Drug Delivery Device

Abstract

To reduce an occupied space in a cross direction of a medicine feeding device.SOLUTION: A dispensing table unit 100 has a placement part 130 and a dispensing table 120. A selected case selected from multiple cases 300 can be placed on the placement part 130. The dispensing table 120 is positioned below the placement part 130. A conveyance unit is provided movably along each rear side of a case rack 200 and the dispensing table unit 100. The conveyance unit conveys the selected case between the case rack 200 and the placement part 130. The selected case placed on the placement part 130 is positioned on the rear side in comparison with each of multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A prior art document disclosing the configuration of an automatic medicine supplying device is JP 2011-78598 A (Patent Document 1). The automatic medicine supplying device described in Patent Document 1 comprises a storage section, a medicine picking section, a box moving mechanism, and a tray mounting table. The storage section is configured to be able to arrange a plurality of boxes for storing medicines. The medicine picking section takes medicines in and out of the boxes. The box moving mechanism is configured to allow the boxes to move between the storage section and the medicine picking section. The storage section is disposed on the front side of the device, and the box moving mechanism is disposed on the back side of the device. A tray for storing medicines removed from the boxes is placed on the tray mounting table. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-78598 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the dispensing table, which is the tray placement table, is disposed closer to the front side of the device than the medicine picking unit, the medicine supply device occupies a large space in the front-rear direction.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a medicine supplying device that can reduce the space it occupies in the front-rear direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A medicine supply device according to the present invention includes a case rack, a dispensing table unit, and a transport unit. The case rack stores a plurality of cases in which medicines are contained. The dispensing table unit is disposed adjacent to the case rack in the left-right direction. The dispensing table unit has a mounting section and a dispensing table. A selected case selected from the plurality of cases can be mounted on the mounting section. The dispensing table is located below the mounting section. The transport unit is provided so as to be movable behind each of the case rack and the dispensing table unit. The transport unit transports the selected case between the case rack and the mounting section. The selected case mounted on the mounting section is located behind each of the plurality of cases stored in the case rack.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the dispensing table is located below the placement portion.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the transport unit moves in the left-right direction inside the dispensing table unit, the transport unit overlaps with the placement portion when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing table is located rearward of the front end of the case rack when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting section is removable in the front-rear direction, and the front end of the mounting section when pulled out and positioned at the frontmost position is located behind the front end of the dispensing table.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing table unit has a storage space formed at least one of a position below the dispensing table and a position above the placement portion. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the space occupied by the medicine supply device in the front-rear direction can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the medicine supply device of FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a side view of the medicine supply device of FIG. 1 as viewed from the right side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the drug supply device of FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the rear side; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a transport unit has moved above a mounting part, as viewed from above the rear side. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side, with a mounting portion pulled out. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of the periphery of a mounting portion in a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of the periphery of a mounting portion in a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the rear side. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a wall portion of a mounting portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below on the rear side. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a side view of the dispensing table unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a mounting part is being pulled out. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a side view of the dispensing table unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a mounting part is pulled out. [Figure 16]1 is a front perspective view of a conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the claws are retracted; FIG. [Figure 17] 11 is a perspective view of the conveying unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side in a state in which the claws are retracted. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a front perspective view of a state in which the claws of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention are advanced; FIG. [Figure 19] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the claw portion of the transport unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is advanced, as viewed from the side; [Figure 20] 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the transport unit is positioned behind a selected case stored in the case rack. FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the state of FIG. 20 as seen from the side. [Figure 22] 13 is a partial cross-sectional view, seen from the side, of a transport unit located behind a selected case stored in a case rack, showing a state in which a claw portion has been rotated to rise. FIG. [Diagram 23] 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the claw portion engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion of the selection case is retracted. FIG. [Figure 24] 13 is an oblique view of the transport unit seen from the front in a state in which the claw portion engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion of the selection case has finished retracting. FIG. [Diagram 25] 25 is a perspective view of the transport unit of FIG. 24 as viewed in the direction of the arrow XXV. [Figure 26] 13 is a front view showing a state in which the pair of support arms are positioned at a retracted position, as viewed from the front. FIG. [Figure 27] 27 is a side view of the pair of support arms in FIG. 26 when viewed from the direction of arrow XXVII, when the pair of support arms are in the retracted position. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a horizontal movement mechanism and a vertical movement mechanism. [Figure 29] 13 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the transport unit is located near the boundary between the case rack and the dispensing table unit, as viewed from the rear. FIG. [Diagram 30] 30 is a partial side view of the state of FIG. 29 as seen in the direction of arrow XXX. [Diagram 31]30 is a partial side view of the horizontal movement mechanism of FIG. 28 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXXI. [Diagram 32] 13 is a side view of the transport unit positioned above the mounting section. FIG. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is an enlarged side view of a portion XXXIII of FIG. 32. [Diagram 34] 13 is a partial perspective view, seen from above, of the transport unit positioned behind a case placed on the uppermost shelf of the case rack. FIG. [Diagram 35] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit included in the medicine supply device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 36] FIG. 11 is a rear view of a medicine supplying device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, a medicine supplying device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiment, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In the specification, the left and right directions are described as directions when the medicine supplying device is viewed from the front side. In addition, the front side of the medicine supplying device may be expressed as the front side, and the back side of the medicine supplying device may be expressed as the rear side.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supplying device according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above the front side. Fig. 2 is a front view of the medicine supplying device of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the medicine supplying device of Fig. 1, as viewed from the right side. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the medicine supplying device of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the medicine supplying device according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above the rear side. Figs. 3 and 5 show a state in which the right side panel of the dispensing table unit has been removed.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, a medicine supply device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a dispensing table unit 100, a case rack 200, and a transport unit 400. In this embodiment, two case racks 200 are arranged side by side on the left side of the dispensing table unit 100 when viewed from the front, but the arrangement of the dispensing table unit 100 and the case rack 200 is not limited to this, and a plurality of case racks 200 may be arranged to sandwich the dispensing table unit 100 on the left and right, or one case rack 200 may be arranged on either the left or right side of the dispensing table unit 100. In this way, the dispensing table unit 100 is arranged adjacent to the case rack 200 in the left-right direction.

[0017] The case rack 200 houses a plurality of cases 300 in which medicines are contained. The case rack 200 includes a housing 210, a shelf section 220, a drawer stand 230, and an opening / closing door 240.

[0018] The shelf sections 220 are arranged at intervals from one another in the up-down direction on the front side inside the housing 210. On each of the shelf sections 220, the cases 300 are placed side by side in the left-right direction.

[0019] In this embodiment, the front side of the housing 210 is divided in the vertical direction into an upper region located above the dispensing stand 120 described below and a lower region located below the dispensing stand 120. Note that the front side of the housing 210 does not necessarily have to be divided into an upper region and a lower region.

[0020] The drawer stand 230 is configured to be able to be pulled out in front of the housing 210. The drawer stand 230 is disposed between an upper region of the housing 210 and a lower region of the housing 210. The drawer stand 230 is configured to be able to place a tray (not shown) and a case 300 (not shown) capable of containing medicines, etc. on the drawer stand 230. The drawer stand 230 does not necessarily have to be disposed.

[0021] The opening / closing door 240 is disposed in front of the housing 210, and is configured to be able to open and close the front side of the housing 210. In this embodiment, a pair of opening / closing doors 240 is provided in each of the upper and lower regions of the housing 210. The opening / closing doors 240 are configured to be able to open and close in the left-right direction while folding back. In Figs. 1 and 2, the opening / closing door 240 on the right side as viewed from the front is not shown. The opening / closing door 240 is configured to be able to be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0022] The case rack 200 is configured such that, when the opening / closing door 240 is unlocked and open, multiple cases 300 can be inserted and removed from the front of the case rack 200. Conversely, when the opening / closing door 240 is closed and locked, multiple cases 300 cannot be inserted and removed from the front of the case rack 200.

[0023] The dispensing stand unit 100 has a placement section 130 and a dispensing stand 120. The dispensing stand unit 100 further includes a housing 110, a lower storage space 140, an upper storage space 150, a display section 160, a touch panel 170, a code reader 180, a printer 190, and an indicator light 161. The maximum depth dimension of the dispensing stand unit 100 in the front-rear direction is, for example, 700 mm.

[0024] In the housing 110, the portion above the placement portion 130 has a front position located further back than the portion below the dispensing stand 120. In this embodiment, an opening 111 is formed on the front surface of the housing 110 above the dispensing stand 120. Five openings 111 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The number of openings 111 is not limited to five, and may be one or more.

[0025] A selected case 300a selected from the plurality of cases 300 can be placed on the placement section 130. In this embodiment, the placement section 130 includes a base section 131 on which the selected case 300a is placed, and a wall section 132 attached to the front end of the base section 131. The wall section 132 is configured to be able to open and close the opening 111. Note that the placement section 130 does not necessarily have to include the wall section 132, and in this case, a shutter that opens and closes the opening 111 may be provided on the housing 110.

[0026] The mounting portion 130 is configured to be removable in the front-rear direction relative to the housing 110 through the opening 111. Note that the mounting portion 130 does not necessarily have to be removable. In this case, an opening is formed in a portion of the housing 110 located above the mounting portion 130, allowing the drug to be inserted into and removed from the selection case 300a.

[0027] The dispensing stand 120 is configured so that a tray or the like capable of storing medicines can be placed thereon. The dispensing stand 120 is located below the placement section 130. A part of the dispensing stand 120 is located below the placement section 130. Specifically, a rear part of the dispensing stand 120 is located directly below the placement section 130. The dispensing stand 120 and the placement section 130 are provided with a gap therebetween in the vertical direction. A storage space 112 is formed between the dispensing stand 120 and the placement section 130. A tray or the like that stores medicines taken out of the selection case 300a can be inserted into the storage space 112 from the front.

[0028] 3, the dispensing stand 120 is located behind the front end of the case rack 200 when viewed from the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the front end of the case rack 200 is the front end of the handle of the opening and closing door 240.

[0029] The position of the front end of the mounting portion 130 is located rearward of the position of the front end of the case rack 200. As shown in FIG 5, the selected case 300a mounted on the mounting portion 130 is located rearward compared to each of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.

[0030] The lower storage space 140 can store other cases having a different shape or size from the case 300, or medicines. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the lower storage space 140 is formed in the housing 110 at a position lower than the dispensing table 120. In this embodiment, the lower storage space 140 has a plurality of drawers arranged therein, but is not limited thereto and may have shelves arranged therein. The lower storage space 140 does not necessarily have to be formed.

[0031] The upper storage space 150 can store other cases having a different shape or size from the case 300, or medicines. The upper storage space 150 is formed in the housing 110 at a position above the dispensing table 120. In this embodiment, a shelf is arranged in the upper storage space 150, but this is not limited, and multiple drawers may be arranged. The upper storage space 150 does not necessarily have to be formed.

[0032] The display unit 160 is formed on the front surface of the housing 110, above the opening 111. The display unit 160 lights up when the selection case 300a is placed on the placement unit 130, thereby indicating that the selection case 300a is placed on the placement unit 130.

[0033] Touch panel 170 is provided on the front surface of housing 110, between display unit 160 and upper storage space 150 in the vertical direction, and at approximately the center of housing 110 in the horizontal direction.

[0034] The touch panel 170 can display prescription information of a patient and can also accept a selection operation for selecting an arbitrary case 300 from the multiple cases 300. The touch panel 170 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown).

[0035] The code reader 180 is provided on the front surface of the housing 110, to the right of the touch panel 170. The code reader 180 reads a code such as a barcode attached to a box containing a medicine. The code reader 180 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0036] When refilling the selection case 300a with medicine, the medicine to be refilled can be recognized by the control unit by reading the code with the code reader 180. If the control unit recognizes a medicine different from the medicine to be refilled, it displays an alarm on the touch panel 170. This makes it possible to prevent the wrong medicine from being refilled.

[0037] Printer 190 is provided on the front surface of housing 110, to the left of touch panel 170. Printer 190 is capable of printing the patient's name, prescription information, etc. Printer 190 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0038] The indicator light 161 is provided on the ceiling of the housing 110. The indicator light 161 indicates whether or not there is an abnormality in the medicine supplying device 1. Specifically, when the medicine supplying device 1 is normal, the indicator light 161 displays blue, and when there is an abnormality in the medicine supplying device 1, the indicator light 161 displays red. The indicator light 161 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0039] 6 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the transport unit has moved above the mounting part, as viewed from above the rear side. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the transport unit 400 is provided movably behind each of the case rack 200 and the dispensing stand unit 100. The transport unit 400 transports the selected case 300a between the case rack 200 and the mounting part 130.

[0040] The transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction and the up-down direction by being connected to the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600. Each of the transport unit 400, the horizontal movement mechanism 500, and the vertical movement mechanism 600 is electrically connected to a control unit.

[0041] The transport unit 400 is configured to be movable only when the opening / closing door 240 is closed and locked. Specifically, the control unit drives each of the transport unit 400, the horizontal movement mechanism 500, and the vertical movement mechanism 600 only when it recognizes that the opening / closing door 240 is locked.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, when the transport unit 400 moves within the case rack 200, the transport unit 400 is positioned behind the case 300 placed on the shelf portion 220.

[0043] 6, the transport unit 400 moves in the left-right direction above the mounting section 130 inside the dispensing stand unit 100. When the transport unit 400 moves in the left-right direction inside the dispensing stand unit 100, the transport unit 400 overlaps with the mounting section 130 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. That is, the transport unit 400 is configured to pass through a position overlapping with the selection case 300a placed on the mounting section 130 when viewed from the top-bottom direction, and is not configured to pass behind the selection case 300a without overlapping with the selection case 300a placed on the mounting section 130.

[0044] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, an identification code 340 is affixed to the front of each of the multiple cases 300. The identification code 340 is a code for identifying the medicine stored in the case 300. When multiple medicines are stored in the case 300, multiple identification codes 340 may be affixed to the case 300. The identification code 340 is, for example, a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). The identification code 340 may be affixed to a side of the case 300 instead of to the front of the case 300. The identification code 340 does not necessarily have to be affixed to the case 300.

[0045] 4, an identification code 350 is attached to the rear surface of each of the multiple cases 300. The identification code 350 is a code for identifying each individual case 300. The identification code 350 is, for example, a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), a Chameleon code (registered trademark), or the like.

[0046] Here, the case 300 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the case according to one embodiment of the present invention as seen from above. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the case main body according to one embodiment of the present invention as seen from above. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the case main body according to one embodiment of the present invention as seen from below.

[0047] 7 to 9, case 300 includes a case body 310, a fractional part accommodating section 320, and a partition plate 330. Each of fractional part accommodating section 320 and partition plate 330 is formed so as to be able to be arranged inside case body 310.

[0048] The fraction storage section 320 is a small case that stores fractions of medicines packaged in a PTP (Press Through Package) packaging sheet, for example. The partition plate 330 divides the inside of the case body 310 into a plurality of regions so that when a plurality of types of medicines are stored in the case 300, each type of medicine can be stored separately.

[0049] The case body 310 has a bottom 310b, and a front wall 310f, a rear wall 310r, and a pair of side walls 310s standing on the periphery of the bottom 310b. The case body 310 further has a transparent support part 311 facing the front wall 310f with a slit 317 therebetween. The case body 310 is formed by integral molding of resin.

[0050] Transparent support part 311 is a part that supports a card on which a drug name is written, which is inserted from above into slit 317, so that the card can be seen from the front side of case 300. Specifically, the lower end of transparent support part 311 is bent backward, and the card is supported at the bent part.

[0051] A pair of side walls 310s of case body 310 are formed with steps 312 extending in the front-rear direction. The outer width of case body 310 in the left-right direction is wider at an upper portion than at a lower portion of step 312. The inner width of case body 310 in the left-right direction is also wider at an upper portion than at a lower portion of step 312.

[0052] A pair of protrusions 313 extending in the left-right direction is formed on the upper surface of the rear wall portion 310r of the case body 310. The pair of protrusions 313 are formed at both ends in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the rear wall portion 310r of the case body 310.

[0053] 9, a pair of recesses 314 are formed at the rear end of the bottom 310b of the case body 310. The pair of recesses 314 are formed at both left-right ends of the bottom 310b of the case body 310. Each of the pair of recesses 314 is open to the rear. That is, the inner wall surface of each of the pair of recesses 314 is composed of a pair of side wall surfaces 314s facing each other in the left-right direction, and a front wall surface 314f connecting the pair of side wall surfaces 314s.

[0054] 7 and 8, a plurality of grooves 315 into which both left and right ends of the partition plate 330 are inserted are formed in the inner surfaces of a pair of side walls 310s of the case body 310 above the step portion 312. Each of the plurality of grooves 315 extends in the up-down direction.

[0055] On the inner surface of a pair of side wall portions 310s of the case body 310, groove portions 316 are formed in the upper portion of the step portion 312 to engage with protrusions 321 formed on each of a pair of side surfaces of the fraction accommodating portion 320 to position the fraction accommodating portion 320 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0056] 9, an engagement portion 318 that engages with a claw portion of the transport unit 400 (described later) is formed on the rear side of the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r of the case main body 310. The engagement portion 318 faces the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r with a gap therebetween in the front-rear direction. The engagement portion 318 is connected to a flange that extends rearward from the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r.

[0057] Here, the configuration of the mounting part 130 according to this embodiment and the configuration of the periphery of the mounting part 130 in the dispensing table unit 100 will be described.

[0058] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the mounting part pulled out, as viewed from above the front side. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the periphery of the mounting part in the dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above the front side. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the periphery of the mounting part in the dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above the rear side. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the wall part of the mounting part according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below the rear side. Fig. 14 is a side view of the dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the mounting part being pulled out in the middle of being pulled out. Fig. 15 is a side view of the dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the mounting part pulled out, as viewed from the side.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 10, the front end of the placement portion 130 in the pulled-out and most forward position is located behind the front end of the dispensing table 120.

[0060] 10 and 15, when the mounting portion 130 is pulled out and positioned at the frontmost position, the mounting portion 130 is inclined so that the front end of the mounting portion 130 is positioned lower than the rear end of the mounting portion 130. The front end of the mounting portion 130 is the wall portion 132, and the rear end of the mounting portion 130 is the rear end of the base portion 131.

[0061] As shown in Figs. 11, 12, 14 and 15, the base portion 131 has a flat plate shape. An opening 131h is formed in the base portion 131. A pair of rollers 131r are provided at a left-right distance from each other at the bottom of the base portion 131. Each of the pair of rollers 131r is provided rotatably around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, a dog 131a and an attracted portion 131p are provided at the bottom of the base portion 131. Each of the dog 131a and the attracted portion 131p is made of a single bent metal plate.

[0062] 11 to 15, a handle 132a is formed on the lower part of the wall portion 132. The placement portion 130 can be pulled out by hooking the handle 132a and pulling it.

[0063] An opening 132b is formed in the upper part of the wall surface portion 132. A transparent plate 133 that covers the opening 132b is attached to the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, a pair of protrusions 132c is provided on the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. With the pair of protrusions 132c inserted into a pair of through holes formed in the transparent plate 133, a retaining ring 134 is fitted onto each of the pair of protrusions 132c, thereby attaching the transparent plate 133 to the wall surface portion 132.

[0064] This makes it possible to view a card with the name of the medicine attached to selection case 300a from the front side of wall portion 132 through transparent plate 133 and transparent support portion 311.

[0065] 12 to 15, a protrusion 132d that engages with the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a is formed on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall portion 132. Specifically, a pair of protrusions 132d are formed at a distance in the left-right direction on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall portion 132. The lower surface of each of the pair of protrusions 132d is flat.

[0066] 12, 14, and 15, the proximity sensor 10, the position detection sensor 11, the electromagnet 12, the guide rail 113, the roller 114, and the contact portion 115 are provided around the placement portion 130 in the dispensing table unit 100. Each of the proximity sensor 10, the position detection sensor 11, and the electromagnet 12 is electrically connected to the control portion.

[0067] The proximity sensor 10 detects that the selection case 300a has been placed on the placement portion 130. The proximity sensor 10 is disposed below the opening 131h of the base portion 131 when the placement portion 130 is not pulled out, and detects the presence or absence of the selection case 300a on the base portion 131 through the opening 131h.

[0068] The position detection sensor 11 detects that the mounting portion 130 is located at the origin position in the front-rear direction when the mounting portion 130 is not pulled out. Specifically, the position detection sensor 11 detects that the mounting portion 130 is located at the origin position by detecting a dog 131a provided on the lower part of the base portion 131. In this embodiment, the position detection sensor 11 is a microphotosensor, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a limit switch.

[0069] The electromagnet 12 can be locked so that the mounting portion 130 cannot move. Specifically, when a current is supplied to the electromagnet 12, the electromagnet 12 attracts an attracted portion 131p provided on the lower part of the base portion 131, thereby locking the mounting portion 130 so that it cannot move from the origin position. When the supply of current to the electromagnet 12 is stopped, the lock of the mounting portion 130 is released.

[0070] The guide rail 113 defines the movement trajectory of the roller 131r provided at the bottom of the base portion 131. Specifically, below the placement portion 130, a pair of guide rails 113 are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction with a gap in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of guide rails 113 has a through groove extending in the front-rear direction. A front side portion of the through groove is inclined so as to be positioned upward as it approaches the front side. The roller 131r moves while rolling inside the through groove. This causes the placement portion 130 to move in the front-rear direction.

[0071] 14 and 15, the roller 114 rolls on the base 131 and serves as a fulcrum when the mounting portion 130 rotates and tilts while being in rolling contact with the base 131 while the mounting portion 130 is being pulled out. Specifically, the roller 114 is rotatably supported at a position behind the lower portion of the opening 111.

[0072] As the roller 131r advances and rises along the inclined portion of the through groove of the guide rail 113, the base portion 131 rotates about the portion supported by the roller 114 as the rotation center, thereby tilting.

[0073] 15, the abutment portion 115 abuts from above against the rear portion of the selection case 300a placed on the placement portion 130 when it is pulled out and positioned at the frontmost position. Specifically, the abutment portion 115 is provided on the housing 110, and is provided at a position behind the upper portion of the opening 111 so as to be able to engage with each of the pair of protrusions 313. In this embodiment, the abutment portion 115 is made of sheet metal, but is not limited to this and may be made of rubber or the like.

[0074] When the mounting portion 130 is tilted, the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a placed on the mounting portion 130 is pressed down by the protrusion 132d, and the rear portion of the selection case 300a is pressed down by the protrusion 313, thereby restricting the selection case 300a from being easily removed from the mounting portion 130.

[0075] Here, the configuration of the transport unit 400 will be described. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention in a retracted state, as viewed from the front. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention in a retracted state, as viewed from the side. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention in an advanced state, as viewed from the front. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention in an advanced state, as viewed from the side.

[0076] 16 to 19, the transport unit 400 includes a housing 410, a motor 420, a pair of rotating shafts 430, a pair of support arms 440, a claw portion 450, a push plate 460, and a code reader 470. The claw portion 450, the push plate 460, and the code reader 470 are configured to be movable together in the front-rear direction inside the housing 410. Specifically, the claw portion 450, the push plate 460, and the code reader 470 are configured to be movable in the front-rear direction by a feed screw mechanism.

[0077] The housing 410 is open at the lower front and bottom so that the selection case 300a can be housed and supported. The housing 410 is connected to a connection attachment 630 of the vertical movement mechanism 600 so that the transport unit 400 can be driven by the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600.

[0078] The motor 420 is fixed to the housing 410. The motor 420 drives a pair of rotating shafts 430. Each of the pair of rotating shafts 430 is rotatably attached to the opposing inner surfaces of the lower part of the housing 410. Each of the pair of rotating shafts 430 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0079] The pair of support arms 440 are attached to the pair of rotation shafts 430 one by one. Each of the pair of support arms 440 rotates together with the rotation shaft 430 around the rotation shaft 430 to which it is attached. Each of the pair of support arms 440 is configured to be able to support the selection case 300a by supporting the step portion 312 of the selection case 300a from below.

[0080] The claw portion 450 is configured to be able to engage with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a. The claw portion 450 is supported so as to be able to rotate in the up and down direction.

[0081] The pushing plate 460 is configured so as to be able to come into contact with the outer surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selection case 300a. The pushing plate 460 is located above the claw portion 450.

[0082] The code reader 470 is configured to be able to read the identification code 350 attached to the selection case 300a. The code reader 470 is located behind the push plate 460.

[0083] Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a state in which the transport unit is positioned behind a selected case stored in a case rack, and Fig. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the state of Fig. 20 seen from the side.

[0084] Here, the configuration of shelf section 220 of case rack 200 will be described. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, shelf section 220 of case rack 200 is provided with stoppers 223. When each of multiple cases 300 is inserted into case rack 200 from the front, stoppers 223 regulate the position of each of multiple cases 300 in the front-to-rear direction. Moreover, when each of multiple cases 300 is inserted into or removed from case rack 200 from the rear, stoppers 223 allow each of multiple cases 300 to move in the front-to-rear direction.

[0085] Specifically, the shelf board portion 220 is provided with a plurality of guide walls 221 that define the position of the case 300 in the left-right direction when the case 300 is inserted from the front into the case rack 200. The case 300 is inserted between the guide walls 221.

[0086] A pair of openings 222 are formed at a distance in the left-right direction on the rear side of the shelf board portion 220. Two stoppers 223 are arranged so as to protrude from each of the pair of openings 222. Each of the two stoppers 223 can be changed between a state in which it protrudes from the opening 222 and a state in which it does not protrude from the opening 222, and is biased by a spring in the direction in which it protrudes from the opening 222.

[0087] When case 300 is inserted into case rack 200 from the front, front wall surface 314f of recess 314 formed in bottom 310b of case body 310 comes into contact with stopper 223, thereby positioning case 300 in the front-rear direction.

[0088] When case 300 is inserted or removed from case rack 200 from the rear, stopper 223 is pressed from above by bottom 310b of case 300, so that stopper 223 does not protrude from opening 222. When stopper 223 is in a state where it does not protrude from opening 222, movement of case 300 in the front-rear direction is permitted.

[0089] Here, the operation of the transport unit 400 when receiving and supporting the selected case 300a from the case rack 200 will be described. The transport unit 400 moves behind the case rack 200 with the claw portion 450 retracted, and stops at a position behind the selected case 300a. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the claw portion 450 moves forward, and is positioned below the engagement portion 318 of the selected case 300a.

[0090] 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the transport unit located behind the selection case stored in the case rack, showing the state in which the claw portion is rotated to rise. As shown in FIG. 22, when the claw portion 450 rotates to rise, the claw portion 450 engages with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a.

[0091] When the conveying unit 400 rises slightly with the claw portion 450 engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a, the rear side of the selection case 300a is lifted, and the engagement between the recess 314 of the selection case 300a and the stopper 223 is released, as shown in Fig. 22. Note that the configuration may be such that when the claw portion 450 rotates so as to rise, the rear side of the selection case 300a is lifted, and the engagement between the recess 314 of the selection case 300a and the stopper 223 is released. Also, the configuration may be such that the stopper 223 retreats from the recess 314 of the selection case 300a.

[0092] Fig. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the claw portion engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion of the selection case is retracted. As shown in Fig. 23, the feed screw mechanism 480 is driven, and the claw portion 450 engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a is retracted, so that the selection case 300a is pulled out backward while sliding on the shelf board portion 220. At this time, the stopper 223 is pressed from above by the bottom portion 310b of the selection case 300a and is not protruding from the opening 222.

[0093] In this way, when the transport unit 400 pulls out the selection case 300a stored in the case rack 200 to the rear of the case rack 200, it lifts up the rear side of the selection case 300a so that the selection case 300a can pass over the stopper 223.

[0094] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the conveying unit when the claws engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion of the selection case have finished retracting, as viewed from the front. Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the conveying unit when viewed from the direction of the arrow XXV.

[0095] When the transport unit 400 pulls out the selected case 300a stored in the case rack 200 to the rear of the case rack 200, the transport unit 400 positions each of the pair of support arms 440 at the support position.

[0096] 24 and 25, in the transport unit 400 in a state where the claw portion 450 engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a has finished retracting, each of the pair of support arms 440 is located at the support position and supports the step portion 312 of the selection case 300a from below. In this way, the transport unit 400 accommodates and supports the selection case 300a. The transport unit 400 that accommodates and supports the selection case 300a moves to a position above the placement portion 130 and descends until the selection case 300a it is supporting is located directly above the base portion 131 of the placement portion 130.

[0097] Fig. 26 is a front view of the pair of support arms in the retracted position as viewed from the front, and Fig. 27 is a side view of the pair of support arms in the retracted position as viewed from the direction of arrow XXVII in Fig. 26.

[0098] When the selection case 300a is located directly above the base portion 131 of the mounting portion 130, the pair of rotation shafts 430 are driven by the motor 420, as shown in Figs. 26 and 27. As a result, each of the pair of support arms 440 rotates together with the rotation shaft 430 about the rotation shaft 430 to which it is attached, and moves to a retracted position below the pair of rotation shafts 430. As a result, the selection case 300a is mounted on the mounting portion 130.

[0099] Here, the configurations of the horizontal movement mechanism 500 that moves the transport unit 400 in the horizontal direction and the vertical movement mechanism 600 that moves the transport unit 400 in the vertical direction will be described.

[0100] Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the horizontal movement mechanism and the vertical movement mechanism. Fig. 29 is a partial perspective view from the rear side showing a state in which the transport unit is located near the boundary between the case rack and the dispensing table unit. Fig. 30 is a partial side view showing the state of Fig. 29 from the direction of arrow XXX. Fig. 31 is a partial side view showing the horizontal movement mechanism of Fig. 28 from the direction of arrow XXXI.

[0101] As shown in Figures 28 to 31, the horizontal movement mechanism 500 includes a movable base 590, a motor 510, a lower pinion 520, an upper pinion 521, a lower rack 530, an upper rack 531, a lower rail 540, an upper rail 541, a pair of lower rollers 550, a pair of upper rollers 551, a movable horizontal dog 560, a fixed horizontal dog 570, and a connecting shaft 580.

[0102] Movable base 590 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction. Specifically, movable base 590 is connected to a pair of lower rollers 550 and a pair of upper rollers 551. The pair of lower rollers 550 are arranged so as to be in rolling contact with lower rail 540 extending in the left-right direction. The pair of upper rollers 551 are arranged so as to be in rolling contact with upper rail 541 extending in the left-right direction.

[0103] A motor 510 is fixed to the lower part of the movable base 590. The output of the motor 510 is transmitted to a lower pinion 520. The lower pinion 520 is engaged with a lower rack 530 extending in the left-right direction. The output of the motor 510 causes the lower pinion 520 to rotate while meshing with the lower rack 530, thereby moving the movable base 590 in the left-right direction.

[0104] The lower pinion 520 is connected to the upper pinion 521 through a connecting shaft 580 extending in the vertical direction. The upper pinion 521 is engaged with an upper rack 531 extending in the left-right direction. The upper pinion 521 rotates together with the lower pinion 520 while meshing with the upper rack 531, so that the movable base 590 can move horizontally while standing vertically without tilting. In this embodiment, the horizontal movement mechanism 500 is configured as a rack and pinion mechanism, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured as a winding transmission mechanism such as a belt or a chain.

[0105] The case rack 200 is provided with a first horizontal position detection sensor 50 for detecting that the movable base 590 is located at the origin position in the left-right direction, and a second horizontal position detection sensor 51 for detecting that the movable base 590 is located at the initial position in the left-right direction. The dispensing stand unit 100 is provided with a third horizontal position detection sensor 52 for detecting that the movable base 590 is located at the end position in the left-right direction. A fourth horizontal position detection sensor 53 for detecting that the movable base 590 is located inside the dispensing stand unit 100 is provided on the lower surface of the movable base 590.

[0106] Each of the first horizontal position detection sensor 50, the second horizontal position detection sensor 51, the third horizontal position detection sensor 52, and the fourth horizontal position detection sensor 53 is a microphotosensor, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a limit switch, etc. Each of the first horizontal position detection sensor 50, the second horizontal position detection sensor 51, the third horizontal position detection sensor 52, and the fourth horizontal position detection sensor 53 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0107] The first horizontal position detection sensor 50 detects a movable horizontal dog 560 fixed to the lower surface of the movable base 590, thereby detecting that the movable base 590 is located at the origin position in the left-right direction.

[0108] The second horizontal position detection sensor 51 detects the movable horizontal dog 560, thereby detecting that the movable base 590 is at its initial position in the left-right direction. The initial position is a position several centimeters to the right of the origin position of the movable base 590, and the movable base 590 moving toward the origin position in the left-right direction moves at high speed until it reaches the initial position in the left-right direction, and by decelerating after passing the initial position, the time it takes to reach the origin position can be shortened. The second horizontal position detection sensor 51 is not necessarily provided.

[0109] The third horizontal position detection sensor 52 detects that the movable base 590 is located at the end position in the left-right direction by detecting the movable horizontal dog 560. The third horizontal position detection sensor 52 is not necessarily provided.

[0110] The fourth horizontal position detection sensor 53 detects that the movable base 590 is located inside the dispensing stand unit 100 by detecting a fixed horizontal dog 570 arranged over the entire length of the dispensing stand unit 100 in the left-right direction.

[0111] The vertical movement mechanism 600 includes a motor 610, a belt 620, a connecting attachment 630, a linear guide 640, and a movable vertical dog 631. Each of the motor 610, the belt 620, the connecting attachment 630, and the linear guide 640 is mounted on the movable base 590.

[0112] Specifically, the motor 610 is fixed to the lower part of the movable base 590. The output of the motor 610 is transmitted to the belt 620, and drives the belt 620 to rotate. The belt 620 is wound around a pair of pulleys arranged apart in the vertical direction. The connection attach 630 is fixed to the belt 620. The connection attach 630 is engaged with a linear guide 640 extending in the vertical direction. As the belt 620 is driven to rotate, the connection attach 630 moves in the vertical direction along the linear guide 640. The movable vertical dog 631 is formed by bending a part of the connection attach 630. The movable vertical dog 631 moves in the vertical direction together with the connection attach 630.

[0113] As described above, the connection attachment 630 is connected to the housing 410 of the transport unit 400. In this manner, the transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the up and down direction by the vertical movement mechanism 600. In addition, the transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the left and right direction in association with the movement of the movable base 590 by the horizontal movement mechanism 500.

[0114] Fig. 32 is a side view showing the transport unit positioned above the placement section, Fig. 33 is an enlarged side view of part XXXIII in Fig. 32, Fig. 34 is a partial perspective view showing the transport unit positioned behind a case placed on the uppermost shelf section of the case rack, seen from above.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 32 and Fig. 33, when the transport unit 400 is located above the placement section 130, the transport unit 400 can move in the left-right direction only in the passable area of ​​length L shown in Fig. 33. Specifically, below the passable area, the selection case 300a on the placement section 130 and the transport unit 400 interfere with each other, so the transport unit 400 cannot move in the left-right direction. Above the passable area, the housing 110 of the dispensing table unit 100 and the transport unit 400 interfere with each other, so the transport unit 400 cannot move in the left-right direction.

[0116] As shown in Figures 32 to 34, a first vertical position detection sensor 60, a second vertical position detection sensor 61, a third vertical position detection sensor 62, a fourth vertical position detection sensor 63, and a fifth vertical position detection sensor 64 are arranged on the movable base 590.

[0117] Each of the first vertical position detection sensor 60, the second vertical position detection sensor 61, the third vertical position detection sensor 62, the fourth vertical position detection sensor 63, and the fifth vertical position detection sensor 64 is a microphoto sensor, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a limit switch, etc. Each of the first vertical position detection sensor 60, the second vertical position detection sensor 61, the third vertical position detection sensor 62, the fourth vertical position detection sensor 63, and the fifth vertical position detection sensor 64 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0118] The first vertical position detection sensor 60 detects the movable vertical dog 631, thereby detecting that the transport unit 400 is located at the origin position in the up-down direction.

[0119] The second vertical position detection sensor 61 detects the movable vertical dog 631, thereby detecting that the transport unit 400 is positioned below the upper limit within the passable area.

[0120] The third vertical position detection sensor 62 detects the movable vertical dog 631, thereby detecting that the transport unit 400 is positioned above the lower limit within the passable area.

[0121] The transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction only when each of the second vertical position detection sensor 61 and the third vertical position detection sensor 62 detects the movable vertical dog 631. In other words, the transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction only when it is detected that the transport unit 400 is located within the passable area.

[0122] The fourth vertical position detection sensor 63 detects the movable vertical dog 631, thereby detecting that the transport unit 400 has reached the upper limit of a position where it does not interfere with the ceiling 219 of the case rack 200 shown in Fig. 34. When the fourth vertical position detection sensor 63 detects the movable vertical dog 631, the transport unit 400 is configured not to be able to move in the left / right direction to pass through the ceiling 219 of the case rack 200.

[0123] The fifth vertical position detection sensor 64 detects the movable vertical dog 631, thereby detecting that the transport unit 400 is positioned at the end position in the vertical direction.

[0124] Here, the operation for taking out or refilling medicines in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment can switch between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, medicines can be taken out or refilled in front of the dispensing table unit 100. In the second mode, medicines can be taken out or refilled in front of the case rack 200.

[0125] First, an operation for taking out or refilling medicine in front of the dispensing table unit 100 in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 35 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit included in the medicine supply device according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 35, the medicine supply device 1 includes a control unit 90.

[0126] When the first mode is selected on the touch panel 170, a case containing the medicine to be removed or a case in which the medicine should be replenished is selected as the selected case from among the multiple cases stored in the case rack 200 based on information stored in the control unit 90.

[0127] The control unit 90 operates the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600 to position the transport unit 400 behind the selected case 300a housed in the case rack 200, as shown in FIG.

[0128] The control unit 90 causes the transport unit 400 to accommodate and support the selection case 300a, and then operates the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600 to position the transport unit 400 above the placement unit 130, as shown in FIG.

[0129] The transport unit 400 positioned above the placement section 130 descends until the selection case 300a it supports is located directly above the base section 131 of the placement section 130. Thereafter, the pair of support arms 440 rotate to release the support of the selection case 300a, and a part of the bottom section 130b of the selection case 300a is placed on the base section 131. In this state, the push plate 460 advances while pressing the outer surface of the engagement section 318 of the selection case 300a, so that the front end of the selection case 300a comes into contact with the wall section 132 of the placement section 130, and the selection case 300a is placed on the base section 131.

[0130] When the proximity sensor 10 detects that the selection case 300a has been placed on the base portion 131, the display portion 160 corresponding to that placement portion 130 lights up, the electromagnet 12 is unlocked, and the placement portion 130 can be pulled out.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 15, when the placement portion 130 is pulled out and tilted, the medicines contained in the selection case 300a are removed or the selection case 300a is replenished with medicines.

[0132] When the position detection sensor 11 detects that the placement unit 130 has been returned to the dispensing table unit 100 after the removal or refilling of the medicines is completed, the placement unit 130 is locked by the electromagnet 12. Thereafter, the selected case 300a placed on the placement unit 130 is transported by the transport unit 400 and returned to the original position of the case rack 200 stored in the control unit 90.

[0133] Next, an operation for taking out or refilling medicines in front of the case rack 200 in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0134] When the second mode is selected on the touch panel 170, the opening and closing door 240 is unlocked and the transport unit 400 is immobilized. In this state, any one of the cases 300 stored in the case rack 200 can be taken out from the front of the case rack 200 to take out or replenish medicines.

[0135] The case 300 from which the medicine has been removed or replenished is inserted into the case rack 200 from the front of the case rack 200. When the case 300 is inserted or removed in this manner, the case 300 is not necessarily returned to its original position in the case rack 200. Therefore, it is necessary to have the control unit 90 grasp the arrangement of each of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 before operating in the first mode.

[0136] In the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 moves behind the case rack 200, and the code reader 470 reads the identification codes 350 of the cases 300, thereby ascertaining the storage positions of the cases 300 in the case rack 200. At this time, the code reader 470 is positioned forward enough not to interfere with the cases 300.

[0137] The storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 thus ascertained are stored in the control unit 90, and based on this stored information, the selected case 300a is transported during the first mode operation.

[0138] The method for identifying the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 is not limited to the above, and a method using a so-called Chameleon Code (registered trademark) may also be used. Figure 36 is a rear view of a medicine supplying device according to a modified example.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 36, in the medicine supply device according to the modified example, an identification code 350a is attached to the rear surface of each of the multiple cases 300. The identification code 350a is a Chameleon Code (registered trademark). An imaging unit 290 capable of imaging the identification code 350a of each of the multiple cases 300 is provided on the rear side of the case rack 200. If one imaging unit 290 cannot image all the cases 300 stored in the case rack 200, multiple imaging units 290 may be provided. The storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 are grasped based on the images captured by the imaging unit 290. The control unit 90 can simultaneously grasp the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 by analyzing the images captured by the imaging unit 290.

[0140] In the medicine supplying device according to the modified example, the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 can be grasped without scanning the transport unit 400, so that the time required for switching between the second mode and the first mode can be shortened.

[0141] In the medicine supplying device according to this embodiment, the selection case 300a placed on the placement unit 130 is located rearward compared to each of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200. This can reduce the space occupied by the medicine supplying device in the front-rear direction.

[0142] In the medicine supplying device according to this embodiment, a part of the dispensing table 120 is located below the placement unit 130. This makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the medicine supplying device in the front-rear direction.

[0143] In the medicine supplying device according to the present embodiment, the transport unit 400 overlaps with the placement part 130 when viewed from the top to bottom when moving in the left-right direction inside the dispensing table unit 100. This can reduce the space occupied by the medicine supplying device in the front-rear direction.

[0144] In the medicine supplying device according to this embodiment, the dispensing table 120 is located behind the front end of the case rack 200 when viewed from the left-right direction. This makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the medicine supplying device in the front-rear direction.

[0145] In the medicine supplying device according to this embodiment, the mounting portion 130 can be pulled out in the front-rear direction relative to the housing 110. This allows the medicine to be easily inserted into and removed from the selection case 300a mounted on the mounting portion 130.

[0146] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the front end of the mounting part 130 in the pulled-out state positioned at the frontmost position is located behind the front end of the dispensing table 120. This can reduce the space occupied by the medicine supply device in the front-rear direction.

[0147] In the dispensing stand unit 100 of the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, a storage space is formed at least one of a position below the dispensing stand 120 and a position above the placement unit 130. This allows a user to easily prepare various medicines while standing in front of the dispensing stand 120.

[0148] In the medicine supplying device according to this embodiment, the case rack 200 is configured so that the multiple cases 300 can be inserted and removed from the front of the case rack 200. This allows the medicine supplying device to select between a first mode in which the cases 300 containing medicines are automatically inserted and removed from the rear of the device, and a second mode in which the cases 300 can be manually inserted and removed from the front of the device.

[0149] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the case rack 200 is provided with a stopper 223 that regulates the position of each of the multiple cases 300 in the front-rear direction when each of the multiple cases 300 is inserted from the front into the case rack 200. This allows the case 300 to be placed in a specified position even when the case 300 is manually inserted into the case rack 200, so that the case 300 can be automatically transported using the transport unit 400.

[0150] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, when the transport unit 400 pulls out the selection case 300a stored in the case rack 200 to the rear of the case rack 200, the transport unit 400 lifts up the rear side of the selection case 300a so that the selection case 300a can pass over the stopper 223. This allows the transport unit 400 to pull out the selection case 300a to the rear and transport it without interfering with the stopper 223.

[0151] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the case rack 200 has an opening / closing door 240 at the front. The case rack 200 is configured so that the multiple cases 300 can be inserted and removed from the front of the case rack 200 when the opening / closing door 240 is unlocked and open, and the transport unit 400 is configured so that it can move only when the opening / closing door 240 is closed and locked. This makes it possible to prevent the transport unit 400 from transporting an incorrectly selected case 300a due to the positional changes of the multiple cases 300 during the second mode.

[0152] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 moves behind the case rack 200, and the code reader 470 scans the identification codes 350 of each of the cases 300, thereby ascertaining the storage positions of the cases 300 in the case rack 200. This allows the storage positions of the cases 300 that have been taken in and out in the second mode to be ascertained, and the mode can be switched to the first mode.

[0153] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the mounting portion 130 is inclined so that, when pulled out and positioned at the frontmost position, the front end of the mounting portion 130 is positioned lower than the rear end of the mounting portion 130. This improves the visibility of the medicine when removing the medicine from the selection case 300a placed on the mounting portion 130, making it easier to remove the medicine.

[0154] The housing 110 of the dispensing table unit 100 of the medicine supply device according to this embodiment is formed with an abutment portion 115 that abuts from above against a rear portion of the selection case 300a placed on the placement portion 130 in the pulled-out and most forward position state. This makes it possible to prevent the selection case 300a placed on the placement portion 130 from falling off the placement portion 130.

[0155] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the mounting portion 130 includes a base portion 131 on which the selection case 300a is mounted, and a wall portion 132 attached to the front end of the base portion 131, and a protrusion 132d that engages with the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a is formed on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall portion 132. This makes it possible to prevent the selection case 300a mounted on the mounting portion 130 from falling off the mounting portion 130.

[0156] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the dispensing table unit 100 is provided with rollers 114 that serve as fulcrums when the mounting part 130 rotates and tilts while being in rolling contact with the base part 131 while the mounting part 130 is being pulled out. This allows the pulled-out mounting part 130 to rotate and tilt.

[0157] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be a basis for a restrictive interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not interpreted solely by the above-described embodiments, but is defined based on the claims. Also, all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1 medicine supply device, 10 proximity sensor, 11 position detection sensor, 12 electromagnet, 50 first horizontal position detection sensor, 51 second horizontal position detection sensor, 52 third horizontal position detection sensor, 53 fourth horizontal position detection sensor, 60 first vertical position detection sensor, 61 second vertical position detection sensor, 62 third vertical position detection sensor, 63 fourth vertical position detection sensor, 64 fifth vertical position detection sensor, 90 control unit, 100 dispensing table unit, 110, 210, 410 housing, 111, 131h, 132b, 222 opening, 112 storage space, 113 guide rail, 114, 131r roller, 115 abutment portion, 120 dispensing table, 130 placement portion, 130b, 310b bottom portion, 131 base portion, 131a dog, 131p adsorbed portion, 132 wall surface portion, 132c, 321 protrusion, 132d, 313 protruding portion, 133 transparent plate, 134 retaining ring, 140 lower storage space, 150 upper storage space, 160 display portion, 161 indicator light, 170 touch panel, 180, 470 code reader, 190 printer, 200 case rack, 219 ceiling portion, 220 shelf portion, 221 guide wall, 223 stopper, 230 drawer stand, 240 opening and closing door, 290 imaging portion, 300 case, 300a selection case, 310 case body, 310f front wall portion, 310r rear wall portion, 310s side wall portion, 311 transparent support portion, 312 step portion, 314 recessed portion, 314f front wall surface, 314s side wall surface, 315, 316 Groove portion, 317 slit, 318 engagement portion, 320 fraction storage portion, 330 partition plate, 340, 350, 350a identification code, 400 conveying unit, 420, 510, 610 motor, 430 rotating shaft, 440 support arm, 450 claw portion, 460 push plate, 480 screw mechanism, 500 horizontal movement mechanism, 520 lower pinion, 521 upper pinion, 530 lower rack, 531 upper rack, 540 lower rail, 541 upper rail, 550 lower roller, 551 upper roller, 560 movable horizontal dog, 570 fixed horizontal dog, 580 connecting shaft, 590 movable base, 600 vertical movement mechanism, 620 belt, 630 connection attachment, 631 Movable vertical dog, 640 linear guide.

Claims

1. a case rack for storing a plurality of cases in which medicines are contained; a dispensing table unit including a placement section arranged adjacent to the case rack in the left-right direction and capable of placing a selected case selected from the plurality of cases, and a dispensing table located below the placement section; a transport unit that is movably provided behind the case rack and the dispensing table unit and transports the selected case between the case rack and the placement unit; The dispensing table is located behind the front end of the case rack when viewed from the left-right direction, the placement section is provided such that the selected case placed on the placement section is located rearward relative to each of the plurality of cases stored in the case rack, The medicine supply device, wherein the transport unit overlaps with the placement section when viewed from above and below when moving in the left-right direction inside the dispensing table unit.

2. The medicine supply device according to claim 1 , wherein a part of the medicine dispensing table is located below the placement portion.

3. The placement portion is removable in the front-rear direction, 3. The medicine supply device according to claim 1, wherein a front end of the placement portion in a pulled-out and forward-most state is located behind a front end of the preparation table.

4. The medicine supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the dispensing table unit has a storage space formed at least one of a position below the dispensing table and a position above the placement portion.

Images