Drug Delivery Device

Abstract

This drug supply device comprises: a drug supply unit that supplies a drug to a drug delivery position; a downstream-side conveyance unit that conveys a strip-shaped first drug wrapping paper which is pre-folded in half along the longitudinal direction thereof, such that the first drug wrapping paper receives the drug at the drug delivery position; an upstream-side conveyance unit that conveys, toward the first drug wrapping paper, a strip-shaped second drug wrapping paper which is pre-folded in half along the longitudinal direction thereof; and a connecting part connecting the downstream end of the second drug delivery paper to the first drug delivery paper.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to drug delivery devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wrapping paper connecting device that, when replacing a wrapping paper that is folded in half along the longitudinal direction and that contains medicines, connects the end of the old wrapping paper to the beginning of a new wrapping paper. An operator manually overlaps the end of the old wrapping paper with the beginning of the new wrapping paper, and places the overlapped portion in a predetermined position. The operator connects the overlapped portion, so that the end of the wrapping paper is connected to the beginning of the new wrapping paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5577526 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the wrapping paper connection device of Patent Document 1, the wrapping paper is replaced manually by an operator. In addition, when the wrapping paper is replaced, the packaging of medicines is stopped and medicines are not supplied. Therefore, if the time it takes to replace the wrapping paper is long because the operator is unfamiliar with the task of replacing wrapping paper, the time when medicines are not supplied and thus the waiting time for patients will be long.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to shorten the time required to replace a wrapper in a medicine supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The drug supplying device of the present disclosure includes a drug supplying unit which supplies drugs to a drug delivery position, a downstream transport unit which transports a first drug packaging paper which is a strip-shaped drug packaging paper that has been pre-folded in half along the longitudinal direction so that the first drug packaging paper receives drugs at the drug delivery position, an upstream transport unit which transports a second drug packaging paper which is a strip-shaped drug packaging paper that has been pre-folded in half along the longitudinal direction towards the first drug packaging paper, and a connection part which connects a downstream end of the second drug packaging paper to the first drug packaging paper, The connection portion includes a pressing portion that presses a connection member that connects the first medicine packaging paper and the second medicine packaging paper. is. The drug delivery device according to the present disclosure comprises: a medicine supply unit that supplies medicine to a medicine delivery position; a downstream conveying unit that conveys a strip-shaped first medicine packaging paper that has been folded in half along the longitudinal direction so that the first medicine packaging paper receives medicine at the medicine delivery position; an upstream conveying unit that conveys a strip-shaped second medicine packaging paper, which has been folded in half in advance along the longitudinal direction, toward the first medicine packaging paper; A connection portion that connects a downstream end portion of the second medicine packaging paper to the first medicine packaging paper, A cutting unit for cutting the first medicine packaging paper is further provided, The connecting portion connects a downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper to an upstream end of the first medicine packaging paper formed by cutting by the cutting portion, The upstream transport unit transports the second pharmaceutical packaging paper so that the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper pinches the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper and so that the ridge line of the second pharmaceutical packaging paper overlaps the ridge line of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper. The drug delivery device according to the present disclosure comprises: a medicine supply unit that supplies medicine to a medicine delivery position; a downstream conveying unit that conveys a strip-shaped first medicine packaging paper that has been folded in half along the longitudinal direction so that the first medicine packaging paper receives medicine at the medicine delivery position; an upstream conveying unit that conveys a strip-shaped second medicine packaging paper, which has been folded in half in advance along the longitudinal direction, toward the first medicine packaging paper; A connection portion that connects a downstream end portion of the second medicine packaging paper to the first medicine packaging paper, A cutting unit for cutting the first medicine packaging paper is further provided, The connecting portion connects a downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper to an upstream end of the first medicine packaging paper formed by cutting by the cutting portion, The upstream transport unit includes a moving member that moves the second medicine packaging paper so that a downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper faces the upstream end of the first medicine packaging paper. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the medicine supply device of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the time required to replace the wrapping paper. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drug delivery device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] A longitudinal sectional view of the drug supply device [Diagram 3] Schematic diagram showing a part of the conveying section [Figure 4] Enlarged view of part of Figure 3 [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the side of the first medicine packaging paper of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram showing a state in which the first medicine packaging paper is cut [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the side of the first medicine packaging paper of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the moving member has moved; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the side of the first medicine packaging paper and the second medicine packaging paper of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] Vertical cross-sectional view of the guide member and its surroundings [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second medicine packaging paper is conveyed. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the first medicine packaging paper and the second medicine packaging paper are connected to each other; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second medicine packaging paper is being conveyed; [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of a pair of rollers; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the drug supply device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 1, the side where the operation unit 11 is arranged is the front of the drug supply device 1, and the opposite side is the rear of the drug supply device 1. In addition, the left and right sides when the drug supply device 1 is viewed from the front are the left and right sides of the drug supply device 1. In addition, the side away from the surface on which the drug supply device 1 is installed is the upper side of the drug supply device 1, and the opposite side is the lower side of the drug supply device 1.

[0010] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a medicine supplying device 1. The medicine supplying device 1 has a first floor section 10 and a second floor section 20.

[0011] The first floor section 10 includes an operation section 11 and a removal section 12. The first floor section 10 also includes an input section (not shown).

[0012] The operation unit 11 is a device operated by an operator, and includes, for example, a display, operation buttons, etc. Various information is input to the medicine supply device 1 by the operator operating the operation unit 11.

[0013] Medicines packaged in medicine supply device 1 are taken out from take-out section 12. Take-out section 12 has an opening, and an operator takes out the medicines from the opening.

[0014] The input unit is an input device to which various information is input from an external device. For example, the input unit is connected to a personal computer, and information on a prescription issued by a medical institution is input from the personal computer.

[0015] 2, the medicine supplying device 1 includes a medicine supplying unit 13, a packaging unit 14, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the medicine supplying device 1. The medicine supplying unit 13 supplies medicines to a medicine delivery position Pr. The medicine supplying unit 13 includes a plurality of shelves 13a and a hopper 13b.

[0016] The shelves 13a are arranged on the second floor to store the cassettes C in a shared manner. The medicine supply device 1 includes 20 shelves 13a. The shelves 13a are arranged in five vertical stages and four horizontal rows. The number and arrangement of the shelves 13a included in the second floor 20 are not limited to those in this embodiment, and the number of vertical stages and / or horizontal rows may be more or less than those described above.

[0017] Each of the shelves 13a stores a plurality of cassettes C on both the left and right sides of the shelf 13a in the front-rear direction. A plurality of medicines are stored in each cassette C. Each of the cassettes C is configured to discharge medicines one tablet at a time.

[0018] The medicines discharged from the cassette C fall through a passage W and are discharged to the first floor 10. The passage W is provided so as to vertically penetrate each of the shelves 13a.

[0019] The hopper 13b receives the medicines delivered to the first floor 10, and delivers the received medicines from an outlet 13c to a medicine delivery position Pr to the packaging unit 14. The outlet 13c is provided in approximately the center of the hopper 13b.

[0020] The packaging unit 14 packages the medicines discharged from the hopper 13b. The packaging unit 14 includes a conveying section 30, a printer 15, and a sealing device 16.

[0021] The conveying unit 30 conveys a strip-shaped wrapping paper for packaging medicines in. The conveying unit 30 will be described in detail later.

[0022] The printer 15 is a printing machine that prints, for example, the patient's name, the name of the drug to be supplied on the packaging paper, the date and time of taking the drug, and the like, on the surface of the packaging paper conveyed by the conveying unit 30.

[0023] The sealing device 16 is a device that seals the packaging paper in which the medicine is packed.

[0024] The wrapping paper in which the medicine is enclosed is, for example, cut at a predetermined timing, and then the direction is changed by the conveying section 30 and conveyed toward the take-out section 12.

[0025] Next, the conveying section 30 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the conveying section 30 includes a wrapping paper holding section 31, an upstream conveying unit 32, a downstream conveying unit 33, a holding member 34, a cutting section 35, a base section 36, a guide member 37, and a connecting section 38. The dashed arrow in the figure indicates the conveying direction D1 of the first medicine packaging paper PP1.

[0026] The wrapping paper holding section 31 includes a first wrapping paper holding section 31a and a second wrapping paper holding section 31b. The first wrapping paper holding section 31a rotatably holds a roll M1, which is a package of a strip-shaped first pharmaceutical wrapping paper PP1 that has been folded in half along the longitudinal direction. The second wrapping paper holding section 31b rotatably holds a roll M2, which is a package of a strip-shaped second pharmaceutical wrapping paper PP2 that has been folded in half along the longitudinal direction. The package of the first and second pharmaceutical wrapping papers PP1 and PP2 may be one in which the first and second pharmaceutical wrapping papers PP1 and PP2 are folded over each other.

[0027] The first packaging paper holding section 31a and the second packaging paper holding section 31b can switch roles. That is, the first packaging paper holding section 31a can hold the roll M2, and the second packaging paper holding section 31b can hold the roll M1. In this case, a pair of rollers 32b described later clamps and transports the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2, and the other pair of rollers 32d guides the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 without clamping it.

[0028] The upstream transport unit 32 includes an upstream guide member 32a, a pair of rollers 32b, another upstream guide member 32c, another pair of rollers 32d, and a moving member 32e.

[0029] The upstream guide member 32a guides the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 fed from the first packing paper holding section 31a along the conveying direction D1. The upstream guide member 32a is a plate-shaped member that is sandwiched between the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, which are an enlarged view of the upstream conveying unit 32 and the holding member 34 and their side views, the upstream guide member 32a is arranged so that the side surface that overlaps with the ridge line R1 of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is aligned along the conveying direction D1.

[0030] The pair of rollers 32b guide the first medicine packaging paper PP1 without pinching it. The pair of rollers 32b are disposed upstream of the first medicine packaging paper PP1 from the upstream guide member 32a. Each of the pair of rollers 32b is cylindrical. The pair of rollers 32b includes a drive roller 32b1 and a driven roller 32b2.

[0031] The drive roller 32b1 is configured to be rotated by a drive device (not shown) such as a motor, etc. The drive roller 32b1 is disposed so that the rotation axis is parallel to the plate surface of the upstream guide member 32a and perpendicular to the conveying direction D1 of the first medicine packaging paper PP1.

[0032] In addition, the driving roller 32b1 is configured to be able to approach the driven roller 32b2 and be positioned at a conveying position Pm1, or to move away from the driven roller 32b2 and be positioned at a non-conveying position Pm2. When the driving roller 32b1 is positioned at the conveying position Pm1, the pair of rollers 32b can convey the first medicine packaging paper PP1 or the second medicine packaging paper PP2 located therebetween downstream while clamping the first medicine packaging paper PP1 or the second medicine packaging paper PP2 therebetween.

[0033] The driven roller 32b2 is arranged with its rotation axis tilted. In other words, the driven roller 32b2 is arranged so that the end of the first medicine packing PP1 on the open side is located downstream of the first medicine packing PP1 from the end of the first medicine packing PP1 on the ridge line R1 side. The driven roller 32b2 also has the function of contacting the side of the first medicine packing PP1 to change the conveying direction D1 (see FIG. 3).

[0034] The other upstream guide member 32c is a plate-shaped member that is sandwiched by the second medicine packing paper PP2 fed from the second packing paper holding portion 31b. When the first medicine packing paper PP1 is being transported, the downstream end of the second medicine packing paper PP2 is disposed in the other upstream guide member 32c.

[0035] The other upstream guide member 32c is arranged so that its plate surface is parallel to the plate surface of the upstream guide member 32a and the side surface of the second medicine packing paper PP2 overlapping the ridge line R2 is located on the same plane as the side surface of the upstream guide member 32a overlapping the ridge line R1. The plate thickness of the other upstream guide member 32c is approximately the same as the plate thickness of the upstream guide member 32a. As described below, when the first medicine packing paper PP1 is replaced with the second medicine packing paper PP2, the other upstream guide member 32c guides the second medicine packing paper PP2.

[0036] The other pair of rollers 32d is disposed upstream of the second medicine packing paper PP2 relative to the other upstream guide member 32c. The other pair of rollers 32d are stationary with the downstream end of the second medicine packing paper PP2 between them. As described below, when the first medicine packing paper PP1 is replaced with the second medicine packing paper PP2, the other pair of rollers 32d clamps and transports the second medicine packing paper PP2.

[0037] The other pair of rollers 32d is cylindrical and includes a drive roller 32d1 and a driven roller 32d2.

[0038] The drive roller 32d1 is configured to be rotated by a drive device (not shown) such as a motor, etc. The drive roller 32d1 is disposed so that the rotation axis is parallel to the plate surface of the other upstream guide member 32c and perpendicular to the conveying direction D1 of the first medicine packaging paper PP1.

[0039] The drive roller 32d1 is configured to be able to approach the driven roller 32d2 and be positioned at a transport position Pm1, or to move away from the driven roller 32d2 and be positioned at a non-transport position Pm2. When the drive roller 32d1 is positioned at the transport position Pm1, the other pair of rollers 32d can transport the first medicine package PP1 or the second medicine package PP2 between them downstream while clamping them.

[0040] The driven roller 32d2 is arranged with its rotation axis tilted. In other words, the driven roller 32d2 is arranged so that the end of the second medicine packing PP2 on the open side is located downstream of the end of the second medicine packing PP2 on the ridge line R2 side. The driven roller 32d2 comes into contact with the side of the second medicine packing PP2 and has the function of changing the conveying direction of the second medicine packing PP2.

[0041] The movable member 32e is configured to move the upstream guide member 32a, the pair of rollers 32b, the other upstream guide member 32c, and the other pair of rollers 32d when the first medicine packing paper PP1 is replaced with the second medicine packing paper PP2, as described below. The upstream guide member 32a, the pair of rollers 32b, the other upstream guide member 32c, and the other pair of rollers 32d are arranged on the movable member 32e. The movable member 32e slides between a first guide position Pd1 shown in FIG. 4 and a second guide position Pd2 shown in FIG. 8, which will be referred to later.

[0042] The first guide position Pd1 is a position of the movable member 32e where the pair of rollers 32b guide the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 without pinching it, and the upstream guide member 32a guides the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 when the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is being transported. The second guide position Pd2 is a position of the movable member 32e where the other pair of rollers 32d pinches and transports the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2, and the other upstream guide member 32c guides the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 when the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2, as described below. The position of the other upstream guide member 32c when the movable member 32e is located at the second guide position Pd2 is the same as the position of the upstream guide member 32a when the movable member 32e is located at the first guide position Pd1 (see FIGS. 4 and 8).

[0043] Returning to Fig. 3, the description will continue. The downstream transport unit 33 transports the first medicine packaging sheet PP1 guided by the upstream transport unit 32 to the printer 15 and the sealing device 16. The downstream transport unit 33 transports the first medicine packaging sheet PP1 so that it receives medicine at the medicine delivery position Pr.

[0044] The downstream transport unit 33 includes a pair of downstream rollers 33a that clamp and transport the first medicine packaging paper PP1, a plurality of rollers 33b that change the transport direction D1 of the first medicine packaging paper PP1, and a downstream guide member 33c.

[0045] The downstream guide member 33c is a plate sandwiched between the first medicine packing paper PP1 and guides the first medicine packing paper PP1 to the medicine delivery position Pr. The downstream guide member 33c is arranged so that the plate surface is perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The first medicine packing paper PP1 sandwiches the downstream guide member 33c with the open side facing upward. The first medicine packing paper PP1 opens upward by being guided by the downstream guide member 33c, and receives the medicine dispensed from the hopper 13b at the medicine delivery position Pr.

[0046] The holding member 34 is disposed between the upstream conveying unit 32 and the downstream conveying unit 33. When the conveying section 30 is conveying the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, the holding member 34 does not hold the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. When the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 as described below, the holding member 34 holds the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 by sandwiching it. The holding member 34 is composed of a pair of plate members 34a and 34b. The pair of plate members 34a and 34b are disposed so that their plate surfaces are parallel to the plate surface of the upstream guide member 32a. As shown in FIG. 4, the first plate member 34a is configured to be located at a clamping position Ps1 where the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is clamped together with the second plate member 34b, and to be located at a non-clamping position Ps2 where the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is not clamped.

[0047] The cutting unit 35 cuts the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 when the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 as described below. The cutting unit 35 has a blade for cutting the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. The cutting unit 35 cuts the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 on a plane S perpendicular to the conveying direction D1 between the holding member 34 and the upstream conveying unit 32.

[0048] The base portion 36 is disposed on the opposite side of the first medicine packaging paper PP1 from the cutting portion 35, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having an opposing surface facing a side surface of the first medicine packaging paper PP1.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, the cutting section 35 is configured to be able to move toward the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 and be positioned at a cutting position Pc1 where the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is cut, or at a non-cutting position Pc2 away from the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. The base section 36 is configured to be able to move toward the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 and be positioned at a contact position Pb1 where the opposing surfaces come into contact, or at a non-contact position Pb2 where the opposing surfaces move away from the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. The opposing surface of the base section 36 comes into contact with the blade of the cutting section 35 when the cutting section 35 cuts the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. Fig. 7 shows a side view of the periphery of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 when the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is being cut.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the guide member 37 is disposed between the holding member 34 and the upstream transport unit 32, and guides the second medicine packing paper PP2 when the first medicine packing paper PP1 is replaced with the second medicine packing paper PP2 as described below. Specifically, the guide member 37 is disposed between the plane S and the upstream guide member 32a. The guide member 37 is a plate-shaped member. The thickness of the guide member 37 is approximately the same as the thickness of the upstream guide member 32a and the thickness of the other upstream guide member 32c.

[0051] When the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is being transported by the upstream transport unit 32 and the downstream transport unit 33, the guide member 37 is located at a non-guiding position Pg2 where it does not contact the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, as shown in Fig. 5. Also, when the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2, the guide member 37 is located at a guiding position Pg1 where it can guide the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, which show a state where the movable member 32e has moved. In other words, the guide member 37 is configured to be able to move between the guiding position Pg1 and the non-guiding position Pg2. The guide member 37 has an inclined portion 37a and a recessed portion 37b.

[0052] The inclined portion 37a is a side portion of the guiding member 37 that overlaps with the ridgeline R2 of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 when the guiding member 37 guides the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2, and extends in a direction approximately parallel to the ridgeline R2 of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 being guided by the guiding member 37. Specifically, the inclined portion 37a has a shape that approaches the ridgeline R2 from the open side of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2. The inclined portion 37a is planar. The inclined portion 37a may have a triangular or arcuate cross section.

[0053] The recess 37b is a portion recessed from the downstream side of the guide member 37 in the conveying direction D1 approximately along the conveying direction D1.

[0054] The connecting portion 38 is arranged on the same side as the cutting portion 35 when viewed from the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, and is cuboid-shaped with an opposing surface facing the side surface of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. The connecting portion 38 connects the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 to the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 when the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2, as described below. The connecting portion 38 is provided with a pressing portion 38a that presses the connecting member T that connects the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 and the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2. The pressing portion 38a is an opposing surface that faces the side surface of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1.

[0055] The connection member T is, for example, an adhesive tape. When the second medicine packing PP2 is arranged on the other upstream guide member 32c, the connection member T is attached to the downstream end of the second medicine packing PP2 so that the connection member T protrudes from the downstream end. The connection member T is attached to both outer surfaces of the second medicine packing PP2 that is folded in half. The connection member T may be an adhesive that is applied to the inside of the downstream end of the second medicine packing PP2.

[0056] The connection portion 38 is configured so that it can be positioned at a first pressing position Po1 (see FIG. 12), a second pressing position Po2 (see FIG. 6), or a non-pressing position Po3 (see FIG. 4).

[0057] The first pressing position Po1 (see Figure 12) of the connection portion 38 is a position where, when the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 and the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 are connected as described below, the pressing portion 38a, together with the base portion 36 positioned at the contact position Pb1, clamps and presses the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 and the connection member T.

[0058] The second pressing position Po2 (see Figure 6) of the connecting portion 38 is a position where the pressing portion 38a clamps the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 together with the base portion 36 located at the contact position Pb1, upstream of the plane S when the cutting portion 35 cuts the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1, as described below.

[0059] The non-pressing position Po3 of the connecting part 38 is a position where the connecting part 38 is separated from the first medicine package PP1 and does not press the first medicine package PP1.

[0060] Next, the operation of the medicine supplying device 1 when the first medicine packaging paper PP1 is replaced with the second medicine packaging paper PP2 will be described.

[0061] 3 to 5, when the conveying section 30 is conveying the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, the drive roller 32b1 is located at the non-conveying position Pm2, the first plate member 34a of the holding member 34 is located at the non-clamping position Ps2, and the cutting section 35 is located at the non-cutting position Pc2. The base portion 36 is located at the non-contact position Pb2, the connection portion 38 is located at the non-pressing position Po3, and the guide member 37 is located at the non-guiding position Pg2. The upstream guide member 32a guides the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 while being sandwiched by the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1.

[0062] When the control unit detects that the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is running low, it stops the operation of the pharmaceutical supply unit 13 and also stops the operation of the pair of downstream rollers 33a. The control unit detects that the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is running low based on a detection signal from, for example, a sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor) that detects the outer diameter of the roll M1 or a sensor that detects the tension of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. The sensor that detects the tension of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is, for example, a load sensor that detects the force acting on the roller 33b of the downstream transport unit 33. The tension of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 increases as the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 runs low.

[0063] In addition, the roller 33b may be configured to move when the tension of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 increases, and the control unit may be configured to detect that the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is running low based on a detection signal from a position sensor that detects the position of the roller 33b.

[0064] 6, the control unit moves the first plate member 34a to the clamping position Ps1. As a result, the holding member 34 clamps and holds the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1. Furthermore, the control unit moves the base portion 36 to the contact position Pb1 and moves the connection portion 38 to the second pressing position Po2. As a result, the base portion 36 and the connection portion 38 clamp and hold the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 between the holding member 34 and the upstream transport unit 32.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit cuts the first pharmaceutical packing sheet PP1 by moving the cutting unit 35 at the cutting position Pc1 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction D1. The solid line L along the plane S shown in FIG. 7 represents the ends of the first pharmaceutical packing sheet PP1 formed by cutting the first pharmaceutical packing sheet PP1 (the upstream end on the side held by the holding member 34, and the downstream end on the side held by the base 36 and the connection portion 38). The first pharmaceutical packing sheet PP1 is held on the upstream side of the plane S by the base 36 and the connection portion 38, and is held on the downstream side of the plane S by the holding member 34. Therefore, the cutting unit 35 can reliably cut the first pharmaceutical packing sheet PP1 in a straight line without shifting the position of the first pharmaceutical packing sheet PP1.

[0066] When the cutting portion 35 has completed cutting, the control portion positions the cutting portion 35 at the non-cutting position Pc2, moves the connection portion 38 to the non-pressing position Po3, and moves the base portion 36 to the non-contact position Pb2.

[0067] Next, the control unit moves the drive roller 32d1 of the other pair of rollers 32d so that the other pair of rollers 32d sandwich the downstream end of the second medicine packing paper PP2. In this state, the control unit moves the moving member 32e from the first guide position Pd1 to the second guide position Pd2, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Then, the other upstream guide member 32c is located at the position where the upstream guide member 32a was located before the moving member 32e moved. In addition, the downstream end of the second medicine packing paper PP2 faces the upstream end of the first medicine packing paper PP1.

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit moves the guide member 37 to the guide position Pg1. This causes the guide member 37 to face the upstream guide member 32a. Next, the control unit rotates the drive roller 32d1 to transport the second medicine packing sheet PP2.

[0069] 9, the driven roller 32d2 is disposed at an angle. Specifically, the driven roller 32d2 is disposed so that the open end of the second medicine packing sheet PP2 is located downstream of the end of the second medicine packing sheet PP2 on the ridge line R2 side. Therefore, the other pair of rollers 32d transports the second medicine packing sheet PP2 in a direction inclined with respect to the transport direction D1 of the first medicine packing sheet PP1.

[0070] The other pair of rollers 32d specifically transports the second pharmaceutical packing sheet PP2 so that the open side of the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing sheet PP2 approaches the ridge line R1 of the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing sheet PP1. When the second pharmaceutical packing sheet PP2 is transported to the guiding member 37, the second pharmaceutical packing sheet PP2 is guided by the guiding member 37. In terms of the state shown in Fig. 9, the guiding member 37 guides the second pharmaceutical packing sheet PP2 so that as the second pharmaceutical packing sheet PP2 moves toward the left, the left end of the second pharmaceutical packing sheet PP2 moves toward the upper side.

[0071] That is, the second pharmaceutical packing PP2 is guided by the inclined portion 37a of the guide member 37 so that the closer the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing PP2 is to the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing PP1, the closer the open side of the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing PP2 is to the ridgeline R1 side of the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing PP1. That is, the direction in which the inclined portion 35a guides the second pharmaceutical packing PP2 is approximately the same as the direction in which the other pair of rollers 32d transports the second pharmaceutical packing PP2. Therefore, the second pharmaceutical packing PP2 is transported and guided smoothly without getting caught on the inclined portion 35a. In addition, the guide member 37 has the recess 37b, which prevents the connection member T from contacting the guide member 37.

[0072] Since the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 is transported and guided as described above, when it is transported to the downstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, the ridge line R2 of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 is located above the ridge line R1 of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. As shown in FIG. 10, which is a vertical cross-sectional view of the periphery of the guide member 37, the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 is wider than the plate thickness of the guide member 37. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 sandwiches the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, and the ridge line R2 of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 overlaps the ridge line R1 of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. In this way, the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 is transported and guided smoothly so that the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 and the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 do not collide with each other.

[0073] At this time, the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is clamped by the holding member 34. Therefore, even if the moving second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 or the connecting member T comes into contact with the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 can remain positioned at a predetermined position without shifting downstream.

[0074] In this way, the upstream transport unit 32 transports the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 so that the open side of the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 approaches the ridgeline R1 of the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. The upstream transport unit 32 also transports the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 toward the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 so that the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 sandwiches the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 and the ridgeline R2 of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 overlaps the ridgeline R1 of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. Thus, when replacing the packing paper, the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 can be smoothly transported while preventing folds from occurring in the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 and the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2, and the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 can be overlapped on the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1.

[0075] The control unit stops the operation of the pair of rollers 32b in response to the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 overlapping the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1. The control unit detects that the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 overlaps the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 based on a detection signal from a position sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor) that detects the position of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2.

[0076] Next, the control unit positions the guiding member 37 at the non-guiding position Pg2. Furthermore, the control unit positions the base portion 36 at the contact position Pb1 and the connection portion 38 at the first pressing position Po1, as shown in Fig. 12. As a result, the connection member T is sandwiched and pressed between the base portion 36 and the connection portion 38, thereby connecting the first medicine packing paper PP1 and the second medicine packing paper PP2.

[0077] Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit positions the connection portion 38 at the non-pressing position Po3, the base portion 36 at the non-contact position Pb2, the first plate member 34a at the non-clamping position Ps2, and the drive roller 32d1 at the non-conveying position Pm2.

[0078] Furthermore, when the control unit operates the pair of downstream rollers 33a to transport the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 connected to the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is also transported. When the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is consumed, the packing paper transported by the transport unit 30 is switched to the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2. In addition, since the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 sandwiches the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, the upstream end of the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 is not caught by the downstream guide member 33c. Therefore, the switch to the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 is performed smoothly.

[0079] In this way, the medicine supply device 1 automatically replaces the first medicine packaging paper PP1 with the second medicine packaging paper PP2. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the packaging paper replacement work and thereby shorten the time required. Also, the roll M2 is held in the second packaging paper holding section 31b, and the downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper PP2 is disposed in the other upstream guide member 32c. Therefore, the control section can transport the second medicine packaging paper PP2 and connect it to the first medicine packaging paper PP1 in response to the first medicine packaging paper PP1 becoming low, without waiting for the supply of the roll M2 of the second medicine packaging paper PP2.

[0080] Even when switching to the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 has been performed, the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 is still disposed in the upstream transport unit 32 and is also held by the first packaging paper holding section 31a as shown in Fig. 12. The worker replaces the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 in the upstream transport unit 32 and the first packaging paper holding section 31a with a new roll M1 of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 before the second pharmaceutical packaging paper PP2 runs low.

[0081] The medicine supplying device 1 may notify the completion of replacement of the wrapping paper by, for example, displaying a message on a display or sounding a buzzer. In response to this notification, the operator replaces the wrapping paper with a new roll M1.

[0082] Specifically, the worker removes the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 from the first packaging paper holding portion 31a, attaches a new roll M1, and places the downstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 unwound from the new roll M1 in the upstream guide member 32a as shown in Fig. 13. Next, the worker attaches the connection member T to the downstream end of the first pharmaceutical packaging paper PP1 so that it protrudes from the downstream end.

[0083] When the control unit detects that the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 is running low, for example based on a detection signal from the position sensor, the control unit automatically replaces the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 with new first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 in the same manner as when the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is automatically replaced with the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 as described above. When the control unit replaces the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2 with new first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, the conveying unit 30 conveys the new first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 in the state shown in FIG.

[0084] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure, they are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] For example, the first medicine packaging paper PP1 and the second medicine packaging paper PP2 may be connected by a heat sealing process. In this case, the connection part 38 includes a heater. Also, the connection member T does not need to be attached to the second medicine packaging paper PP2.

[0086] The first and second medicine packaging papers PP1 and PP2 may be connected without overlapping each other, and the downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper PP2 may be connected to a portion of the first medicine packaging paper PP1 other than the upstream end of the first medicine packaging paper PP1.

[0087] In addition, in the pair of rollers 32b and 32d, not only the driven rollers 32b2 and 32d2 but also the driving rollers 32b1 and 32d1 may be arranged to be inclined in the same manner as the driven rollers 32b2 and 32d2. Moreover, instead of the driven rollers 32b2 and 32d2, the driving rollers 32b1 and 32d1 may be arranged to be inclined.

[0088] When the first medicine packaging paper PP1 is replaced with the second medicine packaging paper PP2, the second medicine packaging paper PP2 may be transported along the transport direction D1. In this case, the driven rollers 32b2 and 32d2 may be arranged so that the rotation axis is perpendicular to the transport direction D1 without being inclined.

[0089] 14, the peripheral side of the driven roller 132d2 may be a tapered surface TS in which the peripheral length of the open side of the second pharmaceutical package PP2 is longer than the peripheral length of the ridgeline R2 side of the second pharmaceutical package PP2. The driven roller 132d2 is disposed so that the rotation axis is perpendicular to the conveying direction D1 of the first pharmaceutical package PP1 and the tapered surface TS is in line contact with the side of the second pharmaceutical package PP2. Due to this tapered surface TS, the second pharmaceutical package PP2 is conveyed so that the open side of the downstream end of the second pharmaceutical package PP2 approaches the ridgeline R1 side of the upstream end of the first pharmaceutical package PP1. The peripheral sides of the driven roller 32b2 and the driving rollers 32b1 and 32d1 may be tapered surfaces TS.

[0090] The conveying unit 30 may not include the second wrapping paper holding unit 31b, the other upstream guide member 32c, the other pair of rollers 32d, and the moving member 32e. In this case, when the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1 is replaced with the second pharmaceutical packing paper PP2, the control unit, after cutting the first pharmaceutical packing paper PP1, positions the cutting unit 35 at the non-cutting position Pc2, moves the connecting unit 38 to the non-pressing position Po3, and moves the base unit 36 ​​to the non-contact position Pb2, and then stops the operation of the conveying unit 30. At this time, the control unit may notify the operator to replace the roll, for example by displaying such a message on the display.

[0091] Next, the worker removes the first medicine packing paper PP1 from the first packing paper holding part 31a and attaches the roll M2 of the second medicine packing paper PP2. Furthermore, the worker places the downstream end of the second medicine packing paper PP2 on the upstream guide member 32a and attaches the connection member T to the downstream end of the second medicine packing paper PP2.

[0092] Next, the operator operates the operation unit 11 to input information that the attachment of the roll is completed. The control unit then moves the guide member 37 to the guide position Pg1 and positions the drive roller 32b1 at the conveying position Pm1. The control unit then rotates the drive roller 32b1 to convey the second pharmaceutical packing sheet PP2. As a result, the second pharmaceutical packing sheet PP2 is conveyed and guided as described above, and is connected to the first pharmaceutical packing sheet PP1 by the connection unit 38. Then, the downstream conveying unit 33 conveys the first pharmaceutical packing sheet PP1 as described above, whereby the first pharmaceutical packing sheet PP1 is switched to the second pharmaceutical packing sheet PP2.

[0093] Furthermore, the medicine supply device 1 does not need to include the cutting unit 35. In this case, an operator manually cuts the first medicine packaging paper PP1, and while the operator is performing the cutting operation, the control unit stops the operation of the transport unit 30, which replaces the packaging paper.

[0094] Furthermore, the medicine supply device 1 does not need to include the connection unit 38. In this case, an operator manually connects the first medicine packaging paper PP1 and the second medicine packaging paper PP2, and control of the transport unit 30 that replaces the packaging paper is stopped while the operator is connecting the first medicine packaging paper PP1 and the second medicine packaging paper PP2.

[0095] The disclosures of the specification, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese application No. 2021-159486, filed on September 29, 2021, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Industrial Applicability]

[0096] The present disclosure is broadly applicable to drug delivery devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Drug supply device 13 Drug Supply Unit 30 Conveyor 31 Wrapping paper holding part 32 Upstream transport unit 32e Moving parts 33 Downstream conveying unit 35 Cut section 37 Guide member 38 Connection 38a Pressing part M1 Winding body M2 winding body PP1 No. 1 drug packaging paper PP2 2nd drug packaging paper Pr Drug delivery position R1 Ridge of the first drug wrapper R2 Ridge of second drug wrapper T Connection material TS Tapered surface

Claims

1. a medicine supply unit that supplies medicine to a medicine delivery position; a downstream conveying unit that conveys a strip-shaped first medicine packaging paper, which has been folded in half in advance along a longitudinal direction, so that the first medicine packaging paper receives medicines at the medicine delivery position; an upstream conveying unit that conveys a strip-shaped second medicine packaging paper, which has been folded in half in advance along the longitudinal direction, toward the first medicine packaging paper; A connection portion that connects a downstream end portion of the second medicine packaging paper to the first medicine packaging paper, The connection portion includes a pressing portion that presses a connection member that connects the first medicine packaging paper and the second medicine packaging paper. Drug delivery device.

2. A medicine supply unit that supplies medicine to a medicine delivery position; a downstream conveying unit that conveys a strip-shaped first medicine packaging paper, which has been folded in half in advance along a longitudinal direction, so that the first medicine packaging paper receives medicines at the medicine delivery position; an upstream conveying unit that conveys a strip-shaped second medicine packaging paper, which has been folded in half in advance along the longitudinal direction, toward the first medicine packaging paper; A connection portion that connects a downstream end portion of the second medicine packaging paper to the first medicine packaging paper, A cutting unit for cutting the first medicine packaging paper is further provided. The connecting portion connects a downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper to an upstream end of the first medicine packaging paper formed by cutting by the cutting portion, The upstream transport unit transports the second medicine packaging paper such that a downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper sandwiches an upstream end of the first medicine packaging paper and a ridge line of the second medicine packaging paper overlaps a ridge line of the first medicine packaging paper. Drug delivery device.

3. A medicine supply unit that supplies medicine to a medicine delivery position; a downstream conveying unit that conveys a strip-shaped first medicine packaging paper, which has been folded in half in advance along a longitudinal direction, so that the first medicine packaging paper receives medicines at the medicine delivery position; an upstream conveying unit that conveys a strip-shaped second medicine packaging paper, which has been folded in half in advance along the longitudinal direction, toward the first medicine packaging paper; A connection portion that connects a downstream end portion of the second medicine packaging paper to the first medicine packaging paper, A cutting unit for cutting the first medicine packaging paper is further provided. The connecting portion connects a downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper to an upstream end of the first medicine packaging paper formed by cutting by the cutting portion, The upstream transport unit includes a moving member that moves the second medicine packaging paper so that a downstream end portion of the second medicine packaging paper faces the upstream end portion of the first medicine packaging paper. Drug delivery device.

4. Further comprising a wrapper holder for holding the package of the second drug wrapper; The drug supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The wrapper holding portion further holds a package of the first medicine wrapper.

5. The drug delivery device of claim 4.

6. The connection portion includes a pressing portion that presses a connection member that connects the first medicine packaging paper and the second medicine packaging paper.

4. The drug delivery device according to claim 2 or 3.

7. A cutting unit for cutting the first medicine packaging paper is further provided. The connecting portion connects a downstream end of the second medicine packaging paper to an upstream end of the first medicine packaging paper formed by cutting by the cutting portion.

2. The drug delivery device of claim 1.

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