Temporary Fixing Mechanism

Abstract

A temporary fixing mechanism is provided that appropriately temporarily fixes a plurality of sheet materials such as a continuous medicine pack. [Solution] The temporary fixing mechanism includes a clamping member having opposing surfaces facing each other and constituted by a pair of finger portions 41 for clamping a plurality of sheet materials, and an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the clamping member. One opposing surface of the clamping member has at least one protrusion 52 protruding toward the other opposing surface, and the other opposing surface of the clamping member has a contact surface 51 that receives the load of the protrusion when the opening / closing mechanism performs a closing operation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temporary fixing mechanism for temporarily fixing a plurality of sheets of material such as a continuous medicine pack. [Background technology]

[0002] Medicines provided to patients at hospitals and pharmacies are packaged in long continuous medicine packets, each divided into individual doses. When taking a medicine, a single dose is separated from the continuous long medicine packet. When taking multiple medicines, multiple separate packets are separated.

[0003] When multiple medications are prescribed, to prevent accidental or forgotten doses, multiple consecutive medication packets are stapled or taped together beforehand to separate each dose. However, this process is time-consuming and places a burden on pharmacists and nurses. Furthermore, using a stapler poses problems such as needle injuries and damage to the medication packets.

[0004] To solve this problem, a medicine package binding machine has been proposed that is configured to bind multiple medicine packages using a rotatable first gear and a second gear (Patent Publication No. 2020-195765 (Patent Document 1)). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-195765 A (Patent No. 7401772) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a configuration in which a continuous series of medicine packets is continuously fed downstream by the meshing of pressure rollers (gears), as in the medicine packet stitching machine of Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the packets may separate immediately depending on the number of sheets to be joined. On the other hand, if the continuous series of medicine packets is strongly fixed, there is a problem that the packets cannot be peeled off one by one when taking the medicine. Therefore, there has been a demand for a technology to temporarily fix multiple sheet materials so that they can be easily peeled off later.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a temporary fixing mechanism that can appropriately temporarily fix multiple sheet materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A temporary fixing mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention is a temporary fixing mechanism for temporarily fixing a plurality of sheet materials, and includes clamping members having opposing surfaces facing each other and for sandwiching the plurality of sheet materials, and an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the clamping members. One opposing surface of the clamping members has at least one protrusion protruding toward the other opposing surface, and the other opposing surface of the clamping member has a contact surface that receives the load of the protrusion when the opening / closing mechanism closes the clamping members.

[0009] Preferably, the contact surface is formed by a tip surface of a protrusion having a width dimension larger than that of the protrusion on one of the opposing surfaces.

[0010] More preferably, a plurality of protrusions are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction on one of the opposing surfaces, and a plurality of protrusions are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction on the other opposing surface.

[0011] Preferably, the width of the convex portion on one of the opposing surfaces is 1 mm or more and less than 2 mm.

[0012] It is desirable that the temporary fixing mechanism further includes a pressing member that holds the plurality of sheet materials in a stacked state in the thickness direction during the opening operation of the opening / closing mechanism.

[0013] More preferably, the temporary fixing mechanism further includes a transport mechanism that transports the plurality of sheet materials held by the pressing member in a predetermined direction.

[0014] Preferably, the clamping member is configured by a pair of fingers. In this case, the opening / closing mechanism desirably includes an arm rotatably connected to one of the pair of fingers, and an elevation drive means for moving the base end of the arm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, multiple sheet materials can be temporarily fixed in place. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a schematic view of a main part of a medicine bag binding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a top view schematically showing a main part of a medicine bag binding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a side view schematically showing a main part of a medicine bag binding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a main part of a medicine bag combining device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a main part of the crimping mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view showing a main part of the crimping mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 is a plan view showing a pair of fingers mounted on a crimping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention in a separated state; FIG. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing examples of shapes of claws (protrusions) formed on each of a pair of finger portions. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing how the sealed portions of a continuous body of medicine packets are crimped by a pair of finger portions. FIG. [Figure 10]3 is a flowchart showing a continuous crimping process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating changes in the operating states of a pair of pressing members and a pair of finger portions during continuous crimping processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 3 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a crimped portion of a continuous medicine packet body by a continuous crimping process according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a comparative example of the claw portion (protrusion) in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or corresponding parts are designated by like reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0018] <Outline configuration> The schematic configuration of a medicine package binding device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view showing the main parts of the medicine package binding device 1, and Figure 2 is a top view showing the main parts of the medicine package binding device 1. In each figure, the width direction (left-right direction) of the medicine package binding device 1 as viewed from the front is represented by the x-direction, the depth direction of the medicine package binding device 1 as viewed from the front is represented by the y-direction, and the height direction is represented by the z-direction. Note that in Figures 1 and 2, the crimping mechanism 4 is shown in a simplified form to avoid cluttering the drawings.

[0019] The medicine packet joining device 1 automatically and continuously joins multiple continuous medicine packet chains 9. Joining here means temporary fixing. The continuous medicine packet chain 9 is a long medicine packet (packaging paper) in which multiple packets 90 are separated by vertical cut lines 9b, and is typically made of a resin sheet such as polyethylene. A sealing portion 9a is provided on one of the long sides of the continuous medicine packet chain 9. In each figure, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the individual continuous medicine packet chains 9 or when showing a joined continuous medicine packet chain 9, the continuous medicine packet chain 9 is shown with a thick line. Figure 2 shows an example of joining two continuous medicine packet chains 9.

[0020] The medicine package combining device 1 mainly comprises a storage groove 2 for storing multiple medicine package continuous bodies 9 stacked with the orientation of the sealing portions 9a aligned, a transport mechanism 3 for transporting the multiple medicine package continuous bodies 9 along the longitudinal direction (x direction) of the storage groove 2, and a crimping mechanism 4 for crimping the sealing portions 9a of the multiple medicine package continuous bodies 9 in the storage groove 2.

[0021] The storage groove 2 is composed of a bottom portion and a pair of side portions extending along the x direction, and has an insertion opening 2a at one longitudinal end and an ejection opening 2b at the other end. The storage groove 2 has a groove width that allows multiple continuous medicine packet arrays 9 to be stored upright. The height dimension of the storage groove 2 is smaller than the vertical dimension of the continuous medicine packet array 9, and the sealed portion 9a of the continuous medicine packet array 9 protrudes upward from the upper end opening of the storage groove 2. The longitudinal dimension (length in the x direction) of the storage groove 2 is a length that allows multiple individual packets 90 to be stored, for example, five or more individual packets 90 to be stored.

[0022] The transport mechanism 3 transports a plurality of continuous medicine packs 9 inserted into the storage groove 2 from the insertion port 2a toward the discharge port 2b. The transport mechanism 3 has a pair of pressing members 31 that hold the plurality of continuous medicine packs 9 stacked in the thickness direction, and transports the continuous medicine packs 9 held by the pressing members 31 downstream. In each drawing, the transport direction (downstream side) of the continuous medicine packs 9 is indicated by arrow A. Also, the back side when viewed from the front is indicated by arrow B.

[0023] The crimping mechanism 4 has a pair of finger portions 41 that clamp the sealed portions 9a of the continuous medicine packs 9 in the storage groove 2, and crimps the sealed portions 9a of the continuous medicine packs 9 by opening and closing the pair of finger portions 41 in conjunction with the conveying operation of the conveying mechanism 3. The pair of finger portions 41 constitute clamping members 40 and are arranged adjacent to each other in the y direction in the space above the storage groove 2. In FIG. 1, the position of the pair of finger portions 41 in the x direction is shown as a crimping position P of the continuous medicine packs 9.

[0024] As will be described later, claw portions 51, 52 facing each other are formed at the lower ends of the pair of finger portions 41. While intermittently transporting a plurality of continuous medicine packet bodies 9 downstream using conveying mechanism 3, medicine packet joining device 1 opens and closes pair of finger portions 41 at crimping position P, thereby intermittently crimping sealed portions 9a of the plurality of continuous medicine packet bodies 9 and joining (integrating) the plurality of continuous medicine packet bodies 9.

[0025] Specific configuration examples of the transport mechanism 3 and the pressure bonding mechanism 4 will be described below.

[0026] <Example of transport mechanism configuration> Further referring to Figure 3, an example configuration of the transport mechanism 3 will be described. Figure 3 is a side view of the main parts of the medicine package binding device 1, and shows the medicine package binding device 1 as seen from direction III in Figure 1. In Figure 3, for ease of understanding, fixed elements (non-moving elements) including the installation table 81 are shown in gray. The same applies to Figures 4 to 6 described below.

[0027] The conveying mechanism 3 includes a pair of holding members 31 that hold multiple medicine packet continuous bodies 9 stacked in the thickness direction, an actuator (hereinafter referred to as the ``clamping actuator'') 34 that opens and closes the pair of holding members 31, and an actuator (hereinafter referred to as the ``sliding actuator'') 33 that slides (reciprocates) the pair of holding members 31 along the storage groove 2.

[0028] The pair of pressing members 31 are positioned slightly above the accommodating groove 2 and slightly below the pair of finger portions 41. As a result, the lower portion of the sealing portion 9a (which may be slightly below the sealing portion 9a) protruding above the accommodating groove 2 is held by the pair of pressing members 31. The opposing surfaces (surfaces facing each other) of the pair of pressing members 31 are typically flat vertical surfaces. The pressing members 31 are typically made of metal. The pressing members 31 in this embodiment are formed of plate-like members that are long in the x direction and arranged horizontally.

[0029] 1 and 2, it is desirable that the pair of pressing members 31 extend in the x direction overlapping the crimping position P (the position where the pair of finger portions 41 are arranged). Specifically, it is desirable that the length in the x direction of each pressing member 31 is a length that spans multiple packets 90. This prevents the multiple continuous medicine packet bodies 9 stored upright in the storage groove 2 from twisting, and enables the multiple continuous medicine packet bodies 9 to be maintained in an appropriate position.

[0030] A first member 321 is connected to both ends of one of the pair of pressing members 31 (the pressing member 31 on the rear side). A second member 322 is connected to both ends of the other of the pair of pressing members 31 (the pressing member 31 on the front side). The clamp actuator 34 functions as an opening / closing drive means, and opens and closes the pair of pressing members 31 via the first member 321 and the second member 322. The clamp actuator 34 may be configured, for example, by a fluid pressure cylinder such as an air cylinder, an electric actuator, or the like.

[0031] In this embodiment, the clamping actuators 34 are provided on both sides in the x direction, and a pair of support members 323 on which the clamping actuators 34 are mounted are connected by a connecting member 324 .

[0032] The slide actuator 33 functions as a movement drive means, and moves the pair of pressing members 31 both downstream (discharge port 2b side) and upstream (insertion port 2a side) by reciprocating the connecting member 324 along the x direction. The slide actuator 33 may also be configured by, for example, a fluid pressure cylinder such as an air cylinder, an electric actuator, or the like.

[0033] <Example of crimping mechanism configuration> An example of the configuration of the crimping mechanism 4 will be described with further reference to Figs. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main parts of the medicine package binding device 1, with Fig. 4(A) showing finger portions 41 in an open state and Fig. 4(B) showing finger portions 41 in a closed state. Fig. 5 is a front view showing an enlarged view of the main parts of the crimping mechanism 4. Fig. 6 is a top view showing an enlarged view of the main parts of the crimping mechanism 4. The cross section of Fig. 4 corresponds to the cross section taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 1.

[0034] 3 and 4, crimping mechanism 4 of the present embodiment includes arm 42 rotatably connected to an upper end of one of paired finger portions 41 (finger portion 41a on the rear side), connecting portion 43 rotatably connected to an upper end of the other of paired finger portions 41 (finger portion 41b on the front side), fixed bracket 45 having elongated hole 450 formed therein for receiving shaft portion 44 penetrating arm portion 42 and connecting portion 43, and actuator 46 (hereinafter referred to as "lifting actuator") for moving base end portion 421 of arm portion 42 up and down. Fixed bracket 45 is fixed to an upper end of standing wall 82 (wall portion rising from installation base 81) located on the back side of storage groove 2.

[0035] The lifting actuator 46 functions as a lifting drive means, and moves the base end 421 of the arm unit 42 up and down between the standby height H1 and the operating height H2. The arm unit 42 is a horizontal arm extending in the y direction. In this embodiment, the lifting actuator 46 is configured by an air cylinder including a lifting rod 461 connected to the base end 421 of the arm unit 42 and a cylinder 462.

[0036] An arc-shaped elongated hole 422 is formed in the base end 421 of the arm unit 42 to receive a pin 464 that passes through an upper end 463 of the lifting rod 461. This makes it possible to fix the position of the tip of the arm unit 42 in the y direction regardless of the vertical position of the base end 421. Note that the lifting actuator 46 may be a fluid pressure cylinder that uses a fluid other than air, or may be configured as an electric actuator, etc.

[0037] Each finger 41 is formed of a plate-like member having a predetermined thickness and is arranged so that the plate thickness direction coincides with the x-direction. As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), claws 51, 52 are formed at the lower ends of the inner surfaces (opposing surfaces) of a pair of fingers 41. These claws 51, 52 are spaced apart in an open state and come into contact with each other in a closed state when the base end 421 of the arm 42 is located at the standby height H1, and the claws 51, 52 are in contact with each other in a closed state when the base end 421 of the arm 42 is located at the operating height H2.

[0038] In the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish between the pair of finger portions 41, the rear finger portion 41 will be referred to as the first finger portion 41a and the front finger portion 41 will be referred to as the second finger portion 42b. Details of the claw portions 51 and 52 will be described later.

[0039] 5 and 6, both ends of shaft portion 44 extending in the x-direction are supported by a pair of fixed brackets 45 so as to be vertically movable. The tip of arm portion 42 is bifurcated, and bifurcated portion 423 and the upper end of first finger portion 41a are connected by a pin 61 extending in the x-direction. The upper end of second finger portion 41b is connected to a pair of connecting portions 43 located on both sides of second finger portion 41b by a pin 62 extending in the x-direction. Furthermore, the vertical center of first finger portion 41a and the vertical center of second finger portion 41b are each connected to fixed brackets 45 on both sides by pins 63 extending in the x-direction.

[0040] By moving the lift rod 461 of the lift actuator 46 back and forth in the up and down direction (vertical direction), the lower ends of the pair of finger units 41 can be opened and closed in the y direction via a link mechanism (slider crank mechanism) including the arm unit 42 and the connecting unit 43. Specifically, the upward movement (advancement) of the lift rod 461 causes the finger units 41 to close, and the downward movement (retraction) of the lift rod 461 causes the finger units 41 to close. The closing and opening operations are performed in series. The finger units 41, the arm unit 42, the connecting unit 43, and the fixed bracket 45 are formed of rigid materials such as metal.

[0041] <Example of finger configuration> 7 and 8, exemplary configurations of the first finger portion 41a and the second finger portion 41b will be described. FIG. 7 is a plan view (viewed in the x direction) showing the first finger portion 41a and the second finger portion 41b constituting the clamping member 40 in a separated state. In FIG. 7, the posture of the first finger portion 41a and the second finger portion 41b in the closed state (hereinafter referred to as the "operation posture") is shown by a solid line, and the posture of the first finger portion 41a and the second finger portion 41b in the open state (hereinafter referred to as the "standby posture") is shown by an imaginary line. Note that for convenience, the distance between the two is shown enlarged in FIG. 7. FIG. 8(A) is a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary shape of the claw portion 51 of the first finger portion 41a, taken along line VIIIA-VIIIA in FIG. 7. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the shape of the claw portion 52 of the second finger portion 41b, taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, round holes 411 are formed at the upper ends of the first finger portion 41a and the second finger portion 41b, penetrating in the thickness direction. The round holes 411 are holes through which the above-mentioned pins 61 and 62 are passed. Round holes 412 are also formed at the centers of the first finger portion 41a and the second finger portion 41b, penetrating in the thickness direction. The round holes 412 are holes through which the above-mentioned pin 63 is passed. The first finger portion 41a and the second finger portion 41b are formed approximately symmetrically when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the accommodating groove 2 (viewed in the thickness direction) in the installed state. The first finger portion 41a and the second finger portion 41b rotate symmetrically around the position of the round hole 412 in the center. The first finger portion 41a and the second finger portion 41b function as opening and closing arms. The inner surface of the first finger portion 41a and the inner surface of the second finger portion 41b form an opposing surface 413.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8(A), a claw portion (protrusion) 51 protruding toward the opposing side (opposing surface 413 of second finger portion 41b) is provided at the lower end of the opposing surface 413 of the first finger portion 41a. As shown in FIG. 8(B), a claw portion (protrusion) 52 protruding toward the opposing side (opposing surface 413 of first finger portion 41a) is also provided at the lower end of the opposing surface 413 of the second finger portion 41b. In this embodiment, two claw portions 51 are provided vertically within the thickness range of the first finger portion 41a. Two claw portions 52 are also provided vertically within the thickness range of the second finger portion 41b.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, the claw portions 51 protrude horizontally at a constant height and width from a reference plane 53 at the lower end of the opposing surface 413. The two claw portions 51 are spaced apart in the left-right direction (x direction). The claw portion 52 protrudes horizontally at a constant height and width from a reference plane 54 at the lower end of the opposing surface 413. The two claw portions 52 are spaced apart in the left-right direction (x direction). The height L1 of the claw portions 51 and 52 is the same, for example, 4 mm.

[0045] The protruding dimensions of the claw portions 51 and 52 from the reference planes 53 and 54 may be the same, for example, 1.5 mm or more. The upper limit of the protruding dimensions of the claw portions 51 and 52 is determined in consideration of strength (for example, approximately 5 mm). In this embodiment, the protruding dimensions of the claw portions 51 and 52 are set to 2 mm. The width dimension W11 of the claw portion 51 is larger than the width dimension W12 of the claw portion 52. The width dimension W12 of the narrower claw portion 52 is less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm, and more preferably less than 1.2 mm. The width dimension W11 of the wider claw portion 51 is preferably 1.5 times or more the width dimension W12 of the claw portion 52. In this embodiment, the width dimension W12 of the claw portion 52 is set to 1 mm, and the width dimension W11 of the claw portion 51 is set to 2 mm.

[0046] The cross-sectional shape of the claws 51, 52 is not limited to the rectangular shape shown in the drawings, and may be, for example, a trapezoidal shape tapered toward the tip. In this case, the widths W11, W12 represent the widths of the tip surfaces (contact surfaces).

[0047] The thickness T of the main body of the finger portions 41a, 41b is preferably 5 mm or more, and is set to 6 mm in this embodiment. In this case, the distance W12 between the two claw portions 51 of the first finger portion 41a (the width dimension of the reference surface 53) is, for example, 2 mm, and the distance W22 between the two claw portions 52 of the second finger portion 41b (the width dimension of the reference surface 54) is, for example, 3 mm. The distance W22 is typically set to be at least two times but not more than five times the width dimension W21 of the claw portion 52. Note that the distances W12, W22 may be determined so that the width centers of the claw portions 51 and 52 coincide with each other. The reference surfaces 53, 54 may be flush with the inner surfaces (opposing surfaces 413) of the respective finger portions 41a, 41b.

[0048] The reference surfaces 53 and 54 and the tip surfaces (contact surfaces) 510 and 520 of the claws 51 and 52 are substantially perpendicular in the actuated position. As a result, when the pair of fingers 41 is switched from the open state to the closed state, the pressing force of the thin claw 52 is received by the tip surface 510 of the thick claw 51, and the thin claw 52 sinks (digs into) the overlapping sealing portions 9a, as shown in FIG. 9 . In this way, the sinking portions of the sealing portions 9a are partially damaged, thereby bonding the sealing portions 9a together. The tip surface 510 of the thick claw 51 serves as a base and functions as a pressure-receiving surface that receives the pressure of the thin claw 52. Furthermore, the recesses between the pressure-receiving claws 51 function as relief portions when the claws 52 sink into the sealing portions 9a, thereby achieving a good crimping finish.

[0049] <Functional configuration> The functional configuration of the medicine package combining device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] The medicine package binding device 1 includes a control unit 10 electrically connected to the above-mentioned lifting actuator 46, slide actuator 33, and clamp actuator 34. The control unit 10 is configured by a computer including a processor and memory. The control unit 10 is housed in a control box (not shown) together with an air compressor and the like.

[0051] Control unit 10 operates lifting actuator 46 of crimping mechanism 4 and slide actuator 33 and clamping actuator 34 of transport mechanism 3 at a predetermined timing, thereby repeatedly performing the crimping process using claw portions 51, 52 while transporting continuous medicine pack string 9 downstream. In other words, control unit 10 performs a "continuous crimping process" in which sealed portions 9a of continuous medicine pack string 9 are crimped continuously (intermittently) along the longitudinal direction.

[0052] Control unit 10 is also electrically connected to infrared sensors 71 and 72 shown in Fig. 1. Infrared sensors 71 and 72 are provided on the side surfaces of storage groove 2 and detect the presence or absence of continuous medicine packs 9. Upstream infrared sensor 71 is located upstream of pressing member 31 (on the insertion opening 2a side), and downstream infrared sensor 72 is located in a position overlapping pressing member 31 and in the vicinity of crimping position P.

[0053] <Continuous crimping process> The continuous crimping process executed by control unit 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the continuous crimping process. Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the change in the operating state of a pair of pressing members 31 and the operating state of a pair of finger portions 41 during the continuous crimping process. Note that Fig. 11 shows only both ends of each pressing member 31. A plurality of continuous medicine packs 9 is indicated by a single thick line.

[0054] First, an operator (such as a pharmacist) turns on the power, and then inserts a plurality of stacked continuous medicine packs 9 with their sealing portions 9a facing upward, from the insertion opening 2a side of the storage groove 2, between the pair of pressing members 31. At the start of the continuous crimping process, the pair of pressing members 31 and the pair of finger portions 41 are both in the open state, and the pair of pressing members 31 are positioned at the origin position in the x direction.

[0055] When control unit 10 detects the insertion of continuous medicine packs 9 based on a signal from upstream infrared sensor 71 (YES in step S1), it activates transport mechanism 3 to transport continuous medicine packs 9 downstream (step S2). Specifically, it drives clamp actuator 34 to close pair of pressing members 31, and drives slide actuator 33 to slide pair of pressing members 31 downstream. At this time, as described below, continuous medicine packs 9 may be transported downstream while pair of pressing members 31 are reciprocatingly moved.

[0056] Assuming that the first package in the continuous medicine pack series 9 has reached the crimping position P, the control unit 10 drives the lifting actuator 46 of the crimping mechanism 4 to close the pair of finger sections 41, thereby crimping the sealed section 9a of the first package with the pair of claw sections 51, 52 (step S3). At this time, under the control of the control unit 10, the crimping mechanism 4 opens and closes the pair of finger sections 41 while the sealed section 9a (or the area below it) is held by the pair of pressing members 31, as shown in FIG. 11(A). This allows the multiple sealed sections 9a to be crimped while the posture of the multiple continuous medicine pack series is maintained appropriately.

[0057] The magnitude of the load received by tip surface 520 of claw 52 when pair of fingers 41 are closed may be determined depending on the material and number of continuous medicine packs to be joined. In this embodiment, the air pressure of lifting actuator 46 is set to 0.2 to 0.3 kg and the thrust is set to 600 kg, so that the load received by tip surface 520 is adjusted to approximately 1 ton. This allows sealing portion 9a to be properly crimped regardless of the number of sheets. The load received by tip surface 520 can be set, for example, in the range of 0.5 tons to 1.5 tons.

[0058] When the first crimping process is completed, control unit 10 opens pair of fingers 41 as shown in Fig. 11(B) and shifts continuous medicine pack string 9 downstream by a predetermined distance as shown in Fig. 11(C). The transfer of continuous medicine pack string 9 and crimping by claws 51, 52 are repeated until continuous medicine pack string 9 is no longer detected by downstream infrared sensor 72 (NO in step S4).

[0059] According to this embodiment, multiple continuous drug packs 9 can be automatically transported downstream without any positional misalignment, so that multiple continuous drug packs 9 can be joined together in a neat state without the operator having to pull the continuous drug packs 9 by hand.

[0060] If the number of claws 51, 52 is small and the overall contact width is relatively small, each packet 90 may be crimped multiple times. That is, as shown in Figure 12(A), the sealing portion 9a of each packet 90 may have multiple crimped points C. Each crimped point C leaves two vertical line marks 92, the same number as the number of claws 51. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(B), the crimped points C may be partially overlapped to increase the degree of bonding. If the number of claws 51, 52 is large and the overall contact width is relatively large, each packet 90 may have only one crimped point C on the sealing portion 9a, as shown in Figure 12(C).

[0061] As shown in FIG. 11(D), when changing the holding position of the pair of presser members 31 (when returning the presser members 31 to the upstream side) after the crimping process by the claws 51 and 52 is completed, it is desirable that the crimping mechanism 4 maintains the pair of finger portions 41 in a closed state until the pair of presser members 31, which were opened, return to the insertion opening 2a side, as shown in FIGS. 11(E) and 11(F). This ensures that the continuous body of multiple medicine packets 9 is always sandwiched between at least one of the pair of presser members 31 and the pair of finger portions 41, allowing the continuous body of multiple medicine packets 9 to always maintain a straight posture with little or no distortion. As a result, the sealed portion 9a of the continuous body of multiple medicine packets 9 can be bound while preventing misalignment of the cut lines 91 of the continuous body of multiple medicine packets 9. This allows a single dose (one set of individual packets 90) to be easily separated from the continuous body of multiple medicine packets 9 at the time of administration.

[0062] Medicine packet joining device 1 according to the present embodiment can appropriately join two to six continuous medicine packet chains 9. Furthermore, because joining is performed by crimping, after one set of packets 90 has been cut off, the packets can be easily separated by hand into multiple packets. When performing a crimping process by butting claws 51, 52 together, it is difficult to appropriately join a small number of continuous medicine packet chains 9, such as two or three, but by shaping claws 51, 52 as described above, it is possible to appropriately join even a small number of continuous medicine packet chains 9.

[0063] <Comparative example of claw part> Referring to FIG. 13, a comparative example of the claw portions (protrusions) 51, 52 formed on each of the pair of finger portions 41 in this embodiment will be described.

[0064] 13(A), the convex portions (teeth) 51A, 52A were configured to interlock with each other (the convex portions 51A, 52A were not in contact with each other), and continuous crimping processing was performed. In this comparative example, even when pressed with a pair of pressing members 31, wrinkles and kinks occurred in the sealing portion 91a, and bonding was not possible regardless of the number of sheets.

[0065] As in finger portion 41B in Fig. 13(B), the thickness of finger portion 41B itself was made thinner (body thickness: approximately 3 to 4 mm) than tip portion 41t having multiple (e.g., three) claw portions 51B, 52B, and continuous crimping processing was performed. In the test, the claw width of claw portion 51B was set to 1.5 mm, and the claw width of claw portion 52B was set to 1 mm. In the case of this comparative example, since the load was not applied evenly to multiple claw portions 52B (51B), a small number of continuous medicine packet sheets 9 (2 to 3 sheets) could not be properly joined (they immediately peeled off), and the desired joining accuracy was not achieved.

[0066] As in finger portion 41C in Fig. 13(C), one of claw portions 52C was formed into a sharp shape and continuous crimping processing was performed. Conditions other than claw portion 52C were the same as those for finger portion 41B in Fig. 13(B). In this comparative example, it was not possible to properly join a small number of continuous medicine packs 9 (2 to 3), and the desired joining accuracy was not achieved.

[0067] 13(D), the contact surfaces of a pair of finger portions 41D are not provided with irregularities, and tip surfaces 41s of 6 mm thick finger portions 41D are made vertically flat. In this comparative example, since multiple sealing portions 9a are crimped together only by the pressing force between tip surfaces 41s, the result was that the sealing portions 9a easily peeled off, especially when a small number of continuous medicine packs 9, such as 2 to 3 sheets, were tested.

[0068] 13(E), convex portions 51E and 52E each having a width (2 to 3 mm) wider than that of the embodiment were provided within the thickness range of finger portion 41E, and continuous crimping processing was performed. Even in this comparative example, when a small number of continuous medicine packs 9 (2 to 3 sheets) was tested, the continuous medicine packs 9 quickly peeled off.

[0069] Furthermore, although not shown, if the width of the protrusion is too small (0.5 to 0.8 mm), a hole is simply created in the sealing portion 9a, and bonding is not possible.

[0070] From the above test results, it was estimated that in order to obtain the desired bonding accuracy, it is desirable to satisfy the following conditions. (1) Providing a convex portion (protrusion) within the plate thickness range of the finger portion, (2) The width of one of the convex portions is 1 mm or more and less than 2 mm (preferably less than 1.5 mm), and the width of the other convex portion is greater than that; (3) The convex portions are in surface contact with each other. (4) Multiple (typically two) protrusions (claws 51) are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction (x direction) on the opposing surface of the first finger portion 41a, and multiple (typically two) protrusions (claws 52) are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction on the opposing surface of the second finger portion 41b.

[0071] As a modification of condition (2), the contact surface (pressure-receiving surface) that receives the load of a protrusion of less than 2 mm may be configured with a tip surface 41s (see FIG. 13(D)) that has the same width as the finger body. In other words, as long as one opposing surface of a pair of finger portions has at least one protrusion (claw portion 52) that protrudes toward the other opposing surface, and the other opposing surface of the pair of finger portions has a contact surface that receives the load of the mating protrusion, the other opposing surface of the pair of finger portions does not need to have a protrusion (claw portion 51).

[0072] 13(F), a configuration may be adopted in which tip surface 520 of claw portion 52 having a width of, for example, 1 mm is in surface contact with tip surface 41s of the body of finger portion 41F. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which the load of multiple claw portions 52 is received by one contact surface (which may be the tip surface of a convex portion).

[0073] As a modification of the condition (3), minute irregularities may be formed on the tip surfaces of the projections (claws 51, 52) by electrical discharge machining or the like to provide an anti-slip function.

[0074] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which there is a pair of finger portions 41 that open and close by driving the lifting actuator 46, but multiple pairs of finger portions 41 may be provided so that a wide area of ​​the sealing portion 9a can be crimped at once.

[0075] Furthermore, a pair of extensions extending to the left and right (one side and the other side in the x direction) may be provided at the tip (lower end) of each finger portion 41, and convex portions (claw portions 51, 52) of the same shape may also be formed on the extensions. In this case, for example, three sets of two convex portions may be provided on the horizontally long opposing surfaces of each finger portion 41. In this way, the above-mentioned condition (1) is not an essential configuration.

[0076] <Other> In this embodiment, medicine packet binding device 1 is provided with storage groove 2 that stores multiple continuous medicine packet strings 9 upright, but is not limited to storage groove 2 as long as it can support continuous medicine packet string 9. Medicine packet binding device 1 may have a support member that supports continuous medicine packet string 9 from below. Alternatively, the support member may not be required.

[0077] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, continuous medicine pack array 9 is set in an upright position with sealing portion 9a facing upward, and base end portion 421 of arm portion 42 is raised and lowered up and down, but the present invention is not limited to this example. That is, the up and down direction in the above-described embodiment may be horizontal, or continuous medicine pack array 9 may be set in a lying position, and pair of finger portions 41 may be opened and closed in the up and down direction (base end portion 421 of arm portion 42 may be moved back and forth along the y direction).

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the medicine packet joining device 1 has been described as joining a plurality of continuous medicine packet chains 9 at the sealing portions 9a, but the temporary fastening mechanism of the medicine packet joining device 1 can also be applied to temporarily fastening packaging bags other than medicine packets. Such packaging bags are not limited to continuous packets of multiple packets connected together, but may be single bags having a length in the x direction. In addition to medicines, packaging bags can contain food, industrial products (screws, etc.), agricultural supplies (plant seeds, etc.), etc.

[0079] Alternatively, the object to be temporarily fixed by the temporary fixing mechanism is not limited to a packaging bag, but may be any sheet-like member (sheet material). The sheet material is made of a material other than metal, such as a resin such as polyethylene, or a fibrous material such as paper (recycled paper pulp). The thickness of each sheet material is expected to be 0.2 mm or less.

[0080] Such a temporary fixing mechanism includes at least clamping members 40 having opposing surfaces facing each other and sandwiching a plurality of sheet materials, and an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing clamping members 40, one opposing surface of clamping members 40 having at least one protrusion protruding toward the other opposing surface, and the other opposing surface of clamping member 40 having a contact surface that receives the load of the protrusion when the opening / closing mechanism performs a closing operation. The temporary fixing location of the sheet materials (the location sandwiched by clamping members 40) is expected to be an edge portion (along the x direction) of the sheet materials, but is not particularly limited and may be the center or the like.

[0081] The clamping member is typically configured with a pair of fingers that rotate as in the above embodiment, but only one of the pair of fingers may be rotatable and the other may be fixed. In this case, the other finger may be configured with a plate material that is long in the x direction.

[0082] The opening / closing mechanism may include at least an arm portion rotatably connected to one of the fingers 41, and an elevation drive means for moving the base end portion of the arm portion.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the utility model registration claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the utility model registration claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 medicine bag combining device, 2 storage groove, 3 conveying mechanism, 4 crimping mechanism, 9 medicine bag continuous body, 9a sealing portion, 10 control portion, 31 holding member, 33 slide actuator, 34 clamp actuator, 40 clamping member, 41, 41a, 41b finger portion, 42 arm portion, 43 connecting portion, 44 shaft portion, 45 fixing bracket, 46 lifting actuator, 51, 52 claw portion (convex portion), 71, 72 infrared sensor.

Claims

1. A temporary fixing mechanism for temporarily fixing a plurality of sheet materials, a clamping member having opposing surfaces facing each other and configured to clamp the plurality of sheet materials; an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the clamping member, One of the opposing surfaces of the clamping member has at least one protruding portion protruding toward the other opposing surface, A temporary fixing mechanism, characterized in that the other opposing surface of the clamping member has a contact surface that receives the load of the convex portion during a closing operation by the opening / closing mechanism.

2. The temporary fixing mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the contact surface is constituted by a tip surface of a protrusion having a width dimension larger than that of the protrusion of the one of the opposing surfaces.

3. The temporary fixing mechanism according to claim 2 , wherein a plurality of protrusions are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction on the one opposing surface, and a plurality of protrusions are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction on the other opposing surface.

4. The temporary fixing mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the width dimension of the convex portion on the one opposing surface is equal to or greater than 1 mm and less than 2 mm.

5. The temporary fixing mechanism according to claim 1 , further comprising a pressing member that holds the plurality of sheet materials in a stacked manner in a thickness direction during an opening operation by the opening / closing mechanism.

6. The temporary fixing mechanism according to claim 5 , further comprising a transport mechanism that transports the plurality of sheets held by the pressing member in a predetermined direction.

7. The clamping member is composed of a pair of fingers, The temporary fixing mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the opening and closing mechanism includes an arm portion rotatably connected to one of the pair of fingers, and an elevation drive means for moving a base end portion of the arm portion.

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