Drug supply device

The drug supply device optimizes case movement by using placement units and a transport unit to temporarily hold cases, addressing the inefficiency in restarting drug operations, thereby reducing time requirements.

JP7698302B2Active Publication Date: 2025-06-25TAKAZONO CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021162753
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-10-01
Publication Date
2025-06-25
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing drug supply devices require significant time to move cases from a storage unit after a drug loading/unloading operation has been performed, especially when restarting within a certain period.

Method used

The drug supply device includes a case rack, placement units, and a transport unit that temporarily holds selected cases until a certain period has elapsed or a cancellation operation is performed, allowing for efficient movement between the case rack and placement units.

Benefits of technology

This configuration reduces the time required to move cases from the case rack when restarting drug operations, enhancing operational efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a medicament supply device capable of reducing time for moving a case from a case rack, when restarting taking out / putting operation of a medicament in a constant period, to a case from which the medicament is taken out and into which the medicament is put.SOLUTION: A transport unit 400 causes a selection case 300a to wait temporarily, on at least one mount part 130, when completion operation indicating completion of take-out / putting of a medicament from / into the selection case 300a, is performed, and is set to a transport execution state in which the selection case is transferred from at least one mount part 130 to the case rack 200. The transport unit 400 is released in the transport execution state, when cancellation operation for cancelling the completion operation, is performed, during temporary waiting of the selection case 300a on the at least one mount part 130.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art document disclosing the configuration of an automatic drug supply device, there is Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-79642 (Patent Document 1). The automatic drug supply device described in Patent Document 1 includes a storage unit, a drug picking unit, a box moving mechanism, and a tray mounting table. The storage unit is configured to be able to arrange a plurality of boxes for storing drugs. In the drug picking unit, drugs are taken in and out of the box. The box moving mechanism is configured to move the box between the storage unit and the drug picking unit. The storage unit is disposed on the front side of the device, and the box moving mechanism is disposed on the back side of the device. A tray for storing the drug taken out of the box is placed on the tray mounting table.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a case in which a drug loading / unloading operation has been performed is immediately moved to the storage unit and stored, when restarting the drug loading / unloading operation on the case within a certain period of time, time is required to move the case from the storage unit.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a drug supply device capable of reducing the time required to move a case from a case rack when restarting a drug loading / unloading operation on a case in which a drug loading / unloading operation has been performed within a certain period of time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The drug supply device according to the present invention includes a case rack, at least one placement unit, and a transport unit. The case rack stores a plurality of cases in which drugs are stored. At least one placement unit is provided for placing a selected case selected from the plurality of cases and for taking in and out drugs with respect to the selected case. The transport unit transports the selected case between the case rack and the at least one placement unit. When a completion operation indicating completion of taking in and out drugs with respect to the selected case is performed, the transport unit sets the selected case on hold temporarily at the at least one placement unit and then transports it from the at least one placement unit to the case rack, and is set to a transport execution state. When a cancellation operation for canceling the completion operation is performed while the selected case is on hold temporarily at the at least one placement unit, the transport unit releases the transport execution state.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, while the transport unit is set to the transport execution state, it waits until a certain period of time has elapsed with the selected case on hold at the at least one placement unit, and then transports it from the at least one placement unit to the case rack.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the drug supply device includes a plurality of placement units as the at least one placement unit. The transport unit can sequentially place one by one a plurality of selected cases selected from the plurality of cases from the case rack on the plurality of placement units. When a completion operation indicating completion of taking in and out drugs with respect to one of the plurality of selected cases is performed, the transport unit holds the one selected case temporarily at one of the plurality of placement units until a start operation indicating start of taking in and out drugs with respect to another selected case among the plurality of selected cases is performed, and then transports it from the one placement unit to the case rack.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, while the transport unit is set to the transport execution state, the selection case is made to wait on the at least one placement unit until the transport unit reaches the at least one placement unit, and then is transported from the at least one placement unit to the case rack.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the at least one placement unit is configured to be pullable in the front-rear direction and lockable so as not to be movable. During the temporary waiting of the selection case on the at least one placement unit, the at least one placement unit is pullable without being locked. The cancellation operation is an operation of pulling out the at least one placement unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, when restarting the drug loading / unloading operation within a certain time for a case in which the drug loading / unloading operation has been performed, the time required to move the case from the case rack can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In the specification, the left - right direction is described as the direction when the drug supply device is viewed from the front side. Also, the front of the drug supply device may be expressed as the front surface, and the back of the drug supply device may be expressed as the rear surface.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above on the front side. FIG. 2 is a front view of the drug supply device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of the drug supply device of FIG. 1 as viewed from the right side. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the drug supply device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above on the rear side. In FIGS. 3 and 5, a state in which the side plate on the right side of the dispensing table unit is removed is shown.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a drug supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a dispensing table unit 100, a case rack 200, and a conveying unit 400. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the front, two case racks 200 are arranged side by side on the left side of the dispensing table unit 100. However, 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 so as 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 of the dispensing table unit 100. Thus, the dispensing table unit 100 is arranged adjacent to the case rack 200 in the left-right direction.

[0016] The case rack 200 stores a plurality of cases 300 in which drugs are stored. The case rack 200 is a first storage unit and stores a first drug. As the first storage unit, a medicine box for storing the first drug may be stored. The first drug includes various drugs. The case rack 200 is configured such that a plurality of cases 300 can be manually taken in and out from the front of the case rack 200.

[0017] The case rack 200 includes a housing 210, a shelf plate portion 220, a workbench 230, an opening / closing door 240 which is an opening / closing portion, and an opening / closing detection unit 250. A plurality of shelf plate portions 220 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction on the front side inside the housing 210. A plurality of cases 300 are placed side by side in the left-right direction on each of the plurality of shelf plate portions 220. The plurality of cases 300 are arranged along a virtual plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction in the case rack 200.

[0018] In this embodiment, the front side of the housing 210 is divided in the vertical direction into an upper region located above a dispensing table 120 to be described later and a lower region located below the dispensing table 120. Note that the front side of the housing 210 does not necessarily have to be divided into the upper region and the lower region.

[0019] The workbench 230 is used when taking in and out drugs with respect to a plurality of cases 300 in front of the case rack 200. The workbench 230 is configured to be able to place a tray (not shown) capable of accommodating drugs, the cases 300, etc. The workbench 230 does not necessarily have to be arranged.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the workbench 230 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which it protrudes forward from the front surface of the case rack 200 and a second state in which it is located on the rear side from the front surface of the case rack 200. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a storage space S230 for storing the workbench 230 is formed in the case rack 200. The workbench 230 is stored in the storage space S230 in the second state.

[0021] In this embodiment, the workbench 230 can be pushed into the storage space S230 and can be pulled out from the storage space S230. The workbench 230 is configured to be pullable forward of the housing 210. The workbench 230 includes a push-open mechanism 231 that biases the workbench 230 to move forward when the front surface of the workbench 230 is pressed. Note that the configuration of the workbench 230 is not limited to the above, and for example, it may be configured to enter and exit in the front-rear direction by rotating about a rotation axis.

[0022] The workbench 230 is disposed between the upper region and the lower region of the housing 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the case rack 200 is divided into a plurality of compartments PLU, PRU, PLD, and PRD. The compartment PLU is the upper left region of the case rack 200. The compartment PRU is the upper right region of the case rack 200. The compartment PLD is the lower left region of the case rack 200. The compartment PRD is the lower right region of the case rack 200.

[0023] The plurality of opening / closing doors 240 are disposed in front of the housing 210 and are configured to be able to open and close the front side of the housing 210. The plurality of opening / closing doors 240 can individually open and close the plurality of compartments PLU, PRU, PLD, and PRD. Specifically, a pair of opening / closing doors 240 are provided in each of the upper region and the lower region of the housing 210. The opening / closing door 240 is configured to be able to open and close in the left-right direction while being folded back. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the right opening / closing door 240 is not shown when viewed from the front.

[0024] The opening / closing door 240 is configured to be switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state. The case rack 200 is configured to be able to take in and out a plurality of cases 300 from the front of the case rack 200 when the opening / closing door 240 is unlocked and open. Conversely, when the opening / closing door 240 is closed and locked, a plurality of cases 300 cannot be taken in and out from the front of the case rack 200.

[0025] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in the compartments PRU and PRD opened by the opening / closing door 240 in the open state among the plurality of opening / closing doors 240, a plurality of cases 300 can be manually taken in and out. In the compartments PLU and PLD closed by the opening / closing door 240 in the closed state among the plurality of opening / closing doors 240, a plurality of cases 300 cannot be manually taken in and out.

[0026] The plurality of opening / closing detection units 250 detect the opening / closing states of the plurality of opening / closing doors 240 in a one-to-one correspondence. The opening / closing detection unit 250 is electrically connected to a control unit described later.

[0027] The dispensing unit 100 has a placement portion 130 and a dispensing table 120. The dispensing unit 100 further includes a housing 110, a lower storage space 140, an upper storage space 150, a display unit 160, a touch panel 170, a code reader 180, a printer 190, and an indicator light 161. The maximum depth dimension of the dispensing unit 100 in the front-rear direction is, for example, 700 mm.

[0028] In the housing 110, the portion above the placement portion 130 is located further back in the front position compared to the portion below the dispensing table 120. In the present embodiment, an opening 111 is formed in the front surface of the housing 110 above the dispensing table 120. Five openings 111 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Note that the number of openings 111 is not limited to five and may be one or more.

[0029] The placement portion 130 is capable of placing the first drug and is provided for taking in and out the first drug. In the present embodiment, the first drug is housed in a case 300. A selected case 300a selected from a plurality of cases 300 can be placed on the placement portion 130. The placement portion 130 is provided for taking in and out the first drug with respect to the selected case 300a.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the placement portion 130 includes a base portion 131 on which the selected case 300a is placed and a wall surface portion 132 attached to the front end of the base portion 131. The wall surface portion 132 is configured to be able to open and close the opening 111. Note that the placement portion 130 does not necessarily include the wall surface portion 132. In this case, a shutter for opening and closing the opening 111 may be provided in the housing 110.

[0031] The placement part 130 is configured to be pullable back and forth with respect to the housing 110 through the opening 111. Note that the placement part 130 does not necessarily have to be configured to be pullable. In this case, an opening is formed in the part of the housing 110 located above the placement part 130 to enable the putting in and taking out of drugs with respect to the selection case 300a. In the present embodiment, five placement parts 130 are arranged side by side in the left - right direction. However, the number of placement parts 130 is not limited to five, and at least one is sufficient.

[0032] The dispensing table 120 is configured to be able to place a tray or the like that can accommodate drugs. The dispensing table 120 is located around the placement part 130 and, in the present embodiment, is located below the placement part 130. A part of the dispensing table 120 is located below the placement part 130. Specifically, the rear - side part of the dispensing table 120 is located directly below the placement part 130. The dispensing table 120 and the placement part 130 are provided at an interval in the up - down direction. A storage space 112 is formed between the dispensing table 120 and the placement part 130. A tray or the like for accommodating the drug taken out from the selection case 300a can be made to enter from the front into the storage space 112.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from the left - right direction, the dispensing table 120 is located behind the position of the front end of the case rack 200. In the present embodiment, the front end of the case rack 200 is the front end of the handle of the opening - closing door 240.

[0034] The position of the front end of the placement part 130 is located behind the position of the front end of the case rack 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the selection case 300a placed on the placement part 130 is located behind each of the plurality of cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.

[0035] The lower storage space 140 can store other cases with shapes or sizes different from those of the case 300, or drugs, etc. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower storage space 140 is formed in the housing 110 at a position below the dispensing table 120 and the placement portion 130. In the present embodiment, a plurality of drawers are arranged in the lower storage space 140, but it is not limited thereto, and shelves may be arranged. The lower storage space 140 does not necessarily have to be formed. The lower storage space 140 is a second storage portion, and stores a second drug different in type from the first drug in a manually insertable and removable manner. As the second storage portion, a storage box for storing a medicine box for storing the second drug may be used. The second drug includes various drugs. For example, the second drug is a drug with a higher prescription frequency than the first drug.

[0036] The upper storage space 150 can store other cases with shapes or sizes different from those of the case 300, or drugs, etc. The upper storage space 150 is formed in the housing 110 at a position above the dispensing table 120 and the placement portion 130. In the present embodiment, shelves are arranged in the upper storage space 150, but it is not limited thereto, and a plurality of drawers may be arranged. The upper storage space 150 does not necessarily have to be formed. The upper storage space 150 is a second storage portion, and stores the second drug in a manually insertable and removable manner.

[0037] In addition, as the second storage portion, a side storage space (not shown) may be provided on the side of the placement portion 130. The side storage space can store other cases with shapes or sizes different from those of the case 300, or drugs, etc. The side storage space stores the second drug in a manually insertable and removable manner. The side storage space is arranged, for example, on the right side of the dispensing table unit 100 shown in FIG. 2 and provided on the right side of the five placement portions 130. In this way, the second storage portion is provided around the placement portion 130. The second storage portion is provided at least on one of the upper, lower, and side of the placement portion 130.

[0038] The display unit 160 is formed above the opening 111 on the front surface of the housing 110. The display unit 160 lights up when the selection case 300a is placed on the placement unit 130, thereby indicating that the selection case 300a is placed on the placement unit 130. A plurality of display units 160 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of placement units 130.

[0039] The touch panel 170 is an image display unit that displays images. The touch panel 170 is provided on the front surface of the housing 110 at a position between the display unit 160 and the upper storage space 150 in the vertical direction and at a position approximately in the center of the housing 110 in the horizontal direction.

[0040] The touch panel 170 can display patient prescription information and the like, and can also receive a selection operation for selecting an arbitrary case 300 from the plurality of cases 300. The touch panel 170 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0041] The code reader 180 is provided on the front surface of the housing 110 on the right side of the touch panel 170. The code reader 180 reads a code such as a barcode attached to a box containing a drug. The code reader 180 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0042] When replenishing the drug in the selection case 300a, by reading the code with the code reader 180, the control unit can recognize the drug to be replenished. When the control unit recognizes a drug different from the drug to be replenished, an alarm is displayed on the touch panel 170. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the replenishment of the wrong drug.

[0043] The printer 190 is provided on the front surface of the housing 110 on the left side of the touch panel 170. The printer 190 can print the patient's name, prescription information, and the like. The printer 190 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0044] The indicator lamp 161 is provided on the ceiling of the housing 110. The indicator lamp 161 indicates the presence or absence of an abnormality in the drug supply device 1. Specifically, when the drug supply device 1 is normal, it displays green, and when the drug supply device 1 is abnormal, it displays orange. The indicator lamp 161 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a perspective view seen from above the back side in a state where the transport unit has moved above the placement unit in the drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the transport unit 400 is movably provided on the rear side of each of the case rack 200 and the dispensing table unit 100. The transport unit 400 transports the selected case 300a between the case rack 200 and the placement unit 130. That is, the transport unit 400 transports the first drug between the first storage unit and the placement unit 130. The transport unit 400 transports the first drug based on prescription data described later. In the present embodiment, the transport unit 400 transports the first drug stored in the case 300. The transport unit 400 can sequentially place the plurality of selected cases 300a selected from the plurality of cases 300 on the plurality of placement units 130 one by one from the case rack 200.

[0046] The transport unit 400 is connected to the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600, and is configured to be movable in the left-right direction and the up-down direction. Each of the transport unit 400, the horizontal movement mechanism 500, and the vertical movement mechanism 600 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0047] 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.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, when the transport unit 400 moves within the case rack 200, it is located behind the case 300 placed on the shelf plate portion 220.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, an identification code 350, which is an information carrying part, is attached to the rear surface of each of the multiple cases 300. The identification code 350 is a code for identifying each individual case 300. The identification code 350 is, for example, a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), or a Chameleon code (registered trademark). In this manner, each of the multiple cases 300 is provided with an information carrying part that carries identification information. The case identification information carried by the identification code 350 is previously associated with medicine identification information for identifying medicine contained in the case 300. The identification information carried by the identification code 350 may be medicine identification information of a medicine contained in the case 300 to which the identification code 350 is attached.

[0052] Here, the case 300 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the case according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the case body according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the case body according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the case 300 includes a case body 310, a fractional part accommodating portion 320, and a partition plate 330. Each of the fractional part accommodating portion 320 and the partition plate 330 is formed so as to be disposed inside the case body 310.

[0054] The fractional part accommodating portion 320 is, for example, a small case that accommodates the fractional part of a drug packaged in a PTP (Press Through Package) packaging sheet. The partition plate 330 partitions the inside of the case body 310 into a plurality of regions so that a plurality of types of drugs can be accommodated for each type of drug when the case 300 accommodates a plurality of types of drugs.

[0055] The case body 310 has a bottom portion 310b, and a front wall portion 310f, a rear wall portion 310r, and a pair of side wall portions 310s erected from the periphery of the bottom portion 310b. The case body 310 further has a transparent support portion 311 that faces the front wall portion 310f with a slit 317 interposed therebetween. The case body 310 is formed by integrally molding resin.

[0056] The transparent support portion 311 is a portion that supports a card on which a drug name is described, inserted into the slit 317 from above, so as to be visible from the front side of the case 300. Specifically, the lower end of the transparent support portion 311 is bent backward, and the card is supported at the bent portion.

[0057] On a pair of side wall portions 310s of the case body 310, a step portion 312 extending in the front-rear direction is formed. The outer width of the case body 310 in the left-right direction is wider in the upper portion than in the lower portion of the step portion 312. The inner width of the case body 310 in the left-right direction is also wider in the upper portion than in the lower portion of the step portion 312.

[0058] On the upper surface of the rear wall portion 310r of the case body 310, a pair of protruding portions 313 extending in the left-right direction are formed. The pair of protruding portions 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.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 9, a pair of recesses 314 are formed at the rear end of the bottom portion 310b of the case body 310. The pair of recesses 314 are formed at both ends in the left-right direction on the bottom portion 310b of the case body 310. Each of the pair of recesses 314 is open rearward. That is, each inner wall surface 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.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, on the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 310s of the case body 310, a plurality of groove portions 315 into which both ends in the left-right direction of the partition plate 330 are inserted are formed in the upper portion above the stepped portion 312. Each of the plurality of groove portions 315 extends in the up-down direction.

[0061] On the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 310s of the case body 310, in the upper portion above the stepped portion 312, groove portions 316 are formed which engage with protrusions 321 formed on each of the pair of side surfaces of the fractional accommodation portion 320 to position the fractional accommodation portion 320 in the front-rear direction.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, an engaging portion 318 that engages with a claw portion of a conveying unit 400 described later is formed on the rear side of the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r of the case body 310. The engaging portion 318 faces the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r with a space therebetween in the front-rear direction. The engaging portion 318 is connected to a flange extending rearward from the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r.

[0063] Here, the configuration of the mounting portion 130 according to the present embodiment and the configuration around the mounting portion 130 in the dispensing table unit 100 will be described.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above the front side with the placement portion pulled out. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the periphery of the placement portion in a dispensing table unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above the front side. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the periphery of the placement portion in a dispensing table unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above the back side. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the wall surface portion of the placement portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below the back side. FIG. 14 is a side view of a state where the placement portion in a dispensing table unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is being pulled out, as viewed from the side. FIG. 15 is a side view of a state where the placement portion in a dispensing table unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is pulled out, as viewed from the side.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 10, the position of the front end of the placement portion 130 in the state where it is pulled out and located at the most forward position is behind the front end of the dispensing table 120.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 15, the placement portion 130 is inclined such that the front end of the placement portion 130 is located below the rear end of the placement portion 130 in the state where it is pulled out and located at the most forward position. Note that the front end of the placement portion 130 is the wall surface portion 132, and the rear end of the placement portion 130 is the rear end of the base portion 131.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 14, and 15, the base portion 131 has a flat plate shape. An opening 131h is formed in the base portion 131. A pair of rollers 131r are provided at the lower portion of the base portion 131 with a space therebetween in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of rollers 131r is rotatably provided around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a dog 131a and an adsorbed portion 131p are provided at the lower portion of the base portion 131. Each of the dog 131a and the adsorbed portion 131p is composed of a single sheet of sheet metal that has been bent.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, a handle 132a is formed at the lower part of the wall surface portion 132. By hanging the hand on the handle 132a and pulling, the placement portion 130 can be pulled out.

[0069] An opening 132b is formed at the upper part of the wall surface portion 132. A transparent plate 133 for closing 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 are provided on the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. The transparent plate 133 is attached to the wall surface portion 132 by fitting a retaining ring 134 to each of the pair of protrusions 132c in a state where the pair of protrusions 132c are inserted through a pair of through holes formed in the transparent plate 133.

[0070] Thereby, the card with the drug name attached to the selection case 300a can be visually recognized from the front side of the wall surface portion 132 through the transparent plate 133 and the transparent support portion 311.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, a protruding portion 132d that engages with the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a is formed at the upper part of the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. Specifically, a pair of protruding portions 132d are formed at the upper part of the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132 with a space therebetween in the left - right direction. The lower surface of each of the pair of protruding portions 132d is a flat surface.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 15, a proximity sensor 10, a position detection sensor 11, an electromagnet 12, a guide rail 113, a roller 114, and a contact portion 115 are provided around the 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 unit.

[0073] The proximity sensor 10 detects that the selection case 300a is placed on the placement portion 130. The proximity sensor 10 is disposed below the opening 131h of the base portion 131 in a state where 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.

[0074] The position detection sensor 11 detects that the placement unit 130 is located at the origin position in the front-rear direction when the placement unit 130 is not pulled out. Specifically, the position detection sensor 11 detects that the placement unit 130 is located at the origin position by detecting a dog 131a provided at the lower part of the base unit 131. In the present embodiment, the position detection sensor 11 is a microphoto sensor, but it is not limited thereto, and for example, a limit switch or the like may be used.

[0075] The electromagnet 12 can lock the placement unit 130 so that it cannot move. Specifically, the electromagnet 12 to which current is supplied adsorbs an adsorbed portion 131p provided at the lower part of the base unit 131, thereby locking the placement unit 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 placement unit 130 is released. With this configuration, in the five placement units 130, it is possible to individually switch between a state where the medicine can be taken in and out of the selected case 300a placed thereon and a state where it cannot.

[0076] The guide rail 113 defines the movement locus of a roller 131r provided at the lower part of the base unit 131. Specifically, below the placement unit 130, a pair of guide rails 113 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction so as to extend in the front-rear direction. Each of the pair of guide rails 113 is formed with a through groove extending in the front-rear direction. A part of the front side of the through groove is inclined so as to be located upward as it goes to the front side. The roller 131r moves while rolling inside the through groove. Thereby, the placement unit 130 moves in the front-rear direction.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the roller 114 serves as a fulcrum when the placement unit 130 rotates and tilts while rolling in contact with the base unit 131 while the placement unit 130 is being pulled out. Specifically, the roller 114 is rotatably supported at a position behind the lower part of the opening 111.

[0078] As the roller 131r rises while advancing along the inclined portion of the through groove of the guide rail 113, the base portion 131 tilts by rotating about the portion supported by the roller 114 as the center of rotation.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 15, the contact portion 115 contacts the rear side portion of the selection case 300a placed on the placement portion 130 in the state where it is pulled out and positioned closest to the front from above. Specifically, the contact portion 115 is provided on the housing 110 and is provided so as to be engageable with each of the pair of protruding portions 313 at a position behind the upper portion of the opening 111. In the present embodiment, the contact portion 115 is formed of sheet metal, but is not limited thereto, and may be rubber or the like.

[0080] The selection case 300a placed on the placement portion 130 is restricted so that it cannot be easily removed from the placement portion 130 because the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a is pressed by the protruding portion 132d and the rear side portion of the selection case 300a is pressed by the protruding portion 313 in a state where the placement portion 130 is inclined.

[0081] 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 as viewed from the front with the claw portion retracted. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side with the claw portion retracted. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front with the claw portion advanced. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side with the claw portion advanced.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the conveyance unit 400 includes a housing 410, a motor 420, a pair of rotation shafts 430, a pair of support arms 440, a claw portion 450, a push plate 460, and a code reader 470 which is a position grasping portion. 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.

[0083] The housing 410 has an open front lower portion and a lower side so as to accommodate and support the selection case 300a. The housing 410 is connected to a connection attachment 630 of the vertical movement mechanism 600 in order to enable the conveyance unit 400 to be driven by the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600.

[0084] The motor 420 is fixed to the housing 410. The motor 420 drives a pair of rotation shafts 430. Each of the pair of rotation shafts 430 is rotatably attached one by one to the opposing inner surfaces of the lower portion of the housing 410. Each of the pair of rotation shafts 430 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0085] The pair of support arms 440 are attached one by one to the pair of rotation shafts 430. Each of the pair of support arms 440 rotates together with the rotation shaft 430 about the attached rotation shaft 430. Each of the pair of support arms 440 is configured to support the selection case 300a by supporting the step portion 312 of the selection case 300a from below.

[0086] The claw portion 450 is configured to be engageable with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a. The claw portion 450 is rotatably supported in the vertical direction.

[0087] The push plate 460 is configured to be abutted against the outer surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a. The push plate 460 is located above the claw portion 450.

[0088] 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 on the rear side of the pressing plate 460.

[0089] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state in which the conveying unit is located behind the selection case stored in the case rack. FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the state of FIG. 20 as viewed from the side.

[0090] Here, the configuration of the shelf plate portion 220 of the case rack 200 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a stopper 223 is provided on the shelf plate portion 220 of the case rack 200. When each of the plurality of cases 300 is inserted into the case rack 200 from the front, the stopper 223 regulates the position of each of the plurality of cases 300 in the front-rear direction. Moreover, the stopper 223 allows the movement of each of the plurality of cases 300 in the front-rear direction when each of the plurality of cases 300 is inserted into and removed from the case rack 200 from the rear.

[0091] Specifically, the shelf plate 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 into the case rack 200 from the front. The case 300 is inserted between the guide walls 221.

[0092] A pair of openings 222 are formed at intervals in the left-right direction on the rear side of the shelf plate 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 change between a state of protruding from the opening 222 and a state of not protruding from the opening 222, and is biased by a spring in the direction of protruding from the opening 222.

[0093] When the case 300 is inserted into the case rack 200 from the front, the front wall surface 314f of the recess 314 formed in the bottom portion 310b of the case body 310 abuts against the stopper 223, whereby the case 300 is positioned in the front-rear direction.

[0094] When the case 300 is inserted into and removed from the case rack 200 from the rear, the stopper 223 is pressed upward against the bottom 310b of the case 300 and thus does not protrude from the opening 222. Since the stopper 223 does not protrude from the opening 222, the forward and backward movement of the case 300 is allowed.

[0095] Here, the operation when the transport unit 400 accommodates and supports the selected case 300a from the case rack 200 will be described. The transport unit 400 moves to the rear side of the case rack 200 with the claw portion 450 retracted and stops at a position behind the selected case 300a. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the claw portion 450 advances, the claw portion 450 is positioned below the engaging portion 318 of the selected case 300a.

[0096] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view taken from the side showing a state in which the claw portion rotates upward in the transport unit located behind the selected case stored in the case rack. As shown in FIG. 22, when the claw portion 450 rotates upward, the claw portion 450 engages with the inner surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selected case 300a.

[0097] When the transport unit 400 rises slightly in a state where the claw portion 450 is engaged with the inner surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selected case 300a, as shown in FIG. 22, the rear side of the selected case 300a is lifted, and the engagement between the recess 314 of the selected case 300a and the stopper 223 is released. Note that the rear side of the selected case 300a may be configured to be lifted and the engagement between the recess 314 of the selected case 300a and the stopper 223 may be released when the claw portion 450 rotates upward. Further, the stopper 223 may be configured to retract from the recess 314 of the selected case 300a.

[0098] FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the claw portion engaged with the inner surface of the engaging portion of the selection case has retracted. As shown in FIG. 23, when the feed screw mechanism 480 is driven and the claw portion 450 engaged with the inner surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selection case 300a retracts, the selection case 300a is pulled backward while sliding on the shelf plate portion 220. At this time, the stopper 223 is pressed from above against the bottom portion 310b of the selection case 300a and is in a state of not protruding from the opening 222.

[0099] 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, the transport unit 400 lifts the rear side of the selection case 300a so that the selection case 300a can pass over the stopper 223.

[0100] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the transport unit in a state where the claw portion engaged with the inner surface of the engaging portion of the selection case has finished retracting, as viewed from the front. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the transport unit of FIG. 24 as viewed in the direction of arrow XXV.

[0101] 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, each of the pair of support arms 440 is positioned at the support position.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, in the transport unit 400 in a state where the claw portion 450 engaged with the inner surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selection case 300a has finished retracting, each of the pair of support arms 440 is positioned at the support position and supports the stepped portion 312 of the selection case 300a from below. Thereby, the transport unit 400 accommodates and supports the selection case 300a. The transport unit 400 that has accommodated and supported the selection case 300a moves to a position above the placement portion 130 and descends until the supported selection case 300a is positioned directly above the base portion 131 of the placement portion 130.

[0103] FIG. 26 is a front view of a state in which a pair of support arms are in the retracted position as viewed from the front. FIG. 27 is a side view of the state in which the pair of support arms in FIG. 26 are in the retracted position as viewed from the direction of arrow XXVII.

[0104] When the selection case 300a is positioned directly above the base portion 131 of the placement portion 130, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, a pair of rotating shafts 430 are driven by the motor 420. As a result, each of the pair of support arms 440 rotates together with the rotating shaft 430 about the attached rotating shaft 430 and moves to a retracted position below the pair of rotating shafts 430. Thereby, the selection case 300a is placed on the placement portion 130.

[0105] Here, in the drug supply device 1 according to the present embodiment, an operation for taking out or replenishing a drug will be described. The drug supply device 1 according to the present embodiment can be alternatively switched between a first mode and a second mode.

[0106] In the first mode, the selection case 300a can be conveyed by the conveyance unit 400. That is, in the first mode, drugs can be taken out or replenished in front of the dispensing table unit 100. Only in the first mode, it is possible to take in and out drugs with respect to the selection case 300a placed on the placement portion 130.

[0107] In the second mode, the conveyance unit 400 is stopped, and a plurality of cases 300 can be manually taken in and out from the case rack 200. That is, in the second mode, drugs can be taken out or replenished in front of the case rack 200. Only in the second mode, it is possible to take in and out drugs with respect to the plurality of cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.

[0108] First, in the drug supply device 1 according to the present embodiment, an example of an operation for taking out or replenishing drugs in front of the dispensing table unit 100 will be described. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit included in the drug supply device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 28, the drug supply device 1 includes a control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes an inventory quantity grasping unit 91 and a recording unit 92, which will be described later.

[0109] When the first mode is selected on the touch panel 170, the case storing the drug to be taken out or the case to be replenished with the drug is selected as the selected case from among the plurality of cases stored in the case rack 200 based on the information stored in the control unit 90.

[0110] The control unit 90 operates the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600 to position the transport unit 400 behind the selected case 300a stored in the case rack 200 as shown in FIG. 20.

[0111] After the control unit 90 accommodates and supports the selected case 300a in the transport unit 400, it 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. 6.

[0112] The transport unit 400 positioned above the placement unit 130 descends until the supported selected case 300a is directly above the base portion 131 of the placement unit 130. Thereafter, the pair of support arms 440 rotate to release the support of the selected case 300a, and a part of the bottom portion 130b of the selected case 300a is placed on the base portion 131. In this state, as the push plate 460 advances while pressing the outer surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selected case 300a, the front end of the selected case 300a abuts against the wall surface portion 132 of the placement unit 130, and the selected case 300a is placed on the base portion 131.

[0113] When the proximity sensor 10 detects that the selection case 300a is placed on the base portion 131, the display portion 160 corresponding to the placement portion 130 lights up, the lock of the electromagnet 12 is released, and the placement portion 130 can be pulled out.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 15, in a state where the placement portion 130 is pulled out and inclined, the drug stored in the selection case 300a is taken out, or the selection case 300a is replenished with the drug.

[0115] When the position detection sensor 11 detects that the drug has been taken out or replenished and the placement portion 130 has been returned into the dispensing unit 100, the placement portion 130 is locked by the electromagnet 12. Thereafter, the selection case 300a placed on the placement portion 130 is conveyed by the conveyance unit 400 and returned to the original position of the case rack 200 stored in the control unit 90.

[0116] Next, in the drug supply device 1 according to the present embodiment, an example of an operation for taking out or replenishing a drug in front of the case rack 200 will be described.

[0117] When the second mode is selected on the touch panel 170, the opening / closing door 240 is unlocked and the conveyance unit 400 is made immovable. In this state, any case 300 among the plurality of cases 300 stored in the case rack 200 can be taken out from the front of the case rack 200 to take out the drug or replenish the drug.

[0118] The case 300 in which the drug has been taken out or replenished is inserted into the case rack 200 from the front of the case rack 200. When the case 300 is taken in and out in this way, the case 300 is not necessarily returned to the original position of the case rack 200. Therefore, before operating in the first mode, it is necessary to let the control unit 90 grasp the arrangement of each of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200.

[0119] Therefore, in the drug supply device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the code reader 470 is switched from the second mode to the first mode, it is driven to grasp the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200. Specifically, the conveyance unit 400 moves along the arrangement of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 behind the case rack 200, and the code reader 470 reads the identification code 350 of each of the plurality of cases 300, whereby the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 are grasped. At this time, the code reader 470 is positioned at a position advanced to such an extent that it does not interfere with the case 300.

[0120] Note that the code reader 470 may be configured to move along the arrangement of the plurality of cases 300 only for the compartments in the plurality of compartments PLU, PRU, PLD, and PRD of the case rack 200 where the open / close doors 240 detected to be in the open state by the plurality of open / close detection units 250 have an ungrasped storage position of the plurality of cases 300 after this detection, so as to grasp the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200. In this case, the code reader 470 does not grasp the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the compartments closed by the open / close doors 240 in the closed state. Further, the code reader 470 does not grasp the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 for the compartments in which the open state has not been detected again after the detection of the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 has already been performed in the compartments of the open / close doors 240 detected to be in the open state.

[0121] The storage positions of the grasped plurality of cases 300 are stored in the control unit 90, and based on this stored information, the selected case 300a is conveyed during the first-mode operation. When it is determined that the case 300 that has been taken in and out has not been returned to the original position in the case rack 200 due to the grasping of the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200, the control unit 90 may cause the touch panel 170 to display a guidance to return the taken-in and -out case 300 to the original position in the case rack 200. Alternatively, the control unit 90 may cause the conveyance unit 400 to return the taken-in and -out case 300 to the original position in the case rack 200.

[0122] When taking in and out the case 300 from the front of the case rack 200, normally, the case 300 is returned to the original position in the case rack 200. On the premise of this, when switching from the second mode to the first mode, if conveyance of the selected case 300a by the conveyance unit 400 is instructed, the code reader 470 may not be driven and the conveyance of the selected case 300a by the conveyance unit 400 may be prioritized. In this case, even if the conveyance unit 400 moves to the storage position of the selected case 300a, the selected case 300a may not exist at the storage position, or another case 300 may exist at the storage position. At that time, the touch panel 170 may display to that effect, and the code reader 470 may be driven to grasp the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200.

[0123] When taking the case 300 in and out from the front of the case rack 200, the maintenance of the arrangement of the case 300 to return it to its original position in the case rack 200 may or may not be thorough. If the maintenance of the arrangement of the case 300 is not thorough, it is necessary to let the control unit 90 recognize the arrangement of each of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 each time before operating in the first mode. If the maintenance of the arrangement of the case 300 is thorough, it is not necessary to let the control unit 90 recognize the arrangement of each of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 each time before operating in the first mode. In this way, considering the maintenance state of the arrangement of the case 300, it may be possible to set whether the code reader 470 is driven when switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0124] Next, in the drug supply device 1 according to the present embodiment, an example of the operation when the transport unit 400 transports a selected case 300a placed on one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200 will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the operation when the transport unit transports a selected case placed on one placement unit to the case rack in the drug supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 29, when the transport unit 400 transports a selected case 300a placed on one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200, first, the control unit 90 determines whether a completion operation indicating the completion of taking in and out of the drug for the selected case 300a has been performed (step S1).

[0126] In the present embodiment, the completion operation is an operation of returning the pulled-out one placement unit 130 to its original position, and it can be detected by the position detection sensor 11. Note that the completion operation may be input by tapping the area corresponding to the one placement unit 130 in the display of the touch panel 170. Alternatively, buttons may be provided near each of the plurality of placement units 130, and the completion operation may be input by pressing the button near the one placement unit 130.

[0127] When the completion operation is performed, the transport unit 400 is set to the transport execution state, in which it temporarily waits for one selected case 300a on one placement unit 130 and then transports it from the one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200.

[0128] In the present embodiment, while the transport unit 400 is set to the transport execution state, it waits for a certain period of time for one selected case 300a on one placement unit 130 and then transports it from the one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200.

[0129] Specifically, when the completion operation is performed, the control unit 90 sets the transport unit 400 to the transport execution state. Next, the control unit 90 determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the completion operation was performed (step S2). If a certain period of time has elapsed since the completion operation was performed, the control unit 90 causes the transport unit 400 to transport one selected case 300a to the case rack 200 (step S3).

[0130] If a certain period of time has not elapsed since the completion operation was performed, the control unit 90 determines whether a start operation indicating the start of the loading and unloading of the drug for another selected case 300a has been performed (step S4). The start operation is an operation in which another placement unit 130 on which another selected case 300a is placed is pulled out, and it can be detected by the position detection sensor 11.

[0131] If the start operation for another selected case 300a has been performed, the control unit 90 causes the transport unit 400 to transport one selected case 300a to the case rack 200 (step S3). As in this case, when the completion operation indicating the completion of the loading and unloading of the drug for one selected case 300a among the plurality of selected cases 300a is performed, the transport unit 400 temporarily waits for one selected case 300a on one placement unit 130 among the plurality of placement units 130 until the start operation indicating the start of the loading and unloading of the drug for another selected case 300a among the plurality of selected cases 300a is performed, and then transports it from the one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200.

[0132] When no start operation is performed for another selection case 300a, the control unit 90 determines whether a cancellation operation has been performed (step S5). While a selection case 300a is temporarily waiting on a placement unit 130, if the placement unit 130 can be pulled out without being locked, the cancellation operation may be an operation of pulling out the placement unit 130 again. Note that the cancellation operation may be input by tapping a region corresponding to the placement unit 130 in the display of the touch panel 170. Alternatively, buttons may be provided near each of the plurality of placement units 130, and the cancellation operation may be input by pressing the button near the placement unit 130.

[0133] When a cancellation operation is performed, the process returns to step S1, and the transport unit 400 has its transport execution state released. That is, when a cancellation operation for canceling the completion operation is performed while a selection case 300a is temporarily waiting on a placement unit 130 by the transport unit 400, the transport execution state is released. When no cancellation operation is performed, the process returns to step S2.

[0134] When no start operation is performed for another selection case 300a, before step S5, the control unit 90 may further determine whether the transport unit 400 has reached the placement unit 130. If the transport unit 400 has reached the placement unit 130, the process may proceed to step S3. If the transport unit 400 has not reached the placement unit 130, the process may proceed to step S5. In this way, until the transport unit 400 reaches the placement unit 130, the selection case 300a may be made to wait on the placement unit 130.

[0135] Note that when the housing 110 is provided with a shutter for opening and closing the opening 111, the operation of pulling out the placement unit 130 in the start operation and the cancellation operation can be changed to an operation of opening the shutter, and the completion operation can be changed to an operation of closing the shutter.

[0136] Next, an example of the operation when the drug supply device 1 according to the present embodiment takes in and discharges drugs based on a plurality of prescription data will be described. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit has transported a selection case 300a containing one drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data to one placement unit in an example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 30, when the transport unit 400 has transported a selection case 300a containing one drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data to one placement unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the one placement unit 130 lights up, and the one placement unit 130 is unlocked, enabling the taking in and discharging of drugs with respect to the one selection case 300a. The one placement unit 130 is the placement unit 130 located at the first position from the left.

[0138] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit has transported another selection case containing another drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data to another placement unit in an example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 31, when the transport unit 400 has transported another selection case 300a containing another drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data to another placement unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the other placement unit 130 lights up, and the other placement unit 130 is unlocked, enabling the taking in and discharging of drugs with respect to the other selection case 300a. The other placement unit 130 is the placement unit 130 located at the second position from the left.

[0140] When there are two types of drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data, as shown in FIG. 31, after transporting the selection cases 300a each containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data from the case rack 200 to two placement units 130, there will be three specific placement units 130 among the five placement units 130 where the selection cases 300a are not placed. The three specific placement units 130 are the placement units 130 located at the third to fifth positions from the left.

[0141] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a state in which, in an example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, a transport unit sequentially transports a selection case in which drugs to be supplied included in second prescription data are stored to a specific placement unit.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 32, after the transport unit 400 transports the selection cases 300a each containing the drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data from the case rack 200 to the two placement units 130, if there is a specific placement unit 130 on which the selection case 300a is not placed among the five placement units 130, at least one selection case 300a each containing the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data is transported from the case rack 200 to the specific placement unit 130.

[0143] The specific placement unit 130 is maintained in a state where it is impossible to take in and out the selection case 300a of the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data until a completion operation indicating the completion of the taking in and out of the selection case 300a of the drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data is performed.

[0144] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 32, in a state where the transport unit 400 transports the selection case 300a in which the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data is stored to the specific placement unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the specific placement unit 130 lights up, and the specific placement unit 130 remains locked.

[0145] Among the five display units 160, the display units 160 corresponding to the placement units 130 on which the selection cases 300a each containing the drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data are placed have the same display mode as each other, while having a different display mode from the display units 160 corresponding to the placement units 130 on which the selection cases 300a each containing the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data are placed.

[0146] For example, the display unit 160 corresponding to the first and second placement units 130 on which the selection cases 300a each containing the drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data are placed emits light in blue, and the display unit 160 corresponding to the third to fifth placement units 130 on which the selection cases 300a each containing the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data are placed emits light in green.

[0147] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a state in which, in an example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the transport unit has transported one selection case containing one drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data from one placement unit to the case rack.

[0148] When a completion operation is performed on one selection case 300a of one drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data, as shown in FIG. 33, the transport unit 400 transports one selection case 300a from one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200. As a result, the display unit 160 corresponding to one placement unit 130 turns off and one placement unit 130 is locked.

[0149] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a state in which, in an example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the transport unit has transported another selection case containing another drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data from another placement unit to the case rack.

[0150] When a completion operation is performed on another selection case 300a of another drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data, as shown in FIG. 34, the transport unit 400 transports another selection case 300a from another placement unit 130 to the case rack 200. As a result, the display unit 160 corresponding to another placement unit 130 turns off and another placement unit 130 is locked.

[0151] When the completion operation of loading and unloading for all the drugs taken in and out from the placement unit 130 among the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data is performed for the selection case 300a, the locks of the three placement units 130 on which the selection case 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data is placed are released. That is, in the five placement units 130, for each placement unit 130 on which the selection case 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in one prescription data is placed, it switches to a state where the drugs can be taken in and out.

[0152] Note that in the five placement units 130, it may be configured such that the placement units 130 on which the selection case 300a is placed are selectively switched one by one in order to a state where the drugs can be taken in and out. An example of the operation in this case will be described below.

[0153] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit has transported one selection case containing one drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data to one placement unit in a modified example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 35, in a state where the transport unit 400 has transported one selection case 300a containing one drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data to one placement unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the one placement unit 130 lights up, and the one placement unit 130 is unlocked, and it becomes a state where the drugs can be taken in and out with respect to the one selection case 300a. The one placement unit 130 is the placement unit 130 located first from the left.

[0155] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport unit has transported another selection case containing another drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data to another placement unit in a modified example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 36, when the transport unit 400 transports the other selection case 300a containing other drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data to the other placement unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the other placement unit 130 lights up, and the other placement unit 130 remains locked. The other placement unit 130 is the second placement unit 130 from the left.

[0157] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a state in which, in a modification of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the transport unit sequentially transports the selection cases containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data to the specific placement units.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 37, after the transport unit 400 transports the selection cases 300a each containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data from the case rack 200 to the two placement units 130, if there is a specific placement unit 130 where the selection case 300a is not placed among the five placement units 130, at least one selection case 300a each containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data is transported from the case rack 200 to the specific placement unit 130. The specific placement units 130 are the third to fifth placement units 130 from the left.

[0159] The specific placement unit 130 is maintained in a state where it is impossible to take in and out the selection case 300a of the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data until a completion operation indicating the completion of the taking in and out of the selection case 300a of the drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data is performed.

[0160] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 37, when the transport unit 400 transports the selection case 300a containing the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data to the specific placement unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the specific placement unit 130 lights up, and the specific placement unit 130 remains locked.

[0161] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a state in which, in a modification of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, a transport unit has transported one selection case containing one drug to be supplied included in first prescription data from one placement unit to a case rack.

[0162] When a completion operation is performed on one selection case 300a of one drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data, as shown in FIG. 38, the transport unit 400 transports one selection case 300a from one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200, and the lock of the other placement unit 130 is released. As a result, the display unit 160 corresponding to one placement unit 130 turns off, and one placement unit 130 is locked, and it becomes possible to take in and out drugs for the other selection case 300a.

[0163] FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a state in which, in a modification of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, a transport unit has transported another selection case containing another drug to be supplied included in first prescription data from another placement unit to a case rack.

[0164] When a completion operation is performed on another selection case 300a of another drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data, as shown in FIG. 39, the transport unit 400 transports another selection case 300a from another placement unit 130 to the case rack 200. As a result, the display unit 160 corresponding to the other placement unit 130 turns off, and the other placement unit 130 is locked.

[0165] When a completion operation for taking in and out all the selection cases 300a of the drugs to be taken in and out from the placement unit 130 among the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data is performed, the lock of one of the three placement units 130 on which the selection case 300a containing the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data is placed is released. As described above, the placement units 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in one prescription data are placed are alternately switched to a state in which drugs can be taken in and out, one by one.

[0166] The display mode of the display unit 160 may be changed so as to determine whether or not the placement unit 130 on which the selection case 300a is placed is unlocked. For example, for the display unit 160 corresponding to the placement unit 130 on which the selection case 300a is placed but not unlocked, the display unit 160 is lit, and for the display unit 160 corresponding to the placement unit 130 on which the selection case 300a is placed and unlocked, the display unit 160 blinks.

[0167] Note that the display mode of the display unit 160 may be displayed on the touch panel 170. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the touch panel of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 40, a plurality of display units are displayed on the touch panel 170 so as to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of placement units 130. Specifically, on the touch panel 170, a plurality of placement unit regions R130 are displayed so as to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of placement units 130, and a plurality of display regions R160 are displayed in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of placement unit regions R130.

[0169] Each of the plurality of display regions R160 has the same display mode for the display regions R160 corresponding to the placement units 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data are placed, while the display regions R160 corresponding to the placement units 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data are placed have different display modes from each other.

[0170] On the touch panel 170, a prescription data area RD for displaying a plurality of prescription data, a selection area RC where the prescription data can be selected, a mode switching area R400 that can be switched between the first mode and the second mode, and a completion area RE for inputting a completion operation indicating the completion of the loading and unloading of the drugs to be supplied included in the prescription data are displayed.

[0171] Next, an example of the operation for grasping the inventory quantity of drugs in the drug supply device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0172] The inventory quantity grasping unit 91 shown in FIG. 28 grasps the inventory quantity of the drugs stored in the case rack 200. The inventory quantity grasping unit 91 is composed of a storage unit and an arithmetic unit. The inventory quantities of the drugs stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit are grasped by a computer (not shown) electrically connected to the control unit 90. In the present embodiment, the inventory quantities of the drugs stored in the case rack 200, the lower storage space 140, and the upper storage space 150 are grasped by a computer.

[0173] In both the first mode and the second mode, when a completion operation indicating the completion of the loading and unloading of the drug to be supplied included in the prescription data is performed, the inventory quantity grasping unit 91 updates the inventory quantity of the drug to be supplied based on the prescription data. That is, in the inventory quantity grasping unit 91, each time the completion operation is performed, the arithmetic unit subtracts the quantity of the drug to be supplied included in the prescription data from the inventory quantity before supply stored in the storage unit to calculate the inventory quantity, and the storage unit stores the calculated inventory quantity to update the inventory quantity.

[0174] When the drug supply device 1 is in the first mode, the completion operation is an operation of returning the pulled-out one placement unit 130 to its original position, which can be detected by the position detection sensor 11. Note that the completion operation may be input by tapping the placement unit area R130 corresponding to the one placement unit 130 in the display of the touch panel 170. Alternatively, buttons may be provided near each of the plurality of placement units 130, and the completion operation may be input by pressing the button near the one placement unit 130.

[0175] When the drug supply device 1 is in the second mode, the completion operation is input by tapping the completion area RE in a state where a check is placed in the selection area RC and any prescription data is selected on the touch panel 170 shown in FIG. 40.

[0176] In the second mode, it is possible to collectively operate the completion operations indicating the completion of the loading and unloading of the drugs included in the plurality of prescription data. Specifically, on the touch panel 170 shown in FIG. 40, in a state where a plurality of prescription data are selected by checking a plurality of selection areas RC, the completion operation can be collectively operated by tapping the completion area RE.

[0177] The recording unit 92 shown in FIG. 28 records the history regarding the loading and unloading of drugs. The recording unit 92 records the prescription data and the execution mode information indicating whether the loading and unloading of the drugs to be supplied included in this prescription data were performed in either the first mode or the second mode, in association with each other.

[0178] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, when a completion operation indicating the completion of the loading and unloading of the drug with respect to the selection case 300a is performed, the transport unit 400 temporarily waits for the selection case 300a at at least one placement unit 130, and then is set to a transport execution state in which it transports from at least one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200. When a cancellation operation for canceling the completion operation is performed while the selection case 300a is temporarily waiting at at least one placement unit 130, the transport execution state is canceled. Thereby, when restarting the loading and unloading operation of the drug within a certain time for the case 300 for which the loading and unloading operation of the drug has been performed, it is possible to reduce the time for moving the case 300 from the case rack 200.

[0179] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, while the transport unit 400 is set to the transport execution state, it waits for a certain period of time at at least one placement unit 130 for the selection case 300a, and then transports from at least one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200. Thereby, until a certain period of time elapses while the transport execution state is set, it is possible to perform the loading and unloading of the drug again for the selection case 300a.

[0180] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, when a completion operation indicating the completion of the loading and unloading of the drug with respect to one selection case 300a among the plurality of selection cases 300a is performed, the conveyance unit 400 temporarily waits for one selection case 300a at one placement unit 130 among the plurality of placement units 130 until a start operation indicating the start of the loading and unloading of the drug with respect to another selection case 300a among the plurality of selection cases 300a is performed, and then conveys it from the one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200. As a result, until the loading and unloading of the drug with respect to another selection case 300a is started, the loading and unloading of the drug can be performed again on one selection case 300a.

[0181] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, while the conveyance unit 400 is set to the conveyance execution state, the selection case 300a is waited at at least one placement unit 130 until the conveyance unit 400 reaches at least one placement unit 130, and then conveyed from the at least one placement unit 130 to the case rack 200. As a result, until the conveyance unit 400 reaches at least one placement unit 130 while the conveyance execution state is set, the loading and unloading of the drug can be performed again on the selection case 300a.

[0182] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, at least one placement unit 130 is configured to be pullable in the front-rear direction and lockable so as not to move. During the temporary waiting of the selection case 300a at the at least one placement unit 130, the at least one placement unit 130 is pullable without being locked, and the cancellation operation is an operation of pulling out the at least one placement unit. As a result, the cancellation operation can be easily performed.

[0183] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the conveyance unit 400 conveys the first drug between the first storage unit and the placement unit 130. The second storage unit is provided around the placement unit 130 and stores the second drug so that it can be manually loaded and unloaded. As a result, the moving range of the operator for loading and unloading the drug is narrowed, and a plurality of types of drugs can be loaded and unloaded in a short time.

[0184] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, a dispensing table 120 is provided around the placement unit 130. This facilitates the work for taking in and out drugs.

[0185] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the second storage unit is provided at least on one of the upper, lower, and side of the placement unit 130. This enables taking in and out a plurality of types of drugs while being positioned in front of the placement unit 130.

[0186] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the second drug has a higher prescription frequency than the first drug. For drugs with a high prescription frequency, it is possible to take them in and out manually by arranging them around the placement unit 130 rather than automatically transporting them, which can be done in a shorter time.

[0187] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 transports the first drug based on prescription data. This makes it possible to gather drugs that are likely to be misidentified, such as drugs with similar names or drugs that only differ in weight specifications, based on the prescription data, thus suppressing drug misidentification.

[0188] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the first drug is stored in the case 300. The transport unit 400 transports the first drug stored in the case 300. This facilitates the transport of the first drug compared to the case where the first drug is stored in the first storage unit while being stored in the medicine box, and also suppresses the first drug stored in the case 300 from falling from the first storage unit during an earthquake or the like.

[0189] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, in a plurality of mounting units 130, it is possible to individually switch between a state where drugs can be taken in and out of the selected case 300a placed thereon and a state where it is impossible. After the transport unit 400 transports the selected case 300a in which the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data are respectively stored from the case rack 200 to the plurality of mounting units 130, if there is a specific mounting unit 130 on which the selected case 300a is not placed among the plurality of mounting units 130, at least one selected case 300a in which the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data are respectively stored is transported from the case rack 200 to the specific mounting unit 130. The specific mounting unit 130 is maintained in a state where it is impossible to take in and out at least one selected case 300a of the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data until a completion operation indicating the completion of taking in and out of the selected case 300a of the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data is performed. Thereby, it is possible to correctly take in and out the drugs to be supplied included in a plurality of prescription data to each case 300 in a short time without fail.

[0190] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, in a plurality of mounting units 130, for each mounting unit 130 on which the selected case 300a in which the drugs to be supplied included in one prescription data are respectively stored is placed, it is switched to a state where the drugs can be taken in and out. Thereby, it is possible to suppress taking in and out the drugs according to different prescription data by mistake.

[0191] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, in a plurality of mounting units, one by one in order, the mounting units on which the selected case is placed are alternatively switched to a state where the drugs can be taken in and out. Thereby, it is possible to suppress taking in and out the drugs by mistake.

[0192] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, among the plurality of display units 160, the display units 160 corresponding to the placement units 130 on which the selection cases 300a each containing the drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data are placed have the same display mode as each other, while the display units 160 corresponding to the placement units 130 on which at least one selection case 300a each containing the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data is placed have different display modes from each other. Thereby, the selection cases 300a for taking in and out drugs can be easily recognized.

[0193] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the plurality of display units are displayed on the image display unit so as to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of placement units 130. Thereby, the placement units 130 on which the selection cases 300a for taking in and out drugs are placed can be easily recognized.

[0194] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the position grasping unit grasps the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200. The case rack 200 is configured to enable the plurality of cases 300 to be manually taken in and out. Each of the plurality of cases 300 is provided with an information carrying unit carrying identification information. The position grasping unit grasps the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 by acquiring the identification information from the information carrying unit of each of the plurality of cases 300 while moving along the arrangement of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200. Thereby, the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 can be grasped with a simple configuration.

[0195] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the position grasping unit is provided in the transport unit 400. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide a drive mechanism for moving the position grasping unit separately from the transport unit 400, and the configuration of the drug supply device can be simplified.

[0196] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the case rack 200 is divided into a plurality of compartments. The case rack 200 includes a plurality of opening / closing parts and a plurality of opening / closing detection parts 250. The plurality of opening / closing parts can individually open and close the plurality of compartments. The plurality of opening / closing detection parts 250 detect the opening / closing states of the plurality of opening / closing parts in a one-to-one correspondence. In the compartment opened by the opening / closing part in the open state among the plurality of opening / closing parts, the plurality of cases 300 can be manually taken in and out. In the compartment closed by the opening / closing part in the closed state among the plurality of opening / closing parts, the plurality of cases 300 cannot be manually taken in and out. The position grasping part moves along the arrangement of the plurality of cases 300 only in the compartment in which the storage position of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 is not grasped among the plurality of compartments where the opening / closing parts detected in the open state by the plurality of opening / closing detection parts 250 are detected, thereby grasping the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200. Thereby, by performing position grasping only for the compartments where the cases 300 with ungrasped storage positions exist, the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 can be grasped in a short time.

[0197] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, it is selectively switchable between a first mode in which the transport unit 400 can transport the selected case 300a and a second mode in which the transport unit 400 is stopped and the plurality of cases 300 can be manually taken in and out of the case rack 200. The position grasping part is driven to grasp the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 when switched from the second mode to the first mode. Thereby, when the transport unit 400 starts transporting the selected case 300a, the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 in the case rack 200 can be grasped.

[0198] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, when the conveyance of the selection case 300a by the conveyance unit 400 is instructed when switching from the second mode to the first mode, the position grasping unit may not be driven and the conveyance of the selection case 300a by the conveyance unit 400 may be prioritized. Thereby, the waiting time for grasping the arrangement of the case 300 by the position grasping unit can be reduced.

[0199] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, it may be possible to set whether or not the position grasping unit is driven when switching from the second mode to the first mode. By setting so that the position grasping unit is not driven when switching from the second mode to the first mode, when the arrangement maintenance of the case 300 for returning the case 300 to the original position of the case rack 200 is thoroughly performed when taking in and out the case 300 from the front of the case rack 200, the useless waiting time for grasping the arrangement of the case 300 by the position grasping unit can be reduced.

[0200] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the plurality of cases 300 are arranged along a virtual plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction in the case rack 200. The case rack 200 is configured to be able to manually take in and out the plurality of cases 300 from the front of the case rack 200. The case rack 200 includes a workbench 230 used when taking in and out drugs with respect to the plurality of cases 300 in front of the case rack 200. Thereby, it is possible to easily take in and out drugs with respect to the case 300 also in front of the case rack 200.

[0201] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the workbench 230 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which it protrudes forward from the front surface of the case rack 200 and a second state in which it is located on the rear side from the front surface of the case rack 200. Thereby, the workbench 230 can be used only when the workbench 230 is necessary, and when the workbench 230 is unnecessary, it is possible to prevent the workbench 230 from getting in the way in front of the case rack 200.

[0202] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, a storage space S230 for storing the workbench 230 is formed in the case rack 200. The workbench 230 is stored in the storage space S230 in the second state. Thereby, when the workbench 230 is not needed, the workbench 230 can be stored in the case rack 200 so that the workbench 230 does not get in the way.

[0203] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the workbench 230 can be pushed into the storage space S230 and pulled out from the storage space S230. Thereby, the workbench 230 can be easily switched between the first state and the second state.

[0204] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the workbench 230 includes a push-open mechanism that biases the workbench 230 to move forward when the front surface of the workbench 230 is pressed. Thereby, since it is not necessary to provide a handle on the workbench 230, it is possible to prevent the workbench 230 from getting in the way in front of the case rack 200.

[0205] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, the transport unit 400 is movably provided on the rear side of the case rack 200. Thereby, when taking in and out drugs from the case 300 in front of the case rack 200, the transport unit 400 does not get in the way.

[0206] In the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, it is alternatively switchable between a first mode in which the transport unit 400 can transport the selected case 300a and a second mode in which the transport unit 400 is stopped and a plurality of cases 300 can be manually taken in and out of the case rack 200. Only in the first mode, it is possible to take in and out drugs from the selected case 300a placed on the placement unit 130. Only in the second mode, it is possible to take in and out drugs from the plurality of cases 300 stored in the case rack 200. Thereby, it is possible to select whether to take in and out drugs from the case 300 in either the placement unit 130 or the case rack 200.

[0207] The drug supply device according to this embodiment further includes an inventory quantity grasping unit 91 for grasping the inventory quantity of drugs. The inventory quantity grasping unit 91 updates the inventory quantity of the drug to be supplied based on the prescription data when a completion operation indicating the completion of the receipt and delivery of the drug to be supplied included in the prescription data is performed in either the first mode or the second mode. Thereby, the inventory quantity of the drug can be easily grasped.

[0208] In the second mode, the drug supply device according to this embodiment can collectively operate the completion operations indicating the completion of the receipt and delivery of the drugs to be supplied included in a plurality of prescription data. Thereby, the inventory quantity of the drugs manually received and delivered can be easily grasped.

[0209] The drug supply device according to this embodiment further includes a recording unit 92 for recording the history of the receipt and delivery of drugs. The recording unit 92 records the prescription data and the implementation mode information indicating whether the receipt and delivery of the drug to be supplied included in the prescription data were performed in either the first mode or the second mode, in association with each other. Thereby, it can be confirmed later in which of the first mode and the second mode the receipt and delivery of the drug were performed.

[0210] Note that the above-described embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and are not a basis for restrictive interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not interpreted only by the above-described embodiments, but is defined based on the description of the claims. Also, all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0211] 1 Medicine supply device, 10 Proximity sensor, 11 Position detection sensor, 12 Electromagnet, 90 Control unit, 91 Stock quantity grasping unit, 92 Recording unit, 100 Dispensing table unit, 110, 210, 410 Housing, 111, 131h, 132b, 222 Opening, 112 Storage space, 113 Guide rail, 114, 131r Roller, 115 Contact portion, 120 Dispensing table, 130 Placing portion, 130b, 310b Bottom, 131 Base portion, 131a Dog, 131p Adsorbed portion, 132 Wall surface portion, 132c, 321 Protrusion, 132d, 313 Projection, 133 Transparent plate, 134 Stop 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, 220 Shelf board portion, 221 Guide wall, 223 Stopper, 230 Workbench, 231 Push-open mechanism, 240 Opening / closing door, 250 Opening / closing detection portion, 300 Case, 300a Selection case, 310 Case body, 310f Front wall portion, 310r Rear wall portion, 310s Side wall portion, 311 Transparent support portion, 312 Step portion, 314 Recess, 314f Front wall surface, 314s Side wall surface, 315, 316 Groove portion, 317 Slit, 318 Engagement portion, 320 Remainder accommodation portion, 330 Partition plate, 340, 350 Identification code, 400 Conveying unit, 420 Motor, 430 Rotating shaft, 440 Support arm, 450 Claw portion, 460 Plate, 480 Screw mechanism, 500 Horizontal movement mechanism, 600 Vertical movement mechanism, 630 Connection attach, PLD, PLU, PRD, PRU section, R130 Placing portion area, R160 Display area, RC Selection area, RD Prescription data area, RE Completion area, S230 Storage space.

Claims

1. A case rack for storing a plurality of cases in which agents are stored, At least one placement section on which a selected case selected from the plurality of cases can be placed and for taking in and out the agent with respect to the selected case, A transport unit for transporting the selected case between the case rack and the at least one placement section, When a completion operation indicating completion of taking in and out the agent with respect to the selected case is performed, the transport unit temporarily waits with the selected case on the at least one placement section and then transports the selected case from the at least one placement section to the case rack, and is set to a transport execution state, The transport unit is a drug supply device in which, when a cancellation operation for canceling the completion operation is performed while the selected case is temporarily waiting on the at least one placement section, the transport execution state is canceled.

2. While the transport unit is set to the transport execution state, after waiting with the selected case on the at least one placement section until a certain period of time has elapsed, the transport unit transports the selected case from the at least one placement section to the case rack. The drug supply device according to Claim 1.

3. Comprising a plurality of placement sections as the at least one placement section, The transport unit can sequentially place one by one a plurality of selected cases selected from the plurality of cases from the case rack onto the plurality of placement sections, When a completion operation indicating completion of taking in and out the agent with respect to one selected case among the plurality of selected cases is performed, the transport unit temporarily waits with the one selected case on one of the plurality of placement sections until a start operation indicating start of taking in and out the agent with respect to another selected case among the plurality of selected cases is performed, and then transports the one selected case from the one placement section to the case rack. The drug supply device according to Claim 1.

4. While the transport unit is set to the transport execution state, after waiting with the selected case on the at least one placement section until the transport unit reaches the at least one placement section, the transport unit transports the selected case from the at least one placement section to the case rack. The drug supply device according to Claim 1.

5. The at least one placement section is configured to be pullable in the front-rear direction and lockable so as not to be movable. During the temporary standby of the selection case on the at least one placement part, the at least one placement part can be pulled out without being locked. The drug supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cancellation operation is an operation of pulling out the at least one placement part.

Citation Information

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