Tablet receiving container and dispensing device

Abstract

Provided is a tablet receiving container that can receive tablets discharged from a tablet container installed on a dispensing device without providing a special discharge path or a space for installation, and a dispensing device that can perform inventory processing using the tablet receiving container; the tablet receiving container (50) receives tablets discharged to a tablet drop path (42) from a tablet container (11) through an installation portion (12) in a dispensing device that discharges tablets from the tablet container (11) through the installation portion (12) to the tablet drop path (42) and performs packaging, and is installed below the installation portion (12); the tablet receiving container (50) has a receiving opening (50g) that is inserted into the tablet drop path (42) when the tablet receiving container (50) is installed; and tablets discharged from the tablet container (11) installed on the installation portion (12) above the tablet receiving container (50) and falling in the tablet drop path (42) are received by the receiving opening (50g).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to tablet receiving containers used in tablet inventory and dispensing devices that can be used in tablet inventory. Background Technology

[0002] In pharmacies, inventory checks are typically conducted monthly. The inventory check process involves counting the number of opened and unopened medications on the dispensing shelves and the quantity of medications remaining in the dispensing units for each type of medicine. The inventory value is then assessed to determine profit. Previously, the quantity of medications remaining in the dispensing units was counted manually or using specialized counting devices.

[0003] Counting tablets manually in a dispensing device is time-consuming and prone to errors. Furthermore, counting devices require purchase costs and space to be installed.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a dispensing device comprising a retrieval unit. This retrieval unit, for retrieving tablets remaining in a variable pillbox, has a platform below the variable pillbox for holding a medication storage section. Furthermore, a second path branching from a first path of the variable pillbox is switchably configured to retrieve tablets from the variable pillbox to the medication storage section via the second path. However, the retrieval unit in Patent Document 1 requires the provision of a second path.

[0005] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0006] [Patent Documents]

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication, WO2017 / 159819 Summary of the Invention

[0008] (The problem that the invention aims to solve)

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned existing problems, and its object is to provide a tablet receiving container that can receive tablets dispensed from tablet boxes installed on a dispensing device without setting up a special discharge path or setting up space during the inventory of tablet boxes of a dispensing device, and a dispensing device that can use the tablet receiving container to perform inventory processing.

[0010] (A solution to the problem)

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention employs the following solution.

[0012] The first embodiment of the tablet receiving container is located in a dispensing device that has multiple mounting parts for mounting tablet boxes arranged together and dispenses and packages tablets from the tablet boxes into a tablet drop path. Below the mounting parts, the tablet receiving container receives tablets dispensed into the tablet drop path. The tablet receiving container is provided with a receiving port that is inserted into the tablet drop path when the tablet receiving container is installed.

[0013] According to the tablet receiving container of the first embodiment, the tablets that are discharged into the tablet drop path are received below the mounting section, so no special installation space is required.

[0014] In addition, since the tablet receiving container has a receiving port that is inserted into the tablet's falling path, there is no need to set up a special discharge path.

[0015] The second embodiment includes a tablet receiving container, which is interchangeable with a tablet box and installed in any one of the mounting sections arranged for mounting the tablet boxes, and which dispenses and packages tablets from the tablet boxes into a tablet drop path, and receives tablets dispensed into the tablet drop path. The tablet receiving container is provided with a receiving port that is inserted into the tablet drop path when the tablet receiving container is installed in the mounting section.

[0016] The second solution's tablet receiving container can be installed in any mounting unit in a way that allows it to be interchanged with the tablet box, thus eliminating the need for a special installation space.

[0017] In addition, since it has a receiving port that is inserted into the tablet drop path when the tablet receiving container is installed in the mounting section, there is no need to set up a special discharge path.

[0018] In the tablet receiving container of the first and second embodiments, the receiving port has a tray that can rotate in a manner that increases the tilt angle toward the inside of the tablet receiving container when the tablet receiving container is installed on the mounting part.

[0019] Therefore, due to the steep incline of the receiving port tray, the tablets emitted from the tablet box violently enter the tablet receiving container after hitting the receiving port tray, thus preventing the tablets from clogging at the entrance of the tablet receiving container.

[0020] In the tablet receiving container of the first and second embodiments, a vibration mechanism is provided to cause the tablet receiving container to vibrate.

[0021] As a result of the vibration of the tablet receiving container, the gaps between the tablets discharged into the container are filled, and the tablets are tightly packed, so that they can be fully stored until the container reaches its capacity.

[0022] In the tablet receiving container of the first and second embodiments, the vibration mechanism is configured to be driven by a drive unit disposed on the mounting portion that drives the tablet box.

[0023] Therefore, there is no need to install a power source for the vibration mechanism in the tablet receiving container.

[0024] In the tablet receiving container of the first and second embodiments, a tablet guide is provided that extends downward at an angle from the bottom of the receiving port toward the interior of the tablet receiving container.

[0025] As a result, the tablets received by the receiving port slide off the tablet guide and fall to both sides, thus accumulating evenly at the bottom of the tablet receiving container.

[0026] Preferably, the vibration mechanism causes the tablet guide of the tablet receiving container to vibrate. This prevents tablets from accumulating on the tablet guide and thus blocking the receiving port.

[0027] In the tablet receiving container of the first and second embodiments, a movable cover is provided to open or close the drop-out port formed at the bottom of the tablet receiving container.

[0028] Thus, by placing the tablets received in the tablet receiving container onto the tablet box and opening the drop outlet through the movable cover, the tablets can be quickly returned to the tablet box in one go without any residue.

[0029] In the tablet receiving container of the first and second embodiments, the tablet receiving container is a container having the receiving port on the tablet box.

[0030] Therefore, a tablet receiving container can be formed simply by providing a receiving port on the tablet box. Thus, the tablet receiving container can be installed on the mounting part in the same way as the tablet box, so there is no need to prepare a special tablet receiving container.

[0031] The third embodiment of the tablet receiving container is a dispensing device in which multiple tablet boxes are arranged for mounting sections and tablets are dispensed from the tablet boxes into a tablet drop path and packaged using a packaging unit. Below the mounting section, the tablet receiving container receives tablets dispensed into the tablet drop path. The tablet receiving container has a switching unit that, when the tablet receiving container is mounted on the mounting section, switches from the packaging unit to the tablet receiving container, which dispenses tablets from the tablet boxes onto the tablet drop path and is mounted on the mounting section above the mounting section.

[0032] Here, the preferred switching unit is a receiving port that is inserted into the tablet falling path when the tablet receiving container is installed in the mounting section.

[0033] The fourth dispensing device has multiple mounting sections for mounting tablet boxes and dispenses tablets from the tablet boxes into a tablet drop path for packaging. The dispensing device includes a tablet receiving container located below the mounting sections to receive tablets dispensed into the tablet drop path. The tablet receiving container has a receiving port that is inserted into the tablet drop path. The dispensing device is configured to receive tablets dispensed from the tablet boxes mounted on the mounting sections above the tablet receiving container and falling into the tablet drop path via the receiving port.

[0034] According to the fourth embodiment of the dispensing device, the tablets that are ejected into the tablet drop path are received below the mounting section, so no special installation space is required.

[0035] In addition, since the tablet receiving container has a receiving port that is inserted into the tablet's falling path, there is no need to set up a special discharge path.

[0036] The fifth dispensing device has multiple mounting sections for mounting tablet boxes arranged in a row, and dispenses and packages tablets from the tablet boxes through the mounting sections into a tablet drop path. The dispensing device includes a tablet receiving container that is interchangeably mounted in any of the mounting sections with the tablet boxes. The tablet receiving container has a receiving port that is inserted into the tablet drop path when the tablet receiving container is mounted on the mounting section. The dispensing device is configured to receive tablets dispensed from the tablet boxes mounted on the mounting section above the mounting section where the tablet receiving container is mounted, and which then fall into the tablet drop path, using the receiving port.

[0037] The dispensing device in the fifth scheme can be installed in any mounting unit by being interchangeable with the tablet box, so no special installation space is required.

[0038] In addition, since it has a receiving port that is inserted into the tablet falling path when the tablet receiving container is set in the mounting section, there is no need to set a special discharge path.

[0039] In the dispensing apparatus of the fourth and fifth embodiments, a tablet discharge outlet communicating with the tablet discharge channel of the mounting part and a receiving container insertion port disposed below the tablet discharge outlet are formed in the tablet drop path; the receiving port of the tablet receiving container is inserted into the receiving container insertion port, thereby forming a tablet receiving path from the tablet discharge channel of the mounting part, through the tablet discharge outlet, the tablet drop path and the receiving port, to the inside of the tablet receiving container.

[0040] Therefore, a tablet receiving path is formed simply by setting up a tablet receiving container and inserting the receiving port of the tablet receiving container into the receiving container insertion port of the tablet falling path.

[0041] Additionally, a sealing unit is provided to close the tablet discharge channel of the mounting section above the mounting section on which the tablet receiving container is mounted.

[0042] This prevents tablets that bounce back at the receiving port from jumping out of the tablet discharge port above.

[0043] In the dispensing apparatus of the fourth and fifth embodiments, the receiving container insertion port has a movable plate that opens or closes the receiving container insertion port, and the movable plate opens the receiving container insertion port when the receiving port of the tablet receiving container is inserted into the receiving container insertion port.

[0044] Therefore, by simply setting up a tablet receiving container, the receiving port of the tablet receiving container is inserted into the receiving container insertion port of the tablet falling path, and the movable plate opens the receiving container insertion port, thereby forming a tablet receiving path.

[0045] In the dispensing apparatus of the fourth and fifth embodiments, the tablet receiving containers are respectively installed on the multi-layered mounting sections; the dispensing apparatus is configured to simultaneously receive tablets from tablet boxes installed on mounting sections that are located above the mounting sections on which the tablet receiving containers are installed, using each of the tablet receiving containers.

[0046] This allows tablets to be received simultaneously from multiple tablet cassettes into various tablet receiving containers, enabling rapid inventory checks.

[0047] In the dispensing apparatus of the fourth and fifth embodiments, the multi-layer mounting section is provided in multiple rows; the tablet receiving container is installed below the multiple rows of mounting sections respectively; the dispensing apparatus is configured to simultaneously receive tablets from tablet boxes installed on mounting sections that are located above the mounting sections on which the tablet receiving containers are installed, using each of the tablet receiving containers.

[0048] This allows tablets to be received simultaneously from multiple tablet boxes into various tablet receiving containers, enabling rapid inventory checks.

[0049] In the dispensing apparatus of the fourth and fifth embodiments, an identification device is provided on the tablet receiving container, which stores the receiving container identification information and the box identification information of the tablet box for counting tablets; a reading device is provided in the dispensing apparatus, which reads the receiving container identification information and the box identification information of the identification device of the tablet receiving container; and the apparatus is configured such that when the reading device of the dispensing apparatus reads the receiving container identification information and the box identification information of the identification device of the tablet receiving container, it switches to the tablet counting mode of the tablet box corresponding to the box identification information.

[0050] Therefore, when the identification information of the receiving container and the box identification information of the tablet box for counting tablets are stored in the identification device of the tablet receiving container and the tablet receiving container is set up, the reading device of the dispensing device reads the receiving container identification information and box identification information of the identification device of the tablet receiving container and switches to the tablet counting mode of the tablet box corresponding to the box identification information. The tablets in the tablet box are counted by the counting function of the dispensing device, so there is no need to set up a special tablet counting device.

[0051] In the dispensing apparatus of the fourth and fifth embodiments, there are: a tablet filling station for holding the tablet receiving container and the tablet box to be inventoried; a receiving container reading device for reading the identification information of an identification device provided on the tablet receiving container; and a box reading device for reading the identification information of an identification device provided on the tablet box to be inventoried and placed on the tablet filling station; and configured to notify that the identification information read by the receiving container reading device matches the identification information read by the box reading device.

[0052] This confirms that the identification information of the tablet receiving container that received the tablet and the tablet box that discharged the tablet are consistent, and allows the tablets from the tablet receiving container to be placed into the tablet box, thus enabling the tablets from the tablet receiving container to be reliably returned to the tablet box without error.

[0053] The sixth dispensing device has multiple mounting parts for mounting tablet boxes and dispenses tablets from the tablet boxes into the tablet drop path and packages them using a packaging unit. The dispensing device is configured such that when a tablet receiving container is installed, the receiving unit that dispenses tablets from the tablet boxes mounted on the mounting parts above the tablet receiving container into the tablet drop path switches from the packaging unit to the tablet receiving container.

[0054] Therefore, there is no need to set up a special path or space for receiving tablets in the tablet receiving container.

[0055] In the seventh dispensing device, there is a receiving container detection unit that detects when the tablet receiving container is installed on the mounting part; the dispensing device is configured such that when the receiving container detection unit detects the tablet receiving container, the receiving unit of the tablets that are discharged into the tablet drop path switches from the packaging unit to the tablet receiving container.

[0056] Therefore, by simply installing a tablet receiving container, it is possible to switch from a tablet dispensing path to a tablet receiving path, thus eliminating the need for special devices for path switching.

[0057] The eighth method is a switching method for the tablet receiving unit in the dispensing device. The dispensing device has multiple mounting parts for installing tablet boxes and dispenses tablets from the tablet boxes into the tablet drop path and packages them using a packaging unit. In this method, the receiving unit for receiving tablets dispensed from the tablet boxes of the dispensing device is switched from the packaging unit to the tablet receiving container through a tablet receiving container.

[0058] (Invention Effects)

[0059] According to the tablet receiving container of the present invention, when taking inventory of the tablet box of the dispensing device, tablets discharged from the tablet box installed in the dispensing device can be received without setting up a special discharge path or setting up space.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the dispensing apparatus of the present invention, a tablet receiving path can be formed simply by installing a tablet receiving container, and inventory processing can be performed using the tablet counting function of the dispensing apparatus itself. Therefore, it eliminates the need for a separate tablet counting device or ensuring sufficient space for its installation. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing device equipped with a tablet box and a tablet receiving container.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the mounting section of the tablet receiving container, viewed from a diagonal front.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the mounting section of the tablet receiving container, viewed from a slightly rearward angle.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the control unit.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the tablet receiving container with the movable cover pulled out, viewed from an obliquely upward angle.

[0067] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the tablet receiving container as seen from a slightly downward angle.

[0068] Figure 8 This is a top view of the tablet receiving container.

[0069] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the tablet receiving container along line IX-IX.

[0070] Figure 10 yes Figure 8X-ray cross-section of the tablet receiving container.

[0071] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the inventory process implemented by the control department.

[0072] Figure 12 Is following Figure 11 The flowchart for the subsequent inventory process implemented by the control department.

[0073] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the tablet box selection screen displayed by the control unit's display unit.

[0074] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the configuration of tablet receiving containers in a multi-level simultaneous inventory process.

[0075] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the configuration of tablet receiving containers during simultaneous inventory processing across multiple columns.

[0076] Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view showing the movable mechanism of the receiving port of the tablet receiving container according to the second embodiment.

[0077] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the movement of the movable mechanism of the receiving port before and after the tablet receiving container is installed.

[0078] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view showing the anti-jump cover of the tablet that is bounced back by the tray.

[0079] Figure 19 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the vibration mechanism at the bottom of the tablet receiving container.

[0080] Figure 20 It means Figure 19 A top view of the operation of the vibration mechanism.

[0081] Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view showing the vibration mechanism of the tablet guide in the tablet receiving container.

[0082] Figure 22 It means Figure 21 A three-dimensional view of the main parts of the vibration mechanism.

[0083] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view showing the vibration mechanism of the tablet guide.

[0084] Figure 24 This is a bottom view showing the vibration mechanism of the tablet guide.

[0085] Figure 25 This is a top view showing the operation of the vibration mechanism of the tablet guide.

[0086] Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified configuration of the tablet receiving container.

[0087] Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view showing another variation of the configuration of the tablet receiving container.

[0088] Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of installing a tablet receiving container after pulling out the tablet box and its mounting part.

[0089] Figure 29 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the tablet receiving container in a roller-shaped dispensing device.

[0090] Figure 30 These are front and top views showing the configuration of the tablet receiving containers in a double-roller powder dispensing device.

[0091] Figure 31 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the tablet receiving container in a blister pack dispensing device.

[0092] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 Rear view of the interior of the powder dispensing device.

[0093] Figure 33 yes Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of the interior of a powder dispensing device. Detailed Implementation

[0094] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0095] Figure 1 The image shows a first embodiment of a drug dispensing device 1 using a tablet receiving container according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drug dispensing device 1 includes: a tablet supply unit 4 consisting of a first tablet supply unit 2 and a second tablet supply unit 3; a powder supply unit 5; a hand-sprinkling unit 6; a packaging unit 7; a tablet filling table 8; a barcode reader 9; and a control unit 10, etc.

[0096] The first tablet supply unit 2 consists of a tablet box 11 and a mounting part 12 for loading and unloading the tablet box 11. Figure 1 In the example shown, there are 54 groups with 6 layers and 9 columns.

[0097] Each tablet box 11 is a known tablet box, such as... Figure 2As shown, the tablet box 11 includes: a box body 14 having a tablet storage section 13 for storing multiple prescribed tablets; a rotor 16 rotatably disposed at the bottom of the tablet storage section 13 and having multiple tablet guide slots 15; and spacers 17 separating the tablet guide slots 15 of the rotor 16. The tablet box 11 is configured such that, as the rotor 16 rotates, tablets from the tablet storage section 13 enter the tablet guide slots 15, and each time the tablet guide slots 15 reach above the tablet outlet 18 formed on the box body 14, tablets below the spacers 17 of the tablet guide slots 15 are discharged one by one from the tablet outlet 18. An RFID tag 19 is installed in the tablet box 11 as an identification device. RFID (radio frequency identification) is an automatic identification technology that uses short-range wireless communication to read and write information between an RFID tag and an RFID reader. The RFID tag 19 contains at least one of the following information: identification information of the tablet box 11 or identification information of the type of tablets contained in the tablet box 11; or an address related to the tablet box 11 recorded in the storage unit 102. In addition to RFID tags, barcodes such as ITF (Interleaved Two of Five) can also be used as identification devices.

[0098] Each mounting section 12 is mounted in a frame-like manner on the wall 21 of the main body 20, and houses a drive motor 22 for driving the rotor 16 of the tablet cartridge 11, and an RFID reader / writer 23 that serves as a reading device for the RFID tags 19 of the tablet cartridge 11. A tablet discharge channel 24 communicating with the tablet outlet 18 of the tablet cartridge 11 is formed on the mounting section 12. A tablet detection sensor 25 for detecting tablets discharged from the tablet outlet 18 is provided in the tablet discharge channel 24.

[0099] return Figure 1 The second tablet supply unit 3 is located below the first tablet supply unit 2, and it consists of a universal tablet cartridge 31 and a mounting part 32 for attaching and detaching the universal tablet cartridge 31. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, there are 4 groups with 1 layer and 4 columns.

[0100] The general-purpose tablet box 31 is a known tablet box, such as... Figure 2As shown, it includes: a box body 34 with a tablet storage section 33, a first rotating body 35a disposed at the bottom of the tablet storage section 33 at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical direction, a second rotating body 35b arranged in a ring around the first rotating body 35a, and a height limiting member 36a and a width limiting member 36b. The universal tablet box 31 is configured such that, as the first rotating body 35a rotates, tablets in the tablet storage section 33 move from the first rotating body 35a to the second rotating body 35b, and during the transport on the second rotating body 35b, they pass through the height limiting member 36a and the width limiting member 36b, thereby discharging tablets one by one neatly from the tablet outlet 37. The height limiting member 36a and the width limiting member 36b adjust their limiting dimensions according to the shape and size of the tablets stored in the tablet storage section 33, thus enabling the discharge of tablets of all shapes and sizes. An RFID tag 38 is installed in the universal tablet box 31 as an identification device. The RFID tag 38 contains at least one of the following information: identification information of the universal tablet box 31, or drug type identification information of the tablets contained in the universal tablet box 31. In addition to RFID tags, barcodes such as ITF (Interleaved Two of Five) can also be used as identification devices.

[0101] Each mounting section 32 is disposed on the wall 21 of the main body 20 of the device, and a drive motor 22a, 22b for driving the first rotating body 35a and the second rotating body 35b of the universal tablet box 31 is built inside it. A tablet discharge channel 24 communicating with the tablet outlet 37 of the universal tablet box 31 is formed in the mounting section 32. A tablet detection sensor 25 for detecting tablets discharged from the tablet outlet 37 is provided in the tablet discharge channel 24.

[0102] On the wall 21 of the device body 20, where the mounting portions 12 and 32 of the first tablet supply unit 2 and the second tablet supply unit 3 are installed, a tablet discharge outlet 41 is formed, communicating with the tablet discharge channel 24 of the mounting portion 12 of the first tablet supply unit 2 and the tablet discharge channel 24 of the mounting portion 32 of the second tablet supply unit 3. Furthermore, on the back side of the wall 21 of the device body 20, tablet drop paths 42 are provided for each row (9 rows in the illustrated embodiment) of the first tablet supply unit 2. The lower end of the tablet drop path 42 is received in the guide hopper 43 of the packaging unit 7 (see reference 43). Figure 26 In this process, the tablets supplied from the first tablet supply unit 2 and the second tablet supply unit 3 can be packaged by the subpackaging unit 7. Each tablet drop path 42 is connected to the tablet discharge channel 24 of the mounting part 12 of the first tablet supply unit 2 and the mounting part 32 of the second tablet supply unit 3 via the tablet discharge port 41.

[0103] like Figure 3 As shown, a receiving container insertion port 44 is formed on the wall 21 of the device body 20, on which the mounting portion 12 at the lowest point of the first tablet supply portion 2 is mounted, for inserting the receiving port 50g of the tablet receiving container 50 (described later). The receiving container insertion port 44 communicates with the tablet drop path 42 and has the same width as the tablet drop path 42. Therefore, a tablet discharge channel 24 and a tablet discharge outlet 41 of the mounting portion 12, and the receiving container insertion port 44 above the tablet discharge outlet 41, are formed in and around the lowest mounting portion 12. In other words, the receiving container insertion port 44 is located between the tablet discharge outlet 41 through which tablets discharged from the tablet box 11 mounted on the lowest mounting portion 12 pass and the tablet discharge outlet 41 through which tablets discharged from the tablet box 11 mounted on the second mounting portion 12 from the bottom pass. Furthermore, even if the tablet box 11 is mounted on the mounting portion 12, a portion of the tablet box 11 will not be inserted into the tablet drop path 42 from the receiving container insertion port 44.

[0104] like Figure 2 As shown, a bounce-back prevention member 45 is provided above each tablet discharge port 41. This bounce-back prevention member 45 prevents tablets falling from above in the tablet drop path 42 from entering the tablet discharge channel 24 from the tablet discharge port 41 and being bounced back by the inclined surface of the tablet discharge channel 24, thus delaying the tablet's fall. The bounce-back prevention member 45a provided on the tablet discharge port 41 of the mounting section 12 at the lowest point of the first tablet supply section 2 is mounted by a hinge 46 so that its upper end rotates away from the wall section 21, and has a movable plate 47 that opens or closes the receiving container insertion port 44 from the inside of the tablet drop path 42. The bounce-back prevention member 45a with the movable plate 47 is subjected to a force by a spring unit (not shown) in the direction that the movable plate 47 closes the receiving container insertion port 44.

[0105] like Figure 4 As shown, a receiving container detection sensor 48 is provided on the wall 21 of the device body 20, where the mounting portion 12 at the lowermost part of the first tablet supply portion 2 is installed, to detect the installation of the tablet receiving container 50 (described later). The receiving container detection sensor 48 includes a detection rod 48a that moves downward after abutting against the engaging portion 56 of the tablet receiving container 50, and a sensor portion 48b that detects the movement of the detection rod 48a.

[0106] return Figure 1 The powder supply unit 5 is a known unit that evenly spreads the powder placed from the two insertion parts 5a onto a disc with an annular groove (not shown), and supplies it to the packaging unit 7 after scraping out a predetermined angle, and packages it according to the predetermined administration time.

[0107] The hand-dispensing unit 6 is a known unit that stores tablets in multiple trough-shaped hand-dispensing parts 6a, opens the bottom of each trough to supply tablets to the dispensing unit, and dispenses them according to the prescribed administration time.

[0108] The subpackaging unit 7 is a known unit that packages tablets supplied by the tablet supply unit 4 (comprising the first tablet supply unit 2 and the second tablet supply unit 3), the powder supply unit 5, and the hand-spreading unit 6 into a medicine bag according to the administration time.

[0109] The tablet filling platform 8 is located on the front of the main body 20 of the device and is capable of holding the tablet cassette 11, the universal tablet cassette 31, and the tablet receiving container 50. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the tablet filling station 8 is equipped with an RFID reader / writer 49 as a reading device. The RFID reader / writer 49 can read or rewrite the identification information of the tablet box 11 and the universal tablet box 31 written (stored) in the RFID tag 19 of the tablet box 11 and the RFID tag 38 of the universal tablet box 31, or the drug type identification information of the tablets stored in the tablet box 11 and the universal tablet box 31. Furthermore, it can write or rewrite the code number and the drug to be inventoried on the RFID tag 54 of the tablet receiving container 50.

[0110] The barcode reader 9 is located on the front of the main body 20 above the tablet filling station 8. In addition to reading the barcodes of medicine boxes or bottles, it can also read the barcode 53 of the tablet receiving container 50 as a receiving container reading device.

[0111] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the control unit 10 is a personal computer, but it is not limited to this. Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 10 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a display unit 103, an input unit 104 including a keyboard, etc. The control unit 10 cooperates with the drive motor 22 provided in the mounting part 12 of the tablet box 11, the drive motors 22a and 22b provided in the mounting part 32 of the universal tablet box 31, the tablet detection sensor 25, the RFID reader / writer 23, the receiving container detection sensor 48, the barcode reader 9, and the RFID reader / writer 49 to perform drug supply processing, drug packaging processing, and inventory processing. In the drug supply processing, the tablet supply unit 4, the powder supply unit 5, and the hand-spreading unit 6 are controlled to supply tablets and powders to the packaging unit 7. In the drug packaging processing, the supplied drugs are packaged in units of administration time. In the inventory processing, the remaining tablets in the drug supply unit 4 are counted to perform inventory.

[0112] Next, refer to Figures 6-10The tablet receiving container 50 of the first embodiment used during inventory checks of the dispensing device 1 will be described.

[0113] like Figure 6 As shown, the tablet receiving container 50 is a generally rectangular container with an opening 50a at the top, and it has the same shape as the tablet box 11, allowing it to be mounted on the mounting portion 12. That is, the tablet receiving container 50 is formed so that it can be interchanged with the tablet box 11 and mounted on the mounting portion 12. The tablet receiving container 50 has a bottom 50b, a front portion 50c located on the front side when mounted on the mounting portion 12, a back portion 50d located on the inside side, and a left side portion 50e and a right side portion 50f located on the left and right sides, and these portions constitute a storage portion capable of holding tablets.

[0114] The back portion 50d of the tablet receiving container 50 has a receiving port 50g connected to the opening portion 50a. When the tablet receiving container 50 is placed on the mounting portion 12, the receiving port 50g is inserted into the tablet drop path 42 via the receiving container insertion port 44 of the device body 20. The width of the receiving port 50g is narrower than the width of the opening portion 50a, and it has a size that allows insertion into the receiving container insertion port 44 of the wall portion 21 of the device body 20. It is configured such that when inserted into the receiving container insertion port 44, the tablet will not enter the gap between itself and the inner surface of the tablet drop path 42. The protruding length of the receiving port 50g is less than the depth of the tablet drop path 42, and it is configured such that when inserted into the receiving container insertion port 44, the tablet will not enter the gap between itself and the inner surface of the tablet drop path 42. The bottom of the receiving port 50g slopes downward from the top of the receiving port 50g toward the opening portion 50a.

[0115] like Figure 9 As shown, a tablet guide 51 is provided inside the tablet receiving container 50. This tablet guide 51 extends downwards from the bottom of the receiving port 50g toward the interior of the tablet receiving container 50 at an angle α of 14.0 to 18.0 degrees, preferably 16.0 degrees, and reaches the front portion 50c. Figure 8 As shown, the tablet guide 51 is formed such that its width narrows from the middle towards the front end, and as... Figure 10 As shown, in order to reduce the contact area with the tablet, it is formed by an upwardly convex curved surface, preferably an arc with a radius R (80 mm in the example), and tilted downwards towards both sides.

[0116] A drop opening 50h is formed on the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 50, and a movable shutter 52 is provided to open or close the drop opening 50h. The movable shutter 52 is configured to be able to be pulled out from the right side face 50f by holding the handle 52a to open the drop opening 50h.

[0117] In the tablet receiving container 50, a front portion 50c is provided with Figure 6 The barcode 53 shown is attached to the bottom 50b. Figure 7 The RFID tag 54 shown. The barcode 53 records at least one of the following as identification information for the tablet receiving container 50: a code number, identification information for the tablet box 11, and drug type identification information for the tablets stored in the tablet box 11. The RFID tag 54 contains at least one of the following: identification information for the tablet receiving container 50, drug type identification information for the tablets received by the tablet receiving container 50, or the address of the drug type identification information for the tablets received by the tablet receiving container 50 recorded in the storage unit 102.

[0118] like Figure 7 As shown, a guide 55 is provided on the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 50, positioned at the opening of the tablet box 11. A locking part 56 is formed on the back 50d of the tablet receiving container 50, which engages with the detection rod 48a of the receiving container detection sensor 48 when the tablet receiving container 50 is installed on the mounting part 12.

[0119] When the tablet cassette 11 is mounted on the mounting section 12, a tablet discharge channel 24 is formed from the tablet outlet 18 of each tablet cassette 11 to the mounting section 12, a tablet discharge outlet 41 is formed, a tablet drop path 42 is formed, and a tablet packaging path 40A of the packaging unit 7 is formed. When the tablet receiving container 50 is placed on the mounting section 12 and the receiving port 50g is inserted into the tablet drop path 42 through the receiving container insertion port 44 of the device body 20, as Figure 2 As shown, a tablet discharge channel 24, a tablet discharge outlet 41, a tablet drop path 42, a receiving port 50g of the tablet receiving container 50, and a tablet receiving path 40B inside the tablet receiving container 50 are formed from the tablet outlet 18 of each tablet cassette 11 to the mounting section 12. Since the tablet receiving container 50 is installed in the mounting section 12 interchangeably with the tablet cassette 11, no special installation space is required. When the tablet receiving container 50 is installed in the mounting section 12, the receiving port 50g is inserted into the tablet drop path 42, thereby forming the tablet receiving path 40B, so no special discharge path is required.

[0120] in addition, Figures 6-10 The tablet receiving container 50 shown is a dedicated container used in inventory processing, but it can also be a container with a receiving port installed on an existing tablet box 11. Thus, a tablet receiving container can be formed simply by installing a receiving port on the tablet box 11, and therefore, the tablet receiving container can be installed on the mounting part 12 in the same way as the tablet box 11, without the need to prepare a special tablet receiving container.

[0121] Next, the inventory process and operation of the dispensing device 1 will be explained.

[0122] In the dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the tablet counting function of the dispensing device 1 can be used to perform inventory without transferring the tablets in the tablet box 11 to the tablet counter.

[0123] First, after the user places the tablet receiving container 50 on the tablet filling station 8 and turns on the inventory button displayed on the display unit 103 of the control unit 10, then... Figure 13 The tablet box selection screen for the inventory target shown is used to select tablet box 11. In this case, any one of the columns can be selected, such as the top one, or all tablet boxes in each column can be selected. The identification information (code number) of the selected tablet box 11 and the drug type identification information of the tablets stored in the tablet box 11 are pre-stored in the storage unit 102.

[0124] The control unit 101 of the control unit 10 is in Figure 11 In step 101, the RFID reader 49 reads the RFID tag 54 of the tablet receiving container 50 placed on the tablet filling station 8, and reads the identification information (code number) of the tablet receiving container 50 written in the RFID tag 54, thereby determining whether the tablet receiving container is placed on the tablet filling station 8. When it is determined in step 102 that the tablet box 11 to be inventoried has been selected, in step 103, the code number of the tablet receiving container 50 is associated with the drug type identification information of the inventory drugs stored in the tablet box 11 to be inventoried, and it is written into the RFID tag 54 of the tablet receiving container 50. In step 104, the code number of the tablet receiving container 50 is associated with the drug type identification information of the inventory drugs, and it is stored in the storage unit 102.

[0125] Next, the user removes the tablet box 11 from the mounting section 12 at the bottom of the row of tablet boxes 11 selected for inventory and replaces it with the tablet receiving container 50. At this time, the receiving port 50g of the tablet receiving container 50 enters the tablet drop path 42 by pressing the movable plate 47 through the receiving container insertion port 44 of the device body 20. Thus, a tablet discharge channel 24 from the tablet outlet 18 of each tablet box 11 to the mounting section 12, a tablet discharge outlet 41, a tablet drop path 42, a receiving port 50g of the tablet receiving container 50, and a tablet receiving path 40B inside the tablet receiving container 50 are formed, so that the tablets of each tablet box 11 can be received using the tablet receiving container 50.

[0126] In step 105, when the control unit 101 of the control unit 10 determines that a tablet receiving container 50 has been installed based on the signal from the receiving container detection sensor 48 of the device body 20, in step 106, the RFID reader 23 reads the code number of the RFID tag 54 of the tablet receiving container 50 installed on the mounting unit 12. In step 107, the control unit 101 determines whether the tablet receiving container 50 has been accurately installed in the column of the tablet box 11 based on whether the drug identification information associated with the code number is consistent with the drug identification information of the inventory drugs stored in the tablet box 11.

[0127] When it is determined that the tablet receiving container 50 is installed accurately, the control unit 101 of the control unit 10 switches to tablet counting mode. In tablet counting mode, in step 108, the drive motor 22 of the mounting part 12 on which the tablet box 11 to be counted is mounted is driven to discharge tablets from the tablet outlet 18 of the tablet box 11 to be counted, and in step 109, the tablets discharged from the tablet outlet 18 are detected according to the signal from the tablet detection sensor 25, and in step 110, the number of tablets is stored in the storage unit 102.

[0128] To prevent the tablets discharged from the tablet box 11 from clogging, the following measures can be taken: (1) When the tablet dispensing action of the rotor 16 starts, the rotor 16 is reversed and then switched to the normal dispensing action; (2) When a certain number of tablets are detected being discharged, the rotor is reversed; (3) The drive shaft of the drive motor 22 is rotated by a certain angle and then reversed; (4) A detection element such as a magnet is installed on the rotor 16, and the rotor 16 is rotated by a certain angle and then reversed.

[0129] Tablets discharged from the tablet outlet 18 of the tablet cassette 11 pass through the tablet discharge channel 24 of the mounting section 12, fall in the tablet drop path 42, and enter the tablet receiving container 50 through the receiving port 50g. Once inside the tablet receiving container 50, the tablets slide off the tablet guide 51. The tablet guide 51 is formed such that its width narrows from its middle portion towards its front end and slopes downwards to both sides; therefore, tablets sliding off the tablet guide 51 fall to both sides and settle evenly at the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 50.

[0130] In step 111, when the control unit 101 of the control unit 10 determines that the tablet dispensing is complete based on the signal from the tablet detection sensor 25, in step 112, the drive motor 22 of the mounting part 12 on which the tablet box 11 to be inventoried is mounted stops. Whether the tablet dispensing is complete can be determined based on the following: (1) the rotor 16 or the drive motor 22 has rotated for a certain period of time without the tablet detection sensor 25 being turned on, or (2) the rotor 16 or the drive motor 22 has rotated a certain angle without the tablet detection sensor 25 being turned on.

[0131] After the tablets in the tablet box 11 have been dispensed, the user removes the tablet box 11 from the mounting section 12 and places it on the tablet filling station 8. Then, the user removes the tablet receiving container 50 from the mounting section 12 and places the barcode 53 of the tablet receiving container 50 on the barcode reader 9.

[0132] The control unit 101 of the control unit 10 is in Figure 12 In step 113, the RFID reader 49 reads the RFID tag 19 of the tablet box 11 placed on the tablet filling station 8 to determine whether the tablet box 11 to be inventoried has been placed on the tablet filling station 8. In step 114, the drug identification information of the RFID tag 19 of the tablet box 11 to be inventoried is read to identify the drug of the inventory target. In step 115, the code number of the tablet receiving container 50 recorded in the barcode 53 of the tablet receiving container 50 is identified according to the signal from the barcode reader 9. In step 116, the control unit 101 of the control unit 10 compares the drug identification information of the tablet box 11 to be inventoried stored in the storage unit 102 with the drug identification information associated with the code number of the tablet receiving container 50 read by the barcode reader 9 to see if they match. In step 117, the display unit 103 displays "OK" and "Allow to put in" and notifies the user. In step 118, the tablets and their number are determined, and the process returns to step 101 to proceed to the inventory processing of the next inventory target.

[0133] If the check is OK, the user places the tablets from the tablet receiving container 50 back into the tablet box 11 to be inventoried. At this time, by placing the tablet receiving container 50 containing the tablets onto the tablet box 11, the movable cover 52 is pulled out to open the drop opening 50h, thereby allowing the tablets to be quickly returned to the tablet box 11 without any residue. Since the tablet receiving container 50 has a guide 55 that engages with the opening of the tablet box 11, it is reliably placed on the tablet box 11 without tilting or deviating, and there is no risk of tablet spillage. Next, the user installs the tablet box 11 containing the tablets returned from the tablet receiving container 50 into the mounting part 12, ending the inventory of the first tablet box 11 to be inventoried, and begins the inventory of the next tablet box 11 to be inventoried in the same order.

[0134] Furthermore, when all layers of tablet boxes 11 are selected as the tablet boxes to be inventoried, the inventory process for the next inventory box can begin simply by returning the tablet receiving container 50 to the mounting unit 12. Inventory processing can be performed by replacing the tablet box 11 that was initially removed by replacing the tablet receiving container 50 with any tablet box 11 that has been completed after the inventory process is finished, and then installing it in the mounting unit 12.

[0135] In addition, in order to be able to identify tablets that have been counted and tablets that have not been counted, it is preferable to... Figure 13 In the tablet box selection screen, change the color of the display area showing tablets that have been counted. This clearly identifies tablets that have been counted and those that have not, thus preventing inventory errors or rework. Alternatively, you can flash the display of tablets that are being counted.

[0136] Alternatively, it can be configured such that when the tablet receiving container 50 is installed on the bottom mounting section 12, tablets are automatically dispensed from the tablet box 11 containing tablets in the same row that have not yet been counted, and counting begins.

[0137] The comparison between the tablet receiving container and the tablet box is not limited to the above embodiments, and various methods can be used.

[0138] For example, in the above embodiment, a barcode 53 is provided on the tablet receiving container 50, but the barcode 53 may not be present. In this case, after placing the tablet receiving container 50 on the tablet filling station 8 and reading the code number, the tablet box 11 is installed in place of the tablet receiving container 50, and the drug identification information is read. The drug identification information associated with the code number is retrieved in the storage unit 102, and the drug identification information of the two is compared. It should be noted that if there are two RFID readers 49, one for the tablet receiving container 50 and one for the tablet box 11, it is not necessary to replace them.

[0139] Conversely, it can also be configured such that instead of setting an RFID tag on the tablet receiving container 50, only a barcode 53 recording a code number is set, and only a barcode 53 is set on the tablet box 11. In this case, the drug type identification information of the tablet box 11 to be inventoried is pre-associated with the code number of the barcode 53 on the tablet receiving container 50 and stored in the storage unit 102. The drug type identification information retrieved based on the code number of the tablet receiving container 50 is compared with the drug type identification information of the barcode 53 on the tablet box 11.

[0140] Additionally, the tablet receiving container 50 can be configured as a container dedicated to a specific type of drug, and the drug identification information can be pre-written into the RFID tag 54 or barcode 53. In this case, it can also be configured such that multiple drug identification information is written into the RFID tag 54 or barcode 53 of the tablet receiving container 50, and a specific drug identification information is selected from the multiple drug identification information during each inventory check.

[0141] Furthermore, the tablet receiving container 50 can be configured as a container dedicated to a specific tablet box, and the tablet box identification information can be pre-written into the RFID tag 54 or barcode 53. In this case, it can also be configured such that multiple tablet box identification information are written into the RFID tag 54 or barcode 53 of the tablet receiving container 50, and a specific tablet box identification information is selected from the multiple tablet box identification information during each inventory check.

[0142] As described above, in the dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, a tablet receiving path 40B is formed simply by installing the tablet receiving container 50 in a predetermined position, and inventory processing can be performed using the tablet counting function of the dispensing device 1 itself. Therefore, it is not necessary to install a separate tablet counting device or ensure sufficient space for its installation.

[0143] Furthermore, in the dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the tablet box 11 is configured such that when it is installed on the mounting part 12, tablets are dispensed from the tablet box 11 into the tablet drop path 42, and when the tablet receiving container 50 is installed on the mounting part 12, tablets are dispensed from the tablet box 11 installed on the mounting part 12 which is above the mounting part 12 into the tablet drop path 42, and the tablet receiving container 50 receives the tablets. Therefore, tablets can be dispensed from the tablet box 11 and packaged using the same mounting part 12, and tablets from the tablet box 11 can also be received by the tablet receiving container 50.

[0144] Furthermore, when the tablet receiving container 50 is installed on the mounting section 12, the receiving unit that discharges tablets from the tablet box 11 installed on the mounting section 12, which is above the mounting section 12, switches from the packaging unit 7 to the tablet receiving container 50. Therefore, there is no need to set up a special path or space for receiving tablets using the tablet receiving container 50.

[0145] Because the tablet receiving unit is configured such that when the receiving container detection sensor 48 detects that the tablet receiving container 50 has been installed on the mounting part 12, the tablet receiving unit that discharges tablets to the tablet falling path 42 switches from the packaging unit 7 to the tablet receiving container 50, it is possible to switch from the tablet packaging path 40A to the tablet receiving path 40B simply by installing the tablet receiving container 50, thus eliminating the need for a special device for path switching.

[0146] In the above-described embodiment of the inventory processing and operation of the dispensing device 1, the tablet box selection screen is displayed when the inventory button is activated. However, it can also be configured such that the tablet box selection screen is displayed when the tablet receiving container 50 is detected to be installed on the mounting unit 12. In this case, it is possible to effectively select only the tablet boxes 11 arranged in the installed column.

[0147] In addition, in the above embodiment, the RFID tag 54 of the tablet receiving container 50 is written with the code number of the tablet receiving container 50 and the drug type identification information of the inventory drugs stored in the tablet box 11. However, it is also possible not to write it in this way, but to use the RFID reader 49 to read the identification information (code information) of the tablet receiving container 50, establish an association between the inventory tablets and the code information and store it in the storage unit 102.

[0148] In the dispensing device 1 of the above embodiment, such as Figure 14 As shown, it is possible to simultaneously perform inventory checks on multiple layers of tablet boxes 11 in the same column. Figure 14In this embodiment, after disassembling the third and sixth layer tablet boxes 11, a first tablet receiving container 50U and a second tablet receiving container 50L are installed, respectively. The first tablet receiving container 50U performs tablet inventory processing for the tablet boxes from the first to the third layer sequentially, and the second tablet receiving container 50L performs tablet inventory processing for the tablet boxes from the fourth to the sixth layer sequentially. That is, tablets are discharged from the tablet box 11 in the first layer to the first tablet receiving container 50U in the third layer, and tablets are discharged from the tablet box 11 in the fourth layer to the second tablet receiving container 50L in the sixth layer, thereby performing inventory processing for the tablet boxes 11 in the first and fourth layers. Next, tablets are discharged from the tablet box 11 in the second layer to the first tablet receiving container 50U in the third layer, and tablets are discharged from the tablet box 11 in the fifth layer to the second tablet receiving container 50L in the sixth layer, thereby performing inventory processing for the tablet boxes 11 in the second and fifth layers. Furthermore, the removed tablet box 11 from the third layer is installed on the first layer (replacing the tablet box 11 from the first layer) and tablets are discharged into the first tablet receiving container 50U of the third layer. Similarly, the removed tablet box 11 from the sixth layer is installed on the fourth layer (replacing the tablet box 11 from the fourth layer) and tablets are discharged into the second tablet receiving container 50L of the sixth layer, thereby performing an inventory check of the tablet boxes 11 from the third and sixth layers. This allows for rapid inventory checks. It should be noted that the installation positions of the first tablet receiving container 50U and the second tablet receiving container 50L are not limited to the third and sixth layers as described above.

[0149] In addition, such as Figure 15 As shown, multiple rows of tablet boxes 11 can be inventoried simultaneously. Figure 15 In this embodiment, after removing the tablet boxes 11 of the 6th layer in columns A and B, a first tablet receiving container 50A and a second tablet receiving container 50B are installed respectively. The first tablet receiving container 50A performs tablet inventory processing on the tablet boxes 11 of the 1st to 6th layers in column A, and the second tablet receiving container 50B performs tablet inventory processing on the tablet boxes 11 of the 1st to 6th layers in column B.

[0150] That is, tablets are dispensed from tablet cassette 11 in column A, layer 1, to tablet receiving container 50A in layer 6, and tablets are dispensed from tablet cassette 11 in column B, layer 1, to tablet receiving container 50B in layer 6, thus performing an inventory check of tablet cassette 11 in columns A and B, layer 1. Next, tablets are dispensed from tablet cassette 11 in column A, layer 2, to tablet receiving container 50A in layer 6, and tablets are dispensed from tablet cassette 11 in column B, layer 2, to tablet receiving container 50B in layer 6, thus performing an inventory check of tablet cassette 11 in columns A and B, layer 2. This operation is repeated up to layer 5. Then, the removed tablet cassette 11 in layer 6 is installed in layer 1 (replacing tablet cassette 11 in layer 1) and dispensed into tablet receiving container 50A in layer 6, and the removed tablet cassette 11 in layer 6 is installed in layer 1 (replacing tablet cassette 11 in layer 1) and dispensed into tablet receiving container 50B in layer 6, thus performing an inventory check of tablet cassette 11 in columns A and B, layer 6. Similarly, the tablet boxes in columns B and C are inventoried, and this operation is repeated to inventory the tablet boxes from columns A to I. This allows for rapid inventory checks. It should be noted that the number and order of columns being inventoried simultaneously are not limited to the above embodiment.

[0151] Next, the tablet receiving container 60 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0152] The tablet receiving container 60 of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the tablet receiving container 50 of the first embodiment, except that it is provided with a movable receiving port mechanism and a vibration mechanism. Therefore, the corresponding parts are marked with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0153] <Modible mechanism of the receiving port>

[0154] exist Figure 2 If the bottom of the receiving opening 50g of the tablet receiving container 50 is gently inclined, tablets emitted from the tablet box 11 and contacting the bottom of the receiving opening 50g will not violently enter the tablet receiving container 50, thus potentially causing tablets to clog the entrance of the tablet receiving container 50. Therefore, it is preferable that the receiving opening 50g of the tablet receiving container 50 is a movable structure, and that the angle of inclination of the bottom of the receiving opening 50g becomes steeper when receiving tablets.

[0155] Figure 16 The image shows a tablet receiving container 60 with a 50g receiving port having a movable mechanism. The movable mechanism of the 50g receiving port consists of a support 61, a tray 62 rotatably supported on the support 61, and a leaf spring 63.

[0156] A support portion 61 is mounted on the lower edge of a rectangular notch 60a formed on the back side of the tablet receiving container 60, and has: a pair of bearing portions 61a at both ends and an upright piece 61b standing up along both sides of the notch. A groove 61c is formed in the support portion 61 for inserting and supporting one end of the leaf spring 63 (described later). A shaft hole 61d is formed on the bearing portion 61a. A support hole 61e is formed on the upright piece 61b for engaging with a support protrusion 51a at one end of the tablet guide 51.

[0157] The support plate 62 is composed of an upper part 62a, a lower part 62b, a front end 62c, two side parts 62d and 62e, and multiple ribs 62f extending from the inner surface of the upper part 62a to the front end 62c, and has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. A shaft portion 62g protrudes outward from one end of each side part 62d and 62e. A gap 62h is formed between the ribs 62f and the lower part 62b for inserting the leaf spring 63 (described later). The support plate 62 can rotate about the shaft portion 62g by engaging with the shaft hole 61d of the support part 61.

[0158] One end of the leaf spring 63 is supported by the groove 61c of the support portion 61, and the other end is inserted into and supported in the gap 62h of the support plate 62, thereby keeping the support plate 62 in a substantially horizontal state. Furthermore, when the support plate 62 rotates upward, the leaf spring 63 applies a force to the support plate 62, causing it to move downward. It should be noted that a coil spring can also be used instead of the leaf spring 63.

[0159] like Figure 17 As shown in (a), before the tablet receiving container 60 is installed on the designated mounting part 12, the tray 62 of the receiving port 50g of the tablet receiving container 60 is in a gently inclined state and is positioned lower than the receiving container insertion port 44. Therefore, as Figure 17 As shown in (b), when the tablet receiving container 60 is placed on the mounting part 12 and pressed forward, the push-back anti-rebound member 45a causes the tray 62 to insert into the receiving container insertion port 44. When the tablet receiving container 60 is pressed further in, the front end of the tray 62 touches the tablet drop path 42, and using its reaction force, it resists the force of the leaf spring 63 and is pushed upward, thus steepening the tilt angle. Since the tray 62 remains in contact with the tablet drop path 42 under the action of the leaf spring 63, no gap is generated. In addition, because the tilt of the tray 62 becomes steeper, the tablets emitted from the tablet box 11 above hit the tray 62 and enter the tablet receiving container 60 violently, so that the tablets do not clog the entrance of the tablet receiving container 60. When the tablet receiving container 60 is removed from the mounting part 12, the tray 62 returns to its original gently tilted state by the force of the leaf spring 63.

[0160] A tablet that violently enters the tablet receiving container 60 collides with the wall of the front portion 50c of the tablet receiving container 60, producing an impact sound. Therefore, in order to reduce this impact sound, a buffer plate 50i is provided inside the front portion 50c of the tablet receiving container 60. The impact sound can also be reduced by providing a gap between the wall of the front portion 50c and the buffer plate 50i.

[0161] <Tablet ejection prevention mechanism>

[0162] like Figure 18 As shown, tablets that come into contact with the tray 62 of the tablet receiving container 60 may not enter the tablet receiving container 60, but instead bounce upwards and enter the tablet discharge port 41 above. In the absence of the tablet box 11, they may jump out of the tablet discharge channel 24 to the outside.

[0163] Therefore, before counting the tablets, the RFID reader 23 determines whether a tablet box 11 is present on the mounting section 12 above the mounting section 12 where the tablet receiving container 60 is mounted. If no tablet box 11 is present, the user is prompted to install either the tablet box 11 or the anti-jump cover 64. The anti-jump cover 64 has a base portion 64a that can be mounted on the mounting section 12 in the same way as the tablet box 11, and a closing portion 64b that serves as a unit for closing the tablet discharge channel 24. By installing the tablet box 11 or the anti-jump cover 64 on the mounting section 12 above the mounting section 12 where the tablet receiving container 60 is mounted, tablets bounced back by the tray 62 can be prevented from jumping out of the tablet discharge port 41 above.

[0164] <Vibration mechanism of tablet receiving container>

[0165] Depending on the spacing between tablets or the stacking of tablets discharged into the tablet receiving container 60, sometimes it is impossible to collect tablets to the capacity of the tablet receiving container 60. In addition, sometimes tablets may accumulate on the tablet guide 51, thereby clogging the receiving port 50g.

[0166] Figure 19 The image shows a tablet receiving container 60 equipped with a vibration mechanism that vibrates the bottom 50b. The vibration mechanism consists of a gear 65 and a movable block 66.

[0167] The gear 65 and cam 67 are integrally formed and mounted on the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 60 in a manner that allows them to rotatably about axis 65a. The outer peripheral surface of the cam 67 is composed of a cam surface 67a with a radius that gradually increases from the axis of the gear 65, and a stepped portion 67b between the minimum and maximum radius positions. The gear 65 is configured such that when the tablet receiving container 60 is mounted on the mounting part 12, it meshes with the drive gear 22a of the drive motor 22 of the mounting part 12, thereby rotating via the drive motor 22. Therefore, since the drive source for the tablet cartridge 11 is utilized, it is not necessary to provide a power source for the vibration mechanism of the tablet receiving container 60.

[0168] The movable block 66 is mounted on the outer surface of the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 60 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the shaft 66a. The movable block 66 has an impact portion 66b that abuts against an impact-bearing portion 68 formed on the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 60, and a sliding portion 66c that slides against the cam surface 67a of the cam 67. A torsion spring 69 is mounted on the shaft 66a of the movable block 66. One end of the torsion spring 69 engages with a protrusion 70 formed on the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 60, and the other end engages with the movable block 66. The impact portion 66b is subjected to force in the direction of abutting against the impact-bearing portion 68.

[0169] During the process of mounting the tablet receiving container 60 on the mounting part 12 and discharging tablets from the tablet box 11 located above the mounting part 12 and counting them, the drive motor 22 of the mounting part 12 on which the tablet receiving container 60 is mounted is driven. Driven by the drive motor 22, the cam 67 is rotated via the gear 65 meshing with the drive gear 22a. As the sliding part 66c of the movable block 66 slides on the cam surface 67a of the cam 67 from the smallest radius to the largest radius, the movable block 66 rotates toward the impact part 66b away from the impact bearing part 68.

[0170] The sliding portion 66c of the movable block 66 moves from the maximum radius of the cam surface 67a, over the stepped portion 67b, towards the minimum radius. Simultaneously, the impact portion 66b of the movable block 66 collides with the impact receiving portion 68, thereby applying an impact to the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 60. With each rotation of the cam 67, the impact portion 66b of the movable block 66 impacts the impact receiving portion 68, thus periodically vibrating the tablet receiving container 60. As a result, the gaps between the tablets discharged into the tablet receiving container 60 are filled, and the tablets are tightly packed, allowing for sufficient storage until the tablet receiving container 60 reaches its maximum capacity. Furthermore, the vibration of the bottom 50b is transmitted to the tablet guide 51, causing the tablets on the tablet guide 51 to fall to the bottom, thus preventing tablets from accumulating on the tablet guide 51 and clogging the receiving port 50g.

[0171] Figure 21 The image shows a tablet receiving container 60 equipped with a vibration mechanism that vibrates the tablet guide 51.

[0172] like Figure 22 , Figure 23 As shown, the tablet guide 51 is configured such that support protrusions 51a on both sides of one end engage with support holes 61e on the upright piece 61b of the support portion 61 of the receiving port 50g, and the other end is supported by a support post 71 on the inner surface of the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 60, thereby tilting downwards from the receiving port 50g of the tablet receiving container 60 toward the interior. A rod insertion hole 71a is formed on the support post 71 in a manner communicating with a through hole 72 in the bottom 50b, into which a push rod 76 (described later) is inserted. Additionally, the support post 71 has an engaging portion 71b that engages with a notch 51b at the lower end of the tablet guide 51.

[0173] like Figure 22 As shown, the vibration mechanism consists of a gear 73, a movable block 74, a cover 75, and a top rod 76.

[0174] The gear 73 and cam 77 are integrally formed and mounted on the outer surface of the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 60 in a manner that allows them to rotatably about the axis 73a. The outer peripheral surface of the cam 77 is composed of a cam surface 77a with a radius that gradually increases from the axis of the gear 73, and a stepped portion 77b between the minimum and maximum radius positions. The gear 73 is configured such that when the tablet receiving container 60 is mounted on the mounting portion 12, it meshes with the drive gear 22a of the drive motor 22 of the mounting portion 12, thereby rotating via the drive motor 22. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a power source for the vibration mechanism of the tablet receiving container 60.

[0175] The movable block 74 has: a base 74a made of an elongated cuboid; a sliding portion 74b protruding from one end face of the base 74a; two elastically deformable elastic pieces 74c protruding from both sides of the base 74a; and a protrusion 74d protruding from the upper surface of the base 74a. Figure 24 As shown, the movable block 74 is configured such that the base 74a is movable between two guides 75a formed on the cover 75 (described later), the front end of the elastic sheet 74c is supported by a support 78 formed on the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 60, and the sliding portion 74b abuts against the cam surface 77a of the cam 77. The protrusion 74d has an inclined surface 74e that slopes downward toward the sliding portion 74b in the direction of movement of the base 74a. A space is formed between the elastic sheet 74c and the support 78 supporting the front end of the elastic sheet 74c, allowing the elastic sheet 74c to deform.

[0176] The cap 75 is mounted on the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 60 in such a way that it covers the movable block 74. Two guides 75a are formed on the cap 75 to guide the base 74a of the movable block 74.

[0177] The push rod 76 is inserted into the rod insertion hole 71a of the support 71 through the through hole 72 provided in the bottom 50b of the tablet receiving container 60. The upper end of the push rod 76 is opposite to the lower surface of the tablet guide 51, and the lower end is opposite to the protrusion 74d of the movable block 74.

[0178] During the process of mounting the tablet receiving container 60 on the mounting section 12 and discharging tablets from the tablet box 11 located above the mounting section 12 while counting them, the drive motor 22 of the mounting section 12 on which the tablet receiving container 60 is mounted is driven. Figure 25 As shown in (a), the cam 77 is rotated by the drive motor 22 via the gear 73 meshing with the drive gear 22a. As the sliding portion 74b of the movable block 74 slides on the cam surface 77a of the cam 77 from the smallest radius to the largest radius, the movable block 74 moves away from the cam 77 towards the protrusion 74d, and the elastic sheet 74c deforms. The lower end of the push rod 76, which is in contact with the protrusion 74d of the movable block 74, moves to the lower end of the inclined surface 74e of the protrusion 74d, and the upper end moves away from the tablet guide 51.

[0179] like Figure 25 As shown in (b), the sliding portion 74b of the movable block 74 moves from the maximum radius of the cam surface 77a, past the stepped portion 77b, towards the minimum radius. Simultaneously, the movable block 74 moves instantaneously towards the protrusion 74d, approaching the cam 77, due to the force of the elastic plate 74c. As a result, the lower end of the push rod 76 is pushed upwards onto the inclined surface 74e of the protrusion 74d of the movable block 74, and the upper end lifts the tablet guide 51, applying an impact. With each rotation of the cam 77, the push rod 76 of the movable block 74 impacts the tablet guide 51, causing the tablets on the tablet guide 51 to fall to the bottom. Therefore, it is possible to prevent tablets from accumulating on the tablet guide 51 and clogging the receiving port 50g. In addition, the vibration of the tablet guide 51 is transmitted to the support column 71, thereby periodically vibrating the tablet receiving container 60. As a result, the gaps between the tablets discharged into the tablet receiving container 60 are filled, and the tablets are tightly stacked, thus enabling full storage up to the capacity of the tablet receiving container 60.

[0180] During operation of the vibration mechanism, knocking sounds may be generated due to the vibration of the tablet receiving container 60 or the tablet guide 51, which may cause discomfort to the user. Therefore, it is preferable to change the presence or absence of vibration or the vibration interval according to the installation height of the tablet box 11 and the shape of the tablets stored in the tablet box 11.

[0181] For example, when the tablet receiving container 60 is installed on the first layer of the tablet supply section 2, the vibration mechanism is activated only when the tablets in the tablet box 11 on the second layer are counted and dispensed. This is because when dispensing tablets from the tablet box 11 on the third layer and above, the falling speed of the tablets increases, so the tablet receiving container 60 is filled without gaps and falls without lingering on the tablet guide 51.

[0182] When the tablets are capsules, the vibration mechanism operates regardless of the height from the tablet receiving container 60, because there is a tendency for the gaps between the capsules to increase.

[0183] Furthermore, since there is a tendency for a larger area of ​​the tablet viewed from above to result in a larger gap between capsules, the vibration interval is reduced. In this case, the vibration interval is varied by dividing the area of ​​the tablet viewed from above into three categories. For example, when it exceeds 100 mm... 2 When dispensing tablets, vibrate once every 7 seconds, when the volume is 56mm. 2 ~100mm 2 When dispensing tablets, vibrate once every 14 seconds, when the size is less than 56mm. 2 When dispensing tablets, vibrate once every 7 seconds.

[0184] Furthermore, the tablets discharged into the tablet receiving container 60 are vibrated at a predetermined vibration interval until the volume of the tablets discharged into the tablet receiving container 60 reaches a predetermined ratio (e.g., 75%) relative to the maximum storage volume of the tablet receiving container 60, and when the predetermined ratio is exceeded, the vibration is performed continuously.

[0185] Thus, by changing the presence or absence of vibration or the vibration interval according to the installation height of the tablet box 11 and the shape of the tablets stored in the tablet box 11, tablets can be discharged with a minimum number of taps until the tablet receiving container 60 can hold, thereby reducing the noise during counting.

[0186] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and variations or modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0187] For example, the tablet receiving container 50 in the above embodiment is replaced and installed with the tablet box 11, but as Figure 26 As shown, it can also be configured such that by placing the tablet receiving container 50 on the mounting section 81 at a position lower than the general tablet box 31 and higher than the guide hopper 43, the tablets remaining in the general tablet box 31 can be inventoried.

[0188] In addition, such as Figure 27 As shown, by providing the tablet receiving container 50 with a mounting section 82, the hassle of replacing the tablet box 11 can be eliminated.

[0189] Figure 28 The device is configured such that a mounting part 12 for mounting tablet cassette 11 can be pulled out along a telescopic slide rail 83. During inventory checks, the mounting part 12, which is in the state of mounting tablet cassette 11, is pulled out from the main body 20 of the device together, and a tablet receiving container 50 is installed below the mounting part 12, so that tablets discharged from the tablet discharge channel 24 of the mounting part 12 can be received from the receiving port 50g.

[0190] In the above embodiment, the inventory of the tablet boxes 11 arranged in a shelf shape in the dispensing device 1 has been described, but as... Figure 29 As shown, the present invention can also be used in the inventory of a dispensing device 1A having a variable tablet box 11a arranged in a cylindrical shape and a general-purpose tablet box 31 arranged vertically. The variable tablet box 11a is a known tablet box that can adjust the width, depth, and height of the tablet guide groove 15 of the rotor 16 and the spacer 17 to accommodate the size and shape of the tablets stored in the tablet storage section 13 (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-126528).

[0191] Figure 30 The diagram shows a tablet dispensing apparatus 1B having tablet cartridges 11 arranged in inner and outer layers of rollers 91 and 92. A tablet receiving container 50 is installed in a large hopper 93 (not shown) that guides tablets discharged from the inner and outer tablet cartridges 11 towards a packaging section. In this dispensing apparatus 1B, an opening 92a is provided on a portion of the front side of the outer roller 92, allowing the tablet cartridges 11 to be installed or removed relative to the inner roller 91. Furthermore, a portion of the large hopper 93 located below the opening 92a is cut open to provide a holding portion 94 for holding the tablet receiving container 50. The tablet receiving container 50 can be placed in this holding portion 94 to receive tablets discharged from the tablet cartridges 11 of the outer roller 92. Additionally, if the tablet receiving container 50 is further positioned inside, it can receive tablets discharged from the tablet cartridges 11 of the inner roller 91.

[0192] Figure 31 The image shows a dispensing device 1C that can package tablets dispensed from a shelf-shaped tablet cassette 11 into blister packs, with a tablet receiving container 50 installed at a central location. (See image for details.) Figure 32 As shown, the dispensing device 1C includes two tablet receiving parts 101 on the left and right, a central tablet guide 102, a tablet conveying part 103, a central drop path 104, and a tablet ejection part 105.

[0193] like Figure 32As shown, the tablet receiving section 101 is located below the tablet drop path 42 on the back side of the wall 21 of the mounting section 12, where the tablet holder 11 is mounted, and has a standby valve 101a for receiving tablets. A central tablet guide 102 is located between the two tablet receiving sections 101, guiding tablets falling from the central tablet drop path 42 to a central drop path 104. The tablet conveying section 103 has a tablet conveying plate 103a, which is movable left and right, conveying tablets falling from the tablet receiving sections 101 to the central drop path 104 below the central tablet guide 102. The central drop path 104 guides tablets conveyed from the central tablet guide 102 and the tablet conveying section 103 to a tablet ejector 105. The tablet ejector 105 has an ejector block 105a that ejects tablets falling from the central drop path 104 to a blister packaging section (not shown).

[0194] The central drop path 104 is set in a detachable manner, such as... Figure 31 As shown, the front cover 106 of the dispensing device 1C can be opened to insert the tablet receiving container 50 from the front. By moving the tablet box 11 to the central column and discharging the tablets directly downwards, the tablet receiving container 50 can be received directly. In addition, tablets falling from the tablet receiving section 101 to the tablet conveying section 103 from the tablet box 11 below the central column, and tablets conveyed from the left and right by the tablet conveying sheet 103a, can also be collected using the tablet receiving container 50.

[0195] like Figure 33 As shown, the tablet conveyor 103a of the tablet conveying unit 103 can move left and right via the LM guide 107. To enable the tablet conveyor 103a to move in the left-right direction, a drive plate 109 is provided, protruding outward from the tablet conveying unit 103 via a slit 108 provided in the wall of the tablet conveying unit 103, and a drive belt 110 is mounted on the drive plate 109. As the tablet conveying unit 103 moves, tablet powder, along with air, enters the interior of the tablet conveying unit 103 through the slit 108 and adheres to the LM guide 107, potentially hindering the movement of the tablet conveyor 103a. Therefore, by providing an air inlet hole 111 on the tablet conveying unit 103 and introducing air through a blower (not shown) to create a positive pressure state, air escapes from the slit 108 and tablet powder is prevented from entering.

[0196] (Symbol Explanation)

[0197] 1. 1A… Dispensing device

[0198] 2…First Tablet Supply Department

[0199] 3…Second Tablet Supply Department

[0200] 4… Tablet supply unit

[0201] 8… Tablet filling station

[0202] 9…Barcode reader (receiving container reading device)

[0203] 10…Control Unit

[0204] 11… tablet box

[0205] 11a…Variable tablet box

[0206] 12… Installation Department

[0207] 18… Tablet exports

[0208] 19…RFID tags (identification devices)

[0209] 22a…Drive gear (drive unit)

[0210] 23…RFID reader (reading device)

[0211] 24… Tablet Discharge Channel

[0212] 31… Universal tablet box

[0213] 32… Installation Department

[0214] 37… Tablet exports

[0215] 38…RFID tags (identification devices)

[0216] 40A… Tablet Repackaging Path

[0217] 40B…Tablet Reception Path

[0218] 41… Tablet Discharge Port

[0219] 42… Tablet drop path

[0220] 44… Receiver container insertion port

[0221] 47…Modible Plate

[0222] 48… Receiver Container Detection Sensor (Receiver Container Detection Unit)

[0223] 49…RFID reader (reading device)

[0224] 50… Tablet receiving container

[0225] 50g… Receiver port

[0226] 50h…falling mouth

[0227] 51… Tablet Guide

[0228] 52…Modular blind

[0229] 53…barcode

[0230] 54…RFID tags (identification devices)

[0231] 60… Tablet receiving container

[0232] 62… pallet

[0233] 64…Anti-jump shield

[0234] 64b… Enclosed section

[0235] 65… Gear (Vibration Mechanism)

[0236] 66…Moving block (vibration mechanism)

[0237] 67… Cam (Vibration Mechanism)

[0238] 73… Gear (Vibration Mechanism)

[0239] 74…Moving block (vibration mechanism)

[0240] 76…Push rod (vibration mechanism)

[0241] 77… Cam (Vibration Mechanism)

Claims

1. A tablet receiving container having a shape that allows it to be mounted in a mounting section in the same manner as a tablet cartridge, thereby being interchangeable with a tablet cartridge in any mounting section of a dispensing device, and receiving tablets discharged into the tablet drop path, wherein, The dispensing device has multiple mounting sections for mounting the tablet box and dispensing and packaging tablets from the tablet box into the tablet drop path. The tablet receiving container is characterized in that... The tablet receiving container has a receiving port that is inserted into the tablet falling path when the tablet receiving container is installed on the mounting part.

2. The tablet receiving container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving port has a tray that can rotate in a manner that increases the angle of inclination toward the inside of the tablet receiving container when the tablet receiving container is installed on the mounting part.

3. The tablet receiving container according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a vibration mechanism that causes the tablet receiving container to vibrate.

4. The tablet receiving container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vibration mechanism is configured to be driven by a drive unit disposed on the mounting portion that drives the tablet box.

5. The tablet receiving container according to claim 1, characterized in that, A tablet guide is provided, which extends downward at an angle from the bottom of the receiving port toward the interior of the tablet receiving container.

6. The tablet receiving container according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, A tablet guide is provided, which extends downward at an angle from the bottom of the receiving port toward the interior of the tablet receiving container.

7. The tablet receiving container according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vibration mechanism causes the tablet guide of the tablet receiving container to vibrate.

8. The tablet receiving container according to claim 1, characterized in that, A movable cover is provided to open or close the drop opening formed at the bottom of the tablet receiving container.

9. The tablet receiving container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tablet receiving container is a container with the receiving port provided on the tablet box.

10. A tablet receiving container, located below a mounting section in a dispensing device, receives tablets that are discharged into a tablet drop path, wherein... The dispensing device has multiple mounting sections for mounting tablet boxes, dispensing tablets from the tablet boxes into the tablet drop path, and packaging them using a packaging unit. The tablet receiving container is characterized in that... The tablet receiving container has a switching unit that, when installed on the mounting part, switches from the tablet box to the tablet receiving unit that receives tablets discharged from the tablet drop path, and from the packaging unit to the tablet receiving container. The tablet box is installed on the mounting part above the mounting part on which the tablet receiving container is installed.

11. A dispensing device having a plurality of mounting portions arranged for mounting tablet boxes and dispensing and packaging tablets from the tablet boxes into a tablet drop path. The drug dispensing device is characterized in that... It includes a tablet receiving container having a shape that allows it to be mounted in the mounting portion in the same way as the tablet box, so that it can be installed in either of the mounting portions interchangeably with the tablet box; The tablet receiving container is provided with a receiving port, which is inserted into the tablet falling path when the tablet receiving container is installed on the mounting part. The dispensing device is configured to receive tablets discharged from the tablet box and falling in the tablet drop path by means of the receiving port, which is mounted on the mounting part above the mounting part on which the tablet receiving container is mounted.

12. The dispensing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, A tablet discharge port communicating with the tablet discharge channel of the mounting part and a receiving container insertion port disposed below the tablet discharge port are formed in the tablet falling path. The tablet receiving container is inserted into the receiving container insertion port, thereby forming a tablet discharge channel from the mounting part, and a tablet receiving path from the tablet discharge outlet, the tablet falling path and the receiving port to the inside of the tablet receiving container.

13. The dispensing device according to claim 12, characterized in that, A sealing unit is provided to close the tablet discharge channel of the mounting part above the mounting part on which the tablet receiving container is mounted.

14. The dispensing device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The receiving container insertion port has a movable plate that opens or closes the receiving container insertion port, and the movable plate opens the receiving container insertion port when the receiving port of the tablet receiving container is inserted into the receiving container insertion port.

15. The dispensing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The tablet receiving containers are respectively installed on the multi-layered mounting section; The dispensing device is configured to simultaneously receive tablets from a tablet box mounted on a mounting section that is positioned above the mounting section on which the tablet receiving containers are mounted, using each of the tablet receiving containers.

16. The dispensing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The multi-layered mounting section has multiple rows; The tablet receiving containers are installed below the multiple rows of mounting sections; The dispensing device is configured to simultaneously receive tablets from a tablet box mounted on a mounting section that is positioned above the mounting section on which the tablet receiving containers are mounted, using each of the tablet receiving containers.

17. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, The dispensing device includes: Select the unit of the tablet box that will be counted; When the tablet box located below the tablet box of the inventory object is replaced by the tablet receiving container, a unit that discharges tablets from the tablet box of the inventory object to the tablet receiving container; as well as A unit for counting tablets discharged from the tablet box of the object being inventoried.

18. The dispensing device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The dispensing device includes: A tablet filling station for holding the tablet receiving container and the tablet cassette for the inventory items. A receiving container reading device reads the identification information from an identification device disposed on the tablet receiving container, and A box reading device that reads identification information from an identification device installed on a tablet box of the inventory object placed on the tablet filling station; The dispensing device is configured to notify that the identification information read by the receiving container reading device is consistent with the identification information read by the box reading device.

19. A dispensing device having a plurality of mounting portions for mounting tablet boxes and dispensing tablets from the tablet boxes into a tablet drop path and packaging them using a packaging unit. The drug dispensing device is characterized in that... When a tablet receiving container is installed, the tablet receiving unit that receives tablets discharged from the tablet box along the tablet drop path switches from the packaging unit to the tablet receiving container, wherein... The tablet box is a tablet box that is installed on the mounting part above the tablet receiving container.

20. The dispensing device according to claim 19, characterized in that, The dispensing device includes a receiving container detection unit that detects when the tablet receiving container is installed on the mounting part. The dispensing device is configured such that when the tablet receiving container is detected by the receiving container detection unit, the tablet receiving unit that discharges tablets into the tablet falling path switches from the packaging unit to the tablet receiving container.

21. A method for switching a tablet dispensing receiving unit, which is a method for switching a tablet dispensing receiving unit in a dispensing device, the dispensing device having a plurality of mounting parts for mounting tablet boxes and dispensing tablets from the tablet boxes into a tablet drop path and packaging them using a packaging unit. The switching method of the tablet dispensing receiving unit is characterized in that, The tablet receiving unit, which receives tablets dispensed from the tablet box of the dispensing device, is switched from the packaging unit to the inside of the tablet receiving container via the tablet receiving container.

Images