Drug supply device

The medicine supply device addresses the need for faster drug supply by integrating a control unit with detection and replenishing units to align and deliver drugs efficiently, reducing overall supply time.

JP7818299B2Active Publication Date: 2026-02-20TAKAZONO CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024165942
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-25
Publication Date
2026-02-20
Estimated Expiration
2039-02-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

There is a demand for a drug supply device that can supply drugs in a shorter time.

Method used

A medicine supply device is designed with a medicine supply unit, a medicine replenishing unit, a medicine detection unit, and a control unit that controls the replenishing process based on detection signals, allowing for efficient alignment and one-by-one supply of medicines, with features like a rotating drum and peripheral walls to facilitate drug transport and alignment.

Benefits of technology

The device reduces the time required to supply drugs by optimizing the replenishing and supply process, ensuring efficient and timely drug delivery.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To shorten a time required for supplying a medicine.SOLUTION: A medicine supply part has a medicine receiving position for receiving replenished medicines, conveys the medicines from the medicine receiving position while aligning them, and sequentially supplies the medicines one by one from the beginning. A medicine replenishing part replenishes the medicine receiving position with the medicines. A medicine detection part detects presence or absence of the medicines at the medicine receiving position and outputs a medicine detection signal. A control part controls the medicine replenishing part. The control part receives the medicine detection signal from the medicine detection part, and controls the medicine replenishing part according to the medicine detection signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 38
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Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A prior art document disclosing the configuration of a medicine supply device is International Publication No. 2016 / 013553 (Patent Document 1). The medicine supply device described in Patent Document 1 includes a medicine dispensing unit including a first rotor, a second rotor, and a guide member. The first rotor has a circular surface rotatably arranged in a state inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. The second rotor is rotatably arranged on the outer periphery of the first rotor and has an annular surface arranged on the horizontal plane. The guide member is arranged above the circular surface of the first rotor, extends radially relative to the circular surface, and is positioned downstream in the rotational direction of the first rotor as it extends radially outward. The guide member has a guide surface against which medicines placed on the first rotor can come into contact as the first rotor rotates. The medicine supply device further includes a medicine replenishing unit that replenishing medicines to the medicine dispensing unit. The medicine replenishing unit is capable of replenishing medicines based on the replenishing status of medicines in the medicine dispensing unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 013553 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a drug supply device that can supply a drug in a shorter time. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a medicine supply device that can shorten the time required to supply medicines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A medicine supply device according to the present invention includes a medicine supply unit, a medicine replenishing unit, a medicine detection unit, and a control unit. The medicine supply unit has a medicine receiving position that receives replenishing medicines, and transports medicines from the medicine receiving position while aligning them, supplying the medicines one by one in order from the front. The medicine replenishing unit replenishing medicines to the medicine receiving position. The medicine detection unit detects the presence or absence of medicines at the medicine receiving position and outputs a medicine detection signal. The control unit controls the medicine replenishing unit. The control unit receives the medicine detection signal from the medicine detection unit and controls the medicine replenishing unit in accordance with the medicine detection signal.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the medicine detection unit has a first detection state in which it detects the presence of medicine in the medicine receiving position and a second detection state in which it detects the absence of medicine in the medicine receiving position. The control unit stops the medicine refilling unit from refilling medicines when the medicine detection unit is in the first detection state, and causes the medicine refilling unit to refill medicines when the medicine detection unit is in the second detection state.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, the control unit causes the medicine replenishing unit to replenish medicine after a waiting time has elapsed since the medicine detection unit changed from the first detection state to the second detection state.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a drug information signal having drug information relating to the shape of the drug is input to the control unit, and the control unit sets the waiting time in accordance with the drug information.

[0009] In one form of the present invention, the control unit stops the drug replenishing unit from replenishing the drug when the drug detection unit changes from the second detection state to the first detection state, and resumes the drug replenishing unit from replenishing the drug at the later of the time when the operating amount of the drug supply unit exceeds a set value from the above time, and the time when the drug detection unit changes from the first detection state to the second detection state.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a drug information signal having drug information relating to the shape of the drug is input to the control unit, and the control unit sets the set value in accordance with the drug information. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a medicine dispensing and packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a medicine dispensing and packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a plan view of the medicine dispensing and packaging device of FIG. 2, as seen from the direction of arrow III. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a medicine supply unit included in a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a plan view of the medicine supply unit of FIG. 5 as viewed from the direction of arrow VI. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the medicine supply unit of FIG. 5, as viewed from the direction of arrow VII. [Figure 8] 8 is a view of the medicine supply unit of FIG. 5 as seen from the direction of arrow VIII. [Figure 9] 6 is a view of the medicine supply unit of FIG. 5 as seen from the direction of arrow IX. [Figure 10] 1 is a side view showing a configuration of a rotating body included in a medicine supplying unit provided in a medicine supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a cover member included in a medicine supply unit of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a view of the cover member of FIG. 11 as seen from the direction of arrow XII. [Figure 13] 13 is a view of the cover member of FIG. 12 as seen from the direction of arrow XIII. [Figure 14] 14 is a view of the cover member of FIG. 13 as seen from the direction of arrow XIV. [Figure 15] 14 is a view of the cover member of FIG. 13 as seen from the direction of arrow XV. [Figure 16]1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an opening / closing member included in a medicine supply unit of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 17 is a view of the opening / closing member of FIG. 16 as viewed from the direction of arrow XVII. [Figure 18] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an opening / closing unit is rotated upward and a discharge unit is open in a medicine supply unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 19] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a medicine container in a medicine refill section included in a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an outer lid is removed from a medicine container of a medicine replenishing section included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine container of a medicine replenishing section included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is a side view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine container of a medicine replenishing section included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 23] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine container of a medicine replenishing section included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 24] 1 is a bottom view showing a state in which a lid portion is removed in a medicine container of a medicine replenishing section included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 25] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in which a lid is removed in a medicine container of a medicine replenishing section included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 1 is a partial perspective view showing the shape of an opening side of a medicine container of a medicine replenishing section included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 27] 2 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of a base portion included in the medicine supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a partial rear view showing the configuration of a base portion included in the medicine supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] 1 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which a medicine supply unit included in a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a base unit. [Figure 30] 1 is a front view showing a state in which a medicine supply unit and a medicine container are attached to a base unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with a cover for part of the base unit removed. [Figure 31] 1 is a front perspective view showing a state in which a medicine container and a partial cover of a base portion are removed from a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which another part of the cover of the base portion is removed from the medicine supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] 1 is a block diagram showing a connection system of a medicine packing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] 1 is a block diagram showing a connection system of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] 1 is a time chart showing an operation of a medicine packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention in accordance with prescription information. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining prescription information and packaging information. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control unit of the medicine supply device when the required number of medicines in one prescription is input from the main control unit. [Figure 38] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit when medicines are refilled by the medicine refill unit. [Figure 39] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control unit of the medicine supply device when the required number of medicines in one package and a supply instruction are input from the main control unit. [Figure 40] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit when the medicine supply unit supplies medicines. [Figure 41] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit when counting the medicines supplied by the medicine supply unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A medicine dispensing and packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiment, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a medicine dispensing and packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the medicine dispensing and packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the medicine dispensing and packaging device of Fig. 2, seen from the direction of arrow III. Fig. 1 illustrates a state in which the door of the housing is open and a manual dispensing cassette has slid to the front of the housing. Fig. 3 illustrates a see-through view of the ceiling of the medicine dispensing and packaging device.

[0015] 1 to 3, a medicine dispensing and packaging device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a medicine supplying device unit, a housing 410, a rotating drum 420, a hopper 430, and a medicine packaging device unit 440. The medicine dispensing and packaging device 400 further includes a control device unit, which will be described later.

[0016] The medicine supply device unit has a plurality of medicine supply devices for supplying medicines. Specifically, the medicine supply device unit has a plurality of first medicine supply devices 10, a plurality of second medicine supply devices 20, and a third medicine supply device 30.

[0017] Each of the plurality of second medicine supply devices 20 stores a plurality of medicines and is configured to be able to supply the required number of medicines. The second medicine supply device 20 is an automatic medicine supply cassette. The third medicine supply device 30 is a manual medicine supply cassette. The manual medicine supply cassette has compartments arranged in a matrix, and each compartment stores one packet of medicine.

[0018] Each of the plurality of first drug supply devices 10 can supply a drug in place of a second drug supply device 20 that has run out of drug among the plurality of second drug supply devices 20. Furthermore, each of the plurality of first drug supply devices 10 can supply a drug other than the drug contained in each of the plurality of second drug supply devices 20.

[0019] The medicine supplying device unit supplies medicines one package at a time from a medicine supplying device selected from a plurality of medicine supplying devices. The medicine packaging device unit 440 packages the medicines supplied from the medicine supplying device unit one package at a time. The control device unit controls each of the medicine supplying device unit and the medicine packaging device unit.

[0020] Housing 410 houses a medicine supplying device unit, a rotating drum 420, a hopper 430, and a medicine packaging device unit 440. Housing 410 has an openable and closable door. Operation panel 50 is provided on the front of housing 410.

[0021] 2 and 3, rotating drum 420 is supported within housing 410 so as to be rotatable about axis 4. A plurality of first medicine supply devices 10 and a plurality of second medicine supply devices 20 are attached to rotating drum 420. That is, first medicine supply devices 10 are housed within housing 410 in a movable state.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, rotating drum 420 is provided with a medicine conveying path 421. Medicine conveying path 421 is located above hopper 430. As shown in FIG. 3, first medicine supply device 10 and second medicine supply device 20 are arranged in a ring shape on the outer circumferential side of rotating drum 420. As shown in FIG. 2, first medicine supply device 10 and second medicine supply device 20 are arranged in a line in the vertical direction. Each of first medicine supply device 10 and second medicine supply device 20 is connected to medicine conveying path 421. Medicines supplied from each of first medicine supply device 10 and second medicine supply device 20 pass through medicine conveying path 421 and are thrown into hopper 430. Medicines supplied from third medicine supply device 30 are thrown into hopper 430. The medicines thrown into hopper 430 are packaged by medicine packaging device unit 440.

[0023] The configuration of medicine packing device 400 is not limited to the above. For example, first medicine supply device 10 and second medicine supply device 20 may each be attached to a slidable rack instead of rotating drum 420. In this case, by pulling the rack out of housing 410, first medicine supply device 10 and second medicine supply device 20 can each be moved to the outside of housing 410. The sliding direction of the rack may be the front-to-rear direction of housing 410 or the left-to-right direction of housing 410. Furthermore, the doors of housing 410 may have a double-door structure.

[0024] Next, a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, a first medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a medicine supply module 100, which is a medicine supply unit, and a medicine replenishing unit 12. The first medicine supply device 10 further includes a base unit 200. A display unit 250 and a stop switch 238 are provided on the front surface of the base unit 200. The medicine replenishing unit 12 includes a medicine storage container 300 that stores medicines. The medicine supply module 100 and the medicine storage container 300 are each separately attachable to and detachable from the base unit 200.

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

[0026] In Figures 6 and 7, the cover portion, which will be described later, is shown in a see-through manner. In Figure 8, the cover member and the opening / closing member, which will be described later, are not shown. In Figure 9, the cover portion is shown in a see-through manner, but the support portion, which will be described later, is not shown.

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

[0028] In this embodiment, the medicine supplying module 100 is integrally configured to include the rotor 110, the peripheral wall, the discharge portion 131, and the opening / closing portion 141. Note that the opening / closing portion 141 does not necessarily have to be provided. That is, the medicine supplying module 100 may be integrally configured to include the rotor 110, the peripheral wall, and the discharge portion 131.

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

[0030] The rotating body 110 includes a first rotating portion 111 and a second rotating portion 112 that are coaxially arranged. The second rotating portion 112 is located below the first rotating portion 111. A side surface of the first rotating portion 111 and a side surface of the second rotating portion 112 form a slope 110s. The first rotating portion 111 and the second rotating portion 112 are provided so as to be rotatable independently of each other. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the first rotating portion 111 is connected to a first driven gear 111g. The second rotating portion 112 is connected to a second driven gear 112g.

[0031] In this embodiment, a rolling prevention portion that prevents the medicine from rolling is provided on the inclined surface 110s of the rotor 110. The rolling prevention portion is composed of grooves provided radially from the apex of the inclined surface 110s. Specifically, the rolling prevention portion is composed of a first groove 111c provided on the first rotating portion 111 and a second groove 112c provided on the second rotating portion 112. Note that the rolling prevention portion does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0032] 6 to 8, the rotating body 110 is rotatably supported by a support part 150 located below the rotating body 110. The rotating body 110 is detachably provided on the support part 150. As shown in FIG. 8, the support part 150 includes a horizontal surface part 151 having a substantially circular shape, an upright part 152 standing in a substantially cylindrical shape from the edge of the horizontal surface part 151, and a base part 153 extending downward from the horizontal surface part 151 in a substantially cylindrical shape. A first driven gear 111g and a second driven gear 112g are each located on the inner peripheral side of the base part 153.

[0033] 6 to 9, in this embodiment, the medicine supplying module 100 includes a plurality of peripheral walls. Specifically, the medicine supplying module 100 includes a first peripheral wall 121, a second peripheral wall 122, and a third peripheral wall 123. The number of peripheral walls included in the medicine supplying module 100 is not limited to three, and may be one or more.

[0034] 6, each of the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 extends in an arc shape above the inclined surface 110s in the circumferential direction centered on the axis 1. Each of the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 supports the drug supplied onto the inclined surface 110s from the outside in the radial direction.

[0035] The first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 are aligned with one another in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110, and are positioned radially outward and downward as the circumferential wall portion is positioned more downstream in the rotation direction 2. Specifically, the second circumferential wall portion 122 is positioned downstream in the rotation direction 2 from the first circumferential wall portion 121, and is positioned radially outward and downward from the first circumferential wall portion 121. The third circumferential wall portion 123 is positioned downstream in the rotation direction 2 from the second circumferential wall portion 122, and is positioned radially outward and downward from the second circumferential wall portion 122.

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

[0037] 9, each of the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 is spaced apart from the inclined surface 110s. Specifically, each of the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 is spaced apart from the inclined surface 110s within a range that allows the medicine supplied onto the inclined surface 110s to be supported from the outside in the radial direction.

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

[0039] Specifically, the downstream end of the first circumferential wall portion 121 in the rotation direction 2 becomes increasingly farther from the slope 110s as it moves downstream in the rotation direction 2. Similarly, the downstream end of the second circumferential wall portion 122 in the rotation direction 2 becomes increasingly farther from the slope 110s as it moves downstream in the rotation direction 2.

[0040] 6, 7, and 9, in this embodiment, the peripheral wall portions adjacent to each other in the rotation direction 2 are connected to each other by an inclined wall portion that extends radially outward and descends toward the downstream side in the rotation direction 2. Note that the inclined wall portion is not necessarily provided.

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

[0042] 7 and 9, each of the first inclined wall portion 124 and the second inclined wall portion 125 is inclined downstream in the direction of rotation 2 as it moves upward away from the slope 110s. Therefore, the boundary line between the first circumferential wall portion 121 and the first inclined wall portion 124 and the boundary line between the second circumferential wall portion 122 and the first inclined wall portion 124 are inclined downstream in the direction of rotation 2 as it moves upward away from the slope 110s. Similarly, the boundary line between the second circumferential wall portion 122 and the second inclined wall portion 125 and the boundary line between the third circumferential wall portion 123 and the second inclined wall portion 125 are inclined downstream in the direction of rotation 2 as it moves upward away from the slope 110s.

[0043] 5 to 7 and 9, in this embodiment, each of the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 is integral with the lid portion 126. Each of the first circumferential wall portion 121, the second circumferential wall portion 122, and the third circumferential wall portion 123 extends downward from the lower surface of the lid portion 126. Note that the lid portion 126 does not necessarily have to be provided, as long as the circumferential wall portions are disposed above the slope 110s.

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

[0045] The lid portion 126 covers the sloped surface 110s from above. The lid portion 126 is provided so as to be able to open the sloped surface 110s upward. The lid portion 126 is disposed on the support portion 150. Specifically, the lid portion 126 is provided on the lid member 120. The first peripheral wall portion 121, the second peripheral wall portion 122, and the third peripheral wall portion 123 are each provided on the lid member 120. The first inclined wall portion 124 and the second inclined wall portion 125 are each provided on the lid member 120.

[0046] The lid member 120 is placed on the support part 150 so as to be detachable from the support part 150. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a buffer member 170 is provided between the lid member 126 and the support part 150. Specifically, the lid member 120 is placed on the horizontal surface part 151 of the support part 150 via the buffer member 170 having an arc shape. The buffer member 170 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. However, the buffer member 170 does not necessarily have to be provided.

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

[0048] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a lid member included in a medicine supply unit provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a view of the lid member of Fig. 11 as viewed from the direction of arrow XII. Fig. 13 is a view of the lid member of Fig. 12 as viewed from the direction of arrow XIII. Fig. 14 is a view of the lid member of Fig. 13 as viewed from the direction of arrow XIV. Fig. 15 is a view of the lid member of Fig. 13 as viewed from the direction of arrow XV. Figs. 11 and 12 show a state in which a vibration transmission plate, described later, has been removed from lid member 120.

[0049] 11 to 15, in this embodiment, cover member 120 is provided with medicine supply hole 127, notch 128, and attachment portion 129. Specifically, medicine supply hole 127 and attachment portion 129 are each provided on the top surface of cover member 120. Notch 128 is provided on the periphery of the lower end side of cover member 120.

[0050] Drug supply hole 127 is provided for supplying a drug from the outside of lid member 120 to the inside of lid member 120. Notch 128 is provided for placing a discharge member (described later) on support part 150. Mounting part 129 is provided for mounting a vibration transmission plate (described later) to lid member 120.

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

[0052] As shown in Fig. 11, a screw hole is provided in the mounting portion 129. As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, a vibration transmission plate 160 is fixed to the mounting portion 129 with a screw. The vibration transmission plate 160 constitutes a part of the lid portion 126. In this embodiment, the vibration transmission plate 160 is made of a magnetic material. However, the vibration transmission plate 160 may also be made of a non-magnetic material. The vibration transmission plate 160 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0053] 5 to 7 and 9, discharge member 130 is provided on support part 150 so as to fit into notch 128. Discharge member 130 has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of notch 128. A small gap is provided between discharge member 130 and lid member 120.

[0054] The discharge member 130 is provided with a discharge section 131 that discharges the medicine transported sequentially along each of the first peripheral wall section 121, the second peripheral wall section 122 and the third peripheral wall section 123 from above the inclined surface 110s as the rotating body 110 rotates.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, the discharge member 130 is provided with a standing wall portion 132. That is, the standing wall portion 132 is formed of a separate member from the peripheral wall portion. The standing wall portion 132 is provided between the third peripheral wall portion 123 and the discharge portion 131, and supports the medicine from the outside in the radial direction. The standing wall portion 132 extends in an arc shape along the circumferential direction centered on the axis 1. In this embodiment, the third peripheral wall portion 123, the standing wall portion 132, and the discharge portion 131 are aligned along the circumferential direction centered on the axis 1. Note that the standing wall portion 132 does not necessarily have to be provided.

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

[0057] The opening / closing unit 141 is connected to a biasing member 140t and biases the discharge unit 131 in a direction to close the discharge unit 131. In this embodiment, the biasing member 140t is configured as a torsion spring, but is not limited to a torsion spring. The biasing member 140t does not necessarily have to be provided. The base unit 200 is provided with an opening / closing sensor 237 (described later) that detects the open / closed state of the opening / closing unit 141.

[0058] 7 and 9, in this embodiment, the medicine supply module 100 further includes a medicine stopper 142. The medicine stopper 142 is adjacent to the discharge part 131, extending in the radial direction along the inclined surface 110s, on the upstream side of the discharge part 131 in the rotation direction 2 of the rotor 110. The medicine stopper 142 is provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the inclined surface 110s.

[0059] When the medicine stopping portion 142 is close to the slope 110s, the medicine is prevented from moving toward the discharge portion 131 by the medicine stopping portion 142, and when the medicine stopping portion 142 is separated from the slope 110s, the medicine can move toward the discharge portion 131. The medicine stopping portion 142 is configured integrally with the opening / closing portion 141. Note that the medicine stopping portion 142 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0060] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an opening / closing member included in a medicine supply unit provided in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 17 is a view of the opening / closing member of Fig. 16 as seen from the direction of arrow XVII.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, 9, 16, and 17, the open-close member 140 is provided with an open-close portion 141, a medicine stopper portion 142, and a pair of engagement holes 140b. Specifically, the medicine stopper portion 142 protrudes from one edge in the width direction of the approximately flat open-close portion 141 so as to be perpendicular to the open-close portion 141. The pair of engagement holes 140b are erected at a position above the open-close portion 141. Each of the pair of engagement holes 140b has a D-shaped inner circumferential surface in a side view. Each of the pair of engagement holes 140b engages with a portion of the rotation shaft 140s having a D-shaped cross section.

[0062] 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which the opening / closing unit is rotated upward and the discharge unit is open in the medicine supply unit included in the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 18, the medicine supply module 100 is shown as viewed from the same direction as FIG. 5.

[0063] By rotating the pivot shaft 140s in one direction, as shown in Figure 18, the opening / closing member 140 rotates around the pivot shaft 140s, the discharge section 131 that was blocked by the opening / closing section 141 is opened, and the drug stopping section 142 moves away from the inclined surface 110s.

[0064] By rotating the rotation shaft 140s in the other direction, as shown in FIG. 5, the opening / closing member 140 rotates around the rotation shaft 140s, the opening / closing portion 141 closes the discharge portion 131, and the medicine stopping portion 142 approaches the inclined surface 110s.

[0065] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a medicine containing container in a medicine replenishing unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state in which an outer lid is removed from a medicine containing container in a medicine replenishing unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine containing container in a medicine replenishing unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a side view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine containing container in a medicine replenishing unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine containing container in a medicine replenishing unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a bottom view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine containing container in a medicine replenishing unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in which a lid is removed from a medicine containing container in a medicine replenishing unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] 19 to 25, the medicine-containing container 300 of the medicine replenishing unit 12 included in the first medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a cylindrical shape with a bottom including a bottom and an opening, and has a spiral groove formed on its inner circumferential surface. Specifically, the medicine-containing container 300 includes a main body tube 310, a cylindrical portion 320, a bottom portion 330, and a lid portion 340.

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

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

[0069] Fig. 26 is a partial perspective view showing the shape of the opening side of the medicine-containing container of the medicine replenishing unit included in the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the cylindrical portion 320 is removed from the main body tube 310.

[0070] 26 , the spiral groove 312 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body tube 310 so as to continue until it reaches the first opening 313 of the main body tube 310. The end 312e of the spiral groove 312 on the first opening 313 side has a shape as if it were cut along the end face of the main body tube 310 on the first opening 313 side.

[0071] 25, the spiral groove 312 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body tube 310 so as to continue to a position just before reaching the second opening 314 of the main body tube 310. The end of the spiral groove 312 on the second opening 314 side is connected to a circumferential groove 315 extending in the circumferential direction centered on the axis 3. Therefore, the groove width does not narrow even near the second opening 314 of the main body tube 310. This makes it possible to prevent the medicine from clogging the groove.

[0072] Cylindrical portion 320 is attached to the outer periphery of main body tube 310 on the side of first opening 313. A male thread for attaching lid portion 340 is formed on the outer periphery of the end of cylindrical portion 320 on the side of first opening 313 in the direction of axis 3.

[0073] The bottom part 330 is attached to the outer periphery of the cylindrical main body 310 on the side of the second opening 314. The bottom part 330 has a bottom surface 330b that closes the second opening 314. The bottom surface 330b is curved in a convex shape toward the side away from the second opening 314 in the direction of the axis 3. That is, the inner bottom surface of the medicine-containing container 300 has a curved shape that convexly faces the outside of the medicine-containing container 300.

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

[0075] In this embodiment, the identifier 331 is a permanent magnet. The identifier 331 is formed differently in each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300. That is, each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300 has an identifier 331 that can be distinguished from one another. Note that the identifier 331 is not limited to a permanent magnet and may be other magnetic material. Also, the identifier 331 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 19, the lid portion 340 is capable of closing the first opening 313. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the lid portion 340 is composed of an outer lid 341 and an inner lid 342. The outer lid 341 is rotatable relative to the inner lid 342. Specifically, the outer lid 341 is provided with an arm portion 341a having a pair of engagement holes 341h. A rotation shaft portion 342p having a pair of engagement protrusions 342s is provided on the side of the inner lid 342. The pair of engagement holes 341h and the pair of engagement protrusions 342s engage with each other, thereby supporting the arm portion 341a rotatably about the rotation shaft portion 342p. As a result, the outer lid 341 is rotatable relative to the inner lid 342.

[0077] A plurality of openings 342h are formed in inner lid surface 342c of inner lid 342. When outer lid 341 is closed, a space is formed between outer lid 341 and inner lid surface 342c for inserting a desiccant or the ears of a PTP (Press-Through-Package) packaging sheet for a drug. A female thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of inner lid 342 to threadably engage with the male thread of cylindrical portion 320.

[0078] Fig. 27 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of a base unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 28 is a partial rear view showing the configuration of the base unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 29 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which a medicine supply unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to the base unit.

[0079] 27 and 28, base unit 200 is provided with first drive shaft 210, second drive shaft 240, discharge chute 220, first sensor 231 serving as a first detection unit, second sensor 232 serving as a second detection unit, drug detection sensor 235 serving as a drug detection unit, and vibration unit 260. Base unit 200 is provided with a first motor serving as a first drive source that drives rotor 110, and a second motor serving as a second drive source that drives opening / closing unit 141. Note that first sensor 231, second sensor 232, drug detection sensor 235, and vibration unit 260 do not necessarily have to be provided.

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

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

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

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

[0084] When the second motor is driven, the second drive shaft 240 rotates, causing the opening / closing member 140 to rotate together with the rotation shaft 140s. When the opening / closing member 140 rotates around the rotation shaft 140s, each of the opening / closing unit 141 and the medicine stopper 142 also rotates around the rotation shaft 140s. In this way, each of the opening / closing unit 141 and the medicine stopper 142 is driven by a common drive source.

[0085] Discharge chute 220 guides the medicine discharged from discharge portion 131 to the outside of base portion 200. The inlet of discharge chute 220 faces discharge portion 131. A first sensor 231 is disposed adjacent to discharge portion 131. A second sensor 232 is disposed on discharge chute 220. Second sensor 232 is located farther from discharge portion 131 than first sensor 231.

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

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

[0088] The medicine detection sensor 235 detects the presence or absence of medicine at the medicine receiving position on the inclined surface 110s of the medicine supply module 100 and outputs a medicine detection signal. In this embodiment, the medicine detection sensor 235 is configured as a photoelectric sensor and has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit arranged to sandwich the area below the medicine supply hole 127 between them. That is, the area on the inclined surface 110s located below the medicine supply hole 127 is the medicine receiving position that receives the replenished medicine. The medicine detection sensor 235 detects the presence or absence of medicine at the medicine receiving position by detecting whether the optical axis between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit is blocked by the medicine. That is, the medicine detection sensor 235 has a first detection state in which it detects the presence of medicine at the medicine receiving position and a second detection state in which it detects the absence of medicine at the medicine receiving position. Note that at least the portion of the cover member 120 along the optical axis is transparent.

[0089] The vibrating section 260 vibrates each of the first circumferential wall section 121, the second circumferential wall section 122, and the third circumferential wall section 123. In this embodiment, the vibrating section 260 vibrates each of the first circumferential wall section 121, the second circumferential wall section 122, and the third circumferential wall section 123 via the lid section 126.

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

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

[0092] A buffer member for suppressing propagation of vibrations from the vibrating section 260 to the base section 200 may be provided at the connection between the vibrating section 260 and the base section 200. This makes it possible to suppress propagation of vibrations from the vibrating section 260 to the standing wall section 132 through the base section 200 and the support section 150.

[0093] 29, in the first medicine supply device 10 according to this embodiment, the vibration unit 260 is provided on the base unit 200, and the lid unit 126 is provided on the medicine supply module 100, so that the vibration unit 260 can move toward and away from the lid unit 126. The base unit 200 is provided with a module detection sensor 236 (described later) that detects that the medicine supply module 100 has been attached.

[0094] Fig. 30 is a front view showing a state in which a medicine supply unit and a medicine containing container are attached to a base unit included in a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with a cover for the base unit removed. Fig. 31 is a front perspective view showing a state in which a medicine containing container and a cover for the base unit are removed from a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 32 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which another cover for the base unit is removed from a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0096] As shown in Figure 31, the base part 200 is provided with four roller parts that support the medicine-containing container 300 rotatably around the axis 3. Specifically, the base part 200 is provided with a pair of rotation shafts. A pair of roller parts 281 are attached to one of the pair of rotation shafts with a gap between them. A pair of roller parts 282 are attached to the other of the pair of rotation shafts with a gap between them. The base part 200 is provided with a container detection sensor 233 that detects that the medicine-containing container 300 has been attached.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the base portion 200 is provided with a connection conduit 290 that guides the medicine discharged from the first opening 313 of the medicine-containing container 300 to the medicine supply hole 127 of the cover member 120 of the medicine supply module 100.

[0098] 30, the base part 200 is provided with an identification sensor 234 that recognizes the identifier 331 of the medicine-containing container 300. In this embodiment, the identification sensor 234 is a magnetic sensor. Note that the identification sensor 234 is not limited to a magnetic sensor, and may be any sensor that can recognize the identifier 331. Also, the identification sensor 234 does not necessarily have to be provided.

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

[0100] 4 and 30 includes a medicine storage container 300, the pair of rotation shafts, the pair of roller units 281, the pair of roller units 282, a third motor 272, a container detection sensor 233, and an identification sensor 234. The medicine storage container 300 stores medicines and, when driven, replenishes the medicines at the medicine receiving positions of the medicine supply module 100. That is, the medicine storage unit 12 replenishes the medicines at the medicine receiving positions.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 31, a display unit 250 is provided on the front surface of the base unit 200. In this embodiment, the display unit 250 emits light in one color selected from a plurality of colors. The display unit 250 can also emit light in a blinking manner. The state of the first medicine supply device 10 can be indicated by the light emission pattern of the display unit 250.

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

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

[0104] The control unit 11 is electrically connected to the main control unit 41. The control units 11 of the plurality of first medicine supply devices 10 and the main control unit 41 constitute a control device unit 460. As described above, the medicine dispensing and packaging device 400 includes the control device unit 460.

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

[0106] The medicine supplied from medicine supply hole 127 to the inside of cover member 120 is received at a medicine receiving position on inclined surface 110s and supported by first circumferential wall portion 121. First motor 270 drives first rotating portion 111 and second rotating portion 112.

[0107] As the first rotating portion 111 is driven, the medicine supported by the first circumferential wall portion 121 is transported along the first circumferential wall portion 121. The medicine supported by the first circumferential wall portion 121 is aligned along the first circumferential wall portion 121 while being transported along the first circumferential wall portion 121.

[0108] The drugs supported by the first peripheral wall portion 121 are supported by the second peripheral wall portion 122 by moving radially outward around the axis 1 while descending along the first inclined wall portion 124, starting from the drug located at the front end of the rotation direction 2.

[0109] The medicine descending along first inclined wall portion 124 is accelerated by gravity, and therefore moves at a higher speed than the medicine being transported along first circumferential wall portion 121. This increases the gap between the medicine that has descended along first inclined wall portion 124 and the medicine before descending along first inclined wall portion 124.

[0110] As the first rotating portion 111 is driven, the medicines supported by the second circumferential wall portion 122 are transported along the second circumferential wall portion 122. The medicines supported by the second circumferential wall portion 122, starting from the medicine located at the front end in the rotation direction 2, move radially outward while descending along the second inclined wall portion 125, and are thereby supported by the third circumferential wall portion 123.

[0111] The medicine descending along second inclined wall portion 125 is accelerated by gravity, and therefore moves at a higher speed than the medicine being transported along second circumferential wall portion 122. This increases the gap between the medicine that has descended along second inclined wall portion 125 and the medicine before descending along second inclined wall portion 125.

[0112] As second rotating part 112 is driven, the drug supported by third circumferential wall part 123 is transported along third circumferential wall part 123. Because the rotation speed of second rotating part 112 is higher than the rotation speed of first rotating part 111, the gap between the drug supported by third circumferential wall part 123 and the drug supported by second circumferential wall part 122 becomes wider.

[0113] The medicines supported by the third circumferential wall portion 123 are supported by the standing wall portion 132 in order from the medicine located at the front side in the rotation direction 2. When the second rotating portion 112 is driven, the medicines supported by the standing wall portion 132 are transported along the standing wall portion 132.

[0114] When the medicine stopping portion 142 is close to the inclined surface 110s, the medicine transported along the standing wall portion 132 is prevented from moving toward the discharge portion 131. Then, the second motor 271 rotates the rotation shaft 140s.

[0115] By rotating the pivot 140s in one direction, the open / close member 140 rotates about the pivot 140s, the discharge portion 131 that was blocked by the open / close portion 141 is opened, and the medicine stopper portion 142 moves away from the inclined surface 110s. As a result, the medicines that are positioned at the front end in the rotation direction 2 among the medicines supported by the upright wall portion 132 are discharged one by one from the discharge portion 131.

[0116] At this time, the first sensor 231 detects that the medicine on the inclined surface 110s has been discharged from the discharge portion 131. The second sensor 232 detects the medicine discharged from the discharge portion 131.

[0117] After the medicine is discharged from the discharge portion 131, the pivot shaft 140s is rotated in the other direction, causing the opening / closing member 140 to rotate around the pivot shaft 140s, the discharge portion 131 is closed by the opening / closing portion 141, and the medicine stopping portion 142 approaches the inclined surface 110s.

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

[0119] When the medicine supplying unit moves relative to the housing 410, the movement of the medicine supplying unit starts after the medicine supplying unit stops and the opening / closing unit 141 is closed. In this case, it is possible to prevent unwanted medicines from being discharged from the discharge unit 131 while the medicine supplying unit is moving.

[0120] When the supply of medicine from the medicine supply unit is to be resumed, the opening / closing unit 141 is opened and the medicine supply unit is restarted. In this case, the medicine can be discharged from the discharge unit 131 immediately after the medicine supply unit is restarted.

[0121] Next, the operation of the medicine refill unit 12 will be described. The third motor 272 rotates the pair of roller portions 282 , thereby driving the medicine-containing container 300 to rotate around the axis 3 .

[0122] When the medicine-containing container 300 is rotated around the axis 3, the medicine in the medicine-containing container 300 is transported by the spiral groove 312 from the bottom 330 side of the medicine-containing container 300 to the first opening 313 side and discharged from the first opening 313.

[0123] The medicines discharged from first opening 313 pass through connecting conduit 290 of base 200 and are supplied into medicine supply hole 127 of cover member 120. The medicines supplied into medicine supply hole 127 of cover member 120 are discharged one by one from discharge portion 131 of medicine supply module 100.

[0124] One medicine-containing container 300 is sequentially selected from the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300 and attached to the base part 200. Each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300 is driven under different driving conditions set based on the identifier 331. The medicine supply part is driven corresponding to each of the plurality of medicine-containing containers 300.

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

[0126] The control flow when the medicine packing device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention packs medicines according to prescription information will be described below.

[0127] Fig. 35 is a time chart showing the operation of the medicine packing device according to the embodiment of the present invention in accordance with prescription information. Fig. 36 is a diagram for explaining prescription information and packing information.

[0128] 35, prescription information is input to the prescription information receiving device 90. The prescription information includes information such as the type of drug, the time of administration, the number of days of administration, the daily dose, and the dose at each time of administration.

[0129] In the example of prescription information shown in Figure 36, a three-day supply of medication is prescribed, with the required number of medication A being nine and the required number of medication B being six. The required number of medication A is one each after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The required number of medication B is zero each after breakfast and dinner, and two after lunch.

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

[0131] As another example, multiple pieces of packaging information may be created based on one piece of prescription information. For example, if one piece of prescription information contains three types of drugs, first packaging information may be created for two of the three drugs, and second packaging information may be created for the remaining drug. In this case, each of the multiple pieces of packaging information created corresponds to one prescription as defined herein.

[0132] As another example, one piece of packaging information may be created based on a portion of one piece of prescription information. For example, if one piece of prescription information contains three types of drugs, one piece of packaging information may be created for two of the three drugs, and no packaging information may be created for the remaining drug. In this case, the created piece of packaging information corresponds to one prescription as defined here.

[0133] 35, the prescription information receiving device 90 inputs packaging information corresponding to the input prescription information into the operation panel 50. The packaging information includes information for packaging medicines according to the prescription information.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 35, after packaging information is input from the prescription information receiving device 90 to the operation panel 50, selection information for selecting which of the multiple drug supply devices to use to supply the drug, and a packaging instruction for causing the drug packaging device 400 to start packaging operation are input from an input unit provided on the operation panel 50.

[0135] 35, when a packaging instruction is input to the input section of operation panel 50, packaging information including selection information is input from operation panel 50 to main controller 41. Main controller 41, to which the packaging information including selection information has been input, inputs the required number of drugs for one prescription to controller 11 of the first drug supply device 10 selected by the selection information. As described above, a packaging information signal including drug packaging information is input to control device unit 460 constituted by each controller 11 of the plurality of first drug supply devices 10 and main controller 41.

[0136] Thereafter, the required number of medicines in one package and a supply instruction to start the supply operation are sequentially input from main control unit 41 to control unit 11 at an appropriate timing. When the supply instruction is input, control unit 11 executes the supply operation for one package. When the supply operation for one package is completed, control unit 11 inputs a completion notification to that effect to main control unit 41.

[0137] When the packaging operation for one prescription is completed, a completion notice to that effect is input from main control unit 41 to operation panel 50.

[0138] 37 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit of the medicine supply device that has received input of the required number of medicines for one prescription from the main control unit. As shown in FIG. 37, the control unit 11 of the first medicine supply device 10 that has received input of the required number of medicines for one prescription from the main control unit 41 identifies the medicine-containing container 300 based on an input signal from the identification sensor 234 (step S11). After identifying the medicine-containing container 300, the control unit 11 causes the medicine refilling unit 12 to start refilling the medicine (step S12).

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

[0140] 36, the control unit 11 of the first medicine supply device 10 equipped with the medicine-containing container 300 containing medicine A determines whether the number of medicines A to be supplied is less than the required number of 9. The control unit 11 of the first medicine supply device 10 equipped with the medicine-containing container 300 containing medicine B determines whether the number of medicines B to be supplied is less than the required number of 6.

[0141] If the supplied quantity is less than the required number of medicines for one prescription, the control unit 11 determines from the medicine detection signal whether the medicine detection sensor 235, which is the medicine detection unit, has detected that there is medicine in the medicine receiving position (step S22).

[0142] When the medicine detection sensor 235 is in the first detection state detecting that medicine is present at the medicine receiving position, the control unit 11 stops the third motor 272, which is the refill motor (step S23). That is, when the medicine detection unit is in the first detection state, the control unit 11 stops the refilling of medicines by the medicine refill unit 12. Thereafter, the control unit 11 returns to step S21.

[0143] When the medicine detection sensor 235 is in the second detection state where it detects that there is no medicine at the medicine receiving position, the control unit 11 rotates the third motor 272 in the forward direction (step S24). That is, when the medicine detection unit is in the second detection state, the control unit 11 causes the medicine replenishing unit 12 to replenishing medicine. Thereafter, the control unit 11 returns to step S21.

[0144] As described above, the control unit 11 receives a medicine detection signal from the medicine detection unit, and controls the medicine refill unit 12 in response to the medicine detection signal.

[0145] The control unit 11 may be configured to cause the drug replenishing unit 12 to replenishing drugs after a standby time has elapsed since the drug detection unit changed from the first detection state to the second detection state. As described above, the control unit 11 receives an input of a drug information signal having drug information relating to the shape of the drug, which is included in the detection signal of the identifier 331 from the identification sensor 234. The control unit 11 sets the standby time according to the drug information.

[0146] If the number of supplies is equal to or greater than the number of medicines required for one prescription, the control unit 11 rotates the third motor 272 in the reverse direction (step S25). This allows the medicines contained in the medicine-containing container 300 to be returned to the inside of the medicine-containing container 300 from the first opening 313 side. The control unit 11 stops the third motor 272 after a certain time has elapsed since the third motor 272 was rotated in the reverse direction (step S26).

[0147] Note that, in a state where the supply quantity is less than the required quantity of drugs for one prescription, control unit 11 may be configured to stop drug replenishment by drug replenishing unit 12 when the drug detection unit changes from the second detection state to the first detection state, and to resume drug replenishment by drug replenishing unit 12 at the later of the time when the operation amount of the drug supply unit exceeds a set value from the time when the first detection state is reached, and the time when the drug detection unit changes from the first detection state to the second detection state. In this case, control unit 11 sets the set value according to the drug information.

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

[0149] The above-described replenishing operation is performed as needed in each of the multiple first medicine supply devices 10 that supply medicines required for one prescription. In the present embodiment, the control device unit 460, in accordance with the packaging information, causes the medicine replenishing unit 12 of the first medicine supply device 10 that will supply medicines next to the first medicine supply device 10 currently supplying medicines to start replenishing medicines before the initial start of operation of the medicine supply unit. More specifically, when the required number of medicines for one prescription is input from the main control unit 41, the control unit 11 of the first medicine supply device 10 causes the medicine replenishing unit 12 to start replenishing medicines. The control unit 11 of the first medicine supply device 10 causes the medicine replenishing unit 12 to start replenishing medicines even if a supply instruction is not input from the main control unit 41.

[0150] Specifically, in the example of packaging information shown in FIG. 36, while the first drug supply device 10 that supplies drug A supplies three packets of drug A for the first to third days after breakfast, the control device unit 460 causes the drug replenishing unit 12 to start replenishing drugs in the first drug supply device 10 that next supplies three packets of drug B for the first to third days after lunch before the first motor 270 of the drug supply module 100 starts to drive.

[0151] More preferably, when the first medicine supply device 10 that supplies medicines next starts supplying medicines, the medicine replenishing section 12 has completed the first replenishing and medicines are present in the medicine receiving position.

[0152] The control device unit 460 stops the replenishing of medicines by the medicine replenishing section 12 in order from the first medicine supply device 10 that has finished supplying the required number of medicines for one prescription, according to the packaging information.

[0153] 36, the control device unit 460 stops the replenishing of drug B by the drug replenishing unit 12 of the first drug supply device 10 that has finished supplying the required number of drug B for one prescription after lunchtime for the first to third days.The control device unit 460 then stops the replenishing of drug A by the drug replenishing unit 12 of the first drug supply device 10 that has finished supplying the required number of drug A for one prescription after dinner for the first to third days.

[0154] 39 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit of the medicine supply device that has received the required number of medicines in one package and a supply instruction from the main control unit 41. As shown in FIG. 39, when the required number of medicines in one package and a supply instruction are received from the main control unit 41, the control unit 11 of the first medicine supply device 10 opens the discharge unit 131 that has been blocked by the opening / closing unit 141 (step S31).

[0155] After opening discharge unit 131, control unit 11 causes drug supply module 100, which is a drug supply unit, to start supplying drugs in one package (S32). After causing drug supply module 100 to start supplying drugs (step S32), control unit 11 counts the number of drugs supplied from drug supply module 100 (step S33). When the number of drugs supplied reaches or exceeds the required number of drugs in one package, control unit 11 stops supplying drugs from drug supply module 100 (step S34).

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

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

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

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

[0160] Thereafter, the control unit 11 determines whether the first sensor 231, which is the first detection unit, has detected the medicine based on whether or not a first detection signal is input from the first sensor 231 (step S43).

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

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

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

[0164] If the number of medicines to be supplied is equal to or greater than the required number of medicines in one package, the control unit 11 ends the supply operation of the medicines for one package (step S34).

[0165] Fig. 41 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit when counting the medicines supplied by the medicine supply unit. As shown in Fig. 41, when counting the medicines supplied by the medicine supply unit (step S33) is started, the control unit 11 determines whether the first sensor 231 serving as the first detection unit has detected the medicines based on whether or not a first detection signal is input from the first sensor 231 (step S51).

[0166] When the first sensor 231 detects the medicine, the control unit 11 turns on the arrival flag (step S52). When the first sensor 231 does not detect the medicine, the control unit 11 leaves the arrival flag as it is.

[0167] Thereafter, the control unit 11 determines whether the second sensor 232, which is the second detection unit, has detected the drug based on whether or not a second detection signal is input from the second sensor 232 (step S53). In step S53, when the second sensor 232 is detecting the drug, the drug is blocking the optical axis between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit that constitute the second sensor 232.

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

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

[0170] If the second sensor 232 does not detect the medicine in step S54 and the arrival flag is on, the control unit 11 adds 1 to the number of supplies (step S56) and turns off the arrival flag (step S57).

[0171] If the second sensor 232 detects the medicine but the arrival flag is off, the control unit 11 determines that an abnormality has occurred (step S59) and ends counting of the medicine. In this way, the control unit 11 determines that an abnormality has occurred when the second detection signal is input multiple times during the input interval in which the first detection signal is input.

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

[0173] As described above, the control unit 11 receives a first detection signal from the first sensor 231, controls the drug supply unit in accordance with the first detection signal, and receives a second detection signal from the second sensor 232, and counts the drugs supplied from the drug supply unit in accordance with the second detection signal.

[0174] In this embodiment, when the first detection signal is input, the control unit 11 controls the medicine supply unit according to the medicine information. Specifically, when the medicine information determines that the medicine contained inside the medicine-containing container 300 is a general medicine, because a large amount of a general medicine is discharged to the medicine supply unit per rotation of the medicine-containing container 300, the control unit 11 stops the rotational driving of the medicine-containing container 300 immediately after the medicine detection sensor 235 detects that the medicine is present at the medicine receiving position. Thereafter, when the medicine detection sensor 235 no longer detects the medicine, the control unit 11 resumes the rotational driving of the medicine-containing container 300. This prevents the medicine from being oversupplied to the medicine supply unit.

[0175] If the medicine stored in the medicine-containing container 300 is determined to be a special medicine based on the medicine information, the amount of special medicine discharged to the medicine supply unit per rotation of the medicine-containing container 300 tends to be smaller. Therefore, the control unit 11 lengthens the time from when the medicine detection sensor 235 detects that the medicine is present at the medicine receiving position to when the rotational drive of the medicine-containing container 300 is stopped, compared to when a general medicine is contained. Alternatively, the control unit 11 increases the rotational speed of the medicine-containing container 300, compared to when a general medicine is contained. Furthermore, the control unit 11 also increases the rotational speed of the rotor 110, compared to when a general medicine is contained. By doing so, even in the case of a special medicine that is difficult to discharge by rotational drive, the time required for refilling the medicine can be made closer to that of a general medicine, and the medicines can be supplied one by one from the discharge unit 131.

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

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

[0178] In the medicine packaging device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control device unit 460, in accordance with the packaging information, causes the medicine replenishing unit 12 to start replenishing medicines in the first medicine supply device 10 that will supply medicines next to the first medicine supply device 10 that is currently supplying medicines, before the first operation of the medicine supply module 100 starts. This reduces the time from when the medicine supply module 100 starts supplying medicines until the medicines are supplied, thereby reducing the time required for packaging.

[0179] In the medicine packaging device 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control device unit 460 stops the medicine replenishing unit 12 from replenishing medicines in order, starting with the first medicine supply device 10 that has finished supplying the required number of medicines for one prescription, according to the packaging information. This makes it possible to prevent the medicine replenishing unit 12 from replenishing medicines excessively to the medicine supply module 100.

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

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

[0182] In the first medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 stops the medicine replenishing unit 12 from replenishing medicines when the medicine detection sensor 235 is in the first detection state, and causes the medicine replenishing unit to replenishing medicines when the medicine detection sensor 235 is in the second detection state. This allows the medicine replenishing unit 12 to replenishing medicines appropriately to the medicine supply module 100 with simple control.

[0183] In the first medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 causes the medicine replenishing unit 12 to replenish medicines after a standby time has elapsed since the medicine detection sensor 235 changed from the first detection state to the second detection state. This makes it possible to prevent the medicine replenishing unit 12 from replenishing medicines excessively to the medicine supply module 100.

[0184] In the first medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 sets the standby time in accordance with the medicine information, thereby allowing the medicine supply module 100 to be appropriately replenished with medicines from the medicine replenishing unit 12 in accordance with the type of medicine.

[0185] In the first medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 stops the medicine supply unit 12 from supplying medicines when the medicine detection sensor 235 changes from the second detection state to the first detection state, and resumes the medicine supply unit 12 from supplying medicines at the later of the time when the operation amount of the medicine supply module 100 exceeds a set value from the above time, or the time when the medicine detection sensor 235 changes from the first detection state to the second detection state. This makes it possible to prevent the medicine supply module 100 from being excessively supplied with medicines from the medicine supply unit 12.

[0186] In the first medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 sets the above set value in accordance with the medicine information. Medicines can be appropriately replenished from the medicine replenishing unit 12 to the medicine supply module 100 depending on the type of medicine.

[0187] In the first medicine supplying device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 receives a first detection signal from the first sensor 231, controls the medicine supplying module 100 in response to the first detection signal, and receives a second detection signal from the second sensor 232, and counts the medicines supplied from the medicine supplying module 100 in response to the second detection signal. As a result, even if the first sensor 231 detects a plurality of medicines in an overlapping state, the second sensor 232 detects the plurality of medicines in a scattered state, and therefore it is possible to detect that a plurality of medicines have been discharged simultaneously from the discharge unit 131.

[0188] In the first medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the first detection signal is input, the control unit 11 temporarily reverses the direction of medicine transport by the medicine supply module 100. This makes it possible to prevent multiple medicines from being discharged from the discharge unit 131 at the same time.

[0189] In the first medicine supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the first detection signal is input, the control unit 11 temporarily stops the medicine delivery by the medicine supply module 100. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent a plurality of medicines from being simultaneously discharged from the discharge unit 131.

[0190] In the first drug supply device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a drug information signal having drug information on the shape of a drug is input to the control unit 11. When the first detection signal is input, the control unit 11 controls the drug supply module 100 according to the drug information. As described above, after the first detection signal is input, the control unit 11 determines, according to the drug information, whether to temporarily stop drug delivery by the drug supply module 100 or temporarily reverse the drug delivery direction by the drug supply module 100. The control unit 11 also determines, according to the drug information, the duration of the pause or the duration of temporary reverse delivery. This makes it possible to prevent multiple drugs from being simultaneously discharged from the discharge unit 131 in a manner according to the type of drug.

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

[0192] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted solely by the above-described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims. Furthermore, all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 1,3 Axis, 2 Rotation direction, 4 Vertical line, 10 First medicine supply device, 11 Control unit, 12 Medicine replenishing unit, 20 Second medicine supply device, 30 Third medicine supply device, 41 Main control unit, 50 Operation panel, 90 Prescription information reception device, 100 Medicine supply module, 110 Rotating body, 110s Inclined surface, 111 First rotating unit, 111c First groove portion, 111g First driven gear, 112 Second rotating unit, 112c Second groove portion, 112g Second driven gear, 120 Cover member, 121 First peripheral wall portion, 122 Second peripheral wall portion, 123 Third peripheral wall portion, 124 First inclined wall portion, 125 Second inclined wall portion, 126, 340 Cover portion, 127 Medicine supply hole, 128 Notch portion, 129 Mounting portion, 130 Discharge member, 130b bearing portion, 131 discharge portion, 132 standing wall portion, 140 opening / closing member, 140b, 341h engagement hole, 140s rotating shaft, 140t biasing member, 141 opening / closing portion, 142 drug stopper portion, 150 support portion, 151 horizontal surface portion, 152 standing portion, 153 base portion, 160 vibration transmission plate, 170 buffer member, 200 base portion, 210 first drive shaft, 211g first drive gear, 212g second drive gear, 220 discharge chute, 231 first sensor, 232 second sensor, 233 container detection sensor, 234 identification sensor, 235 drug detection sensor, 236 module detection sensor, 237 opening / closing sensor, 238 stop switch, 240 second drive shaft, 250 display unit, 260 Vibration unit, 270 first motor, 271 second motor, 272 third motor, 273 eccentric motor, 281, 282 roller unit, 290 connecting pipe line, 300 medicine container, 310 main body tube, 312 spiral groove, 312e terminal end, 313 first opening, 314 second opening, 315 circumferential groove, 320 cylindrical portion, 330 bottom portion, 330b bottom surface, 330c annular portion, 331 identifier, 332 disc portion, 341 outer lid, 341a arm portion, 342 inner lid, 342c inner lid surface, 342h opening, 342p rotating shaft portion, 342s engaging protrusion, 400 medicine dispensing and packaging device, 410 housing, 420 rotating drum, 421 medicine conveying path, 430 hopper, 440 Drug packaging equipment unit, 450 drug supply equipment unit, 460 control equipment unit.

Claims

1. a plurality of drug supply units that supply drugs one by one; a plurality of medicine replenishing units that replenish the medicine from a medicine container that contains the medicine to the medicine supply unit; a control unit that selectively controls a specific medicine supply unit and a specific medicine replenishment unit from among the plurality of medicine supply units and the plurality of medicine replenishment units based on prescription information; The medicine supply device, wherein the medicine supply unit and the medicine containing container are each separately attachable to and detachable from a base unit.

2. The medicine supply device according to claim 1 , wherein one medicine container selected from the plurality of medicine containers is attached to the base portion.

Citation Information

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