Medicine supply apparatus

Abstract

To select in which of a placing part and a case rack medicines are taken in and out of a case.SOLUTION: It is possible to alternatively switch between a first mode in which the selected case 300a can be conveyed by the conveying unit 400 and a second mode in which the conveying unit 400 is stopped and the plurality of cases 300 can be manually taken in and out of the case rack 200. Only in the first mode, the medicines can be taken in and out of the selected case 300a placed on the placing part 130. Only in the second mode, the medicines can be taken in and out from the plurality of cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A prior document disclosing the configuration of an automatic medicine supply device is Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-78598 (Patent Document 1). The automatic medicine supply device described in Patent Document 1 comprises a storage unit, a medicine picking unit, a box moving mechanism, and a tray mounting base. The storage unit is configured to be able to arrange a plurality of boxes for storing medicines. Medicines are taken in and out of the boxes in the medicine picking unit. The box moving mechanism is configured to allow the boxes to move between the storage unit and the medicine picking unit. The storage unit is disposed on the front side of the device, and the box moving mechanism is disposed on the back side of the device. A tray for storing medicines taken out of the boxes is placed on the tray mounting base. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-78598 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The medicine supply device is required to be able to select whether to put medicines in or take them out of the box in the medicine picking section or in the storage section.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a medicine supply device that allows the user to select whether to insert or remove medicines from a case at the mounting section or the case rack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A medicine supply device according to the present invention includes a case rack, a mounting section, and a transport unit. The case rack stores a plurality of cases containing medicines. The mounting section is provided so that a selected case selected from the plurality of cases can be mounted thereon and so that medicines can be put in and taken out of the selected case. The transport unit transports the selected case between the case rack and the mounting section. The case rack is configured so that the plurality of cases can be manually moved in and out. The medicine supply device is switchable between a first mode in which the selected case can be transported by the transport unit, and a second mode in which the transport unit is stopped and the plurality of cases can be manually moved in and out of the case rack. Only in the first mode can medicines be put in and taken out of the selected case mounted on the mounting section. Only in the second mode can medicines be put in and taken out of the plurality of cases housed in the case rack.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the medicine supply device further includes an inventory quantity grasping unit configured to grasp an inventory quantity of medicines. In both the first mode and the second mode, when a completion operation indicating completion of insertion or removal of the medicines to be supplied, which is included in the prescription data, is performed, the inventory quantity grasping unit updates the inventory quantity of the medicines to be supplied based on the prescription data.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, in the second mode, a completion operation indicating completion of taking in or taking out medicines to be supplied that are included in a plurality of prescription data can be performed all at once.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the medicine supply device further includes a recording unit that records a history of the insertion and removal of medicines. The recording unit records the prescription data and implementation mode information indicating whether the insertion and removal of the medicines to be supplied included in the prescription data was performed in the first mode or the second mode, in association with each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to select whether to put medicines in or take them out of the cases from the placement section or the case rack. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the medicine supply device of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the medicine supply device of FIG. 1 as seen from the right side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the medicine supply device of FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the rear side. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from above on the rear side, showing a state in which a transport unit has moved above a placement unit. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above on the front side, with a mounting portion pulled out. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of the periphery of a mounting portion of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of the periphery of a mounting portion of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the rear side. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a wall portion of a mounting portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below on the rear side. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side view of the dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a mounting portion is being pulled out. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a side view of the dispensing table unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a placing section is pulled out. [Figure 16] 10 is a perspective view of the conveying unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front, with the claws retracted. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the conveying unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, with the claws retracted. [Figure 18] 1 is a perspective view of a conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front, with the claws of the conveying unit in an advanced position. [Figure 19] 10 is a perspective view of the conveying unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, with the claws in an advanced position. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the transport unit is positioned behind a selected case stored in the case rack. FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the state of FIG. 20 as seen from the side. [Figure 22] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view, seen from the side, of a transport unit located behind a selected case stored in a case rack, in which a claw portion has rotated to rise. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the claw portion engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion of the selection case is retracted. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is a perspective view of the transport unit seen from the front in a state in which the claws engaged with the inner surfaces of the engagement portions of the selection case have finished retracting. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the transport unit of FIG. 24 as viewed in the direction of the arrow XXV. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the pair of support arms positioned at the retracted position. [Figure 27] 27 is a side view of the pair of support arms in FIG. 26 when viewed from the direction of arrow XXVII, when the pair of support arms are positioned at the retracted position. [Figure 28] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit included in the medicine supply device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 29]10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the transport unit when transporting one selected case placed on one of the placement sections to the case rack in the medicine supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit transports a selected case containing a drug to be supplied that is included in first prescription data to a loading section in an example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit transports another selection case containing another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data to another loading section in an example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit sequentially transports selected cases containing medicines to be supplied that are included in second prescription data to the specific placement unit in an example of the medicine supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit transports a selected case containing a drug to be supplied that is included in first prescription data from a placement unit to a case rack in an example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit transports another selected case containing another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data from another placement section to the case rack in an example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit transports one selected case containing one medicine to be supplied that is included in first prescription data to one loading section in a modified example of the medicine supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit transports another selection case containing another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data to another loading section in a modification of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit sequentially transports selected cases containing medicines to be supplied that are included in second prescription data to the specific mount section in a modification of the medicine supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 38]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit transports a selected case containing a drug to be supplied that is included in first prescription data from a placement unit to a case rack in a modified example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit transports another selected case containing another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data from another placement unit to the case rack in a modified example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 40] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display on a touch panel of the medicine supply device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiment, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. In the specification, the left and right directions are described as directions when the medicine supply device is viewed from the front side. The front of the medicine supply device may be referred to as the front side, and the back of the medicine supply device may be referred to as the rear side.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above the front side. Fig. 2 is a front view of the medicine supply device of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the medicine supply device of Fig. 1, seen from the right side. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the medicine supply device of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above the rear side. Figs. 3 and 5 show a state in which the right side plate of the dispensing table unit has been removed.

[0014] 1 to 5, a medicine supply device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a dispensing table unit 100, a case rack 200, and a transport unit 400. In this embodiment, two case racks 200 are arranged side by side on the left side of the dispensing table unit 100 when viewed from the front, but the arrangement of the dispensing table unit 100 and the case rack 200 is not limited to this. A plurality of case racks 200 may be arranged to sandwich the dispensing table unit 100 on either the left or right, or one case rack 200 may be arranged on either the left or right side of the dispensing table unit 100. In this way, the dispensing table unit 100 is arranged adjacent to the case rack 200 in the left-right direction.

[0015] The case rack 200 stores a plurality of cases 300 in which medicines are stored. The case rack 200 is a first storage section and stores a first medicine. The first storage section may store a medicine box that stores the first medicine. The first medicine includes various medicines. The case rack 200 is configured so that the plurality of cases 300 can be manually inserted and removed from the front of the case rack 200.

[0016] The case rack 200 includes a housing 210, a shelf section 220, a workbench 230, an opening / closing door 240 serving as an opening / closing section, and an opening / closing detection section 250. The multiple shelf sections 220 are arranged at the front side inside the housing 210, spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction. A plurality of cases 300 are placed side by side in the horizontal direction on each of the multiple shelf sections 220. The multiple cases 300 are arranged in the case rack 200 along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

[0017] In this embodiment, the front side of the housing 210 is divided in the vertical direction into an upper region located above the dispensing stand 120 described below, and a lower region located below the dispensing stand 120. Note that the front side of the housing 210 does not necessarily have to be divided into an upper region and a lower region.

[0018] The workbench 230 is used when putting medicines in and taking them out of the multiple cases 300 in front of the case rack 200. The workbench 230 is configured so that trays (not shown) capable of storing medicines and the cases 300 can be placed on it. The workbench 230 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the workbench 230 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which it protrudes forward from the front surface of the case rack 200, and a second state in which it is positioned rearward from the front surface of the case rack 200. As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, a storage space S230 for storing the workbench 230 is formed in the case rack 200. In the second state, the workbench 230 is stored in the storage space S230.

[0020] In this embodiment, the workbench 230 can be pushed into the storage space S230 and can be pulled out from the storage space S230. The workbench 230 is configured to be able to be pulled out in front of the housing 210. The workbench 230 includes a push-open mechanism 231 that urges the workbench 230 to move forward when the front surface of the workbench 230 is pressed. Note that the configuration of the workbench 230 is not limited to the above, and for example, it may be configured to move in and out in the front-to-rear direction by rotating around a rotation axis.

[0021] The workbench 230 is disposed between an upper region and a lower region of the case 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the case rack 200 is divided into a plurality of sections PLU, PRU, PLD, and PRD. The section PLU is the upper region on the left side of the case rack 200. The section PRU is the upper region on the right side of the case rack 200. The section PLD is the lower region on the left side of the case rack 200. The section PRD is the lower region on the right side of the case rack 200.

[0022] The multiple doors 240 are disposed in front of the housing 210 and are configured to be able to open and close the front side of the housing 210. The multiple doors 240 are able to individually open and close the multiple sections PLU, PRU, PLD, and PRD. Specifically, a pair of doors 240 are provided in each of the upper and lower regions of the housing 210. The doors 240 are configured to be able to open and close in the left-right direction while folding back. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the right door 240 is not shown when viewed from the front.

[0023] The opening / closing door 240 is configured to be switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state. The case rack 200 is configured so that, when the opening / closing door 240 is unlocked and open, multiple cases 300 can be taken in and out from the front of the case rack 200. Conversely, when the opening / closing door 240 is closed and locked, multiple cases 300 cannot be taken in and out from the front of the case rack 200.

[0024] 2, the multiple cases 300 can be manually taken in and out of the partitions PRU, PRD that are opened by one of the multiple doors 240 that is in the open state. The multiple cases 300 cannot be manually taken in and out of the partitions PLU, PLD that are closed by one of the multiple doors 240 that is in the closed state.

[0025] The plurality of open / close detectors 250 detect the open / closed states of the plurality of open / close doors 240 in one-to-one correspondence. The open / close detectors 250 are electrically connected to a control unit, which will be described later.

[0026] The dispensing stand unit 100 has a mounting section 130 and a dispensing stand 120. The dispensing stand unit 100 further includes a housing 110, a lower storage space 140, an upper storage space 150, a display section 160, a touch panel 170, a code reader 180, a printer 190, and an indicator light 161. The maximum depth dimension of the dispensing stand unit 100 in the front-to-rear direction is, for example, 700 mm.

[0027] In the housing 110, the portion above the placing portion 130 has a front surface positioned further back than the portion below the dispensing stand 120. In this embodiment, openings 111 are formed on the front surface of the housing 110 above the dispensing stand 120. Five openings 111 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The number of openings 111 is not limited to five, and may be one or more.

[0028] The mounting section 130 is provided so that the first drug can be placed thereon and so that the first drug can be taken in and out. In this embodiment, the first drug is contained in a case 300. A selected case 300a selected from a plurality of cases 300 can be placed on the mounting section 130. The mounting section 130 is provided so that the first drug can be taken in and out of the selected case 300a.

[0029] In this embodiment, the placing section 130 includes a base section 131 on which the selection case 300a is placed, and a wall section 132 attached to the front end of the base section 131. The wall section 132 is configured to be able to open and close the opening 111. Note that the placing section 130 does not necessarily have to include the wall section 132, and in this case, a shutter that opens and closes the opening 111 may be provided in the housing 110.

[0030] The mounting portion 130 is configured to be removable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the housing 110 through the opening 111. Note that the mounting portion 130 does not necessarily have to be removable, and in this case, an opening that allows drugs to be put in and taken out of the selection case 300a is formed in a portion of the housing 110 located above the mounting portion 130. In this embodiment, five mounting portions 130 are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction, but the number of mounting portions 130 is not limited to five and may be at least one.

[0031] The dispensing stand 120 is configured so that a tray or the like capable of containing medicines can be placed on it. The dispensing stand 120 is located around the placing section 130, and in this embodiment, is located below the placing section 130. A part of the dispensing stand 120 is located below the placing section 130. Specifically, the rear part of the dispensing stand 120 is located directly below the placing section 130. The dispensing stand 120 and the placing section 130 are provided with a gap between them in the vertical direction. A storage space 112 is formed between the dispensing stand 120 and the placing section 130. A tray or the like for containing medicines taken out of the selection case 300a can be inserted into the storage space 112 from the front.

[0032] 3, the dispensing table 120 is located behind the front end of the case rack 200 when viewed from the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the front end of the case rack 200 is the front end of the handle of the opening and closing door 240.

[0033] The front end of the mounting section 130 is located behind the front end of the case rack 200. As shown in Figure 5, the selected case 300a mounted on the mounting section 130 is located behind each of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.

[0034] The lower storage space 140 can store other cases or medicines having a different shape or size from the case 300. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower storage space 140 is formed in the housing 110 at a position below the dispensing table 120 and the placing portion 130. In this embodiment, the lower storage space 140 has a plurality of drawers arranged therein, but this is not limited thereto and a shelf may be arranged therein. The lower storage space 140 does not necessarily have to be formed. The lower storage space 140 is a second storage portion that stores a second medicine of a different type from the first medicine so that the second medicine can be manually inserted and removed. The second storage portion may store a medicine box that stores the second medicine. The second medicine includes various medicines. For example, the second medicine is a medicine that is prescribed more frequently than the first medicine.

[0035] The upper storage space 150 can store other cases having a shape or size different from that of the case 300, or medicines, etc. The upper storage space 150 is formed in the housing 110 at a position above the dispensing table 120 and the placing section 130. In this embodiment, a shelf is arranged in the upper storage space 150, but this is not limited thereto, and a plurality of drawers may be arranged therein. The upper storage space 150 does not necessarily have to be formed. The upper storage space 150 is a second storage section, and stores a second medicine in a manner that allows it to be manually taken in and out.

[0036] Note that a side storage space (not shown) may be provided on the side of the mounting portion 130 as the second storage portion. The side storage space can store other cases having a different shape or size from the case 300, or medicines, etc. The side storage space stores the second medicine so that it can be manually taken in and out. The side storage space is, for example, located on the right side of the dispensing table unit 100 shown in FIG. 2, and provided to the right of the five mounting portions 130. In this way, the second storage portion is provided around the mounting portion 130. The second storage portion is provided above, below, or to the side of the mounting portion 130, or on one of the sides.

[0037] The display unit 160 is formed on the front surface of the housing 110, above the opening 111. The display unit 160 lights up when the selection case 300a is placed on the placement unit 130, thereby indicating that the selection case 300a is placed on the placement unit 130. A plurality of display units 160 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of placement units 130.

[0038] Touch panel 170 is an image display unit that displays images. Touch panel 170 is provided on the front surface of housing 110, between display unit 160 and upper storage space 150 in the vertical direction, and at approximately the center of housing 110 in the horizontal direction.

[0039] The touch panel 170 can display prescription information of the patient and can also accept a selection operation for selecting an arbitrary case 300 from the plurality of cases 300. The touch panel 170 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0040] The code reader 180 is provided on the front surface of the housing 110, to the right of the touch panel 170. The code reader 180 reads a code such as a barcode attached to a box containing a medicine. The code reader 180 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0041] When refilling the selection case 300a with medicine, the medicine to be refilled can be recognized by the control unit by reading the code with the code reader 180. If the control unit recognizes a medicine different from the medicine to be refilled, it displays an alarm on the touch panel 170. This makes it possible to prevent the wrong medicine from being refilled.

[0042] Printer 190 is provided on the front surface of housing 110, to the left of touch panel 170. Printer 190 is capable of printing the patient's name, prescription information, etc. Printer 190 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0043] The indicator light 161 is provided on the ceiling of the housing 110. The indicator light 161 indicates whether or not there is an abnormality in the medicine supply device 1. Specifically, the indicator light 161 displays green when the medicine supply device 1 is normal, and displays orange when there is an abnormality in the medicine supply device 1. The indicator light 161 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above the rear side, showing a state in which the transport unit has moved above the mounting section. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the transport unit 400 is provided movably behind the case rack 200 and the dispensing table unit 100. The transport unit 400 transports the selected case 300a between the case rack 200 and the mounting section 130. That is, the transport unit 400 transports the first medicine between the first storage section and the mounting section 130. The transport unit 400 transports the first medicine based on prescription data, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the transport unit 400 transports the first medicine contained in the case 300. The transport unit 400 can sequentially mount multiple selected cases 300a selected from multiple cases 300 from the case rack 200 onto the multiple mounting sections 130 one by one.

[0045] The transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the left-right and up-down directions by being connected to a horizontal movement mechanism 500 and a vertical movement mechanism 600. Each of the transport unit 400, the horizontal movement mechanism 500, and the vertical movement mechanism 600 is electrically connected to a control unit.

[0046] The transport unit 400 is configured to be movable only when the opening / closing door 240 is closed and locked. Specifically, the control unit drives each of the transport unit 400, the horizontal movement mechanism 500, and the vertical movement mechanism 600 only when it recognizes that the opening / closing door 240 is locked.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, when the transport unit 400 moves within the case rack 200, the transport unit 400 is positioned behind the case 300 placed on the shelf portion 220.

[0048] 6, the transport unit 400 moves left and right above the mounting section 130 inside the dispensing table unit 100. When the transport unit 400 moves left and right inside the dispensing table unit 100, the transport unit 400 overlaps with the mounting section 130 when viewed from the top and bottom. That is, the transport unit 400 is configured to pass through a position that overlaps with the selection case 300a placed on the mounting section 130 when viewed from the top and bottom, and is not configured to pass behind the selection case 300a without overlapping with the selection case 300a placed on the mounting section 130.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an identification code 340 is attached to the front of each of the multiple cases 300. The identification code 340 is a code for identifying the medicine stored in the case 300. When multiple medicines are stored in the case 300, multiple identification codes 340 may be attached to the case 300. The identification code 340 may be, for example, a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). The identification code 340 may be attached to the side of the case 300 instead of the front of the case 300. The identification code 340 does not necessarily have to be attached to the case 300.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, an identification code 350, which is an information carrier, is attached to the rear surface of each of the multiple cases 300. The identification code 350 is a code for identifying each individual case 300. The identification code 350 is, for example, a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), or a Chameleon code (registered trademark). In this manner, each of the multiple cases 300 is provided with an information carrier that carries identification information. The case identification information carried by the identification code 350 is pre-associated with drug identification information for identifying the drug contained in the case 300. Note that the identification information carried by the identification code 350 may be drug identification information of the drug contained in the case 300 to which the identification code 350 is attached.

[0051] Here, the case 300 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a case according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a case main body according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a case main body according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from below.

[0052] 7 to 9, the case 300 includes a case main body 310, a fractional part accommodating section 320, and a partition plate 330. Each of the fractional part accommodating section 320 and the partition plate 330 is formed so as to be able to be placed inside the case main body 310.

[0053] Fraction storage section 320 is a small case that stores fractional amounts of medicines packaged in a PTP (Press Through Package) packaging sheet, for example. When multiple types of medicines are stored in case 300, partition plate 330 divides the inside of case body 310 into multiple areas so that each type of medicine can be stored separately.

[0054] Case body 310 has a bottom 310b, and a front wall 310f, a rear wall 310r, and a pair of side walls 310s that stand upright from the periphery of bottom 310b. Case body 310 further has a transparent support part 311 that faces front wall 310f with slit 317 therebetween. Case body 310 is formed by integral molding of resin.

[0055] Transparent support part 311 is a part that supports a card with the name of a drug inserted into slit 317 from above so that the card can be seen from the front side of case 300. Specifically, the lower end of transparent support part 311 is bent backward, and the card is supported at this bent part.

[0056] Steps 312 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on a pair of side walls 310s of the case body 310. The outer width of the case body 310 in the left-right direction is wider at the upper part than at the lower part of the step 312. The inner width of the case body 310 in the left-right direction is also wider at the upper part than at the lower part of the step 312.

[0057] A pair of protrusions 313 extending in the left-right direction is formed on the upper surface of the rear wall 310r of the case main body 310. The pair of protrusions 313 are formed on both ends of the upper surface of the rear wall 310r of the case main body 310 in the left-right direction.

[0058] 9, a pair of recesses 314 are formed at the rear end of the bottom 310b of the case body 310. The pair of recesses 314 are formed at both left-right ends of the bottom 310b of the case body 310. Each of the pair of recesses 314 is open to the rear. That is, the inner wall surface of each of the pair of recesses 314 is composed of a pair of side wall surfaces 314s facing each other in the left-right direction and a front wall surface 314f connecting the pair of side wall surfaces 314s.

[0059] 7 and 8, a plurality of grooves 315 into which both left and right ends of the partition plate 330 are inserted are formed in the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 310s of the case body 310 above the step portion 312. Each of the plurality of grooves 315 extends in the up-down direction.

[0060] On the inner surface of a pair of side wall portions 310s of the case main body 310, groove portions 316 are formed in the upper part of the step portion 312 to engage with protrusions 321 formed on each of a pair of side surfaces of the fractional part accommodating portion 320 and position the fractional part accommodating portion 320 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0061] 9, an engagement portion 318 that engages with a claw portion of the transport unit 400 (described later) is formed on the rear side of the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r of the case main body 310. The engagement portion 318 faces the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r with a gap in the front-to-rear direction. The engagement portion 318 is connected to a flange that extends rearward from the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r.

[0062] Here, the configuration of the placement unit 130 according to this embodiment and the configuration of the periphery of the placement unit 130 in the dispensing table unit 100 will be described.

[0063] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side, with the mounting section pulled out. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the periphery of the mounting section of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the periphery of the mounting section of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the rear side. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a wall portion of the mounting section according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below on the rear side. Fig. 14 is a side view of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the mounting section being pulled out in the middle of being pulled out. Fig. 15 is a side view of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the mounting section pulled out in the middle of being pulled out.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 10, the front end of the placement portion 130 in the pulled-out and most forward position is located behind the front end of the dispensing table 120.

[0065] 10 and 15, when the placing portion 130 is pulled out and positioned at the frontmost position, the placing portion 130 is inclined so that the front end of the placing portion 130 is positioned lower than the rear end of the placing portion 130. The front end of the placing portion 130 is the wall surface portion 132, and the rear end of the placing portion 130 is the rear end of the base portion 131.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 14, and 15, the base portion 131 has a flat plate shape. An opening 131h is formed in the base portion 131. A pair of rollers 131r are provided at the bottom of the base portion 131 with a gap between them in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of rollers 131r is provided rotatably around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a dog 131a and an attached portion 131p are provided at the bottom of the base portion 131. The dog 131a and the attached portion 131p are each made of a single bent metal plate.

[0067] 11 to 15, a handle 132a is formed on the lower part of the wall surface part 132. The placement part 130 can be pulled out by hooking the handle 132a and pulling it.

[0068] An opening 132b is formed in the upper part of the wall surface portion 132. A transparent plate 133 that closes the opening 132b is attached to the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, a pair of protrusions 132c is provided on the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. The transparent plate 133 is attached to the wall surface portion 132 by inserting the pair of protrusions 132c into a pair of through holes formed in the transparent plate 133 and fitting retaining rings 134 onto each of the pair of protrusions 132c.

[0069] This makes it possible to view the card with the name of the medicine attached to the selection case 300a from the front side of the wall portion 132 through the transparent plate 133 and the transparent support portion 311.

[0070] 12 to 15, a protrusion 132d that engages with the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a is formed on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. Specifically, a pair of protrusions 132d are formed spaced apart in the left-right direction on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. The lower surface of each of the pair of protrusions 132d is flat.

[0071] 12, 14, and 15, a proximity sensor 10, a position detection sensor 11, an electromagnet 12, a guide rail 113, a roller 114, and a contact portion 115 are provided around the mounting portion 130 of the dispensing table unit 100. Each of the proximity sensor 10, the position detection sensor 11, and the electromagnet 12 is electrically connected to the control portion.

[0072] The proximity sensor 10 detects that the selection case 300a has been placed on the placement portion 130. The proximity sensor 10 is disposed below the opening 131h of the base portion 131 when the placement portion 130 is not pulled out, and detects the presence or absence of the selection case 300a on the base portion 131 through the opening 131h.

[0073] The position detection sensor 11 detects that the mounting portion 130 is located at the origin position in the front-to-rear direction when the mounting portion 130 is not pulled out. Specifically, the position detection sensor 11 detects that the mounting portion 130 is located at the origin position by detecting a dog 131a provided on the lower part of the base portion 131. In this embodiment, the position detection sensor 11 is a microphotosensor, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a limit switch.

[0074] The electromagnet 12 can lock the mounting portion 130 so that it cannot move. Specifically, when a current is supplied to the electromagnet 12, it attracts the attraction portion 131p provided at the bottom of the base portion 131, thereby locking the mounting portion 130 so that it cannot move from the origin position. When the supply of current to the electromagnet 12 is stopped, the lock on the mounting portion 130 is released. With this configuration, the five mounting portions 130 can be individually switched between a state in which drugs can be inserted or removed from the selection case 300a on which they are placed and a state in which they cannot.

[0075] The guide rails 113 define the movement trajectory of rollers 131r provided at the bottom of the base portion 131. Specifically, a pair of guide rails 113 are arranged below the placement portion 130, spaced apart in the left-right direction, so as to extend in the front-rear direction. Each of the pair of guide rails 113 has a through groove extending in the front-rear direction. A portion of the front side of the through groove is inclined so as to be positioned upward as it approaches the front. The rollers 131r move while rolling inside the through groove. This causes the placement portion 130 to move in the front-rear direction.

[0076] 14 and 15, roller 114 is in rolling contact with base portion 131 while placing portion 130 is being pulled out, and serves as a fulcrum when placing portion 130 rotates and tilts. Specifically, roller 114 is rotatably supported at a position behind the lower portion of opening 111.

[0077] As the roller 131r advances and rises along the inclined portion of the through groove of the guide rail 113, the base portion 131 rotates around the portion supported by the roller 114 as the rotation center, thereby tilting.

[0078] 15, the abutment portion 115 abuts from above against the rear portion of the selection case 300a placed on the placement portion 130 when it is pulled out and positioned at the frontmost position. Specifically, the abutment portion 115 is provided on the housing 110 and is provided at a position behind the upper portion of the opening 111 so as to be able to engage with each of the pair of protrusions 313. In this embodiment, the abutment portion 115 is made of sheet metal, but is not limited to this and may be made of rubber or the like.

[0079] When the mounting portion 130 is tilted, the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a placed on the mounting portion 130 is pressed down by the protrusion 132d, and the rear portion of the selection case 300a is pressed down by the protrusion 313, so that the selection case 300a cannot be easily removed from the mounting portion 130.

[0080] Here, the configuration of the transport unit 400 will be described. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front, with the claws retracted. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, with the claws retracted. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front, with the claws advanced. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, with the claws advanced.

[0081] 16 to 19, the transport unit 400 includes a housing 410, a motor 420, a pair of rotary shafts 430, a pair of support arms 440, a claw portion 450, a push plate 460, and a code reader 470 that serves as a position detection unit. The claw portion 450, the push plate 460, and the code reader 470 are configured to be movable together in the front-to-rear direction inside the housing 410. Specifically, the claw portion 450, the push plate 460, and the code reader 470 are configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction by a feed screw mechanism.

[0082] The housing 410 is open at the lower front and bottom so that it can accommodate and support the selection case 300a. The housing 410 is connected to a connection attachment 630 of the vertical movement mechanism 600 so that the transport unit 400 can be driven by the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600.

[0083] The motor 420 is fixed to the housing 410. The motor 420 drives a pair of rotation shafts 430. The pair of rotation shafts 430 are rotatably attached to opposing inner surfaces of the lower part of the housing 410. Each of the pair of rotation shafts 430 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0084] The pair of support arms 440 are attached one to each of the pair of rotation shafts 430. Each of the pair of support arms 440 rotates together with the rotation shaft 430 around the rotation shaft 430 to which it is attached. Each of the pair of support arms 440 is configured to be able to support the selection case 300a by supporting the step portion 312 of the selection case 300a from below.

[0085] The claw portion 450 is configured to be able to engage with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a. The claw portion 450 is supported so as to be able to rotate in the up and down direction.

[0086] The push plate 460 is configured so as to be able to come into contact with the outer surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a. The push plate 460 is located above the claw portion 450.

[0087] The code reader 470 is configured to be able to read the identification code 350 attached to the selection case 300a. The code reader 470 is located behind the push plate 460.

[0088] Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a state in which the transport unit is positioned behind a selected case stored in a case rack, and Fig. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the state in Fig. 20 as seen from the side.

[0089] Here, the configuration of the shelf portion 220 of the case rack 200 will be described. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the shelf portion 220 of the case rack 200 is provided with stoppers 223. When each of the multiple cases 300 is inserted into the case rack 200 from the front, the stoppers 223 regulate the position of each of the multiple cases 300 in the front-to-rear direction. Moreover, when each of the multiple cases 300 is inserted into or removed from the case rack 200 from the rear, the stoppers 223 allow each of the multiple cases 300 to move in the front-to-rear direction.

[0090] Specifically, the shelf board portion 220 is provided with a plurality of guide walls 221 that define the position of the case 300 in the left-right direction when the case 300 is inserted from the front into the case rack 200. The case 300 is inserted between the guide walls 221.

[0091] A pair of openings 222 are formed at a distance in the left-right direction on the rear side of the shelf board portion 220. Two stoppers 223 are arranged to protrude from each of the pair of openings 222. Each of the two stoppers 223 can be changed between a state in which it protrudes from the opening 222 and a state in which it does not protrude from the opening 222, and is biased by a spring in the direction in which it protrudes from the opening 222.

[0092] When the case 300 is inserted into the case rack 200 from the front, the front wall surface 314f of the recess 314 formed in the bottom 310b of the case body 310 comes into contact with the stopper 223, thereby positioning the case 300 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0093] When case 300 is inserted into or removed from case rack 200 from the rear, stopper 223 is pressed from above by bottom 310b of case 300, so that stopper 223 does not protrude from opening 222. When stopper 223 does not protrude from opening 222, movement of case 300 in the front-to-rear direction is permitted.

[0094] Here, we will explain the operation of the transport unit 400 when it receives and supports the selected case 300a from the case rack 200. The transport unit 400 moves behind the case rack 200 with the claws 450 retracted, and stops at a position behind the selected case 300a. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, as the claws 450 move forward, the claws 450 are positioned below the engagement portions 318 of the selected case 300a.

[0095] 22 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a transport unit located behind a selection case stored in a case rack, showing a state in which the claw portion 450 has rotated to rise. As shown in FIG. 22, when the claw portion 450 rotates to rise, the claw portion 450 engages with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a.

[0096] When the conveying unit 400 is slightly raised with the claw portion 450 engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a, the rear side of the selection case 300a is lifted, as shown in Fig. 22, and the engagement between the recessed portion 314 of the selection case 300a and the stopper 223 is released. Note that the configuration may be such that when the claw portion 450 rotates to rise, the rear side of the selection case 300a is lifted, and the engagement between the recessed portion 314 of the selection case 300a and the stopper 223 is released. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the stopper 223 retracts from the recessed portion 314 of the selection case 300a.

[0097] Figure 23 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the claws engaged with the inner surfaces of the engagement portions of the selection case are retracted. As shown in Figure 23, when the feed screw mechanism 480 is driven, the claws 450 engaged with the inner surfaces of the engagement portions 318 of the selection case 300a are retracted, causing the selection case 300a to slide along the shelf portion 220 and be pulled out rearward. At this time, the stopper 223 is pressed from above by the bottom portion 310b of the selection case 300a and is not protruding from the opening 222.

[0098] In this way, when the transport unit 400 pulls out the selection case 300a stored in the case rack 200 to the rear of the case rack 200, it lifts the rear side of the selection case 300a so that the selection case 300a can pass over the stopper 223.

[0099] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the transport unit as seen from the front, with the claws engaged with the inner surfaces of the engagement parts of the selection case having finished retracting. Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the transport unit as seen from the direction of arrow XXV.

[0100] When the transport unit 400 pulls out the selected case 300a stored in the case rack 200 to the rear of the case rack 200, the transport unit 400 positions each of the pair of support arms 440 at the support position.

[0101] 24 and 25, when the claws 450 engaged with the inner surfaces of the engagement portions 318 of the selection case 300a have finished retracting, the pair of support arms 440 are each positioned at the support position and support the step portions 312 of the selection case 300a from below. This allows the selection case 300a to be housed and supported by the transport unit 400. The transport unit 400, which has housed and supported the selection case 300a, moves to a position above the placement unit 130 and then descends until the selection case 300a it is supporting is located directly above the base portion 131 of the placement unit 130.

[0102] Fig. 26 is a front view of the pair of support arms in the retracted position, as seen from the front. Fig. 27 is a side view of the pair of support arms in Fig. 26 in the retracted position, as seen from the direction of arrow XXVII.

[0103] When the selection case 300a is positioned directly above the base 131 of the mounting unit 130, the pair of rotation shafts 430 are driven by the motor 420, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. This causes each of the pair of support arms 440 to rotate together with the rotation shaft 430 about the rotation shaft 430 to which it is attached, and moves to a retracted position below the pair of rotation shafts 430. This causes the selection case 300a to be mounted on the mounting unit 130.

[0104] Here, a description will be given of the operation for taking out or replenishing medicines in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment. The medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment can be switched alternatively between a first mode and a second mode.

[0105] In the first mode, the selection case 300a can be transported by the transport unit 400. That is, in the first mode, medicines can be taken out or replenished in front of the dispensing table unit 100. Only in the first mode can medicines be taken out or put into the selection case 300a placed on the placement section 130.

[0106] In the second mode, the transport unit 400 is stopped, and the multiple cases 300 can be manually taken in and out of the case rack 200. That is, in the second mode, drugs can be taken out or replenished in front of the case rack 200. Only in the second mode can drugs be taken in and out of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.

[0107] First, an example of an operation for taking out or replenishing medicines in front of the dispensing table unit 100 in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit included in the medicine supply device according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 28, the medicine supply device 1 includes a control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes an inventory quantity grasping unit 91 and a recording unit 92, which will be described later.

[0108] When the first mode is selected on the touch panel 170, the case containing the medicine to be removed or the case to be replenished with medicine is selected as the selected case from among the multiple cases stored in the case rack 200 based on the information stored in the control unit 90.

[0109] The control unit 90 operates the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600 to position the transport unit 400 behind the selected case 300a stored in the case rack 200, as shown in FIG.

[0110] The control unit 90 causes the transport unit 400 to accommodate and support the selection case 300a, and then operates the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600 to position the transport unit 400 above the placement section 130, as shown in Figure 6.

[0111] The transport unit 400, which is positioned above the placement section 130, descends until the selection case 300a that it supports is positioned directly above the base section 131 of the placement section 130. Thereafter, the pair of support arms 440 rotate to release support for the selection case 300a, and a portion of the bottom section 130b of the selection case 300a is placed on the base section 131. In this state, the push plate 460 advances while pressing the outer surface of the engagement section 318 of the selection case 300a, causing the front end of the selection case 300a to come into contact with the wall section 132 of the placement section 130, and the selection case 300a is placed on the base section 131.

[0112] When the proximity sensor 10 detects that the selection case 300a has been placed on the base portion 131, the display portion 160 corresponding to the placement portion 130 lights up, the electromagnet 12 is unlocked, and the placement portion 130 can be pulled out.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 15, when the placement section 130 is pulled out and tilted, the medicines contained in the selection case 300a are taken out or the selection case 300a is replenished with medicines.

[0114] When the position detection sensor 11 detects that the placement unit 130 has been returned to the dispensing table unit 100 after the removal or refilling of the medicines has been completed, the placement unit 130 is locked by the electromagnet 12. Thereafter, the selected case 300a placed on the placement unit 130 is transported by the transport unit 400 and returned to its original position on the case rack 200 stored in the control unit 90.

[0115] Next, an example of an operation for taking out or replenishing medicines in front of the case rack 200 in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0116] When the second mode is selected on the touch panel 170, the door 240 is unlocked and the transport unit 400 is immobilized. In this state, any one of the cases 300 stored in the case rack 200 can be removed from the front of the case rack 200 to remove or replenish medicines.

[0117] After the removal or refilling of the medicines, the case 300 is placed into the case rack 200 from the front of the case rack 200. When the case 300 is placed in or removed in this way, the case 300 is not necessarily returned to its original position in the case rack 200. Therefore, before operating in the first mode, it is necessary to have the control unit 90 grasp the arrangement of each of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200.

[0118] Therefore, in the medicine supply device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode, the code reader 470 is driven to grasp the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200. Specifically, the transport unit 400 moves behind the case rack 200 along the arrangement of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200, and the code reader 470 reads the identification codes 350 of each of the multiple cases 300, thereby grasping the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200. At this time, the code reader 470 is positioned forward enough so as not to interfere with the cases 300.

[0119] The code reader 470 may be configured to grasp the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 by moving along the arrangement of the multiple cases 300 only in the sections PLU, PRU, PLD, and PRD of the case rack 200 where the multiple open / close detectors 250 have detected an open door 240. In this case, the code reader 470 does not grasp the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in sections that are closed by a closed door 240. Furthermore, the code reader 470 does not grasp the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in sections where the open door 240 has been detected and where the open state has not been detected again.

[0120] The identified storage positions of the multiple cases 300 are stored in the control unit 90, and the selected case 300a is transported during first mode operation based on this stored information. Note that, if it is determined that a case 300 that has been inserted or removed has not been returned to its original position in the case rack 200 after the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 have been identified, the control unit 90 may display on the touch panel 170 a message guiding the user to return the inserted or removed case 300 to its original position in the case rack 200. Alternatively, the control unit 90 may cause the transport unit 400 to return the inserted or removed case 300 to its original position in the case rack 200.

[0121] When a case 300 is inserted or removed from the front of the case rack 200, the case 300 is usually returned to its original position in the case rack 200. Based on this premise, when switching from the second mode to the first mode, if an instruction is given for the transport unit 400 to transport the selected case 300a, the code reader 470 may not be driven, and the transport unit 400 may be given priority for transporting the selected case 300a. In this case, even if the transport unit 400 moves to the storage position of the selected case 300a, the selected case 300a may not be present in that storage position, or another case 300 may be present in that storage position. In this case, a message to that effect may be displayed on the touch panel 170, and the code reader 470 may be driven to identify the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200.

[0122] The arrangement of the cases 300, that is, returning the cases 300 to their original positions in the case rack 200 when inserting or removing the cases 300 from the front of the case rack 200, may or may not be strictly maintained. If the arrangement of the cases 300 is not strictly maintained, the control unit 90 must determine the arrangement of each of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 each time before operating in the first mode. If the arrangement of the cases 300 is strictly maintained, it is not necessary for the control unit 90 to determine the arrangement of each of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 each time before operating in the first mode. In this way, whether or not the code reader 470 is driven when switching from the second mode to the first mode may be set, taking into account whether the arrangement of the cases 300 is maintained.

[0123] Next, an example of the operation of the transport unit 400 in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment when transporting one selected case 300a placed on one mounting section 130 to the case rack 200 will be described. Fig. 29 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transport unit in the medicine supply device according to this embodiment when transporting one selected case placed on one mounting section to the case rack.

[0124] As shown in Figure 29, when the transport unit 400 transports a selected case 300a placed on a placement section 130 to the case rack 200, the control section 90 first determines whether a completion operation has been performed indicating the completion of the insertion and removal of medicine into and from the selected case 300a (step S1).

[0125] In this embodiment, the completion operation is an operation of returning one of the placement sections 130 that has been pulled out to its original position, and can be detected by the position detection sensor 11. The completion operation may be input by tapping an area on the display of the touch panel 170 that corresponds to one of the placement sections 130. Alternatively, a button may be provided near each of the multiple placement sections 130, and the completion operation may be input by pressing the button near one of the placement sections 130.

[0126] When the completion operation is performed, the transport unit 400 temporarily waits for one selected case 300a on one of the mounting sections 130, and then is set to a transport execution state in which it transports the selected case 300a from one of the mounting sections 130 to the case rack 200.

[0127] In this embodiment, while the transport unit 400 is set to the transport execution state, it makes one selected case 300a wait on one placement section 130 until a certain period of time has elapsed, and then transports the case from one placement section 130 to the case rack 200.

[0128] Specifically, when the completion operation is performed, the control unit 90 sets the transport unit 400 to a transport execution state. Next, the control unit 90 determines whether a certain amount of time has passed since the completion operation was performed (step S2). If the certain amount of time has passed since the completion operation was performed, the control unit 90 causes the transport unit 400 to transport one selected case 300a to the case rack 200 (step S3).

[0129] If a certain time has not elapsed since the completion operation, the control unit 90 determines whether a start operation has been performed to start putting medicines into or taking medicines out of another selection case 300a (step S4). The start operation is an operation to pull out another placement section 130 on which another selection case 300a is placed, and can be detected by the position detection sensor 11.

[0130] When a start operation is performed for another selected case 300a, the control unit 90 causes the transport unit 400 to transport the selected case 300a to the case rack 200 (step S3). As in this case, when a completion operation indicating the completion of putting medicine in or taking medicine out of one selected case 300a out of the multiple selected cases 300a is performed, the transport unit 400 temporarily waits the selected case 300a at one of the multiple mounting units 130 until a start operation indicating the start of putting medicine in or taking medicine out of another selected case 300a out of the multiple selected cases 300a is performed, and then transports the selected case 300a from the one mounting unit 130 to the case rack 200.

[0131] If a start operation has not been performed on another selection case 300a, the control unit 90 determines whether a cancel operation has been performed (step S5). If one selection case 300a is temporarily waiting on one placement unit 130 and the one placement unit 130 is unlocked and can be pulled out, the cancel operation may be an operation of pulling out the one placement unit 130 again. Note that the cancel operation may be input by tapping an area corresponding to the one placement unit 130 on the display of the touch panel 170. Alternatively, a button may be provided near each of the multiple placement units 130, and the cancel operation may be input by pressing the button near the one placement unit 130.

[0132] If a cancel operation is performed, the process returns to step S1, and the transport unit 400 is released from the transport execution state. That is, if a cancel operation to cancel the completion operation is performed while one selected case 300a is temporarily waiting on one placement section 130, the transport unit 400 is released from the transport execution state. If a cancel operation is not performed, the process returns to step S2.

[0133] If a start operation has not been performed for another selected case 300a, the control unit 90 may further determine whether the transport unit 400 has arrived at the first placement unit 130 before step S5. If the transport unit 400 has arrived at the first placement unit 130, the process may proceed to step S3. If the transport unit 400 has not arrived at the first placement unit 130, the process may proceed to step S5. In this way, the first selected case 300a may be made to wait at the first placement unit 130 until the transport unit 400 arrives at the first placement unit 130.

[0134] In addition, if the housing 110 is provided with a shutter that opens and closes the opening 111, the operation of pulling out the placement section 130 in the above start operation and the above cancel operation can be changed to an operation of opening the shutter, and the above completion operation can be changed to an operation of closing the shutter.

[0135] Next, an example of the operation of the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment when medicines are dispensed or inserted based on multiple prescription data will be described. Fig. 30 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit transports a selected case containing a medicine to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data to a loading section in the example of the medicine supply device according to this embodiment.

[0136] 30, when the transport unit 400 transports one selection case 300a containing one drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data to one mounting section 130, the display section 160 corresponding to the one mounting section 130 lights up, and the one mounting section 130 is unlocked, allowing the drug to be inserted into or removed from the one selection case 300a. The one mounting section 130 is the mounting section 130 located first from the left.

[0137] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit transports another selection case containing another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data to another loading section in an example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment.

[0138] 31, when the transport unit 400 transports another selection case 300a containing another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data to another mounting section 130, the display section 160 corresponding to the other mounting section 130 lights up, and the other mounting section 130 is unlocked, allowing drugs to be inserted into and removed from the other selection case 300a. The other mounting section 130 is the mounting section 130 located second from the left.

[0139] When the first prescription data includes two types of medicines to be supplied, after the selected cases 300a each containing the medicines to be supplied included in the first prescription data are transported from the case rack 200 to the two mounting sections 130, there will be three specific mounting sections 130 among the five mounting sections 130 on which the selected cases 300a are not mounted, as shown in Fig. 31. The three specific mounting sections 130 are the mounting sections 130 located third to fifth from the left.

[0140] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit sequentially transports selected cases containing the medicines to be supplied that are included in the second prescription data to the specific placement unit in an example of the medicine supply device according to this embodiment.

[0141] As shown in Figure 32, the transport unit 400 transports selected cases 300a each containing the drugs to be supplied that are included in the first prescription data from the case rack 200 to two mounting sections 130, and then, if there is a specific mounting section 130 among the five mounting sections 130 on which the selected case 300a is not placed, transports at least one selected case 300a each containing the drugs to be supplied that are included in the second prescription data from the case rack 200 to the specific mounting section 130.

[0142] The specific placement section 130 is maintained in a state where the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data cannot be taken in or out of the selected case 300a until a completion operation is performed indicating that the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data have been taken in or out of the selected case 300a.

[0143] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 32, when the transport unit 400 transports the selected case 300a containing the drug to be supplied that is included in the second prescription data to the specific mounting section 130, the display section 160 corresponding to the specific mounting section 130 lights up, and the specific mounting section 130 remains locked.

[0144] Of the five display units 160, the display units 160 corresponding to the mounting units 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data are placed have the same display mode, but have different display modes from the display units 160 corresponding to the mounting units 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data are placed.

[0145] For example, the display units 160 corresponding to the first and second mounting units 130 from the left on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data are placed emit light in blue, and the display units 160 corresponding to the third to fifth mounting units 130 from the left on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data are placed emit light in green.

[0146] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit transports a selected case containing a drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data from a placement unit to a case rack in an example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment.

[0147] When a completion operation is performed on one selected case 300a of one drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data, the transport unit 400 transports the one selected case 300a from one mounting section 130 to the case rack 200, as shown in Fig. 33. As a result, the display section 160 corresponding to the one mounting section 130 is turned off, and the one mounting section 130 is locked.

[0148] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit transports another selected case containing another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data from another mounting section to the case rack in an example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment.

[0149] When a completion operation is performed on another selected case 300a of another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data, the transport unit 400 transports the other selected case 300a from the other mounting unit 130 to the case rack 200, as shown in Fig. 34. As a result, the display unit 160 corresponding to the other mounting unit 130 is turned off, and the other mounting unit 130 is locked.

[0150] When the operation of completing the insertion / removal of all drugs to be inserted / removed from the selection cases 300a of the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data to the mounting units 130 is performed, the three mounting units 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data are placed are unlocked. That is, of the five mounting units 130, each mounting unit 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in one prescription data are placed is switched to a state in which drugs can be inserted / removed.

[0151] It should be noted that among the five mounting sections 130, the mounting sections 130 on which the selection cases 300a are placed may be selectively switched one by one to a state in which the medicine can be taken in and out. An example of the operation in this case will be described below.

[0152] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit transports a selected case containing a drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data to a loading section in a modified example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0153] 35, when the transport unit 400 transports one selection case 300a containing one drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data to one mounting section 130, the display section 160 corresponding to the one mounting section 130 lights up, and the one mounting section 130 is unlocked, allowing the drug to be inserted into or removed from the one selection case 300a. The one mounting section 130 is the mounting section 130 located first from the left.

[0154] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a state in which the transporting unit transports another selection case containing another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data to another loading section in a modified example of the medicine supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0155] 36, when the transport unit 400 transports another selected case 300a containing another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data to another mounting section 130, the display section 160 corresponding to the other mounting section 130 lights up, and the other mounting section 130 remains locked. The other mounting section 130 is the second mounting section 130 from the left.

[0156] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a state in which the transporting unit sequentially transports selected cases containing medicines to be supplied that are included in the second prescription data to the specific mounting section in a modification of the medicine supplying device according to the present embodiment.

[0157] 37, the transport unit 400 transports the selected cases 300a each containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data from the case rack 200 to two mounting sections 130, and then, if there is a specific mounting section 130 among the five mounting sections 130 on which the selected case 300a is not placed, transports at least one selected case 300a each containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data from the case rack 200 to the specific mounting section 130. The specific mounting sections 130 are the mounting sections 130 located third to fifth from the left.

[0158] The specific placement section 130 is maintained in a state where the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data cannot be taken in or out of the selected case 300a until a completion operation is performed indicating that the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data have been taken in or out of the selected case 300a.

[0159] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 37, when the transport unit 400 transports the selected case 300a containing the drug to be supplied that is included in the second prescription data to the specific mounting section 130, the display section 160 corresponding to the specific mounting section 130 lights up and the specific mounting section 130 remains locked.

[0160] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit transports a selected case containing a drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data from a placement unit to a case rack in a modified example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0161] 38, when a completion operation is performed on one selected case 300a of one drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data, the transport unit 400 transports the one selected case 300a from one mounting section 130 to the case rack 200, and the other mounting sections 130 are unlocked. As a result, the display section 160 corresponding to the one mounting section 130 is turned off, and the one mounting section 130 is locked, allowing drugs to be put in and taken out of the other selected case 300a.

[0162] FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport unit transports another selected case containing another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data from another mounting section to the case rack in a modified example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0163] When a completion operation is performed on another selected case 300a of another drug to be supplied that is included in the first prescription data, the transport unit 400 transports the other selected case 300a from the other mounting unit 130 to the case rack 200, as shown in Fig. 39. As a result, the display unit 160 corresponding to the other mounting unit 130 is turned off, and the other mounting unit 130 is locked.

[0164] When the operation of completing the insertion / removal of all drugs to be inserted / removed from the selected cases 300a among the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data to the mounting units 130 is performed, the lock of one of the three mounting units 130 on which the selected cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data are placed is released. As described above, the mounting units 130 on which the selected cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in one prescription data are placed are selectively switched one by one to a state in which drugs can be inserted / removed.

[0165] The display mode of the display unit 160 may be changed so that it is possible to know whether the placement unit 130 on which the selection case 300a is placed is unlocked or not. For example, the display unit 160 corresponding to the placement unit 130 on which the selection case 300a is placed but is not unlocked is lit, and the display unit 160 corresponding to the placement unit 130 on which the selection case 300a is placed and is unlocked is blinking.

[0166] The display mode of the display unit 160 may be displayed on the touch panel 170. Figure 40 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the touch panel of the medicine supply device according to this embodiment.

[0167] 40, a plurality of display units are displayed on the touch panel 170 in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of placement units 130. Specifically, a plurality of placement unit regions R130 are displayed on the touch panel 170 in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of placement units 130, and a plurality of display regions R160 are displayed in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of placement unit regions R130.

[0168] Each of the multiple display areas R160 has the same display mode as the display areas R160 corresponding to the mounting sections 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data are placed, but has a different display mode from the display areas R160 corresponding to the mounting sections 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data are placed.

[0169] The touch panel 170 displays a prescription data area RD that displays multiple prescription data, a selection area RC in which prescription data can be selected, a mode switching area R400 that can be switched to the first mode or the second mode, and a completion area RE in which a completion operation indicating the completion of the insertion and removal of the medicine to be supplied that is included in the prescription data is input.

[0170] Next, an example of an operation for determining the stock quantity of medicines in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0171] The stock quantity grasping unit 91 shown in Fig. 28 grasps the stock quantity of medicines stored in the case rack 200. The stock quantity grasping unit 91 is composed of a memory unit and a calculation device. The stock quantities of medicines stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit are grasped by a computer (not shown) electrically connected to the control unit 90. In this embodiment, the stock quantities of medicines stored in the case rack 200, the lower storage space 140, and the upper storage space 150 are grasped by the computer.

[0172] In either the first mode or the second mode, when a completion operation indicating the completion of taking in or taking out the medicine to be supplied, which is included in the prescription data, is performed, the stock quantity grasping unit 91 updates the stock quantity of the medicine to be supplied based on the prescription data. That is, in the stock quantity grasping unit 91, each time a completion operation is performed, the calculation device calculates the stock quantity by subtracting the quantity of the medicine to be supplied, which is included in the prescription data, from the stock quantity before supply, which is stored in the storage unit, and the storage unit stores the calculated stock quantity to update the stock quantity.

[0173] When the medicine supply device 1 is in the first mode, the completion operation is an operation of returning one of the mounting sections 130 that has been pulled out to its original position, and can be detected by the position detection sensor 11. The completion operation may be input by tapping a mounting section region R130 corresponding to one of the mounting sections 130 on the display of the touch panel 170. Alternatively, a button may be provided near each of the multiple mounting sections 130, and the completion operation may be input by pressing the button near one of the mounting sections 130.

[0174] When the medicine supply device 1 is in the second mode, the completion operation is input by tapping the completion area RE on the touch panel 170 shown in FIG. 40 while checking the selection area RC to select one of the prescription data.

[0175] In the second mode, a completion operation indicating the completion of taking in or taking out medicines to be supplied included in a plurality of prescription data can be performed all at once. Specifically, on the touch panel 170 shown in Fig. 40, the completion operation can be performed all at once by tapping the completion area RE in a state where a plurality of prescription data are selected by checking a plurality of selection areas RC.

[0176] 28 records a history of taking in and out medicines. The recording unit 92 records prescription data and implementation mode information indicating whether the taking in and out of medicines to be supplied included in the prescription data was performed in the first mode or the second mode, in association with each other.

[0177] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, when a completion operation indicating the completion of putting medicines into or taking medicines out of a selected case 300a is performed, the transport unit 400 is set to a transport execution state in which the selected case 300a is temporarily held on at least one of the mounting sections 130 and then transported from the at least one mounting section 130 to the case rack 200. If a cancel operation to cancel the completion operation is performed while the selected case 300a is temporarily held on at least one mounting section 130, the transport unit 400 is released from the transport execution state. This makes it possible to reduce the time required to move the case 300 from the case rack 200 when the drug putting-in / out operation is resumed within a certain period of time for the case 300 in which the drug putting-in / out operation has been performed.

[0178] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, while the transport unit 400 is set to the transport execution state, the transport unit 400 keeps the selected case 300a waiting on at least one of the mounting sections 130 until a certain time has elapsed, and then transports the selected case 300a from the at least one mounting section 130 to the case rack 200. This allows medicines to be put into or taken out of the selected case 300a again until the certain time has elapsed while the transport execution state is set.

[0179] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, when a completion operation indicating the completion of putting medicines into or taking medicines out of one of the plurality of selection cases 300a is performed, the transport unit 400 temporarily waits the one selection case 300a on one of the plurality of mounting units 130 until a start operation indicating the start of putting medicines into or taking medicines out of another of the plurality of selection cases 300a is performed, and then transports the one selection case 300a from the one mounting unit 130 to the case rack 200. This allows medicines to be put into or taken out of the one selection case 300a again until putting medicines into or taking medicines out of the other selection case 300a is started.

[0180] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, while the transport unit 400 is set to the transport execution state, the selected case 300a waits at at least one of the mounting sections 130 until the transport unit 400 reaches at least one of the mounting sections 130, and then transports the selected case 300a from the at least one mounting section 130 to the case rack 200. This allows medicines to be put into or taken out of the selected case 300a again until the transport unit 400 reaches at least one of the mounting sections 130 while the transport execution state is set.

[0181] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, at least one of the mounting sections 130 is configured to be retractable in the front-rear direction and to be lockable so that it cannot be moved, and while the selection case 300a is temporarily waiting in at least one of the mounting sections 130, the at least one mounting section 130 is unlocked and can be pulled out, and the cancel operation is the operation of pulling out the at least one mounting section. This makes it easy to perform the cancel operation.

[0182] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, transport unit 400 transports a first drug between first storage section and mounting section 130. A second storage section is provided around mounting section 130 and stores a second drug so that the second drug can be manually taken in and out. This narrows the range of movement of the operator for taking in and out the drug, and allows multiple types of drug to be taken in and out in a short time.

[0183] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, a dispensing table 120 is provided around the placing section 130. This facilitates the operation of putting in and taking out medicines.

[0184] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the second storage section is provided above, below, or to one of the sides of the mounting section 130. This allows multiple types of medicines to be taken in and out while being located in front of the mounting section 130.

[0185] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the second medicine is prescribed more frequently than the first medicine. For medicines that are prescribed more frequently, placing them around the mounting section 130 and manually inserting and removing them can take them in and out in a shorter time than automatically transporting them.

[0186] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 transports the first medicine based on prescription data. This allows medicines that are prone to being mixed up, such as medicines with similar names or medicines that differ only in weight standard, to be prepared based on the prescription data, thereby preventing medicines from being mixed up.

[0187] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the first medicine is contained in case 300. Transport unit 400 transports the first medicine contained in case 300. This makes it easier to transport the first medicine compared to storing the first medicine in the first storage unit while it is contained in a medicine box, and also makes it possible to prevent the first medicine contained in case 300 from falling out of the first storage unit in the event of an earthquake or the like.

[0188] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the plurality of mounting sections 130 can be individually switched between a state in which drugs can be inserted into or removed from the selected cases 300a placed therein. After transporting the selected cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data from the case rack 200 to the plurality of mounting sections 130, if there is a specific mounting section 130 among the plurality of mounting sections 130 in which the selected cases 300a are not placed, the transport unit 400 transports at least one selected case 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data from the case rack 200 to the specific mounting section 130. The specific mounting section 130 remains in a state in which drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data cannot be inserted into or removed from at least one selected case 300a until a completion operation indicating completion of insertion and removal of the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data from the selected case 300a is performed. This allows drugs to be inserted into or removed from each case 300 without error within a short time.

[0189] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the state in which the medicine can be taken in and out is switched to each of the plurality of mounting sections 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the medicines to be supplied included in one prescription data are mounted. This makes it possible to prevent mistakenly taking in and out medicines related to different prescription data.

[0190] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, among the plurality of mounting sections, the mounting sections on which the selection cases are mounted are selectively switched one by one to a state in which medicines can be inserted or removed, thereby preventing the mistaken insertion or removal of medicines.

[0191] In the medicine supply device according to the present embodiment, the display units 160 corresponding to the mounting units 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the medicines to be supplied included in the first prescription data are mounted have the same display mode, but have a different display mode from the display unit 160 corresponding to the mounting unit 130 on which at least one selection case 300a containing the medicines to be supplied included in the second prescription data is mounted. This allows the user to easily identify the selection case 300a into or out of which medicines are to be put in or taken out.

[0192] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the plurality of display units are displayed on the image display unit so as to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of mounting units 130. This allows easy recognition of the mounting unit 130 on which the selection case 300a for inserting and removing medicines is mounted.

[0193] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the position determination unit determines the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200. The case rack 200 is configured so that the multiple cases 300 can be manually inserted and removed. Each of the multiple cases 300 is provided with an information carrier that stores identification information. The position determination unit moves along the arrangement of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 and acquires the identification information from the information carrier of each of the multiple cases 300, thereby determining the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200. This makes it possible to determine the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 with a simple configuration.

[0194] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the position grasping unit is provided in the transport unit 400. This eliminates the need to provide a drive mechanism for moving the position grasping unit separately from the transport unit 400, thereby simplifying the configuration of the medicine supply device.

[0195] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the case rack 200 is divided into a plurality of compartments. The case rack 200 includes a plurality of opening / closing units and a plurality of opening / closing detection units 250. The plurality of opening / closing units can individually open and close the plurality of compartments. The plurality of opening / closing detection units 250 detect the open / closed states of the plurality of opening / closing units in a one-to-one correspondence. In a compartment opened by one of the plurality of opening / closing units in an open state, the plurality of cases 300 can be manually taken in and out. In a compartment closed by one of the plurality of opening / closing units in a closed state, the plurality of cases 300 cannot be manually taken in and out. The position determination unit, among the plurality of compartments, moves along the arrangement of the plurality of cases 300 only for a compartment in which an open opening / closing unit is detected by the plurality of opening / closing detection units 250 and in which the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in that compartment have not yet been determined after the detection, thereby determining the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200. As a result, by determining the positions of only the sections in which cases 300 whose storage positions have not yet been determined exist, the storage positions of a plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 can be determined in a short time.

[0196] The medicine supply device according to this embodiment can be switched between a first mode in which the selected case 300a can be transported by the transport unit 400, and a second mode in which the transport unit 400 is stopped and multiple cases 300 can be manually taken in and out of the case rack 200. When the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode, the position recognition unit is driven to recognize the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200. This allows the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 to be recognized when the transport unit 400 starts transporting the selected case 300a.

[0197] In the medicine supply device according to the present embodiment, when switching from the second mode to the first mode, if an instruction to transport the selected case 300a by the transporting unit 400 is given, the position determination unit may not be driven, and priority may be given to the transport of the selected case 300a by the transporting unit 400. This reduces the waiting time for the position determination unit to determine the location of the case 300.

[0198] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, it may be possible to set whether or not the position grasping unit is driven when the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode. By setting the position grasping unit not to be driven when the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode, if the position of the case 300 is thoroughly maintained by returning the case 300 to its original position in the case rack 200 when the case 300 is inserted or removed from the front of the case rack 200, it is possible to reduce the wasted waiting time for the position grasping unit to grasp the position of the case 300.

[0199] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the multiple cases 300 are arranged on a case rack 200 along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. The case rack 200 is configured so that the multiple cases 300 can be manually inserted and removed from the front of the case rack 200. The case rack 200 includes a work table 230 that is used when inserting and removing medicines into and from the multiple cases 300 in front of the case rack 200. This allows medicines to be easily inserted and removed from the cases 300 even in front of the case rack 200.

[0200] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, workbench 230 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which it protrudes forward from the front surface of case rack 200 and a second state in which it is positioned rearward from the front surface of case rack 200. This allows workbench 230 to be used only when it is needed, and allows workbench 230 to be positioned out of the way in front of case rack 200 when it is not needed.

[0201] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, a storage space S230 for storing a work table 230 is formed in the case rack 200. In the second state, the work table 230 is stored in the storage space S230. This allows the work table 230 to be stored in the case rack 200 when it is not needed, so that the work table 230 does not get in the way.

[0202] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the work table 230 can be pushed into the storage space S230 and can be pulled out from the storage space S230, which allows the work table 230 to be easily switched between the first state and the second state.

[0203] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, work table 230 includes a push-open mechanism that urges work table 230 to move forward when the front surface of work table 230 is pressed. This eliminates the need to provide a handle on work table 230, and therefore, work table 230 can be prevented from getting in the way in front of case rack 200.

[0204] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 is provided movably behind the case rack 200. This prevents the transport unit 400 from getting in the way when medicines are put into or taken out of the cases 300 in front of the case rack 200.

[0205] The medicine supply device according to this embodiment can be switched between a first mode in which the selected case 300a can be transported by the transport unit 400, and a second mode in which the transport unit 400 is stopped and multiple cases 300 can be manually taken in and out of the case rack 200. Only in the first mode can medicines be taken in and out of the selected case 300a placed on the mounting section 130. Only in the second mode can medicines be taken in and out of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200. This allows the user to select whether to take medicines in and out of the case 300 on the mounting section 130 or on the case rack 200.

[0206] The medicine supply device according to this embodiment further includes an inventory quantity grasping unit 91 that grasps the inventory quantity of medicines. In both the first mode and the second mode, when a completion operation indicating the completion of taking in or taking out the medicine to be supplied, which is included in the prescription data, is performed, the inventory quantity grasping unit 91 updates the inventory quantity of the medicine to be supplied based on the prescription data. This makes it possible to easily grasp the inventory quantity of medicines.

[0207] In the second mode, the medicine supply device according to this embodiment can simultaneously perform a completion operation indicating the completion of the insertion and removal of medicines to be supplied that are included in multiple prescription data. This allows the user to easily grasp the inventory quantity of medicines that have been manually inserted and removed.

[0208] The medicine supply device according to this embodiment further includes a recording unit 92 that records a history of the insertion and removal of medicines. The recording unit 92 records the prescription data and implementation mode information, which indicates whether the insertion and removal of the medicine to be supplied included in the prescription data was performed in the first mode or the second mode, in association with each other. This makes it possible to later confirm whether the insertion and removal of the medicine was performed in the first mode or the second mode.

[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 medicine supply device, 10 proximity sensor, 11 position detection sensor, 12 electromagnet, 90 control unit, 91 inventory quantity grasp unit, 92 recording unit, 100 dispensing table unit, 110, 210, 410 housing, 111, 131h, 132b, 222 opening, 112 storage space, 113 guide rail, 114, 131r roller, 115 abutment portion, 120 dispensing table, 130 placement portion, 130b, 310b bottom portion, 131 base portion, 131a dog, 131p adsorbed portion, 132 wall portion, 132c, 321 protrusion, 132d, 313 protrusion, 133 transparent plate, 134 retaining ring, 140 lower storage space, 150 upper storage space, 160 display unit, 161 Indicator light, 170 touch panel, 180, 470 code reader, 190 printer, 200 case rack, 220 shelf board portion, 221 guide wall, 223 stopper, 230 work table, 231 push-open mechanism, 240 opening / closing door, 250 opening / closing detection portion, 300 case, 300a selection case, 310 case body, 310f front wall portion, 310r rear wall portion, 310s side wall portion, 311 transparent support portion, 312 step portion, 314 recess, 314f front wall surface, 314s side wall surface, 315, 316 groove portion, 317 slit, 318 engagement portion, 320 fractional part storage portion, 330 partition plate, 340, 350 identification code, 400 transport unit, 420 motor, 430 Rotating axis, 440 support arm, 450 claw section, 460 plate, 480 screw mechanism, 500 horizontal movement mechanism, 600 vertical movement mechanism, 630 connection attachment, PLD, PLU, PRD, PRU compartment, R130 mounting area, R160 display area, RC selection area, RD prescription data area, RE completion area, S230 storage space.

Claims

1. a case rack for storing a plurality of cases in which medicines are contained; a placement section on which a selected case selected from the plurality of cases can be placed, and which is used to put the medicine into and take out the medicine from the selected case; a transport unit that transports the selected cases between the case rack and the placement unit; a recording unit for recording a history of the drug being taken in and out; The case rack is configured so that the plurality of cases can be manually inserted and removed, a first mode in which the selected case can be transported by the transport unit, and a second mode in which the transport unit is stopped and the plurality of cases can be manually taken in and out of the case rack; Only in the first mode, the medicine can be put into and taken out of the selection case placed on the placement section, Only in the second mode, the medicines can be put into and taken out from the plurality of cases stored in the case rack, When a completion operation indicating completion of taking in or out the medicine to be supplied, which is included in the prescription data, is performed, the recording unit records the prescription data and implementation mode information indicating whether the taking in or out of the medicine to be supplied, which is included in the prescription data, in the first mode or the second mode, in association with each other.

2. The medicine supply device according to claim 1 , wherein in the second mode, a completion operation indicating completion of taking in or taking out medicines to be supplied that are included in a plurality of prescription data can be performed collectively.

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