the operating switch is pressed and the control unit 50 receives an ON signal from the operating switch, the state of the switch is set to the ON state. Then, when the switch state is ON, the drive motor 5 is turned ON and the pair of gears rotate to perform the medication packaging operation.

[0045] When the operation switch is pressed again by the operator (YES in S4), the drive of the drive motor 5 stops and the medication packaging operation stops (S5). Specifically, as shown in Figure 16(a), when the control unit 50 receives an ON signal from the operation switch again, the control unit 50 switches the switch state from the ON state to the OFF state. When the switch state is OFF, the drive motor 5 is turned OFF, the rotational drive of the pair of gears is stopped, and the medication packaging operation stops.

[0046] As shown in Figure 17(b), when the operator sets the mode selector switch 19 on the control unit 16 to intermittent mode, the operation method of the control switches (ON / OFF switch 20 and foot switch 6) is set to momentary operation (S11). Next, when the control switch is pressed by the operator (YES in S12), the drive motor 5 starts to drive, the pair of gears rotate, and the drug packaging binding operation is performed (S13). When the control switch is released (YES in S14), the drive motor 5 stops and the drug packaging binding operation stops (S15).

[0047] Specifically, as shown in Figure 16(b), when the operation switch is pressed and the control unit 50 receives an ON signal, the control unit sets the switch to the ON state, turns on the drive motor 5, and rotates the pair of gears to perform the medication packaging operation. When the ON signal from the operation switch is no longer received, the switch is set to the OFF state, the drive motor 5 is turned OFF, the rotation of the pair of gears is stopped, and the medication packaging operation is stopped.

[0048] Thus, in this embodiment, by having two operating modes—a continuous mode with alternate operation and an intermittent mode with momentary operation—crimp binding can be performed using the appropriate operating mode according to the method of crimp binding.

[0049] The continuous mode of the alternate operation method is the recommended operating mode when continuously crimping and stapling multiple connected pharmacies M, which are linked in the transport direction, as shown in Figure 18(a). When continuously crimping and stapling multiple connected pharmacies M, which are linked in the transport direction, select the continuous mode. This allows the pair of gears to rotate and drive without having to continuously press the operating switch (ON / OFF switch 20 or foot switch 6), enabling continuous crimping and stapling of multiple pharmacies. This reduces the burden on the operator and makes crimping and stapling easier.

[0050] On the other hand, the intermittent mode of the momentary operation method is the recommended operating mode when crimping a linked packing and a single packing, as shown in Figure 18(b). As shown in Figure 18(b), when crimping a linked packing and a single packing, the single packing M1 is set on top of the packing M2a at the leading end of the linked packing in the transport direction, and then the crimping operation is performed to crimp the packing M2a at the leading end of the linked packing and the single packing M1. Once the packing M2a at the leading end of the linked packing in the transport direction and the single packing M1 are crimped and the pair of gears disengage, the packing operation is temporarily paused. Next, after setting the single packing M1 on top of the second packing M2b in the transport direction of the linked packing, the packing operation is resumed, and the single packing M1 is crimped onto the second packing M2b in the transport direction of the linked packing. Thus, when crimping together connected and single medication packages, the crimping process is performed intermittently, and in such intermittent crimping, it is necessary to frequently operate the control switches (ON / OFF switch 20 or foot switch 6).

[0051] When performing intermittent crimping, setting the machine to the intermittent mode of the momentary operation method allows for easier fine-tuning of the stopping position of the medication packets compared to the continuous mode of the alternate operation method, making it easy to crimp connected medication packets and single medication packets without errors.

[0052] Furthermore, as described above, the ON / OFF switch 20 is unusable when the foot switch 6 is connected to the main unit 2. However, the ON / OFF switch 20 may be made usable even when the foot switch 6 is connected to the main unit 2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 19, a changeover switch 21, which is a switch selection means for selecting the operation switch to be used, may be provided in the operation unit 16. Each time the changeover switch 21 is pressed, the operation switch to be used sequentially changes between the ON / OFF switch 20 and the foot switch 6. To the right of the changeover switch 21, the LED indicators 21a and 21b of the changeover switch indicate which operation switch is currently available. When the changeover switch indicator 21a is lit, the ON / OFF switch 20 is usable and the foot switch 6 is unusable. On the other hand, when the changeover switch indicator 21b is lit, the foot switch 6 is usable and the ON / OFF switch 20 is unusable. This allows the ON / OFF switch 20 to be used even when the foot switch 6 is connected to the main unit 2.

[0053] Next, I will explain some variations.

[0054] [Example 1] Modification 1 includes a medicine package detection sensor, which is a medium detection means for detecting the entry of a medicine package into the meshing portion (binding processing portion) between the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b, and the ON / OFF control of the drive motor 5 is performed based on the detection result of the medicine package detection sensor and the operation of the operation switch.

[0055] Figure 20 illustrates a medication package detection sensor that detects the entry of a medication package into the meshing portion (binding processing section) between the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b. The drug packet detection sensor 40 consists of a detection member 40a that partially protrudes from the guide surface of the drug packet guide 3, and a detection unit that detects the movement of the detection member, and is held by a bracket 41 fixed to a base plate 7, also called a bottom plate.

[0056] As the medicine package moves towards the meshing portion (binding portion) between the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b, the detection member 40a moves downward or rotates so that the part of the detection member 40a that protrudes from the guide surface of the medicine package guide 3 retracts from the guide surface. The detection unit detects this movement of the detection member 40a, thereby detecting the entry of the medicine package into the aforementioned meshing portion.

[0057] The drug packet detection sensor 40 is configured to detect drug packets before they enter the engagement portion (binding processing portion) between the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b, regardless of whether the drug packet bundle moves from left to right or from right to left in the diagram. Specifically, the shape of the detection member 40a is appropriately designed so that, in either case, the detection member 40a moves or rotates well, and the detection unit can detect the movement of the detection member 40a before the drug packet bundle enters the engagement portion.

[0058] Figure 21(a) is a control flow diagram of the drive motor in continuous mode in Modification Example 1, and Figure 21(b) is a control flow diagram of the drive motor in intermittent mode in Modification Example 1.

[0059] As shown in Figure 21(a), when the operator sets the mode selector switch 19 on the control unit 16 to continuous mode, the operation method of the control switches such as the ON / OFF switch 20 and the foot switch 6 is set to alternate operation method. Next, when the control switch is pressed and the switch is in the ON state, and the drug package detection sensor 40 detects a drug package (YES in S21, YES in S22), the drive motor 5 starts to drive and the drug package binding operation is performed (S23).

[0060] If the drug package detection sensor 40 does not detect a drug package (NO in S24), or if the operation switch is pressed again by the operator and the switch is turned OFF (YES in S25), the drive motor 5 stops and the drug package binding operation stops (S26).

[0061] As shown in Figure 21(b), when the operator operates the mode selector switch 19 on the control unit 16 to set it to intermittent mode, the operation method of the control switch is set to momentary operation method. Next, when the control switch is pressed by the operator and is in the ON state, and the drug package detection sensor 40 detects a drug package (YES in S31, YES in S32), the drive motor 5 starts to drive and the drug package binding operation is performed (S33).

[0062] If the drug package detection sensor 40 does not detect a drug package (NO in S34), or if the operation switch is released and the switch is in the OFF state (YES in S35), the drive motor 5 stops and the drug package binding operation stops (S36).

[0063] Thus, in the modified example 1, even when the operation switch is ON, the drive motor 5 does not drive when the drug package detection sensor 40 does not detect a drug package. This allows the first gear 4a to be rotated only when crimping multiple drug packages together, preventing wear on the first gear 4a and the second gear 4b.

[0064] [Differentiation 2] In the embodiment described above, the medication binding operation can be performed using the foot switch 6 with the same operation as the ON / OFF switch 20, and both the foot switch 6 and the ON / OFF switch 20 can be operated in continuous mode or intermittent mode. Generally, the momentary operation method of the foot switch 6 is more familiar. Therefore, when performing the medication binding operation using the foot switch 6, it is common to select intermittent mode.

[0065] Foot switch 6 is familiar with momentary operation. Therefore, if the operator forgets to switch to intermittent mode and continuous mode is selected, they may become confused when the medication packaging operation does not stop even after removing their foot from foot switch 6, potentially leading to operational errors.

[0066] Therefore, in this modified version 2, the foot switch 6 is operated only in the momentary mode, and the ON / OFF switch 20 is operated only in the alternate mode.

[0067] Specifically, in this modified example 2, the foot switch 6 is configured to be detachable from the main body 2 of the prescription binding machine. As shown in Figure 22, when the foot switch 6 is not connected to the main body 2 (NO in S41), the control unit 50 is set to the continuous mode of the alternate operation method (S43). On the other hand, when the foot switch 6 is attached to the main body 2 and connected (YES in S41), it is set to the intermittent mode of the momentary operation method (S42). At this time, the ON / OFF switch 20 is disabled and does not respond even if the ON / OFF switch 20 is pressed. In this modified example 2, the control unit 50 functions as a selection means. In this modified example 2, the mode switching switch 19 of the operation unit 16 shown in Figure 11 is eliminated, and only the mode indicators 19a and 19b are used.

[0068] As a result, when the foot switch 6 is connected, intermittent mode is automatically selected, reducing the operator's workload compared to manually selecting intermittent mode when using the foot switch 6. Furthermore, the foot switch 6 can be operated using the commonly known momentary action method, eliminating the possibility of operational errors.

[0069] Furthermore, when the foot switch 6 is not connected and the binding operation is controlled by the ON / OFF switch 20, the continuous mode of the alternate operation method is automatically selected. This allows the operator to operate the switch in the desired operation method by using the ON / OFF switch 20 when they want to operate in the alternate operation method and the foot switch 6 when they want to operate in the momentary operation method. Thus, the operator does not have to press the mode selector switch 19 to select the desired operation mode or check the LED indicators 19a and 19b to confirm that the desired operation mode has been selected before operating the switch.

[0070] Furthermore, when the foot switch 6 is connected, the system may be configured so that intermittent mode is automatically selected when the foot switch 6 is operated, and continuous mode is automatically selected when the ON / OFF switch 20 is operated. This eliminates the need to disconnect the foot switch 6 when you want to operate in alternate mode using the ON / OFF switch 20, thereby improving convenience.

[0071] Furthermore, a selector switch 21 may be provided to select the operation switch shown in Figure 19. When the ON / OFF switch 20 is selected by the selector switch 21, continuous mode is automatically selected, and when the foot switch 6 is selected, intermittent mode is automatically selected. In this configuration as well, the hassle of removing the foot switch 6 when wanting to operate in alternate mode using the ON / OFF switch 20 is eliminated, improving convenience. In this configuration as well, the mode selector switch 19 shown in Figure 19 is omitted.

[0072] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as described in the claims, unless otherwise specifically limited in the above description.

[0073] For example, although the above method uses a pair of gears to crimp and bind the drug package bundle, a pair of toothless rotating bodies may also be used, and the drug package bundle may be crimped and bound at the nip portion where one rotating body presses against the other rotating body. Furthermore, the binding medium is not limited to drug packages, but may also be sheet material such as paper.

[0074] The above is just one example; each of the following embodiments produces its own unique effects. (Aspect 1) A binding device such as a medicine package binding machine 1 is equipped with an operating switch (in this embodiment, an ON / OFF switch 20 or a foot switch 6) that is operated by a user such as an operator pressing down on it to perform a crimp binding operation for crimping binding multiple binding media such as medicine packages. When the operating switch is ON, the crimp binding operation is performed, and when the operating switch is OFF, the crimp binding operation is stopped. The device has a first operating mode such as an intermittent mode in which the operating switch is ON while it is pressed down and OFF when the pressing down on the operating switch is released, and a second operating mode such as a continuous mode in which the ON or OFF state is maintained even after the pressing down on the operating switch is released, and the operating switch is switched between the ON and OFF states each time the operating switch is pressed down. The device is equipped with a mode selection means (in this embodiment, a mode switching switch 19 or a control unit 50, etc.) for selecting one of the first and second operating modes. In the aforementioned Patent Document 1, the crimping and binding operation is performed using a so-called momentary operation method, where the switch is ON and the crimping and binding operation is performed while the operation switch is pressed down, and the switch is OFF and the crimping and binding operation stops when the operation switch is released. Therefore, for example, when performing continuous crimping and binding on multiple binding media that are long in the transport direction, from the leading end to the trailing end in the transport direction, it is necessary to keep the operation switch pressed down, which places a heavy burden on the user. In contrast, Embodiment 1 features two operating modes: a first operating mode using the momentary operation method described above, and a second operating mode using a so-called alternate operation method in which the ON or OFF state of the switch is maintained even after the operation switch is released, and the ON and OFF states of the switch are switched each time the operation switch is pressed. This allows crimping to be performed using the appropriate operating method depending on the crimping method. For example, when continuously crimping multiple long binding media in the direction of transport as described above, selecting the second operating mode of the alternate operation method described above allows the crimping operation to be performed without continuously pressing the operating switch, enabling continuous crimping of multiple binding media. This reduces the burden on the user compared to crimping with the momentary operation method, making crimping easier. On the other hand, when performing crimp binding as described below, selecting the first operating mode of the momentary operation method described above allows for easy and error-free crimp binding of the binding medium. Specifically, a shorter binding medium in the transport direction is set on a longer binding medium in the transport direction, crimp binding is performed, and then the crimp binding operation is temporarily paused. Then, the shorter binding medium is set again in the transport direction at a position upstream of the crimped binding area of ​​the longer binding medium, and the crimp binding operation is resumed. This is an example of intermittent crimp binding. When performing such intermittent crimp binding, selecting the first operating mode of the momentary operation method allows the crimp binding operation to be temporarily paused at the desired timing by stopping the operation switch press, and the transport of the medium can be stopped at the desired position. As a result, compared to performing crimp binding with the second operating mode of the alternate operation method, the user can easily and error-free crimp binding of the binding medium.

[0075] (Aspect 2) In Embodiment 1, the device is equipped with a pair of rotatable crimping members such as gears 4a and 4b, and the crimping operation is an operation in which multiple binding media are crimped together while being transported by the pair of crimping members, and the operation switch (in this embodiment, an ON / OFF switch 20 or a foot switch 6) operates the rotational drive of the pair of crimping members. According to this, the crimping and binding operation can be controlled by operating the control switch.

[0076] (Aspect 3) In embodiment 2, the device has a medium detection means such as a medicine package detection sensor 40 that detects the entry of multiple binding media, such as medicine packages, into a pair of crimping members such as gears 4a and 4b. According to this, as explained in Modification 1, when a medium detection means such as a medicine package detection sensor 40 detects that multiple binding media such as medicine packages have entered a pair of crimping members such as a pair of gears 4a and 4b, it becomes possible to rotate the pair of crimping members. This makes it possible to rotate the pair of crimping members only when multiple binding media such as medicine packages enter the pair of crimping members such as a pair of gears 4a and 4b to crimp and bind the multiple binding media, thereby preventing wear of the pair of crimping members.

[0077] (Aspect 4) In embodiment 3, when a medium detection means such as a drug package detection sensor 40 detects a binding medium and the operation switch is ON, the crimping members such as a pair of gears 4a and 4b are rotated. According to this, as explained in Modification 1, when multiple binding media such as medicine packages are inserted into the crimping members such as a pair of gears 4a and 4b to crimp and bind the multiple binding media, the pair of crimping members can be rotated, and wear of the pair of crimping members can be prevented.

[0078] (Appendix 5) In any of embodiments 2 to 4, the device is equipped with a rotation speed switching means, such as a rotation speed adjustment switch 18, which switches the rotation speed of a pair of crimping members, such as gears 4a and 4b. According to this, as described in the embodiment, the binding speed can be set to a speed that is easy for users such as operators to use.

[0079] (Aspect 6) In any of embodiments 1 to 5, the pair of crimping members are gears. According to this method, multiple binding media can be securely bound together.

[0080] (Aspect 7) In any of embodiments 1 to 6, the device has two operating switches: a button switch such as an ON / OFF switch 20 and a foot switch 6. The mode selection means automatically selects a first operating mode, such as intermittent mode, when the foot switch 6 is used, and automatically selects a second operating mode when the button switch is used. According to this, as explained in Modification 2, the foot switch 6 can be operated using the familiar momentary action method, allowing the user to operate the foot switch 6 without any discomfort. Furthermore, by using a button switch such as the ON / OFF switch 20 when the user wants to operate in the alternate action method, and using the foot switch 6 when the user wants to operate in the momentary action method, the switch can be operated in the desired action method. Therefore, this eliminates the hassle of having the user, such as an operator, manually select the desired operating mode before operating the switch.

[0081] (Pattern 8) In embodiment 7, the foot switch 6 is detachably provided to the main body of the binding device, and the mode selection means automatically selects the first operating mode when the foot switch 6 is attached to the binding device, and automatically selects the second operating mode when the foot switch is removed from the binding device. According to this, as explained in Modification 2, when using the foot switch 6, the first operating mode, such as intermittent mode, is automatically selected, and when using the button switch, the second operating mode is automatically selected.

[0082] (Aspect 9) In any of embodiments 1 to 7, the device has two operating switches, a button switch such as an ON / OFF switch 20 and a foot switch 6, and includes a switch selection means for a user such as an operator to select which operating switch to use between the button switch and the foot switch. According to this, as described in the embodiment, a user such as an operator can select the operating switch they wish to use.

[0083] (Aspect 10) In any of embodiments 1 to 9, the binding medium is a medicine package. According to this, users can easily crimp and seal multiple medication packets together. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1: Medicine package binding machine 2: Main unit 3: Medicine Packaging Guide 4a: First Gear 4b: Second Gear 5: Drive motor 5a: Motor shaft 6: Foot switch 16:Operation section 17a: First rotation direction changeover switch 17b: Second rotation direction changeover switch 17c: First rotation direction indicator lamp 17d: Second rotation direction indicator lamp 18: Rotation speed adjustment switch 18a: Rotation speed indicator 19: Mode selector switch 19a: Mode indicator 20: ON / OFF switch 20a:ON / OFF indicator 21: Changeover switch 21a: Changeover switch indicator 40: Drug packaging detection sensor 40a: Detection member 41: Bracket 50: Control Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0085] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7401772

Claims

1. A binding device is equipped with an operating switch that is operated by the user pressing down to perform a crimping and binding operation for crimping and binding multiple binding media, wherein the crimping and binding operation is performed when the operating switch is ON, and the crimping and binding operation is stopped when the operating switch is OFF, The first operating mode is such that the device is in the ON state while the operating switch is pressed down, and in the OFF state when the operating switch is released. The device has a second operating mode in which the ON state or the OFF state is maintained even after the operating switch is released after being pressed, and the ON state and the OFF state are switched each time the operating switch is pressed. A binding device characterized by comprising a mode selection means for selecting one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

2. In the binding device according to claim 1, Equipped with a pair of rotatable crimping members, The aforementioned crimping and binding operation is an operation in which multiple binding media are crimped and bound together while being transported by the pair of crimping members. The binding device is characterized in that the operating switch controls the rotational drive of the pair of crimping members.

3. In the binding device according to claim 2, A binding device characterized by having a medium detection means for detecting the entry of the plurality of binding media into the pair of crimping members.

4. In the binding device according to claim 3, A binding device characterized in that the media detection means detects the binding medium and the pair of crimping members rotate when the operation switch is in the ON state.

5. In the binding device according to claim 2, A binding device characterized by comprising a rotation speed switching means for switching the rotation speed of the pair of crimping members.

6. In the binding device according to claim 2, A binding device characterized in that the pair of crimping members are gears.

7. In the binding device according to claim 1, It has two operating switches: a button switch and a foot switch. The binding device is characterized in that the mode selection means automatically selects the first operation mode when the foot switch is used, and automatically selects the second operation mode when the button switch is used.

8. In the binding device according to claim 7, The foot switch is detachably attached to the main body of the binding device. The mode selection means is characterized in that it automatically selects the first operating mode when the foot switch is attached to the binding device, and automatically selects the second operating mode when the foot switch is removed from the binding device.

9. In the binding device according to claim 1, It has two operating switches: a button switch and a foot switch. A binding device characterized by comprising a switch selection means that allows the user to select an operating switch to be used between the button switch and the foot switch.

10. In the binding device according to claim 1, A binding device characterized in that the binding medium is a medicine package.

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