WO2004036516A1 - Automatic medicament dispenser for pharmacies - Google Patents

Automatic medicament dispenser for pharmacies Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004036516A1
WO2004036516A1 PCT/ES2002/000490 ES0200490W WO2004036516A1 WO 2004036516 A1 WO2004036516 A1 WO 2004036516A1 ES 0200490 W ES0200490 W ES 0200490W WO 2004036516 A1 WO2004036516 A1 WO 2004036516A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
products
product
heads
tray
conveyor belt
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ES2002/000490
Other languages
Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
Pierre Pascal Hecq
José Luis RODRÍGUEZ GONZÁLEZ
Juan Carlos Fraile Marinero
Antonio BALSA FERNÁNDEZ
Javier LÓPEZ CRUZADO
Original Assignee
Tecny-Farma, S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tecny-Farma, S.A. filed Critical Tecny-Farma, S.A.
Priority to PCT/ES2002/000490 priority Critical patent/WO2004036516A1/en
Priority to AU2002352265A priority patent/AU2002352265A1/en
Publication of WO2004036516A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004036516A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G07F11/24—Rotary or oscillatory members
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/28—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined
    • G07F11/32—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined two or magazines having a common delivery chute

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an automatic distributor of drugs for pharmacies, intended to provide the pharmacist with one or more products requested by the pharmacist, the shipment of the products requested simultaneously and quickly, based on the combination and particular arrangement of some extractor heads and a conveyor belt for final distribution of the product or products.
  • the extraction mechanism generally has a pusher that slightly lifts the lowest product from the stack, until it exceeds the front retention stop, and then, after the pusher retracts, said product falls by gravity to an inclined tray that , it travels in a longitudinal direction to allow the product to exit through a window or tray provided on a front of the machine.
  • the ejector element raises the last product of the row of each tray and serves at the same time as a sliding platform for the product, until it reaches the inclined extraction platform, so that a complete retraction of that ejector element can be performed until the product is on the extraction platform.
  • the product stacks are arranged in fixed and defined positions, by means of separators that are mounted in a grooves of the trays determining a specific number of streets for each tray and presenting each street a width determined that it cannot be changed, except for small displacements.
  • the tray itself incorporates the retaining stops of the product stacks, so that when the tray is formed, with the corresponding retaining stops, the position and width of the streets have already been defined, so that each street counts with its stop or stops properly positioned, thus making it impossible to change the width and position of the streets a posteriori, otherwise, the product retention stops would no longer be positioned correctly. In this way, it is possible that the machine does not adapt perfectly to the specific needs of each pharmacy, which in the end implies an incorrect use of the distributor's capacity.
  • the automatic distributor of drugs for pharmacies object of the invention solves the problem previously exposed to full satisfaction, based on the incorporation of an extraction mechanism that can move both horizontally and vertically to position itself in front of the product stack, with the special feature that the extracted product falls on a conveyor belt that, in addition to the logical horizontal displacement of its tapestry, is also entitled to move vertically to accompany the extraction mechanism, so that it is always located near such a mechanism to prevent products from hitting the fall on her
  • the machine since the machine has means for vertical displacement of the conveyor belt, it can be placed at any height with respect to the distributor, allowing the products to exit at any point therein.
  • This allows to freely design the means of transport of the product from the point or tray of exit of the machine to the point of delivery selected in the pharmacy, being able to exist different trays of exit of the product, at different heights, that will allow that the product It can be picked up at different points in the pharmacy.
  • the conveyor belt can move its tapestry in both directions, so that the delivery of the products can be made on both sides of the machine, thus greatly increasing the delivery possibilities.
  • the extraction mechanism is constituted from a multiple head with several extractor fingers, each of which is independently operated by means of a pneumatic cylinder, so that, through a connecting rod, the extractor finger is pushed and guided in some angled channels provided on the walls that delimit the heads that cause the movement of the pneumatic cylinder to become a removal of the corresponding finger and in its subsequent elevation, introducing it through a slot provided along the tray of products, pushing up the last product of the battery until it exceeds the height of the retention stop, falling by gravity on an inclined platform that is disposed on the extractor heads, from whose platform they finally fall to the conveyor belt which, by activating the sliding tapestry, will cause them to be dispensed.
  • the extractor head has several extractor fingers, with their corresponding independent drives that allow the independent or simultaneous activation of several extractor fingers, using more or less number of fingers for extraction, depending on the size of the product to be dispensed. This allows great flexibility in the distribution of the products in the trays since the extractor head, depending on the size of the required product, will automatically use more or less number of fingers, compared to solutions in which products that have certain sizes must be arranged in specific positions, equipped with special means for extraction.
  • the arrangement of the products can be done with great flexibility since they can define and modify not only the number of streets or stacks of products in each tray, but also the individual width of each of according to the products to be stored, thus obtaining an optimization of the surface of the tray.
  • the combination and arrangement of the heads and conveyor belt allows two extraction heads to be used, one facing the other, which will extract products from trays arranged on both sides of the machine, all products falling on the same conveyor belt, which allows to double the capacity of storage and / or increase flexibility in the arrangement and / or distribution of the trays inside the machine cabin.
  • the means that enable the movements of the extractor heads and conveyor belt are based on a pair of linear guides for vertical displacement, on whose sliding skates a third linear guide of horizontal displacement is mounted, which has its corresponding sliding skate, on which are mounted in turn, through the corresponding supports, the head or extractor heads.
  • the extractor heads can move in two perpendicular directions, specifically in the horizontal and vertical direction, performing these movements simultaneously, thus reducing the total cycle time.
  • linear guides allow a faster movement than that achieved through spindles, gears or toothed belts, said linear guides being also of remarkable robustness, which allows them to withstand high accelerations of movements and large weights and, therefore, Design more robust and reliable machines.
  • the conveyor belt is also mounted on the two skates of the vertical guides, through corresponding supports, which allows a vertical displacement of the conveyor belt, simultaneously with that of the extractor heads, thus accompanying them in the extraction movements and preventing these hit when falling on the tape.
  • the conveyor belt can move, in a vertical direction, until it is faced with the most appropriate product distribution tray or ramp in each case, at which point the activation of the sliding mat will take place and the delivery of the products in said distribution tray or ramp.
  • Another feature of the machine object of the invention refers to the fact that the trays incorporate light signals that indicate to the pharmacist in which tray the product or products should be loaded, as well as the concrete street inside the tray.
  • the automatic distributor object of the invention is specially designed to dispense drugs in pharmacies but, it would be equally valid for all types of homeopathic or health products, as well as for use in hospitals or in parapharmacies that distribute products of a more diverse nature. than medications.
  • Figure 1 shows a view according to a general perspective of the machine that constitutes the automatic distributor of drugs for pharmacies made in accordance with the object of the invention.
  • Figure 2.- Shows a detail in perspective of the assembly of the heads on the corresponding horizontal guide and of this on the vertical guide, the conveyor belt not having been represented in this case to show in greater detail that form of assembly of the heads .
  • Figure 3. Shows a perspective view of the corner of the machine where the assembly shown in the previous figure is mounted, but in this case a detail of the support that allows the conveyor belt to be mounted on the vertical guide.
  • Figure 4.- Shows a general perspective view of the extractor head.
  • Figure 5. Schematically shows, according to a side elevation, the sequence of operation of the extractor head, in three phases, the first one considered as rest, the second the intermediate operating position and the third an actuation position to produce the extraction.
  • Figure 6. Shows, finally, a perspective and schematic view of the machine represented in the previous figure, without seeing any interior detail, but showing several points of exit of dispensed medications, having represented in these points trays or distribution ramps of the products supplied by the machine itself.
  • the machine that constitutes the automatic distributor of drugs for pharmacies object of the invention includes as conventional a series of inclined trays (2) where medications or products are placed neatly and classified to supply, counting each tray (2) with a series of slots in which the typical separators that configure vertical streets in which the products are arranged forming batteries are introduced.
  • a stop (3) that retains the batteries of products (4) stored in each tray (2), when the bottom product (4) of each battery stops.
  • the extraction is carried out by means of one or two heads (5) conveniently located inside the machine, which extract the products from the different trays (2) and deposit them on a conveyor belt (11) located under the heads (5), Conveyor belt that can receive several products extracted by the heads (5) to subsequently proceed to its dispensing, by activating the corresponding tapestry or sliding band.
  • the cycle times are reduced, when the order requested by the pharmacist includes several items, since, instead of individually extracting and dispensing each product, it is possible to extract them all and then simultaneously dispense them in the same operation.
  • each of the heads (5) is multiple and comprises a plurality of fingers (6) mounted parallel to the head itself (5), each finger being associated with a pneumatic actuating cylinder (7). ), whose piston or rod drives a connecting rod (8) that is linked to the own finger (6), the fingers (6) being guided in their movement in the corresponding grooves (9) provided for this purpose in the walls (10) of the multiple head (5), so that the movement of the pneumatic cylinder (7) causes the extraction of the corresponding finger and in its subsequent elevation, achieving, as will be described later, the extraction of the requested product.
  • Each of the heads (5) incorporates several extractor fingers (6) that can be activated independently or in combination, depending on the size of the required item, logically, a greater number of extractor fingers will be activated the larger the product size. This allows the products to be freely disposed in the inclined trays (2) since the extractor head (5), having several extractor fingers (6), is capable of automatically extracting any product, regardless of its size.
  • the stop (3) is constituted by a crossbar, arranged at the bottom of each tray (2), but with the particularity that the crossbar is independent of the tray (2) and occupies the entire width of it, acting simultaneously as a stop for all product stacks (4) that constitute each tray (2).
  • This allows to configure with great flexibility the streets that constitute the piles of products within each tray (2) since, regardless of the number of batteries constituted and the width of the same, all of them will be duly retained by the stop (2).
  • the machine It allows the use of two extraction heads (5), one facing the other, which can extract products from trays (4) arranged on both sides of the machine, which allows to double the storage capacity and / or increase flexibility in the distribution and layout of the trays themselves.
  • the means that allow the movements of the extractor heads (5) and the conveyor belt (11) located horizontally and inferiorly, is based on a pair of vertical guides (12) on which two sliding skates (13) are located on which in turn mounts a third linear and horizontal guide
  • the conveyor belt itself (11) is mounted, in such a way that, in addition to the usual horizontal movement of the sliding tapestry, it can move up and down as it is linked to the supports (17) related to the skate (13). ) sliding along the vertical guide (12).
  • the arrangement of the inclined surface (18) above the multiple extractor head (5), being independent of it and the respective extractor finger (6), allows to reduce the extraction cycle time since at the time the product exceeds the retaining stop (3) of the inclined tray (2), the extractor finger (6) retracts to be able to perform another extraction.
  • the vertical and horizontal movements of the conveyor belt supports (11) allow it to be placed and always accompany the extractor heads (5) to receive the products (4) at any height and not they produce blows in that fall on the conveyor belt (11), making it possible even to have different trays or distribution ramps (19), as shown in Figure 6, that is to say that the extraction of products can be carried out at any point of the machine, according to the needs and conveniences that are best desired.
  • the conveyor belt (11) can move its tapestry in both directions, thus allowing the output of products on both sides of the machine, thereby increasing the number of possible delivery points.
  • the distributor object of the invention incorporates a system that allows to perform simple and fast loading of products, based on the fact that, each of the trays (2), incorporates in its rear part corresponding to the loading area of products, a light signaling, by means of LEDs or the like, which indicates to the pharmacist the tray and the street or streets, of the aforementioned tray, in which the loading of a specific product must be carried out, the operation being completed with a validation device for the effective loading of the product in the corresponding stack.
  • the pharmacist scans the medication to be loaded into the machine.
  • the machine control system turns on the LEDs corresponding to the tray or trays in which the product can be loaded. - The LEDs located in front of the street or streets where the product should be introduced light up steadily, while the rest of the LEDs in the tray are flashing. The product is introduced in the corresponding street.
  • the load is validated by a system based, for example, on bar codes.
  • the system updates the load made and is ready to start a new product load.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic medicament dispenser for pharmacies. The inventive dispenser takes the form of a machine which can be disposed in a pharmacy in order to provide the pharmacist with one or more desired products. The dispenser consists of an extractor mechanism comprising one or two heads (5) with rods (6) which are actuated by pneumatic cylinders. The aforementioned heads (5) are mounted to supports (16) which are solidly connected to a guide (14) and which can move horizontally by means of the shoe (15) belonging to said guide. Moreover, the guide is associated with a pair of shoes (13) which slide along vertical guides (12), such as to move the above-mentioned heads vertically and horizontally. The invention also comprises a conveyor belt which is mounted to supports (17) which are solidly connected to the vertically-moving shoes (13). In this way, the conveyor belt can move vertically as well as in the usual horizontal manner and accompany the heads (5) in order (i) to receive the products extracted by said heads (5) and, subsequently, (ii) to extract all of said products through the activation of the movement of the moving belt.

Description

DISTRIBUIDOR AUTOMÁTICO DE MEDICAMENTOS PARA FARMACIAS AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTOR OF MEDICINES FOR PHARMACIES
D E S C R I P C I Ó ND E S C R I P C I Ó N
OBJETO DE LA INVENCIÓNOBJECT OF THE INVENTION
La presente invención se refiere a un distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias, previsto para poder proporcionar al farmacéutico uno o varios productos solicitados por éste, realizándose la expedición de los productos solicitados de forma simultánea y rápida, basándose en la combinación y disposición particular de unos cabezales extractores y una cinta transportadora para distribución final del producto o productos.The present invention relates to an automatic distributor of drugs for pharmacies, intended to provide the pharmacist with one or more products requested by the pharmacist, the shipment of the products requested simultaneously and quickly, based on the combination and particular arrangement of some extractor heads and a conveyor belt for final distribution of the product or products.
ANTECEDENTES DE LA INVENCIÓNBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Actualmente, en las farmacias cada día se hace más extensiva la implantación de máquinas automáticas para la distribución de los productos o medicamentos, encontrándose éstos almacenados en el interior de la máquina distribuidora que cuenta al efecto con un manipulador controlado por un ordenador, todo ello con el fin de que el farmacéutico pueda solicitar en un momento determinado uno o más productos a la máquina y ésta realizar la extracción y suministro de ese producto o productos hasta el lugar elegido, como puede ser el mostrador de atención al público, independientemente de dónde se encuentre la máquina distribuidora, que puede estar en un piso superior, en el sótano, en la trastienda, etc .At the moment, in pharmacies every day the implantation of automatic machines for the distribution of the products or medicines is more extensive, being stored inside the distribution machine that has a manipulator controlled by a computer, all with in order that the pharmacist can request at one time one or more products to the machine and this one to carry out the extraction and supply of that product or products to the chosen place, such as the customer service desk, regardless of where it is find the distribution machine, which can be on an upper floor, in the basement, in the back room, etc.
En tal sentido pueden citarse la patente USA 5867628 y la patente europea 0991037, las cuales están basadas en que los medicamentos se encuentran dispuestos en unas bandejas inclinadas, formando pilas, quedando el medicamento más bajo de cada pila apoyado contra un tope inferior y frontal de la propia bandeja. Un manipulador o robot se desplaza según los ejes X e Y para posicionarse frente a la pila que contiene el medicamento o producto a expender, extrayéndolo y procediendo a continuación a su distribución hasta una bandeja o posición de recogida del producto .In this regard, the US patent 5867628 and the European patent 0991037, which are based on the fact that the medications are arranged in inclined trays, forming batteries, with the lowest medication of each stack being supported against a lower and front stop of the tray itself. A manipulator or robot moves along the X and Y axes to position itself in front of the battery containing the medicine or product to be dispensed, removing it and then distributing it to a tray or product collection position.
El mecanismo de extracción cuenta generalmente con un empujador que levanta ligeramente el producto más bajo de la pila, hasta que éste supera el tope frontal de retención, para a continuación, tras la retracción del empujador, caer dicho producto por gravedad hasta una bandeja inclinada que, se desplaza en sentido longitudinal para permitir la salida del producto a través de una ventana o bandeja prevista en un frontal de la máquina.The extraction mechanism generally has a pusher that slightly lifts the lowest product from the stack, until it exceeds the front retention stop, and then, after the pusher retracts, said product falls by gravity to an inclined tray that , it travels in a longitudinal direction to allow the product to exit through a window or tray provided on a front of the machine.
Uno de los problemas que presentan las máquinas descritas en esas patentes, se refiere precisamente al hecho de que los productos extraídos caen en una bandej a inclinada que debe dispensar el producto inmediatamente puesto que la propia bandeja no está prevista para albergar mas de un producto, debiendo, como se ha dicho anteriormente, dispensar el producto antes de realizar una nueva extracción. Esto implica que la extracción y distribución se realiza unitariamente; es decir que, aunque el farmacéutico solicite varios productos, la máquina realizará la extracción y dispensado de un solo producto en cada ciclo, por lo que la expedición completa del conjunto de productos solicitados, requiere de un tiempo de entrega elevado. Además, concretamente, en la patente europea 0991037 referida, el elemento expulsor eleva el último producto de la fila de cada bandeja y sirve a la vez como plataforma de deslizamiento del producto, hasta que éste alcanza la plataforma inclinada de extracción, por lo que no puede realizarse una retracción completa de ese elemento expulsor hasta que el producto se encuentre sobre la plataforma de extracción.One of the problems presented by the machines described in these patents, refers precisely to the fact that the extracted products fall into an inclined tray that the product must immediately dispense since the tray itself is not intended to house more than one product, must, as stated above, dispense the product before performing a new extraction. This implies that the extraction and distribution is done unitary; that is to say that, although the pharmacist requests several products, the machine will carry out the extraction and dispensing of a single product in each cycle, so the complete shipment of the set of products requested requires a high delivery time. In addition, specifically, in the European patent 0991037 referred to, the ejector element raises the last product of the row of each tray and serves at the same time as a sliding platform for the product, until it reaches the inclined extraction platform, so that a complete retraction of that ejector element can be performed until the product is on the extraction platform.
Otro inconveniente que presenta la máquina objeto de esa patente europea consiste en que los productos extraídos caen sobre la correspondiente bandeja inclinada de distribución, hasta chocar con la pared vertical o puerta de la propia máquina, que hace de tope, desplazándose a continuación la citada bandeja hasta que el producto queda enfrentado a una ventana dispensadora por la que cae a una bandeja de recogida. Esta configuración obliga a situar el almacén de productos en un único lado de la máquina, limitando así las posibilidades de almacenamiento de la misma.Another drawback presented by the machine object of that European patent is that the extracted products fall on the corresponding inclined distribution tray, until it hits the vertical wall or door of the machine itself, which stops, then moving the said tray until the product faces a dispensing window through which it falls into a collection tray. This configuration forces the product store to be placed on a single side of the machine, thus limiting its storage possibilities.
Además, en la máquina descrita en la citada patente europea las pilas de productos están dispuestas en posiciones fijas y definidas, mediante unos separadores que se montan en unas ranuras de las bandejas determinando un número de calles concreto para cada bandeja y presentando cada calle una anchura determinada que no puede variarse, salvo pequeños desplazamientos. Esto es debido a que la propia bandeja incorpora los topes retenedores de las pilas de productos, por lo que al conformar la bandeja, con los topes retenedores correspondientes, se ha definido ya la posición y anchura de las calles, de manera que cada calle cuente con su tope o topes debidamente posicionados, resultando así imposible cambiar a posteriori el ancho y posición de las calles, puesto que, en caso contrario, los topes retenedores de productos ya no quedarían posicionados correctamente. De esta manera, es posible que la máquina no se adapte perfectamente a las necesidades concretas de cada farmacia, lo que al final supone una incorrecta utilización de la capacidad del distribuidor.In addition, in the machine described in the aforementioned European patent the product stacks are arranged in fixed and defined positions, by means of separators that are mounted in a grooves of the trays determining a specific number of streets for each tray and presenting each street a width determined that it cannot be changed, except for small displacements. This is because the tray itself incorporates the retaining stops of the product stacks, so that when the tray is formed, with the corresponding retaining stops, the position and width of the streets have already been defined, so that each street counts with its stop or stops properly positioned, thus making it impossible to change the width and position of the streets a posteriori, otherwise, the product retention stops would no longer be positioned correctly. In this way, it is possible that the machine does not adapt perfectly to the specific needs of each pharmacy, which in the end implies an incorrect use of the distributor's capacity.
Otro inconveniente que presentan estas máquinas se refiere a la carga de los productos en el distribuidor. En este tipo de máquinas, las bandejas están provistas en su parte trasera con una numeración para cada una de sus calles, pudiendo un distribuidor completo incluir entre 500 y 1000 calles, de forma que el farmacéutico, para realizar la carga, escanea el o los productos a introducir debiendo a continuación buscar la calle o calles seleccionadas . Con esta operatividad, se pierde mucho tiempo en la localización de una calle concreta y además resulta fácil equivocarse al realizar la carga de productos .Another drawback presented by these machines refers to the loading of the products in the distributor. In this type of machines, the trays are provided in their back part with a numbering for each of their streets, being able to a complete distributor to include between 500 and 1000 streets, so that the pharmacist, to realize the load, scans the or Products to be introduced, then search for the selected street or streets. With this operation, much time is lost in the location of a specific street and it is also easy to make mistakes when loading products.
DESCRIPCIÓN DE LA INVENCIÓNDESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
El distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias objeto de la invención, resuelve la problemática anteriormente expuesta a plena satisfacción, basándose en la incorporación de un mecanismo de extracción que puede desplazarse tanto en dirección horizontal como en dirección vertical para posicionarse frente a la pila de productos, con la especial particularidad de que el producto extraído cae sobre una cinta transportadora que, además del lógico desplazamiento horizontal de su tapiz, está igualmente facultada para desplazarse verticalmente para acompañar al mecanismo de extracción, de manera que aquella se encuentra siempre situada cerca de tal mecanismo para evitar que los productos sufran golpes al caer sobre ella.The automatic distributor of drugs for pharmacies object of the invention, solves the problem previously exposed to full satisfaction, based on the incorporation of an extraction mechanism that can move both horizontally and vertically to position itself in front of the product stack, with the special feature that the extracted product falls on a conveyor belt that, in addition to the logical horizontal displacement of its tapestry, is also entitled to move vertically to accompany the extraction mechanism, so that it is always located near such a mechanism to prevent products from hitting the fall on her
De esta manera, una vez terminado el pedido realizado por el farmacéutico, sea cual sea el número de productos solicitados, todos ellos habrán sido depositados sobre la cinta, con lo que la distribución final de todos ellos se realizará simultáneamente, o lo que es lo mismo, en una sola operación, reduciéndose así el tiempo requerido para la expedición concreta de los productos solicitados.In this way, once the order placed by the pharmacist is finished, whatever the number of products requested, all of them will have been deposited on the tape, so that the final distribution of all of them will be done simultaneously, or what is same, in a single operation, thus reducing the time required for the specific shipment of the requested products.
Además, dado que la máquina cuenta con medios para el desplazamiento vertical de la cinta transportadora, ésta puede situarse a cualquier altura respecto del distribuidor, permitiendo la salida de los productos en cualquier punto de aquel. Esto permite diseñar con total libertad los medios de transporte del producto desde el punto o bandeja de salida de la máquina hasta el punto de entrega seleccionado en la farmacia, pudiendo existir distintas bandejas de salida del producto, a distintas alturas, que permitirán que el producto pueda ser recogido en distintos puntos de la farmacia. La cinta transportadora puede desplazar su tapiz en ambos sentidos, de manera que la entrega de los productos pueda realizarse en ambos lados de la máquina, aumentando así enormemente las posibilidades de entrega.In addition, since the machine has means for vertical displacement of the conveyor belt, it can be placed at any height with respect to the distributor, allowing the products to exit at any point therein. This allows to freely design the means of transport of the product from the point or tray of exit of the machine to the point of delivery selected in the pharmacy, being able to exist different trays of exit of the product, at different heights, that will allow that the product It can be picked up at different points in the pharmacy. The conveyor belt can move its tapestry in both directions, so that the delivery of the products can be made on both sides of the machine, thus greatly increasing the delivery possibilities.
Estructuralmente, el mecanismo de extracción se constituye a partir de un cabezal múltiple con varios dedos extractores, cada uno de los cuales es accionado independientemente por medio de un cilindro neumático, de manera que, a través de una biela, el dedo extractor es empujado y guiado en unos canales acodados previstos en las paredes que delimitan los cabezales que provocan que el movimiento del cilindro neumático se convierta en una extracción del correspondiente dedo y en su posterior elevación, introduciéndose aquel a través de una ranura prevista a lo largo de la bandeja de productos, empujando hacia arriba el último producto de la pila hasta que éste supere la altura del tope de retención, cayendo por gravedad sobre una plataforma inclinada que se dispone sobre los cabezales extractores, desde cuya plataforma caen finalmente hasta la cinta transportadora que, mediante la activación del tapiz deslizante, producirá el dispensado de los mismos.Structurally, the extraction mechanism is constituted from a multiple head with several extractor fingers, each of which is independently operated by means of a pneumatic cylinder, so that, through a connecting rod, the extractor finger is pushed and guided in some angled channels provided on the walls that delimit the heads that cause the movement of the pneumatic cylinder to become a removal of the corresponding finger and in its subsequent elevation, introducing it through a slot provided along the tray of products, pushing up the last product of the battery until it exceeds the height of the retention stop, falling by gravity on an inclined platform that is disposed on the extractor heads, from whose platform they finally fall to the conveyor belt which, by activating the sliding tapestry, will cause them to be dispensed.
Evidentemente, la utilización de un cilindro neumático que acciona la biela referida, permite un funcionamiento notablemente rápido y fiable, frente a los sistemas de engranaje utilizados en otras máquinas de este tipo, incluidas las descritas en las patentes referidas en el apartado anterior.Obviously, the use of a pneumatic cylinder that drives the aforementioned connecting rod allows a remarkably fast and reliable operation, compared to the gear systems used in other machines of this type, including those described in the patents referred to in the previous section.
Concretamente, al caer el producto extraído sobre una plataforma inclinada dispuesta inmediatamente encima del cabezal extractor, y al no formar dicha plataforma parte ni del cabezal ni del dedo extractor, permite la retracción del dedo extractor, en el momento en el que el producto supera el tope retenedor, posibilitando con ello reducir el tiempo del ciclo requerido para la extracción.Specifically, when the extracted product falls on an inclined platform arranged immediately above the extractor head, and since said platform does not form part of the head or the extractor finger, it allows the retraction of the extractor finger, at the moment in which the product exceeds the retaining stop, thereby reducing the cycle time required for extraction.
El cabezal extractor cuenta con varios dedos extractores, con sus correspondientes accionamientos independientes que permiten la activación independiente o simultánea de varios dedos extractores, utilizándose mayor o menor número de dedos para la extracción, dependiendo del tamaño del producto a dispensar. Esto permite una gran flexibilidad en la distribución de los productos en las bandejas ya que el cabezal extractor, dependiendo del tamaño del producto requerido, utilizará automáticamente mayor o menor número de dedos, frente a soluciones en las cuales los productos que presentan ciertos tamaños deben disponerse en posiciones concretas, dotadas de medios especiales para la extracción.The extractor head has several extractor fingers, with their corresponding independent drives that allow the independent or simultaneous activation of several extractor fingers, using more or less number of fingers for extraction, depending on the size of the product to be dispensed. This allows great flexibility in the distribution of the products in the trays since the extractor head, depending on the size of the required product, will automatically use more or less number of fingers, compared to solutions in which products that have certain sizes must be arranged in specific positions, equipped with special means for extraction.
Esta flexibilidad en la distribución de los productos de las bandejas se ve aumentada por el hecho de que es posible cambiar la posición de los separadores que constituyen las distintas calles o pilas de productos sobre las bandejas, optimizando así la superficie de la bandeja puesto que es posible configurar las calles de acuerdo a nuestras necesidades concretas y, por tanto, al final caben más productos en cada bandeja. Esto es posible en base a que el tope retenedor de las pilas de productos está constituido por una barra transversal a toda la bandeja pero, independiente de la bandeja, que permite distribuir las calles donde queramos, con la seguridad de que cada una de las pilas de productos constituidas se encontrará retenida por el citado tope.This flexibility in the distribution of the products of the trays is increased by the fact that it is possible to change the position of the separators that constitute the different streets or stacks of products on the trays, thus optimizing the surface of the tray since it is It is possible to configure the streets according to our specific needs and, therefore, in the end there are more products in each tray. This is possible on the basis that the retaining stop of the product stacks is constituted by a crossbar to the entire tray but, independent of the tray, which allows the distribution of the streets where we want, with the assurance that each of the batteries of constituted products will be retained by the aforementioned cap.
Así las cosas, como hemos dicho, la disposición de los productos se puede realizar con gran flexibilidad ya que se pueden definir y modificar, no solo el número de calles o pilas de productos de cada bandeja, sino también la anchura individual de cada una de acuerdo con los productos a almacenar, obteniendo así una optimización de la superficie de la bandeja.Thus, as we have said, the arrangement of the products can be done with great flexibility since they can define and modify not only the number of streets or stacks of products in each tray, but also the individual width of each of according to the products to be stored, thus obtaining an optimization of the surface of the tray.
Además, según el objeto de la invención, la combinación y disposición de los cabezales y cinta transportadora, permite utilizar dos cabezales de extracción, uno enfrentado a otro, que extraerán productos de bandejas dispuestas a ambos lados de la máquina, cayendo todos los productos sobre la misma cinta transportadora, lo que permite duplicar la capacidad de almacenamiento y/o aumentar la flexibilidad en la disposición y/o distribución de las bandejas dentro del habitáculo de la máquina.In addition, according to the object of the invention, the combination and arrangement of the heads and conveyor belt allows two extraction heads to be used, one facing the other, which will extract products from trays arranged on both sides of the machine, all products falling on the same conveyor belt, which allows to double the capacity of storage and / or increase flexibility in the arrangement and / or distribution of the trays inside the machine cabin.
Los medios que posibilitan los movimientos de los cabezales extractores y cinta transportadora están basados en una pareja de guías lineales para el desplazamiento vertical, sobre cuyos patines deslizantes se monta una tercera guía lineal de desplazamiento horizontal, la cual cuenta con su correspondiente patín deslizante, sobre el cual se montan a su vez, a través de los correspondientes soportes, el cabezal o cabezales extractores. De esta manera, los cabezales extractores pueden desplazarse en dos direcciones perpendiculares, concretamente en dirección horizontal y vertical, realizando estos movimientos simultáneamente, reduciéndose así el tiempo total de ciclo.The means that enable the movements of the extractor heads and conveyor belt are based on a pair of linear guides for vertical displacement, on whose sliding skates a third linear guide of horizontal displacement is mounted, which has its corresponding sliding skate, on which are mounted in turn, through the corresponding supports, the head or extractor heads. In this way, the extractor heads can move in two perpendicular directions, specifically in the horizontal and vertical direction, performing these movements simultaneously, thus reducing the total cycle time.
Evidentemente, las guías lineales permiten un movimiento más rápido que el conseguido a través de husillos, engranaje o correas dentadas, siendo además dichas guías lineales de notable robustez, lo que permite que soporten elevadas aceleraciones de movimientos y grandes pesos y, por lo tanto, diseñar máquinas más robustas y fiables.Obviously, the linear guides allow a faster movement than that achieved through spindles, gears or toothed belts, said linear guides being also of remarkable robustness, which allows them to withstand high accelerations of movements and large weights and, therefore, Design more robust and reliable machines.
La cinta transportadora se monta también sobre los dos patines de las guías verticales, a través de correspondientes soportes, lo que permite un desplazamiento vertical de la cinta transportadora, simultáneo al de los cabezales extractores, acompañándolos por tanto en los movimientos de extracción y evitando que éstos se golpeen al caer sobre la cinta. Además, una vez depositados sobre la cinta los productos a dispensar, ésta puede desplazarse, en dirección vertical, hasta quedar enfrentada con la bandeja o rampa de distribución de productos más adecuada en cada caso, momento en el cual se producirá la activación del tapiz deslizante y la entrega de los productos en la citada bandeja o rampa de distribución.The conveyor belt is also mounted on the two skates of the vertical guides, through corresponding supports, which allows a vertical displacement of the conveyor belt, simultaneously with that of the extractor heads, thus accompanying them in the extraction movements and preventing these hit when falling on the tape. In addition, once the products to be dispensed have been deposited on the tape, it can move, in a vertical direction, until it is faced with the most appropriate product distribution tray or ramp in each case, at which point the activation of the sliding mat will take place and the delivery of the products in said distribution tray or ramp.
Otra característica de la máquina objeto de la invención se refiere al hecho de que las bandejas incorporan señalizaciones luminosas que indican al farmacéutico en qué bandeja se debe efectuar la carga del producto o productos, así como la calle concreta dentro de la bandeja.Another feature of the machine object of the invention refers to the fact that the trays incorporate light signals that indicate to the pharmacist in which tray the product or products should be loaded, as well as the concrete street inside the tray.
Por supuesto, el distribuidor automático objeto de la invención está especialmente concebido para dispensar medicamentos en farmacias pero, sería igualmente válido para todo tipo de productos homeopáticos o de salud, así como para su utilización en hospitales o en parafarmacias que distribuyen productos de índole más diversa que los medicamentos.Of course, the automatic distributor object of the invention is specially designed to dispense drugs in pharmacies but, it would be equally valid for all types of homeopathic or health products, as well as for use in hospitals or in parapharmacies that distribute products of a more diverse nature. than medications.
DESCRIPCIÓN DE LOS DIBUJOSDESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Para complementar la descripción que se está realizando y con objeto de ayudar a una mejor comprensión de las características del invento, de acuerdo con un ejemplo preferente de realización práctica del mismo, se acompaña como parte integrante de dicha descripción, un juego de dibujos en donde con carácter ilustrativo y no limitativo, se ha representado lo siguiente:To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. In an illustrative and non-limiting manner, the following has been represented:
La figura 1.- Muestra una vista según una perspectiva general de la máquina que constituye el distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias realizado de acuerdo con el objeto de la invención. La figura 2.- Muestra una detalle en perspectiva del montaje de los cabezales sobre la correspondiente guía horizontal y de ésta sobre la guía vertical, no habiéndose representado en este caso la cinta transportadora para dejar ver con mayor detalle esa forma de montaje de los cabezales .Figure 1 shows a view according to a general perspective of the machine that constitutes the automatic distributor of drugs for pharmacies made in accordance with the object of the invention. Figure 2.- Shows a detail in perspective of the assembly of the heads on the corresponding horizontal guide and of this on the vertical guide, the conveyor belt not having been represented in this case to show in greater detail that form of assembly of the heads .
La figura 3. - Muestra una vista en perspectiva de la esquina de la máquina donde va montado el conjunto representado en la figura anterior, pero viéndose en este caso un detalle del soporte que permite montar la cinta transportadora sobre la guía vertical.Figure 3. - Shows a perspective view of the corner of the machine where the assembly shown in the previous figure is mounted, but in this case a detail of the support that allows the conveyor belt to be mounted on the vertical guide.
La figura 4.- Muestra una vista general en perspectiva del cabezal extractor.Figure 4.- Shows a general perspective view of the extractor head.
La figura 5.- Muestra esquemáticamente, según un alzado lateral, la secuencia de funcionamiento del cabezal extractor, en tres fases, la primera de ellas considerada como reposo, la segunda la posición intermedia de accionamiento y la tercera una posición de actuación para producir la extracción.Figure 5.- Schematically shows, according to a side elevation, the sequence of operation of the extractor head, in three phases, the first one considered as rest, the second the intermediate operating position and the third an actuation position to produce the extraction.
La figura 6.- Muestra, finalmente, una vista en perspectiva y esquemática de la máquina representada en la figura anterior, sin verse ningún detalle interior, pero dejando ver varios puntos de salida de medicamentos dispensados, habiéndose representado en estos puntos bandejas o rampas distribuidoras de los productos suministrados por la propia máquina.Figure 6.- Shows, finally, a perspective and schematic view of the machine represented in the previous figure, without seeing any interior detail, but showing several points of exit of dispensed medications, having represented in these points trays or distribution ramps of the products supplied by the machine itself.
REALIZACIÓN PREFERENTE DE LA INVENCIÓNPREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
A la vista de las figuras referidas puede observarse como la máquina que constituye el distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias objeto de la invención, la referenciada en general con el número (1) , incluye como es convencional una serie de bandejas inclinadas (2) donde van colocados ordenadamente y clasificados medicamentos o productos a suministrar, contando cada bandeja (2) con una serie de ranuras en las cuales se introducen los típicos separadores que configuran calles verticales en las cuales se disponen los productos formando pilas. En el extremo inferior y frontal de cada bandeja se dispone un tope (3) que retiene las pilas de productos (4) almacenados en cada bandeja (2), al hacer tope el producto inferior (4) de cada pila.In view of the referred figures you can be observed as the machine that constitutes the automatic distributor of drugs for pharmacies object of the invention, the one generally referenced with the number (1), includes as conventional a series of inclined trays (2) where medications or products are placed neatly and classified to supply, counting each tray (2) with a series of slots in which the typical separators that configure vertical streets in which the products are arranged forming batteries are introduced. At the lower and front end of each tray there is a stop (3) that retains the batteries of products (4) stored in each tray (2), when the bottom product (4) of each battery stops.
La extracción se realiza mediante uno o dos cabezales (5) convenientemente situados en el interior de la máquina, que extraen los productos de las distintas bandejas (2) y los depositan sobre una cinta transportadora (11) situada bajo los cabezales (5) , cinta transportadora que puede recibir varios productos extraídos por los cabezales (5) para, posteriormente, proceder a su dispensación, mediante la activación del correspondiente tapiz o banda deslizante. De esta manera, se reducen los tiempos de ciclo, cuando el pedido solicitado por el farmacéutico incluye varios artículos, ya que, en lugar de extraer y dispensar individualmente cada producto, es posible extraerlos todos y luego dispensarlos simultáneamente en una misma operación.The extraction is carried out by means of one or two heads (5) conveniently located inside the machine, which extract the products from the different trays (2) and deposit them on a conveyor belt (11) located under the heads (5), Conveyor belt that can receive several products extracted by the heads (5) to subsequently proceed to its dispensing, by activating the corresponding tapestry or sliding band. In this way, the cycle times are reduced, when the order requested by the pharmacist includes several items, since, instead of individually extracting and dispensing each product, it is possible to extract them all and then simultaneously dispense them in the same operation.
Como se observa claramente en la figura 4, cada uno de los cabezales (5) es múltiple y comprende una pluralidad de dedos (6) montados paralelamente sobre el propio cabezal (5) , estando cada dedo asociado a un cilindro neumático de accionamiento (7) , cuyo émbolo o vastago acciona una biela (8) que está vinculada al propio dedo (6) , estando los dedos (6) guiados en su desplazamiento en las correspondientes ranuras (9) previstas al efecto en las paredes (10) del cabezal múltiple (5) , de manera que el movimiento del cilindro neumático (7) provoca la extracción del dedo correspondiente y en su posterior elevación, consiguiendo, como se describirá mas adelante, la extracción del producto solicitado.As clearly seen in Figure 4, each of the heads (5) is multiple and comprises a plurality of fingers (6) mounted parallel to the head itself (5), each finger being associated with a pneumatic actuating cylinder (7). ), whose piston or rod drives a connecting rod (8) that is linked to the own finger (6), the fingers (6) being guided in their movement in the corresponding grooves (9) provided for this purpose in the walls (10) of the multiple head (5), so that the movement of the pneumatic cylinder (7) causes the extraction of the corresponding finger and in its subsequent elevation, achieving, as will be described later, the extraction of the requested product.
Cada uno de los cabezales (5) incorpora varios dedos extractores (6) que pueden activarse de forma independiente o combinados, dependiendo del tamaño del artículo requerido, lógicamente se activarán mayor número de dedos extractores cuanto mayor sea el tamaño del producto. Esto permite disponer libremente los productos en las bandejas inclinadas (2) ya que el cabezal extractor (5) , al contar con varios dedos extractores (6) , es capaz de extraer automáticamente cualquier producto, independientemente de su tamaño .Each of the heads (5) incorporates several extractor fingers (6) that can be activated independently or in combination, depending on the size of the required item, logically, a greater number of extractor fingers will be activated the larger the product size. This allows the products to be freely disposed in the inclined trays (2) since the extractor head (5), having several extractor fingers (6), is capable of automatically extracting any product, regardless of its size.
Además, tal y como se observa claramente en la figura 1, el tope (3) está constituido por una barra transversal, dispuesta en la parte inferior de cada bandeja (2), pero con la particularidad de que la barra transversal es independiente de la bandeja (2) y ocupa toda la anchura de la misma, actuando simultáneamente como tope para todas las pilas de productos (4) que se constituyan en cada bandeja (2) . Esto permite configurar con gran flexibilidad las calles que constituyen las pilas de productos dentro de cada bandeja (2) puesto que, independientemente del número de pilas constituidas y del ancho de las mismas, todas ellas se encontrarán debidamente retenidas por el tope (2) .In addition, as can be clearly seen in Figure 1, the stop (3) is constituted by a crossbar, arranged at the bottom of each tray (2), but with the particularity that the crossbar is independent of the tray (2) and occupies the entire width of it, acting simultaneously as a stop for all product stacks (4) that constitute each tray (2). This allows to configure with great flexibility the streets that constitute the piles of products within each tray (2) since, regardless of the number of batteries constituted and the width of the same, all of them will be duly retained by the stop (2).
Como puede verse en las figuras 2 y 3, la máquina permite utilizar dos cabezales de extracción (5) , uno situado frente al otro, los cuales podrán extraer productos de bandejas (4) dispuestas a ambos lados de la máquina, lo que permite duplicar la capacidad de almacenamiento y/o aumentar la flexibilidad en la distribución y disposición de las propias bandejas.As can be seen in figures 2 and 3, the machine It allows the use of two extraction heads (5), one facing the other, which can extract products from trays (4) arranged on both sides of the machine, which allows to double the storage capacity and / or increase flexibility in the distribution and layout of the trays themselves.
Los medios que permiten los movimientos de los cabezales extractores (5) y de la propia cinta transportadora (11) situada horizontal e inferiormente, se basa en una pareja de guías verticales (12) sobre las que van situados sendos patines deslizantes (13) sobre los que a su vez se monta una tercera guía lineal y horizontalThe means that allow the movements of the extractor heads (5) and the conveyor belt (11) located horizontally and inferiorly, is based on a pair of vertical guides (12) on which two sliding skates (13) are located on which in turn mounts a third linear and horizontal guide
(14) , sobre la que se ha previsto un patín (15) de montaje para unos soportes (16) de los propios cabezales (5) .(14), on which a mounting skate (15) is provided for supports (16) of the heads themselves (5).
Además, sobre el patín (13) de las guías verticales (12) , y a través de correspondientes soportesIn addition, on the skate (13) of the vertical guides (12), and through corresponding supports
(17) , va montada la propia cinta transportadora (11) , de tal manera que, además del habitual movimiento horizontal del tapiz deslizante, puede desplazarse en sentido ascendente y descendente al estar vinculada a los soportes (17) relacionados con el patín (13) deslizante por la guía vertical (12) .(17), the conveyor belt itself (11) is mounted, in such a way that, in addition to the usual horizontal movement of the sliding tapestry, it can move up and down as it is linked to the supports (17) related to the skate (13). ) sliding along the vertical guide (12).
En base a las características referidas, y de acuerdo con una secuencia de funcionamiento mostrada en las tres fases correspondientes a la figura 15, cuando se acciona el cilindro neumático (5) de cualquiera de los dedos (6), éste es accionado y desplazado, a través de su guía (9) , hasta situar su extremo por debajo del productoBased on the aforementioned characteristics, and according to a sequence of operation shown in the three phases corresponding to Figure 15, when the pneumatic cylinder (5) of any of the fingers (6) is operated, it is operated and moved, through its guide (9), to place its end below the product
(4) retenido por el tope (3) , de modo que si el cilindro sigue actuando, el dedo (6) se eleva, empujando hacia arriba al producto (4) hasta sobrepasar el borde superior del tope (3) , momento en que tal producto (4) por deslizamiento accede a una superficie inclinada (18) , pudiendo ya retraerse el dedo (6) , y a través de esa superficie inclinada (18) el producto (3) alcanzar la cinta transportadora (11) , todo ello de manera que una vez terminado el pedido por parte del farmacéutico, aunque hayan sido varios los productos solicitados, todos ellos se distribuyen simultáneamente por la propia cinta transportadora (11) de manera simultánea.(4) retained by the stop (3), so that if the cylinder continues to act, the finger (6) is raised, pushing the product up (4) until it exceeds the upper edge of the stop (3), at which point such product (4) by sliding access to an inclined surface (18), the finger (6) being able to retract, and through that inclined surface (18) the product (3) reach the conveyor belt (11), all so that once the requested by the pharmacist, although there have been several requested products, all of them are distributed simultaneously by the conveyor belt (11) simultaneously.
La disposición de la superficie inclinada (18) por encima del cabezal extractor múltiple (5) , al ser independiente de éste y del respectivo dedo extractor (6) , permite reducir el tiempo de ciclo de extracción puesto que en el momento que el producto supera el tope retenedor (3) de la bandeja inclinada (2), el dedo extractor (6) se retrae para quedar apto para realizar otra extracción.The arrangement of the inclined surface (18) above the multiple extractor head (5), being independent of it and the respective extractor finger (6), allows to reduce the extraction cycle time since at the time the product exceeds the retaining stop (3) of the inclined tray (2), the extractor finger (6) retracts to be able to perform another extraction.
Por otro lado, los movimientos en vertical y en horizontal de los soportes de la cinta transportadora (11) permiten que ésta se sitúe y acompañe siempre a los cabezales extractores (5) para recibir los productos (4) a cualquier altura y que no se produzcan golpes en esa caída sobre la cinta transportadora (11) , posibilitando incluso disponer distintas bandejas o rampas distribuidoras (19) , tal y como se representa en la figura 6, es decir que puede llevarse a cabo la extracción de productos en cualquier punto de la máquina, de acuerdo con las necesidades y conveniencias que mejor se deseen. Además, la cinta transportadora (11) puede desplazar su tapiz en ambos sentidos, permitiendo así la salida de productos por ambos lados de la máquina, aumentando de esta manera el número de puntos de entrega posibles.On the other hand, the vertical and horizontal movements of the conveyor belt supports (11) allow it to be placed and always accompany the extractor heads (5) to receive the products (4) at any height and not they produce blows in that fall on the conveyor belt (11), making it possible even to have different trays or distribution ramps (19), as shown in Figure 6, that is to say that the extraction of products can be carried out at any point of the machine, according to the needs and conveniences that are best desired. In addition, the conveyor belt (11) can move its tapestry in both directions, thus allowing the output of products on both sides of the machine, thereby increasing the number of possible delivery points.
Finalmente, el distribuidor objeto de la invención incorpora un sistema que permite realizar de forma sencilla y rápida la carga de productos, en base a que, cada una de las bandejas (2), incorpora en su parte trasera correspondiente a la zona de carga de productos, una señalización luminosa, mediante leds o similares, que indica al farmacéutico la bandeja y la calle o calles, de la citada bandeja, en las cuales se debe realizar la carga de un producto concreto, completándose la operación con un dispositivo de validación de la carga efectiva del producto en la pila correspondiente.Finally, the distributor object of the invention incorporates a system that allows to perform simple and fast loading of products, based on the fact that, each of the trays (2), incorporates in its rear part corresponding to the loading area of products, a light signaling, by means of LEDs or the like, which indicates to the pharmacist the tray and the street or streets, of the aforementioned tray, in which the loading of a specific product must be carried out, the operation being completed with a validation device for the effective loading of the product in the corresponding stack.
De esta manera, la secuencia de carga de productos sería la siguiente:In this way, the product loading sequence would be as follows:
El farmacéutico escanea el medicamento a cargar en la máquina.The pharmacist scans the medication to be loaded into the machine.
El sistema de control de la máquina enciende los leds correspondientes a la bandeja o bandejas en las cuales se puede cargar el producto. - Los leds situados frente a la calle o calles donde debe introducirse el producto se encienden de forma fija, mientras que el resto de leds de la bandeja está parpadeando. Se introduce el producto en la calle correspondiente.The machine control system turns on the LEDs corresponding to the tray or trays in which the product can be loaded. - The LEDs located in front of the street or streets where the product should be introduced light up steadily, while the rest of the LEDs in the tray are flashing. The product is introduced in the corresponding street.
Se procede a la validación de la carga mediante un sistema basado, por ejemplo, en códigos de barras . El sistema actualiza la carga efectuada y está listo para iniciar una nueva carga de producto. The load is validated by a system based, for example, on bar codes. The system updates the load made and is ready to start a new product load.

Claims

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N E S R E I V I N D I C A C I O N E S
Ia.- Distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias, que constituyendo una máquina (1) dotada de una pluralidad de bandejas inclinadas (2), en las cuales se definen una serie de calles, en cada una de las cuales van almacenados, formando pilas, una pluralidad de productos (4) que quedan retenidos por un tope (3) establecido al efecto para cada una de las pilas de productos, y en donde la extracción de cada producto se realiza por empuje ascendente para librar el borde superior del tope de retención, esencialmente se caracteriza porque incorpora un mecanismo de extracción constituido por uno o más cabezales (5) en combinación con una cinta transportadora (11) prevista para suministrar simultáneamente los distintos productos (4) de un único pedido; con la particularidad de que los cabezales (5) están montados sobre soportes (16) relacionados con un patín (15) deslizante por una guía horizontal (14) que a su vez va montada sobre respectivos patines (13) deslizantes en guías verticales (12) , habiéndose previsto que la cinta transportadora (11) se monte mediante el correspondiente soporte (17), sobre los patines (13) de las guías verticales (12), permitiendo así, además del correspondiente deslizamiento horizontal del tapiz o banda que constituye la cinta transportadora (11) , el desplazamiento vertical de ésta para posicionarse a cualquier altura y acompañar los movimientos de los cabezales (5) para la correspondiente recepción de los productos extraídos por éstos, así como para la entrega de los mismos a cualquier altura de la máquina.I a .- Automatic distributor of drugs for pharmacies, which constituting a machine (1) equipped with a plurality of inclined trays (2), in which a series of streets are defined, in each of which are stored, forming batteries , a plurality of products (4) that are retained by a stop (3) established for that purpose for each of the product stacks, and where the extraction of each product is carried out by upward thrust to rid the upper edge of the stop of retention is essentially characterized in that it incorporates an extraction mechanism consisting of one or more heads (5) in combination with a conveyor belt (11) intended to simultaneously supply the different products (4) of a single order; with the particularity that the heads (5) are mounted on supports (16) related to a slide (15) sliding by a horizontal guide (14) which in turn is mounted on respective skates (13) sliding on vertical guides (12) ), having provided that the conveyor belt (11) is mounted by means of the corresponding support (17), on the skates (13) of the vertical guides (12), thus allowing, in addition to the corresponding horizontal sliding of the tapestry or band that constitutes the Conveyor belt (11), the vertical displacement of it to position at any height and accompany the movements of the heads (5) for the corresponding reception of the products extracted by them, as well as for the delivery of them at any height of the machine.
2a.- Distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias, según reivindicación Ia, caracterizado porque el cabezal o cabezales extractores (5) cuentan con una pluralidad de dedos extractores (6) mediante los que se empuja en sentido ascendente al producto inferior (4) de los apilados en cada bandeja (2), para su entrega sobre la cinta transportadora (11) , con la particularidad de que dependiendo del tamaño del producto, se activan automáticamente para la extracción un mayor o menor número de dedos extractores (6) .2 .- automatic dispenser of medicaments for pharmacies, according to claim I, wherein the head or heads extractors (5) have a plurality of extractor fingers (6) by which the bottom product (4) of the stacks in each tray (2) is pushed upwards, for delivery on the conveyor belt (11), with the particularity that depending on the size of the product, a greater or lesser number of extractor fingers (6) are automatically activated for extraction.
3a.- Distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque cada uno de los dedos (6) del cabezal o cabezales extractores (5) está relacionado con una biela3 .- automatic vending medicines pharmacies, according to previous claims, characterized in that each of the fingers (6) of the head or heads extractors (5) associated with a connecting rod
(8) que es accionada por un cilindro neumático (7) , habiéndose previsto que los dedos (6) sean deslizantes y vayan guiados en ranuras (9) establecidas al efecto en las paredes (10) del cabezal múltiple (5) .(8) which is actuated by a pneumatic cylinder (7), the fingers (6) being provided to be sliding and guided in grooves (9) established for this purpose in the walls (10) of the multiple head (5).
4a.- Distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias, según reivindicación Ia, caracterizado porque sobre el soporte (16) de los cabezales (5) se dispone una superficie inclinada (18) sobre la que deslizan los productos extraídos por el cabezal, dirigiéndose hasta la cinta transportadora (11) , con la particularidad de que la citada superficie inclinada (18) es independiente de los dedos extractores (6) para permitir la retracción de éstos en el mismo momento que el producto supera el tope retenedor (3) de la bandeja inclinada (2) .4 .- automatic vending medicines pharmacies, according to claim I, characterized in that on the support (16) of the heads (5) an inclined surface (18) on which slide the products extracted by the head, addressing available up to the conveyor belt (11), with the particularity that the said inclined surface (18) is independent of the extractor fingers (6) to allow their retraction at the same time that the product exceeds the retaining stop (3) of the inclined tray (2).
5a.- Distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias, según reivindicación Ia, caracterizado porque el tope retenedor (3) está constituido por una barra transversal, dispuesta en la parte inferior de cada bandeja, pero con la particularidad de que la barra transversal es independiente de la bandeja (2) y ocupa toda la anchura de la misma, actuando simultáneamente como tope para todas las pilas de productos que se constituyan en cada bandej a .5 .- automatic dispenser of medicaments for pharmacies, according to claim I, characterized in that the retaining stop (3) is constituted by a transverse bar, arranged at the bottom of each tray, but with the difference that the transverse bar is independent of the tray (2) and occupies the entire width of it, acting simultaneously as cap for all product stacks that are constituted in each tray.
6a.- Distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias, según reivindicación Ia, caracterizado porque las bandejas (2) incorporan, en su parte trasera correspondiente a la zona de carga de productos, una señalización luminosa, mediante leds o similares, que indica al farmacéutico la bandeja y la calle o calles, de la citada bandeja, en las cuales se debe realizar la carga de un producto concreto, completándose la operación con un dispositivo de validación de la carga efectiva del producto en la pila correspondiente.6 .- automatic dispenser of medicaments for pharmacies, according to claim I to, wherein the trays (2) incorporated in the rear corresponding to the loading of products, one flashing light, using LEDs or the like which indicates to the the tray and the street or streets, of the said tray, in which the loading of a specific product must be carried out, the operation being completed with a validation device for the effective loading of the product in the corresponding stack.
7a.- Distribuidor automático de medicamentos para farmacias, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque la máquina (1) puede opcionalmente estar dotada de una pluralidad de bandejas o rampas distribuidoras (19) dispuestas a distintas alturas, en cada una de las cuales es susceptible de descargar la cinta transportadora sus productos, en virtud de la facultad de desplazamiento en vertical de dicha cinta transportadora (11) , con la particularidad de que la citada cinta (11) puede desplazar su tapiz en ambos sentidos y descargar así productos por los dos lados de la máquina . 7 a. - Automatic distributor of drugs for pharmacies, according to previous claims, characterized in that the machine (1) can optionally be provided with a plurality of trays or distribution ramps (19) arranged at different heights, in each of which it is susceptible of unloading the conveyor belt its products, by virtue of the power of vertical displacement of said conveyor belt (11), with the particularity that said belt (11) can move its tapestry in both directions and thus download products by both machine sides.
PCT/ES2002/000490 2002-10-16 2002-10-16 Automatic medicament dispenser for pharmacies WO2004036516A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/ES2002/000490 WO2004036516A1 (en) 2002-10-16 2002-10-16 Automatic medicament dispenser for pharmacies
AU2002352265A AU2002352265A1 (en) 2002-10-16 2002-10-16 Automatic medicament dispenser for pharmacies

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/ES2002/000490 WO2004036516A1 (en) 2002-10-16 2002-10-16 Automatic medicament dispenser for pharmacies

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WO2004036516A1 true WO2004036516A1 (en) 2004-04-29

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EP1347423A2 (en) * 2002-03-21 2003-09-24 GEBR. WILLACH GmbH Dispensing device
ES2328656A1 (en) * 2008-05-14 2009-11-16 Microtiker, S.L Apparatus for the automatic dispensing and semi-automatic repositioning of commercial products
US9150119B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-10-06 Aesynt Incorporated Apparatuses, systems, and methods for anticipating and delivering medications from a central pharmacy to a patient using a track based transport system
US9511945B2 (en) 2012-10-12 2016-12-06 Aesynt Incorporated Apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medications from a central pharmacy to a patient in a healthcare facility
RU2672936C1 (en) * 2018-07-27 2018-11-21 Компания "ФИМАКО МАРКЕТИНГ СА" Device for storage and distribution of good items
CN109830046A (en) * 2019-01-22 2019-05-31 长沙大荒机器人有限公司 Unmanned supermarket's vending system
CN110796790A (en) * 2018-08-03 2020-02-14 威海新北洋数码科技有限公司 Goods fill and automatic vending machine

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Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1347423A2 (en) * 2002-03-21 2003-09-24 GEBR. WILLACH GmbH Dispensing device
EP1347423A3 (en) * 2002-03-21 2005-07-20 GEBR. WILLACH GmbH Dispensing device
ES2328656A1 (en) * 2008-05-14 2009-11-16 Microtiker, S.L Apparatus for the automatic dispensing and semi-automatic repositioning of commercial products
WO2009138538A1 (en) * 2008-05-14 2009-11-19 Microtiker, S.L. Apparatus for the automatic dispensing and semi-automatic repositioning of commercial products
ES2328656B1 (en) * 2008-05-14 2010-05-25 Microtiker, S.L INSTALLATION FOR THE AUTOMATIC DISPENSING AND SEMIAUTOMATIC REPOSITIONING OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS.
EP2287814A1 (en) * 2008-05-14 2011-02-23 Microtiker, S.l. Apparatus for the automatic dispensing and semi-automatic repositioning of commercial products
EP2287814A4 (en) * 2008-05-14 2015-01-28 Microtiker S L Apparatus for the automatic dispensing and semi-automatic repositioning of commercial products
US9511945B2 (en) 2012-10-12 2016-12-06 Aesynt Incorporated Apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medications from a central pharmacy to a patient in a healthcare facility
US10029856B2 (en) 2012-10-12 2018-07-24 Aesynt Incorporated Apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medications from a central pharmacy to a patient in a healthcare facility
US10315851B2 (en) 2012-10-12 2019-06-11 Aesynt Incorporated Apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medications from a central pharmacy to a patient in a healthcare facility
US10518981B2 (en) 2012-10-12 2019-12-31 Aesynt Incorporated Apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medications from a central pharmacy to a patient in a healthcare facility
US10850926B2 (en) 2012-10-12 2020-12-01 Omnicell, Inc. Apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medications from a central pharmacy to a patient in a healthcare facility
US11694782B2 (en) 2012-10-12 2023-07-04 Omnicell, Inc. Apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medications from a central pharmacy to a patient in a healthcare facility
US9150119B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-10-06 Aesynt Incorporated Apparatuses, systems, and methods for anticipating and delivering medications from a central pharmacy to a patient using a track based transport system
RU2672936C1 (en) * 2018-07-27 2018-11-21 Компания "ФИМАКО МАРКЕТИНГ СА" Device for storage and distribution of good items
CN110796790A (en) * 2018-08-03 2020-02-14 威海新北洋数码科技有限公司 Goods fill and automatic vending machine
CN110796790B (en) * 2018-08-03 2021-05-28 威海新北洋数码科技有限公司 Goods fill and automatic vending machine
US11640743B2 (en) 2018-08-03 2023-05-02 Weihai New Beiyang Digital Technology Co., Ltd. Cabinet and vending machine
CN109830046A (en) * 2019-01-22 2019-05-31 长沙大荒机器人有限公司 Unmanned supermarket's vending system

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