Medicine feeder

Abstract

To align medicine along a peripheral wall part and to supply medicine positioned on a downstream side in a rotation direction of a rotor one by one without performing adjustment work in accordance with individual medicine.SOLUTION: A rotor 110 has an inclined surface 110s of a conical surface shape which rotates around an axis line extending in the vertical direction and is coaxial to the axis line inclined downward as it goes outward in a radial direction around the axis line. The peripheral wall part extends in an arch shape along a circumferential direction around the axis line above the inclined surface 110s and supports medicine supplied on the inclined surface 110s from outside the radial direction. A discharge part 131 discharges the medicine transported along the peripheral wall part by the rotation of the rotor 110 from above the inclined surface 110s.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug delivery device. [Background technology]

[0002] A prior art document disclosing the configuration of a medicine supply device is JP 2015-23969 A (Patent Document 1). The medicine supply device described in Patent Document 1 includes a rotating container, an outer wall, a flow guide member, an outlet portion, and a height regulating member. The rotating container has a recessed center portion to randomly accommodate solid medicines, and a flange-shaped periphery to allow medicines to be arranged in an arc, and is axially rotatable. The outer wall is fixed along the outer periphery of the rotating container. The flow guide member guides medicines in the rotating container from the center portion to the periphery. The outlet portion is provided to penetrate the outer wall and guides medicines carried along the outer wall at the upper surface of the periphery of the rotating container from above the periphery to the outside as an outlet. The height regulating member regulates the height of the outlet portion just before the outlet portion.

[0003] The medicine supply device further includes a width regulating member and a clamping / delivering mechanism. The width regulating member is a swinging member disposed on the outer periphery of the inner and outer opposing members provided in the discharge section, and regulates the width of the discharged material by expanding and contracting the open width of the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the rotating container through swinging. The clamping / delivering mechanism is a belt feed mechanism disposed on the inner periphery of the inner and outer opposing members, and reaches the inside of the peripheral edge of the rotating container. The clamping / delivering mechanism clamps the discharged material with the width regulating member and delivers it at a higher speed than the peripheral edge when the rotating container rotates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-23969 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the medicine supply device described in Patent Document 1, adjustment work for each of the width regulating member and the clamping and feeding mechanism is required depending on each individual medicine.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a drug supply device that can align drugs along the peripheral wall portion and supply them one by one in order, starting with the drug located downstream in the rotation direction of the rotor, by transporting drugs along the peripheral wall portion by rotating the rotor, without having to perform adjustment work according to each drug. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The medicine supply device according to the present invention includes a rotor, a peripheral wall, and a discharge portion. The rotor rotates about an axis extending vertically and has a conical inclined surface coaxial with the axis that slopes downward radially outward from the axis. The peripheral wall extends in an arc shape above the inclined surface along a circumferential direction centered on the axis, and supports medicines supplied onto the inclined surface from the radially outer side. The discharge portion discharges medicines transported along the peripheral wall by the rotation of the rotor from the inclined surface.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inclined surface is provided with a rolling prevention portion that prevents the medicine from rolling.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-rolling portion is configured by grooves provided radially from the apex of the inclined surface.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral wall portion is spaced apart from the inclined surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the medicine supply device further includes a support portion located below the rotor and rotatably supporting the rotor, the rotor being detachably provided with respect to the support portion.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support portion further includes a rotation shaft portion disposed coaxially with the axis line, the rotation shaft portion being detachably connected to the rotating body.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a lid that covers the slope from above. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lid portion is provided so that the sloped surface can be opened upward.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral wall portion is integrally formed with the lid portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral wall and the lid are each made of a transparent material.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion is provided adjacent to the discharge portion on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the rotor and protruding radially inward, so that the medicine moving to the discharge portion moves upward along the inclined surface and passes over the protrusion, thereby being discharged from the discharge portion.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the medicine supply device further includes a base portion to which a medicine supply module integrally configured to include a rotor, a peripheral wall portion, and a discharge portion is detachably attached, and a drive source for driving the rotor is provided on the base portion.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the medicine supply device further includes a first sensor located adjacent to the discharge portion and configured to detect that the medicine on the inclined surface has been discharged from the discharge portion.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the medicine supply device further includes a second sensor, which is located farther from the discharge portion than the first sensor and detects the medicine discharged from the discharge portion.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, when a medicine is discharged from the discharge portion in the medicine supply device, the rotating body is temporarily rotated in the reverse direction, and the next medicine to be discharged from the discharge portion is held on the inclined surface.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, in the medicine supply device, when medicine is discharged from the discharge portion, the rotor is temporarily stopped, and the medicine to be discharged next from the discharge portion is held on the inclined surface.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the drug supply device includes a plurality of peripheral wall portions. The plurality of peripheral wall portions are aligned in the rotational direction of the rotor, and the peripheral wall portions located downstream in the rotational direction are located radially outward and downward. The rotor includes a first rotating portion and a second rotating portion. The first rotating portion transports the drug supported by the peripheral wall portion located upstream in the rotational direction among the peripheral wall portions adjacent to each other in the rotational direction, along the upstream peripheral wall portion. The second rotating portion transports the drug supported by the peripheral wall portion located downstream in the rotational direction among the peripheral wall portions, along the downstream peripheral wall portion. The discharge portion discharges the drug, which has been transported sequentially along each of the plurality of peripheral wall portions by the rotation of the rotor, from the inclined surface.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the groove portion provided in the second rotating portion in the circumferential direction increases toward the top.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the grooves provided on the first rotating part are composed of upper grooves located above the first rotating part and lower grooves located below the upper grooves, and the width of the upper grooves in the circumferential direction is wider than the width of the lower grooves in the circumferential direction.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral wall portion located most upstream in the rotation direction among the plurality of peripheral wall portions is located above the end of the lower groove portion on the upper groove portion side.

[0024] In one form of the present invention, in at least one of the grooved rib portions provided in the first rotating portion and the grooved rib portions provided in the second rotating portion, the wall surface located downstream in the rotation direction is configured with a gentler slope than the wall surface located upstream. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, the drugs can be transported along the peripheral wall portion by rotating the rotor, without having to perform adjustment work according to each drug, and the drugs can be aligned along the peripheral wall portion and supplied one by one in order, starting with the drug located downstream in the rotation direction of the rotor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a medicine supply module included in a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a plan view of the medicine supply module of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow II. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of the medicine supply module of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow III. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a view of the drug supply module of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow IV. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a view of the medicine supply module of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow V. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a side view showing the configuration of a rotating body included in the medicine supply module according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a cover member included in a medicine supply module of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a view of the cover member of FIG. 7 as seen from the direction of arrow VIII. [Figure 9] 9 is a view of the cover member of FIG. 8 as seen from the direction of arrow IX. [Figure 10] 10 is a view of the cover member of FIG. 9 as seen from the direction of arrow X. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a view of the cover member of FIG. 9 as seen from the direction of arrow XI. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an opening / closing member included in a medicine supply module of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a view of the opening / closing member of FIG. 12 as viewed from the direction of arrow XIII. [Figure 14]1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an opening / closing part is rotated upward and a discharge part is open in a medicine supply module included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the appearance of a discharge member included in a medicine feeding module provided in a medicine feeding device according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the appearance of a cover member and a buffer member included in a medicine supply module of a medicine supply device according to a second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a support portion and a buffer member included in a medicine feeding module of a medicine feeding device according to a second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the appearance of a rotor and a rotation shaft included in a medicine supply module of a medicine supply device according to a third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first rotating part is removed from a rotating shaft part included in a medicine supplying module of a medicine supplying device according to a third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 2 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of a base portion included in the medicine supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a partial rear view showing the configuration of a base portion included in the medicine supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 1 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which a medicine supply module included in a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a base portion. [Figure 23] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a medicine container provided in a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an outer lid is removed in a medicine containing container provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid portion is removed in a medicine containing container provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26]1 is a side view showing a state in which a lid portion is removed in a medicine container provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a lid is removed in a medicine container provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] 1 is a bottom view showing a state in which a lid portion is removed in a medicine containing container provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 29] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which a lid portion is removed in a medicine container provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] 1 is a partial perspective view showing the shape of an opening side of a medicine container provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 31] 1 is a front view showing a state in which a medicine supplying module and a medicine containing container are attached to a base portion included in a medicine supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] 1 is a front view showing a state in which a medicine supply module and a medicine container are attached to a base portion of a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with a cover for the base portion removed. FIG. [Figure 33] 1 is a front perspective view showing a state in which a medicine container and a partial cover of a base portion are removed from a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which another part of the cover of the base portion is removed from the medicine supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a medicine dispensing and packaging device equipped with a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a plan view of the medicine dispensing and packaging device of FIG. 35 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXVI. [Figure 37] 1 is a block diagram showing a connection system between a medicine supply device and a medicine packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a medicine supply module included in a medicine supply device according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a plan view of the drug supply module of FIG. 38 as viewed from the direction of arrow XXXIX. [Figure 40] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the drug supply module of FIG. 38 as viewed in the direction of arrow XL. [Figure 41] FIG. 39 is a view of the drug supply module of FIG. 38 as seen in the direction of arrow XLI. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of a rotating body included in a medicine supply module according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a first rotating part of a rotating body included in a medicine supply module according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a second rotating part of a rotating body included in a medicine supply module according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45] 45 is a cross-sectional view of the second rotating part of FIG. 44 as seen from the direction of the arrows along the line XLV-XLV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] A medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiment, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a medicine supply module included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the medicine supply module of Fig. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow II. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the medicine supply module of Fig. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow III. Fig. 4 is a view of the medicine supply module of Fig. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow IV. Fig. 5 is a view of the medicine supply module of Fig. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow V.

[0029] In Figures 2 and 3, a lid portion (to be described later) is shown in a see-through manner. In Figure 4, a lid member and an opening / closing member (to be described later) are not shown. In Figure 5, the lid portion is shown in a see-through manner, but a support portion (to be described later) is not shown.

[0030] 1 to 5, a medicine supplying module 100 included in a medicine supplying device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a rotor 110, a peripheral wall, and a discharge unit 131. In this embodiment, the medicine supplying module 100 further includes a support unit 150, a lid unit 126, and an opening / closing unit 141. As will be described later, the medicine supplying module 100 has the discharge unit 131, and functions as a medicine supplying unit that transports medicines toward the discharge unit 131 while aligning them in a line, and discharges the medicines from the discharge unit 131 in order from the front and supplies them one by one.

[0031] In this embodiment, the medicine supplying module 100 is integrally configured to include the rotor 110, the peripheral wall, the discharge portion 131, and the opening / closing portion 141. Note that the opening / closing portion 141 does not necessarily have to be provided. That is, the medicine supplying module 100 may be integrally configured to include the rotor 110, the peripheral wall, and the discharge portion 131.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a side view showing the configuration of a rotor included in the medicine supply module according to this embodiment. In Fig. 6, the rotor is shown as viewed from the same direction as Fig. 5. As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the rotor 110 rotates about an axis 1 extending in the vertical direction, and has a conical inclined surface 110s coaxial with the axis 1 that slopes downward as it extends radially outward from the axis 1.

[0033] The rotating body 110 includes a first rotating portion 111 and a second rotating portion 112 that are coaxially arranged. The second rotating portion 112 is located below the first rotating portion 111. A side surface of the first rotating portion 111 and a side surface of the second rotating portion 112 form an inclined surface 110s. The first rotating portion 111 and the second rotating portion 112 are provided so as to be rotatable independently of each other. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first rotating portion 111 is connected to a first driven gear 111g. The second rotating portion 112 is connected to a second driven gear 112g.

[0034] In this embodiment, a rolling prevention portion that prevents the medicine from rolling is provided on the inclined surface 110s of the rotor 110. The rolling prevention portion is composed of grooves provided radially from the apex of the inclined surface 110s. Specifically, the rolling prevention portion is composed of a first groove 111c provided on the first rotating portion 111 and a second groove 112c provided on the second rotating portion 112. Note that the rolling prevention portion does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the rotating body 110 is rotatably supported by a support portion 150 located below the rotating body 110. The rotating body 110 is detachably attached to the support portion 150. As shown in FIG. 4, the support portion 150 includes a substantially circular horizontal surface portion 151, an erect portion 152 erected in a substantially circumferential shape from the edge of the horizontal surface portion 151, and a base portion 153 extending downward from the horizontal surface portion 151 in a substantially cylindrical shape. A first driven gear 111g and a second driven gear 112g are each located on the inner circumferential side of the base portion 153.

[0036] 2 to 5, in this embodiment, the medicine supplying module 100 includes a plurality of peripheral walls. Specifically, the medicine supplying module 100 includes a first peripheral wall 121, a second peripheral wall 122, and a third peripheral wall 123. The number of peripheral walls included in the medicine supplying module 100 is not limited to three, and may be one or more.

[0037] 2, each of the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 extends in an arc shape above the inclined surface 110s in the circumferential direction centered on the axis 1. Each of the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 supports the drug supplied onto the inclined surface 110s from the outside in the radial direction.

[0038] The first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 are aligned with one another in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110, and are positioned radially outward and downward as the circumferential wall portion is positioned more downstream in the rotation direction 2. Specifically, the second circumferential wall portion 122 is positioned downstream in the rotation direction 2 from the first circumferential wall portion 121, and is positioned radially outward and downward from the first circumferential wall portion 121. The third circumferential wall portion 123 is positioned downstream in the rotation direction 2 from the second circumferential wall portion 122, and is positioned radially outward and downward from the second circumferential wall portion 122.

[0039] The first circumferential wall portion 121 and the second circumferential wall portion 122 are each located above the first rotating portion 111. The third circumferential wall portion 123 is located above the second rotating portion 112. Therefore, the first rotating portion 111 transports the drug supported by the first circumferential wall portion 121 along the first circumferential wall portion 121. The first rotating portion 111 transports the drug supported by the second circumferential wall portion 122 along the second circumferential wall portion 122. The second rotating portion 112 transports the drug supported by the third circumferential wall portion 123 along the third circumferential wall portion 123.

[0040] 5, each of the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 is spaced apart from the inclined surface 110s. Specifically, each of the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 is spaced apart from the inclined surface 110s within a range that allows the drug supplied onto the inclined surface 110s to be supported from the outside in the radial direction.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5, in this embodiment, the downstream portion of the peripheral wall portion located upstream in the rotation direction 2 among the peripheral wall portions adjacent to each other in the rotation direction 2 becomes more distant from the slope 110s as it moves downstream in the rotation direction 2.

[0042] Specifically, the downstream portion of the first circumferential wall portion 121 in the rotation direction 2 becomes increasingly farther away from the slope 110s as it moves downstream in the rotation direction 2. Similarly, the downstream portion of the second circumferential wall portion 122 in the rotation direction 2 becomes increasingly farther away from the slope 110s as it moves downstream in the rotation direction 2.

[0043] 2, 3, and 5, in this embodiment, the peripheral wall portions adjacent to each other in the rotation direction 2 are connected to each other by an inclined wall portion that extends radially outward and descends toward the downstream side in the rotation direction 2. Note that the inclined wall portion is not necessarily provided.

[0044] Specifically, the first peripheral wall portion 121 and the second peripheral wall portion 122 are connected to each other by a first inclined wall portion 124. The second peripheral wall portion 122 and the third peripheral wall portion 123 are connected to each other by a second inclined wall portion 125.

[0045] 3 and 5, each of the first inclined wall portion 124 and the second inclined wall portion 125 is inclined downstream in the direction of rotation 2 as it moves upward away from the slope 110s. Therefore, the boundary line between the first circumferential wall portion 121 and the first inclined wall portion 124 and the boundary line between the second circumferential wall portion 122 and the first inclined wall portion 124 are inclined downstream in the direction of rotation 2 as it moves upward away from the slope 110s. Similarly, the boundary line between the second circumferential wall portion 122 and the second inclined wall portion 125 and the boundary line between the third circumferential wall portion 123 and the second inclined wall portion 125 are inclined downstream in the direction of rotation 2 as it moves upward away from the slope 110s.

[0046] 1 to 3 and 5, in this embodiment, each of the first peripheral wall portion 121, the second peripheral wall portion 122, and the third peripheral wall portion 123 is integral with the lid portion 126. Each of the first peripheral wall portion 121, the second peripheral wall portion 122, and the third peripheral wall portion 123 extends downward from the lower surface of the lid portion 126. Note that the lid portion 126 does not necessarily have to be provided, as long as the peripheral wall portions are disposed above the slope 110s.

[0047] Each of the first inclined wall portion 124 and the second inclined wall portion 125 is integral with the lid portion 126. Each of the first inclined wall portion 124 and the second inclined wall portion 125 extends downward from the lower surface of the lid portion 126.

[0048] The lid portion 126 covers the sloped surface 110s from above. The lid portion 126 is provided so as to be able to open the sloped surface 110s upward. The lid portion 126 is disposed on the support portion 150. Specifically, the lid portion 126 is provided on the lid member 120. The first peripheral wall portion 121, the second peripheral wall portion 122, and the third peripheral wall portion 123 are each provided on the lid member 120. The first inclined wall portion 124 and the second inclined wall portion 125 are each provided on the lid member 120.

[0049] The lid member 120 is placed on the support part 150 so as to be detachable from the support part 150. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a buffer member 170 is provided between the lid member 126 and the support part 150. Specifically, the lid member 120 is placed on the horizontal surface part 151 of the support part 150 via the buffer member 170 having an arc shape. The buffer member 170 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. However, the buffer member 170 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0050] Lid member 120 is made of a transparent material. Therefore, lid portion 126, first circumferential wall portion 121, second circumferential wall portion 122, and third circumferential wall portion 123 are each made of a transparent material. This makes it possible to see the inside of lid member 120 from the outside of lid member 120. However, lid member 120 may also be made of a non-transparent material.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a cover member included in a medicine supply module provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a view of the cover member of Fig. 7 as seen from the direction of arrow VIII. Fig. 9 is a view of the cover member of Fig. 8 as seen from the direction of arrow IX. Fig. 10 is a view of the cover member of Fig. 9 as seen from the direction of arrow X. Fig. 11 is a view of the cover member of Fig. 9 as seen from the direction of arrow XI. Figs. 7 and 8 show a state in which a vibration transmission plate, which will be described later, has been removed from cover member 120.

[0052] 7 to 11, in this embodiment, cover member 120 is provided with medicine supply hole 127, notch 128, and attachment portion 129. Specifically, medicine supply hole 127 and attachment portion 129 are each provided on the top surface of cover member 120. Notch 128 is provided on the periphery of the lower end side of cover member 120.

[0053] Drug supply hole 127 is provided for supplying a drug from the outside of lid member 120 to the inside of lid member 120. Notch 128 is provided for placing a discharge member (described later) on support part 150. Mounting part 129 is provided for mounting a vibration transmission plate (described later) to lid member 120.

[0054] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in the cover member 120, a first peripheral wall portion 121 is located below the drug supply hole 127, a first inclined wall portion 124 is located adjacent to the first peripheral wall portion 121, a second peripheral wall portion 122 is located adjacent to the first inclined wall portion 124, a second inclined wall portion 125 is located adjacent to the second peripheral wall portion 122, a third peripheral wall portion 123 is located adjacent to the second inclined wall portion 125, and a notch portion 128 is located adjacent to the third peripheral wall portion 123.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 7, a screw hole is provided in the mounting portion 129. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, a vibration transmission plate 160 is fixed to the mounting portion 129 with a screw. The vibration transmission plate 160 forms part of the lid portion 126. In this embodiment, the vibration transmission plate 160 is made of a magnetic material. However, the vibration transmission plate 160 may also be made of a non-magnetic material. The vibration transmission plate 160 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0056] 1 to 3 and 5, discharge member 130 is provided on support portion 150 so as to fit into notch 128. Discharge member 130 has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of notch 128. A small gap is provided between discharge member 130 and lid member 120.

[0057] The discharge member 130 is provided with a discharge section 131 that discharges the medicine transported sequentially along each of the first peripheral wall section 121, the second peripheral wall section 122 and the third peripheral wall section 123 from above the inclined surface 110s as the rotating body 110 rotates.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge member 130 is provided with a standing wall portion 132. That is, the standing wall portion 132 is formed of a separate member from the peripheral wall portion. The standing wall portion 132 is provided between the third peripheral wall portion 123 and the discharge portion 131, and supports the medicine from the outside in the radial direction. The standing wall portion 132 extends in an arc shape along the circumferential direction centered on the axis 1. In this embodiment, the third peripheral wall portion 123, the standing wall portion 132, and the discharge portion 131 are aligned along the circumferential direction centered on the axis 1. Note that the standing wall portion 132 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0059] The discharge member 130 is provided with a pair of bearings 130b that support a rotation shaft 140s that rotates the opening / closing part 141. The pair of bearings 130b are erected at a position above the discharge part 131. The opening / closing part 141 is configured to be able to open and close the discharge part 131 by being rotated by the rotation shaft 140s.

[0060] The opening / closing portion 141 is connected to a biasing member 140t and is biased in a direction to close the discharge portion 131. In this embodiment, the biasing member 140t is configured by a torsion spring, but is not limited to a torsion spring. Note that the biasing member 140t does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0061] 3 and 5, in this embodiment, the medicine supply module 100 further includes a medicine stopper 142. The medicine stopper 142 is adjacent to the discharge part 131, extending in the radial direction along the inclined surface 110s, on the upstream side of the discharge part 131 in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110. The medicine stopper 142 is provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the inclined surface 110s.

[0062] When the medicine stopping portion 142 is close to the slope 110s, the medicine is prevented from moving toward the discharge portion 131 by the medicine stopping portion 142, and when the medicine stopping portion 142 is separated from the slope 110s, the medicine can move toward the discharge portion 131. The medicine stopping portion 142 is configured integrally with the opening / closing portion 141. Note that the medicine stopping portion 142 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0063] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an opening / closing member included in a medicine supply module of a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 13 is a view of the opening / closing member of Fig. 12 as seen from the direction of arrow XIII.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 12, and 13, the open-close member 140 is provided with an open-close portion 141, a medicine stopper portion 142, and a pair of engagement holes 140b. Specifically, the medicine stopper portion 142 protrudes from one edge in the width direction of the substantially flat open-close portion 141 so as to be perpendicular to the open-close portion 141. The pair of engagement holes 140b are erected at a position above the open-close portion 141. Each of the pair of engagement holes 140b has a D-shaped inner circumferential surface in a side view. Each of the pair of engagement holes 140b engages with a portion of the rotation shaft 140s having a D-shaped cross section.

[0065] 14 is a perspective view of the medicine supply module included in the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the opening / closing unit is rotated upward and the discharge unit is open. In FIG. 14, the medicine supply module is shown as viewed from the same direction as FIG.

[0066] By rotating the pivot shaft 140s in one direction, as shown in Figure 14, the opening / closing member 140 rotates around the pivot shaft 140s, the discharge section 131 that was blocked by the opening / closing section 141 is opened, and the drug stopping section 142 moves away from the inclined surface 110s.

[0067] By rotating the rotation shaft 140s in the other direction, as shown in FIG. 1, the opening / closing member 140 rotates around the rotation shaft 140s, the opening / closing portion 141 closes the discharge portion 131, and the medicine stopper portion 142 approaches the inclined surface 110s.

[0068] A protrusion may be provided adjacent to the upstream side of discharge portion 131 in rotation direction 2 and protruding radially inward about axis 1. Fig. 15 is a bottom view showing the appearance of the discharge member included in the medicine supply module provided in the medicine supply device according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] 15 , a discharge member 130x included in a medicine supply module included in a medicine supply device according to a first modified example of one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a discharge portion 131, a standing wall portion 132, and a protrusion 133. The protrusion 133 protrudes radially inward from the end of the standing wall portion 132 on the discharge portion 131 side, centered on the axis 1. The protrusion 133 is provided so as to smoothly connect with the inner circumferential surface of the standing wall portion 132. The medicine moving to the discharge portion 131 moves along the inner circumferential surface of the standing wall portion 132 and moves upward along the slope 110s, passing over the protrusion 133, and is thereby discharged from the discharge portion 131.

[0070] Furthermore, a buffer member may be disposed on the outer periphery of horizontal surface portion 151 of support portion 150. Fig. 16 is a side view showing the appearance of a cover member and a buffer member included in a medicine supply module provided in a medicine supply device according to a second modified embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a support portion and a buffer member included in a medicine supply module provided in a medicine supply device according to a second modified embodiment of the present invention. In Figs. 16 and 17, only horizontal surface portion 151 of support portion 150 is shown.

[0071] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the buffer member 170x included in the medicine supply module provided in the medicine supply device according to the second variant of one embodiment of the present invention is held by a holding member 180 joined to the underside of the horizontal surface portion 151 of the support portion 150.

[0072] The holding member 180 has a flat plate portion 181, a holding portion 182, and a guide portion 183. The flat plate portion 181 is joined to the underside of the horizontal surface portion 151. The holding portion 182 extends radially outward and upward from an end of the flat plate portion 181 located on the edge side of the horizontal surface portion 151, is located above the horizontal surface portion 151, and is bent so as to hold the buffer member 170x. The guide portion 183 extends radially outward and upward from the upper end of the holding portion 182.

[0073] 16 , a medicine supply module of a medicine supply device according to a second modification of the present invention includes a cover member 120x, and the cover member 120x includes a plurality of protrusions 120p protruding outward from the lower periphery of the cover member 120x so as to come into contact with the buffer member 170x. When the protrusions 120p of the cover member 120x are brought into contact with the buffer member 170x from above, the guide portion 183 slides against the protrusions 120p of the cover member 120x, thereby guiding the protrusions 120p of the cover member 120x onto the buffer member 170x. As a result, the buffer member 170x is positioned between the cover portion 126 and the support portion 150.

[0074] Furthermore, the rotor may be configured to be detachable from a rotating shaft that rotates the rotor. Fig. 18 is a side view showing the appearance of the rotor and the rotating shaft included in the medicine supply module of the medicine supply device according to a third modified embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first rotating unit is detached from the rotating shaft included in the medicine supply module of the medicine supply device according to the third modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] 18 and 19, the rotating shaft portion included in the medicine supply module of the medicine supply device according to the third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention is made up of a first rotating shaft 111p and a second rotating shaft 112p. The rotating shaft portion is a part of the support portion 150. That is, the support portion 150 further includes a rotating shaft portion arranged coaxially with the axis 1.

[0076] The first rotating shaft 111p engages with the first rotating part 111 and rotates together with the first rotating part 111. A first driven gear 111g is connected to the outer periphery of the lower end of the first rotating shaft 111p. The second rotating shaft 112p engages with the second rotating part 112 and rotates together with the second rotating part 112. A second driven gear 112g is connected to the outer periphery of the lower end of the second rotating shaft 112p.

[0077] Specifically, the second rotating part 112 is provided with an engagement hole 112h that engages with the second rotating shaft 112p. The second rotating part 112 is provided with a boss 112b that engages with the first rotating part 111. The second rotating shaft 112p is provided with a through hole 112ph into which the first rotating shaft 111p is inserted.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 19, the first rotating part 111 is detachably connected to the boss 112b of the second rotating part 112 and the first rotating shaft 111p. The upper part of the first rotating shaft 111p is made of a magnetic material. A permanent magnet is provided on the upper part of the first rotating part 111. Therefore, the first rotating shaft 111p and the first rotating part 111 are connected to each other by magnetic force. The second rotating part 112 is detachably connected to the second rotating part 112. In this way, the rotating shaft part is detachably connected to the rotating body 110.

[0079] In this embodiment, the medicine supply device further includes a base portion to which the medicine supply module 100 can be detachably attached. Fig. 20 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of the base portion included in the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 21 is a partial rear view showing the configuration of the base portion included in the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a partial perspective view showing the medicine supply module included in the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention attached to the base portion.

[0080] 20 and 21, the base unit 200 is provided with a first drive shaft 210, a second drive shaft 240, a discharge chute 220, a first sensor 231, a second sensor 232, a medicine replenishment sensor 235, and a vibration unit 260. The base unit 200 is provided with a first motor as a first drive source that drives the rotor 110, and a second motor as a second drive source that drives the opening / closing unit 141. Note that the first sensor 231, the second sensor 232, the medicine replenishment sensor 235, and the vibration unit 260 do not necessarily have to be provided.

[0081] The first drive shaft 210 is connected to the first motor. The first drive shaft 210 extends upward from the bottom of the base portion 200. A first drive gear 211g and a second drive gear 212g are provided at the tip of the first drive shaft 210. The first drive gear 211g engages with the first driven gear 111g. The second drive gear 212g engages with the second driven gear 112g.

[0082] When the first motor is driven and the first drive shaft 210 rotates, the first rotating part 111 rotates via the first drive gear 211g and the first driven gear 111g, and the second rotating part 112 rotates via the second drive gear 212g and the second driven gear 112g. In other words, the first rotating part 111 and the second rotating part 112 are each driven by a common drive source.

[0083] The rotation speed of the second rotating part 112 is higher than the rotation speed of the first rotating part 111. Specifically, the number of teeth of each of the first drive gear 211g, the second drive gear 212g, the first driven gear 111g, and the second driven gear 112g is set so that the rotation speed of the second rotating part 112 is higher than the rotation speed of the first rotating part 111.

[0084] The second drive shaft 240 is connected to the second motor. The second drive shaft 240 extends substantially horizontally from one side to the other side of the base portion 200. The tip of the second drive shaft 240 engages with the rotation shaft 140s.

[0085] When the second motor is driven, the second drive shaft 240 rotates, causing the opening / closing member 140 to rotate together with the rotation shaft 140s. When the opening / closing member 140 rotates around the rotation shaft 140s, each of the opening / closing unit 141 and the medicine stopper 142 also rotates around the rotation shaft 140s. In this way, each of the opening / closing unit 141 and the medicine stopper 142 is driven by a common drive source.

[0086] Discharge chute 220 guides the medicine discharged from discharge portion 131 to the outside of base portion 200. The inlet of discharge chute 220 faces discharge portion 131. A first sensor 231 is disposed adjacent to discharge portion 131. A second sensor 232 is disposed on discharge chute 220. Second sensor 232 is located farther from discharge portion 131 than first sensor 231.

[0087] First sensor 231 detects that the medicine on inclined surface 110s has been discharged from discharge section 131. In this embodiment, first sensor 231 is configured as a photoelectric sensor, and has a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section that are arranged to sandwich the area immediately downstream of discharge section 131 between them. By detecting that the medicine blocks the optical axis between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section, it is detected that the medicine has been discharged from discharge section 131.

[0088] Second sensor 232 detects the medicine discharged from discharge unit 131. In this embodiment, second sensor 232 is configured as a photoelectric sensor, and has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit that are arranged to sandwich the medicine passage defined by discharge chute 220 between them. The medicine discharged from discharge unit 131 is detected by detecting that the medicine blocks the optical axis between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit.

[0089] Medicine refill sensor 235 detects that medicine has been refilled into the medicine supply unit, specifically on inclined surface 110s. In this embodiment, medicine refill sensor 235 is configured as a photoelectric sensor and has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit arranged to sandwich the area below medicine supply hole 127 between them. Medicine refill sensor 235 detects that medicine has been refilled into the medicine supply unit by detecting that medicine has interrupted the optical axis between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. At least a portion of cover member 120 on the optical axis is transparent.

[0090] The vibrating section 260 vibrates each of the first circumferential wall section 121, the second circumferential wall section 122, and the third circumferential wall section 123. In this embodiment, the vibrating section 260 vibrates each of the first circumferential wall section 121, the second circumferential wall section 122, and the third circumferential wall section 123 via the lid section 126.

[0091] Specifically, the vibrating unit 260 is disposed so as to be located directly above the vibration transmission plate 160. The vibrating unit 260 is provided with a permanent magnet (not shown). The vibration transmission plate 160 is made of a magnetic material. The vibrating unit 260 and the vibration transmission plate 160 are attracted to each other by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. That is, the contact portions of the vibrating unit 260 and the lid unit 126 are attracted to each other by the magnetic force. The vibration of the vibrating unit 260 is propagated through the lid unit 126 to each of the first peripheral wall portion 121, the second peripheral wall portion 122, and the third peripheral wall portion 123. The vibrating unit 260 vibrates in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the vibrating unit 260 is an eccentric motor, and is disposed so that the motor shaft is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0092] As described above, a small gap is provided between the discharge member 130 and the lid member 120, and a buffer member 170 is provided between the lid portion 126 and the support portion 150, so that the vibrations caused by the vibrating portion 260 are not transmitted directly to the vertical wall portion 132.

[0093] A buffer member for suppressing propagation of vibrations from the vibrating section 260 to the base section 200 may be provided at the connection between the vibrating section 260 and the base section 200. This makes it possible to suppress propagation of vibrations from the vibrating section 260 to the standing wall section 132 through the base section 200 and the support section 150.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 22, in the drug supply device 10 according to this embodiment, the vibration unit 260 is provided on the base unit 200, and the lid unit 126 is provided on the drug supply module 100, so that the vibration unit 260 can be moved toward and away from the lid unit 126.

[0095] In this embodiment, the medicine supply device 10 further includes a medicine container that stores medicines and replenishes the medicine supply unit with medicines when driven. However, the medicine container is not necessarily provided.

[0096] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a medicine containing container included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which an outer lid is removed from a medicine containing container included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine containing container included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a side view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine containing container included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a plan view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine containing container included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a bottom view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine containing container included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine containing container included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] 23 to 29, the medicine-containing container 300 provided in the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a cylindrical shape with a bottom including a bottom and an opening, and has a spiral groove formed on its inner circumferential surface. Specifically, the medicine-containing container 300 includes a main body tube 310, a cylindrical portion 320, a bottom portion 330, and a lid portion 340.

[0098] The cylindrical main body 310 has a spiral groove 312 formed on its inner circumferential surface. The cylindrical main body 310 has a first opening 313 at one end and a second opening 314 at the other end. The central axis of the cylindrical main body 310 is located on the axis 3 of the medicine-containing container 300. In Figure 29, a perpendicular line 4 perpendicular to the axis 3 is shown.

[0099] 29, in a pair of opposing wall surfaces of spiral groove 312 formed on the inner peripheral surface of main body tube 310, angle α formed between the wall surface located on the first opening 313 side and perpendicular line 4 is larger than angle β formed between the wall surface located on the second opening 314 side and perpendicular line 4. For example, α=45° and β=10°.

[0100] 30 is a partial perspective view showing the shape of the opening side of a medicine-containing container provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with cylindrical portion 320 removed.

[0101] 30 , the spiral groove 312 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body tube 310 so as to continue until it reaches the first opening 313 of the main body tube 310. The end 312e of the spiral groove 312 on the first opening 313 side has a shape as if it were cut along the end face of the main body tube 310 on the first opening 313 side.

[0102] 29, the spiral groove 312 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body tube 310 so as to continue to a position just before reaching the second opening 314 of the main body tube 310. The end of the spiral groove 312 on the second opening 314 side is connected to a circumferential groove 315 that extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis 3. Therefore, the groove width does not narrow even near the second opening 314 of the main body tube 310. This makes it possible to prevent the medicine from clogging the groove.

[0103] Cylindrical portion 320 is attached to the outer periphery of main body tube 310 on the side of first opening 313. A male thread for attaching lid portion 340 is formed on the outer periphery of the end of cylindrical portion 320 on the side of first opening 313 in the direction of axis 3.

[0104] The bottom part 330 is attached to the outer periphery of the cylindrical main body 310 on the side of the second opening 314. The bottom part 330 has a bottom surface 330b that closes the second opening 314. The bottom surface 330b is curved in a convex shape toward the side away from the second opening 314 in the direction of the axis 3. That is, the inner bottom surface of the medicine-containing container 300 has a curved shape that convexly faces the outside of the medicine-containing container 300.

[0105] The bottom portion 330 further has an annular portion 330c that protrudes outward in an annular shape from the periphery of the bottom surface 330b. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, an identifier 331 is disposed in the space defined by the bottom surface 330b and the annular portion 330c. The bottom portion 330 further has a disk portion 332 that closes the space defined by the bottom surface 330b and the annular portion 330c. The disk portion 332 is fixed to the bottom surface 330b with a screw. The identifier 331 is sandwiched between the bottom surface 330b and the disk portion 332.

[0106] In this embodiment, the identifier 331 is a permanent magnet. The identifier 331 is formed differently in each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300. That is, each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300 has an identifier 331 that can be distinguished from one another. Note that the identifier 331 is not limited to a permanent magnet and may be other magnetic material. Also, the identifier 331 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 23, the lid portion 340 is capable of closing the first opening 313. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the lid portion 340 is composed of an outer lid 341 and an inner lid 342. The outer lid 341 is rotatable relative to the inner lid 342. Specifically, the outer lid 341 is provided with an arm portion 341a having a pair of engagement holes 341h. A rotation shaft portion 342p having a pair of engagement protrusions 342s is provided on the side of the inner lid 342. The pair of engagement holes 341h and the pair of engagement protrusions 342s engage with each other, thereby supporting the arm portion 341a rotatably about the rotation shaft portion 342p. As a result, the outer lid 341 is rotatable relative to the inner lid 342.

[0108] A plurality of openings 342h are formed in inner lid surface 342c of inner lid 342. When outer lid 341 is closed, a space is formed between outer lid 341 and inner lid surface 342c for inserting a desiccant or the ears of a PTP (Press-Through-Package) packaging sheet for a drug. A female thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of inner lid 342 to threadably engage with the male thread of cylindrical portion 320.

[0109] In the present embodiment, the medicine supply unit and the medicine containing container 300 can be separately attached and detached to and from the base unit 200. Fig. 31 is a front view showing a state in which the medicine supply module and the medicine containing container are attached to a base unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 32 is a front view showing a state in which the medicine supply module and the medicine containing container are attached to a base unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with a partial cover of the base unit removed. Fig. 33 is a front perspective view showing a state in which the medicine containing container and a partial cover of the base unit are removed from the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 34 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which another partial cover of the base unit is removed from the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] 31 and 32 , in the medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the medicine-containing container 300 is attached to the base unit 200 with the lid unit 340 removed. When attached to the base unit 200, the medicine-containing container 300 is located above the medicine supply module 100, which is the medicine supply unit. When the medicine-containing container 300 is attached to the base unit 200, the axis 3 of the medicine-containing container 300 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, when the medicine-containing container 300 is attached to the base unit 200, the axis 3 of the medicine-containing container 300 is inclined by 20° with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0111] As shown in Figure 33, the base part 200 is provided with four roller parts that support the medicine-containing container 300 rotatably around the axis 3. Specifically, the base part 200 is provided with a pair of rotation shafts. A pair of roller parts 281 are attached to one of the pair of rotation shafts with a gap between them. A pair of roller parts 282 are attached to the other of the pair of rotation shafts with a gap between them. The base part 200 is provided with a container detection sensor 233 that detects that the medicine-containing container 300 has been attached.

[0112] As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the base portion 200 is provided with a connection conduit 290 that guides the medicine discharged from the first opening 313 of the medicine-containing container 300 to the medicine supply hole 127 of the cover member 120 of the medicine supply module 100.

[0113] 32, the base part 200 is provided with an identification sensor 234 that recognizes the identifier 331 of the medicine-containing container 300. In this embodiment, the identification sensor 234 is a magnetic sensor. Note that the identification sensor 234 is not limited to a magnetic sensor, and may be any sensor that can recognize the identifier 331. Also, the identification sensor 234 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0114] 32, as described above, the base unit 200 is provided with a first motor 270 which is a first drive source that drives the rotating body 110, and a second motor 271 which is a second drive source that drives the opening / closing unit 141. As shown in Fig. 34, the base unit 200 is provided with a third motor 272 which is a third drive source that drives one of the pair of rotating shafts.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 31 and 33, a display unit 250 is provided on the front surface of the base unit 200. In this embodiment, the display unit 250 selectively emits light in one color from among a plurality of colors. The display unit 250 can also emit light in a blinking manner. The state of the medicine supply device 10 can be indicated by the light emission pattern of the display unit 250.

[0116] Here, a medicine packaging device equipped with the medicine supply device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 35 is a front view showing the configuration of a medicine packaging device equipped with the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 36 is a plan view of the medicine packaging device of Fig. 35 as seen from the direction of arrow XXXVI. Note that Fig. 36 shows a see-through view of the ceiling of the medicine packaging device.

[0117] 35 and 36, a medicine dispensing and packaging device 400 equipped with the medicine supply device 10 according to this embodiment includes a housing 410, a rotating drum 420, a hopper 430, and a packaging unit 440. The housing 410 houses the rotating drum 420, the hopper 430, and the packaging unit 440. The housing 410 has a door that can be opened and closed.

[0118] Rotating drum 420 is supported within housing 410 so as to be rotatable about axis 4. A plurality of drug supply devices 10 and a plurality of drug supply cassettes 20 are attached to rotating drum 420. That is, drug supply device 10 is housed within housing 410 in a movable state. Each of the plurality of drug supply cassettes 20 contains a plurality of drugs and is configured to be able to supply the required number of drugs.

[0119] Each of the plurality of drug supply modules 100 can supply a drug in place of an empty drug supply cassette 20 among the plurality of drug supply cassettes 20. In this case, in the drug supply device 10 that supplies the drug, a drug storage container 300 that stores the drug is attached to the base unit 200. Furthermore, each of the plurality of drug supply modules 100 can supply another drug different from the drug stored in each of the plurality of drug supply cassettes 20. In this case, in the drug supply device 10 that supplies the other drug, a drug storage container 300 that stores the other drug is attached to the base unit 200.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 35, rotating drum 420 is provided with a medicine conveying path 421. Medicine conveying path 421 is located above hopper 430. As shown in FIG. 36, medicine supply devices 10 and medicine supply cassettes 20 are arranged in a ring shape on the outer periphery of rotating drum 420. As shown in FIG. 35, medicine supply devices 10 and medicine supply cassettes 20 are arranged in a vertical line. Each of medicine supply devices 10 and medicine supply cassettes 20 is connected to medicine conveying path 421. Medicines supplied from each of medicine supply devices 10 and medicine supply cassettes 20 pass through medicine conveying path 421 and are introduced into hopper 430. The medicines introduced into hopper 430 are packaged in packaging unit 440.

[0121] The configuration of medicine packing device 400 is not limited to the above. For example, medicine supply device 10 and medicine supply cassette 20 may each be attached to a slidable rack instead of rotating drum 420. In this case, by pulling the rack out of housing 410, medicine supply device 10 and medicine supply cassette 20 can each be moved to the outside of housing 410. The sliding direction of the rack may be the front-to-rear direction of housing 410 or the left-to-right direction of housing 410. Furthermore, housing 410 may have a door that swings out like a double door.

[0122] 37 is a block diagram showing a connection system between a medicine supply device and a medicine packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 37, a medicine packaging device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a control unit 41. A medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a connection unit 11 electrically connected to the control unit 41.

[0123] The connection unit 11 is provided on the base unit 200. The connection unit 11 is electrically connected to each of the first sensor 231, the second sensor 232, the container detection sensor 233, the identification sensor 234, the medicine refill sensor 235, the display unit 250, the first motor 270, the second motor 271, and the third motor 272. The connection unit 11 is a so-called interface.

[0124] The output signals of first sensor 231, second sensor 232, container detection sensor 233, identification sensor 234, and medicine refill sensor 235 are input to control unit 41 through connection unit 11. Based on the signals input from each sensor, control unit 41 outputs drive signals to display unit 250, first motor 270, second motor 271, and third motor 272 through connection unit 11.

[0125] The operation of the medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, the operation of the medicine supply module 100, which is the medicine supply unit, will be described.

[0126] The medicine supplied to the inside of cover member 120 from medicine supply hole 127 is positioned on inclined surface 110s and supported by first circumferential wall portion 121. First motor 270 drives first rotating portion 111 and second rotating portion 112.

[0127] As the first rotating portion 111 is driven, the medicine supported by the first circumferential wall portion 121 is transported along the first circumferential wall portion 121. The medicine supported by the first circumferential wall portion 121 is aligned along the first circumferential wall portion 121 while being transported along the first circumferential wall portion 121.

[0128] The drugs supported by the first peripheral wall portion 121 move radially outward, starting from the drug located at the front end of the rotation direction 2, downward along the first inclined wall portion 124, and are then supported by the second peripheral wall portion 122.

[0129] The medicine descending along first inclined wall portion 124 is accelerated by gravity, and therefore moves at a higher speed than the medicine being transported along first inclined wall portion 124. This increases the distance between the medicine that has descended along first inclined wall portion 124 and the medicine before descending along first inclined wall portion 124.

[0130] As the first rotating portion 111 is driven, the medicines supported by the second circumferential wall portion 122 are transported along the second circumferential wall portion 122. The medicines supported by the second circumferential wall portion 122, starting from the medicine located at the front end in the rotation direction 2, move radially outward while descending along the second inclined wall portion 125, and are thereby supported by the third circumferential wall portion 123.

[0131] The drug descending along second inclined wall portion 125 is accelerated by gravity, and therefore moves at a higher speed than the drug being transported along second inclined wall portion 125. This increases the distance between the drug that has descended along second inclined wall portion 125 and the drug before descending along second inclined wall portion 125.

[0132] As second rotating part 112 is driven, the drug supported by third circumferential wall part 123 is transported along third circumferential wall part 123. Because the rotation speed of second rotating part 112 is higher than the rotation speed of first rotating part 111, the gap between the drug supported by third circumferential wall part 123 and the drug supported by second circumferential wall part 122 becomes wider.

[0133] The medicines supported by the third circumferential wall portion 123 are supported by the standing wall portion 132 in order from the medicine located at the front side in the rotation direction 2. When the second rotating portion 112 is driven, the medicines supported by the standing wall portion 132 are transported along the standing wall portion 132.

[0134] When the medicine stopping portion 142 is close to the inclined surface 110s, the medicine transported along the standing wall portion 132 is prevented from moving toward the discharge portion 131. Then, the second motor 271 rotates the rotation shaft 140s.

[0135] By rotating the pivot 140s in one direction, the open / close member 140 rotates about the pivot 140s, the discharge portion 131 that was blocked by the open / close portion 141 is opened, and the medicine stopper portion 142 moves away from the inclined surface 110s. As a result, the medicines that are positioned at the front end in the rotation direction 2 among the medicines supported by the upright wall portion 132 are discharged one by one from the discharge portion 131.

[0136] At this time, the first sensor 231 detects that the medicine on the inclined surface 110s has been discharged from the discharge portion 131. The second sensor 232 detects the medicine discharged from the discharge portion 131.

[0137] After the medicine is discharged from the discharge portion 131, the pivot shaft 140s is rotated in the other direction, causing the opening / closing member 140 to rotate around the pivot shaft 140s, the discharge portion 131 is closed by the opening / closing portion 141, and the medicine stopping portion 142 approaches the inclined surface 110s.

[0138] As a result, the medicine supported by standing wall portion 132 is prevented from moving to discharge portion 131 by medicine stopping portion 142, and is prevented from being discharged from discharge portion 131 by opening / closing portion 141. As described above, opening / closing portion 141 is in the open state when a medicine is supplied from the medicine supply portion, and is in the closed state when a medicine is not supplied from the medicine supply portion.

[0139] In addition, in the medicine supply device 10, when a medicine is discharged from the discharge portion 131, the vibration portion 260 may be temporarily stopped and the rotor 110 may be temporarily reversed so that the medicine to be discharged next from the discharge portion 131 is held on the inclined surface 110s. In this case, it is possible to prevent a plurality of medicines from being discharged from the discharge portion 131 at the same time.

[0140] Alternatively, in the medicine supply device 10, when a medicine is discharged from the discharge portion 131, the vibration portion 260 may be temporarily stopped, and the rotor 110 may be temporarily stopped, so that the medicine to be discharged next from the discharge portion 131 is held on the inclined surface 110s. In this case as well, it is possible to prevent a plurality of medicines from being discharged from the discharge portion 131 at the same time.

[0141] Furthermore, when the medicine supplying unit moves relative to the housing 410, the movement of the medicine supplying unit starts after the medicine supplying unit stops and the opening / closing unit 141 is closed. In this case, it is possible to prevent unwanted medicines from being discharged from the discharge unit 131 while the medicine supplying unit is moving.

[0142] When the supply of medicine from the medicine supply unit is to be resumed, the opening / closing unit 141 is opened and the medicine supply unit is restarted. In this case, the medicine can be discharged from the discharge unit 131 immediately after the medicine supply unit is restarted.

[0143] Next, the operation of the medicine-containing container 300 attached to the base part 200 will be described. The third motor 272 rotates the pair of roller portions 281 , thereby driving the medicine-containing container 300 to rotate around the axis 3 .

[0144] When the medicine-containing container 300 is rotated around the axis 3, the medicine in the medicine-containing container 300 is transported by the spiral groove 312 from the bottom 330 side of the medicine-containing container 300 to the first opening 313 side and discharged from the first opening 313.

[0145] The medicines discharged from first opening 313 pass through connecting conduit 290 of base 200 and are supplied into medicine supply hole 127 of cover member 120. The medicines supplied into medicine supply hole 127 of cover member 120 are discharged one by one from discharge portion 131 of medicine supply module 100.

[0146] One medicine-containing container 300 is sequentially selected from the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300 and attached to the base part 200. Each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300 is driven under different driving conditions set based on the identifier 331. The medicine supply part is driven corresponding to each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300.

[0147] Specifically, the types of medicines include general medicines that are small tablets and special medicines such as capsules, elongated tablets, spherical tablets, or triangular prism-shaped tablets. Each of the multiple medicine-containing containers 300 contains a general medicine or a special medicine. When the medicine-containing container 300 is attached to the base part 200, the control part 41 receives a detection signal of the identifier 331 from the identification sensor 234 via the connection part 11 and determines the type of medicine contained inside the medicine-containing container 300 attached to the base part 200.

[0148] When the medicine contained inside the medicine-containing container 300 is determined to be a general medicine, the control unit 41 stops the rotational driving of the medicine-containing container 300 immediately after the medicine refill sensor 235 detects the refilling of the medicine from the medicine-containing container 300 to the medicine supply unit, because a large amount of the medicine is discharged to the medicine supply unit per rotation of the medicine-containing container 300. Thereafter, when the medicine refill sensor 235 no longer detects the medicine, the control unit 41 resumes the rotational driving of the medicine-containing container 300. This makes it possible to prevent the medicine from being oversupplied to the medicine supply unit.

[0149] When the medicine contained in the medicine-containing container 300 is determined to be a special medicine, the amount of the special medicine discharged to the medicine supply unit per rotation of the medicine-containing container 300 tends to be small. Therefore, the control unit 41 lengthens the time from when the medicine refill sensor 235 detects the refilling of the medicine from the medicine-containing container 300 to the medicine supply unit to when the rotational driving of the medicine-containing container 300 is stopped, compared to when a general medicine is contained. Alternatively, the control unit 41 increases the rotational speed of the medicine-containing container 300, compared to when a general medicine is contained. Furthermore, the control unit 41 also increases the rotational speed of the rotor 110, compared to when a general medicine is contained. By doing so, even in the case of a special medicine that is difficult to discharge by rotational driving, the time required for refilling the medicine can be made closer to that of a general medicine, and the medicines can be supplied one by one from the discharge unit 131.

[0150] In the drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the device is equipped with a rotating body 110, a peripheral wall portion, and an outlet portion 131. Therefore, the drugs can be transported along the peripheral wall portion by the rotation of the rotating body 110, without the need for adjustment work according to each drug, and the drugs can be aligned along the peripheral wall portion and supplied one by one in order starting from the drug located downstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotating body 110.

[0151] In this embodiment, the multiple circumferential wall portions are aligned in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110, and the more downstream the circumferential wall portion in the rotation direction 2, the further outward and lower the circumferential wall portion is located in the radial direction. This allows the overlapping of the medicaments to be eliminated when the medicaments transfer from the upstream circumferential wall portion in the rotation direction 2 to the downstream circumferential wall portion, and the medicaments can be aligned and supplied one by one. Specifically, if there are medicaments adjacent to each other above and below along the slope 110s, when the medicaments transfer from the upstream circumferential wall portion to the downstream circumferential wall portion, the medicaments can be positioned in a single line along the downstream circumferential wall portion. This allows the overlapping of the medicaments to be eliminated.

[0152] In this embodiment, the slope 110s is provided with a rolling prevention portion that prevents the medicine from rolling, so that the medicine that tends to roll can be transported along the peripheral wall by the rotation of the rotor 110.

[0153] In this embodiment, the anti-rolling portion is made up of grooves provided radially from the apex of the inclined surface 110s, which makes it possible to easily form the anti-rolling portion.

[0154] In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion is spaced apart from the inclined surface 110s, which makes it possible to suppress wear of the peripheral wall portion and the rotor 110.

[0155] In this embodiment, medicine supply device 10 further includes support part 150 located below rotator 110 and rotatably supporting rotator 110. This allows powder generated from the medicine to be received by support part 150. Furthermore, rotator 110 is detachably provided with respect to support part 150. This allows powder accumulated between rotator 110 and support part 150 to be easily removed.

[0156] In a third modification of this embodiment, the support part 150 further includes a rotating shaft part that is arranged coaxially with the axis 1. The rotating shaft part is detachably connected to the rotor 110. This makes it possible to easily remove powder that has accumulated between the rotor 110 and the support part 150.

[0157] In this embodiment, the medicine supply device 10 further includes a lid 126 that covers the inclined surface 110s from above, thereby preventing the medicine from spilling out from above the inclined surface 110s.

[0158] In this embodiment, the lid portion 126 is provided so that the inclined surface 110s can be opened upward, thereby making it possible to clean the inner surface of the lid portion 126 and the inclined surface 110s.

[0159] In this embodiment, the peripheral wall is integrally formed with the lid 126. This allows the configuration of the medicine supply device 10 to be simplified.

[0160] In this embodiment, the peripheral wall and the lid 126 are each made of a transparent material, which allows visual confirmation from the outside of whether or not there is medicine remaining in the medicine supply device 10.

[0161] In this embodiment, a protrusion 133 is provided adjacent to the discharge portion 131 on the upstream side in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110 and protruding inward in the radial direction. The medicine moving to the discharge portion 131 moves upward along the slope 110s and passes over the protrusion 133, and is thereby discharged from the discharge portion 131. This makes it possible to prevent two medicines from being discharged from the discharge portion 131 at the same time.

[0162] In the present embodiment, the medicine supply device 10 further includes a base portion 200 to which the medicine supply module 100, which is integrally configured to include the rotor 110, the peripheral wall portion, and the discharge portion 131, can be detachably attached. This allows the medicine supply module 100 to be easily cleaned.

[0163] In this embodiment, the medicine supply device 10 further includes a first sensor 231. This makes it possible to detect that the medicine has been discharged from the discharge portion 131.

[0164] In this embodiment, the medicine supply device 10 further includes a second sensor 232. This makes it possible to detect that a plurality of medicines have been discharged from the discharge portion 131 at the same time.

[0165] In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portions adjacent to each other in the rotation direction 2 are connected to each other by an inclined wall portion that extends radially outward and descends toward the downstream side in the rotation direction 2. This makes it possible to eliminate overlap between adjacent drugs vertically along the slope 110s when the drugs move along the inclined wall portion.

[0166] In this embodiment, the inclined wall portion is inclined toward the downstream side in the rotation direction 2 as it moves upward away from the slope 110s. This makes it possible to eliminate overlapping between adjacent drugs vertically along the peripheral wall portion when the drugs move along the inclined wall portion.

[0167] In this embodiment, of the peripheral wall portions adjacent to each other in the rotation direction 2, the downstream portion in the rotation direction 2 of the peripheral wall portion located on the upstream side in the rotation direction 2 becomes farther away from the slope 110s as it moves downstream in the rotation direction 2. This makes it possible to eliminate overlap between adjacent drugs vertically along the peripheral wall portion when the drugs move along the inclined wall portion.

[0168] In this embodiment, the rotating body 110 includes a first rotating part 111 and a second rotating part 112, and the rotation speed of the second rotating part 112 is higher than the rotation speed of the first rotating part 111. This makes it possible to widen the gap between the drugs adjacent to each other in the rotation direction 2 when the drug transfers from the upstream peripheral wall part to the downstream peripheral wall part of the peripheral wall parts adjacent to each other in the rotation direction 2.

[0169] In this embodiment, the first rotating part 111 and the second rotating part 112 are driven by a common driving source, which allows the configuration of the medicine supply device 10 to be simplified.

[0170] In this embodiment, the medicine supply device 10 further includes an opening / closing unit 141 that can open and close the discharge unit 131. This can prevent the medicine from being discharged from the discharge unit 131 at an unintended timing.

[0171] In this embodiment, a medicine stopper 142 is provided adjacent to the discharge portion 131 and extends in the radial direction along the inclined surface 110s, upstream of the discharge portion 131 in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110. This makes it possible to prevent the medicine from being discharged from the discharge portion 131 at an unintended timing.

[0172] In this embodiment, the medicine stopping part 142 is configured integrally with the opening / closing part 141. This allows the configuration of the medicine supply device 10 to be simplified.

[0173] In this embodiment, the open / close part 141 and the medicine stopping part 142 are driven by a common driving source, which allows the configuration of the medicine supply device 10 to be simplified.

[0174] In this embodiment, the opening / closing part 141 is biased in a direction to close the discharge part 131. This allows the discharge part 131 to be reliably closed by the opening / closing part 141, thereby preventing the medicine from being discharged from the discharge part 131 at an unintended timing.

[0175] In this embodiment, the opening / closing unit 141 is in an open state when the medicine is supplied from the medicine supply unit, and is in a closed state when the medicine is not supplied from the medicine supply unit, thereby preventing the medicine from being discharged from the discharge unit 131 at an unintended timing.

[0176] In this embodiment, the medicine supply unit is housed in a movable state within housing 410. When the medicine supply unit moves relative to housing 410, the medicine supply unit stops, and opening / closing unit 141 is closed, and then the movement of the medicine supply unit begins. This makes it possible to prevent unwanted medicines from being discharged from discharge unit 131 while the medicine supply unit is moving.

[0177] In this embodiment, when the supply of medicine from the medicine supply unit is resumed, the opening / closing unit 141 is opened and the medicine supply unit is restarted. This allows the medicine to be discharged from the discharge unit 131 immediately after the medicine supply unit is restarted.

[0178] In this embodiment, the medicine supply device 10 further includes a vibration unit 260 that vibrates the peripheral wall portion. By vibrating the peripheral wall portion with the vibration unit 260, overlapping of medicines can be eliminated.

[0179] In the present embodiment, the medicine supply device 10 further includes an upright wall portion 132 that is provided between the peripheral wall portion and the discharge portion 131 and supports the medicine from the outside in the radial direction. The upright wall portion 132 is made of a separate member from the peripheral wall portion so that the vibrations of the vibration portion 260 are not directly transmitted to the upright wall portion 132. This makes it possible to prevent multiple medicines from being simultaneously discharged from the discharge portion 131 due to the vibrations of the vibration portion 260.

[0180] In this embodiment, the vibrating section 260 vibrates the peripheral wall section via the lid section 126. This makes it easier to arrange the vibrating section 260 compared to when the peripheral wall section is vibrated directly.

[0181] In this embodiment, the vibration part 260 is provided so as to be able to move towards and away from the lid part 126. This allows the lid part 126 to be easily removed for cleaning.

[0182] In this embodiment, the contact portions of vibrating portion 260 and lid portion 126 are attracted to each other by magnetic force, which allows the vibration of vibrating portion 260 to be reliably transmitted to lid portion 126, and also allows vibrating portion 260 and lid portion 126 to be easily attached and detached.

[0183] In this embodiment, a buffer member 170 is provided between the cover portion 126 and the support portion 150. This makes it possible to suppress the vibration of the vibrating portion 260 from being transmitted to the support portion 150. In addition, the peripheral wall portion is spaced apart from the inclined surface 110s. This makes it possible to suppress the vibration of the peripheral wall portion from being transmitted to the rotating body 110.

[0184] In this embodiment, medicine supply device 10 includes a medicine supply unit, a medicine storage container 300, and a base unit 200. The medicine supply unit has a discharge unit 131, and transports medicines while aligning them in a line toward discharge unit 131, and discharges the medicines from discharge unit 131 in order from the front and supplies them one by one. Medicine storage container 300 stores medicines and replenishes the medicines to the medicine supply unit when driven. The medicine supply unit and medicine storage container 300 can be separately attached and detached to and from base unit 200. This allows for greater flexibility in the manner in which medicine supply device 10 is used.

[0185] In the present embodiment, the medicine-containing container 300 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom including a bottom 330 and a first opening 313, and has a spiral groove 312 formed on its inner circumferential surface. When the medicine-containing container 300 is attached to the base 200, an axis 3 of the medicine-containing container 300 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. When the medicine-containing container 300 is driven to rotate about the axis 3, the medicine in the medicine-containing container 300 is transported by the spiral groove 312 from the bottom 330 side of the medicine-containing container 300 to the first opening 313 side, and is discharged from the first opening 313. This allows a small amount of medicine to be replenished to the medicine supply unit with a simple configuration.

[0186] In this embodiment, in a pair of opposing wall surfaces of spiral groove 312 formed on the inner circumferential surface of main body tube 310, angle α formed between the wall surface located on the first opening 313 side and perpendicular line 4 is larger than angle β formed between the wall surface located on the second opening 314 side and perpendicular line 4. This makes it possible to stably transport the medicine to the first opening 313 side and discharge it from first opening 313 while preventing the medicine from clogging inside spiral groove 312.

[0187] In the present embodiment, the inner bottom surface 330b of the medicine-containing container 300 has a curved shape that is convex toward the outside of the medicine-containing container 300. This can prevent the medicine from clogging near the bottom surface 330b of the medicine-containing container 300.

[0188] In this embodiment, the medicine-containing container 300 further includes a lid portion 340 that can close the first opening 313. This allows the medicine to be stored in the medicine-containing container 300. Furthermore, by placing a desiccant between the outer lid 341 and the inner lid surface 342c, the medicine can be stored for a long period of time, and by placing a selvedge of the medicine's PTP packaging sheet therein, the type of medicine being stored can be confirmed.

[0189] In this embodiment, one medicine-containing container 300 selected sequentially from the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300 is attached to the base part 200. This allows the medicine-containing container 300 containing the medicine that needs to be replenished in the medicine supply part to be selectively attached to the base part 200.

[0190] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300 has an identifier 331 that allows them to be distinguished from one another. Each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300 is driven under different driving conditions that are set based on the identifier 331. This allows the time required to replenish the medicine in the medicine supply unit to be close to that required for general medicines, even in the case of special medicines that are difficult to discharge by rotational driving.

[0191] In this embodiment, the medicine supply unit is driven corresponding to each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300. This allows the medicine to be supplied one by one from the discharge unit 131 of the medicine supply unit, even in the case of a special medicine that is difficult to discharge by rotational driving.

[0192] Below, we will explain with reference to the figures a drug supply device according to a fourth variant of one embodiment of the present invention, in which the groove portion provided on the first rotating part of the rotating body is composed of an upper groove portion and a lower groove portion.

[0193] Fig. 38 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a medicine supply module included in a medicine supply device according to a fourth modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 39 is a plan view of the medicine supply module of Fig. 38 as seen from the direction of arrow XXXIX. Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the medicine supply module of Fig. 38 as seen from the direction of arrow XL. Fig. 41 is a view of the medicine supply module of Fig. 38 as seen from the direction of arrow XLI. In Figs. 39 and 40, the cover is shown in a see-through manner. In Fig. 41, the cover is shown in a see-through manner, and the support part is not shown.

[0194] 38 to 41, a medicine supplying module 100a included in a medicine supplying device according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating body 110a, a plurality of circumferential walls, and a discharge unit 131. The medicine supplying module 100a according to the fourth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention includes a first circumferential wall 121, a second circumferential wall 122, and a third circumferential wall 123 as the plurality of circumferential walls are rotated. The discharge unit 131 discharges the medicine, which has been transported sequentially along the first circumferential wall 121, the second circumferential wall 122, and the third circumferential wall 123, from above the inclined surface 110s by the rotation of the rotating body 110a.

[0195] The first peripheral wall 121, the second peripheral wall 122, and the third peripheral wall 123 are each provided on the cover member 120x. A vibration transmission plate 160a is fixed to the cover member 120x with screws. The vibration transmission plate 160a constitutes part of the cover 126. The vibration transmission plate 160a includes a flat contact portion that contacts the vibration unit 260 and an inclined surface portion that slopes obliquely downward from the edge of the contact portion. The inclined surface portion of the vibration transmission plate 160a guides the vibration unit 260 onto the contact portion of the vibration transmission plate 160a when the medicine supply module 100a is attached to the base unit 200.

[0196] Fig. 42 is a side view showing the configuration of a rotating body included in a medicine supply module according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 43 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a first rotating unit of the rotating body included in a medicine supply module according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 44 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a second rotating unit of the rotating body included in a medicine supply module according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the second rotating unit of Fig. 44 as seen from the direction of the XLV-XLV arrows. Fig. 42 shows the rotating body as seen from the same direction as Fig. 41.

[0197] 41 and 42, the rotor 110a rotates about an axis 1 extending in the vertical direction, and has a conical inclined surface 110s coaxial with the axis 1 that slopes downward as it goes outward in the radial direction centered on the axis 1. The rotor 110a is rotatably supported by a support part 150 located below the rotor 110a. The rotor 110a is provided detachably with respect to the support part 150.

[0198] The rotating body 110a includes a first rotating portion 111a and a second rotating portion 112 that are coaxially arranged. The second rotating portion 112 is located below the first rotating portion 111a. A side surface of the first rotating portion 111a and a side surface of the second rotating portion 112 form a slope 110s. The first rotating portion 111a and the second rotating portion 112 are provided so as to be rotatable independently of each other. The first rotating portion 111a is connected to a first driven gear 111g. The second rotating portion 112 is connected to a second driven gear 112g.

[0199] In a fourth modification of the embodiment of the present invention, a rolling prevention portion for preventing the rolling of the medicine is provided on the inclined surface 110s of the rotor 110a. The rolling prevention portion is composed of grooves provided radially from the apex of the inclined surface 110s. Specifically, the rolling prevention portion is composed of a first groove 111ac provided on the first rotor 111a and a second groove 112c provided on the second rotor 112.

[0200] 39 to 43, in a fourth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, the first groove 111ac provided in the first rotating part 111a is composed of an upper groove 111uc located above the first rotating part 111a and a lower groove 111dc located below the upper groove 111uc. The width of the upper groove 111uc in the circumferential direction about the axis 1 is wider than the width of the lower groove 111dc in the circumferential direction about the axis 1.

[0201] As shown in FIGS. 39 to 44, the width of the second groove 112c provided in the second rotating portion 112 in the circumferential direction about the axis 1 increases toward the top. As shown in FIG. 45, in the second groove 112c provided in the second rotating portion 112, the wall surface 112c2 located downstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110a is configured with a gentler slope than the wall surface 112c1 located upstream. Specifically, if the angle between the wall surface 112c1 located upstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110a and the normal to the slope 110s at the position of that wall surface 112c1 is θ1, and the angle between the wall surface 112c2 located downstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110a and the normal to the slope 110s at the position of that wall surface 112c2 is θ2, then the relationship θ1<θ2 is satisfied. For example, θ1=10°, and θ2=45°.

[0202] In addition, in the first groove portion 111ac provided in the first rotating portion 111a, the wall surface located downstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotating body 110a may also be configured with a gentler slope than the wall surface located upstream.

[0203] As shown in FIGS. 39 to 41 , the first circumferential wall 121 is located above the first rotating part 111a. The second circumferential wall 122 is located above the edge of the second rotating part 112 on the first rotating part 111a side. The third circumferential wall 123 is located above the second rotating part 112. Therefore, the first rotating part 111a transports the drug supported by the first circumferential wall 121 along the first circumferential wall 121. The first rotating part 111a transports the drug supported by the second circumferential wall 122 along the second circumferential wall 122. The second rotating part 112 transports the drug supported by the third circumferential wall 123 along the third circumferential wall 123.

[0204] In a fourth modification of the embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral wall portion located most upstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110a among the plurality of peripheral wall portions is located above the end of the lower groove 111dc on the side of the upper groove 111uc. Specifically, the first peripheral wall portion 121 is located above the end of the lower groove 111dc on the side of the upper groove 111uc.

[0205] In the fourth modification of this embodiment, in the drug supply module 100a, the width of the second groove 112c provided on the second rotating unit 112 in the circumferential direction about the axis 1 increases toward the top. This allows drugs to be aligned along the circumferential wall according to their size and supplied one by one, starting with the drug located downstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110a. Specifically, smaller drugs are supported by the circumferential wall at the narrower radial tip end of the second groove 112c compared to larger drugs. As a result, two small drugs are prevented from being supported by the circumferential wall in a continuous state inside one second groove 112c in the rotation direction of the rotor 110a, thereby preventing two small drugs from being simultaneously supplied from the discharge unit 131. Furthermore, larger drugs are supported by the circumferential wall at the wider radial center end of the second groove 112c compared to smaller drugs. As a result, the large medicine is supported by the peripheral wall portion while being fitted into one second groove portion 112c, and therefore, two large medicines can be prevented from being supplied from the discharge portion 131 at the same time.

[0206] In a fourth modification of this embodiment, the first groove 111ac provided in the first rotating part 111a is composed of an upper groove 111uc located above the first rotating part 111a and a lower groove 111dc located below the upper groove 111uc. The width of the upper groove 111uc in the circumferential direction about the axis 1 is wider than the width of the lower groove 111dc in the circumferential direction about the axis 1. This allows the medicine supported on the circumferential wall located upstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110a to be held inside the wider upper groove 111uc and reliably transported along the circumferential wall. As a result, the retention of the medicine can be suppressed, and the medicines can be prevented from being transported in an overlapping state. Furthermore, by holding the drug supported on the peripheral wall portion located downstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotating body 110a on the narrow lower groove portion 111dc, it is possible to prevent the drug from getting caught between the first rotating portion 111a and the inclined wall portion of the lid member 120x when the first rotating portion 111a is rotated in the reverse direction.

[0207] In a fourth modification of this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion located most upstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110a is located above the end of the lower groove 111dc on the upper groove 111uc side. This allows a drug supported by the peripheral wall portion with the greatest curvature among the multiple peripheral wall portions and experiencing high transport resistance to be held inside the wide upper groove 111uc and transported reliably along the peripheral wall portion.

[0208] In a fourth modification of this embodiment, in at least one of the first groove 111ac provided in the first rotating part 111a and the second groove 112c provided in the second rotating part 112, the wall surface 112c2 located downstream in the rotation direction 2 of the rotating body 110a is configured with a gentler slope than the wall surface 112c1 located upstream. This ensures that the medicine is reliably transported by the wall surface 112c1 when the rotating body 110a rotates forward, and when the medicine comes into contact with the sloped wall portion when the rotating body 110a rotates reversely, the medicine moves along the wall surface 112c2 so as to climb onto the groove portion, thereby preventing the medicine from being caught between the rotating body 110a and the sloped wall portion of the lid member 120x.

[0209] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted solely by the above-described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims. Furthermore, all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0210] 1,3 Axis, 2 Rotation direction, 4 Vertical line, 10 Drug supply device, 11 Connection portion, 20 Drug supply cassette, 41 Control portion, 100, 100a Drug supply module, 110, 110a Rotating body, 110s Slope, 111, 111a First rotating portion, 111c, 111ac First groove portion, 111dc Lower groove portion, 111g First driven gear, 111p First rotating shaft, 111uc Upper groove portion, 112 Second rotating portion, 112b Boss, 112c Second groove portion, 112c2, 112c1 Wall surface, 112g Second driven gear, 112h, 140b, 341h Engagement hole, 112p Second rotating shaft, 112ph Through hole, 120, 120x Cover member, 120p protrusion, 121 first peripheral wall portion, 122 second peripheral wall portion, 123 third peripheral wall portion, 124 first inclined wall portion, 125 second inclined wall portion, 126, 340 lid portion, 127 medicine supply hole, 128 notch portion, 129 mounting portion, 130, 130x discharge member, 130b bearing portion, 131 discharge portion, 132 standing wall portion, 133 protrusion portion, 140 opening / closing member, 140s rotating shaft, 140t biasing member, 141 opening / closing portion, 142 medicine stop portion, 150 support portion, 151 horizontal surface portion, 152 standing portion, 153 base portion, 160, 160a vibration transmission plate, 170, 170x cushioning member, 180 holding member, 181 flat plate portion, 182 holding portion, 183 Guide section, 200 base section, 210 first drive shaft, 211g first drive gear, 212g second drive gear, 220 discharge chute, 231 first sensor, 232 second sensor, 233 container detection sensor, 234 identification sensor, 235 medicine refill sensor, 240 second drive shaft, 250 display section, 260 vibration section, 270 first motor, 271 second motor, 272 third motor, 281, 282 roller section, 290 connecting pipe line, 300 medicine container, 310 main body tube, 312 spiral groove, 312e end, 313 first opening, 314 second opening, 320 cylindrical section, 330 bottom section, 330b bottom surface, 330c annular section, 331 identifier, 332 disc section, 341 outer lid, 341a Arm portion, 342 inner lid, 342c inner lid surface, 342h opening, 342p rotating shaft portion, 342s engaging protrusion, 400 medicine packaging device, 410 housing, 420 rotating drum, 421 medicine transport path, 430 hopper, 440 packaging portion.

Claims

1. a plurality of base portions; a plurality of drug supply units attached to the plurality of base units, each supplying a drug; a plurality of medicine containers each containing the medicine and being driven to replenish the medicine to each of the plurality of medicine supply units; each of the medicine-containing containers is detachably attached to each of the base portions; A medicine supply device, wherein one medicine container selected from the plurality of medicine containers is attached to each of the plurality of base portions.

2. The drug supply device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of base portions is selectively attached with the one drug container containing drugs that need to be replenished for the attached drug supply portion.

3. 3. The medicine supply device according to claim 1, wherein each of the medicine containers has an identifier that allows them to be distinguished from one another, and the medicine containers are driven under different driving conditions that are set based on the identifier.

Images