JP7374436B2

JP7374436B2 - pill cassette

Info

Publication number: JP7374436B2
Application number: JP2020035629A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 義人大村
Original assignee: Tosho Inc
Current assignee: Tosho Inc
Priority date: 2020-03-03
Filing date: 2020-03-03
Publication date: 2023-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-03
Also published as: JP2021137151A

Description

この発明は、病院や薬局等で行われる調剤を自動化するための錠剤フィーダにおいて被駆動部を成す錠剤カセットに関し、詳しくは、錠剤を収容する容器部と容器部の中の整列盤とを具備していて整列盤が軸回転駆動されると錠剤を整列盤の周囲に整列させながら容器部の排出口から逐次落下させる錠剤カセットに関する。 The present invention relates to a tablet cassette that constitutes a driven part in a tablet feeder for automating dispensing in hospitals, pharmacies, etc., and more specifically, the invention relates to a tablet cassette that is a driven part of a tablet feeder for automating dispensing in hospitals, pharmacies, etc. The present invention relates to a tablet cassette that sequentially drops tablets from a discharge port of a container portion while aligning the tablets around the alignment plate when the alignment plate is driven to rotate.

従来より多用されている錠剤フィーダは（例えば特許文献１の図１，特許文献２の図１，特許文献３の図５を参照）、給電や制御のために錠剤分包機の引出棚や錠剤分割装置の本体部などに固定して列設される駆動部と、錠剤補充作業の容易化などのため駆動部に対して着脱自在になっている錠剤カセットとからなり、多数の錠剤を錠剤カセットにランダム収納しておき、必要に応じて駆動部を間欠動作や連続動作させて錠剤カセットから錠剤を一つずつ送り出すようになっている。このような錠剤フィーダは、錠剤を上から下へ移動させながら錠剤を絞り込むことで逐次排出を行う。 Tablet feeders that have been widely used in the past (see, for example, Fig. 1 of Patent Document 1, Fig. 1 of Patent Document 2, and Fig. 5 of Patent Document 3) are installed on the drawer shelf of a tablet packaging machine or for tablet division for power supply and control. It consists of a drive unit that is fixed to the main body of the device and arranged in a row, and a tablet cassette that is detachable from the drive unit to facilitate tablet replenishment. The tablets are stored randomly, and the drive unit is operated intermittently or continuously as necessary to feed the tablets one by one from the tablet cassette. Such a tablet feeder sequentially discharges tablets by squeezing the tablets while moving them from top to bottom.

また、そのような錠剤フィーダへの組み込みに最も多く用いられている錠剤カセットは、蓋を開けて補充された多数の錠剤を内部の空間に収容する容器部と、その中に軸回転可能に設けられていて駆動部の駆動を回転伝動軸にて受ける整列盤と、容器部と整列盤との環状間隙の下端部を画する容器部の底板に貫通形成された排出口に対向させて設けられ環状間隙の上端側の一部を仕切る仕切ユニットとを備えている、というものである。
さらに、この錠剤カセットでは、錠剤の整列箇所である環状間隙を錠剤一つ分ずつ区切るために、環状間隙に突き出た羽根状の隔壁が、整列盤の外周面に等ピッチで多数形成されており、隣り合う隔壁の間が、整列盤の上から落ちてきた錠剤を一個ずつ収める区画室になっている。 In addition, the tablet cassette that is most often used to be incorporated into such a tablet feeder has a container part that stores a large number of tablets in an internal space when the lid is opened, and a container part that is rotatably mounted inside the container part. a sorting plate which receives the drive of the drive part by a rotation transmission shaft; and a discharge port formed through the bottom plate of the container part that defines the lower end of the annular gap between the container part and the sorting plate. and a partition unit that partitions a part of the upper end side of the annular gap.
Furthermore, in this tablet cassette, in order to divide the annular gap where the tablets are arranged into individual tablets, a large number of vane-shaped partition walls protruding into the annular gap are formed at equal pitches on the outer circumferential surface of the alignment plate. The space between the adjacent partition walls is a compartment in which the tablets that fall from the top of the sorting board are stored, one by one.

特開２００５－１９２７０２号公報Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-192702 特開２０１３－０３９２３７号公報JP2013-039237A 特開２０１９－１４１３３０号公報Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-141330 特願２０１８－２４１１６２号（出願）Patent Application No. 2018-241162 (Application)

このような錠剤カセットは、着脱式であって、而も既に多く使用されている固定式の駆動部に対して付け替え容易であるといったことから、多くの錠剤分包機や錠剤分割装置の錠剤フィーダに採用されている。
ところが、そのような駆動部に対する付け替え容易性の具有にとどまらず、カセットの付け替えを行うまでもなく種々の薬剤に共用しうるように改良することまでも求められ、かかる要請に応えるべく、錠剤を一個ずつ収める区画室を拡縮しうるようになった錠剤カセットも開発されている。 These tablet cassettes are removable and can be easily replaced with the fixed drive units that are already widely used, so they are used in the tablet feeders of many tablet packaging machines and tablet splitting devices. It has been adopted.
However, there is a need to not only make the drive part easy to replace, but also to improve it so that it can be used for a variety of drugs without having to replace the cassette. Tablet cassettes have also been developed that allow the compartments to accommodate individual tablets to be expanded or contracted.

具体的には（特許文献４参照）、多数の錠剤を収容しうる容器部と、軸回転可能な状態で前記容器部に収められて複数の区画室を画成する整列盤とを備え、前記容器部の底部に排出口が形成されていて、前記整列盤の軸回転にて前記区画室の中に落ち入った錠剤を前記排出口から逐次落下させる錠剤カセットにおいて、前記整列盤が、前記容器部の底面を貫く回転伝動軸のうち前記容器部の内部空間に位置する内挿部分に外装された周方向拡縮機構と径方向拡縮機構とを具備しており、前記周方向拡縮機構が、前記区画室を複数連動させて周方向に拡縮しうるものであり、前記径方向拡縮機構が、前記区画室を複数連動させて径方向に拡縮しうるものである、という錠剤カセットが開発されている。 Specifically (see Patent Document 4), the method includes a container section capable of accommodating a large number of tablets, and an alignment board that is housed in the container section in an axially rotatable state and defines a plurality of compartments; In the tablet cassette, a discharge port is formed at the bottom of the container part, and the tablets that have fallen into the compartment are successively dropped from the discharge port by rotation of the shaft of the sorting board, and the tablet cassette A circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism and a radial expansion/contraction mechanism are provided on an inner part of the rotary transmission shaft penetrating the bottom surface of the container part located in the internal space of the container part, and the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism is equipped with a radial expansion/contraction mechanism. A tablet cassette has been developed that can expand and contract in the circumferential direction by interlocking a plurality of compartments, and the radial expansion and contraction mechanism can expand and contract in the radial direction by interlocking a plurality of compartments. .

しかしながら、この錠剤カセットでは、区画室の拡縮を担う機構について、周方向拡縮機構ばかりか、径方向拡縮機構までも、複数の区画室を連動させて拡縮させるようにしたことから、機能や性能は大きく向上したが、構造が複雑になってしまった。
そのため、部品数の増加や、部材の繊細化、さらには製造コストの増加といった負担も大きくなってしまった。
そこで、負担軽減のため機能面で或る程度の犠牲を払っても使い勝手は良い区画室拡縮式の錠剤カセットを実現することが技術的な課題となる。 However, in this tablet cassette, the mechanism responsible for expanding and contracting the compartments is not only the circumferential expansion and contraction mechanism, but also the radial expansion and contraction mechanism, which expands and contracts multiple compartments in conjunction with each other, so the function and performance are limited. Although it has improved greatly, the structure has become more complex.
As a result, the burden of increasing the number of parts, making the parts more delicate, and increasing manufacturing costs has also increased.
Therefore, the technical challenge is to realize a tablet cassette with expandable compartments that is easy to use even if it makes some sacrifices in terms of functionality in order to reduce the burden.

本発明の錠剤カセットは（解決手段１）、このような課題を解決するために創案されたものであり、
多数の錠剤を収容しうる容器部と、軸回転可能な状態で前記容器部に収められて複数の区画室を画成する整列盤とを備え、前記容器部の底部に排出口が形成されていて、前記整列盤の軸回転にて前記区画室の中に落ち入った錠剤を前記排出口から逐次落下させる錠剤カセットにおいて、
前記整列盤が、前記容器部の底面を貫く回転伝動軸のうち前記容器部の内部空間に位置する内挿部分に外装された周方向拡縮機構と径方向拡縮機構と干渉部材とを具備したものであり、
前記周方向拡縮機構が、前記区画室を複数連動させて周方向に拡縮しうるようになっており、
前記径方向拡縮機構が、前記区画室それぞれに対応した径方向画成部材と、前記径方向画成部材を摺動可能に保持するとともに前記径方向画成部材の移動可能方向を径方向に限定する摺動許容保持部材とを具備していて、前記区画室を個別に径方向へ拡縮しうるようになっており、
前記干渉部材が、前記径方向拡縮機構に押し付けられると前記径方向画成部材と干渉して前記径方向画成部材の径方向移動を阻止するようになっている、
ことを特徴とする。 The tablet cassette of the present invention (solution means 1) was created to solve these problems,
The tablet comprises a container part capable of accommodating a large number of tablets, and an alignment plate that is rotatably housed in the container part and defines a plurality of compartments, and a discharge port is formed at the bottom of the container part. and a tablet cassette in which the tablets that have fallen into the compartment by rotating the axis of the alignment plate are successively dropped from the discharge port,
The alignment plate includes a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism, a radial expansion/contraction mechanism, and an interference member, which are externally mounted on an inserted portion of the rotation transmission shaft that penetrates the bottom surface of the container section and located in the internal space of the container section. and
The circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism is capable of expanding/contracting the plurality of compartments in the circumferential direction in conjunction with each other,
The radial expansion/contraction mechanism slidably holds the radial defining member corresponding to each of the compartments and the radial defining member, and limits the movable direction of the radial defining member to the radial direction. a sliding-permissible holding member that allows the compartments to be individually expanded and contracted in the radial direction;
The interference member is configured to interfere with the radial defining member and prevent radial movement of the radial defining member when pressed against the radial expansion/contraction mechanism;
It is characterized by

また、本発明の錠剤カセットは（解決手段２）、上記解決手段１の錠剤カセットであって、前記摺動許容保持部材が、前記径方向画成部材の摺動部分を両側から挟んで前記径方向画成部材を保持する一対の挟持部材を具備したものである、ことを特徴とする。 Moreover, the tablet cassette of the present invention (solution means 2) is the tablet cassette of the above-mentioned solution means 1, in which the sliding portion of the radial direction defining member is sandwiched between the sliding portion of the radial direction defining member from both sides. It is characterized by comprising a pair of clamping members that hold the direction defining member.

さらに、本発明の錠剤カセットは（解決手段３）、上記解決手段２の錠剤カセットであって、前記径方向画成部材に突起が設けられており、前記突起が前記挟持部材から外へ突き出ており、前記径方向画成部材の径方向移動の阻止が前記突起と前記干渉部材との干渉によって行われるようになっている、ことを特徴とする。 Furthermore, the tablet cassette of the present invention (solution means 3) is the tablet cassette of the above-mentioned solution means 2, wherein the radial defining member is provided with a protrusion, and the protrusion protrudes outward from the holding member. The radial movement of the radial defining member is prevented by interference between the protrusion and the interference member.

また、本発明の錠剤カセットは（解決手段４）、上記解決手段３の錠剤カセットであって、前記挟持部材のうち前記突起の突き出しを可能とする打ち抜き部分が、外縁部より内側にとどまっている、ことを特徴とする。 Moreover, the tablet cassette of the present invention (solution means 4) is the tablet cassette of the above-mentioned solution means 3, in which the punched portion of the holding member that allows the protrusion to protrude remains inside the outer edge. , is characterized by.

また、本発明の錠剤カセットは（解決手段５）、上記解決手段１～４の錠剤カセットであって、前記径方向画成部材の表面に径方向の目盛が付されていることを特徴とする。 Further, the tablet cassette of the present invention (solution means 5) is the tablet cassette of the above-mentioned solution means 1 to 4, characterized in that a radial scale is provided on the surface of the radial direction defining member. .

また、本発明の錠剤カセットは（解決手段６）、上記解決手段１～５の錠剤カセットであって、前記周方向拡縮機構が、前記回転伝動軸に対して周方向回転可能に外装されて前記区画室の両側面のうち一方を画する第１揺動部材と、前記回転伝動軸に対して周方向回転可能に外装されて前記区画室の両側面のうち他方を画する第２揺動部材と、前記回転伝動軸に対して周方向回転不能に外装されたリンク移動路形成部材と、一端部が前記第１揺動部材に揺動許容状態で連結された第１リンク部材と、一端部が前記第２揺動部材に揺動許容状態で連結された第２リンク部材とを具備しており、前記第１リンク部材の他端部と前記第２リンク部材の他端部とが互いに揺動許容状態で連結されており且つその連結部の移動が前記リンク移動路形成部材によって前記回転伝動軸の径方向に限定されている、ことを特徴とする。 Moreover, the tablet cassette of the present invention (solution means 6) is the tablet cassette of the above-mentioned solution means 1 to 5, in which the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism is externally mounted so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotational power transmission shaft. a first swinging member that defines one of both sides of the compartment, and a second swinging member that is externally mounted so as to be rotatable in a circumferential direction with respect to the rotation transmission shaft and defines the other of both sides of the compartment a link movement path forming member that is externally mounted so that it cannot rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotational transmission shaft; a first link member that has one end connected to the first swinging member in a swingable state; and one end has a second link member connected to the second swing member in a swingable state, and the other end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member are mutually swingable. They are connected in a dynamically permissible state, and movement of the connecting portion is limited in the radial direction of the rotation transmission shaft by the link movement path forming member.

このような本発明の錠剤カセットにあっては（解決手段１）、区画室の拡縮機能を具体化するに際して、周方向拡縮機構は複数区画室の連動機能を維持するが、径方向拡縮機構については、連動機能を廃して、それぞれの区画室ごとに個別調整を行うようにしたことにより、複雑かつ繊細になりがちなリンク機構等が不要になって、構成が簡素化される。一方、径方向拡縮の個別調整は、該当部材を摺動させることで行うようにしたことにより、弱い力でも簡便かつ軽快に行えるうえ、調整後は乱暴に取り扱わなければ調整時の状態が維持される。そして、個別調整を総て終えてから干渉部材を径方向拡縮機構に押し付けると、区画室の拡縮状態が固定される。そのため、個別調整であっても、調整回数は増えるが、それを補って余りある負担軽減効果を享受することができ、使い勝手も良い。 In such a tablet cassette of the present invention (Solution 1), when realizing the expansion/contraction function of the compartments, the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism maintains the interlocking function of multiple compartments, but the radial expansion/contraction mechanism By eliminating the interlocking function and making individual adjustments for each compartment, the configuration is simplified by eliminating the need for link mechanisms, which tend to be complicated and delicate. On the other hand, individual adjustments for radial expansion and contraction are made by sliding the relevant members, so it can be done easily and easily even with a weak force, and the state at the time of adjustment is maintained as long as it is not handled roughly. Ru. Then, when the interference member is pressed against the radial expansion/contraction mechanism after all individual adjustments are completed, the expansion/contraction state of the compartment is fixed. Therefore, although the number of adjustments is increased even with individual adjustment, it is possible to enjoy the effect of reducing the burden which more than compensates for this increase, and it is also easy to use.

また、本発明の錠剤カセットにあっては（解決手段２）、一対の挟持部材を摺動許容保持部材に採用したうえで、それらの挟持部材が径方向画成部材の摺動部分を上下等の両側から挟んで保持するようにしたことにより、複数の径方向画成部材を含んだ径方向拡縮機構が、回転伝動軸や周方向拡縮機構から分離した状態でも一纏まりの物として取り扱えるようになるので、径方向画成部材を摺動させて行う径方向拡縮の調整が、個別調整であっても、楽に行うことができる。 In addition, in the tablet cassette of the present invention (solution means 2), a pair of clamping members are employed as the sliding holding member, and these clamping members move the sliding portion of the radial direction defining member upwardly and downwardly. By sandwiching and holding it from both sides, the radial expansion/contraction mechanism including a plurality of radial defining members can be handled as a unit even when separated from the rotation transmission shaft or the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism. Therefore, adjustment of radial expansion/contraction performed by sliding the radial defining member can be easily performed even if it is an individual adjustment.

さらに、本発明の錠剤カセットにあっては（解決手段３）、径方向画成部材を挟持する挟持部材から上面上方等の外へ径方向画成部材の突起が出るようにしたことにより、その突き出し側から干渉部材を径方向画成部材に押し当てると、突起と干渉部材とが干渉しあって径方向画成部材の径方向移動が阻止される。そのため、個別調整の済んだ後は一括で簡便に複数の径方向画成部材の位置を固定することができる。 Furthermore, in the tablet cassette of the present invention (solution means 3), the protrusion of the radial defining member is made to protrude outward from the upper surface of the holding member that clamps the radial defining member. When the interference member is pressed against the radial defining member from the protruding side, the protrusion and the interference member interfere with each other to prevent the radial defining member from moving in the radial direction. Therefore, after the individual adjustments are completed, the positions of the plurality of radial defining members can be easily fixed all at once.

また、本発明の錠剤カセットにあっては（解決手段４）、挟持部材における打ち抜き部分を挟持部材の外縁部より内側にとどめたことにより、径方向画成部材の突起の移動範囲もその範囲にとどまるため、径方向画成部材が摺動しすぎて挟持部材から外れてしまうという不所望な事態の発生が簡便かつ的確に防止される。 In addition, in the tablet cassette of the present invention (Solution 4), by keeping the punched portion of the clamping member inside the outer edge of the clamping member, the movement range of the protrusion of the radial defining member also remains within that range. Therefore, the occurrence of an undesirable situation in which the radial defining member slides too much and comes off from the holding member can be simply and accurately prevented.

また、本発明の錠剤カセットにあっては（解決手段５）、径方向画成部材の表面に径方向の目盛を付したことにより、取り扱い対象の錠剤の該当箇所の寸法を計測した後や、複数の径方向画成部材のうち何れか一つでも径方向拡縮の調整が済んだ後は、寸法計測値や径方向拡縮調整済み目盛値に、調整対象の径方向画成部材の目盛の値を合わせることで容易かつ迅速に複数の径方向画成部材の個別調整を行うことができる。 In addition, in the tablet cassette of the present invention (solution means 5), by attaching a radial scale to the surface of the radial direction defining member, after measuring the dimensions of the corresponding part of the tablet to be handled, After adjusting the radial expansion/contraction of any one of the multiple radial-defining members, the scale value of the radial-defining member to be adjusted is added to the dimension measurement value and radial expansion/contraction adjusted scale value. Individual adjustment of a plurality of radial defining members can be easily and quickly performed by adjusting the radial direction defining members.

また、本発明の錠剤カセットにあっては（解決手段６）、周方向拡縮機構の主要部材として複数の区画室の左右等の両側面を画する第１揺動部材と第２揺動部材を第１リンク部材と第２リンク部材の一端部にそれぞれ連結したうえで、両リンク部材の他端部同士の連結部をリンク移動路形成部材にて回転伝動軸の径方向にだけ移動可能にしたことにより、繊細になりがちなリンク部材の個数が少なくても、回転伝動軸に対して周方向回転可能に外装されて複数の区画室を連動させて周方向に拡縮しうる周方向拡縮機構を実現することができる。しかも、上述したように径方向拡縮機構がリンク機構を要しないので、両拡縮機構を具備した整列盤を、繊細な部材が少ないものにすることができる。 Moreover, in the tablet cassette of the present invention (solution means 6), the first swinging member and the second swinging member that define both left and right sides of the plurality of compartments are used as main members of the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism. After connecting to one end of the first link member and the second link member, the connecting portion between the other ends of both link members is made movable only in the radial direction of the rotation transmission shaft using a link movement path forming member. As a result, even if the number of link members, which tend to be delicate, is small, it is possible to create a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism that is externally rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the rotation transmission shaft and can expand and contract in the circumferential direction by interlocking multiple compartments. It can be realized. Moreover, as described above, since the radial expansion/contraction mechanism does not require a link mechanism, an alignment board equipped with both expansion/contraction mechanisms can be made to have fewer delicate members.

本発明の実施例１について、錠剤カセットの構造を示し、（ａ）が上蓋を取り外した錠剤カセットの縦断面図、（ｂ）が整列盤の外観斜視図である。In Example 1 of the present invention, the structure of the tablet cassette is shown, in which (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the tablet cassette with the top lid removed, and (b) is an external perspective view of the alignment board. 整列盤の縦断面拡大図である。FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the alignment board. 整列盤の外観斜視拡大図である。FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the appearance of the alignment board. 整列盤の群単位展開斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a group-by-group developed perspective view of the alignment board. 回転伝動軸と周方向拡縮機構とに係る展開斜視図である。FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a rotation transmission shaft and a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism. 回転伝動軸とリンク機構の一部とに係る展開斜視図である。FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a rotation transmission shaft and a part of a link mechanism. （ａ）がリンク機構の展開斜視図、（ｂ）が第２揺動部材とリンク機構とに係る展開斜視図である。(a) is an exploded perspective view of the link mechanism, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the second swing member and the link mechanism. 第２揺動部材およびリンク機構と第１揺動部材とに係る展開斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a developed perspective view of the second swing member, the link mechanism, and the first swing member. 回転伝動軸付き周方向拡縮機構とスペーサとに係る展開斜視図である。FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism with a rotation transmission shaft and a spacer. 回転伝動軸およびスペーサ付き周方向拡縮機構に係る外観斜視拡大図である。FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the external appearance of a rotation transmission shaft and a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism with a spacer. 径方向拡縮機構の展開斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the radial expansion/contraction mechanism. （ａ），（ｂ）何れも径方向拡縮機構の外観斜視図である。(a) and (b) are both external perspective views of the radial expansion/contraction mechanism.

このような本発明の錠剤カセットについて、これを実施するための具体的な形態を、以下の実施例１により説明する。
図１～図１２に示した実施例１は、上述した解決手段１～６（出願当初の請求項１～６）を総て具現化したものである。 A specific form for implementing the tablet cassette of the present invention will be described in Example 1 below.
Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 embodies all of the solutions 1 to 6 (claims 1 to 6 originally filed) described above.

本発明の錠剤カセットの実施例１について、その具体的な構成を、図面を引用して説明する。図１は、錠剤カセット１０の全体構造を示し、（ａ）が上蓋を取り外した錠剤カセット１０の縦断面図、（ｂ）が整列盤４０の外観斜視図である。また、図２は、整列盤４０の縦断面拡大図、図３は整列盤４０の外観斜視図の拡大図である。さらに、図４は、整列盤４０を組立時の適宜な纏まり単位で展開した斜視図である。 The specific structure of Example 1 of the tablet cassette of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall structure of the tablet cassette 10, in which (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the tablet cassette 10 with the top cover removed, and (b) is an external perspective view of the alignment board 40. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the alignment board 40, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the appearance of the alignment board 40. Furthermore, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the alignment board 40 developed in appropriate groups during assembly.

また、図５は、回転伝動軸４１と周方向拡縮機構６０８０とに係る展開斜視図であり、図６は、回転伝動軸４１とリンク機構８０のリンク移動路形成部材８１とに係る展開斜視図である。図７（ａ）は、リンク機構８０の遊動リンク部材８３，８６の展開斜視図であり、図７（ｂ）は、周方向拡縮機構６０８０の第２揺動部材７０とリンク機構８０の遊動リンク部材８３，８６とに係る展開斜視図である。図８は、遊動リンク部材８３，８６付きの第２揺動部材７０と周方向拡縮機構６０８０の第１揺動部材６０とに係る展開斜視図である。図９は、回転伝動軸４１付き周方向拡縮機構６０８０とスペーサ４６とに係る展開斜視図である。図１０は、回転伝動軸４１及びスペーサ４６の付いた周方向拡縮機構６０８０に係る外観斜視図の拡大図である。 5 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation transmission shaft 41 and the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation transmission shaft 41 and the link movement path forming member 81 of the link mechanism 80. It is. 7(a) is an exploded perspective view of the floating link members 83 and 86 of the link mechanism 80, and FIG. 7(b) is an exploded perspective view of the second swinging member 70 of the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 and the floating link of the link mechanism 80. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of members 83 and 86. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the second swing member 70 with floating link members 83 and 86 and the first swing member 60 of the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 with the rotation transmission shaft 41 and the spacer 46. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the external appearance of the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 with the rotation transmission shaft 41 and the spacer 46. As shown in FIG.

図１１は、径方向拡縮機構９０の展開斜視図であり、図１２は、（ａ），（ｂ）が何れも径方向拡縮機構９０の外観斜視図であり、そのうち（ａ）は、四個の径方向画成部材９４の径方向位置が揃っていない未調整・調整未完了の状態を示し、（ｂ）は、四個の径方向画成部材９４の径方向位置が揃っている調整済み状態を示している。 11 is an exploded perspective view of the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90, and FIG. 12 (a) and (b) are both external perspective views of the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90, of which (a) shows four (b) shows an unadjusted/unfinished state in which the radial positions of the four radial defining members 94 are not aligned, and (b) shows an adjusted state in which the radial positions of the four radial defining members 94 are aligned. Indicates the condition.

錠剤カセット１０は（図１参照）、従来品（例えば特許文献１～３参照）を部分的に改造した容器部２０と、容器部２０やその従来品に対する組み込み互換性を維持しながら区画室６７の拡縮機能を付加するために一体物や少部品組合せ物の整列盤から多数の部品を組み合わせた整列盤に変貌させるに際して部品増加の程度を抑制した整列盤４０とを具備している。 The tablet cassette 10 (see FIG. 1) includes a container part 20 that is partially modified from a conventional product (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3), and a compartment 67 while maintaining compatibility with the container part 20 and the conventional product. In order to add an expansion/contraction function, the machine is equipped with an alignment board 40 that suppresses the number of parts when changing from an arrangement board for a single piece or a combination of small parts to an arrangement board for combining a large number of parts.

容器部２０は、プラスチックの射出成型などで量産される箱形の容器本体２１を主体にしたものであり、容器本体２１の内部空間が多数の錠剤をランダム収容しうる錠剤収容空間２２になっており、錠剤補充時等には図示しない上蓋にて錠剤収容空間２２を開閉しうるようになっている。容器本体２１の外側には持ち運び用の把手２３が設けられており、容器本体２１の下部が図示しない駆動部（ベース）に対する着脱部２４になっている。 The container portion 20 is mainly composed of a box-shaped container body 21 that is mass-produced by plastic injection molding, and the internal space of the container body 21 is a tablet storage space 22 that can randomly accommodate a large number of tablets. When replenishing tablets, the tablet storage space 22 can be opened and closed using an upper lid (not shown). A handle 23 for carrying is provided on the outside of the container body 21, and the lower part of the container body 21 serves as an attachment/detachment portion 24 to a drive portion (base) not shown.

また、容器部２０は、容器本体２１の底部２５のうち一カ所に（図１（ａ）では左側）、排出口２８が貫通形成されており、整列盤４０の軸回転にて錠剤が排出口２８の上に運ばれてくると、その錠剤を排出口２８を通して下方へ落下させるようになっている。
さらに、容器部２０は、容器本体２１に仕切ユニット３０を着脱できるようにもなっている。そして、仕切保持部３１を容器本体２１に外側から装着して、仕切作用部３２を容器本体２１のスリットから錠剤収容空間２２へ差し込むと、仕切作用部３２が排出口２８の上方に来て、それより下の錠剤は落下させるが上の錠剤の落下を阻止することで、錠剤の落下を逐次に行わせるものとなる。 In addition, the container part 20 has a discharge port 28 formed through the bottom 25 of the container body 21 (on the left side in FIG. When the tablet is conveyed onto the tablet 28, the tablet is caused to fall downward through the discharge port 28.
Furthermore, the container section 20 is also configured such that a partition unit 30 can be attached to and detached from the container body 21. Then, when the partition holding part 31 is attached to the container body 21 from the outside and the partition action part 32 is inserted into the tablet storage space 22 through the slit of the container main body 21, the partition action part 32 comes above the discharge port 28. By allowing the tablets below it to fall but preventing the tablets above it from falling, the tablets are caused to fall one after another.

それに加え、この容器部２０は、ベルト保持部３３も容器本体２１に対して外側から装着できる又は着脱できるように改造されている。
ベルト保持部３３は、例えば丸紐状のゴム製で伸縮性を有する無端ベルト３４を張った状態で保持するものであり、仕切ユニット３０を容器本体２１に装着して、無端ベルト３４を容器本体２１のスリットから錠剤収容空間２２へ差し込むと、無端ベルト３４が排出口２８及び仕切作用部３２の上方に来るようになっている。 In addition, this container section 20 has been modified so that the belt holding section 33 can also be attached to or detached from the container body 21 from the outside.
The belt holding part 33 holds an elastic endless belt 34 made of rubber in the form of a round string in a stretched state, and the partition unit 30 is attached to the container body 21 and the endless belt 34 is attached to the container body. When inserted into the tablet storage space 22 through the slit 21, the endless belt 34 is positioned above the discharge port 28 and the partitioning section 32.

整列盤４０は（図１～図３参照）、従来品と同様に（例えば特許文献１～３参照）、軸回転可能な状態で容器部２０に収められて錠剤収容空間２２の底部に複数の区画室（本例では４個の区画室６７）を画成するものであり、その区画室６７の中に落ち入った錠剤を軸回転時に区画室６７と共に排出口２８のところへ移送するようになっている。
もっとも、複数の区画室６７を簡便に拡縮できるようにするために、整列盤４０は、従来は無かった整列盤胴部の外周寄りの周方向拡縮機構６０８０と整列盤胴部の中央寄りの径方向拡縮機構９０と干渉部材４７と整列盤頭部の傘部５０とを具備している。
そして、それら６０８０，９０，４７，５０は、整列盤脚部の回転伝動軸４１に外挿されて（図４も参照）、回転伝動軸４１の軸回転に随伴して軸回転するようになっている。 The alignment plate 40 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) is housed in the container part 20 in a rotatable state and has a plurality of tablets arranged at the bottom of the tablet storage space 22, similar to conventional products (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3). It defines compartments (four compartments 67 in this example), and the tablets falling into the compartments 67 are transferred together with the compartments 67 to the outlet 28 when the shaft rotates. It has become.
However, in order to easily expand and contract the plurality of compartments 67, the alignment board 40 has a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 near the outer periphery of the alignment board body, which did not exist in the past, and a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 near the center of the alignment board body. It includes a direction expansion/contraction mechanism 90, an interference member 47, and an umbrella section 50 at the head of the alignment board.
Then, these 6080, 90, 47, and 50 are extrapolated to the rotational transmission shaft 41 of the leg of the alignment plate (see also FIG. 4), and rotate along with the rotation of the rotational transmission shaft 41. ing.

回転伝動軸４１は（図１（ａ），図６参照）、容器部２０の底部２５の貫通穴２６に挿入されて、底部２５を軸回転可能な状態で貫くものとなっている。回転伝動軸４１の下端部４２は底部２５から外へ突き出ていて図示しない駆動部の回転駆動軸と嵌合・噛合するようになっている。回転伝動軸４１は、中間部４３が下端部４２より細く、上端部４４が中間部４３より細く、それら４３，４４が容器本体２１の内部の錠剤収容空間２２の中に位置する内挿部分になっている。そして、その内挿部分に対して下から順に周方向拡縮機構６０８０と干渉部材４７と径方向拡縮機構９０と傘部５０とが外装されて止めネジ４８で固定される（図１～図４参照）。このように容器部２０の内底に対して整列盤４０を装着したことで、容器本体２１の内周面２７（整列盤内挿空間）と整列盤４０の外周部との間に、本例では、四つの区画室６７が画成されるようになっている（図３参照）。 The rotation transmission shaft 41 (see FIGS. 1A and 6) is inserted into the through hole 26 of the bottom 25 of the container portion 20, and passes through the bottom 25 in a rotatable state. A lower end portion 42 of the rotation transmission shaft 41 protrudes outward from the bottom portion 25 and is adapted to fit and mesh with a rotation drive shaft of a drive unit (not shown). The rotation transmission shaft 41 has an intermediate portion 43 that is thinner than the lower end portion 42 and an upper end portion 44 that is thinner than the intermediate portion 43 , and these 43 and 44 are inserted into the tablet storage space 22 inside the container body 21 . It has become. Then, the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080, the interference member 47, the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90, and the umbrella part 50 are mounted on the inner part in order from the bottom and fixed with the setscrews 48 (see FIGS. 1 to 4). ). By attaching the alignment plate 40 to the inner bottom of the container part 20 in this way, in this example In this case, four compartments 67 are defined (see FIG. 3).

また、この整列盤４０は、全体を組み上げた一体化状態で容器部２０に着脱されるが（図１～図３参照）、そのように一体化する前や、容器部２０から取り外して区画室６７の拡縮調整を行うとき等には、扱い易いユニット毎（群単位）に展開しうるようにもなっている（図４参照）。具体的には、回転伝動軸４１及びスペーサ４６付きの周方向拡縮機構６０８０と、その上の径方向拡縮機構９０と干渉部材４７と傘部５０と止めネジ４８とにユニット分けされる。後者９０，４７，５０，４８は、その順で、周方向拡縮機構６０８０とスペーサ４６との付いた回転伝動軸４１に対してその上端部４４の上から嵌装され、止めネジ４８の先端を回転伝動軸４１の上端にねじ込むとしっかり連結されて一体化し、止めネジ４８を逆回しすると緩んだり外れたりするようになっている。 The alignment board 40 can be attached to and removed from the container section 20 in an integrated state (see FIGS. 1 to 3), but it can also be removed from the container section 20 and placed in the compartment. When adjusting the expansion/reduction of the 67, it can be expanded into easy-to-handle units (groups) (see Fig. 4). Specifically, the unit is divided into a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 with a rotation transmission shaft 41 and a spacer 46, a radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 thereon, an interference member 47, an umbrella portion 50, and a set screw 48. The latter 90, 47, 50, and 48 are fitted in that order from above the upper end portion 44 of the rotary transmission shaft 41 to which the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 and the spacer 46 are attached, and the tips of the setscrews 48 When screwed into the upper end of the rotary transmission shaft 41, they are firmly connected and integrated, and when the setscrew 48 is turned in the opposite direction, it can be loosened or removed.

周方向拡縮機構６０８０は（図１～図４参照）、四つの区画室６７を複数連動させて周方向に拡縮させることを可能にするために、本例では上側の第１揺動部材６０と本例では下側の第２揺動部材７０とそれらの間のリンク機構８０とを具備している。
もっとも、それら６０，７０，８０は、いずれもが回転伝動軸４１に装着されて初めて一体化・ユニット化（群化）するようになっている（図４の最下部分や図１０を参照）。
詳述すると、先ず回転伝動軸４１の中間部４３に（図６参照）、リンク機構８０のリンク移動路形成部材８１を嵌装しておく（図５の下半分を参照）。 In this example, the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 (see FIGS. 1 to 4) is connected to the upper first swinging member 60 in order to expand and contract the four compartments 67 in the circumferential direction in conjunction with each other. This example includes a lower second swing member 70 and a link mechanism 80 therebetween.
However, these 60, 70, and 80 are integrated and unitized (grouped) only after they are all attached to the rotation transmission shaft 41 (see the bottom part of FIG. 4 and FIG. 10). .
To explain in detail, first, the link movement path forming member 81 of the link mechanism 80 is fitted into the intermediate portion 43 of the rotation transmission shaft 41 (see FIG. 6) (see the lower half of FIG. 5).

それから、リンク機構８０の残り部材８３～８８を付けた周方向拡縮機構６０８０を回転伝動軸４１に嵌装することで（図５参照）、一体的に組み上がるようになっている（図９の下半分を参照）。なお、その際、第２揺動部材７０とリンク機構８０の遊動リンク部材８６，８５と第１揺動部材６０は、その順に一つずつ回転伝動軸４１に嵌装しても良く（図７，図８参照）、纏めてから嵌装しても良い（図５参照）。
さらに、このような周方向拡縮機構６０８０付きの回転伝動軸４１に対して上から更にスペーサ４６を装着することで（図９参照）、回転伝動軸４１及びスペーサ４６付きの周方向拡縮機構６０８０が組み上がるようになっている（図１０参照）。 Then, by fitting the circumferential expanding/contracting mechanism 6080 with the remaining members 83 to 88 of the link mechanism 80 onto the rotation transmission shaft 41 (see FIG. 5), the system can be assembled integrally (see FIG. 9). (see bottom half). In this case, the second swinging member 70, the floating link members 86, 85 of the link mechanism 80, and the first swinging member 60 may be fitted one by one to the rotation transmission shaft 41 in that order (see FIG. 7). , see FIG. 8), or may be assembled after being assembled (see FIG. 5).
Furthermore, by further attaching a spacer 46 from above to the rotation transmission shaft 41 with the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 (see FIG. 9), the rotation transmission shaft 41 and the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 with the spacer 46 can be expanded. It is designed to be assembled (see Figure 10).

これに対し、径方向拡縮機構９０は（図１１参照）、四つの径方向画成部材９４の上部を上部挟持部材９１と下部挟持部材９７とで上下から挟んでから上部挟持部材９１の係合子９３と下部挟持部材９７の係合部９９とを係合させることで一体化・ユニット化（群化）するようになっている（図１２参照）。
しかも、径方向拡縮機構９０は、回転伝動軸４１に装着しなくても、一体化・ユニット化（群化）され、一体物として取り扱えるものとなっている（図４，図１２参照）。 On the other hand, in the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 (see FIG. 11), the upper part of the four radial defining members 94 is sandwiched from above and below between the upper clamping member 91 and the lower clamping member 97, and then the engager of the upper clamping member 91 93 and the engaging portion 99 of the lower holding member 97 are engaged with each other to integrate and unitize (group) (see FIG. 12).
Furthermore, the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 is integrated and unitized (grouped) and can be handled as an integrated object without being attached to the rotation transmission shaft 41 (see FIGS. 4 and 12).

以下、各部について詳述する。 Each part will be explained in detail below.

周方向拡縮機構６０８０の第１揺動部材６０は（図８の上半分を参照）、回転伝動軸４１の中間部４３を挿通しうる穴６５が中央に貫通形成された穴あき円板状の基部６４と、基部６４から等角で放射状に径方向へ突き出た四つの区画部材６１と、基部６４の下面に突設されたピン６６とを具備したものであり、区画部材６１の片面の区画面６２が、区画室６７の周方向対向面の一方をなしている。区画部材６１の外端部には、仕切作用部３２との干渉を避けるための溝６３が複数形成されている（図では４個ずつ示した）。また、第１揺動部材６０の基部６４には、次に詳述する第２揺動部材７０のピン７６との干渉を回避するために（図８の下半分も参照）、逃がし穴６８も貫通形成されている。 The first swinging member 60 of the circumferential expanding/contracting mechanism 6080 (see the upper half of FIG. 8) has a hole 65 formed in the center through which the intermediate portion 43 of the rotation transmission shaft 41 can be inserted. It comprises a base 64, four partition members 61 protruding radially at equal angles from the base 64, and a pin 66 protruding from the lower surface of the base 64. The screen 62 forms one of the circumferentially opposing surfaces of the compartment 67. A plurality of grooves 63 are formed at the outer end of the partitioning member 61 to avoid interference with the partitioning portion 32 (four grooves are shown in the figure). The base 64 of the first swinging member 60 also has an escape hole 68 in order to avoid interference with the pin 76 of the second swinging member 70 (see also the lower half of FIG. 8), which will be described in detail below. It is formed through.

第２揺動部材７０は（図７（ｂ）参照）、回転伝動軸４１の中間部４３を挿通しうる穴７５が中央に貫通形成された穴あき円板状の基部７４と、基部７４から等角で放射状に径方向へ突き出た四つの区画部材７１と、基部７４の上面に突設されたピン７６とを具備したものであり、区画部材７１の片面の区画面７２が、区画室６７の周方向対向面の他方をなしている。区画部材７１の外端部にも、仕切作用部３２との干渉を避けるための溝７３が複数形成されている（上述の溝６３と対応しているので同数の４個ずつ図示した）。
第１揺動部材６０も、第２揺動部材７０も、穴６５，７５が回転伝動軸４１の中間部４３より僅かに大きくて、回転伝動軸４１との係合が緩いので、挿入された回転伝動軸４１に対して軸周り回転が可能なものとなっている。 The second swinging member 70 (see FIG. 7(b)) includes a perforated disk-shaped base 74 in which a hole 75 through which the intermediate portion 43 of the rotational transmission shaft 41 can be inserted is formed, and a base 74 extending from the base 74. It is equipped with four partition members 71 that protrude radially at equal angles and a pin 76 protruding from the upper surface of the base 74, and the partition surface 72 on one side of the partition member 71 serves as the partition chamber 67. It forms the other circumferentially opposing surface of. A plurality of grooves 73 are also formed at the outer end of the partitioning member 71 in order to avoid interference with the partitioning action portion 32 (the same number of grooves 73 are shown in the figure because they correspond to the above-mentioned grooves 63).
The holes 65 and 75 of both the first swinging member 60 and the second swinging member 70 are slightly larger than the intermediate portion 43 of the rotational transmission shaft 41, and the engagement with the rotational transmission shaft 41 is loose. Rotation around the rotation transmission shaft 41 is possible.

リンク機構８０は（図１（ｂ）と図３の左下寄り部分を参照）、径方向に伸びた長穴８２が形成されたリンク移動路形成部材８１と（図６の上半分を参照）、一端部に丸穴８４が貫通形成され他端部に連結ピン８５が突出形成された上部遊動リンク部材８３（第１リンク部材）と（図７（ａ）参照）、一端部に丸穴８７が貫通形成され他端部に丸穴８８が貫通形成された下部遊動リンク部材８６（第２リンク部材）とを具備したものである（図７（ａ）参照）。そして、このリンク機構８０は（図７（ｂ）の上側部分を参照）、連結ピン８５が丸穴８７に挿入されることで、上部遊動リンク部材８３と下部遊動リンク部材８６とが揺動許容状態で連結するようになっている The link mechanism 80 (see FIG. 1(b) and the lower left part of FIG. 3) includes a link movement path forming member 81 in which a long hole 82 extending in the radial direction is formed (see the upper half of FIG. 6), An upper floating link member 83 (first link member) has a round hole 84 penetratingly formed at one end and a connecting pin 85 protruding from the other end (see FIG. 7(a)), and a round hole 87 is formed at one end. It is provided with a lower floating link member 86 (second link member) which is formed through it and has a round hole 88 formed through it at the other end (see FIG. 7(a)). This link mechanism 80 (see the upper part of FIG. 7(b)) allows the upper floating link member 83 and the lower floating link member 86 to swing by inserting the connecting pin 85 into the round hole 87. It is designed to be connected in the state

また、丸穴８８に第２揺動部材７０のピン７６が挿入されて第２揺動部材７０とリンク機構８０とが揺動許容状態で連結し（連結前の状態を示す図７（ｂ）と連結後の状態を示す図８の下半分を参照）、丸穴８４に第１揺動部材６０のピン６６が挿入されて第１揺動部材６０とリンク機構８０とが揺動許容状態で連結し（連結前の状態を示す図８を参照）、連結ピン８５がリンク移動路形成部材８１の長穴８２にも挿入されてリンク移動路形成部材８１と上部遊動リンク部材８３と下部遊動リンク部材８６とが揺動許容状態で連結するようになっている（連結前の状態を示す図５と連結後の状態を示す図９を参照）。 Further, the pin 76 of the second swinging member 70 is inserted into the round hole 88, and the second swinging member 70 and the link mechanism 80 are connected in a state where swinging is allowed (FIG. 7(b) showing the state before connection). (see the lower half of FIG. 8, which shows the state after connection), the pin 66 of the first swinging member 60 is inserted into the round hole 84, and the first swinging member 60 and the link mechanism 80 are in a swing-permitting state. The connecting pin 85 is also inserted into the elongated hole 82 of the link moving path forming member 81 to connect the link moving path forming member 81, the upper floating link member 83, and the lower floating link. The member 86 is connected in a swing-permitting state (see FIG. 5, which shows the state before connection, and FIG. 9, which shows the state after connection).

リンク移動路形成部材８１は（図６参照）、回転伝動軸４１の中間部４３を挿入可能な貫通穴が形成されているが、その貫通穴が完全な円形ではないので、回転伝動軸４１に嵌装されると（図５の下半分を参照）、回転伝動軸４１に対する周方向回転が阻止される。そのため、長穴８２によって連結ピン８５の移動可能方向が回転伝動軸４１の径方向に限定され、それによって、上部遊動リンク部材８３の丸穴８４と下部遊動リンク部材８６の丸穴８８との移動が回転伝動軸４１の周方向における逆向きで同距離のものに限定されるので、周方向拡縮機構６０８０は、何れか一対の区画部材６１，７１について周方向の離隔距離を拡縮させると、総ての区画室６７について周方向の中心位置が変わることなく周方向の離隔距離が連動して同時に同距離だけ纏まって拡縮するようになっている。 The link movement path forming member 81 (see FIG. 6) has a through hole into which the intermediate portion 43 of the rotation transmission shaft 41 can be inserted, but since the through hole is not completely circular, the rotation transmission shaft 41 cannot be inserted into the through hole. When fitted (see the lower half of FIG. 5), rotation in the circumferential direction relative to the rotary transmission shaft 41 is prevented. Therefore, the movable direction of the connecting pin 85 is limited to the radial direction of the rotary transmission shaft 41 by the elongated hole 82, thereby allowing movement between the round hole 84 of the upper floating link member 83 and the round hole 88 of the lower floating link member 86. are limited to opposite directions and the same distance in the circumferential direction of the rotational transmission shaft 41. Therefore, the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 expands/contracts the circumferential separation distance of any pair of partition members 61, 71. The circumferential center positions of all the compartments 67 do not change, and the circumferential separation distances are linked so that they simultaneously expand and contract by the same distance.

径方向拡縮機構９０は（図４，図１１，図１２参照）、複数の区画室６７を手動で個別に径方向へ拡縮させるものであり、そのために（特に図１１を参照）、それぞれの区画室６７に一つずつ対応させて組み込まれて区画室６７と同数だけ設けられている径方向画成部材９４と、それらの径方向画成部材９４を四方に分散させて径方向にだけ摺動しうる状態で保持する摺動許容保持部材９１＋９７を具備している。
この摺動許容保持部材９１＋９７は、上下に分離しうる一対の上部挟持部材９１と下部挟持部材９７とからなり、両部材９１，９７を上下に重ねると上部挟持部材９１の係合子９３と下部挟持部材９７の係合部９９とが係合して一体化するようになっている。 The radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 (see FIGS. 4, 11, and 12) manually expands/contracts the plurality of compartments 67 individually in the radial direction. The radial defining members 94 are incorporated one by one in correspondence with the compartments 67 and are provided in the same number as the compartments 67, and the radial defining members 94 are distributed in all directions so as to slide only in the radial direction. It is provided with sliding-permissive holding members 91+97 for holding the device in a position where it can be moved.
The slidable holding members 91+97 consist of a pair of upper clamping members 91 and lower clamping members 97 that can be separated vertically, and when both members 91 and 97 are stacked vertically, the engager 93 of the upper clamping member 91 and the lower clamping member The engaging portion 99 of the member 97 is engaged with the engaging portion 99 to be integrated.

下部挟持部材９７の上面には（図１１参照）、中央から真っ直ぐ延びて外縁に至る直線状の案内路９８が四方に向けて彫り込み形成されている。
また、上部挟持部材９１には、案内路９８に対応して中央から外縁へ向かって真っ直ぐ延びる案内路９２が打ち抜き形成されているが、こちらの案内路９２は、外縁の手前までにとどまっている。
そして、両部材９１，９７を上下に重ねると、上下で対をなす案内路９２と案内路９８とが、何れの対でも、平行に並んで径方向に延びるようになっている。 On the upper surface of the lower holding member 97 (see FIG. 11), a linear guide path 98 is carved in all directions, extending straight from the center to the outer edge.
Further, a guide path 92 extending straight from the center toward the outer edge is formed by punching in the upper holding member 91 in correspondence with the guide path 98, but this guide path 92 remains just before the outer edge. .
When both members 91 and 97 are stacked one above the other, the upper and lower pairs of guide paths 92 and 98 are arranged in parallel and extend in the radial direction.

径方向画成部材９４は（図１１参照）、何れも、区画室６７に直面する縦長の本体部分に加えて、その上端部から横に曲がった摺動部分と、その摺動部分の先端から上方へ突き出た突起９５も、具備している。そして、径方向画成部材９４の本体部分を下部挟持部材９７の外縁から突き出させた状態で、径方向画成部材９４の摺動部分を下部挟持部材９７の案内路９８に収めてから、下部挟持部材９７に上から上部挟持部材９１を重ねて両部材９１，９７を係合させると、それら９１，９６，…，９６，９７が一体化して径方向拡縮機構９０が出来上がるようになっている（図１２参照）。 Each of the radial defining members 94 (see FIG. 11) includes a vertically elongated main body portion facing the compartment 67, a sliding portion bent laterally from its upper end, and a sliding portion extending from the tip of the sliding portion. A projection 95 projecting upward is also provided. Then, with the main body portion of the radial defining member 94 protruding from the outer edge of the lower clamping member 97, the sliding portion of the radial defining member 94 is accommodated in the guide path 98 of the lower clamping member 97, and then the lower When the upper clamping member 91 is stacked on the clamping member 97 from above and both members 91, 97 are engaged, the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 is completed by integrating these members 91, 96, . . . , 96, 97. (See Figure 12).

このような径方向拡縮機構９０では、挟持部材９１，９７によって径方向画成部材９４の摺動部分が上下から挟まれて案内路９８に中に保持されるとともに、径方向画成部材９４の突起９５が案内路９２中に下から入って上方へ少しだけ突き出る。そのため、それぞれの径方向画成部材９４を、径方向外側へ引き出すことも（図１２（ａ）参照）、径方向内側へ押し込むことも（図１２（ｂ）参照）、個別に出来るようになっている。
しかも、突起９５の外径方向移動が案内路９２の外端で突起９５と上部挟持部材９１の外縁部との当接することで止められるので、径方向画成部材９４が摺動許容保持部材９１＋９７から抜け落ちるという不所望な事態が発生しないものにもなっている。 In such a radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90, the sliding portion of the radial defining member 94 is held between the upper and lower sides by the clamping members 91 and 97 and held in the guide path 98, and the sliding portion of the radial defining member 94 is A protrusion 95 enters the guide path 92 from below and protrudes slightly upward. Therefore, each radial defining member 94 can be individually pulled out radially outward (see FIG. 12(a)) or pushed radially inward (see FIG. 12(b)). ing.
In addition, since the movement of the projection 95 in the outer radial direction is stopped by the contact between the projection 95 and the outer edge of the upper holding member 91 at the outer end of the guide path 92, the radial direction defining member 94 can be stopped by the sliding allowable holding member 91+97. It also prevents the undesirable situation of falling off.

このように径方向拡縮機構９０は、個々の径方向画成部材９４を指先等で摺動許容保持部材９１＋９７から出し入れすることで区画室６７を個別に径方向へ拡縮しうるようになっているが、径方向画成部材９４の摺動部の上面に目盛９６が付されているので（図１１参照）、その目盛９６と上部挟持部材９１の外周面とを対比することで（図１２参照）、容易かつ的確に、複数の径方向画成部材９４の径方向位置を揃えることができるものとなっている。また（図４，図１２参照）、回転伝動軸４１の上端部４４に嵌装された径方向拡縮機構９０の上に干渉部材４７や傘部５０を重ねて止めネジ４８で締め込むと、干渉部材４７が径方向拡縮機構９０に押しつけられて突起９５と干渉するため（図２参照）、径方向画成部材９４の径方向移動が的確に阻止されるようにもなっている。 In this way, the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 can individually expand/contract the compartments 67 in the radial direction by moving the individual radial defining members 94 in and out of the sliding holding members 91+97 with fingertips or the like. However, since a scale 96 is provided on the upper surface of the sliding portion of the radial direction defining member 94 (see FIG. 11), by comparing the scale 96 with the outer circumferential surface of the upper clamping member 91 (see FIG. 12). ), the radial positions of the plurality of radial defining members 94 can be easily and precisely aligned. Furthermore, when the interference member 47 and the umbrella section 50 are placed on top of the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 fitted to the upper end portion 44 of the rotation transmission shaft 41 and tightened with the setscrew 48 (see FIGS. 4 and 12), interference occurs. Since the member 47 is pressed against the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 and interferes with the protrusion 95 (see FIG. 2), the radial movement of the radial defining member 94 is also accurately prevented.

この実施例１の錠剤カセット１０について、その使用態様及び動作を、上述した図面等を引用しながら説明する。 The manner of use and operation of the tablet cassette 10 of Example 1 will be explained with reference to the above-mentioned drawings and the like.

新たに開発された錠剤であって、従来の専用カセット（例えば既述した特許文献１～３を参照）を製作して取り扱うもの程たくさん使用されるようには未だなっていないが、手撒き作業などで取り扱うだけで足りるほど少数しか使用されないものでもない錠剤には、サイズの比較的大きなものが多い。また、そのような大きめの錠剤は、一回の服用で複数個を使用することが少ないことから、短時間の間に続けて多数個をカセットから逐次排出させることが少ない。そのため、整列盤の区画室のサイズに多少のばらつきがあっても更には区画室の個数が少なめでも、必要な整列機能や排出機能を発揮することができるので、少数だが拡縮調整可能な区画室６７を具備した錠剤カセット１０は、特許文献４記載の錠剤カセットと同様、大きめの錠剤の自動排出に適している。 These newly developed tablets have not yet been used as widely as conventional tablets manufactured and handled using special cassettes (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3 mentioned above), but they require manual dissemination work. Tablets are often relatively large in size, and are not used in such small numbers that it is enough to handle them. Furthermore, since it is rare for such large tablets to be used in a single dose, it is rare for a large number of tablets to be sequentially discharged from the cassette in a short period of time. Therefore, even if there is some variation in the size of the compartments of the sorting board, or even if the number of compartments is small, the necessary alignment and discharge functions can be achieved. The tablet cassette 10 equipped with the tablet cassette 67 is suitable for automatically discharging larger tablets, similar to the tablet cassette described in Patent Document 4.

錠剤カセット１０は、その区画室６７のサイズを錠剤の使用に先立って錠剤のサイズに適合させる必要があり、区画室６７のサイズ調整を人手作業にて行う。その調整作業は、容器部２０から取り外した状態の整列盤４０に対して行うのが基本であり（図３参照）、止めネジ４８を回して抜くと径方向拡縮機構９０と周方向拡縮機構６０８０とが分離されるので（図４参照）、それぞれ９０，６０８０に対して調整を行う遣り方が勧められる。その際、何れかの区画室６７に錠剤を収めた状態で区画室６７に錠剤を倣わせる態様で行っても良く、錠剤のサイズ等を測定しておきその測定値に基づいて区画室６７を可変する態様で行っても良いが、錠剤カセット１０の場合、前者は周方向拡縮機構６０８０の調整に好適で、後者は径方向拡縮機構９０の調整に好適である、という傾向が見られる。 In the tablet cassette 10, the size of the compartment 67 needs to be adapted to the size of the tablet before the tablet is used, and the size adjustment of the compartment 67 is performed manually. The adjustment work is basically performed on the alignment board 40 that has been removed from the container part 20 (see FIG. 3), and when the set screw 48 is turned and removed, the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 and the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 (see FIG. 4), it is recommended to make adjustments to 90 and 6080, respectively. At that time, the tablet may be placed in one of the compartments 67 and the tablet may be placed in the compartment 67, or the size of the tablet, etc. is measured and the tablet is placed in the compartment 67 based on the measured value. may be performed in a manner that varies, but in the case of the tablet cassette 10, there is a tendency that the former is suitable for adjusting the circumferential expanding/contracting mechanism 6080, and the latter is suitable for adjusting the radial expanding/contracting mechanism 90.

そこで、周方向拡縮機構６０８０による区画室６７の周方向幅を調整するときは（図１０参照）、四つの区画室６７のうち何れか一つの区画室６７を間にして対向する何れかの区画部材６１と区画部材７１とを離隔させて、そこに錠剤を入れ、その錠剤を挟むところまで区画部材６１と区画部材７１とを接近させてから、ほんの少しだけ広げておくといったことで、操作対象の区画室６７の周方向幅を錠剤の逐次通過に必要な幅になるよう拡大・縮小させると、四つ総ての区画室６７の周方向幅が連動して同時に錠剤の逐次通過に必要な幅になることから、区画室６７が複数・多数であっても、それらの周方向の拡縮調整の作業は、それらを纏めて的確に行えるので、簡便かつ迅速に済ませることができる。 Therefore, when adjusting the circumferential width of the compartment 67 by the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 (see FIG. 10), any one of the four compartments 67 facing each other with one compartment 67 in between. By separating the member 61 and the partitioning member 71, inserting a tablet there, and then bringing the partitioning member 61 and the partitioning member 71 close to each other until the tablet is sandwiched between them, and then spreading them out just a little, the operation target can be separated. When the circumferential width of the four compartment chambers 67 is expanded or contracted to the width necessary for the sequential passage of tablets, the circumferential width of all four compartment chambers 67 is linked and simultaneously widened to the width necessary for the sequential passage of tablets. Because of the width, even if there are a plurality of compartments 67, the work of expanding and contracting them in the circumferential direction can be done accurately all at once, so it can be easily and quickly completed.

また、径方向拡縮機構９０による区画室６７の径周方向幅を調整するときは（図１２参照）、先ず錠剤の厚みや短径といった径方向の幅を物差し等で測定しておく。そして、四つの径方向画成部材９４それぞれについて、径方向画成部材９４を引き出したり（図１２（ａ）参照）、径方向画成部材９４を押し込んだりして（図１２（ｂ）参照）、目盛９６のうち上記の測定幅に対応した値を示す目盛線が上部挟持部材９１の外径端の直下に来るようにする。この調整作業は、目盛９６を参照することで簡便かつ迅速に行えるので、径方向画成部材９４の個数だけ繰り返えしても、作業負担が重くなる訳では無い。 When adjusting the radial circumferential width of the compartment 67 by the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 (see FIG. 12), first measure the radial width such as the thickness and minor axis of the tablet using a ruler or the like. Then, for each of the four radial defining members 94, the radial defining member 94 is pulled out (see FIG. 12(a)) or the radial defining member 94 is pushed in (see FIG. 12(b)). , so that the scale line indicating the value corresponding to the measurement width of the scale 96 is located directly below the outer diameter end of the upper holding member 91. This adjustment work can be performed easily and quickly by referring to the scale 96, so even if it is repeated as many times as there are radial defining members 94, the work load does not become heavy.

このような簡便な作業を行うだけで、総ての区画室６７のサイズが錠剤に適合するので、回転伝動軸４１から分離されていた径方向拡縮機構９０と干渉部材４７と傘部５０とを（図４参照）、周方向拡縮機構６０８０付き回転伝動軸４１に戻してから、それらを止めネジ４８で固定して（図３参照）、整列盤４０の調整作業を終える。
そして、その整列盤４０を容器部２０に戻して装着すると、錠剤カセット１０が所望の錠剤のランダム収容および逐次排出に使用できるものになるので、錠剤カセット１０に適量の錠剤を補充するとともに、錠剤分包機等に実装されている錠剤カセットで取り敢えず使用しないで済むものを選出して、その錠剤カセットを駆動部から取り外し、その駆動部に錠剤カセット１０を取り付ける。 By simply performing such a simple operation, the size of all compartments 67 can be adjusted to fit the tablet, so the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90, interference member 47, and umbrella portion 50, which were separated from the rotational transmission shaft 41, can be removed. (See FIG. 4), and then return them to the rotation transmission shaft 41 with the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080, and then fix them with the setscrews 48 (see FIG. 3) to complete the adjustment work of the alignment plate 40.
Then, when the alignment plate 40 is returned and attached to the container section 20, the tablet cassette 10 can be used for randomly storing and sequentially discharging desired tablets. A tablet cassette installed in a packaging machine or the like that does not need to be used for the time being is selected, the tablet cassette is removed from a drive part, and a tablet cassette 10 is attached to the drive part.

この錠剤カセット１０では、錠剤が取り扱い可能なもののうちで小さいものの場合、区画部材６１，７１が対向間隔を狭めて径方向画成部材９４に接近するとともに傘部５０の切欠５３の下に現れる（図３参照）。また、径方向画成部材９４も、容器本体２１の内周面２７に近づいて対向間隔を狭めるとともに（図１（ａ）参照）、傘部５０の切欠５３の下に現れる。この切欠５３の下に現れた部分は大部分が滑らかな曲面なので、そこへ傘部５０の央部５１等から落ちてきた錠剤は、そこに留まることなく速やかに、区画室６７の中へ落ちていく。 In this tablet cassette 10, when the tablet is small among those that can be handled, the partitioning members 61 and 71 narrow their facing distance to approach the radial defining member 94 and appear below the notch 53 of the umbrella portion 50 ( (See Figure 3). Further, the radial defining member 94 also approaches the inner circumferential surface 27 of the container body 21 to narrow the facing distance (see FIG. 1(a)), and appears below the notch 53 of the umbrella portion 50. Since most of the portion appearing below this notch 53 is a smooth curved surface, a tablet that falls there from the central portion 51 of the umbrella portion 50 will quickly fall into the compartment 67 without staying there. To go.

また、錠剤の幅が少し大きい場合、それに対応した調整によって区画部材６１，７１が離れるので、区画部材６１，７１が径方向画成部材９４から少し離れるとともに部分的に傘部５０の張出部５２の下に隠れるが、区画部材６１，７１は逆向きに同じだけ移動することから、区画室６７の周方向位置が傘部５０の張出部５２の切欠５３に対して中央位置を維持するとともに、区画室６７における径方向画成部材９４の周方向位置も中央位置を維持するので、区画部材６１，７１と径方向画成部材９４との隙間が広がっても、その隙間に錠剤が落ちるという不所望な事態は回避されて、錠剤は区画室６７に落ちていく。 Furthermore, if the width of the tablet is slightly larger, the partitioning members 61 and 71 are moved apart by adjusting accordingly, so that the partitioning members 61 and 71 are moved slightly away from the radial defining member 94 and partially extend from the overhang of the umbrella portion 50. However, since the partition members 61 and 71 move the same amount in opposite directions, the circumferential position of the partition chamber 67 maintains the central position with respect to the notch 53 of the overhanging part 52 of the umbrella part 50. At the same time, since the circumferential position of the radial defining member 94 in the compartment chamber 67 is maintained at the center position, even if the gap between the dividing members 61, 71 and the radial defining member 94 widens, the tablet will fall into the gap. This undesirable situation is avoided and the tablet falls into the compartment 67.

錠剤の幅が更に大きい場合、それに対応した調整によって区画部材６１，７１が大きく離れるので、区画部材６１，７１の大部分または全部が傘部５０の張出部５２の下に隠れるが、区画室６７の上端部の周方向幅が傘部５０の張出部５２の切欠５３によって適切な範囲の上限以下に規制されるとともに、区画室６７と切欠５３とに係る周方向中央位置関係も区画室６７と径方向画成部材９４に係る周方向中央位置関係も維持されるので、この場合も、錠剤は区画室６７に落ちていく。 If the width of the tablet is even larger, the corresponding adjustment will cause the partition members 61 and 71 to be separated by a large distance, so that most or all of the partition members 61 and 71 will be hidden under the overhang part 52 of the umbrella part 50, but the partition chambers will be The circumferential width of the upper end of the cap 67 is regulated to be below the upper limit of an appropriate range by the notch 53 of the overhanging portion 52 of the umbrella portion 50, and the circumferential center positional relationship between the compartment 67 and the notch 53 is also limited to the compartment 67. Since the circumferential center positional relationship between 67 and radial defining member 94 is also maintained, the tablet falls into compartment 67 in this case as well.

さらに、錠剤が厚み方向にも少し大きい場合は径方向画成部材９４がそれに対応した調整によって回転伝動軸４１の方へ後退して容器本体２１の内周面２７から離れて径方向画成部材９４の折れ曲がり部の近くや一部が傘部５０の央部５１の下に隠れ、錠剤が厚さ方向にもかなり大きい場合はそれに対応した調整によって径方向画成部材９４のほとんどが傘部５０の央部５１の下に隠れるので、繰り返しとなる詳細な説明は割愛するが、やはり錠剤は区画室６７にだけ落ちていく。 Furthermore, if the tablet is a little larger in the thickness direction, the radial defining member 94 is adjusted accordingly so that it retreats toward the rotation transmission shaft 41 and moves away from the inner circumferential surface 27 of the container body 21. If the vicinity or part of the bent portion of the radial defining member 94 is hidden under the central portion 51 of the umbrella portion 50 and the tablet is quite large in the thickness direction, most of the radial defining member 94 is hidden under the central portion 51 of the umbrella portion 50 by adjusting accordingly. The tablets fall only into the compartment 67, although a detailed explanation will be omitted since the tablets are hidden under the central part 51 of the tablet.

なお、この錠剤カセット１０の傘部５０にあっては（図４参照）、切欠５３の周方向幅よりも張出部５２の周方向幅の方が広いため、その観点からは従来構造の錠剤カセットに比べて錠剤が張出部５２の上に留まりやすくなっているが、無端ベルト３４が張出部５２の上方に張設されていることから（図１（ａ）参照）、張出部５２の上に載って運ばれ続けた錠剤は、一周する前に無端ベルト３４に当接して反力を受けるので、無端ベルト３４の所に押しとどめられて姿勢を変えたり傘部５０の央部５１へ押し上げられたりする。そして、追いついてきた区画室６７が空ならば、大方がその区画室６７に落ちて入り込み、その区画室６７が空でなければ、その区画室６７に落ちかけたとしても仕切作用部３２より上方にとどまって排出口２８の上方を通過後に区画室６７の底まで落ちる。
そのため、錠剤の逐次排出は大きく遅滞することなく的確に遂行される。 In addition, in the umbrella part 50 of this tablet cassette 10 (see FIG. 4), the circumferential width of the overhanging part 52 is wider than the circumferential width of the notch 53, so from that point of view, the tablet of the conventional structure Although the tablets are easier to stay on the overhang 52 compared to a cassette, since the endless belt 34 is stretched above the overhang 52 (see FIG. 1(a)), the overhang Before the tablet 52 continues to be carried, it comes into contact with the endless belt 34 and receives a reaction force before it goes around the belt 52 , so it is held back by the endless belt 34 and changes its posture, or the tablet is pushed to the center of the umbrella part 50 . It may be pushed up to 51. If the compartment 67 that has caught up is empty, most of them will fall into that compartment 67, and if that compartment 67 is not empty, even if they are about to fall into that compartment 67, they will be placed above the partition action part 32. After passing above the discharge port 28, it falls to the bottom of the compartment 67.
Therefore, the sequential ejection of tablets is accurately performed without significant delay.

また、整列盤４０に組み込まれるリンク部材が、径方向拡縮機構９０では皆無になっており、周方向拡縮機構６０８０でも上部遊動リンク部材８３と下部遊動リンク部材８６との二種類に抑えられていて最少構成では二個まで減らせるので（図７参照）、少数で済む。そのため、部材の緩みやがたつき等が発生し難く、しかも部材遊動用の空間が小さくて済み（図２，図３参照）、ひいては錠剤粉の侵入や蓄積といった不所望な事態の発生も抑制され、錠剤粉の影響による部材品質の劣化なども抑制されることになる。 Furthermore, the radial expansion/contraction mechanism 90 has no link members incorporated in the alignment board 40, and the circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism 6080 is limited to two types: an upper floating link member 83 and a lower floating link member 86. In the minimum configuration, the number can be reduced to two (see FIG. 7), so only a small number is required. As a result, loosening and rattling of parts are less likely to occur, and the space for parts to move is small (see Figures 2 and 3), which also prevents undesirable situations such as penetration and accumulation of tablet powder. This also suppresses deterioration of component quality due to the influence of tablet powder.

リンク部材に限らず他の部材を含めた組み合わせ状態についても、隙間の少ない稠密配置になっているので（例えば図２参照）、同様の効果が発揮されるとともに、止めネジ４８による締め付けだけでも部材同士が強固に固定される。
そのため、整列盤４０について堅牢性や耐久性が向上する。 Not only the link members but also other members are assembled in a dense arrangement with few gaps (for example, see Fig. 2), so the same effect is achieved, and the members can be easily tightened simply by tightening with the setscrews 48. They are firmly fixed together.
Therefore, the robustness and durability of the alignment board 40 are improved.

［その他］
上記実施例では、径方向画成部材９４の摺動部の上面の目盛９６として、線の並びを図示するにとどめたが（図１１，図１２参照）、それに限定される訳では無く、例えば目安としての数値など他の補助的事項が付記されていても良い。目盛９６が、径方向画成部材９４の側面に付記されていても良く、上面と側面の双方に付記されていても良い。
目盛９６の線は、彫り込み形成等にて凹みを持たせても良い。そうすれば、調整作業時に目盛線の凹みに爪先等を引っ掛けて径方向画成部材９４を進退させる等のことにより、位置合わせが容易かつ的確に行えるようになる。 [others]
In the above embodiment, although the scale 96 on the upper surface of the sliding portion of the radial direction defining member 94 is only illustrated as a line arrangement (see FIGS. 11 and 12), the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, Other auxiliary information such as numerical values as a guide may be added. The scale 96 may be marked on the side surface of the radial defining member 94, or may be marked on both the top surface and the side surface.
The lines of the scale 96 may be provided with indentations by engraving or the like. Then, during adjustment work, by hooking a toe or the like into the recess of the scale line and moving the radial direction defining member 94 forward or backward, positioning can be easily and accurately performed.

上記実施例では、区画室６７の個数が四つであったが、区画室６７の個数は、四つに限定される訳でなく、それより多くても良く、それより少なくても良い。
上記実施例では、干渉部材４７が独立した単体物であったが、干渉部材４７は傘部５０の下面に貼着等にて付設されていても良い。干渉部材４７は、ある程度の製造誤差は避けることができない複数の径方向画成部材９４の突起９５に当接して何れの突起９５に対しても無理なく押さえ付ける役目を担っていることから、傘部５０よりも変形能や緩衝能に優れた材質の物から作られるので、材質まで傘部５０と一体化される物ではない。 In the above embodiment, the number of compartments 67 is four, but the number of compartments 67 is not limited to four, and may be greater or less than that.
In the above embodiment, the interference member 47 is an independent unit, but the interference member 47 may be attached to the lower surface of the umbrella portion 50 by adhesion or the like. Since the interference member 47 has the role of coming into contact with the protrusions 95 of the plurality of radial defining members 94 and pressing against any of the protrusions 95 without any force, the interference member 47 has the role of pressing against any of the protrusions 95 without any force. Since it is made of a material that has better deformability and cushioning ability than the portion 50, the material is not integrated with the umbrella portion 50.

上記実施例では、仕切作用部３２として薄板状体のものを図示したが、仕切作用部３２は、板状体に限定される訳でなく、仕切保持部３１は複雑になるが、無端ベルト３４のような伸縮性の無端ベルトを仕切作用部３２に採用することも可能であり、そうした方が、区画室６７のサイズ調整が多少ラフでも上下錠剤の仕切りが的確に行われるので、区画室６７のサイズ調整が楽になる。仕切作用部３２と区画部材６１，７１との干渉を避けるための溝６３，７３の形成条件も緩和される。 In the above embodiment, a thin plate-like body is illustrated as the partitioning section 32, but the partitioning section 32 is not limited to a plate-shaped body, and although the partition holding section 31 becomes complicated, the endless belt 34 It is also possible to employ a stretchable endless belt such as the one shown in FIG. size adjustment becomes easier. The conditions for forming the grooves 63, 73 to avoid interference between the partitioning portion 32 and the partitioning members 61, 71 are also relaxed.

上述の説明では、煩雑になるのを避けるために言及を控えたが、錠剤カセット１０についても、回転伝動軸４１等に下向き当接部材を少数個たとえば二個ほど付設するとともに（図示せず）、容器部２０の底部２５の上面に衝上部材をやはり少数個たとえば二個ほど付設して（図示せず）、整列盤４０の軸回転に伴って間欠的に即ち当接部材が衝上部材を乗り越える度に整列盤４０が少し突き上げられるようにしても良い（例えば特許文献３参照）。そうすることにより、錠剤が塊になっていた場合でもその塊が速やかに解れるとともに、個々の錠剤が区画室６７に転げ落ちやすくなる。 Although not mentioned in the above explanation to avoid complication, the tablet cassette 10 is also equipped with a small number, for example, two downward abutting members attached to the rotational power transmission shaft 41 (not shown). A small number of thrusting members, for example, about two thrusting members (not shown) are attached to the upper surface of the bottom 25 of the container section 20, so that as the alignment plate 40 rotates, the abutment members are intermittently connected to the thrusting members. The alignment board 40 may be pushed up a little each time it crosses over (for example, see Patent Document 3). By doing so, even if the tablets are agglomerated, the agglomeration will quickly break up and the individual tablets will easily fall into the compartment 67.

本発明の錠剤カセットは、既述した薬剤分包機のように庫部などに多数の駆動部を組み込んだ装置にも、錠剤分割装置のように一台だけしか搭載していない装置にも、使用することが可能である。また、一個の錠剤カセットを幾つかの駆動部に付け替えて使用することや、一個の駆動部に幾つかの錠剤カセットを付け替えて使用することも可能である。
本発明の錠剤カセットで取り扱う錠剤の典型例は大きめで縦長の丸筒状カプセル剤であるが、取り扱える錠剤がそれに限定される訳でなく、紡錘状や円盤状といった他の剤形や他のサイズの錠剤でも取り扱えるものは多い。 The tablet cassette of the present invention can be used in devices that incorporate multiple drive parts in the storage section, such as the drug packaging machine mentioned above, as well as in devices that are equipped with only one device, such as a tablet splitting device. It is possible to do so. Furthermore, it is also possible to use one tablet cassette by replacing it with several drive units, or by replacing several tablet cassettes with one drive unit.
A typical example of a tablet that can be handled by the tablet cassette of the present invention is a large, vertically elongated cylindrical capsule, but the tablets that can be handled are not limited to this; other dosage forms such as spindle-shaped or disc-shaped, and other sizes can also be used. Many tablets are also available.

１０…錠剤カセット、
２０…容器部、
２１…容器本体、２２…錠剤収容空間、２３…把手、２４…着脱部、
２５…底部、２６…貫通穴、２７…内周面（整列盤内挿空間）、２８…排出口、
３０…仕切ユニット、
３１…仕切保持部、３２…仕切作用部、３３…ベルト保持部、３４…無端ベルト、
４０…整列盤、
４１…回転伝動軸（整列盤脚部）、
４２…下端部、４３…中間部、４４…上端部、
４６…スペーサ、４７…干渉部材、４８…止めネジ、
５０…傘部（整列盤頭部）、
５１…央部、５２…張出部、５３…切欠（区画室上端部）、
６０８０…周方向拡縮機構（整列盤胴部）、
６０…第１揺動部材、
６１…区画部材、６２…区画面、６３…溝、６４…基部、６５…穴、６６…ピン、
６７…区画室、６８…逃がし穴、
７０…第２揺動部材、
７１…区画部材、７２…区画面、７３…溝、７４…基部、７５…穴、７６…ピン、
８０…リンク機構、
８１…リンク移動路形成部材、８２…長穴、
８３…上部遊動リンク部材、８４…丸穴、８５…連結ピン、
８６…下部遊動リンク部材、８７…丸穴、８８…丸穴、
９０…径方向拡縮機構、
９１…上部挟持部材（摺動許容保持部材）、
９２…案内路（打ち抜き部分）、９３…係合子、
９４…径方向画成部材、９５…突起、９６…目盛、
９７…下部挟持部材（摺動許容保持部材）、９８…案内路、９９…係合部 10...Tablet cassette,
20... Container part,
21... Container body, 22... Tablet storage space, 23... Handle, 24... Detachable part,
25...bottom, 26...through hole, 27...inner peripheral surface (alignment board insertion space), 28...discharge port,
30...partition unit,
31... Partition holding part, 32... Partition action part, 33... Belt holding part, 34... Endless belt,
40... alignment board,
41...Rotation transmission shaft (alignment board leg),
42...lower end part, 43...middle part, 44...upper end part,
46... Spacer, 47... Interference member, 48... Set screw,
50... Umbrella part (alignment board head),
51... Central portion, 52... Overhanging portion, 53... Notch (upper end of compartment),
6080...Circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism (alignment board body),
60...first swinging member,
61...Dividing member, 62...Dividing surface, 63...Groove, 64...Base, 65...Hole, 66...Pin,
67... Compartment room, 68... Escape hole,
70... second swinging member,
71... Division member, 72... Division screen, 73... Groove, 74... Base, 75... Hole, 76... Pin,
80...link mechanism,
81...Link movement path forming member, 82...Elongated hole,
83...Upper floating link member, 84...Round hole, 85...Connecting pin,
86...Lower floating link member, 87...Round hole, 88...Round hole,
90...Radial expansion/contraction mechanism,
91... Upper clamping member (sliding permitting holding member),
92... Guide path (punching part), 93... Engagement element,
94...Radial direction defining member, 95...Protrusion, 96...Scale,
97...Lower holding member (sliding permitting holding member), 98...Guiding path, 99...Engaging portion

Claims

多数の錠剤を収容しうる容器部と、軸回転可能な状態で前記容器部に収められて複数の区画室を画成する整列盤とを備え、前記容器部の底部に排出口が形成されていて、前記整列盤の軸回転にて前記区画室の中に落ち入った錠剤を前記排出口から逐次落下させる錠剤カセットにおいて、
前記整列盤が、前記容器部の底面を貫く回転伝動軸のうち前記容器部の内部空間に位置する内挿部分に外装された周方向拡縮機構と径方向拡縮機構と干渉部材とを具備したものであり、
前記周方向拡縮機構が、前記区画室を複数連動させて周方向に拡縮しうるようになっており、
前記径方向拡縮機構が、前記区画室それぞれに対応した径方向画成部材と、前記径方向画成部材を摺動可能に保持するとともに前記径方向画成部材の移動可能方向を径方向に限定する摺動許容保持部材とを具備していて、前記区画室を個別に径方向へ拡縮しうるようになっており、
前記干渉部材が、前記径方向拡縮機構に押し付けられると前記径方向画成部材と干渉して前記径方向画成部材の径方向移動を阻止するようになっており、
前記摺動許容保持部材が、前記径方向画成部材の摺動部分を両側から挟んで前記径方向画成部材を保持する一対の挟持部材を具備したものであり、
前記径方向画成部材に突起が設けられており、前記突起が前記挟持部材から外へ突き出ており、前記径方向画成部材の径方向移動の阻止が前記突起と前記干渉部材との干渉によって行われるようになっている、ことを特徴とする錠剤カセット。 The tablet comprises a container part capable of accommodating a large number of tablets, and an alignment plate that is rotatably housed in the container part and defines a plurality of compartments, and a discharge port is formed at the bottom of the container part. and a tablet cassette in which the tablets that have fallen into the compartment by rotating the axis of the alignment plate are successively dropped from the discharge port,
The alignment plate includes a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism, a radial expansion/contraction mechanism, and an interference member, which are externally mounted on an inserted portion of the rotation transmission shaft that penetrates the bottom surface of the container section and located in the internal space of the container section. and
The circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism is capable of expanding/contracting the plurality of compartments in the circumferential direction in conjunction with each other,
The radial expansion/contraction mechanism slidably holds the radial defining member corresponding to each of the compartments and the radial defining member, and limits the movable direction of the radial defining member to the radial direction. a sliding-permissible holding member that allows the compartments to be individually expanded and contracted in the radial direction;
When the interference member is pressed against the radial expansion/contraction mechanism, it interferes with the radial defining member and prevents the radial defining member from moving in the radial direction ,
The slidable holding member includes a pair of holding members that hold the radial defining member by sandwiching the sliding portion of the radial defining member from both sides,
The radial defining member is provided with a protrusion, the protrusion protrudes outward from the clamping member, and the radial movement of the radial defining member is prevented by interference between the protrusion and the interference member. A pill cassette characterized by:

前記挟持部材のうち前記突起の突き出しを可能とする打ち抜き部分が、外縁部より内側にとどまっている、ことを特徴とする請求項１記載の錠剤カセット。 2. The tablet cassette according to claim 1, wherein a punched portion of the holding member that allows the protrusion to protrude remains inside the outer edge.

多数の錠剤を収容しうる容器部と、軸回転可能な状態で前記容器部に収められて複数の区画室を画成する整列盤とを備え、前記容器部の底部に排出口が形成されていて、前記整列盤の軸回転にて前記区画室の中に落ち入った錠剤を前記排出口から逐次落下させる錠剤カセットにおいて、
前記整列盤が、前記容器部の底面を貫く回転伝動軸のうち前記容器部の内部空間に位置する内挿部分に外装された周方向拡縮機構と径方向拡縮機構と干渉部材とを具備したものであり、
前記周方向拡縮機構が、前記区画室を複数連動させて周方向に拡縮しうるようになっており、
前記径方向拡縮機構が、前記区画室それぞれに対応した径方向画成部材と、前記径方向画成部材を摺動可能に保持するとともに前記径方向画成部材の移動可能方向を径方向に限定する摺動許容保持部材とを具備していて、前記区画室を個別に径方向へ拡縮しうるようになっており、
前記干渉部材が、前記径方向拡縮機構に押し付けられると前記径方向画成部材と干渉して前記径方向画成部材の径方向移動を阻止するようになっており、
前記径方向画成部材の表面に径方向の目盛が付されていることを特徴とする錠剤カセット。 The tablet comprises a container part capable of accommodating a large number of tablets, and an alignment plate that is rotatably housed in the container part and defines a plurality of compartments, and a discharge port is formed at the bottom of the container part. and a tablet cassette in which the tablets that have fallen into the compartment by rotating the axis of the alignment plate are successively dropped from the discharge port,
The alignment plate includes a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism, a radial expansion/contraction mechanism, and an interference member, which are externally mounted on an inserted portion of the rotation transmission shaft that penetrates the bottom surface of the container section and located in the internal space of the container section. and
The circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism is capable of expanding/contracting the plurality of compartments in the circumferential direction in conjunction with each other,
The radial expansion/contraction mechanism slidably holds the radial defining member corresponding to each of the compartments and the radial defining member, and limits the movable direction of the radial defining member to the radial direction. a sliding-permissible holding member that allows the compartments to be individually expanded and contracted in the radial direction;
When the interference member is pressed against the radial expansion/contraction mechanism, it interferes with the radial defining member and prevents the radial defining member from moving in the radial direction ,
A tablet cassette, characterized in that a radial scale is provided on the surface of the radial defining member.

前記径方向画成部材の表面に径方向の目盛が付されていることを特徴とする請求項１又は請求項２の何れかに記載された錠剤カセット。 3. The tablet cassette according to claim 1, wherein a radial scale is provided on the surface of the radial defining member.

多数の錠剤を収容しうる容器部と、軸回転可能な状態で前記容器部に収められて複数の区画室を画成する整列盤とを備え、前記容器部の底部に排出口が形成されていて、前記整列盤の軸回転にて前記区画室の中に落ち入った錠剤を前記排出口から逐次落下させる錠剤カセットにおいて、
前記整列盤が、前記容器部の底面を貫く回転伝動軸のうち前記容器部の内部空間に位置する内挿部分に外装された周方向拡縮機構と径方向拡縮機構と干渉部材とを具備したものであり、
前記周方向拡縮機構が、前記区画室を複数連動させて周方向に拡縮しうるようになっており、
前記径方向拡縮機構が、前記区画室それぞれに対応した径方向画成部材と、前記径方向画成部材を摺動可能に保持するとともに前記径方向画成部材の移動可能方向を径方向に限定する摺動許容保持部材とを具備していて、前記区画室を個別に径方向へ拡縮しうるようになっており、
前記干渉部材が、前記径方向拡縮機構に押し付けられると前記径方向画成部材と干渉して前記径方向画成部材の径方向移動を阻止するようになっており、
前記周方向拡縮機構が、前記回転伝動軸に対して周方向回転可能に外装されて前記区画室の両側面のうち一方を画する第１揺動部材と、前記回転伝動軸に対して周方向回転可能に外装されて前記区画室の両側面のうち他方を画する第２揺動部材と、前記回転伝動軸に対して周方向回転不能に外装されたリンク移動路形成部材と、一端部が前記第１揺動部材に揺動許容状態で連結された第１リンク部材と、一端部が前記第２揺動部材に揺動許容状態で連結された第２リンク部材とを具備しており、前記第１リンク部材の他端部と前記第２リンク部材の他端部とが互いに揺動許容状態で連結されており且つその連結部の移動が前記リンク移動路形成部材によって前記回転伝動軸の径方向に限定されている、ことを特徴とする錠剤カセット。 The tablet comprises a container part capable of accommodating a large number of tablets, and an alignment plate that is rotatably housed in the container part and defines a plurality of compartments, and a discharge port is formed at the bottom of the container part. and a tablet cassette in which the tablets that have fallen into the compartment by rotating the axis of the alignment plate are successively dropped from the discharge port,
The alignment plate includes a circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism, a radial expansion/contraction mechanism, and an interference member, which are externally mounted on an inserted portion of the rotation transmission shaft that penetrates the bottom surface of the container section and located in the internal space of the container section. and
The circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism is capable of expanding/contracting the plurality of compartments in the circumferential direction in conjunction with each other,
The radial expansion/contraction mechanism slidably holds the radial defining member corresponding to each of the compartments and the radial defining member, and limits the movable direction of the radial defining member to the radial direction. a sliding-permissible holding member that allows the compartments to be individually expanded and contracted in the radial direction;
When the interference member is pressed against the radial expansion/contraction mechanism, it interferes with the radial defining member and prevents the radial defining member from moving in the radial direction,
The circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism includes a first swinging member that is externally mounted so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation transmission shaft and defines one of both sides of the compartment; a second swinging member that is rotatably exteriorized and defines the other of both sides of the compartment; a link movement path forming member that is exteriorized so that it cannot rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation transmission shaft; a first link member connected to the first swinging member in a swingable state; and a second link member, one end of which is connected to the second swinging member in a swingable state, The other end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member are connected to each other in a swingable state, and the movement of the connecting portion is caused by the link movement path forming member to move the rotation transmission shaft. A tablet cassette characterized in that it is limited in the radial direction.

前記周方向拡縮機構が、前記回転伝動軸に対して周方向回転可能に外装されて前記区画室の両側面のうち一方を画する第１揺動部材と、前記回転伝動軸に対して周方向回転可能に外装されて前記区画室の両側面のうち他方を画する第２揺動部材と、前記回転伝動軸に対して周方向回転不能に外装されたリンク移動路形成部材と、一端部が前記第１揺動部材に揺動許容状態で連結された第１リンク部材と、一端部が前記第２揺動部材に揺動許容状態で連結された第２リンク部材とを具備しており、前記第１リンク部材の他端部と前記第２リンク部材の他端部とが互いに揺動許容状態で連結されており且つその連結部の移動が前記リンク移動路形成部材によって前記回転伝動軸の径方向に限定されている、ことを特徴とする請求項１乃至請求項４の何れかに記載された錠剤カセット。 The circumferential expansion/contraction mechanism includes a first swinging member that is externally mounted so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation transmission shaft and defines one of both sides of the compartment; a second swinging member that is rotatably exteriorized and defines the other of both sides of the compartment; a link movement path forming member that is exteriorized so that it cannot rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation transmission shaft; a first link member connected to the first swinging member in a swingable state; and a second link member, one end of which is connected to the second swinging member in a swingable state, The other end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member are connected to each other in a swingable state, and the movement of the connecting portion is caused by the link movement path forming member to move the rotation transmission shaft. The tablet cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tablet cassette is limited in the radial direction.