Drug supply device

Abstract

Reduce the time required to supply medication. [Solution] The drug supply unit has a drug receiving position to receive the replenished drugs, and transports the drugs from the drug receiving position while aligning them, supplying them one by one from the front. The drug replenishment unit replenishes the drugs at the drug receiving position. The drug detection unit detects the presence or absence of drugs at the drug receiving position and outputs a drug detection signal. The control unit controls the drug replenishment unit. The control unit receives the drug detection signal from the drug detection unit and controls the drug replenishment unit according to the drug detection signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug supply device.

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art document that discloses the configuration of a drug supply device, there is International Publication No. 2016 / 013553 (Patent Document 1). The drug supply device described in Patent Document 1 includes a drug dispensing unit including a first rotating body, a second rotating body, and a guide member. The first rotating body has a circular surface that is rotatably disposed in an inclined state with respect to a horizontal plane. The second rotating body is rotatably disposed on the outer peripheral side of the first rotating body and has an annular surface disposed on the horizontal plane. The guide member is disposed above the circular surface of the first rotating body, extends in the radial direction with respect to the circular surface, and is located on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the first rotating body as it goes radially outward, and has a guide surface against which the drug placed on the first rotating body can abut due to the rotation of the first rotating body. The drug supply device further includes a drug replenishment unit that replenishes the drug dispensing unit with a drug. The drug replenishment unit can replenish the drug based on the replenishment status of the drug in the drug dispensing unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Drug supply devices are required to shorten the required time for supplying drugs. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a drug supply device capable of shortening the required time for supplying drugs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The drug supply device according to the present invention comprises a drug supply unit, a drug replenishment unit, a drug detection unit, and a control unit. The drug supply unit has a drug receiving position for receiving replenished drugs, and transports the drugs from the drug receiving position while aligning them, supplying the drugs one by one in order from the front. The drug replenishment unit replenishes the drugs at the drug receiving position. The drug detection unit detects the presence or absence of drugs at the drug receiving position and outputs a drug detection signal. The control unit controls the drug replenishment unit. The control unit receives the drug detection signal from the drug detection unit and controls the drug replenishment unit according to the drug detection signal.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the drug detection unit has a first detection state in which it detects that there is a drug in the drug receiving position, and a second detection state in which it detects that there is no drug in the drug receiving position. When the drug detection unit is in the first detection state, the control unit stops the drug replenishment unit from replenishing the drug, and when the drug detection unit is in the second detection state, it causes the drug replenishment unit to replenishing the drug.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit causes the drug replenishment unit to replenish the drug after a waiting period has elapsed from the time the drug detection unit changes from a first detection state to a second detection state.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a drug information signal containing drug information relating to the shape of the drug is input to the control unit. The control unit sets the waiting time according to the drug information.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit stops the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit when the drug detection unit changes from the second detection state to the first detection state, and restarts the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit at the later of the following two points: when the operating amount of the drug supply unit exceeds a set value from the above point, or when the drug detection unit changes from the first detection state to the second detection state.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, a drug information signal containing drug information relating to the shape of the drug is input to the control unit. The control unit sets the above-mentioned setting value according to the drug information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the time required to supply the drug can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a drug packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drug packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a plan view of the drug packaging device as seen from the direction of arrow III. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the configuration of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the drug supply unit of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a plan view of the drug supply unit as seen from the direction of arrow VI. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the drug supply unit as seen from the direction of arrow VII. [Figure 8] Figure 5 shows the drug supply unit viewed from the direction of arrow VIII. [Figure 9] Figure 5 shows the drug supply unit viewed from the direction of arrow IX. [Figure 10] This is a side view showing the configuration of a rotating body included in the drug supply unit of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a lid member included in the drug supply section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a view of the lid member in Figure 11, seen from the direction of arrow XII. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows the lid member viewed from the direction of arrow XIII. [Figure 14] Figure 13 shows the lid member viewed from the direction of arrow XIV. [Figure 15] Figure 13 shows the lid member viewed from the direction of arrow XV. [Figure 16]It is a perspective view showing the appearance of an opening / closing member included in a drug supply unit provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a view of the opening / closing member in FIG. 16 as seen from the direction of arrow XVII. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view showing a state in which an opening / closing part rotates upward and a discharge part is opened in a drug supply unit provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of a drug storage container of a drug replenishment unit provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing a state in which an outer lid is removed from a drug storage container of a drug replenishment unit provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid part is removed from a drug storage container of a drug replenishment unit provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] It is a side view showing a state in which a lid part is removed from a drug storage container of a drug replenishment unit provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] It is a plan view showing a state in which a lid part is removed from a drug storage container of a drug replenishment unit provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] It is a bottom view showing a state in which a lid part is removed from a drug storage container of a drug replenishment unit provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which a lid part is removed from a drug storage container of a drug replenishment unit provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] It is a partial perspective view showing the shape of the opening side of a drug storage container of a drug replenishment unit provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] It is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of a base part provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] It is a partial rear view showing the configuration of a base part provided in a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] This is a partial perspective view showing the drug supply unit of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted on the base. [Figure 30] This is a front view showing a drug supply unit and a drug container attached to the base of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with a part of the cover of the base removed. [Figure 31] This is a front perspective view showing a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the drug container and a portion of the base cover removed. [Figure 32] This is a rear perspective view showing a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention with some of the base covers removed. [Figure 33] This is a block diagram showing the connection system of a drug packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This is a block diagram showing the connection system of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] This is a time chart showing the operation of a drug dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention in accordance with prescription information. [Figure 36] This is a diagram illustrating prescription information and packaging information. [Figure 37] This flowchart illustrates the operation of the control unit of a drug supply device when the required number of drugs for a single prescription is input from the main control unit. [Figure 38] This flowchart explains the operation of the control unit when the drug replenishment unit replenishes the drug. [Figure 39] This flowchart explains the operation of the control unit of the drug supply device after receiving the required number of drugs per package and supply instructions from the main control unit. [Figure 40] This flowchart explains the operation of the control unit when the drug supply unit supplies drugs. [Figure 41] This flowchart explains the operation of the control unit when counting drugs supplied by the drug supply unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, a drug packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. In the following description of the embodiment, the same or corresponding parts in the figures will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a drug packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drug packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a plan view of the drug packaging device of Figure 2 as seen from the direction of arrow III. In Figure 1, the door of the housing is open and the hand-dispensing cassette has slid to the front of the housing. In Figure 3, the ceiling of the drug packaging device is shown as a transparent view.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a drug packaging device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a drug supply device unit, a housing 410, a rotating drum 420, a hopper 430, and a drug packaging device unit 440. The drug packaging device 400 further comprises a control device unit, which will be described later.

[0016] The drug supply unit has multiple drug supply devices for supplying drugs. Specifically, the drug supply unit has multiple first drug supply devices 10, multiple second drug supply devices 20, and a third drug supply device 30.

[0017] Each of the multiple second drug supply devices 20 contains multiple drugs and is configured to supply the required number of drugs. The second drug supply device 20 is an automatic drug supply cassette. The third drug supply device 30 is a manual drug supply cassette. The manual drug supply cassette has compartments arranged in a matrix, and each compartment contains one packet of drug.

[0018] Each of the multiple first drug supply devices 10 can supply the drug to a second drug supply device 20 that has run out of drug. In addition, each of the multiple first drug supply devices 10 can supply a drug other than the drug contained in each of the multiple second drug supply devices 20.

[0019] The drug supply unit dispenses individual doses of drug from a drug supply unit selected from among several drug supply units. The drug packaging unit 440 packages the individual doses of drug supplied from the drug supply unit. The control unit controls both the drug supply unit and the drug packaging unit.

[0020] The housing 410 houses a drug supply unit, a rotating drum 420, a hopper 430, and a drug packaging unit 440. The housing 410 has a door that can be opened and closed. An operation panel 50 is provided on the front of the housing 410.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rotating drum 420 is supported within the housing 410 so as to be rotatable around the axis 4. Multiple first drug supply devices 10 and multiple second drug supply devices 20 are attached to the rotating drum 420. That is, the first drug supply devices 10 are housed within the housing 410 in a movable state.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the rotating drum 420 is provided with a drug transport path 421. The drug transport path 421 is located above the hopper 430. As shown in Figure 3, the first drug supply device 10 and the second drug supply device 20 are arranged in a ring shape on the outer circumference of the rotating drum 420. As shown in Figure 2, the first drug supply device 10 and the second drug supply device 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The first drug supply device 10 and the second drug supply device 20 are each connected to the drug transport path 421. The drugs supplied from the first drug supply device 10 and the second drug supply device 20 pass through the drug transport path 421 and are fed into the hopper 430. The drugs supplied from the third drug supply device 30 are fed into the hopper 430. The drugs fed into the hopper 430 are packaged by the drug packaging device unit 440.

[0023] The configuration of the drug packaging device 400 is not limited to the above. For example, the first drug supply device 10 and the second drug supply device 20 may each be mounted on a sliding rack instead of the rotating drum 420. In this case, the first drug supply device 10 and the second drug supply device 20 can each be moved to the outside of the housing 410 by pulling the rack out of the housing 410. The sliding direction of the rack may be in the front-to-back direction of the housing 410 or in the left-to-right direction of the housing 410. The doors of the housing 410 may also be of a double-door type.

[0024] Next, a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. Figure 4 is a front view showing the configuration of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a drug supply module 100, which is a drug supply unit, and a drug replenishment unit 12. The first drug supply device 10 further includes a base unit 200. A display unit 250 and a stop switch 238 are provided on the front of the base unit 200. The drug replenishment unit 12 includes a drug storage container 300 for storing drugs. The drug supply module 100 and the drug storage container 300 are each separately detachable from the base unit 200.

[0025] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the drug supply unit of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a plan view of the drug supply unit of Figure 5 as seen from the direction of arrow VI. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the drug supply unit of Figure 5 as seen from the direction of arrow VII. Figure 8 is a view of the drug supply unit of Figure 5 as seen from the direction of arrow VIII. Figure 9 is a view of the drug supply unit of Figure 5 as seen from the direction of arrow IX.

[0026] Figures 6 and 7 show the lid portion, which will be described later, in a transparent view. Figure 8 does not show the lid member and opening / closing member, which will be described later. Figure 9 shows the lid portion in a transparent view, but does not show the support portion, which will be described later.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5 to 9, the drug supply module 100, which is a drug supply unit of the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a rotating body 110, a peripheral wall portion, and a discharge portion 131. In this embodiment, the drug supply module 100 further comprises a support portion 150, a lid portion 126, and an opening / closing portion 141. As will be described later, the drug supply module 100 has a drug receiving position for receiving replenished drugs and a discharge portion 131, and functions as a drug supply unit that transports drugs in a line from the drug receiving position toward the discharge portion 131, and discharges the drugs one by one from the discharge portion 131 in order from the front.

[0028] In this embodiment, the drug supply module 100 is integrally constructed including a rotating body 110, a peripheral wall, a discharge section 131, and an opening / closing section 141. The opening / closing section 141 is not necessarily provided. That is, the drug supply module 100 may be integrally constructed including the rotating body 110, the peripheral wall, and the discharge section 131.

[0029] Figure 10 is a side view showing the configuration of a rotating body included in the drug supply unit of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 10, the rotating body is shown viewed from the same direction as in Figure 9. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the rotating body 110 rotates about an axis 1 extending in the vertical direction and has a conical surface 110s that is coaxial with the axis 1 and slopes downward as it goes radially outward from the axis 1.

[0030] The rotating body 110 includes a first rotating section 111 and a second rotating section 112, which are coaxially arranged with respect to each other. The second rotating section 112 is located below the first rotating section 111. The sides of the first rotating section 111 and the sides of the second rotating section 112 form an inclined surface 110s. Each of the first rotating section 111 and the second rotating section 112 is provided to be rotatable independently of each other. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the first rotating section 111 is connected to a first driven gear 111g. The second rotating section 112 is connected to a second driven gear 112g.

[0031] In this embodiment, the inclined surface 110s of the rotating body 110 is provided with a rolling prevention section to prevent the drug from rolling. The rolling prevention section consists of grooves that are provided radially from the apex of the inclined surface 110s. Specifically, the rolling prevention section consists of a first groove 111c provided on the first rotating section 111 and a second groove 112c provided on the second rotating section 112. Note that the rolling prevention section is not necessarily required.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the rotating body 110 is rotatably supported by a support portion 150 located below it. The rotating body 110 is detachably mounted to the support portion 150. As shown in Figure 8, the support portion 150 includes a substantially circular horizontal surface portion 151, a substantially cylindrical upright portion 152 extending from the edge of the horizontal surface portion 151, and a substantially cylindrical base portion 153 extending downward from the horizontal surface portion 151. The first driven gear 111g and the second driven gear 112g are located on the inner circumference side of the base portion 153.

[0033] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, in this embodiment, the drug supply module 100 includes a plurality of peripheral wall sections. Specifically, the drug supply module 100 includes a first peripheral wall section 121, a second peripheral wall section 122, and a third peripheral wall section 123. Note that the number of peripheral wall sections included in the drug supply module 100 is not limited to three; it may be one or more.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 each extend in an arc shape along the circumferential direction centered on the axis 1 above the slope 110s. The first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 each support the drug supplied onto the slope 110s from the radially outer side.

[0035] The first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 are aligned with each other in the rotation direction 2 of the rotating body 110, and the circumferential wall portion located downstream in the rotation direction 2 is located further outward and downward in the radial direction. Specifically, the second circumferential wall portion 122 is located downstream in the rotation direction 2 relative to the first circumferential wall portion 121, and is located further outward and downward in the radial direction relative to the first circumferential wall portion 121. The third circumferential wall portion 123 is located downstream in the rotation direction 2 relative to the second circumferential wall portion 122, and is located further outward and downward in the radial direction relative to the second circumferential wall portion 122.

[0036] The first circumferential wall portion 121 and the second circumferential wall portion 122 are located above the first rotating portion 111. The third circumferential wall portion 123 is located above the second rotating portion 112. Therefore, the first rotating portion 111 transports the drug supported by the first circumferential wall portion 121 along the first circumferential wall portion 121. The first rotating portion 111 transports the drug supported by the second circumferential wall portion 122 along the second circumferential wall portion 122. The second rotating portion 112 transports the drug supported by the third circumferential wall portion 123 along the third circumferential wall portion 123.

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 are spaced apart from the slope 110s. Specifically, the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 are spaced apart from the slope 110s to the extent that the agent supplied onto the slope 110s can be supported from the radially outside.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, in this embodiment, among the peripheral wall portions adjacent to each other in the rotation direction 2, the downstream end of the peripheral wall portion located on the upstream side in the rotation direction 2 moves away from the slope 110s as it moves downstream in the rotation direction 2.

[0039] Specifically, the downstream end of the first peripheral wall 121 in the direction of rotation 2 moves away from the slope 110s as it moves downstream in the direction of rotation 2. Similarly, the downstream end of the second peripheral wall 122 in the direction of rotation 2 moves away from the slope 110s as it moves downstream in the direction of rotation 2.

[0040] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, in this embodiment, adjacent peripheral wall portions in the rotational direction 2 are connected to each other by inclined wall portions that extend outward in the radial direction and descend as they move downstream in the rotational direction 2. Note that the inclined wall portions are not necessarily required.

[0041] Specifically, the first perimeter wall section 121 and the second perimeter wall section 122 are connected to each other by the first inclined wall section 124. The second perimeter wall section 122 and the third perimeter wall section 123 are connected to each other by the second inclined wall section 125.

[0042] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the first inclined wall section 124 and the second inclined wall section 125 each inclined downstream in the rotation direction 2 as they move upward from the slope 110s. Therefore, the boundary line between the first circumferential wall section 121 and the first inclined wall section 124, and the boundary line between the second circumferential wall section 122 and the first inclined wall section 124, each inclined downstream in the rotation direction 2 as they move upward from the slope 110s. Similarly, the boundary line between the second circumferential wall section 122 and the second inclined wall section 125, and the boundary line between the third circumferential wall section 123 and the second inclined wall section 125, each inclined downstream in the rotation direction 2 as they move upward from the slope 110s.

[0043] As shown in Figures 5 to 7 and Figure 9, in this embodiment, the first peripheral wall portion 121, the second peripheral wall portion 122, and the third peripheral wall portion 123 are each integrally formed with the lid portion 126. Each of the first peripheral wall portion 121, the second peripheral wall portion 122, and the third peripheral wall portion 123 extends downward from the lower surface of the lid portion 126. Note that the lid portion 126 is not necessarily provided; it is sufficient that the peripheral wall portion is positioned above the slope 110s.

[0044] Each of the first inclined wall portion 124 and the second inclined wall portion 125 is integrally formed with the lid portion 126. Each of the first inclined wall portion 124 and the second inclined wall portion 125 extends downward from the lower surface of the lid portion 126.

[0045] The lid portion 126 covers the slope 110s from above. The lid portion 126 is provided so that the slope 110s can be opened upward. The lid portion 126 is positioned on the support portion 150. Specifically, the lid portion 126 is provided on the lid member 120. The first peripheral wall portion 121, the second peripheral wall portion 122, and the third peripheral wall portion 123 are each provided on the lid member 120. The first inclined wall portion 124 and the second inclined wall portion 125 are each provided on the lid member 120.

[0046] The lid member 120 is detachably mounted on the support portion 150. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, a cushioning member 170 is provided between the lid portion 126 and the support portion 150. Specifically, the lid member 120 is mounted on the horizontal surface portion 151 of the support portion 150 via the cushioning member 170, which has an arc shape. The cushioning member 170 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. Note that the cushioning member 170 is not necessarily required.

[0047] The lid member 120 is made of a transparent material. Therefore, the lid portion 126, the first peripheral wall portion 121, the second peripheral wall portion 122, and the third peripheral wall portion 123 are each made of a transparent material. This makes it possible to see the inside of the lid member 120 from the outside. However, the lid member 120 may be made of an opaque material.

[0048] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a lid member included in the drug supply section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a view of the lid member of Figure 11 from the direction of arrow XII. Figure 13 is a view of the lid member of Figure 12 from the direction of arrow XIII. Figure 14 is a view of the lid member of Figure 13 from the direction of arrow XIV. Figure 15 is a view of the lid member of Figure 13 from the direction of arrow XV. Figures 11 and 12 show the state in which the vibration transmission plate, which will be described later, has been removed from the lid member 120.

[0049] As shown in Figures 11 to 15, in this embodiment, the lid member 120 is provided with a drug supply hole 127, a notch 128, and a mounting portion 129. Specifically, the drug supply hole 127 and the mounting portion 129 are provided on the top surface of the lid member 120. The notch 128 is provided on the lower end periphery of the lid member 120.

[0050] The drug supply hole 127 is provided to supply the drug from the outside of the lid member 120 to the inside of the lid member 120. The notch 128 is provided to position the discharge member, which will be described later, on the support member 150. The mounting portion 129 is provided to attach the vibration transmission plate, which will be described later, to the lid member 120.

[0051] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, in the lid member 120, a first circumferential wall portion 121 is located below the drug supply hole 127, a first inclined wall portion 124 is located adjacent to the first circumferential wall portion 121, a second circumferential wall portion 122 is located adjacent to the first inclined wall portion 124, a second inclined wall portion 125 is located adjacent to the second circumferential wall portion 122, a third circumferential wall portion 123 is located adjacent to the second inclined wall portion 125, and a notch portion 128 is located adjacent to the third circumferential wall portion 123.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, the mounting portion 129 is provided with screw holes. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the vibration transmission plate 160 is fixed to the mounting portion 129 by screws. The vibration transmission plate 160 constitutes a part of the cover portion 126. In this embodiment, the vibration transmission plate 160 is made of a magnetic material. However, the vibration transmission plate 160 may be made of a non-magnetic material. The vibration transmission plate 160 is not necessarily required.

[0053] As shown in Figures 5 to 7 and Figure 9, the discharge member 130 is provided on the support member 150 so as to fit into the notch 128. The discharge member 130 has an outer shape that corresponds to the shape of the notch 128. A small gap is provided between the discharge member 130 and the lid member 120.

[0054] The discharge member 130 is provided with a discharge section 131 that discharges the chemical agent, which has been sequentially transported along the first peripheral wall section 121, the second peripheral wall section 122, and the third peripheral wall section 123 by the rotation of the rotating body 110, from the slope 110s.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the discharge member 130 is provided with a vertical wall portion 132. That is, the vertical wall portion 132 is made of a separate material from the peripheral wall portion. The vertical wall portion 132 is provided between the third peripheral wall portion 123 and the discharge portion 131 and supports the chemical from the radially outer side. The vertical wall portion 132 extends in an arc shape along the circumferential direction centered on the axis 1. In this embodiment, the third peripheral wall portion 123, the vertical wall portion 132, and the discharge portion 131 are aligned along the circumferential direction centered on the axis 1. Note that the vertical wall portion 132 is not necessarily required.

[0056] The discharge member 130 is provided with a pair of bearing portions 130b that support a pivot shaft 140s that rotates the opening / closing portion 141. The pair of bearing portions 130b are erected above the discharge portion 131. The opening / closing portion 141 is configured to be able to open and close the discharge portion 131 by being rotated by the pivot shaft 140s.

[0057] The opening / closing section 141 is connected to a biasing member 140t and is biased in the direction of closing the discharge section 131. In this embodiment, the biasing member 140t is composed of a torsion spring, but is not limited to a torsion spring. Note that the biasing member 140t is not necessarily provided. The base section 200 is provided with an opening / closing sensor 237, which will be described later, for detecting the opening / closing state of the opening / closing section 141.

[0058] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, in this embodiment, the drug supply module 100 further includes a drug stopper 142. The drug stopper 142 is located upstream of the discharge section 131 in the rotation direction 2 of the rotating body 110, and extends radially along the slope 110s while being adjacent to the discharge section 131. The drug stopper 142 is provided so as to be able to move toward and away from the slope 110s.

[0059] When the chemical stopper 142 is close to the slope 110s, the chemical is prevented from moving to the discharge section 131 by the chemical stopper 142, and when the chemical stopper 142 is separated from the slope 110s, the chemical can move to the discharge section 131. The chemical stopper 142 is integrally formed with the opening / closing section 141. Note that the chemical stopper 142 is not necessarily required.

[0060] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of an opening / closing member included in the drug supply section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 is a view of the opening / closing member of Figure 16 from the direction of arrow XVII.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5-7, 9, 16, and 17, the opening / closing member 140 is provided with an opening / closing section 141, a drug stopper section 142, and a pair of engagement holes 140b. Specifically, the drug stopper section 142 protrudes perpendicularly to the opening / closing section 141 from one edge in the width direction of the substantially flat opening / closing section 141. The pair of engagement holes 140b are erected above the opening / closing section 141. Each of the pair of engagement holes 140b has a D-shaped inner circumferential surface when viewed from the side. Each of the pair of engagement holes 140b engages with a portion of the pivot axis 140s that has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0062] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the drug supply section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the opening / closing section rotated upward to open the discharge section. In Figure 18, the drug supply module 100 is shown viewed from the same direction as in Figure 5.

[0063] As the pivot shaft 140s is rotated to one side, the opening / closing member 140 rotates around the pivot shaft 140s, as shown in Figure 18, the discharge section 131 which was blocked by the opening / closing section 141 is opened, and the chemical stopper section 142 moves away from the slope 110s.

[0064] As the pivot shaft 140s is rotated to the other side, the opening / closing member 140 rotates around the pivot shaft 140s, as shown in Figure 5, the opening / closing part 141 closes the discharge part 131, and the chemical stopper part 142 approaches the slope 110s.

[0065] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the drug container in the drug replenishment section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the drug container in the drug replenishment section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention with the outer lid removed. Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the drug container in the drug replenishment section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention with the lid removed. Figure 22 is a side view showing the drug container in the drug replenishment section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention with the lid removed. Figure 23 is a top view showing the drug container in the drug replenishment section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention with the lid removed. Figure 24 is a bottom view showing the drug container in the drug replenishment section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention with the lid removed. Figure 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the drug container in the drug replenishment section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention with the lid removed.

[0066] As shown in Figures 19 to 25, the drug container 300 of the drug replenishment section 12 of the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a bottomed cylindrical shape including a bottom and an opening, and a spiral groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface. Specifically, the drug container 300 includes a main body cylinder 310, a cylindrical portion 320, a bottom portion 330, and a lid portion 340.

[0067] The main body cylinder 310 has a helical groove 312 formed on its inner circumferential surface. The main body cylinder 310 has a first opening 313 at one end and a second opening 314 at the other end. The central axis of the main body cylinder 310 is located on the axis 3 of the drug container 300. In Figure 25, a perpendicular line 4 perpendicular to the axis 3 is shown.

[0068] As shown in Figure 25, in a pair of opposing wall surfaces of the spiral groove 312 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main cylinder 310, the angle α between the wall surface located on the first opening 313 side and the perpendicular 4 is greater than the angle β between the wall surface located on the second opening 314 side and the perpendicular 4. For example, α = 45° and β = 10°.

[0069] Figure 26 is a partial perspective view showing the shape of the opening side of the drug container of the drug replenishment section of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 26, the cylindrical portion 320 is shown detached from the main body cylinder 310.

[0070] As shown in Figure 26, the helical groove 312 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body cylinder 310 so as to extend until it reaches the first opening 313 of the main body cylinder 310. The end 312e of the helical groove 312 on the first opening 313 side is shaped as if it were cut along the end face of the main body cylinder 310 on the first opening 313 side.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, the helical groove 312 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body cylinder 310 so as to extend to a position just before reaching the second opening 314 of the main body cylinder 310. The end of the helical groove 312 on the second opening 314 side is connected to a circumferential groove 315 that extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis 3. Therefore, the groove width does not narrow even in the vicinity of the second opening 314 of the main body cylinder 310. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the drug from becoming clogged in the groove.

[0072] The cylindrical portion 320 is attached to the outer circumference of the main body cylinder 310 on the side of the first opening 313. Male threads for attaching the lid portion 340 are formed on the outer circumference of the end of the cylindrical portion 320 on the side of the first opening 313 in the axial direction 3.

[0073] The bottom portion 330 is attached to the outer circumference of the main body cylinder 310 on the side of the second opening 314. The bottom portion 330 has a bottom surface 330b that closes the second opening 314. The bottom surface 330b is curved convexly in the direction of the axial 3 toward the side away from the second opening 314. That is, the inner bottom surface of the drug container 300 has a curved shape that is convex toward the outside of the drug container 300.

[0074] The bottom portion 330 further has an annular portion 330c that protrudes outward in an annular shape from the periphery of the bottom surface 330b. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 25, the identifier 331 is placed in the space defined by the bottom surface 330b and the annular portion 330c. The bottom portion 330 further has a disc portion 332 that closes the space defined by the bottom surface 330b and the annular portion 330c. The disc portion 332 is fixed to the bottom surface 330b by screws. The identifier 331 is sandwiched between the bottom surface 330b and the disc portion 332.

[0075] In this embodiment, the identifier 331 is a permanent magnet. The identifier 331 is formed to be different in each of the multiple drug containers 300. That is, each of the multiple drug containers 300 has an identifier 331 that can distinguish it from the others. Note that the identifier 331 is not limited to a permanent magnet, but may be another magnetic material. Also, the identifier 331 is not necessarily required.

[0076] As shown in Figure 19, the lid portion 340 can close the first opening 313. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the lid portion 340 consists of an outer lid 341 and an inner lid 342. The outer lid 341 is rotatably mounted relative to the inner lid 342. Specifically, the outer lid 341 is provided with an arm portion 341a having a pair of engagement holes 341h. The inner lid 342 is provided with a pivot shaft portion 342p having a pair of engagement projections 342s on its side. The pair of engagement holes 341h and the pair of engagement projections 342s engage with each other, thereby supporting the arm portion 341a so as to be rotatable around the pivot shaft portion 342p. As a result, the outer lid 341 becomes rotatable relative to the inner lid 342.

[0077] Multiple openings 342h are formed in the inner lid surface 342c of the inner lid 342. When the outer lid 341 is closed, a space is formed between the outer lid 341 and the inner lid surface 342c for inserting the tabs of a PTP (Press-Through-Package) packaging sheet for a desiccant or drug. Female threads are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the inner lid 342, which engage with the male threads of the cylindrical portion 320.

[0078] Figure 27 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of the base portion of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 is a partial rear view showing the configuration of the base portion of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 29 is a partial perspective view showing the drug supply unit of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted on the base portion.

[0079] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the base portion 200 is provided with a first drive shaft 210, a second drive shaft 240, a discharge chute 220, a first sensor 231 which is a first detection unit, a second sensor 232 which is a second detection unit, a drug detection sensor 235 which is a drug detection unit, and a vibration unit 260. The base portion 200 is also provided with a first motor which is a first drive source that drives the rotating body 110, and a second motor which is a second drive source that drives the opening / closing unit 141. Note that the first sensor 231, the second sensor 232, the drug detection sensor 235, and the vibration unit 260 are not necessarily provided.

[0080] The first drive shaft 210 is connected to the first motor. The first drive shaft 210 extends upward from the bottom of the base portion 200. A first drive gear 211g and a second drive gear 212g are provided at the tip of the first drive shaft 210. The first drive gear 211g engages with the first driven gear 111g. The second drive gear 212g engages with the second driven gear 112g.

[0081] When the first motor is driven and the first drive shaft 210 rotates, the first rotating part 111 rotates via the first drive gear 211g and the first driven gear 111g, and the second rotating part 112 rotates via the second drive gear 212g and the second driven gear 112g. In other words, each of the first rotating part 111 and the second rotating part 112 is driven by a common drive source.

[0082] The rotational speed of the second rotating part 112 is higher than that of the first rotating part 111. Specifically, the number of teeth on each of the first drive gear 211g, the second drive gear 212g, the first driven gear 111g, and the second driven gear 112g are set such that the rotational speed of the second rotating part 112 is higher than that of the first rotating part 111.

[0083] The second drive shaft 240 is connected to the second motor. The second drive shaft 240 extends substantially horizontally from one side to the other side of the base portion 200. The tip of the second drive shaft 240 engages with the pivot shaft 140s.

[0084] When the second motor is driven and the second drive shaft 240 rotates, the opening / closing member 140 rotates together with the pivot shaft 140s. As the opening / closing member 140 rotates around the pivot shaft 140s, the opening / closing section 141 and the drug stopper section 142 also rotate around the pivot shaft 140s. In this way, the opening / closing section 141 and the drug stopper section 142 are each driven by a common drive source.

[0085] The discharge chute 220 guides the chemical discharged from the discharge section 131 to the outside of the base section 200. The inlet of the discharge chute 220 faces the discharge section 131. The first sensor 231 is located adjacent to the discharge section 131. The second sensor 232 is located in the discharge chute 220. The second sensor 232 is located further away from the discharge section 131 than the first sensor 231.

[0086] The first sensor 231 detects that the drug on the slope 110s has been discharged from the discharge section 131. The first sensor 231 outputs a first detection signal when it detects that the drug has reached a first detection position outside the discharge section 131. In this embodiment, the first sensor 231 is composed of a photoelectric sensor and has a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section arranged so as to sandwich the area immediately downstream of the discharge section 131 between them. The arrival of the drug discharged from the discharge section 131 is detected by detecting that the optical axis between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section is blocked by the drug.

[0087] The second sensor 232 detects the drug discharged from the discharge section 131. The second sensor 232 outputs a second detection signal when it detects that the drug has passed through a second detection position, which is further from the drug supply module 100 than the first detection position. In this embodiment, the second sensor 232 is composed of a photoelectric sensor and has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit arranged so as to sandwich the drug passage defined by the discharge chute 220 between them. The passage of the drug discharged from the discharge section 131 is detected by detecting when the optical axis between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit returns from a state where it was blocked by the drug to its original open state.

[0088] The drug detection sensor 235 detects the presence or absence of drug at the drug receiving position on the inclined surface 110s of the drug supply module 100 and outputs a drug detection signal. In this embodiment, the drug detection sensor 235 is composed of a photoelectric sensor and has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit arranged so as to sandwich the area below the drug supply hole 127 between them. That is, the area located below the drug supply hole 127 on the inclined surface 110s is the drug receiving position for receiving the replenished drug. The drug detection sensor 235 detects the presence or absence of drug at the drug receiving position by detecting whether or not the optical axis between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit is blocked by the drug. That is, the drug detection sensor 235 has a first detection state in which it detects that there is drug at the drug receiving position and a second detection state in which it detects that there is no drug at the drug receiving position. Note that at least the portion of the lid member 120 along the optical axis is transparent.

[0089] The vibrating unit 260 vibrates the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123, respectively. In this embodiment, the vibrating unit 260 vibrates the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123, respectively, via the cover portion 126.

[0090] Specifically, the vibrating unit 260 is positioned directly above the vibration transmission plate 160. The vibrating unit 260 is equipped with a permanent magnet (not shown). The vibration transmission plate 160 is made of a magnetic material. The vibrating unit 260 and the vibration transmission plate 160 are attracted to each other by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. That is, the contact points of the vibrating unit 260 and the lid 126 are attracted to each other by magnetic force. The vibration of the vibrating unit 260 is transmitted through the lid 126 to the first peripheral wall 121, the second peripheral wall 122, and the third peripheral wall 123, respectively. The vibrating unit 260 vibrates in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the vibrating unit 260 is driven by an eccentric motor 273, which will be described later, and whose motor shaft is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0091] Furthermore, as described above, a small gap is provided between the discharge member 130 and the lid member 120, and a buffer member 170 is provided between the lid portion 126 and the support portion 150, so vibrations from the vibrating portion 260 are not directly transmitted to the vertical wall portion 132.

[0092] A buffer member may be provided at the connection between the vibrating part 260 and the base part 200 to suppress the propagation of vibrations from the vibrating part 260 to the base part 200. This suppresses the propagation of vibrations from the vibrating part 260 to the vertical wall part 132 through the base part 200 and the support part 150.

[0093] As shown in Figure 29, in the first drug supply device 10 according to this embodiment, the vibrating unit 260 is provided on the base unit 200 and the lid unit 126 is provided on the drug supply module 100, so the vibrating unit 260 can move toward and away from the lid unit 126. The base unit 200 is provided with a module detection sensor 236, which will be described later, for detecting when the drug supply module 100 is attached.

[0094] Figure 30 is a front view showing a drug supply unit and a drug container attached to the base of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the cover of the base removed. Figure 31 is a front perspective view showing a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention with the drug container and a portion of the cover of the base removed. Figure 32 is a rear perspective view showing a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention with another portion of the cover of the base removed.

[0095] As shown in Figures 4 and 30, in the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the drug container 300 is attached to the base 200 with the lid 340 removed. The drug container 300, when attached to the base 200, is located above the drug supply module 100. When the drug container 300 is attached to the base 200, the axis 3 of the drug container 300 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, when the drug container 300 is attached to the base 200, the axis 3 of the drug container 300 is inclined at 20° with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0096] As shown in Figure 31, the base portion 200 is provided with four roller sections that support the drug container 300 so that it can rotate around the axis 3. Specifically, the base portion 200 is provided with a pair of rotating shafts. A pair of roller sections 281 are attached to one of the pair of rotating shafts, spaced apart from each other. A pair of roller sections 282 are attached to the other of the pair of rotating shafts, spaced apart from each other. The base portion 200 is provided with a container detection sensor 233 that detects when the drug container 300 is attached.

[0097] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the base portion 200 is provided with a connecting conduit 290 that guides the drug discharged from the first opening 313 of the drug containment container 300 to the drug supply hole 127 of the lid member 120 of the drug supply module 100.

[0098] As shown in Figure 30, the base portion 200 is provided with an identification sensor 234 that recognizes the identifier 331 of the drug container 300. In this embodiment, the identification sensor 234 is a magnetic sensor. However, the identification sensor 234 is not limited to a magnetic sensor; any sensor capable of recognizing the identifier 331 is acceptable. Furthermore, the identification sensor 234 is not necessarily required.

[0099] As shown in Figure 30, the base portion 200 is provided with a first motor 270, which is a first drive source for driving the rotating body 110, and a second motor 271, which is a second drive source for driving the opening / closing portion 141, as described above. As shown in Figure 32, the base portion 200 is provided with a third motor 272, which is a third drive source for driving the other of the pair of rotating shafts described above.

[0100] The drug replenishment unit 12 shown in Figures 4 and 30 includes a drug container 300, the pair of rotating shafts mentioned above, a pair of roller sections 281, a pair of roller sections 282, a third motor 272, a container detection sensor 233, and an identification sensor 234. The drug container 300 contains the drug and, when driven, replenishes the drug at the drug receiving position of the drug supply module 100. In other words, the drug replenishment unit 12 replenishes the drug at the drug receiving position.

[0101] As shown in Figures 4 and 31, a display unit 250 is provided on the front of the base unit 200. In this embodiment, the display unit 250 selectively emits light in one of several colors. The display unit 250 can also blink. The illumination pattern of the display unit 250 can represent the status of the first drug supply device 10.

[0102] Figure 33 is a block diagram showing the connection system of a drug packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 33, a drug packaging device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a main control unit 41. The main control unit 41 is electrically connected to a drug packaging device unit 440, a drug supply device unit 450, and an operation panel 50, respectively. The main control unit 41 is electrically connected to a prescription information receiving device 90 that receives prescription information via the operation panel 50.

[0103] Figure 34 is a block diagram showing the connection system of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 34, the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a control unit 11 that controls the drug supply module 100 and the drug replenishment unit 12, which are drug supply units. The control unit 11 is provided on the base unit 200. The control unit 11 is electrically connected to the first sensor 231, the second sensor 232, the container detection sensor 233, the identification sensor 234, the drug detection sensor 235, the module detection sensor 236, the open / close sensor 237, the stop switch 238, the display unit 250, the first motor 270, the second motor 271, the third motor 272, and the eccentric motor 273.

[0104] The control unit 11 is electrically connected to the main control unit 41. The control unit 460 is composed of the control units 11 of each of the multiple first drug supply devices 10 and the main control unit 41. As described above, the drug packaging device 400 is equipped with the control unit 460.

[0105] The operation of the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, the operation of the drug supply module 100, which is the drug supply unit, will be described.

[0106] The drug supplied from the drug supply hole 127 to the inside of the lid member 120 is received at the drug receiving position on the slope 110s and supported by the first peripheral wall portion 121. The first motor 270 drives the first rotating portion 111 and the second rotating portion 112, respectively.

[0107] When the first rotating part 111 is driven, the drug supported by the first circumferential wall 121 is transported along the first circumferential wall 121. As the drug supported by the first circumferential wall 121 is transported along the first circumferential wall 121, it is aligned along the first circumferential wall 121.

[0108] The drug supported by the first circumferential wall 121 moves outward in the radial direction around the axis 1 while descending along the first inclined wall 124, starting from the drug located at the leading end in the rotation direction 2, and is then supported by the second circumferential wall 122.

[0109] As the drug descends along the first inclined wall section 124, it is accelerated by gravity, resulting in a higher speed of movement than the drug being transported along the first peripheral wall section 121. This increases the distance between the drug that has descended along the first inclined wall section 124 and the drug before it descended along the first inclined wall section 124.

[0110] When the first rotating part 111 is driven, the drug supported by the second circumferential wall part 122 is conveyed along the second circumferential wall part 122. The drug supported by the second circumferential wall part 122 moves radially outward while descending along the second inclined wall part 125, starting from the drug located at the leading end in the rotation direction 2, and is then supported by the third circumferential wall part 123.

[0111] As the drug descends along the second inclined wall section 125, it is accelerated by gravity, resulting in a higher speed of movement than the drug being transported along the second peripheral wall section 122. This increases the distance between the drug that has descended along the second inclined wall section 125 and the drug before it descended along the second inclined wall section 125.

[0112] When the second rotating part 112 is driven, the drug supported by the third circumferential wall 123 is transported along the third circumferential wall 123. Since the rotational speed of the second rotating part 112 is higher than that of the first rotating part 111, the distance between the drug supported by the third circumferential wall 123 and the drug supported by the second circumferential wall 122 widens.

[0113] The drugs supported by the third peripheral wall 123 are sequentially supported by the vertical wall 132, starting with the drugs located at the leading end in the rotation direction 2. When the second rotating part 112 is driven, the drugs supported by the vertical wall 132 are transported along the vertical wall 132.

[0114] When the chemical stopper 142 is approaching the slope 110s, the movement of the chemical being transported along the vertical wall 132 to the discharge section 131 is prevented. Therefore, the pivot shaft 140s is rotated by the second motor 271.

[0115] When the pivot shaft 140s is rotated to one side, the opening / closing member 140 rotates around the pivot shaft 140s, the discharge section 131 which was blocked by the opening / closing section 141 is opened, and the chemical stopper section 142 moves away from the slope 110s. As a result, the chemicals located on the leading side in the rotation direction 2 among the chemicals supported by the vertical wall section 132 are discharged one by one from the discharge section 131.

[0116] At this time, the first sensor 231 detects that the drug on the slope 110s has been discharged from the discharge section 131. The second sensor 232 detects the drug discharged from the discharge section 131.

[0117] After the drug is discharged from the discharge section 131, the pivot shaft 140s is rotated to the other side, causing the opening / closing member 140 to rotate around the pivot shaft 140s, closing the discharge section 131 with the opening / closing section 141, and the drug stopper section 142 to approach the slope 110s.

[0118] As a result, the drug supported by the vertical wall portion 132 is prevented from moving to the discharge portion 131 by the drug stopper portion 142, and discharge from the discharge portion 131 is prevented by the opening / closing portion 141. As described above, the opening / closing portion 141 is in an open state when the drug is supplied from the drug supply portion, and in a closed state when the drug is not supplied from the drug supply portion.

[0119] When the drug supply unit moves relative to the housing 410, the drug supply unit stops and the opening / closing unit 141 closes before the movement of the drug supply unit begins. In this way, it is possible to prevent unwanted drug from being discharged from the discharge unit 131 while the drug supply unit is moving.

[0120] When resuming the supply of pharmaceuticals from the pharmaceutical supply unit, the opening / closing unit 141 opens and the pharmaceutical supply unit restarts. In this way, the pharmaceuticals can be discharged from the discharge unit 131 immediately after the pharmaceutical supply unit restarts.

[0121] Next, the operation of the drug replenishment unit 12 will be explained. The third motor 272 rotates a pair of roller sections 282, which in turn drives the drug container 300 to rotate around the axis 3.

[0122] As the drug container 300 is rotated around the axis 3, the drug inside the drug container 300 is transported by the spiral groove 312 from the bottom 330 side of the drug container 300 to the first opening 313 side and discharged from the first opening 313.

[0123] The drug discharged from the first opening 313 passes through the connecting conduit 290 of the base section 200 and is supplied into the drug supply hole 127 of the lid member 120. The drug supplied into the drug supply hole 127 of the lid member 120 is discharged one by one from the discharge section 131 of the drug supply module 100.

[0124] Furthermore, one drug container 300, sequentially selected from among multiple drug containers 300, is attached to the base unit 200. Each of the multiple drug containers 300 is driven under different driving conditions set based on the identifier 331. The drug supply unit is driven in accordance with each of the multiple drug containers 300.

[0125] Specifically, the types of drugs include common drugs in the form of small tablets, and special drugs such as capsules, elongated tablets, spherical tablets, or triangular prism-shaped tablets. Each of the multiple drug containers 300 contains either a common drug or a special drug. When the drug containers 300 are attached to the base unit 200, the control unit 11, which receives a detection signal of the identifier 331 from the identification sensor 234, determines the type of drug contained inside the drug container 300 attached to the base unit 200. That is, the control unit 11 receives a drug information signal containing drug information regarding the shape of the drug, which is included in the detection signal of the identifier 331 from the identification sensor 234.

[0126] The following describes the control flow when a drug packaging device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention packages drugs according to prescription information.

[0127] Figure 35 is a time chart showing the operation of a drug packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention in accordance with prescription information. Figure 36 is a diagram illustrating prescription information and packaging information.

[0128] As shown in Figure 35, prescription information is entered into the prescription information receiving device 90. The prescription information includes information such as the type of drug, the time of administration, the number of days of administration, the daily dose, and the dose at each time of administration.

[0129] In the example prescription information shown in Figure 36, a prescription contains a 3-day supply of medication. The required number of medication A units in the prescription is 9, and the required number of medication B units is 6. The required number of medication A units is 1 each after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The required number of medication B units is 0 each after breakfast and dinner, and 2 after lunch.

[0130] In this embodiment, it is assumed that one package information is created based on one prescription information. In this case, one prescription corresponds to one package information based on one prescription information.

[0131] Another example is when multiple packaging information entries are created based on a single prescription. For instance, if a single prescription includes three types of medication, a first packaging information entry may be created for two of the three medications, and a second packaging information entry for the remaining one. In this case, each of the multiple packaging information entries created corresponds to the single prescription mentioned here.

[0132] As another example, sometimes a single package information entry is created based on a portion of a single prescription. For instance, if a single prescription includes three types of medication, a single package information entry may be created for two of those medications, while no entry is created for the remaining one. In this case, the single package information entry created corresponds to the single prescription mentioned here.

[0133] As shown in Figure 35, the prescription information receiving device 90 inputs packaging information corresponding to the entered prescription information into the operation panel 50. The packaging information includes information for packaging the medication according to the prescription information.

[0134] As shown in Figure 35, after the dispensing information is input to the operation panel 50 from the prescription information receiving device 90, selection information to select which of the multiple drug supply devices to supply the drug, and a dispensing instruction to start the dispensing operation on the drug dispensing device 400 are input from the input section provided on the operation panel 50.

[0135] As shown in Figure 35, when a dispensing instruction is input to the input section of the operation panel 50, dispensing information including selection information is input from the operation panel 50 to the main control unit 41. The main control unit 41, having received the dispensing information including selection information, inputs the required number of drugs for one prescription to the control unit 11 of the first drug supply device 10 selected by the selection information. As described above, a dispensing information signal containing drug dispensing information is input to the control device unit 460, which is composed of the control unit 11 of each of the multiple first drug supply devices 10 and the main control unit 41.

[0136] Subsequently, the required number of drugs per packet and a supply instruction to initiate the supply operation are sequentially input from the main control unit 41 to the control unit 11 at appropriate intervals. When the control unit 11 receives the supply instruction, it executes the supply operation for one packet. Once the supply operation for one packet is completed, a completion notification is input from the control unit 11 to the main control unit 41.

[0137] Once the packaging process for one prescription is complete, a completion notification is sent from the main control unit 41 to the operation panel 50.

[0138] Figure 37 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit of a drug supply device after it receives input from the main control unit for the required number of drugs in a single prescription. As shown in Figure 37, the control unit 11 of the first drug supply device 10, which receives input from the main control unit 41 for the required number of drugs in a single prescription, identifies the drug container 300 based on the input signal from the identification sensor 234 (step S11). Having identified the drug container 300, the control unit 11 causes the drug replenishment unit 12 to start replenishing the drugs (step S12).

[0139] Figure 38 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit when the drug replenishment unit replenishes the drug. As shown in Figure 38, after the control unit 11 starts the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit 12 (step S12), it determines whether the number supplied is less than the required number of drugs for one prescription (step S21).

[0140] Specifically, in the example of packaging information shown in Figure 36, the control unit 11 of the first drug supply device 10, which is equipped with a drug container 300 containing drug A, determines whether the number of drug A to be supplied is less than the required number of 9. The control unit 11 of the first drug supply device 10, which is equipped with a drug container 300 containing drug B, determines whether the number of drug B to be supplied is less than the required number of 6.

[0141] If the supply quantity is less than the required quantity of drug for a single prescription, the control unit 11 determines from the drug detection signal whether the drug detection sensor 235, which is a drug detection unit, has detected the presence of drug at the drug receiving position (step S22).

[0142] When the drug detection sensor 235 detects that there is drug at the drug receiving position, the control unit 11 stops the third motor 272, which is a replenishment motor (step S23). In other words, when the drug detection unit is in the first detection state, the control unit 11 stops the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit 12. After this, the control unit 11 returns to step S21.

[0143] When the drug detection sensor 235 detects that there is no drug at the drug receiving position, the control unit 11 rotates the third motor 272 in the forward direction (step S24). In other words, when the drug detection unit is in the second detection state, the control unit 11 causes the drug replenishment unit 12 to replenish the drug. After this, the control unit 11 returns to step S21.

[0144] As described above, the control unit 11 receives a drug detection signal from the drug detection unit and controls the drug replenishment unit 12 according to the drug detection signal.

[0145] The control unit 11 may be configured to have the drug replenishment unit 12 replenish the drug after a waiting period has elapsed from the time the drug detection unit changes from the first detection state to the second detection state. As described above, the control unit 11 receives a drug information signal containing drug information regarding the shape of the drug, which is included in the detection signal of the identifier 331 from the identification sensor 234. The control unit 11 sets the waiting period according to the drug information.

[0146] If the supply quantity exceeds the required quantity of drug in a single prescription, the control unit 11 rotates the third motor 272 in the reverse direction (step S25). This allows the drug contained in the drug container 300 to be returned to the inside of the drug container 300 from the first opening 313 side. After a certain period of time has elapsed since rotating the third motor 272 in the reverse direction, the control unit 11 stops the third motor 272 (step S26).

[0147] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to stop the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit 12 when the drug detection unit changes from the second detection state to the first detection state, when the number supplied is less than the required number of drugs for a single prescription, and to restart the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit 12 at the later of the following two points: when the operating amount of the drug supply unit exceeds a set value from the point when it reaches the first detection state, or when the drug detection unit changes from the first detection state to the second detection state. In this case, the control unit 11 sets the set value according to the drug information.

[0148] The amount of operation of the drug supply unit described above is the cumulative rotation angle of the first rotating part 111 in the rotation direction 2 of the drug supply unit from the time the first detection state is reached, or the cumulative drive time of the first rotating part 111 in the rotation direction 2. Specifically, the set value for the cumulative rotation angle is, for example, 60°. Alternatively, the set value for the cumulative drive time is the drive time required for the cumulative rotation angle to reach, for example, 60°.

[0149] The above replenishment operation is performed as needed in each of the multiple first drug supply devices 10 that supply the necessary drugs for a single prescription. In this embodiment, the control unit 460, in accordance with the above-mentioned packaging information, causes the drug replenishment unit 12 to start replenishing drugs in the first drug supply device 10 that supplies drugs after the first drug supply device 10 that is supplying drugs, before the initial start of operation of the drug supply unit. Specifically, when the control unit 11 of the first drug supply device 10 receives input from the main control unit 41 regarding the required number of drugs for a single prescription, it causes the drug replenishment unit 12 to start replenishing drugs. The control unit 11 of the first drug supply device 10 also causes the drug replenishment unit 12 to start replenishing drugs even if no supply instruction has been input from the main control unit 41.

[0150] Specifically, in the example of the dispensing information shown in Figure 36, the control unit 460, for example, while the first drug supply device 10 that supplies drug A is supplying three packets of drug A for days 1 through 3 after breakfast, the control unit 460 causes the drug replenishment unit 12 to start replenishing the drug in the first drug supply device 10 that next supplies three packets of drug B for days 1 through 3 after lunch, before the first motor 270 of the drug supply module 100 starts driving.

[0151] More preferably, at the time the first drug supply device 10, which will next supply the drug, starts supplying the drug, the drug replenishment unit 12 has completed its first replenishment and the drug is in the drug receiving position.

[0152] The control unit 460, in accordance with the above-mentioned packaging information, sequentially stops the replenishment of drugs by the drug replenishment unit 12, starting with the first drug supply device 10 that has finished supplying the required number of drugs for one prescription.

[0153] Specifically, in the example of the dispensing information shown in Figure 36, the control unit 460 stops the replenishment of drug B by the drug replenishment unit 12 of the first drug supply device 10 after it has finished supplying the required amount of drug B for one prescription, after it has finished supplying the required amount of drug B for one prescription, for three doses of drug A for three doses of drug A for one prescription, after it has finished supplying the required amount of drug A for one prescription, after it has finished supplying the required amount of drug A for one prescription, after it has finished supplying the required amount of drug A for one prescription, after it has finished supplying the drug replenishment unit 12 of the first drug supply device 10.

[0154] Figure 39 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit of the drug supply device after it receives the required number of drugs per package and a supply instruction from the main control unit. As shown in Figure 39, the control unit 11 of the first drug supply device 10, which receives the required number of drugs per package and a supply instruction from the main control unit 41, opens the discharge unit 131, which was blocked by the opening / closing unit 141 (step S31).

[0155] After opening the discharge section 131, the control unit 11 starts supplying the drug in one packet to the drug supply module 100, which is the drug supply unit (S32). After starting the supply of the drug by the drug supply module 100 (step S32), the control unit 11 counts the amount of drug supplied from the drug supply module 100 (step S33). When the number of drugs supplied exceeds the required amount of drug in one packet, the supply of the drug by the drug supply module 100 is terminated (step S34).

[0156] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the number of drugs supplied is equal to or greater than the required number of drugs for one prescription (step S35). If the number supplied is equal to or greater than the required number of drugs for one prescription, the opening / closing unit 141 closes the discharge unit 131 (step S36). If the number supplied is less than the required number of drugs for one prescription, the control unit 11 terminates the drug supply operation for one packet while keeping the discharge unit 131 open.

[0157] Figure 40 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit when the drug supply unit supplies the drug. As shown in Figure 40, after the control unit 11 starts supplying the drug by the drug supply module 100 (step S32), it determines whether the number supplied is less than the required number of drugs in one packet (step S41).

[0158] Specifically, in the example of packaging information shown in Figure 36, when packaging on the first day after lunch, the control unit 11 of the first drug supply device 10, which is equipped with a drug container 300 containing drug A, determines whether the number of drug A to be supplied is less than the required number of 1. The control unit 11 of the first drug supply device 10, which is equipped with a drug container 300 containing drug B, determines whether the number of drug B to be supplied is less than the required number of 2.

[0159] If the number supplied is less than the required number of drugs per packet, the control unit 11 drives the first motor 270, which is a supply motor, in the forward direction and also drives the eccentric motor 273, which is a vibration motor (step S42). As a result, the first rotating part 111 and the second rotating part 112 each rotate in the forward direction and the vibration part 260 vibrates.

[0160] Subsequently, the control unit 11 determines whether the first sensor 231, which is the first detection unit, has detected the drug based on the presence or absence of a first detection signal input from the first sensor 231 (step S43).

[0161] When the first sensor 231 detects a drug, the control unit 11 stops the first motor 270 and the eccentric motor 273 (step S44). In this way, when the first detection signal is input, the control unit 11 temporarily stops the drug supply unit from transporting the drug.

[0162] After this, the control unit 11 drives the first motor 270 in the reverse direction by a set amount (step S45). In this way, when the first detection signal is input, the control unit 11 temporarily reverses the direction in which the drug is transported by the drug supply unit.

[0163] The control unit 11 drives the first motor 270 in the reverse direction by a set amount, then stops the first motor 270 and returns to step S41.

[0164] If the number supplied exceeds the required amount of drug in one packet, the control unit 11 terminates the drug supply operation for one packet (step S34).

[0165] Figure 41 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit when counting drugs supplied by the drug supply unit. As shown in Figure 41, when the counting of drugs supplied by the drug supply unit (step S33) begins, the control unit 11 determines whether the first sensor 231, which is the first detection unit, has detected drugs based on the presence or absence of a first detection signal input from the first sensor 231 (step S51).

[0166] The control unit 11 turns on the arrival flag when the first sensor 231 detects a drug (step S52). If the first sensor 231 does not detect a drug, the control unit 11 leaves the arrival flag as is.

[0167] Subsequently, the control unit 11 determines whether the second sensor 232, which is the second detection unit, has detected the drug based on the presence or absence of a second detection signal input from the second sensor 232 (step S53). In step S53, when the second sensor 232 has detected the drug, the drug is blocking the optical axis between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit that constitute the second sensor 232.

[0168] If the second sensor 232 detects the drug in step S53, the control unit 11 determines whether the second sensor 232, which is the second detection unit, has stopped detecting the drug based on the presence or absence of a second detection signal input from the second sensor 232 (step S54). In step S54, if the second sensor 232 has stopped detecting the drug, the drug has passed through the optical axis between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit that constitute the second sensor 232, and the optical axis has returned to its original open state. If the second sensor 232 has not detected the drug in step S53, the control unit 11 returns to step S51.

[0169] If the second sensor 232 does not detect the drug in step S54, the control unit 11 checks if the arrival flag is turned on (step S55). If the second sensor 232 does not detect the drug in step S54, the control unit 11 returns to step S54.

[0170] If the second sensor 232 does not detect the drug in step S54 and the arrival flag is turned on, the control unit 11 increments the supply quantity by 1 (step S56) and turns off the arrival flag (step S57).

[0171] The control unit 11 determines that an abnormality has occurred (step S59) if the second sensor 232 has detected a drug but the arrival flag is off, and terminates the drug counting. In this way, the control unit 11 determines an abnormality if the second detection signal is input multiple times during the input interval in which the first detection signal is input.

[0172] After turning off the arrival flag in step S57, the control unit 11 determines whether the number supplied is equal to or greater than the required number of drugs per packet (step S58). If the number supplied is equal to or greater than the required number of drugs per packet, the control unit 11 terminates drug counting. If the number supplied is less than the required number of drugs per packet, the control unit 11 returns to step S51.

[0173] As described above, the control unit 11 receives a first detection signal from the first sensor 231, controls the drug supply unit according to the first detection signal, and also receives a second detection signal from the second sensor 232, counting the amount of drug supplied from the drug supply unit according to the second detection signal.

[0174] In this embodiment, when the first detection signal is input, the control unit 11 controls the drug supply unit according to the drug information. Specifically, if the drug information determines that the drug contained inside the drug container 300 is a common drug, the control unit 11 stops the rotation drive of the drug container 300 immediately after the drug detection sensor 235 detects that there is a drug at the drug receiving position, because common drugs discharge a large amount to the drug supply unit for each rotation of the drug container 300. After this, when the drug detection sensor 235 no longer detects a drug, the rotation drive of the drug container 300 is restarted. This prevents the drug supply unit from being oversupplied with drug.

[0175] If the drug information identifies the drug contained in the drug container 300 as a special drug, the control unit 11 increases the time from when the drug detection sensor 235 detects the presence of the drug at the drug receiving position until it stops rotating the drug container 300, compared to the case of a general drug. Alternatively, the control unit 11 increases the rotation speed of the drug container 300 compared to the case of a general drug. Furthermore, the control unit 11 also increases the rotation speed of the rotating body 110 compared to the case of a general drug. By doing so, even in the case of a special drug that is difficult to discharge by rotation, the time required for drug replenishment can be brought closer to that of a general drug, and the drug can be supplied one by one from the discharge unit 131.

[0176] In this embodiment, when a drug is discharged from the discharge section 131 in the first drug supply device 10, the rotating body 110 and the vibrating section 260 are temporarily stopped, and the rotating body 110 is temporarily reversed to hold the drug to be discharged from the discharge section 131 next on the inclined surface 110s.

[0177] In addition, in the first drug supply device 10, when drug is discharged from the discharge section 131, the vibrating section 260 may be temporarily stopped, the rotating body 110 may be temporarily stopped, and the drug to be discharged next from the discharge section 131 may be held on the inclined surface 110s.

[0178] In a drug packaging device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 460, in accordance with the packaging information, causes the drug replenishment unit 12 to start replenishing the drug in the first drug supply device 10 that supplies the drug after the first drug supply device 10 that is supplying the drug, before the initial start of operation of the drug supply module 100. This shortens the time from the start of supply by the drug supply module 100 until the drug is supplied, and consequently shortens the time required for packaging.

[0179] In a drug packaging device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 460 sequentially stops the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit 12, starting from the first drug supply device 10 which has finished supplying the required number of drugs for a single prescription, according to the packaging information. This prevents excessive replenishment of drugs from the drug replenishment unit 12 to the drug supply module 100.

[0180] In a drug packaging device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 460 receives a drug detection signal from the drug detection sensor 235 and, in response to the drug detection signal, stops the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit 12 when the drug detection sensor 235 is in a first detection state, and causes the drug replenishment unit 12 to replenish the drug when the drug detection sensor 235 is in a second detection state. This allows for the appropriate replenishment of drug from the drug replenishment unit 12 to the drug supply module 100 with simple control.

[0181] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 receives a drug detection signal from the drug detection sensor 235 and controls the drug replenishment unit 12 according to the drug detection signal. This allows for early detection of the need for drug replenishment and enables the drug to be appropriately replenished from the drug replenishment unit 12 to the drug supply module 100, thereby shortening the time required to supply the drug.

[0182] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 stops the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit 12 when the drug detection sensor 235 is in a first detection state, and causes the drug replenishment unit to replenish the drug when the drug detection sensor 235 is in a second detection state. This allows for the appropriate replenishment of drug from the drug replenishment unit 12 to the drug supply module 100 with simple control.

[0183] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 causes the drug replenishment unit 12 to replenish the drug after a waiting period has elapsed from the time the drug detection sensor 235 changes from a first detection state to a second detection state. This prevents the drug from being excessively replenished from the drug replenishment unit 12 to the drug supply module 100.

[0184] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 sets the waiting time according to the drug information. This allows the drug to be appropriately replenished from the drug replenishment unit 12 to the drug supply module 100 according to the type of drug.

[0185] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 stops the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit 12 when the drug detection sensor 235 changes from a second detection state to a first detection state, and restarts the drug replenishment by the drug replenishment unit 12 at the later of the following two points: when the operating amount of the drug supply module 100 exceeds a set value from that point, or when the drug detection sensor 235 changes from a first detection state to a second detection state. This prevents excessive replenishment of drug from the drug replenishment unit 12 to the drug supply module 100.

[0186] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 sets the above-mentioned setting value according to the drug information. Depending on the type of drug, the drug supply unit 12 can appropriately replenish the drug to the drug supply module 100.

[0187] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 receives a first detection signal from the first sensor 231, controls the drug supply module 100 according to the first detection signal, and receives a second detection signal from the second sensor 232, counts the drugs supplied from the drug supply module 100 according to the second detection signal. As a result, even if the first sensor 231 detects multiple drugs overlapping, the second sensor 232 detects multiple drugs separately, so it is possible to detect that multiple drugs have been discharged simultaneously from the discharge unit 131.

[0188] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 11 receives a first detection signal, it temporarily reverses the direction in which the drug is transported by the drug supply module 100. This makes it possible to suppress the simultaneous discharge of multiple drugs from the discharge unit 131.

[0189] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 11 receives a first detection signal, it temporarily stops the drug supply module 100 from transporting the drug. Even in this case, it is possible to suppress the simultaneous discharge of multiple drugs from the discharge unit 131.

[0190] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 receives a drug information signal containing drug information relating to the shape of the drug. When the control unit 11 receives the first detection signal, it controls the drug supply module 100 according to the drug information. As described above, after the first detection signal is received, the control unit 11 decides, according to the drug information, whether to temporarily stop the drug transport by the drug supply module 100 or to temporarily reverse the direction of drug transport by the drug supply module 100. The control unit 11 also decides, according to the drug information, the duration of the temporary stop or the duration of the temporary reverse transport. This makes it possible to suppress the simultaneous discharge of multiple drugs from the discharge unit 131 in a manner appropriate to the type of drug.

[0191] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 determines that an abnormality has occurred if the second detection signal is input multiple times during the input interval in which the first detection signal is input. This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in which multiple drugs are discharged simultaneously from the discharge unit 131.

[0192] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limiting interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not construed solely by the embodiments described above, but is defined based on the claims. This also includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0193] 1,3 Axis, 2 Rotation direction, 4 Perpendicular, 10 First drug supply device, 11 Control unit, 12 Drug replenishment unit, 20 Second drug supply device, 30 Third drug supply device, 41 Main control unit, 50 Operation panel, 90 Prescription information receiving device, 100 Drug supply module, 110 Rotating body, 110s Inclined surface, 111 First rotating part, 111c First grooved part, 111g First driven gear, 112 Second rotating part, 112c Second grooved part, 112g Second driven gear, 120 Cover member, 121 First circumferential wall part, 122 Second circumferential wall part, 123 Third circumferential wall part, 124 First inclined wall part, 125 Second inclined wall part, 126,340 Cover part, 127 Drug supply hole, 128 Notch, 129 Mounting part, 130 Discharge member, 130b Bearing part, 131 Discharge part, 132 Vertical wall part, 140 Opening / closing member, 140b, 341h Engagement hole, 140s Rotating shaft, 140t Biasing member, 141 Opening / closing part, 142 Chemical stopper part, 150 Support part, 151 Horizontal surface part, 152 Vertical mounting part, 153 Base part, 160 Vibration transmission plate, 170 Cushioning member, 200 Base part, 210 First drive shaft, 211g First drive gear, 212g Second drive gear, 220 Discharge chute, 231 First sensor, 232 Second sensor, 233 Container detection sensor, 234 Identification sensor, 235 Chemical detection sensor, 236 Module detection sensor, 237 Opening / closing sensor, 238 Stop switch, 240 Second drive shaft, 250 Display part, 260 Vibrating section, 270 First motor, 271 Second motor, 272 Third motor, 273 Eccentric motor, 281, 282 Roller section, 290 Connecting conduit, 300 Drug container, 310 Main cylinder, 312 Helical groove, 312e End, 313 First opening, 314 Second opening, 315 Circumferential groove, 320 Cylindrical section, 330 Bottom section, 330b Bottom surface, 330c Annular section, 331 Identifier, 332 Disc section, 341 Outer cover, 341a Arm section, 342 Inner cover, 342c Inner cover surface, 342h Opening, 342p Rotating shaft section, 342s Engaging projection, 400 Drug packaging device, 410 Housing, 420 Rotating drum, 421 Drug transport path, 430 Hopper, 440 Drug packaging device unit, 450 drug supply device unit, 460 control device unit.

Claims

1. A drug supply unit that dispenses drugs one by one, The system comprises a drug supply unit that replenishes the drug from a drug storage container containing the drug to the drug supply unit, The drug supply unit has a drug receiving position for receiving the drug, The drug replenishment unit is a drug supply device that replenishes the drug from the drug container to the drug receiving position in the drug supply unit.

2. The system further includes a drug detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the drug at the drug receiving position and outputs a drug detection signal. The drug supply device according to claim 1, wherein when the drug detection unit detects that the drug is present in the drug receiving position, the drug replenishment unit stops replenishing the drug, and when the drug detection unit detects that the drug is not present in the drug receiving position, the drug replenishment unit replenishes the drug.

3. The drug supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the drug container is detachably attached to the base.

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