JPH072404A - Article delivery device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To selectively activate a plurality of printers and feed printed articles to one unit at a delivery part. CONSTITUTION:A plurality of printers 3 are provided at a specific interval, and belt conveyers 15 for feeding out printed articles from the delivery side of each printer 3 are driven individually. The belt conveyers 15 for carrying the printed articles from the printers 3 are connected to one another in series for each line of the printer 3, and are connected to a gathered carrier path 20 to the delivery position to the outside of the device. A drive control part is provided so that the printed articles from each printer 3 are fed by an instruction in the input side by selectively activating only a relevant printer 3 and a belt conveyer 15 from the printer 3 to the gathered carrier path 20.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an article which is printed and delivered from a printing apparatus provided with a plurality of printers which print on a leaf-shaped article such as a paper or an envelope-like bag which is relatively strong to be handled. The present invention relates to an article delivery device capable of efficiently delivering an article by controlling the operation of an individual printer and a carry-out section that delivers a printed article from the printer according to a printing instruction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in a pharmacy such as a hospital, in order to administer a large number of patients, it is necessary to use a computer to store the medication information described in the prescription using a computer. Work efficiency is being improved by making a printer output and printing by the printer. A large amount of medicine bags are printed by the printer in a short time, and a prescription for dispensing is also printed so that the dispensing operation can be efficiently performed.

[0003]

However, the above-described work for describing the usage of the medicine bag has markedly improved the work efficiency by the printing operation by the printer as compared with the conventional manual work, but the dispensing medicine is still stored in the medicine bag. According to the regulations, the inspections and subsequent inspections must be done manually (such as by a pharmacist). Therefore, in the pharmacy, it is inevitable that there will be a time lag in the work between the printing operation on the medicine bag by the printer and the subsequent inspection / storage operation of the medication in the medicine bag. Especially when the amount of the preparation is large, the effect is remarkable.

Therefore, since a pharmacy that administers medication to a large number of patients handles a large amount of medication, the printed medicine bags sent out from the printer due to the above-mentioned time lag in work are properly arranged and sequentially. In the case of a patient who receives a large number of drugs without storing the drugs, there is a possibility that the drugs may be erroneously stored in another medicine bag. If there is a mistake in the medicine bag, it will cause a great deal of confusion as a result of the mistake at the inspection point to find out in which medicine bag the different medicine is contained. When such a situation occurs, it becomes impossible to administer the drug in a short time, and the rationalization of the work cannot be promoted. Such a misunderstanding between the article handled in the previous step and the handling in the next step can occur not only in the above-described dosing operation but also in other fields.

The present invention uses a plurality of printers so that the occurrence of such problems can be prevented, and the articles in the next process can be sequentially received according to the required amount without any error. It is an object of the present invention to provide an article delivery device capable of delivering printed articles collectively in a delivery section for each handling amount per unit handled in the next step.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, which is configured to achieve the above-mentioned object, has a plurality of printers arranged as a printing device at predetermined intervals and printed articles from the sending side of each printer. A transport mechanism for unloading each of the printers is provided so as to be independently driven, and the transport mechanism for the printed articles from each of the printers is connected in series for each array of the printers and is assembled to a delivery position outside the apparatus. Drive control that is connected to the transport path and selectively controls the printed articles from each of the printers by a command on the input side so that only the required printer and the transport mechanism from the printer to the collective transport path are operated. It is characterized by including a part.

According to the present invention, the printer of the printing device and the mechanism for carrying out the printed article are unitized into a box-shaped frame to form a printing unit, and the required number of the printing units are connected together. Preferably. Further, each printer and each transport mechanism for carrying out a printed article to the outside in relation to the printer are driven by a drive control unit so that the printer not involved in printing and the transport mechanism not required to transport the printed article are stopped. It is preferably controlled. Further, it is preferable that the collective conveyance path for conveying the article conveyed by each conveyance mechanism is a roller conveyance mechanism including a plurality of roller pairs arranged so as to sandwich the article.

[0008]

According to the present invention having such a configuration, a plurality of printers are set to print on a predetermined article, respectively, and data corresponding to each printer is given to the drive control section from, for example, a host computer. Then, the selected printer outputs the data given to the corresponding paper (article) and is printed, and the required printer and those printers are arranged so that the printed article becomes one unit required in the next process. Only the transport mechanism from the printer to the collective transport path is driven to transport to the exit of the collective transport path, and the batch is sent to the take-out section of the next process.

Further, by using the printer and the transport mechanism for carrying out the printed article from each printer as a printing unit, it becomes easy to add more printers as needed, and the economical efficiency can be improved. Then, by stopping the printer and the transport mechanism that are not involved in printing and carrying out, mechanical consumption of each part can be reduced and power cost can be reduced. Furthermore, by using a roller transport mechanism for the collective transport path, a transport path with many bends can be easily constructed.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a specific example of an embodiment of the article feeding apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a drug bag printing device 2 including an article delivery device 1 of the present invention. In this figure, a medicine bag printing device 2 is provided with a plurality of printers 3 (six in this specific example) that can print on a so-called flexible article such as an envelope, and are stacked in two layers. Each of these printers 3 has a printer body 31.
, The medicine bag feeder 32, and the transport mechanism (belt conveyor 15) for feeding the printed medicine bag as one unit,
A printing unit (10) is formed by arranging two units in a box-shaped frame (11) that fits in two tiers, and a plurality of such printing units (10) are connected and arranged. And
When a plurality of printing units 10 are arranged side by side in series, the box-shaped frames 11 are connected to each other so as not to be individually moved. Therefore, the printer 3
It can be increased according to the required number of vehicles. The printer 3
It may be any of known dot printers, thermal transfer printers, and inkjet printers. Although not shown, doors are attached to the side surfaces of the frame 11 of the printing unit 10 so that the printers 3 can be inspected and the feeder 32 can be supplied with a medicine bag A (including sheets such as a prescription for dispensing). ing.

A belt conveyer 15 is horizontally arranged below the printers 3 as a conveyer mechanism for conveying the printed medicine bags A, and the belt conveyer 15 has a length that can be accommodated in the box-shaped frame 11. Are independently driven. In addition, the belt conveyor
Reference numeral 15 is related not to carry out the medicine bag A from the printer 3 located at the upper portion but to convey the medicine bag A printed with the succeeding printer 3 in the carrying-out direction of the medicine bag A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the transport mechanism (belt conveyor 15) can be omitted in the printing unit 10 located at the rearmost portion.

The belt conveyors 15 of the conveying mechanism provided in the frame 11 of each printing unit 10 are horizontally provided at the same level in each stage, and the belt conveyors 15 are arranged in series and driven. . Further, feed-driving roller pairs 16 and 16 and a direction changing guide (not shown) are provided at the most distal end positions of the belt conveyors 15, and these feed-driving roller pairs 16 and 16 vertically feed as a collective conveying path 20. Many roller pairs 17
Items to be conveyed (medicine bags, etc.) are fed into the roller conveying mechanism 18 which is arranged at required intervals. The roller transport mechanism 18 is provided in a separate box 19 connected to the printing unit 10 described above. Further, the upper end of the roller transport mechanism 18 is a division receiving device for temporarily receiving and storing one unit of the printed medicine bag A, which is an intermediate device for the next process which is connected and installed.
Connected to 40 etc.

The above-mentioned medicine bag printing device 2 is provided with a drive control section 5 for performing the control shown in FIG. Upon receipt of the medication data from the host computer, the data is distributed to each printer 3 as print data [step T1], and the printer 3 that has received the print data starts printing [step T2] and each printer 3 that has performed the printing operation. After completion of printing, the medicine bag A (including the prescription for dispensing) is discharged to the belt conveyor 15 [Step T
3] Next, the belt conveyor 15 (conveying belt) and the roller conveying mechanism 18 are detected by detecting the ejection of the printed medicine bag A by a medicine bag detection sensor (not shown) provided in each printer 3.
While driving the (vertical conveying roller) [Step T
4], the printed medicine bag A is fed by the belt conveyor 15 (conveying belt) to the roller conveying mechanism 18 (longitudinal conveying roller) of the collective conveying path 20 and conveyed to the drive roller pair portion [step T5], and then the roller Transport mechanism 18 (vertical transport roller)
The medicine bag A is transported to the discharge position by [Step T6], and the sent medicine bag A is divided into receiving devices.
It is delivered to 40 (separator or the like) to correspond to the subsequent operation [step T7].

The divided receiving device 40 for the printed medicine bag A has a structure as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example. This medicine bag split receiving device
40 is a medicine bag A printed by the medicine bag printing device 2.
A large number of receiving and supporting plates 41 that can be mounted on a drive chain 42 with an attachment that is intermittently circulated and driven by the attachment portion are attached at predetermined intervals.
In the divided storage section 45 provided in a required section in which 42 is vertically wound and descends, the medicine bag A or the like placed on the support plate 41 is taken out in accordance with the operation of the next step (dispensing operation section). Has been done. The support plate 41 attached to the drive chain 42 and lowered is supported by an auxiliary support piece 44 having a free end attached to the auxiliary drive chain 43 in a section where the medicine bag A or the like is mounted on the upper surface of the support plate 41 and is lowered. It is designed to move.

The end of the roller conveying mechanism 18 incorporated in the medicine bag printing device 2 is at the end of the medicine bag dividing receiving device 40 described above.
Are arranged so as to face the upper positions of the multiple receiving and supporting plates 41 that are circulated and driven in the descending section. At the medicine bag A delivery position between the terminal end of the roller conveying mechanism 18 and the receiving support plate 41 at the receiving position in the medicine bag dividing and receiving device 40, the medicine bag A sent forward by the conveying roller pair 17 in the roller conveying mechanism 18 is strong. There is a relationship in which it is often popped out, in other words, the support plate 41 is stopped in a state in which it is positioned slightly below the transport line b of the roller transport mechanism 18 to receive the medicine bag A.

In the control drive unit 35 of the medicine bag printing apparatus 2 having the above-described structure, the medicine bag A on which the required items are printed and controlled as shown in FIG. Sent.

FIG. 5 is a flow sheet diagram showing the basic operation of the medicine bag printing apparatus 2 provided with the article feeding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, and the operation will be described with reference to this flow sheet. First, S1: The host computer transmits the medication data such as the usage of the dispensing drug based on the prescription for one patient to the drive control unit 5 of the printing device. S2: The drive control unit 5 of the printing apparatus receives the medication data such as the prescription / usage of the dispensing medicine for one patient from the host computer. S3: When the drive control unit 5 of the printing device completes the reception of the medication data, the reception completion signal is returned to the host computer. If the reception is poor, S4: a reception disable signal is returned to the host computer. S5: The drive control unit 5 of the printing device distributes the print data to each printer 3. S6: The print control unit 5 of the printing device transmits the print data shared by the respective printers 3. S7: Each printer 3 returns a print data reception completion signal to the drive control unit 5 of the printer. In case of poor reception, S
8: A reception unacceptable signal is returned to the drive control unit 5 of the printer to cause the print data to be distributed again. S9: Each printer 3 has a feeder set individually
The medicine bag A (one of which is a prescription sheet for dispensing) is pulled in from 32 and printing is started. S10: A medicine bag A in the feeder 32
When there is no (prescription paper for dispensing), a paper-out signal is transmitted from the printer 3 and at the same time, a paper-out display (for example, the display lamp is turned on and the buzzer is rung) is displayed. S11: After each printer 3 finishes printing, the medicine bag A is discharged. S12: When the ejection of the printed medicine bag A is detected by the medicine bag detection sensor provided in the printed paper ejection portion of each printer 3, the related belt conveyor 15 and the roller conveyance mechanism 18 of the collective conveyance path 20 are driven to eject the medicine bag A. Send out. S13: If the detection OFF continues for 5 seconds or more after the medicine bag detection sensor detects the discharge of the medicine bag A and the conveyance is started (not limited to this, an arbitrary time can be set according to the operation of the apparatus), and the conveyance is completed. The driving of the belt conveyor 15 and the roller transport mechanism 18 is stopped. With the above operation, the printing of the medicine bag A for one patient is completed.
Therefore, when the printing is completed, the process returns to step S5 and the printing data of the medication data of another patient sent next is distributed to the printers 3, and thereafter the operation is repeated in the order described above.

In the medicine bag printing device 2, when the printing operation is performed on the medicine bag A in accordance with the medication data for one patient as described above, the drive control section 5 of the printing device 2 causes the printer to print at step T1. When the number of medicines to be administered is small, the printer 3 for printing on the medicine bag A and the printer 3 for prescription and prescription are operated at the same time by distributing the print data to the belt conveyor from the respective printer 3 positions. The path to the entrance of the split receiving device 40 via 15 and the roller transport mechanism 18 is operated. Then, at the delivery position of the roller transport mechanism 18, the above-mentioned one bag of medicine and the prescription for medication are mounted on the support plate 41 and are intermittently lowered, and the division is provided in the required section of the division receiving device 40. The storage unit 45 waits for a request for taking out in the next process. In addition, if it is associated so that the operation of the medicine bag printing device 2 is temporarily stopped when the medicine bag units separately stored by the division receiving device 40 become full, a series of devices can be operated without difficulty. .

Similarly, when there is a large quantity of medication for one patient, the drive control section 5 of the printer 2 distributes print data to the printer at step T1.
A plurality of printers 3 in which a medicine bag A having a size corresponding to the type of medicine to be administered is prepared, and a printer 3 for prescriptions
Are operated by receiving the print data, and the printed medicine bag A and the like are operated by the belt conveyer 15 and the roller convey mechanism 18 which are connected to the discharge portion of each printer 3, and the roller convey mechanism 18 is operated.
Support plate that has been transported to the delivery position of the patient and has a plurality of medicine bags A and a prescription for medication put together and is on standby as one patient
It is mounted on the 41 and sent.

When the medicine bag A printed in the above-described manner is conveyed, the belt conveyor 15 associated with the printer 3 as well as the printer 3 at a position not involved in the printing operation is conveyed.
The drive is stopped when is located at a position far from the collective transport path 20 (roller transport mechanism 18) and is not involved in transporting the medicine bag A discharged by another printer 3. For example, in FIG. 1, when the first printer 3 from the right in the lower stage is stopped, the second belt conveyor 15 in the lower stage is also stopped. Of course, when the lower three printers 3 are stopped, all the lower belt conveyors 15 are stopped. However, when only the first printer 3 from the right in the lower stage is operating, all the belt conveyors 15 in the lower stage are operating. The same applies to the upper row.

If the printed medicine bags A from the printer 3 do not interfere with each other in the conveying section, the medicine bags A for the next patient are printed while the other printers 3 print and convey as necessary. The printer 3 can be received on the conveyor belt 15 and made to stand by. By doing so, the delivery time can be shortened.

In the above description, the destinations for sending the printed medicine bags A together are the split receiving devices 40, and one patient's worth is mounted as one unit on the receiving support plate so that the worker in the next step can take it out. However, it is also possible to combine with a receiving means other than such handling. As a device (reception means) other than the split acceptance device, for example, one unit of a pre-printed medicine bag A for one patient and a prescription for medication is distributed to outpatients and inpatients according to the convenience of medication. For example, there is a sorting storage device that stores the data in a stack, or a stacker that receives and processes the data continuously without making a distinction.

As described above, the article feeding apparatus 1 according to the present invention causes a plurality of printers 3 to perform printing operations on different sizes, and collects and prints the respective printed ones. In addition, each unit is collectively sent out, and only the designated printer 3 and the transport mechanism section related to the sending out from those printers 3 are operated, and the drive of the equipment other than the operating section is stopped to effectively use each section without waste. Can be made to function. Therefore, the invention can be applied not only to the above-mentioned printing device for a medicine bag but also to other articles.

Further, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the printer is described as being constituted by connecting the required number of printing units, but a plurality of printers and means for conveying printed articles from them. With respect to the above, the same effect can be obtained even if they are arranged in one frame. Further, as for the collective conveying path, the conveying mechanism can be configured so that the conveyed object can be nipped and conveyed by the belt instead of the roller conveying mechanism.

[0026]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to handle a plurality of types of articles, selectively print them, and then send them out unit by unit, so that they can be handled in the next step. To facilitate. Also, since it is possible to selectively operate only the mechanism section necessary for moving the printer that shares the necessary type of article and the printed matter discharged from the printer, it is possible to send it out. It is possible to effectively operate the drive unit, reduce wasteful energy consumption, reduce wear of the equipment, and make a rational device. Further, if the printer and the single transport mechanism are unitized, the number of the printers can be increased according to the required amount, which is economical.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drug bag printing apparatus including an article delivery apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a main part with a part of an article dividing and receiving device attached to a drug bag printing apparatus provided with an article feeding device according to the present invention removed.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of the article split receiving device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flow sheet diagram showing a control operation of a control mechanism of the medicine bag printing apparatus including the article delivery apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow sheet diagram showing an example of an operation mode of a basic operation in the medicine bag printing apparatus including the article delivery apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Product delivery device 2 Drug bag printing device 3 Printer 5 Drive control unit 10 Printing unit 11 Frame 15 Belt conveyor (conveying mechanism) 16 Delivery drive roller pair 17 Roller pair 18 Roller transport mechanism 20 Collective transport path 40 Divided receiving device 41 Receiving Support plate 42 Drive chain A Medicine bag

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of printers are arranged as a printing device at a predetermined interval, and a transport mechanism for unloading a printed article from the sending side of each printer is provided so as to be independently driven. The transport mechanism for the printed articles from each printer is connected in series for each array of the printers and connected to the collective transport path to the sending position to the outside of the apparatus, and the printed articles from each printer are connected on the input side. An article delivery apparatus comprising: a drive controller that is selectively operated by a command so that only a required printer and a transport mechanism from the printer to a collective transport path are operated. 2. A printer comprising the printer of the printer and a mechanism for carrying out printed articles as a unit, which are incorporated into a box-shaped frame to form a printing unit, and a required number of the printing units are connected in combination. The article delivery device according to claim 1. 3. The printer and the respective transport mechanisms for carrying out printed articles related to the printers to the outside so that the printer not involved in printing and the transport mechanism not requiring the transportation of the printed articles are stopped. The article delivery device according to claim 1 or 2, which is controlled by a drive control unit. 4. The collective transport path for transporting an article transported by each of the transport mechanisms to the outside is a roller transport mechanism including a plurality of roller pairs arranged so as to sandwich the article. A delivery device for the article according to.